[PREMIERE] AIRE ATLANTICA - THINGS I HATE ABOUT U (FT. TZAR)

This ish goes harddd! So incredibly stoked and honored to get to premiere this track for you today. It immediately intrigues you from the beginning and picks up energy gradually as Tzar starts to air out her feelings toward her love/hate relationship partner. And then Aire Atlantica’s commanding production envelops you and begins to take hold over every part of your body and mind that responds to bass. The snappiest of trap snares crack over a swaying hip hop beat with an assortment of rich synth chords guiding the melodic line. Vocal chops provide striking moments of expression as staccato accents on Tzar’s legato lyric delivery. By all of this, what I’m really trying to say is that Aire goes IN on this track and I hope to see this live on a massive sound system at some point, but for now my headphones will do just fine.

SNUGS - RADIO SILENCE (FEAT. HAILZ)

With a name like Snugs, it’s gotta be good. This is probably the most uniquely branded DJ/Producer project I’ve ever seen, and the music is actually great. Little is known about Snugs, other than that the face of the project is an adorable light blue blob with a snaggletoothed smirk and the slogan “Get Comfortable.” But what I care about is whether the music is good, and as mentioned, it’s great. Debut single “Radio Silence” featuring vocalist HAILZ is a bright and shimmering dance pop record with effervescent and meticulously crafted production that will make newbie Soundcloud producers’ jaws drop. Within this one release, there’s hooky songwriting, high-energy builds and drops, sonic easter eggs, and loads of smile-inducing vibes. I’ll have this one on repeat for a while.

SLANDER - SUPERHUMAN FEAT. ERIC LEVA (PAPERWINGS REMIX)

Almost exactly one month ago, I wrote a piece on Slander's "Superhuman" ft. Eric Leva. Calling it "a testament to the theory of EDM diversity" while taking careful notice of "the inclusion of subtle, yet striking brass instruments [that] defines 'Superhuman' as its own distinct track." One month, and one day later I am pleased to share with our BB friends, the Paperwings remix of Superhuman. L.A-based producers, a twosome, Paperwings stated that their remix, "is something a little chiller than our other songs." A Soundcloud claim that is definite, but ambiguous regarding key details. But, that's what we're here for. The remix is affably outspoken, distinct from the original track, yet remains respectful and mindful of the OG composition. The dimension added by Paperwings is cheeky and bright, bubbly and friendly- more romance. There is a gentleness added to the flip, an audible representation of a smile. The large, spacey bass structures are still present with a film of higher, more rapid frequencies atop. In and of itself, the remix is cinematic and bold. Check out the vibe! 

GAZZO - WATERFALL

Jersey's own Mike Gazzo is back again with a track that is 100% perfect for the summer vibes we're surrounded by. "Waterfall" is an endearing tune that is laid back and relaxing sped along by a heavy dose of ukulele that's present throughout. I could call this tropical, but it's a bit more than that. The vocal chops really define the chorus, and add a level of smirk to the tune that further solidify the good vibes. You can add this to your best summer Spotify playlist here.

PHIL GOOD - I MISS YOU

One of the coolest things about the modern day music industry is the existence of artists who do everything on their own. There is a growing contingent of artists who are the all-in-one singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Los Angeles-based Phil Good is one of this new breed of creators. He burst onto the scene last year with infectious debut single "Sleeping In" and has since followed up with a couple great remixes (including this one by Sean Turk), a killer collab with k?d, and sophomore burner "Growing Up" — you could say we're fans.

This week he shares his third solo track "I Miss You" which is yet another emotionally relatable record with catchy melodies and upbeat bouncy contemporary production. I've been blasting this one and singing it everywhere from my commute to the shower. Give it a listen and you will be too.

Phil himself shared a short story about the song:

“I Miss You is the first song in a while that just poured out of me. I wrote it during a visit home last Christmas on one of my best friends' couch while looking out at a pretty incredible wintery view of Portland. Everything was movie-perfect except for the fact that the love of my life with was not there with me. I think writing and producing this song really helped me better understand this project and pave a clearer path of the future of Phil Good and the type of catchy-but-not-too-happy music I want to make.” - Phil Good

EMMIT FENN - MODERN FLAME (FEAT. YUNA)

Back in December, we introduced you to Emmit Fenn, the Los Angeles-based artist who writes, produces, and sings darkly-tinged post-EDM genre-bending music. He demonstrates a solid grasp on various production styles including pop, hip hop, and future bass. His delicate voice also contrasts effortlessly with the highly dynamic elements of his production. On his latest track “Modern Flame”, which features the incredible Yuna, he's found himself the perfect duet partner for his first collab. The Malaysian songstress’ silky smooth pop/R&B vocals provide a similar understated topline to Fenn’s, which together strike the perfect balance with the track’s production. Listeners like me are definitely eager to see what other collaborations Fenn has coming next!

ERA ISTREFI - REDRUM FEAT. FELIX SNOW

This is a littler longer than my usual posts, but I dove deep into the story behind this track and just decided to throw on my aspiring journalist hat for a few minutes. So bare with me kiddos. If you read it all, you deserve a cookie. Let me know...seriously, I'll bake you some.

Albania is a country that receives little recognition this side of the Atlantic, but has spawned some incredible musical talent over the years. Notable recent musicians from Albania or of Albanian descent include Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa, and Action Bronson. The artist I've chosen to feature today, Era Istrefi is a name most Americans probably haven't heard, but the young Albanian female singer-songwriter has quickly become a small legend in her part of the world. Last year she released a hooky AF sensual pop-EDM number in "Bonbon" which racked up stream counts and video views in the hundreds of millions--and even got remix treatments from the likes of Marshmello and Post Malone. Her latest single"Redrum" once again showcases a voice that carries the sex appeal of Rihanna and Dua Lipa with the mystique and allure of Kiiara and Alunageorge. When you combine that level of vocal prowess and carefully-crafted-to-be-sung-along-to-in-a-club pop songwriting and production, you get the kind of record that has the potential to be a global hit across continents and cultures. 

The producer also deserves equal credit. If you're not in the music industry you may not know his name (if you are I'd be shocked if you don't) but Felix Snow is a legendary producer/writer/industry powerhouse who has his hand in a veritable plethora of endeavors and continues to churn out hit after hit. You've heard his work on songs by Kiiara (one of 2016's biggest hits, Gold"), Gallant, Rita Ora, and Selena Gomez, just to name some of his recent company. Expect to hear more and more of him, whether you know you're listening to him or not.

ZEDD - STAY (WITH ALESSIA CARA)

I’ll be honest, when I first heard this massive collab between two very much established artists I wasn’t immediately sold on it. The Chainsmokers have hooked the general public on simple chill future bass pop and it seems that a lot of other artists are trying to get in on this trend. Part of me wants to shame Zedd for following in this direction. I’ve been a fan of his since before “Clarity” and my first thought was that this was a “safe” song. But after coming back to it after a few listens, the catchy songwriting began to grow on me, and I like what he did keeping the production fairly minimal in parts. He’s still a really cool guy in my book, especially for throwing this upcoming fundraising concert for the ACLU at the STAPLES Center on April 3rd with quite the lineup of other socially conscious mainstream artists.

BREATHE CAROLINA X IZII - ECHO (LET GO) (SEAN TURK REMIX)

It’s been exciting to watch Sean Turk start to make a name for himself over the past 10 months. He has an undeniably smooth and vibey production style which straddles indie, pop, and dance while also bringing a little something fresh to every new release. He calls it “Bedroom Bass” which sort of describes it, but it’s more universal than that. 

This latest remix is his first official release for Spinnin’ Records. He’s taken Breathe Carolina and IZII’s “ECHO (LET GO)” which is a great emotional pop/electronic ballad and given it a darkly-tinted future bass makeover. Lush silky synths, pretty piano flourishes, thick wavey chords, and an assortment of powerful yet intricate beats adorn this masterpiece of a rework. Definitely excited to see an original from him, hopefully soon!

Grab yourself a DL HERE or listen on Spotify HERE