Deeply saddened to learn Nick Nichols of Metro Cafe has passed away at the far too young age of 45. Nick gave countless DC DJs our first gig and believed in DC music. Metro Cafe was an incubator for the DC indie dance scene, the first venue to host Mousetrap, BLISS, Panic, and countless other events. RIP Nick. Thank you for believing in us. I hope you’re at peace.
This one’s for you, Nick. I know you loved this album.
Beatsmith Ramble John “RJD2” Krohn engineers a healthy blend of soulful hip-hop and addictive funk in his most recent album Colossus, which dropped earlier this month on Electrical Connections. After a decade of slaying it, one might call RJD2 the Bret Favre of beats.
RJD2 – Let There Be Horns (mp3)
All the peeps asking about “that Lion King” track I dropped at BLISS Saturday, here it is. Sh*t is the jam.
It’s easy to brush off Mighty Tiger as a carbon copy of every happy-go-lucky, midwestern, indie-pop outfit. However, after further review, it may be the band’s brutal honesty that separates them from the pack and rises them above the mind numbing sea of mediocrity. Straight from their bio, Mighty Tiger openly address their status in the indie kingdom:
“Well, at least it’s not a forest animal but still, another ‘animal’ band name? And isn’t that from Bungalow Bill? Just what we need, another 60’s obsessed indie-pop band.”
Set to release their debut album Western Theater on Paper Garden Records this March, Mighty Tiger appear to be heading in the right direction. Download and rock out their single 33 1/3 below.
On February 24th, Swedish quartet Sambassadeur are slated to release their third album titled European on Labrador Records. Characterized by deep orchestral layering and whimsical vocals, it is no question that European is the band’s most inspired release to date.
Sambassaduer – Forward Is All (mp3)
Tonight at The Black Cat in DC, Sockets Records will be celebrating both its 5-year anniversary and the upcoming release of Imperial China’s record Phosphenes. If the line-up alone doesn’t get you all hot and bothered, then download a few sample tracks to get the weekend started.
Line-Up
The Cornel West Theory
HUME
Imperial China
Buildings
Big Gold Belt
Downloads
Big Gold Belt – Do Not Disturb (mp3)
The Cornel West Theory – Durito’s Revenge (Dirty Bombs) (mp3)
Good news out of Chicago. TRAX RECORDS, the OG House Music label that started it all is back and they’re releasing one of our favorite new artists of 2009, AZARI AND III! Here’s the news, straight from Trax:
“After a hot comeback in 2004, TRAX was on everyone’s mind. This year after 4 dormant years, TRAX is back. With a brand new team behind TRAX Records, the return of the House Music label is set to release a brand new single from Azari and III. This will be the first single released from TRAX as part of our “Second Generation: 2010″ string of brand new releases. New A&R Director Jorge Cruz has been working to release several new songs, covers and remixes from hot acts such as Azari and III. Azari and III had some of the hottest singles released in 2009, including Reckless with Your Love and Hungry For The Power. The release is set to be titled Indigo and will be released March 30, 2010.
This first release will be a significant change but homage to the Chicago House sound that TRAX Records fostered in the early 80’s and 90’s. Azari and III not only breathe Chicago House but also give it a ghoulish, political and amorous twist.
Toronto’s Azari and III (Dinamo Azari and Alixander III) have appeared in Juno Live’s Ones to Watch in 2010, Furtive’s Top 50 of 2009, Resident Advisor’s Top 50 Tracks of 2009 list and many more!”
We can’t wait to hear the new stuff and see what this legendary Chicago label has in store for us next.
READERS: Please get your Thursday Afternoon Office Dance Party on with this bangin’ Juan Maclean remix of Codebreaker’s “Follow Me”. And don’t miss frontman Steve Hawley live on the decks this Saturday Bliss.
Codebreaker – Follow Me (The Juan Maclean Remix) (mp3)
CodeBreaker – Are U Ready For Love (mp3)
Set to release their debut U.S single “What A Drag” this February on Cantora Records, Bear Hands have an opportunity to take 2010 by storm. Employing a nearly perfect combination of raw percussion, catchy bass lines and sharp vocals, Bear Hands live up to the heavy hype surrounding them since touring with Passion Pit and MGMT over the summer. Download the track and a Cale Parks remix below.
Bear Hands – What A Drag (mp3)
Bear Hands – What A Drag (Cale Parks Remix) (mp3)
We’re very pleased to have BLISS alum and one of our best musical buddies join resident DJ Will Eastman on the decks this month. Steve Hawley, front man of disco funk dance outfit CODEBREAKER will play slammin disco and house to uplift our hearts as we raise funds to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. A portion of proceeds from this month’s BLISS, Saturday January 23 at the Black Cat will benefit the International Red Cross. Local Chris Klang, who has been on the steady grind with parties at Sova and across DC, will start the party right with classic dance grooves and your new favorites. RSVP and invite friends on Facebook.
Dowload Steven’s “Together We Can Be Free” DJ mix
On Sunday, January 24 Fort Knox Recordings and Blisspop are teaming up to present a special benefit event to support relief efforts featuring some of DC’s finest dance music producers and DJs. Performing will be NADASTROM, FORT KNOX FIVE, WILL EASTMAN and STYLUS CHRIS, with special, surprise guests from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Modern in Georgetown. All proceeds benefit the International Red Cross. Please find more information about the event and invite your friends on Facebook.
Please help spread the word and we hope you can join us. Many thanks.
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