Walker & Royce
Samuel Walker (aka Hotline) and Gavin Royce (aka Bad Decision, head of A&R at Nurvous/Nervous) recently linked up to form the Brooklyn-based production/DJ duo Walker & Royce. The uniquely versatile up-and-comers have released tracks and remixes that touch on deep and gritty techno, the funky elements of R&B-tinged disco and bright, colorful, 80′s-inspired indie dance.
Get familiar -
SAARID – Future Lately (Walker & Royce Remix) – recently featured on Volta Bureau’s November Beatport Chart
Ter Khan – Disco Addict (Walker & Royce Remix)
Walker & Royce – Little Things - out soon on Dither Down records
Madonna – Bedtime Stories (Danny Daze Dark Room Mix)
Five days prior to the Queen of Pop’s birthday, Danny Daze released a short preview of his take on Madonna’s 1995 club hit, “Bedtime Story.”
Daze preserves the deep, obscure, hypnotic tones of the original (co-written by Björk) while slightly speeding up the BPM and adding an 808 bass that’s so low, it’s inaudible through laptop speakers.
After teasing his listeners for nearly two weeks, the full-length version is now available for listen and download–DJs are encouraged test out the 808 bass during their next club gig (especially if that club embodies dark rooms).
Yacht – Utopia Remixes
The Portland, Oregon & Marfa, Texas duo YACHT (which was named after the Portland Alternative School, “Young Americans Challenging High Technology”) released their second full length album a couple weeks ago on DFA Records. This included a super-catchy synth electro pop track appropriately titled, Utopia.
Today saw the release of the remixes and each is excellent in its own way. DFA has been kind enough to offer a free download of the Miracles club remix but don’t sleep on the other ones. I think the Jeffrey Jerusalem remix is top notch and reminds me of a new age Talking Heads track. Give all three a listen and you be the judge.
More YACHT tracks can be found Here
Junior Boys – It’s All True
Since I discovered Junior Boys, I’ve been in awe after each release of theirs. This duo from Ontario have always given emphasis on groovy bass and soft vocals within their electro-pop tracks, which inks their unique signature in music production. After 2 years since their last release, I’m psyched to hear that they’re back – except this time not so junior. Announced last month, they will be releasing their fourth record titled It’s All True on June 14 via Domino Records. They debuted this news last month with a track preview and, as of this week, they gave in again to put up second preview “Banana Ripple,” which has had me hooked for hours. This 9-minute track is forwarding a plush sexy vibe into electro music once again as it flows a mix of synthesized instrumental breakdowns, bouncy bass lines, and softly echoed vocals; all drenched with a feel-good danceable rhythm that seems to all go by too quick. “Banana Ripple” will be released as a single on May 30th alongside a remix from The Field.
If you can solidify your mind after it melts from hearing this track, I recommend taking the opportunity to see them perform live on June 16th at Black Cat in Washington DC. If you’ll be elsewhere in the next couple of months, check out the rest of their tour dates to see if they’re coming to a venue near you.
Baths, Star Slinger, and Braids – Feb 11 – RnR Hotel
EDIT: Star Slinger is unable to make it to the show, his spot will be replaced by Blackbird Blackbird.
Even in the depth of winter, DC has been able to book a galore of musicians that will certainly melt you away with more than just the crowd’s stank. The Radio Dept sold out Rock and Roll Hotel this past week and Baths, Star Slinger, and Braids are bound to do the same next Friday. Solo artist, Baths, creates a unique flow of music with foggy vocals and instrument samples. Star Slinger produces a similar sampling technique, but compiles it into a funky, dance pop that pushes out a tropical and romantic vibe. Braids, on the other hand, mixes soft, hazy pop and complete vocals rather than sampling. These artists made their big debut last year, closely following the movement of this genre, and are likely to put on an interesting performance that’s not too common to hear around DC. Take a listen to what they’ll be performing below.
Show details:
Friday, February 11
Rock and Roll Hotel (Directions)
Doors @ 8:30pm
Show @ 9:30pm
Get tickets here and I’ll see you there!