I was lost once, but now I'm found. It's been far too long since my last post here, but lucky for you that just means I've accumulated a crazy amount of good music to bestow upon the Bright & Shiny nation. Starting things off I have this Tiger Stripes remix which I literally haven't been able to stop blasting over the past week. Beatport randomly suggested it to me and it happens to be one of the bombest tracks I've come across in forever. A song that's equally appropriate for chilling at your house or in the middle of a deep, techy set late at night... I especially love the ultra-reverbed hook that comes in after the 2 minute mark.
download: Lee Jones - Aria (Tiger Stripes Remix)
Storm Queen's recent EP has received a ton of attention for the Aeroplane remix of it, but more on that later... The original is itself actually super bomb; an irresistible mix of soulful vocals with analog soaked synths.
download: Storm Queen - Look Right Through (Vocal Mix)
A classic from the Norwegian melody maker Todd Terje. Resident Advisor once perfectly described his sound as "that elusive feeling of having a supremely, impossibly good time." After listening to this track, I'd have to agree. (be sure to go back and check our post on "Inspector Norse" if you're not convinced)
download: Todd Terje - Eurodans (Original Mix)
Now back to that Storm Queen EP again. The Aeroplane remix is, predictably, straight dope. Typical Aeroplane, which means classy production and a groove that'll stick in your head from now till the end of time. In case you missed it, be sure to check out our interview with him for a look into the mind behind the plane.
downlaod: Storm Queen - Look Right Through (Aeroplane Remix)
Recently I stumbled upon the enigma that is Low Steppa and immediately had my mind blown. I can find all of zero information about him anywhere, he has basically no followings on facebook or soundcloud, and yet he makes the most unbelievably fresh music ever. A mixture of garage, electro, and all things dance-inducing, his sound is both completely unique and undeniably huge. Check some of his remixes and originals below.
download: Jack Beats - Drop The Pressure (Low Steppa Remix)
So I posted the video for this track a week or two back, and at the time I was undecided on how I felt about it. I've since changed my mind and come to the conclusion that this song is awesome, in particular because the rap sections with the little electro twerk behind them are insanely catchy. If you're wondering why the beat is so nice, it's because this little number was co-written by the one and only Boys Noize. Also featuring one of our latest obsessions, Azealia Banks.
download: Scissor Sisters - Shady Love (Featuring Azealia Banks)
My roomate has been throwing all sorts of good tunes my way recently. Which is great, and also makes me feel a little like a proud parent because I can remember introducing him to his first music blog over a year ago. This next monster of a track comes from him, and while we don't normally post moombahton, this beast is an exception to the rule. This song is mega in every sort of way, so big that I'm finding it hard coming up with words to describe it. I'll put it this way: play it loud when you're tryna get stupid.
download: Ear Jerker - Dirty Darla (Manics Remix)
This redub of a Depeche Mode classic has found its way into sets by Adrian Lux recently and I think with one listen you'll understand why. It builds nicely and then maintains a really high level of energy all the way through. For some reason it has a really retro feel to it for me, almost like it's from a racing movie in the 80's or something..
download: Depeche Mode - It's No Good (Jeremy Olander Edit)
And finally, in case you missed it, we're trying to give you FREE TICKETS to go see the one and only A-Trak this weekend. I know, I know, just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any better. All you have to do is tweet us or tag us on facebook before 9PM Thursday and you'll have a chance at winning a free pair of tickets to friday's show at the legendary Mid in Chicago. For all information about the show CLICK HERE.
If you haven’t heard Oliver $’s Doin’ Ya Thang, get out from under that rock and check it out on Sir Real's post from back in the day. That track sampled vocal cuts from some performances by Detroit’s own, Moodyman, who is probably the realest dude you’ll ever come across, and an iconic figure in the world of house. This first track samples his Red Bull Music Academy interview and is quotable as hell and it meshes perfectly with this dope beat that Homework produced (remix courtesy of Andre Crom & Martin Dawson). If you have the time, I highly suggest you check it out; It’s actually less of him being interviewed than it is just him preaching to the crowd about life and music (word is bond). This second piece of Homework, I came across on youtube of all places and is probably one of the most aptly named songs I’ve heard in a while. If anybody can identify the original song they’re sampling I would be forever indebted to you. Let those dreamy synths wash over you.
To my chagrin, this Danny Daze jaint hasn’t been posted yet, so here it is in all its glory. Probably my favorite song by the man from Miami, it pretty much defines his sound in my eyes (err.. ears). Also, check this hilarious video that features this song and make sure to support him by purchasing it on Beatport. If you find yourself in the D.C. area over Thanksgiving, make sure to pay a visit to U Street Music Hall on the 26th to see this guy drop some knowledge.
Danny Daze - Your Everything feat. Louisahhh! [Stream Only]
I actually happened upon this while searching for the original version. I decided to give it a chance and ended up liking it more than the original so I guess this Katorski guy knows what’s good. It takes a while to develop but wait for the real rhythm to creep in after the two-minute mark.
Needless to say, the Dewaele brothers don’t fuck around. This promo for Radio Soulwax pretty much sums up how we envisioned this project being created. Be sure to look out for Augustus' detailed experience of them and many other stupid-good artists in his upcoming Hard Haunted Mansion review.
Gregori Klosman's newest single, Peacock, is a track that we've been waiting to see released for a long time ever since we first saw this tantalizingly awesome (but way too brief) video preview of it a while ago. I'm happy to say that the full release lives up to the high expectations we had for the track.. Straight up freaky and amazing tech house. Grab it on beatport here.
Download: Gregori Klosman - Peacock (Original Mix)
New Aeroplane remix is some great retro-funk house. The overtly sexual lyrics are kind of hilarious too. I'm not completely sold on the last drop where Vito decided to take it almost in a progressive house direction, though, but overall it's still a great song. For more info on Aeroplane be sure to check out our interview with him, and also go have a look at the whole recently released Cassius - Sound of Violence Remix EP that this was a part of, there are a couple other really great ones on there too (such as the Fedde Le Grande effort).
Download: Cassius - The Sound of Violence (Aeroplane Remix)
And finally, here's a slice of deep and baeleric tech-house from Spaniard Wally Lopez and (Cr2 record label boss) MYNC. My love for this sort of deeper, grooving tech house was totally rekindled after watching Leon, Steve Lawler, and Darius Syrossian (all part of the Viva Music crew) completely tear the house down with some thumping deeper beats at ID Fest in Washington DC yesterday. More on that later in our official review, though. For now, buy this release off of beatport and give it a listen below.
Download: Wally Lopez & MYNC - Esa Boca Linda (Original Mix)
After an amazing show on May 25th at U Street Music Hall in Washington D.C., I had the opportunity to sit down with Belgian music outfit Vito de Luca, otherwise known as Aeroplane. With a slew of fantastic remixes and one full length ablum, We Can't Fly, under his belt, Vito continues to top charts and play his music around the world. Even getting a chance to create the 500th Essential Mix for BBC1 Radio, Vito is recognized internationally by famous DJ's and fans alike. His style takes many influences from 80's style pop and disco music and has a unique feel that is sure to get you on your feet and dancing. Here's what the man had to say:
[Bright & Shiny Music] How do you feel about playing in the US versus playing in Europe and other places around the world?
Vito: The thing about the US is that I love playing here.The crowds are really open… There is so much music here and the people love to have a good time.But I really do not like this country as a place to be in.It is just so much different from Belgium and Europe, but the crowds are always amazing.I’m in New York tomorrow, LA the day after, Miami…Even people that haven’t ever heard of Aeroplane are just there to drink and have a good time and dance.
[Bright & Shiny Music] So how did you get into DJing and producing?
Vito: Well I was trained as a classical musician for 10 years or more.Then I got into rock bands and we were all making music influenced by other rock bands like Nirvana and Rage Against the Machine.One of my friends, somebody gave her a Homework record (Daft Punk) for her birthday, and she was like: I don’t want this so you can have it.When I played Daft Punk for the first time I was just like… Whoa, there’s something going on here… That’s really when I started getting into production.
[Bright & Shiny Music] I’m a classically trained musician as well and I find that sometimes my musical training, especially in music theory, can be a bit stifling due to all of the conventions that I’ve learned.Do you find that your training can sometimes inhibit your creativity?
Vito: There are so many artists that I love so much like James Jones and others, and at some point their music crosses a line that I cannot cross because of all of the theory that I’ve learned.
[Bright & Shiny Music] Yeah I have the same problem.I have a hard time breaking all of the rules that I’ve learned.
Vito: You can’t break them.It’s like gravity.You always go back to the rules.You have to stick with them.But sometimes when artists go a little outside of the box, that’s where you find a lot of musical genius.
[Bright & Shiny Music] What are your upcoming plans?Are you back in the studio soon?
Vito: I’m working right now on a compilation… and I have a lot of remixes that I’m working on.At the end of September I'm hoping that I can start on the new album that should be ready for February of next year.
[Bright & Shiny Music] So are you able to work on new material while touring or do you have to be settled down in the studio?
Vito: The problem with being a touring musician is that if I don’t have a piano or a guitar or a bass, it’s pretty hard to put little squares in little boxes on a computer screen and expect it to sound like real music. I have to have the actual instruments.
[Bright & Shiny Music] So what are your favorite instruments to record with?How much of your music is recorded from real instruments and how much of it is synthesized?
Vito: I mainly play bass and guitar on the tracks.I used to program a lot, like all the synths used to be midi programmed.I stopped doing that.I just play everything live now.There is a human feel to it.It is much more fun even.Trying to program some piano chords… to make it sound natural, it’s going to take you ages.It’s actually going to you less time to sit down at an actual piano to write a chord progression.
[Bright & Shiny Music] So most of your album was recorded at slower tempos like 105 bpm, which is much slower than standard dance/house/club music.Can you explain why you choose to compose at these slower tempos?
Vito: It is just the tempo that I prefer.It is a tempo that gives me the most, I don’t know… I hate the word groove, but I don’t know any other word for it than groove.I’m not quite sure how to explain it.When you play an instrument at that bpm, it can be really straight, loose…it just works all around.It’s the bpm of all of my favorite songs like Miss You by the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
[Bright & Shiny Music] So a lot of artists have remixed your work, do you have a couple favorites?
Vito:Well my favorite remix of my work is probably the next one coming up that you wouldn’t have heard of yet… And I can’t tell you who it is.I have to say the Rex the Dog remix of My Enemy is pretty big.I really struggled to get the remixes for that single.And I had to really push these two choices that I played: Green Velvet and Rex the Dog.And it’s funny because both of those remixes were exactly what I was expecting from those artists.The Rex the Dog remix is perfect Rex the Dog stuff and Green Velvet is perfect, stupid, repetitive Green Velvet stuff… but so great that it could go on for 12 minutes and you'd still love it.Perfect for people on drugs haha.
[Bright & Shiny Music] What is your favorite country in Europe to play in?
Vito: I’d have to say Belgium is pretty good.I played in Ghent last week with Moby, which was pretty random.It was the opening of a gallery and afterwards there was a party where Moby and I played.I have to say it was pretty much the best gig this year.I really love Belgium… It’s like a bit of the UK, a bit of the US… everybody is drunk but they know how to drink so they know how to party.We have a lot of dance music culture in Belgium.A lot of dance music was actually born in Belgium.But it’s always pretty great to play there.
[Bright & Shiny Music] Speaking of Moby, I saw both of you last September at Electric Zoo in NYC.How was playing that festival for you?
Vito: Umm… It was actually fucking awesome.
[Bright & Shiny Music] Will you be going back this year?
Vito: No, I’m not going back this year.It was kind of a nightmare situation before the gig actually.My plane was delayed, I landed late.Once I was finally ready to leave the airport the girl picking me up wasn’t picking me up… then she was.And then we had traffic jams, and I arrived half an hour into my set so I only got to play for one hour.So it was pretty shitty to fly in and out of New York for one gig.
[Bright & Shiny Music] Do you have a preference to playing at a big music festival like Electric Zoo as opposed to a club setting?
Vito: Electric Zoo was great.But I definitely prefer a crowd of about 150 to 200 people in a club.I love when you can’t hear the club and you can just hear the music.I hate when the bass drum resonates in the room and you can hear the sound of the club more than the music.If it’s a smaller club then I feel like the bass really hits the people and it’s a great feeling.
[Bright & Shiny Music] So what is your most memorable gig?Not necessarily the best, just something that stood out.
Vito: A lot of them are really memorable for reasons that I cannot really expose in an interview haha… So I’d have to say this one gig I played in Belgium for the anniversary of this really big club.It was total anarchy.People were going nuts.I could have played anything, and I mean ANYthing.Everybody was just partying and screaming and throwing champagne.There was a naked guy walking around… but then I found out that he is there every weekend and is always naked haha.That was one of my biggest gigs of all time.
One of our first gigs in Glasgow, we played in a room in a school.It was a math club… for people who love math and do math together, something I will never understand.So we get there and there are about 80 people and it was really quiet.They told us we were on, so I put on my first record and they asked us to crank the volume.All of a sudden it was like animals coming out of trees… the whole dance floor was nuts, I can’t explain.Girls were taking their tops off.I remember when one person asked for the Soulwax remix of MGMT.That was the first time we ever played it and I really thought the whole place was going to collapse.People were hitting the walls, throwing shit… I’m telling you girls were taking their clothes off haha.Some guys even started taking their pants off.People pouring out from everywhere… All in the math club.
[Bright & Shiny Music] So Aeroplane used to be a duo… How do you think your sound has evolved and matured over time since the breakup?
Vito: Ah dude that’s a big question for 2 am.Well since we’ve been working separately, you can definitely tell who was bringing what to our music.The way the sound has evolved now has not been because I’ve been trying to do something differently, it’s just that I’ve learned and experimented.For instance the Friendly Fires remix that I did was mainly luck. I just messed around for a while.The first time I played it in a club they had to stop the music because there was this weird bass frequency playing just below the track.It was like 15 or 20 Hz.I don’t even know how we did that.It was like we just put one single sine wave throughout the track haha.But yeah… I have no idea how or why my sound has evolved.
[Bright & Shiny Music] So you’re not really conscious per se of how your sound has changed?
Vito: No, you can’t really be conscious about it.You just wake up in the morning and you have something in your head and you just try and replicate what you’re imagining.Most of my inspiration comes from classical pop music like Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd.My only goal is perfection because these guys were sounding perfect.I am not really sure if I attained my goal with the album, but I can only hope that other people enjoy what I make.But yeah… it’s been about two and half years since I recorded the album.There are actually some tracks on it that I don’t really like.
[Bright & Shiny Music] Which ones are you referring to?
Vito: There are some tracks that I’m disappointed with what they are versus what they could have been.Like for instance Fish in The Sky… It’s there, but it’s not exactly where I wanted to take it.And it’s sort of upsetting because I have to listen to it for the rest of my life and not necessarily feel satisfied with it.
[Bright & Shiny Music] Do you feel that way about a lot of the stuff you’ve done in the past?
Vito: Well I don’t think it’s a natural feeling of an artist to not be happy with their work, because when I do something I like, I know it.It’s really difficult because I’m a composer and a “sound engineer”.Sound wise it’s hard to get to the point I want to be at… because I’m writing all the harmonies and arrangements and creating the sounds.
[Bright & Shiny Music] So is listening to the album now a totally different experience than when you first recorded it?
Vito: I don’t listen to the album anymore.I’ve listened to that fucking album for three years… I think I’m done with it.You listen to any album for three years and you’ll get sick of it.
[Bright & Shiny Music] Yeah I’m sure you get sick of playing ‘I Crave Paris’ at every gig.
Vito: Yeah I did this thing on twitter where I was like, are you guys ok if I stop playing ‘I Crave Paris’?And I had people hating me and freaking out.It is like my own version of ‘Satisfaction’ by the Rolling Stones.I have noticed though that in Europe it goes down not as well as it did last year. So that's good.
[Bright & Shiny Music] Haha maybe it’s on the outs.
Vito: I would love that actually haha.It’s not that I don’t like the track, I’m just over it.Most of the tracks that I play in my DJ sets last for a month and a half, two months max...Then they are replaced by something else.Paris is the only track that lasted for like…four fucking years.I’ve gotten to a point like Kurt Cobain where he couldn’t handle playing Smells Like Teen Spirit anymore.
[Bright & Shiny Music] Alright well we have to get going now but thanks a lot for talking to us and giving us the opportunity to interview you.
Every year around February I find myself wondering where all of the fantastic music I regularly download en masse has gone. But, in the words of the great Lil Wayne, "da drought is ova." As we near WMC 2011, the music will only get better and better.
If you thought the break up was gonna be an issue, think again. Showcasing Vito De Luca's notoriously funky style, this track should be celebrated as a return to form for Aeroplane. Human League - Never Let Me Go (Aeroplane Remix)
Gregor Salto has impressed me as of late with the massive scale of his progressive house productions, but this one is different. Whoeverthe Flexican is, he's a fantastic influence on young Gregor, adding a latin flavor to the mix which ultimately turns into an acid trip to the cumbia club. Gregor Salto, The Flexican - Maldita Cumbia (Original Mix)
I came across Hatiras by chance a few weeks ago whilst browsing beatport and was immediately impressed by his production finesse. This track is halfway between progressive house and electro: a recipe for dance floor success. Just ask Laidback Luke, who's already supporting this banger reminiscent of his remix of MSTRKRFT's "Heartbreaker." Nu-Gen - Mopho (Hatiras Remix)
Last and most wonderful comes Prince Club. We've been showing these Canadian boys a lot of love recently, and I want you to know this is no mistake. The unique depth of their productions is positively refreshing and if they keep churning out tunes with such consistency I may be forced to create a label just so I can sign them myself. Prince Club - 303's & 808's
Finally, I had the pleasure of both seeing and speaking with world-class act Avicii last night at the Mid, Chicago so be on the look out for a brand new, exclusive Bright & Shiny interview with Tim Berg himself!
I am very thankful that this blog exists so it can function as a constant distraction from the work the I should be doing at all times. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as we do. As the great Nietzsche once said, "Without music, life would be a mistake".
Despite the mixed reviews of Aeroplane's latest album, We Can't Fly, Vito Deluca remains one of my favorite producers. Aeroplane's high flying melodies and compelling harmonizations give his music an intangible quality that just exudes dramatic vitality. Growing up as a classically trained pianist, it's no wonder that Vito has such masterful control over the emotions in his music. Transcending genres and touching on many different styles simultaneously, Aeroplane manages to capture the attention of musicians all over the world. Currently on a world tour, I have not doubt that Vito will maintain his iconoclastic reputation by consistently surprising us with new original material. If for some reason you're in Greece tonight, catch his performance at the Shark Club in Thessaloniki.
Here we have a remix that Aeroplane did of Chromeo's Don't Turn The Lights On. This song is just filled with wonderful chord progressions. Just listen to those awesome piano writing skills starting at around 3:35. Amen.
Here is a DJ set that he recently recorded for Paris' Le Mouv radio station. He really chooses a stellar tracklist, most of which you can find in the comments section on SoundCloud.
Included in that set is a sample of Breakbot's (!!!) new remix of Without Lies. All I can offer you at this time is the preview on Eskimo Recording's soundcloud. But seriously kids... I'm so excited to own this one in its full 320 glory.
Boston based dance duo Nightriders has done it again with their latest remix. High flying background synths and that smooth bassline really turn this track into nu disco/indie dance gold.
Todd Edwards is the master of the chop and rearrange effect. His abrupt cuts create amazing lines and he truly puts some funky pep in the step of this song. Don't you deny it. Take a chance on love.
Now this one is a bit uncharacteristic of me. This here track is quite a banger. Something you might hear in a set by the likes of mad man Busy P. With it's ascending chromatic scales and whatnot, It really gives off that crazy rave vibe that many of us know probably a little too well. Disco Of Doom really captures the mood with this one. Sex face indeed.
Facing the Sun is a very appropriate song title for this Fritz Kalkbrenner production. Perfect for that Sunday drive through the country side or nap in the hammock, this track beautifully utilizes repeating harp lines and airy vocals.
This smashing disco remix by Tonka absolutely serves its funky purpose. The groovy vibe will no doubt pack that dance floor with disco loving coolcats. Great vocals by Denmark's own 23 year old Mercedes.
Opptimo is a new turkish producer on brand new label, La Bombe records. He just released an EP by the name of Travellers. This new single, Locate, will be available for purchase tomorrow (Nov. 8). For now, I apologize for the 128. Beggars can't be choosers though, so shut up.
Here's a great Phonat remix of said track, Travellers. I was unaware we needed more disco in this song, but thankfully Mr. Michele Balduzzi has better incite than I do.
Now mashups are a tricky thing. The interweb is flooded with a million shitty mashups that tend to diminish the quality of both songs involved, but there are always exceptions. This one, boys and girls, is truly a marvel. A 3 song mashup that not only does justice to all songs involved, but also sound incredible. No lie, I'm so happy I have another reason to listen to Kid Cudi's vocals from Day and Night. Yet again, thank you LBCK.
It occurred to me today that where most of you guys are right now, summer is coming to a close and fall is slowly creeping in. Unless you're one of our readers from the southern hemisphere, of course.. in which case it's becoming springtime... which is seriously fucked up.. but anyways I just got to Santa Barbara, California today, where it's more or less summer all year long. In honor of that incredible fact, I present to you the ultimate summer playlist. (not including the plethora of great summer jams that we've already posted, obviously)
This first one is a brand new Bit Funk remix of a Grum track. I'm surprised that the world didn't end from an excess of awesomeness when they decided to collaborate. Definitely hope to see more of this combination in the future.
Ah yes, Sun Is Up by Inna. This song reminds me of watching the sun rise on a beach in Ibiza next to Simian Mobile Disco with my boys Will and Pete (shout out). It also reminds me of getting mugged at sunset on that same beach 15 hours later. Sweet and sour. Gotta love the summer.
Summertime, and the livins easy. Especially when Snoop Dogg shows up out of nowhere high as shit and decides to run a train all over a classic sublime song.
Alright so not much to say today since I'm taking over for Sir Real while he moves in to Northwestern, but here's your daily selection of Bright & Shiny tunes (you know we'd never forget about you)
