PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: MOONY - CLOSE ENOUGH EP

Fresh from receiving his first Grime Awards nomination, Nasty FM's Moony has readied his latest release on Dutch imprint 'Progressive Intelligence' complete with impressive accompanying video for lead track, 'Close Enough'. 

Bold and innovative, the concept of providing videos to coincide with instrumental releases harks back to Swindle's incredible 'Moodswings' video last year, a move that complimented that particular release so implicitly. Close Enough, a smooth, ambient dubstep cut, is a great track on its own merit but its video, with vast city shots juxtaposed against an intimate club setting, does add polish to great effect. 

The EP itself is a versatile 4-track joint that samples Moony's ability to mix up conflicting styles so comfortably and will only add to his growing reputation as one of the underground's leading young producer / DJ talent. Look out for 'Raw Elements' in particular, a great renaissance grime number. 

Close Enough is scheduled for release on May 7th and will be available from all good electronic outlets.

(PI002) Moony - Close Enough E.P. Previews (Including Titan Riddim & Raw Elements) by Progressive Intelligence

Details:

Twitter: @MoonyPro // @progressiveintelli

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/progressive-intelligence

Progressive Intelligence: http://progressiveintelligence.blogspot.co.uk/

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: TAYOS TRACKSUIT PARTY

Commonly referred to as an 'old school New York style block party', Tayo's Tracksuit Party has become something of a city institution over the last few years and returns to Paradise in Kilburn on May 6th. Heavyweight radio selecta Rob Da Bank will play on the night alongside one half of 'Tuff Jam', Matt Jam Lamont, Artwork (playing a classic disco set) and one of garage's earliest pioneers, Wookie. There'll even be some Hip Hop karaoke too. 

£8 after 7pm but £6 if you opt for a tracksuit . For Artwork's disco set alone, this is one not to miss. 

Limited advance tickets are also available: https://theparadise.ticketabc.com/events/tayos-tracksuit-part/                                         

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: SPYRO - ROUND 1 EP

May 14th sees a welcome return to the production circuit for grime vet Sir Spyro, with 'Round 1' the debut release on new imprint Dragon Punch Records. A fixture on Rinse FM for the last 7 years and acting tour DJ for Tinchy Stryder, Spyro has played a key role in the genre's emergence and remains as hungry as ever to earn further recognition for the sound he loves.

Having recently put out an incredible remix of Bok Bok's club monster 'Silo Pass', which remains very much in demand, Round 1's release could not have come at a better time either. Consisting of four instrumentals and one vocal offering, the overriding quality of the EP is in its polish and refinement. 

Although still characteristically raw and hard hitting in part, Spyro demonstrates a real understanding of what is needed to cut it with the best in cutting edge dance music. 'Joseph' in particular is a perfect example of this, seamlessly joining the dots between grime and contemporary 'bass music' in a similar vain to Bok Bok and Silo Pass. 'Shape Up' and 'Transfer Window' are a little more sinister in their delivery with 'Shape Up' particularly rugged but again, both demonstrate an added awareness that elevate Round 1 from good to great. 

'Suspect' sees Spyro team up with good friend and one of 2011's biggest success stories, Faze Miyake. Although famed for trademark gritty instrumentals, in keeping with the rest of the EP, Suspect is a smooth, cultured joint with (surpisingly) melancholic undertones, although the signature 'woofs' do make sporadic appearances. Final track 'Get Along Gang' is the acclaimed vocal version of 'Joseph' with Family Tree emcees Merky Ace and Ego joining forces to deliver a proper grimy send off and with it, a reminder of why both Spyro and Family Tree are currently two of the genre's strongest acts. 

The verdict? Every bit as good as anything you'll hear this year. Excellent stuff.

Round 1 EP will be released on May 14th on Dragon Punch Records.

TRACKLIST

1. Joseph

2. Shape Up

3. Transfer Window 

4. Suspect 

5. Get Along Gang feat Merky Ace & Ego

Details:

Twitter: @SIRSPYRO

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sirspyro

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: RUBY LEE RYDER

Grime songstress Ruby Lee Ryder is the focus of the latest Sonic Router x Uncle Albert collaborative piece - head over to Sonic Router to get Ruby's take on working with Terror Danjah, featuring on a track with Tinie Tempah and leaving the world of jazz and soul behind.

http://www.sonicrouter.com/2012/04/mixing-the-soft-with-the-rough-ruby-lee-ryder/

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: COYOTE RECORDS

After near on 3 years of promoting, writing Uncle Albert and much deliberation, I have finally decided to start releasing records. Coyote Records will aim to to provide a new avenue for good, honest dance music with grime at its core. 

The debut release comes from Mella Dee, one half of Doncaster duo Mista Men, who have made serious waves on Greenmoney Recordings over the last 18 months. A full remix package will follow in due course and in time for a late June / early July protracted release. 

You can preview the track via Soundcloud here:

COY001 Mella Dee - CTRL by coyoterecordsuk

DJs are welcome to send over their emails to receive promo copies of the track and a full press release will follow. 

Any support via blogs / radio / sets  is encouraged and much appreciated. Please include @Coyote_Records in any promotional tweets and let us know if you'd like more information / are planning to feature the track online. Big up!

Details:

Email: coyoterecordsuk@gmail.com

Twitter: @Coyote_Records

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/coyoterecordsuk

Tumblr:http://coyotemusicuk.tumblr.com/

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: AUDIO DOUGHNUTS X NINJA TUNE (20/4/12)

With every night to date having built considerably on the last, Audio Doughnuts are back with arguably their most impressive party so far. Teaming up with label giants Ninja Tune, Crucifix Lane will play host to Slugabed's debut album launch party with a formidable line-up befitting the reputation Audio Doughnuts are now developing. A slew of international and UK-based talent are set to join Slugabed on the night including Lazer Sword, Falty DL, Dark Sky and Benin City. As always, a night not to be missed. 

Preview:

“Two brands, one night, 20 acts, one album. As the sun begins to echo through the spring clouds and London continues to prove itself as the city of choice for new electronic sounds, the 20th April will see two brands join forces to celebrate the album launch of one of the most recently significant producers creating upfront off strings of hip hop and dance-orientated beats, Slugabed.

The first brand, London based AD (Audio Doughnuts), now firmly cemented as one of the key players in London’s cutting-edge nightlife backdrop, with a whole host of colourful electronic music set for release on their newly readied imprint. The second brand, undeniably one of the most celebrated independent labels focused on progressive, alternative underground music is Ninja Tune, home to Roots Manuva, Bonobo, Amon Tobin, Mr Scruff, Toddla T, Daedelus and of course Slugabed.

“Time Team” is the reason. Slugabed's incredible debut album featuring an incomparable track-listing of synth led expressive beats.Joining Slugabed will be Los Angeles based, Modeselektor tipped Lazer Sword, made up from Lando Kal and Low Limit's weird and wonderful fascination with experimental mash ups. Just confirmed comes Nadastrom, the duo strongly responsible for the explosive Moombaton movement. Joining Nada will be Ninja Tune & Swamp 81 signed Falty DL, up-tempo musical legend and the man behind the 'Juke' craze Chrissy Murderbot. To add, Dark Sky, one the most exciting acts to emerge from London's electronica palette will be playing a 3-way DJ set.  Hoya:Hoya boss Illum Sphere & Mary Anne Hobbs favourite Naive Machine tip off the headline billing.

As always Audio Doughnuts continues to champion acts from their own list of fresh and exciting label artists. Topping off the mainstage bill will be one of the most recently talked about London Hip Hop rappers Onoe Caponoe and AD's latest signing, 4 piece live band Benin City an amalgamation of Joshua Idehen & co’s fascinating musical lust.

Room 2 is focused on the best of what’s to come; My Panda Shall Fly receives top billing with his newly built live set. Donkey Pitch label-boss Grinel with a punchy synth-led set, LNUK favourite Majora and Bullet Trains most recent signing Shift Key plus a list of 3 other newcomers.

Presented inside in one of London's most incredible ‘warehouse’ spaces underneath  London Bridge’s landscape of legendary arches, Crucifix Lane on a 80,000 watt Funktion-One sound system and  3 screened AV lightshow behind Crucifix’s bare brick walls. As always, a sell-out is highly anticipated so buying your tickets in advance is very much recommended and seeing as headliners start from 11pm early arrival seems is suggested.Join Audio Doughnuts & Ninja Tune as they celebrate the launch of Slugabed's Time Team Album.” 

Event Information:

Venue: Crucifix Lane, London.
Date: Friday 20th April 2012
Times: 22:00 – 06:00
Pricing/Tickets: £7.50 Early Bird (Sold Out) / £10 & £12 Advance / More on the door

Tickets are available via Resident Advisor: http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?345234 
http://events.audiodoughnuts.com

Further Links

Audio Doughnuts: 

www.audiodoughnuts.com // www.facebook.com/audiodoughnuts // www.twitter.com/audiodoughnuts

Ninja Tune:

www.ninjatune.net  // www.facebook.com/ninjatuneofficial  // www.twitter.com/ninjatunehq 


#039 SHOX

April 9th sees the latest release from Roska's esteemed RKS imprint with label affiliate and Rinse FM stalwart Shox providing it's latest outing. The 'Battlestar' EP marks a considerable step in so much that by his own admittance, Shox remains relatively new to the art of production.

Having started as a UK garage deejay back in the mid-noughties, Shox was lucky enough to work with some of the genre's pioneers and he acknowledges their influence on his own sound. "I always enjoyed the more bass-driven, heavier side of garage" he says before pointing to the likes of Narrows, Sticky and Agent X, each of whom he credits with developing his own understanding and subsequent use of bass lines.

Despite 'enjoying every minute' of playing UK garage however, it was the emergence of funky that would provide his first avenue to really get himself on the ladder. "I got the call from Rinse management to do a show when the new funky sound was coming into play and I was already steering towards that as a new sound anyway", he recalls before paying tribute to Rinse, not only for giving him the chance to DJ but for inspiring him to start producing; "Rinse definately had a big part to play as I didnt actually start producing properly until early last year. The calibre of the line up on Rinse made me want to step out of my comfort zone as a DJ and start producing. For me it just made sense as the next step."

Whilst a firm advocate of producing weighty 4x4 cuts, Shox's musical influences range far and wide with Moby's 'Go' his self-admitted 'percy'. "I still rock it from time to time and you can guarantee if it comes on I'll be bussing some of the weirdest moves you've ever seen" he admits. His like of down-tempo, more melodic electronic sounds stretches to influence his own too; "i think you can hear it the music I make most of the time" he says, "I like to use a lot of pads and strings and then tie in a big, electronic bass." 

With such a rich and varied approach to making music combined with his growing reputation as a DJ, it is perhaps no surprise that Roska, one of the scene's undoubted heavyweights, was keen to sign Shox tracks to his own RKS label. Unbeknown to most however, the pair have been hard at work behind the scenes for quite some time. "I met Roska when I first got onto Rinse and was relatively new to producing" he recalls before going on to talk about the formation of his own label 'Hundred2ONE' records. "Roska was a big help and supporter of the tracks that I was putting out on that too. He asked me to do a remix for Tickles' EP on RKS last summer and that was received well. Soon enough, he asked if I'd be up for providing my own release for his label." A series of demos were sent across before Shox received a phone call. "He rang me straight up and said 'Bruv, you're taking the piss with these ones' which I knew meant he liked it." 

Comprised of 4 tracks, Battlestar is evidently Shox's best work to date and one he himself considers 'diverse', with each track providing 'a little something for everyone'. Weighty, upbeat and every bit music built for the clubs, for the sole purpose of getting people up and dancing, it is a reputable EP that deserves to be commended. Although there is always room for improvement, it's a remarkably bold effort for an artist so new to production and points to an incredibly bright future. Highly recommended. 

MR023 - Shox - Battlestar EP by RKSLTD

Details:

Twitter: @Shox_

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/shoxrinse

Buy Shox - 'Battlestar' EP exclusively via Juno here: http://www.junodownload.com/products/battlestar/1928358-02/

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: SONIC ROUTER X UNCLE ALBERT MIX 006: GRAND MIXER DAN GAR DAN

The sixth in the series of Sonic Router x Uncle Albert mixes features NAA's Grand Mixer Dan Gar Dan and a powerful 40 minute mix of up-front grime and exclusive bootlegs. Head over to Sonic Router to listen and read up on one of grime's formative early DJs. 

SR X UA Mix 006 - Grand Mixer Dan Gar Dan:

http://www.sonicrouter.com/2012/04/grand-mixer-dan-gar-dan-sonic-router-x-uncle-albert-mix/

SR X UA mixes now have their own spot on Sonic Router too - feel free to browse / listen through them all:

http://www.sonicrouter.com/category/sr-x-ua-mixes/

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: KROMESTAR - PARALLEL SOUNDS EP

'Parallel Sounds', the latest release from Cosmic Bridge, sees Kromestar make a welcome return to the imprint. Comprised of two VIP versions of both 'Don't Make Sense' and 'Outer Limits', the EP serves as a taster for the label's forthcoming releases this year. Tried, tested and loved by dance floors across Europe over the last few months in particular, it warrants a place in any record collection. Available as of April 16th as a digital release only.

Press Release:

"The VIP mixes of Don’t Make Sense and Outer Limits have been firm dancefloor favourites of both Kromestar’s and Om Unit’s sets in recent months. Outer Limits is given a beefier rhythmic underpinning while Don’t Make Sense sees its catchy lead melody roughened for the darker corners of the club.  

The original tracks from Parallel Sounds have received on-going support since the EP’s release in late 2011. Label boss Om Unit has of course been proudly hammering them on his Maisonette Electronique broadcasts and Boiler Room appearances. Other notable supporters have included Rinse FM’s Jay 5ive whose weekly Anti Social show is rarely without a Cosmic Bridge plate or two, Exit Records’ D Bridge included both of Kromestar’s Cosmic Bridge releases in a recent podcast while Hoya:Hoya’s Illum Sphere has also been known to bump Don’t Make Sense in the clubs. And there’s also been plenty of additional radio and DJ support for the Parallel Sounds EP from across the world."

CBR003 - Kromestar - Parallel Sounds VIPs (Cosmic Bridge) (April 16th) by Om Unit

Details:

Cosmic Bridge: http://www.cosmicbridgerecs.com/

Om Unit at the Boiler Room: http://www.boilerroom.tv/om-units-45-min-mix/