Today marks the end of day one of my four day sleepless streak. To accomplish all I need to have done, put in hours at work, celebrate a friend’s birthday, and attend a show I’ve already bought tickets for, sleep is most likely not going to be an option. I’ve done the math, and I really need to invest in a watch from the terrible movie Clockstoppers. I’m going to try out this whole mixtape thing and give you guys the tunes I’m playing to keep my sanity and calm demeanour in check.
Below is a small playlist for you to put on right before bed, during studying, or at a time you just want to close your eyes simply exist in the world. These tracks are more on the digital side of things, but I think listeners of all genres could indulge in some of the most relaxing music I own. I’m seriously considering keeping regular posts on specific artists and interviews to a minimum, and giving you wonderful people more of these small collections. Might make it easier for you to find artists you love and me to spend more time on my degree. We’ll try it out for a bit and see how it goes. Send me some feedback.
Headphones and a dark room optional,
Grant.
Tracklist.
1. Télépopmusik – Breathe 2. Tycho – Elegy 3. Kaskade – Lick It ft. Skrillex (ICE Mix) 4. Uppermost – Téléguidé (Original Mix) 5. Deadmau5 – Xmas Stuff ft. Haley Gibby (I Remember Alt. Version)
It’s been an awesome twenty four hours. This time last night we were all preparing ourselves to do the Dada since the Swedish duo were in town and it was a friend’s birthday. What a better way to pop her electro show cherry than on her date of naissance and with one of the most entertaining shows out there. Knowing that she had a wicked time in a new scene reminded me why I love electronic music’s effect on people more than any other genre. Let’s keep the good times rolling.
Got some new bangers for you hoodlums tonight. New track from a wicked german producer that was released on none other than Deadmau5′ label. Next, we’ve finally got a new original from the rowdy Montreal melodic dubstep duo. Third is a combination of two new artists worth noting that are on tour with Mord Fustang and skipping Toronto altogether in their tour. No hard feelings, but I may or may not be crying inside. The next is probably my new favourite remix of Levels. As you all know by now, I’m a sucker for 8-bit and this has some of that going on with the perfect dash of wobble and Mord Fustang style melody. Last needs absolutely no explanation. I’ve been waiting for this release a long time, believe me. You all know who he is, so go get it.
As I sit here in my room with nothing but a computer and a pair of headphones, I realize that this is the first time I’ve actually been doing this since being back in Vancouver for the holidays. Ever since the moment I’ve been back, I haven’t stopped moving. Be it family time, spreading holiday cheer, selling my car, or catching up with old and new friends, I’ve been spread far too thin for far too long. Tonight is my night to just do a little less and slow it all down.
I love seeing artists take this approach to music, especially those that usually provide some of the highest energy tracks around. Crystalised is an electro house wonder from France who’s style is as consistent as the sun is to rise; save for the beautiful curveball below. I think you all know the second track’s creator. Joel has been more recently uploading these sorts of alternate versions of some of his most popular tracks on SoundCloud, and I’ve been loving each and every one of them. The last I think needs no real explanation. We all know his typical rambunctious sound, so take in every beat of this wicked song off his recent EP, Bangarang.
We always forget how quickly three hundred and sixty five days can pass. So much can happen in that period of time. Just take a look at the news and see how much the world has changed in only a year. Personally (yes, I’m about to get all sentimental on you guys), this past year has been the best in my life. I started writing in this space for one, moved to a new city, met tons of utterly amazing people with whom I know I’ll be sharing my life for years to come, realized that I am truly on the path to an industry that I belong in, realized that I’m a huge geek and became incredibly comfortable with that fact and in turn, myself.
In terms of music, 2011 was a massive year for the electronic music scene. We witnessed the beats and bass seep into popular culture. We witnessed the rise of dubstep’s popularity and the impact it made on the world. More than anything I think we witnessed the bewilderment from those who don’t understand it all and that it is a scene and attitude more than just a genre. I absolutely love it and chances are that if you’re reading this, you do too. I hope I’ve been able to help those artists that deserve a little recognition for the hours of hard work and countless late nights that they put into reassuring a good time to be had by all. I’d like to make a toast to all of them, and to all of you readers.
Bring it on 2012,
Grant.
Mild.
Dada Life – Happy Violence (Special Features Remix) [PurchaseOnly]
I apologize for my absence so this should do it for all the weekend warriors.
Yours truly,
Grant.
Five Four Fridays.
It’s been a while hasn’t it. My body has been to hell and back in the past three weeks. I honestly hadn’t slept properly in over a month because of all the papers, projects, presentations, stresses, and poor time management. I don’t think that I would have made it through if it weren’t for the sort of music that I’m giving you an abundance of below. Something about electronic music has always fascinated me. The music itself always gets knocked for being anything but, but that’s not the point I’m getting at. There’s just something that the music does to people. You could power an entire city with the energy that a venue exudes when the combination of man and machine produce just the right amount of beats and bass. One could go to a solid show without any sort of party additive and get high off the vibes. It’s honestly indescribable. Unfortunately, the scene lately has made drugs trendy again, but hey, you can’t win every battle.
Below is another amazing remix from none other than the electro guru himself, a rework form a highly underrated Torontonian, a random mix that I had sent to me last week, a poppy but still wickedly awesome remix from a DJ who’s name I always get wrong, and finally the release of one of the best remixes of the year from a guy who’s alias has no relation whatsoever to his hometown of Atlanta. Hopefully they can keep you going too.
When I was flat broke not too long ago, Dada Life tickets went on sale here in Vancouver (Yes, I’m back in rain city for the holidays). I cried on the inside in combination with the sounds of a five year old girl sobbing that were in no way coming from myself. The Swedish goonshow puts on my all time favourite electro show hands down. The amount of fun and shenanigans that these guys have while performing should land them a reality TV show. Not to mention the effect that it has on the equally ridiculous crowd.
Thank goodness that my friend kept me up to date with their tour stop in Toronto the day after I sadly sold my car so I could afford to purchase tickets which I literally just did. There was no way that I’d miss out on the most fun I’ve had on a dance floor twice in a months time. I don’t really need to say much more about these guys since the new music video sort of speaks for itself. If you’re a fellow ticket holder and love bananas and champagne, you’re in for a treat because there will be no shortage of either at the show. Don’t even try to tell me that’s not an awesome combination.
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Below is a small playlist for you to put on right before bed, during studying, or at a time you just want to close your eyes simply exist in the world. These tracks are more on the digital side of things, but I think listeners of all genres could indulge in some of the most relaxing music I own. I’m seriously considering keeping regular posts on specific artists and interviews to a minimum, and giving you wonderful people more of these small collections. Might make it easier for you to find artists you love and me to spend more time on my degree. We’ll try it out for a bit and see how it goes. Send me some feedback.
somesortofmusic. 