All summer long, Verboten has been killing it with their techno/deep house/tech house parties all over the city and they are showing no signs of letting up. I initially was really looking forward to the Guy Gerber Supplement Facts boat cruise but ended up missing it due to some last minute vacation time. Thanks to Verboten, I was given a second chance at glory and immediately purchased Hot Creations tickets upon their release.
We started off the night exploring the massive boat, the Hornblower Infinity, which apparently can hold 700 - 1,000 people. As per usual, Verboten kept it at a reasonable capacity where there was plenty of room to dance and mingle with everyone. After exploring the boat's ins and outs while dancing to the music all around us, we ended up on the top deck with Infinity Ink who absolutely crushed it. We first recognized some Dirtybird tracks such as Justin Martin's Ruff Stuff:
Hit the jump to read the rest of our review below.
Way back at last year's Identity Festival, one of the most underrated acts there (and one of my personal favorites) had to have been Booka Shade. They do not grace the US with their presence all that frequently as they are touring all over the globe so you have to take what you can get in the form of studio releases normally.
Last week, Booka Shade released their Honeyslave EP and in typical Booka Shade fashion it did not disappoint. Although only 4 tracks long with 2 being club mixes of the original songs Honeyslave and Tomorrow Belongs to Us it certainly makes for a great listen. I especially enjoyed the club mix of Tomorrow Belongs to Us as the groove slowly builds throughout and brings in the semi-robotic vocals in a more atmospheric form later. The original of that same song is just as good but obviously is more chill and I tend to prefer the more danceable versions of most songs. Check out the EP in it's entirety below thanks to Dimmak Records via YouTube and make sure to purchase it via Beatport if you like what you hear.
We split up this post based on which writer knew each artist the best, so enjoy. Also, right up front we'd like to give serious props to Made Event for another incredibly smoothly run event. There's no doubt you guys are one of the best in the business.
Pleasurekraft
Oh Pleasurekraft, I have been waiting to see you for years now and FINALLY was able to catch you guys (at least 1 of the 2). I was running on about 3 hours of drunken sleep when I got there but I made myself go and it was so worth it despite almost falling asleep on the boat over. Needless to say, once I stepped foot off that ferry that thumping bass immediately woke me up especially when I heard the unmistakable carny/circus-like sounds of Pleasurekraft starting up.
If I do recall correctly, the first Pleasurekraft jam I recognized was one of their newer songs, Murdered Out featuring Belocca. This was only a brief sampling of their own collection to start, as the tech house vibes continued to groove further along into the night picking from songs other than their own to ease everyone in.
Pleasurekraft - Satyr Song (Original Mix) at Gov's Island
Another highlight from this streak of songs was the fact that the sample for Skeleton Key was revealed although I still have been unable to find it myself. Everyone thought the vibe was being switched to Trap randomly when in actuality you could hear the "I'm bigger than that" sample in all its true, higher pitched glory. This obviously was then picked up right into Skeleton Key for a full helping of their newest release with Green Velvet.
All in all, Pleasurekraft did the best of the night for me and I would love to see them again. Sadly, I could not muster enough energy for the up-close and personal after party at LPR as my body hated from the damage I had done to it in the days prior. Rumor has it that they could be returning to NYC with Green Velvet later in the Fall so keep your ears at the ready for that, I know I will. I just can't get enough of that ol' apple pie melody.
Ps. If anyone can ID the song that had a sample along the lines of "You always sayin' how tough work was today, well guess what? You ain't at work. DANCE", I will love you forever and ever.
Here's another mix I recorded the other day. One or two tracks are older, most are newer, but they're all of the highest quality. Mostly deep/tech house with a bit of techno peppered in there. Feel free to comment / message me and let me know your thoughts...I'm a big fan of feedback. And follow me on Soundcloud! Cheers.
Tracklist (which is also in the itunes ID3 tag under "lyrics"):
1. Odd Parents - Fame feat. Mp (Catz n Dogz & Martin Dawson Sweet Saturday Mix)
2. Adana Twins - Strange
3. Still Going - Work that Shit Party (Instrumental Mix)
4. Thugfucker - Disco Gnome (Tale of Us Remix)
5. Fuckpony - Bongo Porn (Tale of Us Edit)
6. Oliver Lieb - Extrasolar
7. Julio Bashmore - Au Seve (Original Mix)
8. Marc Romboy & Stephen Bodzin - Atlas (Gui Boratto Remix)
9. Dosem - Replicants (Edu Imbernon & Coyu Remix)
10. Smart & Dreher - Moustage (Mollono Bass Remix)
11. Sasha & Krister Linder - Cut Me Down (Kastis Torrau Donatello feat. Arnas D Remix
Writing about the Sasha Sunset Cruise got me stoked on all the new music I've been getting lately, so I decided to lay down a little set last night. Slower, smooth deep house tunes. Hope you enjoy.
-wins1o
Tracklist:
1. DJ T. - Leaving Me ft. Khan (David August Remix)
2. Linus Quick ft. Mike Jones - Chillaxing (Sven Weisemann's Relaxing Dub Mix)
3. Lee M Kelsall - On the Road (Matt Fear Remix)
4. Noir & Haze - Around (Solomun Vox Remix)
5. Clockwork and Avatism - Hail (Avatism Remix)
6. Munk - Mis Labios (Black Van Remix)
7. Bo Saris - She's On Fire (Maya Jane Coles Remix)
8. James Curd - Decadence (Richard Richard Remix)
9. Justin Martin - Don't Go (Original Mix)
10. Todd Terje - Snooze 4 Love (Original Mix)
11. Tanner Ross - Goodbye, Summer (Original Mix)
12. Daniel Solar - Say What (Original Mix)
13. Hot Chip - Flutes
James Teej, Sasha, and Thugfucker respectivelyPhoto: Dan Frey
I was fortunate enough to be on the Sasha's Never Say Never 4th of July Sunset Cruise this year, and I'm quite confident it was probably best party I've ever been to. For those of you new to this scene, this was the 2nd annual (I think?) Sasha Sunset Cruise on the 4th of July in NYC. Picture a night partying with 200 of your closest friends with some of the best DJs in the world on the decks. On a superyacht. In the Hudson. Under the fireworks. There's really no question why this is one of the most magical and coveted EDM events on the calendar.
For the record, I wasn't technically with "200 of my closest friends." I boarded the yacht knowing 2 other people, but I left as friends with what felt like the whole boat. You just can't even imagine the positive vibes out there...totally overwhelming how warm and inviting everyone was. This is really what it's all about folks. Just all walks of life coming together for one amazing celebration.
This year we were on the Lady Windridge, a 170' beast of a luxury yacht that has been used several times over the years down at WMC for Sasha / Digweed parties. Everyone got to the Chelsea piers around 4, we boarded by 5, and cast off by 6. Of course the music started at 4, however.
James Teej warmed up the party during the boarding process, with Thugfucker coming on shortly after casting off. Teej came back on around 7:30, then turned it over to Sasha shortly before sunset. Overall, the mixing was fairly free-flowing though; and by the end of the night, all of them were essentially going back to back, which was faaaaaaantastic. Ever wonder what happens when 4 phenomenal DJs are going track for track trying to pull from the depths of their record boxes? Its a beautiful thing. I would kill for the entire track list, but I'm sure several of them were private edits / unreleased.
Now that I got the basics out of the way, time for a TON of track IDs and some videos from the evening.
Three huge names, all on one island, in downtown New York City, on the same day. I feel like I don't even need to say anything else really but if I must elaborate and convince some of you then continue reading.
Before I begin to explain, if you are into deep house, tech house, techno, and tribal house at all then just do yourself a favor and buy a ticket right now, I guarantee you won't regret it. First off, Danny Tenaglia is a straight legend, especially around New York City. As far as locals go, no one could possibly be bigger than Tenaglia. The man has played everywhere imaginable and truly knows house music as he has been killing it since forever ago. He never plays a set (or transition for that matter) twice, as any quality DJ should. He is the true meaning of what a DJ is, no pre made set where you simply press play, you hear what he wants and feels at that moment. If you missed him at EDC NY or at Pacha this week then I urge you to come even if it is just for him.
Secondly, John Digweed takes more of the progressive house style but has largely been influenced by his close friend Sasha. Sasha recently played an epic boat party that my friend wins1o will write about shortly but let me just say that Digweed is up to par with Sasha so prepare for greatness here as well. He played at EZoo last year and was dominating the main stage (kind of wish he was in the Sunday School tent but whatever). Below I have posted some of his remixes that are in a word, timeless.
Lastly, and most importantly in my opinion, are Pleasurekraft. I have been waiting for them to come to NYC (and begging them to do so) for the past couple years. I missed them at Cielo last year in May and have been awaiting their return ever since. Hopefully, we will get the both of them but I fear this may not be the case. Either way I cannot wait for them, as every single release since Tarantula has been a treat. From Tarantula to Carny to The Main Ingredient to Skeleton Key (released today), every song is spectacular with that signature circus sound that only Pleasurekraft can deliver. Prepare for some of that old apple pie melody to shine through all day and night at Governor's Island.
Tickets can be found here and a couple preview tracks are below after the jump. Prepare yourself for one of the best overall house shows that will ever be in NYC. Do not sleep on this one folks.
Hungover at the office this morning? Me too! Now that you've probably pounded some gatorade and choked down a handful of ibuprofen, here's some seriously groovy deep house / tech house to get you through the day:
I was planning on making this post yesterday because of how catchy this song is then completely forgot about it until this morning. It has been stuck in my head all morning long and is just too damn catchy. If you haven't heard of the Percolator then I doubt you have listened to tech house or deep house music that much as it is played pretty often. If you hear it once, it will immediately be stuck in your head. The original is by Cajmere, of whom will be playing on August 3rd in NYC at Highline Ballroom.
Below, I have posted 3 fantastic remixes of this track from Jamie Jones, Claude VonStroke, and Dada Life. I would go out on a limb here and say that the Claude VonStroke remix is my favorite (and really hope I get to hear it at Electric Zoo from him). Give each a listen below and prepare to be saying "It's Time for the Percolator" for the next couple of days.
Cajmere - Percolator (Jamie Jones Vault Remix)
Cajmere - Percolator (Claude VonStroke Remix)
Cajmere - Percolator (Dada Life Guerilla Fart #11)
Ever since their earlier smash release of Tarantula, I have been an enormous fan of Pleasurekraft. This duo consistently pumps out tech house bangers that have a very distinct, almost circus-like feel that truly is unique. Their newest collaboration with Green Velvet blows everything they've done already out of the water. If you have never heard of Pleasurekraft then at least check this out for the legendary Green Velvet. The track below, Skeleton Key, will be released on July 6th so for now, check out this exclusive clip from the Annie Mac show. I'll also be creating a full post with all of my favorite Pleasurekraft tracks once this banger is released in full. Now if only we could get them to come around for a show in NYC, my life would then be complete (this is me begging you both to come to NYC asap).
Pleasurekraft ft. Green Velvet - Skeleton Key (Original MIx)
Bonus tech house track from Audiojack, really been digging this new jam:
While browsing through the latest offerings on beatport today I stumbled into this great little track from Christian Smith. I must admit that I was drawn in by the title of this track as it is the city that currently call home. Get ready for 7 minutes of good ol' fashioned tech house. Further exploration of this Toolroom Records Ibiza EP led me to a new Kaiserdisco track called Semiramis. Check out both below and make sure to get the whole EP here!
As of late, I have been on an amazing adventure down the tech/deep house road and it has been a magical ride to say the least. We will now be posting more tech/deep house along with the usual variety of new music (disco/big room house/dubstep/drum and bass) that you had come to expect before. This tech/deep house will also accompany the usual in the venues section to the right which I will update tonight or tomorrow as there are a TON of new shows on the horizon.
For now, enjoy these gems (old and new) of deep/tech house. We recently saw Maya Jane Coles, Maceo Plex, Audiofly, and Maher Daniel at Beekman Beach Club and SRB Brooklyn and I highly recommend any of them as both shows were killer. Hopefully we can provide all the summer tuneage you all require so dearly.
Pleasurekraft & Belocca - Murdered Out (Original Mix)
Well then, I know it has been forever since my last post on here but I know some people are still somewhat interested in the new tunes I have come across. This post contains the freshest of the fresh, whether that mean really new or a couple months old, most all of these are guaranteed to be bangers in some regard. Disco, House, Tech House, Techno, Drum and Bass, you name it, this post has it. I won't go into much detail about all of these but definitely give each one at least a listen. Hopefully, this gap in posts won't happen again but how am I to know how busy I will be with work and friends. Also, check the right side as I have updated all upcoming shows at each venue again (finally, I know).
If you haven’t heard by now, Alex Ridha aka Boys Noize is putting together a 2 disc compilation of his best remixes. As an avid fan of this German techno god, this has greatly excited me as it’s an opportunity to pick up some quality remixes that I may have missed along the way. Now we all know the classics like Swoon, My Moon My Man, and many more (and if not, come on doood…) but there are some seriously top notch tracks that I was hearing for the first time. The full compilation will be released this Monday December 5, but Alex has been so kind to provide us with a full tracklist so we can all get a head start. Here are some of my favorite new (to me) tracks that I have picked up, and I suggest you all do the same.
Justice- Phantom Pt. II (Boys Noize ‘Unreleased’ Turbine Remix)
You’ve probably heard the version of this remix that was released by Justice. This version is fairly similar except for some minor changes in the beginning. But once the song hits the 4 minute mark Alex throws in a little acid surprise that compliments the already fantastic remix oh so well.
Gonzales- Working Together (Boys Noize Remix)
I have actually been a big fan of this song for quite some time, but I don’t think it’s that widely known so I figured I would share. It’s a fun track that’s groovy and glitchy all at the same time. It’s tracks like this that show off how versatile and talented of a producer he really is.
Para One- Dudun Dun (Boys Noize Remix)
This one is weird and acidic and everything I love most about Boys Noize. Once the beat drops around the 2 and a half minute mark, you can’t help but grind your teeth in anger (which is of course how any good acid song is measured).
Apparat- Arcadia (Boys Noize Remix)
The first half is light and melodic, and just when he lulls you to sleep, Alex turns this into a tech-house tune so bouncy yet chilled out, you cant help but tap your foot to it.
Make sure you check out the rest of the compilation, because there are plenty of other gems in there. And if you ever get the chance to check out Boys Noize live don’t pass it up, he never disappoints.
Keep it weird, and keep it fraiche.
Hank Alfresco
Ps. Apologies for the lack of posting by that lazy bum lamebrain. Make sure to give him some good hating when you get a chance.
I don't know what has happened the past couple weeks. I hadn't found anything that really wowed me for so long and it was non stop partying/working I think I flat out forgot to listen to good music. Have no fear though, after a nice Sunday off from the bar, I have regained my true self and have found good music once again.
The first song below is by the one and only Trentemoller, who is amazing and also playing at Webster Hall next weekend, right before Wolfgang actually (but you have to buy tickets to both to see both, they empty the venue between the two or so they say). It's a beyond chill song which I feel like every M83 song must be, even if it's remixed.
That one was a full song, the below is simply a preview. Call this fratstep, brostep, or what have you but I still love Feed Me no matter what. And in case you haven't heard, he will be opening for Deadmau5 at Roseland Ballroom (I believe at all shows) along with Excision. If you have ever missed any performance by Feed Me I strongly suggest you check him out at the very least, one of my favorite live shows every time I've seen him. Check the radio rip of his newest song below with Hadouken. I still prefer the electro side of Feed Me but dubstep also kills it (lets be real, Blood Red and Cloudburn are two of my favorites ever).
Feed Me ft. Hadouken! - Trap Door
Alright fine, one more to thank all of you for sticking around and checking back. Tommy Noble has recently become one that I always watch for as I love electro house in general but he never seems to let me down. Just listen below and check out anything and everything he has ever put out there. Pure electro gold.
And one more from the very unknown Ton!c, this actually came on randomly as I was typing all of that nonsense above. Huge fan of this song already and I am currently hearing it for the first time right now. Enjoy it with me (if you can listen to it the minute after I post this...).
Have to say I was very pleased to get an email about this mix being put up today on Soundcloud. We tried to see Umek at Electric Zoo but apparently he had gotten sick so he couldn't make the show. Disappointing as that was, we can all listen to this awesome live mix from him at Space, Ibiza. Perfect to get you in the zone and have some background tunes to work to. Most people I talk to prefer no lyrics when trying to work so this is the best possible mix for that. Check it out below and make sure to keep an eye out for any Umek releases as he tears it up every time.
Well, we actually do love remixes here but these are both for the actual song "We Love" by Sneaky Sound System. I really am not sure which I like better out of these but if you know any other jams by Bart B More or Pleasurekraft then you pretty much know what to expect below. Bart brings his fast pace to the track with a great synth line coupled with great use of vocals. Pleasurekraft keeps it pretty chill and tech house-ish, keeping true to their normal sound. Take a listen below but it really depends on my mood as to which I like better.
TAI has just released a FREE DOWNLOAD of his autumn mix! If you heard his summer mix he gave out back in May than you already know this dude has some serious talent. This one features some amazing techno from the likes of Gessafelstein, Djedjotronic and an unreleased monster from TAI and Bart B More. Once again his excellent mixing skills show why he is one of the producers to keep an eye on. Enjoy
Lots more new music, most of it being techno in origin. We start off with a new EP that will be released on Beatport on June 27th by BeatauCue. This is a mini mix and there really isn't much telling what song is what but it is good regardless and I suggest at least a listen.
Next we have some pretty new Savoy of whom, if you didn't know already, will be playing at Webster Hall this Friday with Zedd. This should be one hell of a show and I recommend exploring more Savoy if you don't know much about them. This song comes with a free download as well.
And last but certainly not least is another remix by Crazibiza which may be my favorite of the bunch. This could very well be because I'm more of a house fan than techno but whatever, I like what I like. A bit of a let down that it's only a 2:36 clip but it's quite tasty regardless. I definitely need to increase my collection of Crazibiza tunes.
For those of you that haven't seen, TAI released an hour long DJ mix not so long ago. Among the many techno jams found in this masterful mix are a few unreleased bangers from D.I.M and TAI including the much anticipated Ion which has been dropped by just about everyone this summer from Boys Noize to Gessafelstein. Take a listen below and go to TAI's soundcloud to catch a full tracklisting.
