New Tune Tuesday (Dreamscape Edition)
-Written by Kevin Madert
A few short days from now the first sets of Dreamscape 2016 will be echoing through the undulating, tree-dotted hills & of Camp Ramblewood. Lucky for us, plenty of the artists playing this year’s festival have been hard at work churning out new tunes – just in time to unleash them on the masses come May 5-8. Read on to hear the latest from some of our favorite acts on the lineup.
Destructo & Wax Motif Ft. Vanilla Ace – Beatdown
Kicking off the list is, appropriately, a recent song from an artist playing Dreamscape. On “Beatdown,” Holy Ship don and purveyor of oft-fantastic four on the floor Destructo teams up with capable friends Wax Motif and Vanilla Ace to deliver a winner. The dark tune is quintessential Destructo, packing a serious punch in the breakdown but refusing to view itself through overserious eyes. Attesting to this is the well-sourced hook – a few lines of poignant life advice adapted from “G’d U” by Snoop Dogg helmed hip-hop trio The Eastsidaz. Keep it real and get gangsta’d up with the HARDfather at Poseidon’s Playground to close out pool party numero uno (9pm Friday).
Connect with Destructo: (Facebook / Twitter / Soundcloud)
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New Tune Tuesday (7/28/15)
–Written by Kevin Madert
Ludge – Void EP
Kicking off this week is Ludge, a new favorite here at AltFreq. With crisp, clean sound design and technical prowess that often escapes producers of far greater experience and renown, the Philadelphia native is flying criminally under the radar. Perfect example? His latest effort, the deep and dark Void EP – self-released today. The three track offering is rife with slow-churning dubstep phrases and abrasive, staccato synths, held together by the constant presence of ominous atmospheric undertones that serve to further flesh out each tune. “Light Speed” features pleasant builds and bridges juxtaposed by futuristic dub breakdowns (with bonus points for a Dr. Dre sample that isn’t from “The Next Episode”). The title track is dark through and through (as the name might suggest), sporting the heaviest moments on the EP. And “Limbo” is future trap played through molasses, with subtle horn and hi-hat accents that keep it oozing in a forward direction. In fewer words, we love this dude – and you should too. Head here to download the Void EP for free, and be sure to connect with Ludge on all relevant social networks: (Soundcloud / Facebook / Twitter).
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New Tune Tuesday (4/21/15)
–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.
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New Tune Tuesday (4/14/15)
–Written by Kevin Madert
Gramatik – Native Son (Ft. Raekwon & Orlando Napier)
The lead single from Gramatik’s upcoming Epigram EP sees the Slovenian teaming with an emerging talent and an established hip-hop legend to craft a too-smooth instant classic. The juxtaposition of frequent collaborator Orlando Napier’s syrupy tones and rapper Raekwon’s incendiary verses atop seriously sensual riffage amounts to some of Gramatik’s best work. The often humble producer seemed almost as excited as we were about the tune: “I’m sure you can imagine how some random kid from Slovenia must feel, realizing he just made a song with a legend.” (via Facebook)
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New Tune Tuesday (4/7/15)
–Written by Kevin Madert
A smattering of new music from across the genre spectrum. Did we leave out your favorite band’s latest material? Let us know!
Kill The Noise & Tommy Trash – Louder
Having lived a relatively math-free life since I skated a B- in my requisite lecture hall course freshman year someone may have to check my calculations here, but I’ll give it a shot. A longtime bass music powerhouse + a longtime house music don = one hell of a tune. Accompanied by Rock City on vocals, Kill the Noise and Tommy Trash turn in here a dark hard-electro tune that’s got a little bit of everything: growling basslines, massive syncopated drum hits, shouted lyrics, and a surprisingly nuanced drop that’s sure to tear up festival mainstages this summer. In tandem with the release, the duo announced a short co-headlining tour – including a stop at Washington, DC’s Ultrabar. You can find more information about that here.
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