I’m aware that this is much delayed, but this release is much in need of an AfroMonk writeup. Minnesota’s Altered States EP is unbelievably catchy, textured, & bassy. I can’t get enough of his synth lines, sample choices, and overall finesse with frequencies. To The Floor is now my go-to party jam. I can’t quite comprehend how Christian is so able to diversify his sound in the most successful and tasteful manner. Too often does such an endeavor go awry. Minnesota is always pushing the envelope and providing us with new ear candy constantly, but at the same time sticks to his roots and what he knows is good. Somehow his musical taste coincides perfectly with mine…. I don’t have to try to like his stuff, it just happens naturally. Sometimes I’ll play stuff and have to think about if I like it or not – nope, not with this guy’s work.
I love how humble the kid is, too. Oh ya know, like touring with Zion I is no big thing. And having phone conversations with Lorin. Normal everday stuff right? One Facebook status that comes to mind was something along the lines of, “Guys, chill out. Stop giving me shit about my DJ name… I’m from Minnesota and couldn’t think of anything else good at the moment, and I didn’t think I was gonna get this big” (to which ChrisB. responded, “Yeah me too man”). Haha.
I was one of the few that had the pleasure of seeing Minnesota at the EP release party, thrown by Camp ?. If you’ve been to Emissions before or their Burning Man camp, you know damn well that these guys aren’t messin around; they know how to throw a PARTY. This one was at the Old Spaghetti Factory warehouse in Oakland… It was intimate, cozy yet raging, and very conducive to having one hell of a time! Minnesota killed it of course. Just like he crushed it at Ego Trip at Burning Man, at Mezzanine in SF, everywhere the guy goes! So if you can, get to one of his shows on this tour (Sebastopol tonight), or just get to SnowGlobe, it’s gonna go offfff! Afro Monk and I will both be there raging!
Download Minnesota’s Altered States EP for FREE here!
Kalya Scintilla is ready to beam you to a totally different dimension with the new release “Dance the Spiral Never Ending” Ever release I have heard of his as been excellent in pulling my head out of every day life and transport me to somewhere totally new. This multidimensional tranmission is no exception. Grabbing influences of dubstep, glitch hop, and sounds from his home star system,”Whomp” and blending them naturally with the seductive sounds of the middle east and traditional gypsy. Hard to believe I’m sitting here watching snow fall as I listen to the release because my mind is somewhere all together much more exotic. Pick up “Dance the Spiral Never Ending” over atKalya Scintilla’s Bandcamp!
First I want to express how honored I am to have begun writing for Afro Monk in 2011. I had been wanting to write for the site for a long while and am psyched to finally have the opportunity. It’s been a great year of music!
Top 5 Best Releases
1. Minnesota – Ancient Machine
2. Ill.gates – The Ill Methodology
3. Paper Diamond – Levitate
4. Phutureprimitive – Kinetik
5. The Weeknd – House of Balloons
For starters, I love where Minnesota’s sound has been going in the past year – very melodic and synthy but still sprinkled with some nice bass. The Ancient Machine EP is truly satisfying to me, and I particularly enjoyed Hold Up’s epic feel. Bass pioneer ill.Gates made me a happy camper with his solid ill.Methodology album – it is diverse, interesting, and deliberate. I particularly LOVE Never Alone with MiMOSA, Live and Learn, and My Special Place. Paper Diamond’s Levitate was in my headphones a lot when it came out and I was cruising around South America. It’s easy and soothing listening. He definitely has a distinguishable sound, yet each track is different, both of which I think are extremely important in successful production. Phutureprimitive blessed us with a miraculous album in 2011, Kinetik. Drippy bassy downtempo is what I really love to listen to when not raging at an event, and this LP did it for me. It is a stunning and emotive compilation that embraces what I love about electronic music. Personal favorites are Ripple Effect, Cryogenic Dreams, and Kinetik. And last but not least, I have to agree with Afro Monk that The Weeknd’s House of Balloons is most definitely top 5 material. The Weeknd’s voice is undeniably sexy and I love his ingenuous lyrics along with pleasant basslines. Wicked Games is stunning – I can’t get enough of it.
Top 5 Best Songs
1. Emancipator – Ares (Big Gigantic Remix)
2. ProJect Aspect ft. Kruza Kid – Let Me See Ya Sneakers Work
Making a top 5 list of tracks was really difficult for me; I started by writing down all of my favorites and was facing a list of 20 solid tracks. I have narrowed it down to 5 yet still feel like there are a lot of others that deserve recognition. The tracks I chose are the ones that I consistently listened to this year, as opposed to ones that I enjoyed hearing live most. By listening through it is apparent that my tastes have evolved from heart-pounding dubstep to harmonious bass music. Anywho, I’ll start off with one of the tracks that I never get tired of regardless of playing it all the time: Big Gigantic’s remix of Ares by Emancipator. When I hear it I am elevated into a state of nirvana; it makes me reminisce about past life-changing music memories and stirs up some inexplicable emotion in me. ProJect Aspect’s contribution to Bass from Above Volume 2 (which is overall an exceptional compilation) is like a breath of fresh air that gives me a burst of energy. This guy seriously crushed it this year, as did a lot of the other Mile High Sound Movement kids. They’ve really got something good going on over there in CO, I hope to visit this winter and check out the scene. GRiZ made me stoked with Chasin Galaxies. It has a nice slow buildup, gradually adding in new elements like some lazerbass, subtle rap samples (Method Man), and effervescent high notes. I have been listening to GRiZ since his GK days and it’s pretty cool to see him hit the ground running; he has consistently brought the fire all year! Minnesota’s Sun Burst is SO dope – another track that is slow to build up but then digs deep and sweeps me off my feet. Sun Burst is brilliant, bold, and blissful; I really love how Christian draws out his notes. Cryptex’s Reset really speaks to me. Its pulsating and glitchy vibes are both innovative and profound. This track is on the Virtus In Sonus compilation brought to you by Gravitas Recordings – another phenomenal album!
Top 5 Events:
1.The Bounce Festival
2. Lightning in a Bottle
3. Emissions
4. Earthdance
5. Boom Boom Lagoon(s)
It didn’t take me much thought to figure out the best event I went to in 2011. The Bounce Festival (as well as The Big Bounce 2010) was just too magical to surpass. Nestled in the woods in the Feather River in Northern California, the venue at Belden Town is breathtaking. Add in some of the most talented DJs, forward-thinking artists and vendors, and all-around remarkable people and there you have a perfect 3 days. I think I have to say that my best musical experiences were spent there (namely Tipper, Emancipator sunrise set, and unbelievable sets from Love & Light and EPROM). Lightning in a Bottle comes in at a very close second; Oak Canyon Ranch just feels like home. Camping with all of your best friends at such an event is nearly impossible to beat. The Bamboo Stage was amazeballs (yes, I said it), thus where I spent most of my time there. The Do LaB always does an incredible job of incorporating awe-inspiring interactive art, yoga, speeches, and workshops. There is just a warmth about it – and lots of insanely beautiful people everywhere you look. Emissions was a super heady, intimate festival in Tuolomne. It was definitely fun feeling like everyone was mingling and getting to know each other. As Afro Monk mentioned, it SNOWED on us – definitely took people by surprise and added an interesting element. Kids were still goin strong at a renegade setup haha. Earthdance was a super fun experience, and the lineup was incredible. Although the acoustics in the Temple of Electronica were subpar (they downgraded from Funktion Ones) DJs still brought it, and the Geodome as well as the Headtron pool party takeover were rockin’. I doubt that many of you have heard of Boom Boom Lagoon. For the past few summers in Lake Tahoe, my friends Zach and Zeb have thrown some bitchin’ parties on the East shore of the lake. You hike in about a mile to get there or boat in. The beach fills up with Tahoe’s party people and this summer they brought in Love & Light for the first party, and B Bravo & Ill-Esha for the second party (who has quoted it as being one of her favorite events of the summer). When I think of summer in Lake Tahoe, I think of Boom Boom Lagoon. Although it didn’t make the list, Freaker’s Ball in San Francisco on Halloween was another great party with a dope lineup and unlimited fun!
Thanks for listening, & I’m looking forward to another excellent year of music – bring it on 2012! I’ll be at SnowGlobe to bring in the New Year, so if you know me & you’re going, hit me up!
ill-esha has become someone I dearly admire. I remember 3 years ago I was completely obsessed with her and dreamed of getting to meet her. My dream came true almost exactly a year ago when I brought her to Miami for my 25th birthday. It was between her and NastyNasty. As much as I love Jasper we wouldn’t have been able to have the time to hang out and Elysha was free the whole week-end, plus Jasper vs Elysha for a slip n slide party… LOL JK JK. I can say now that no matter what till my death bed I’ll be seeing/booking Elysha near my birthday. There aren’t words to describe how much she lived up to my expectations and more. I got the opportunity to spend a few days with her in Miami and enjoy beach life with her. Ever since then we have kept in touch and I’m always thrilled whenever we run into each other.
I’m proud to promote and push TWO of her most recent releases. Elusive History was put out first via Simplify Recordings and contains one of my favorite songs of 2011, Only Fair. I’ve been playing out the Gladkill version like no bodies business ever since I first heard it. Come on who wouldn’t fall in love with Elysha on vocals and Boris’ unique sullen sound. The next release just came out a few days ago, Reverie, which was released on Muti records! Reverie contains the epic track Pretty Banger which is self explanatory and an incredible track 33 and a Third with the talented MC Joey Mousepad!
I think you all get the point and should be familiar with ill-esha as I feature most of her work on here. Nothing but love to Elysha. I’m beyond excited to see her this upcoming week-end in Austin where she’ll be playing as well as Lorn! This will be the first time we’ll be officially playing together on the same bill =)
NiT GriT is gracing us with his tunes from his older project entitled – Sloth Logic.
He also has another IDM project entitled – Lay Awake, definitely worth a look.
Subsynthesis.com and Glitchdrop.com, two of our fave blog friends, released their debut compilation album today, “Bass From Above.” The album features new and unreleased tracks from some of our favorite artists in the glitch/bass scene. In order to make the album as high quality as possible they recruited the professional mastering services of Bil Bless (Bless Records) who did a fantastic job in making the album sound full, vibrant and cohesive. Bass From Above is a must have for your collection. You can stream and download all of the tracks for free from Bass From Above BandCamp. PLEASE consider donating for the download, as all proceeds will be given directly to the Japanese Red Cross to support our disaster relief efforts there and to benefit those affected by the earthquake and tsunami throughout the Pacific. This is an extraordinarily charitable and generous cause and I hope everyone that enjoys the album will consider helping with the dire situation in Japan!
Track Listing
1. Protohype – Tetra Disaster
2. Pairadimez (iONik + r.e.g.) – Chinatown
3. The Candyman – Blue Dream (Feat. Chron Paul)
4. Elfkowitz – Candy Man
5. Wyatt Lamond – While Away
6. Billy Blacklight – Drop Synthesis
7. iONik – Droid
8. Robotic Pirate Monkey– Fritty
9. Richard Sweat – Fut The Wank
10. Omega– Bedtime Stories
11. Frequent C– Give a Little Back (Feat. Matty C.)
12. Sugarpill– Heart of Gold (Voc. Trina Ft. Ludacris)
13. Cloud-D – Paper Bass
14. Slim Thugz(Frequent C + The CandyMan) – Primitive
15. Stephan Jacobs – Look Into My Eyes
16. Freddy Todd– Lazer Tag
17. Unlimited Gravity– 2000ml
18. Project Aspect– Rage Til Ya Face Gone (Feat. Kruza Kid)
19. +Verb – Skyward Flying Beetle
20. GriZ (Formerly GK) – Taz-Bandana
21. Mimi Page – Black Valentine
22. Gladkill– In Two
And here’s a promo mix of tracks from the album mixed by Cory O. Make sure to pick up his latest release, SpaceWork EP, via addictech.com on March 28th.
Chris B is one of the hardest working producers out there. He is extremely tedious with every little sound. He’s not one of those guys who bangs out tracks and doesn’t invest that extra time. I’ve had pleasure of playing Def Con with him in Vegas and getting to hang out with him last time he was in Texas.
Not only does his dedication impress me about Chris but his attitude is one of the best out there. He’s on the right path and has this new release on Simplify Records that speaks loud and clear! Whats Your Fantasy! I spend endless hours a day searching for something melodic with sexy synths but will keep the crowds grooving. I talk to popular producers and drilling them when they start moving to an aggressive sound and ask who they know who’s doing the chill stuff now.
Chris B is the answer and this, Whats Your Fantasy, release is just what I have been looking for. Imagine the sounds of Sugarpill melting into Mimosa and having something entirely new come out. The title track is one of the best tunes I’ve heard in a long time. On The Grind brings a sexy new twist to the Glitch-hop sound with some ill vocal samples sprinkled all over it. Don’t even get me started on the track with Luvstep’s legend, Gladkill.
Be sure to pick up this release on Additech when it hits the store this Friday!
Much respect and love to my homie Chris B!
Thank you for keeping it real!
Alright I hate to do this but I’m really looking to upgrade some gear in the studio. I decided to let go of my NS7. I love the thing and is what I started on but it’s time I let go of it.
Right now I’ll do $900 OBO + Shipping.
I’d be shipping from Dallas, Texas.
This is probably one of the best pieces of hardware to start DJing on.
It is the closest thing to vinyl out there. I’ve had many special guest come in the studio to do a live Glitch.fm show with us and everyone is amazed how smooth it works. Whether you’re use to DJing on vinyl or CDJs this thing makes it so intuitive to play on. All you need is a laptop or computer to hook up to it and download Serato Itch and you’re ready to go. It even picks up your iTunes library and playlist so right from the start you can throw some tunes together.
It was my intention of keeping this for most of my life so if I had any guest come over they could jump right in and play but I’ve become such a strictly Ableton performer that almost feel like I’ll pick something else up later on.
I can provide pictures if interested.
It’s in perfect working condition. If have any questions contact me!
Afro Monk
December 20th by Taradactyl 
Tags: Altered States EP, Burning Man, Camp ?, Minnesota
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