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.

Notable Dance Podcast 003

Sander Van Doorn, Mark Knight vs Underworld – Ten (Radio Edit)
Tritonal ft Underdown – Bullet That Saved Me (Original)
deadmau5 & Imogen Heap – Telemiscommunications (Crookers)
Shiny Toy Guns – Somewhere to Hide (Andy Caldwell)
Afrojack – Air Guitar (Original Mix)
R3hab, Nari & Milani, Mync – Back Again (Original Mix)
Kill the Buzz – Bouncing Betty (Original Mix)
Erick Morillo, Harry Romero & Jose Nunez – Jungle Blood
Calvin Harris ft Ellie Goulding – I Need Your Love (Nicky Romero)
Gabriel and Dresden ft Molly Bancroft – Tracking Treasure Down (Dyro)
Beltek – Connect Us (Original)
4 Strings ft Seri – Ready to Fall (Original)
Emma Hewitt – Crucify (Clinton VanSciver)