Media Contender

Free Signal Path Download – Verbal Yes

Jeff Tovar — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:58:20 +0000

Before their new album hit the download shelves earlier today, we had a chance to partake in some back-and-forth emailing with the drummer of the electronic band Signal Path, Damon Metzner. They’re giving our Media Contender readers one of their tunes to check out and juuuust in case you then want the entire album (of course you will), it’s available for free. This is some major philanthropy in action, people, take heed!

Photo: Rowan Metzner

MC: What is Signal Path all about?

Signal Path is a musical project created by Ryan Burnett (guitar/production) and Damon Metzner (drums). The band started in the unlikely mountain enclave of Missoula, Montana in 2001, but now is squarely based in the Denver, CO electronic music scene. Musically, we try to incorporate deep melodic ideas that wrap around a compositionally focused core of intricate rhythm and massive low end. Both Ryan and I also draw a lot of influence from american roots music, and try to incorporate those influences with our electronic production. Rhythmically, we definitely identify with a lot of glitch, hip hop and big beat music, but intertwine acoustic instrumentation as well. Throughout our songs, we regularly incorporate acoustic guitars, mandolins, and lapsteel guitar that weave inside sidechained synths, massive leads, and heavy basslines. All of the acoustic instrumentation in our production is played live in the studio by Ryan and later chopped up and glitched to incorporate into the production. Our goal is to produce deeply meaningful and unique music that can be both beautiful and intense live.

MC: What do you have going on at the moment?

Right now we are 100% focused on our free album Imaginary Lines (which dropped today!) and getting ready for one of the most exciting headlining tours in our history. We couldn’t be more thrilled to share the stage with some of our favorite artists in the nation including Blockhead, Bluetech, Designer Drugs, EPROM, and EOTO. Having the opportunity to perform with artists of this caliber is a HUGE inspiration. Setting up a tour like this is something that we’ve dreamed about doing for a very long time.

Click here to check out all tour dates.

Catch them at The Roxy Theater in Hollywood on September 25th.

MC: What’s next?

We’re extremely focused on making the next several months some of the most positive in the history of the band. We couldn’t be more proud of the music we’re putting out on the new album Imaginary Lines, and we can’t wait for the fans to hear it live. We took the summer off to write, record, and produce what we feel is our most complete studio work to date. We just really can’t wait to get on the road and share this music with the fans live. Ultimately NONE of this would be possible without their support.

MC: Anything else that you want to share?

We really just want to thank all the fans for everything. As I said, absolutely NONE of this could happen without them which is one of the reasons we give the music away for free. Of course we’d like to give props to www.mediacontender.com for the opportunity to share these thoughts and help spread the word. We’d also really love to thank all the artists we’re fortunate enough to work with including the amazing visual artist Josh Keyes who donated this fantastic piece of art for use as our album cover.

Download audio file (Signal-Path_Verbal-Yes_www-mediacontender-com.mp3)
Click to Download “Signal Path – Verbal Yes”
Taken From the Album: Imaginary Lines
Released Sept 1st, 2010
Free Album Download: www.signalpathmusic.com
(Verbal Yes Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Ray Cash vs. Joker & Rustie (Kraddy Next Level Mash Up)

Danny — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:19:52 +0000

Electronic music seems to be growing incredibly fast, so many artists are pushing boundaries and expanding on the ol’ genre limitations that quite frankly had become boring. Over the last few years the new sound of the electronic music landscape has gained a cult following on the West Coast. Los Angeles has become a breeding ground for forward-thinking EDM artists. What is being labeled as the “LA Beat Scene” is a direct reference to Daddy Kev’s Low End Theory club that presents artists like Flying Lotus, Gaslamp Killer, Dstyles, Daedelus, and Nosaj Thing on the regular. Then you also have 12th Planet and his SMOG label who have championed and and developed a massive dubstep scene in LA bringing attention to hometown artists like DLX, EMU, and Pawn.

This feature spotlights former Glitch Mob member, Kraddy for the second time. What appears to be half man and half production machine has hit us with another mash-up of two tracks I truly love creating an ultra pimp super crunk version. The Kraddy Next Level Mash-Up series is a collection of custom mash-ups created specifically for his live sets. This month is a mash up Ray Cash “Sex Appeal” and Rustie & Joker’s “Play Doh” and is the third installment of the series to date. The other two installments of the Next Level Mash-Up series are available at Kraddyodaddy.com. Look for Kraddy’s 5 song EP coming out in October on Alpha Pup of all original material.

Download audio file (RAY CASH vs. JOKER & RUSTIE KRADDY NEXT LEVEL MASH-UP www.mediacontender.com.mp3)
Click to Download “Ray Cash vs. Joker & Rustie – Kraddy Next Level Mash-up”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Kastle – Better Off Alone ( Udachi Remix )

Danny — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:27:06 +0000

When you talk about bass music in general, you usually reference UK artists first. However, the good ol’ US of A is coming strong with its own list of top tier artists turning out a string of solid tunes. Kastle is from the Burgh. No not Williamsburgh NYC, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to be exact. He has been turning heads with his latest material being dubbed as future RnB, Timbaland V2, grown and sexy dubstep to name a few. Its the type of cutting edge dance music that even your mom can vibe to.
Check out what hit our radar this morning, its a remix of Kastle’s “Better Off Alone” by Staten Island’s Udachi. Member of the Party Like Us crew and closely tied to Brooklyn’s infamous Trouble & Bass crew, this dj producer is no stranger to the low end. Feelin the funky take on this, hope to hear more like it because we love smooth percussion and big warm b-lines.

Surf over to Juno and purchase the single and grab the remixes from Willy Joy and Starkey while you’re there too. All available courtesy of Seclusiasis.

Download audio file (Better%20Off%20Alone%20%28Udachi%20Remix%29%20%28www.mediacontender.com%29.mp3)
Click to Download “Kastle – Better Off Alone (Udachi Remix)”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Electro Wars Photos

Danny — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:26:01 +0000

Franki Chan and I got together and thought it would be fun to do a premier for the Electro Wars documentary film by Stephen Vasquez. The beautiful Vista Theater in Silverlake was the perfect setting for the film, over 200 people attended. The after party was at El Cid so everyone could talk about the film and have a few drinks while Franki, Stephen and special guests Louisahh and Kill The Noise played some records.

Interesting Times: Version.11 by Jo-S

Jeff Tovar — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:07:01 +0000

Club Muse has seen its fair share of venues over the past year and come September 10th, we’ll be at The Viper Room for our 96th event. Featuring two areas of forward-looking sound, the intimate and dark downstairs will showcase Minimal Drum&Bass—a sound we hope to help give a Los Angeles home to. One of our guests for the evening will be LA’s own Jo-S, a multi-faceted artist who has releases on legendary labels such as Metalheadz, Soul:r and Shogun. Have a listen to Interesting Times: Version.11 and familiarize yourself with the yet-again reinvented face of future music. We’ve also opened up the All Night $10 RSVP for Muse96 so be sure to submit yours today. Get there before 10:30 and you’re in for free.

★ SUBSCRIBE TO THE INTERESTING TIMES PODCAST SERIES ★

Download audio file (club-muse-interesting-times_version-11_jo-s_aug2010.mp3)

Click to Download
Interesting Times: Version.11 – Jo-S
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

1. Touch Now – Flatliners [Digi-Lab]
2. First Dream Called Ocean (Stray Remix) – Helios [Med School]
3. Above Words – Blu Mar Ten [Blu Mar Ten]
4. Aquamarine – Method One [31 Records]
5. Long Lies – Consequence [Exit]
6. Breakpoint – Sunchase [Drone Audio]
7. Bone Structure – Zero Tolerance, Rockwell [Critical]
8. Livin’ In The Dark – Heavy1 [Rubik]
9. Basic Substance – Abstract Elements [Kos.Mos.Music]
10. Reflex Reaction – Consequence, Instra:mental [Exit]
11. Sunbass – Mixmaster Doc & Surora [Dubplate]
12. Bonsai Run – Subterra & Dekko [Invisible]
13. Gallows – Need For Mirrors [Shogun]
14. The Fugitive – Phobia, Jubei [Coded]
15. Essence Of Time – Abstract Elements [Exit]
16. Irreverse – Spinline [Dispatch]
17. Gamma – Mixmaster Doc & Surora [Dubplate]
18. Stellar (feat. Jo-s) – Lenzman & Treez [Subtitles (forthcoming)]

J.Rabbit – Fatboy Slim & Benassi Bootlegs

Jeff Tovar — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:10:00 +0000

Originally from So.Cal but now living in the Bronx for the past 6 years, J.Rabbit started producing with the aid of Terravita/Hot Pink Delorean and launched full steam ahead from there. With a full EP planned with Trillbass and DZ’s Badman Press for later this summer, a tour for the fall of this year, and a second EP on Play Me Records completed with Tremourz, he somehow found the time and energy to begin a relationship remixing House songs into Dubstep for Steve Porter’s label, Porter House Music. Needless to say, you’re going to be seeing a lot of this vegan who’s absolutely terrified of zombies in the very near future. Stay on top of his schedule and you just might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of his Powered Toast Man tattoo hopping through your city. You gotta be quick, though!

Check out these bootlegs the ‘Rabbit has given us. When you choose to remix such high profile artists as Fatboy Slim and Benny Benassi, you better come more than correct… and he did. Enjoy!

Download audio file (Rockafeller-Skank_(J.Rabbit-Bootleg)_www-mediacontender-com.mp3)
Click to Download “Fatboy Slim – Rockafeller Skank (J.Rabbit Bootleg)”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Download audio file (Satisfaction- Remix_(J.Rabbit Bootleg)_www-mediacontender-com.mp3)
Click to Download “Benny Benassi – Satisfaction (J.Rabbit Bootleg)”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

HARD TORONTO by thesupermaniak

Maniak — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:49:30 +0000

The HARD Summer Tour featuring Crystal Castles, Rusko, Sinden, Destructo & more, finally hit Toronto last Saturday. Everything was on point inside The Guvernment. Proper sound, cool visuals, a sick lighting show and a crowd that was there for the music. No matter what I say, you won’t know how crazy it was unless you were there. Luckily, there’s lots of pics. Big up this tour.

CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL GALLERY

Slow Roast / AM Only – Remix Contest

Clancy — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:25:06 +0000

AM Only and Slow Roast Records are excited to announce the official “Tuff as Nails Part II” Remix Contest, a chance for one lucky producer to get their work noticed by some of the best DJs in the business.

Starting August 13, remix materials for Klever and Kill the Noise’s track “Tuff as Nails Part II” will be up for download by AM Only. Producers will have three weeks to make the craziest, coolest, most original mix they can come up with. Finalists will be hand-picked by Slow Roast Head Honchos Kill the Noise and Craze themselves, before fans will have the final chance to vote and choose who’s remix is the cream of the crop.

The Remix winner will receive:

a Traktor Maschine from Native Instruments

a Meet & Greet with Craze, Kill the Noise, and Klever

2 VIP Tickets to a Slow Roast Showcase near you.

a Slow Roast Merch Package including limited edition T-Shirts, stickers, cd’s, etc.

To top that all off, one lucky Fan voter will win a pair of tickets to the Slow Roast Showcase in their hometown.

Click on the image above to get started. (or click HERE) These Remixes ain’t gonna make themselves!

Stay tuned for fan voting to commence on September 7, 2010.

Check out the full list of Slow Roast Showcases Here to find out of the crew is coming to your town!

Download audio file (TUFF%20as%20NAILS%20%28Part%20II%29%20%28www.mediacontender.com%29.mp3)
Click to Download “KLEVER & KILL THE NOISE – TUFF AS NAILS PT. II”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

And don’t forget to check out their FaceBook Page for updates!

SMOG 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Clancy — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:06:56 +0000

The SMOG 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY party is tomorrow so please make sure you sign up for the RSVP and get in for half the price. The 21+ event starts at 4PM and goes til 2AM. For the early crew, we will have $2 PBR from 4pm-7pm. The timeslots have also been announced – we have a very special guest at the top of the list. The $10 RSVP ends at midnight, so get in immediately!

★ ★ ★ ★ TICKET WINNER ★ ★ ★ ★

Congratulations to poster Desiree for having her priorities in check.
“Best SMOG memory is when I ditched my boyfriend on his birthday to go see Caspa at the House on Blues! I know, I know, what a shitty thing to do, but I had too!!…”
If the email you entered is real then you should check your mail.

★ ★ ★ ★ TIMESLOTS ★ ★ ★ ★

SMOG STAGE
04:00 – 05:00 TEALONG
05:00 – 06:00 DUSTMITE
06:00 – 06:45 KNYPHY
06:45 – 07:30 UNIT
07:30 – 08:15 KELLY DEAN
08:15 – 09:00 PAWN
09:00 – 09:45 PABLO HASSAN
09:45 – 10:30 STEADY
10:30 – 11:15 EMU
11:15 – 12:00 VERY ANGRY SCIENTIST
12:00 – 12:50 12TH PLANET
12:50 – 02:00 SPECIAL GUEST

MEDIA CONTENDER STAGE
04:00 – 05:15 KLOME
05:15 – 06:30 TONY K
06:30 – 07:15 SUBCODE
07:15 – 08:30 RAIZ (ACID CIRCUS)
08:30 – 10:00 APX1
10:00 – 11:30 SKEET SKEET
11:30 – 01:00 MIKE B

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 4 years since SMOG started to make a name for itself as a trend-setting and taste-making brand bringing Dubstep to the city of Los Angeles. From it’s humble beginnings as a side room event, or being hosted in a cozy pub in downtown LA, to catering to thousands of party goers at events in world class venues all over the US, the SMOG name is one of the most recognizable in the genre.

Smog founder Drew Best, alongside partner 12th Planet, have expanded the brand outside of Los Angeles to include events at SXSW in Austin TX, a showcase at WMC in Miami, one-off events in San Francisco and Las Vegas, and most recently a Lollapalooza after party in Drew’s home town of Chicago. They have also positioned SMOG as THE collaborative company in US Dubstep, having partnered up with Scion for a series of events in LA this past year, a mix CD from Scion’s A/V subsidiary, as well as teaming up with the likes of heavyweight promoters Embrace and others on events around the country.

This event is more than just a party. It’s a benchmark of how far we have come, and a testament to how much further we can go. This event is for all of you who have helped and supported along the way. – Drew Best

On Saturday, over 20 performers gather at Lot 613 in DTLA for probably the biggest Dubstep-centric event in Los Angeles history. In proper anniversary style, the lineup is stacked with all of SMOG’s residents, as well as artists that fall into the extended family. As a special treat, Smog resident DLX is debuting his live band project on the night. And, we can’t forget about the special guest performance by an LA international favorite.

Aside from our usual involvement with Smog, we are proud to be hosting the second stage at this event. Featuring tastemakers representing a wide variety of EDM, there is going to be some seriously sick music at this event with a little something for everyone.

★ ★ ★ ★ CLICK HERE TO RSVP ★ ★ ★ ★

Party Like Us – Flinch – Midnight Hustle

Clancy — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:24:34 +0000

Our homie Flinch has his first release on Party Like Us Records out today with the single Midnight Hustle. This is a big tune that’s been smackin’ the clubs for a minute. He’s been getting a lot of love lately and its definitely warranted.

PURCHASE THIS SINGLE ON BEATPORT
PURCHASE THIS SINGLE ON ITUNES

The folks at Party Like Us Records have this to say about it.. “Flinch comes through with a genius blend of breaks and heavy bass topped with the catchiest riff we’ve heard in a while! This track has been dropped in clubs around the world on promo to incredible response. In edition to the original, Udachi has reworked it into one of his heaviest and deepest tunes to date, complete with deep sea bass and his trademark quirkiness. AC Slater and Atlanta based rapper Dell Harris flipped the riff into a full on grimey rap/dubstep hybrid song, and threw in a dub version to boot. Orange County Dubstep producer Juggernaut takes Midnight Hustle to mosh pit inducing levels while SPL completely flips the tune into a deep moody cinematic vibe.”

We got a hold of the Udachi relick for download so enjoy!

Download audio file (Flinch%20-%20Midnight%20Hustle%20%28Udachi%20Remix%29%20%28www.mediacontender.com%29.mp3)
Click to Download “Flinch – Midnight Hustle (Udachi Remix) “
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)