The theme this summer seems to be crossing genre lines. Label A&R rep turned DJ/producer Gina Starr has constructed “Bliss,” a deliciously uplifting house track with a bit of electro peppered in, and with a signature keyboard hook that floats throughout. Of particular interest is the use of atmospheric grooves that effortlessly transition into a noisy, and somewhat glitchy, build-up to a climactic cacophony of pounding synths. Basically the kind of track that punters will ask for by humming a keyboard line and DJs in the know will be able to recognize. Since her previous Beatport hits “Want It Now” and “This is Hollywood” were built around vocal samples, it’s interesting that “Bliss” is purely instrumental and makes us wonder if it’s a setup for a massive vocal topline that will be coming in the near future. Well, DJs like Tiesto and Fedde le Grand aren’t waiting, so everybody should take a listen and bang this one now in your big room sets.
Category: Featured
SONG OF THE DAY: Milan & Phoenix – “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)”
As an EDM journalist, half of the time my job is to play trainspotter and spot the sample. So when I got the new track by MIlan & Phoenix “Istanbul (Not Constantinople),” I thought- what an odd choice it was to cover They Might Be Giants. Doing a little bit of research I discover the song was originally recorded by The Four Lads in 1953 as a swing record and has been covered many times over the years by everyone from Bette Midler to PJ Harvery to, of course, the beloved They Might Be Giants. The new take by Milan & Phoenix updates the track in the EDM style of swing, similar to the Yolanda Be Cool & DCup “We No Speak Americano” (which was also based on a 50s record). The track is energetic, fun, and feels perfect for summertime poolside parties. While distinctively novel in flavor, I could easily seeing this being picked up by a lot of people for their iTunes/Spotify playlists and maybe even making it onto the radio as a fun summer record.
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SONG OF THE DAY: Susana & Ernesto vs Bastian with Wezz Devall – “Brave”
You have to respect those in the EDM community for embracing new young talent who work as mentors. At the young age of 23, Wessel Grift (aka Wezz Devall) has already released ten records including collaborations with W&W and also a solid remix of Cosmic Gate’s “Perfect Stranger.” He?s teamed up with Ernesto & Bastian and they’ve produced an incredibly strong track to start off Susana’s forthcoming second album. The track itself is quite dynamic with big room energy that drops down into an almost atmospheric break. A pretty buildup starting out of the drop turns dramatic and ends with a climactic pause until the beat returns full throttle. Susana’s vocals are strong yet plaintive as she wonders if she is strong enough to fall in love. “Brave? superbly fuses progressive sounds with a pop feel that will sound massive in clubs and even better on radio.
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