Category: Featured

SONG OF THE DAY: Vicetone ft Jonny Rose – “Stars”

At just 20 years old, it’s surprising that the Vicetone duo didn’t spin at the Outbreak Electro Freshmen 13 WMC party along with fellow rising stars Audien, Walden, etc. Following up their much buzzed about remix of “Weapon” by Cazzette, they unleash “Stars,” a primetime rock-tinged stadium/progressive electro monster featuring the prophetic vocals of Jonny Rose. You might remember Jonny from the incredible “Where Is Love (Love is Hard to Find)” that he did with Mysto & Pizzi a year ago, and with “Stars” he has a strong track to sing his heart out on. The production, both track and vocal, are quite strong and especially interesting is the R3hab-ish stabs in the energetic part. It’s not exactly chainsaw, but there’s a level of aggression not often heard in progressive tracks. Although “Stars” is released on April 1st, it’s no joke and only a fool would pass on it.

Image Courtesy of Trice.

SONG OF THE DAY: Monsta – “Messiah”

Gospel vocalists singing soulful house records is a perfect fit, but did you ever wonder if it would work with dubstep?? Listening to MONSTA’s new track “Messiah,” the answer is a solid yes.? Listening to the intro, you would think you were in a Southern church listening to choir leader starting an uplifting spiritual hymn.? The surprise comes a minute in when instead of the choir, a massive dubstep beat kick in, produced by Rocky and Rufio.? It isn’t grating or harsh, yet the contrast to the vocals elevates the song (and the genre) to a new level. In every subgenre, there comes a time when artists need to take the rudimentary sounds and use them in new ways.? “Messiah” is a continuation of the sonic journey of their buzz hit “Holdin On” that featured a remix by Skrillex and Nero.? Upon first listen to the track, the voice of singer Skaar (no doubt named for the powerful offspring of superhero Hulk), I knew that I recognized the singer as his voice was so unique. As an obsessed Wideboys fan, I was singing a song in my head and realized that I was referencing their mix of “Smilin” by Bryn Christopher.?? A quick wiki search confirmed my thoughts, and it makes perfect sense.? EDM and dubstep tracks benefit from strong and unique vocalists.? The powerful gospel-infused timbre of Bryn’s voice is a perfect contrast to the aggressive dubstep beats.?? Here’s hoping the success of MONSTA inspires more of our genre’s finest producers to collaborate with equally strong singers.??

Image Courtesy of Interscope / OWSLA.

SONG OF THE DAY: Marc Van Linden ft Amanda Wilson – “Gotta Let You Go”

House classics never really die, they just get remixed and covered to keep them alive for every new generation of clubbers. Originally released in 1994 on venerable US freestyle label MicMac records, “Gotta Let You Go” by Dominica became an international club hit thanks to the original and remixes by Loveland, Hyper GoGo, and DJ Misjah.? Then in 2000, the record was revived with fresh mixes by DJ Tonka and DJ Antoine.? For 2012, clubland favorite Amanda Wilson steps in to resing it with a different feel.? Her vocals are a bit more pretty and polished, yet keep the emotional feel of the original.? Marc Van Linden’s production shows reverence to classic piano house (close your eyes and it could be K-Klass or M People) while modernizing it with current sounds.? For a more progressive/chunky feel, check out Jason Mill’s Sunset mix which makes a great set closer with its smoothed-out grooves and dramatic dropout.? Although the title is “Gotta Let You Go,” I remember people requesting this as the “no more sleepless nights” song.?? Wouldn’t it be great if this is the start of a trend of DJs moving away from hard electro tracks emulating ’90s rave/techno to revisiting classic vocal piano house?

Image Courtesy of SoundzGood Recordings.