Dreamscape Artist Spotlight: Metrik

Posted by admin on May 1, 2015 in Featured, Latest, Noise | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

Dreamscape is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to join Badvss Raves and all of you at Camp Ramblewood May 8-10. In the days leading up to the festival, we’re hoping to get you better acquainted with some of the artists playing the festival; if you read about them here on the AltFreq page, you should definitely catch their performances at Dreamscape.

Liquid drum ‘n’ bass is a big deal here at AltFreq. Existing on a wide spectrum – from those upbeat ragged bouncers to more soothing minimal turns – it’s a genre that has the power to both move you and make you move. Today’s spotlight features one of liquid’s most prevelant and prolific acts in recent memory: Metrik.

New Tune Tuesday (4/21/15)

Posted by admin on Apr 21, 2015 in Featured, Latest, New Tune Tuesday, Noise | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

Jayceeoh, B-Sides & Fawks – Jit Going Ham

The combined creation of VH1’s Master Of The Mix 2013 champion, a breezy trap up-and-comer, and a long-time AltFreq favorite, this hybrid future cut starts heavy and refuses to relent. Big synths and rhythmic clap patterns lead into a shuffling, detuned drop that hits the ears with serious weight & avoids easy labeling. Bridging the gap between progressive crowd-pleaser and hard-hitting underground gem, this three-pronged collab is prime fodder for both massive mainstages and sweaty basement clubs; expect to hear it rinsed by acts across the spectrum in the coming summer months.

New Tune Tuesday (3/31/15)

Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2015 in Featured, Latest, New Tune Tuesday, Noise | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

Nero – The Thrill (Fawks Flip)

Firing it up this week is Fawks, a multi-talented producer who’s quietly carved a home for himself in genres ranging from future house to liquid drum ‘n’ bass. This tune is a beautiful exercise in the latter, making the most of the uplifting synths and massive kicks of Nero’s original tune and augmenting them with skilled subtlety. The original vocals are kept intact, a choice that works to both connect the listener back to the original and pairs perfectly with the tempo shift. Grab this one as a free download and show support for a rapid riser who you’ll be hearing plenty more from in the near future.

GRiZ – Say It Loud

Funky see, funky do: The long-awaited follow-up to Rebel Era is finally here, and it’s a statement from the Detroit-based sax symbol. The message? “I’m here to stay and I’m ready to play.” The formula remains relatively unchanged, as Grant brings his tenured ear for funked-out productions and his laudable skills on the saxaphone (Big Gigantic who?) to bear on eleven new tracks. Where the producer’s fourth album differs is in the details. Say It Loud gives us a wider range of genres and production elements than its predecessors, a testament to GRiZ’s maturity as an artist. Check back soon for a full-length review!

Weekend Wind-Down No. 11: Liquidity

Posted by admin on Dec 7, 2014 in Featured, Latest, Noise, Weekend Wind-Downs | 0 comments

–Words and list by Kevin Madert

It’s always fun when we can wind it down in the same sphere of the musical universe as we wound it up. It’s is a dreamy meander compared to Friday’s frantic sprint – the term “liquid drum ‘n’ bass” is a loose one from where I’m standing.  Yet if you give it a close listen you’ll hear all the same structural elements, albeit stripped down to various degrees. We’ve got some lifter-uppers –  Fred V & Grafix’s “Downpour” stands out – and plenty of mellow-outters – the second half of the list should satiate anyone with that desire. Grab a pair of headphones and let the impossible gentleness of these ten tracks soothe your weekend-bruised soul.

Weekend Warm-Up No. 11: Liquidity

Posted by admin on Dec 5, 2014 in Noise, Uncategorized, Weekend Warm-Ups | 0 comments

–Words and list by Kevin Madert

There’s perhaps nothing more uplifting than a well-executed liquid drum ‘n’ bass tune. Need proof? Look no further than the kick-off track of this ten-pack, Fred V & Grafix’s “Major Happy”; those subtle pulsations atop that eternally familiar 808 drum pattern are aimed straight at your feels. That’s not to say it won’t get heavy – Blokhe4d and Dirtyphonics can attest to that. But even as it builds and crashes like some great sonic wave it still maintains that sly smoothness; nary a trace of the oft-abrasive tendencies of drum ‘n’ bass to be found.