Dance Rules The Nation: September 2011

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

New Album: Welder - Florescence

Yesterday saw the release of Florescence, the new full-length album from Welder, the second musical project of San Francisco-based producer Brenden Angelides (also know as Eskmo) . For this project, Angelides utilized many more percussive and symphonic elements contrasting with the bass-centric sound of Eskmo. Florescence is very ambitious in its scope; to try to pin it simply to one genre is a futile endeavor. The plucky, upbeat nature of the first track "Run," contrasts sharply with the wild key introduction and rolling, ominous rhythm of "Japan." Angelides is one of the more talented and experimental producers out there today, having collaborated with artists such as Amon Tobin & Beats Antique, You can listen to the entire album for free here, or show your support by downloading it here.

Welder - Run

Welder: "Run" (FULL ALBUM OUT SEPT 26) by Welder

Welder - Be My Light

Welder: "Be My Light" (Album out Sept 26) by Welder

*Image Courtesy of Ancestor Records

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Song Of The Day: Pretty Lights - Summer's Gone

In anticipation for this Friday's Pretty Lights' concert with NiT GriT & Big Gigantic at the Pavilion in Boston, MA, today's song of the day is and oldie but goodie, coming from his 2008 release, Filling Up The City Skies. This double disc, sophomore album served as my introduction to the works of Derek Vincent Smith, and included such great songs as "Hot Like Sauce," "Finally Moving Remix," and "The Time Has Come." Pretty Lights recent rise to fame has paralleled the growing popularity of electronic music over the last few years. From his start as a relatively unknown Colorado-based producer, collaborating with fellow PLM artist Michal Menert on his debut album, Taking Up Your Precious Time, over the last four years Pretty Lights has grown tremendously both as a project, and as a label. Pretty Lights Music, Smith's record label, now boats an impressive roster of six amazingly talented artists including the prodigious drummer/producer Adam Deitch, former collaborater Michal Menert, and beatsmith Alex B (formerly of Pnuma Trio) as Paper Diamond. Looking at the transition from "Finally Moving" to "I Know The Truth," Smith's style has clearly evolved, as has his performance style, shifting from Monome to analog synths, and his presentation. However all of the music on Pretty Lights Music is, and will always be, free to download.

Pretty Lights - Summer's Gone

*Image Courtesy of Pretty Lights Music

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

New Album: Wolfgang Gartner - Weekend in America

I can say with certainty, that one of my favorite times for dance music is the transition from the Summer to Fall, when artists, coming back from rigorous touring schedules and festivals, begin to release new music. Last month's big release for me was Nero's Welcome Reality, and last week Porter Robinson released his first EP, Spitfire. . Today, Austin, Texas based producer/DJ Joey Youngman (aka Wolfgang Gartner) has just released his first full-length album, Weekend in America. The album, available here, features 13 tracks, including the previously released hit singles "Space Junk," "Illmerica," & "Ménage a Trois." The ten remaining tracks do not disappoint, and run the gamut of Youngman's electro-house style. After collaborations with artists like Timberland, Mark Knight, & Deadmau5, Youngman was prominently featured on BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix last November, and since then has experienced a meteoric rise to fame, and this latest album is certain to cement his relevance in today's dance music scene. Enjoy!

Wolfgang Gartner - The Champ

Wolfgang Gartner - Shrunken Heads

Wolfgang Gartner - The Way It Was

*Image Courtesy of Ultra Records

Friday, September 9, 2011

Song Of The Day - Mark Ronson - Record Collection (Perseus Remix)

Today's song of the day comes from Perseus, remixing the song, "Record Collection," off mark ronson and the business intl's album, Record Collection. I wasn't able to find out a whole lot about the artist, Perseus, other than his SoundCloud page, but I have posted some of his other remixes that I'm quite fond of. His remix of New Life by Jeremy Glenn was prominently featured on The Magician's Magic Tape Twelve, and who in their right mind doesn't like Grum?

Mark Ronson - Record Collection 2012 (Perseus Remix)

Mark Ronson - Record Collection 2012 (Perseus Remix) by PERSEUS

*Image Couresty of Kitsuné Records

Jeremy Glenn - New Life (Perseus 'Summer of 83' Remix) by PERSEUS

Grum - Through The Night (Perseus Club Mix) by PERSEUS

Thursday, September 8, 2011

New Mix: That Fucking Guy - One Last Summertime Dance Party

While a great deal of my free time consists of searching for new music, a good portion of that involves DJing for friends, at parties, and the like. As I have been stingy with the posts lately (the new job makes it hard to listen to music during the day), I've decided to share my latest mix. Hopefully you'll enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed putting it together, but my hopes are that this blend of house, nu-disco, and indie rock will keep your summertime groove going a little longer (in spite of all the shitty weather we've been having).

I will attempt to post mixes like this regularly, so you can follow me as That Fucking Guy on Soundcloud, or right here on DRTN.

Enjoy!

One Last Summertime Dance Party by That Fucking Guy