This Friday, February 10th, Raindance and An-Ten-Nae are throwing an event of EPIC proportions in San Francisco. Of course, I am most looking forward to the top-notch music lineup that will bless our eardrums all night long. We’ve got a solo ediT set; this in itself is enough to make me want to go. If anyone, this guy is THE pioneer of bass. Perhaps overshadowed by his fellow Glitch Mobbers, the extremely talented Ed sometimes goes underrated. What a privilege to get to see him solo – can’t wait for that one! Another set I just can’t wait for is Nasty Ways, comprised of EPROM and Boreta from The Glitch Mob. These are two of the most talented producers/DJs joining forces… yes please! I experienced their live debut at a SnowGlobe afterparty and it was mind-blowing – definitely the highlight of the weekend for me. The rest of the bill is just as exciting, featuring four rooms of first-rate DJs including Loefah, Govinda, JPOD (also caught him live recently and was amazed), Lowriderz, Ana Sia, Wick-It, Mochipet, David Satori, NANDA (killed it in the wee morning hours of Freaker’s Ball), Little John, & El Papa Chango. Not only are they bringing in an insane lineup, but they’re also providing entertainment in the form of a parade, dragon dance, stilt circus, dancers, dragon mask making, instillations, tea, and rad visuals. I can’t wait to see 1015 Folsom transformed into an eclectic environment with some of the most marvelous talent! Anyone who can make it should get their ass to Raindance & An-Ten-Nae’s Chinese New Year Celebration!

When I first heard that pioneer of bass Stephan Jacobs was putting together a remix album of Mad Era and In the Vortex I was beyond stoked; those two EPs bring back some of my favorite music memories of 2011. Then when I saw the list of producers behind the remixes I became even more pumped! The compilation includes banger tracks from the likes of Mr. Bill, jOBOT, Freddy Todd, Psymbionic, Ruff Hauser, Jupit3r, Knowa Knowone, and more. The album did not disappoint – these remixes are hot and I will definitely be bangin’ them in my headphones for quite a while. I have been following Stephan Jacobs’ music for years and it is a pleasure to hear some of my other favorites throw a spin on his already excellent tunes. The 12-track album starts off with a bang with One4All’s remix of Tatter which is also my favorite of the release. It’s upbeat, catchy, and melodious with just the right amount of bass, providing every component necessary for a memorable track. Another favorite is ChrisB.’s remix of Izzo feat. Smash LeFunk… it has some very nice brass instrumentals paired with crunk samples and a nice steady beat. Although I haven’t heard much about Dubvirus, I also found his remix to pop out to me; it’s beautiful in an odd and heavy way. Stephan Jacobs certainly provided an expressive and agreeable canvas for the remixers to work with!

Seeing Stephan live is an awe-inspiring experience that I recommend to all. His set at Lightning in a Bottle 2011 was legendary and I would say one of the best of the entire weekend. He also crushed it at SnowGlobe 2011. He has never let me down during a live set; his contagious energy and sincere passion for bass music are undeniable and compelling. He will be playing at SnowBall in CO in the beginning of March so be sure to catch him play if you’re there! I know that he is a huge influence on many other electronic musicians as he is a master of his craft, and I’m always looking forward to hearing more from the man!

Grab Stephan Jacobs – Mad Era & In the Vortex: Remixed on Addictech. It will come out on February 29th on all other mediums.

I’ve been working on a new project for 2012 and it’s about time I share it with you all! The past few months I’ve become a bit more critical than usual. Bass music hasn’t been doing what it use to do for me. My relocation back home to Miami has changed a lot of things especially my life style. When I lived in Texas I was always out with friends, partying, DJing, traveling, etc… Now I spend most of my time relaxing enjoying the ocean breeze on my balcony. My nights consist of digging for more music and that peaceful state of mind. I’ve grown up and feel like an adult. Music now plays a different role for me now.

It’s not that I’m disappearing now but expect much of my focus to go in this new direction. Lounge Temple is ultimately Afro Monk 2.0 with its primary genres being downtempo, trip-hop, and future bass. It’s a lot more laid back and lounge like.

Not only will the site be something new i’ll be exploring but also have a supporting weekly lounge night here in Miami. I’ve been offered an industry night at The Stage here in Miami. It offers a great environment as well as chance to start something entirely different from your typical club rave night. Gooddroid and I will be playing lounge music ever Sunday night! Chilled Out Sundays starts up February 19th, 2012!

For more information and your chilled out needs go to:
Lounge Temple: Downtempo, Trip-hop, & Future Bass Blog

Thriftworks (Jake Atlas) may be the most underrated producer these days. Given the bona fide quality of his production, not enough people know who I am talking about when I bring his name up. His newest release, Rainmaker, encompasses the perfect combination of eclectic sounds with stunning harmony and satisfying bass. It is my, and a few others’ who I have discussed the matter with, favorite bass album of 2012 thus far. I have no qualms listening to it all the way through and soaking up every second of it; the name is fitting as the album is perfect for a chill rainy day. Infiltrated with gorgeous strings, swanky bass, and some peculiar sounds that I honestly can’t even identify, the 14-track album is thorough and gratifying. Just as I feel myself falling into a state of relaxation the next track will be a gentle pick-me-up. I especially dig Teach Me How To Camelot; it’s more on the glitchy side than the others and I love the assortment of pitches. I have yet to see Thriftworks live but would love to… I hope to catch him at the Naughty Yaught: Valentine’s Day Party in San Francisco that Afro Monk is playing at as well. That looks to be one rockin’ party!

Grab Thriftworks – Rainmaker LP on his Bandcamp Page. Believe me, you won’t regret it!

K Theory kills it with this huge mid-tempo release due out January 25th on Simplify Recordings.  Teaming up with Blunt Instrument for two tunes combines the  talents of these producers to bring us some fantastic sounds.  Dylan and Dustin have been hard at work making some fantastic remixes and they plan to bring us lots more from their workshop this year.  Strange how I was just struggling to find new tunes that I enjoyed and now K Theory brings me the 3ed release this week that has gotten me excited about music.  Both tracks on this release are excelent, but my favorite was “Good and Gone”  because of the blend of funky blues with the future sounds of glitch.  I’m a sucker for the mixture of old and new.  Check out the teaser now.

Just last week K Theory dropped  a remix of Modest Mouse’s track Float on that I have already pictured going over huge at parties around my home in the northwest.  Great remix of a old favorite.   Grab a free download from the Simplify Recordings website!

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 at Kalya Scintilla’s Bandcamp!

Knowa Knowone is back with with a brand new EP out on January 24th on 1320 Records.  Things in my life have been super busy as of late and I have felt overwhelmed by the amount of new releases that find their way to my inbox, but when I heard news of this release I immediately contacted Knowa about getting a preview of these tunes which he was super generous with providing.  Truth be told, my musical taste is all over the place right now and I’m personally struggling in what direction I want my musical journey to unfold.  This release by Knowa brings things into focus and reminds me exactly why I fell in love with mid-tempo glitch hop.  Full of booty shaking crunk vibes, deep bass, and psychedelia sounds that are uniquely Knowa!

Virtual Hero feat. Abai

Pick up the title track, Champagne and Kittens, for free from the 1320 records!

Kaminanda’s new full length just came out today and it’s everything you’ve wanted in music if you’ve been suffering from a drought of good music. The new album Gateways of Consciousness picks up where we last left off on his past album Year of the Golden Tiger. Think melodic, tribal, downtempo, and sexy beats. It’s as if you opened up your mind and released all the acid build up.

This release comes at a perfect time as I gear up for a transition from bass music to more loungy downtempo beats. All I’ve been listening too lately is Thriftworks the past few weeks in regards to bass music. I’m grateful to finally get some new music that awakes my soul. This is where my heart and mind have been when thinking about music. There are not enough positive words for this release. This gets me really anxious for festival season to get started. I’m praying that this year there will be a bigger representation of chill music like this. Festivals lately seem to be focusing more on what’s hot and rage versus keeping a balance. I’d love to see a lot more balance towards the later hours of the night.

I’m hoping that Kaminanda will be booked for some of the festivals approaching. I’m really looking forward to meeting the man behind this music and thank him for his form of expression.

Be sure to grab this album and jam it on those journeys of your inner consciousness.

Ever since I heard their pleasant sound on the Bass From Above Volume 1 compilation, I have been tuning into Colorado pair Slim Thugz, comprised of Cody Yozipovic (Frequent C) and Julian Garland (The Candyman). Well Slim Thugz are no more – welcome their new alias, Crushendo! Today they released a dazzling minimix that showcases their project under this new alias; it is a glimpse at their upcoming debut EP, Drop Logic, which will drop on February 15th. The mix, which is up for free download, incorporates a tasteful amalgamation of melodic strings, “intelligent bass”, fresh hip hop samples, and assorted tempos. It starts off with a bang with their collaboration with rhyme master Kruza Kid, who has been featured in a lot of the Mile High Sound Movement guys’ production. The whole mix masterfully blends playful audio delights with a touch of gangsta elements, which I find to be irresistible. I have always loved Frequent C and Candyman’s signature flowy yet upbeat synth patterns; I like that whenever a track of theirs comes on my iPod I know right away who it is and know that I will enjoy it.

Although I did love the old alias I can see why they wanted to change their name; whenever I talked about Slim Thugz, a lot of my friends would be like, “Oh Slim Thug is rapping on Friday?”. No people. Slim ThugZ is playing, who I would rather see live any day to be honest. And I was blessed to see them twice when they came out to the Tahoe area – they absolutely crushed it! I really love the new Crushendo alias and think it is very fitting. Catch them live if you get the chance; they will be playing at the upcoming SnowBall Music Festival in Colorado in March which is sure to be an epic weekend. Check out the minimix below and be sure to grab Crushendo’s Drop Logic EP on February 15th!

Sexy Shapes EP MiniMix

iOnik ft. Charlie P and Dan Cox-The Tears