Posted by Scott Willats

New video from Kill the Noise, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from Mr. Jake Stanczak. I’ve always said that his Website is one of the best in EDM. Well, now he’s taken that attention to detail and applied it to his visuals. Seriously, this could be a movie. Sit back and get your popcorn ready. (Oh, and  if you’re a youngun, viewer discretion is advised.)

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Posted by Scott Willats

Lately we’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about Canadian artist Datsik and his debut album on Steve Aoki‘s powerhouse label Dim Mak. Now, those of us who live and breathe bass go to sleep at night grinding our teeth at the thought that Datsik isn’t already crazy famous. Sad to say, there are lost souls out there who don’t eat bass for breakfast — and it takes a special kind of sound to get these folks sitting up and really taking notice of bass.

Datsik has that sound.

This B.C. native has been ripping up dancefloors for a while now with his patented mixture of glitch, synth and bass, and his followers now are growing in number. For the past three months, I’ve been raving like a madman about “Lightspeed,” his collaboration with Kill the Noise. At an astonishing 128 bpm, it’s the absolute Platonic ideal of a bass track.

And then there’s “Fully Blown,” his track with Snak the Ripper. It’s got a sound that is recognizably Canadian: grimy in every sense of the word, and blending rap and bass with a facility matched only by fellow Canucks Zeds Dead.

While “Fully Blown” is very slightly dated, there’s a great reason to be checking it out now: the ever-innovative minds at Dim Mak recently ran a contest to see who could come up with the best remix of the track. These are some of the top dogs:

Datsik feat. Snak The Ripper – Fully Blown (THE TAPEDECK Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Datsik feat. Snak The Ripper- Fully Blown (Razor Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Datsik feat. Snak The Ripper –Fully Blown (Dinosaur Religion Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

… aaaaaaand, the Dim Mak/ARTISTdirect Contest Winners:

RUNNER-UP! Datsik feat. Snak The Ripper – Fully Blown (Rekoil Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

WINNER! Datsik feat. Snak The Ripper – Fully Blown (The Frim Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

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Posted by Scott Willats

Just in time for the NHL post-season, I’ve compiled my latest hard-hitting mix. Who needs holograms when you’ve got a mix of Jackbeats, OVERWERK, Brodinski, Gesaffelstein, Eptic and Kill The Noise. Accompanied by my cuts and add-ons, you know this is a definite download.

SCOTT’S SELECTIONS – PLAYOFF EDITION: LISTEN TO IT HERE

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Posted by Scott Willats

It’s Friday! TGIF! This weekend feels like one made for the inner socialite in all of us. Since the single people of the world had to endure the shame of being alone on Valentine’s Day, you can expect the clubs to be packed with people redoubling their search for Mr. or Ms. Right. And if that’s true, then the DJs best come correct with tunes to help you bolster the courage. On the other hand, if you’d prefere to keep it low-key with a house party or a small gathering, we’ve got you completely covered with this week’s best tracks. Have at it!

SWEETS

No hesitation about jumping into the warm waters with this one. Bingo Players have a banger with help from Heather Bright.

Bingo Players featuring Heather Bright – Don’t Blame The Party (Mode) (Adria Vila Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

From here on in let it be known: any new Kill The Noise release will immediately be posted. That is all.

Nero – Must Be The Feeling (Kill The Noise Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

I am definitely not one to highlight an artist in the aftermath of his or her death. That has to be said. However, I am one to highlight anything that features Chromeo. Whitney had what may have been one of the best voices in the history of time — so we can hope that, among the truckload of remixes that will be doubtless appear over the coming weeks, we get more gems like this.

The Hood Internet – When The Night Knows (Whitney Houston x Chromeo): LISTEN TO IT HERE

When I chatted with Chris Lake last year, all he could talk about was Tommy Trash. Tommy this and Tommy that … apparently he knew something the rest of us didn’t, cuz Tommy is killing it right now.

PNAU – Unite Us (Tommy Trash Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

A little R&B twist on this one. Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a good break-up song. This beat is good — almost too good. Don’t go too far to the dark side, Diplo!

Diplo – Climax: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Enough of that soft and slow s**t — let’s get into the nitty-gritty. If you hear this song at the venue tonight, grab him / or her / or both and get to it. Your choice.

Dilemn – Always Continue: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Why is it that Paris always seems to be two steps ahead of everything else happening in EDM? Who knows? But if you can’t beat em, join ‘em

The Mekanism – Can’t Believe (Mario Basanov remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Last, our favourite dinos …

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Tapes & Money [SoundCloud Edit]: LISTEN TO IT HERE

VISUAL SWEETS

AC Slater is Mr. Bass, and Mr. Bass is a joker. Here’s a little clip about his preparations for a tour Down Under, for all you kangaroos.

Sometimes proper remixes need proper visuals — as for example, Gingy & Bordello‘s reworking of ZZT‘s “Work.”

I love my job! Have a good weekend, you maniacs………..xx

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Posted by Scott Willats

Yesterday being Valentine’s Day, all my thoughts were focused on a very special someone. Oh Dillon Francis, I sighed. When, oh when, is this EP going to drop? Like Juliet on her balcony, I sat staring blankly at his Soundcloud, Facebook and Beatport pages, refreshing every 10 minutes or so minutes in the hope I’d be able to post in the afternoon. Oh Dillon, where art thou? Sadly, I was left spurned and heartbroken. And as you can see on you could see on his Facebook wall, a lot of other people were waiting impatiently too. Dillon’s EP with Cory Enemy had been such a success that it left us all salivating for the new one. But it seemed our hopes were to be dashed for another day …

… until around 7 pm when, in the midst of a wonderful Valentine’s Day dinner, my BlackBerry informed me that the EP had finally dropped. And it was on like Donkey Kong.

I immediately asked permission to slip on my earphones give a listen. My date rolled her eyes, but graciously gave her blessing. And what I heard was exactly what I ‘d expected: high temp electro, with precisely timed build-ups, all at a relaxed yet amped pace. Dillon oh Dillon, you bless us.

However! Only three tracks, one of which had been previously released — it left me wanting … scratch that, craving more. There’s an ongoing debate out there about the death of the album, and as EDM fans I think we have to acknowledge that it’s our genre leading the massacre. Long gone are the Tuesdays when your favourite artist would drop off 14 tracks on a bright, shiny new CD. Now it’s all little bits and little nibbles throughout the year. Does that suit you better? Would you rather hear one or two new tracks every month, or get a lump sum of 14 new bangers all on one day, once a year?

It’s definitely something to be discussed. Dillon kinda gets a pass, because everything he seems to drop is, as Dylan would say, “hot fiiiire.” Check it out and send me your comments here or @SAWStruck.

DILLON FRANCIS – SOMETHING, SOMETHING, AWESOME: BUY ON BEATPORT

Download Dillon Francis Now Hear This (Original Mix)

Download Dillon Francis Falling Up (Original Mix)

Dillon Francis & Kill The Noise – Dill The Noise: LISTEN TO IT HERE

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Clockwise from top left: Dada Life, Jokers of the Scene, Gesaffelstein, Brodinski

The slow weekends are over and it’s time to hit the concert scene running. Some heavy shows going down. First up: Dada Life was in Toronto last night, and the Swedish duo put the Hoxton to the test. Next in line: Jokers of the Scene tonight at Wrongbar. The Ottawa duo always puts on a show you want to catch, managing to lay down some grimey-Trent-Reznor-soundtracky-dark-tunez, but still keeping the party hot and the audience on their toes. If you’re in the Toronto area and aren’t familiar wit the Jokers, I really suggest you stop by and check out what two of this country’s most underrated producers are up to. Check in at Embrace Presents to cop an early-bird ticket.

In honour of the monster truck show going down at the Rogers Centre this weekend, I will now point my attention to the main event – Saturday Saturday , SATURDAY!!! (in a booming monster truck show voice). Tomorrow we get to see two of the hottest artists in EDM … scratch that: two of the hottest artists in music. Industry favourite Brodinski is in town to kill the Wrongbar and turn that sum-a-bitch sidewayz, ya dig? This time he brings with him an artist I’ve been going on about nonstop for the past year: Gesaffelstein. Don’t let the German-sounding name fool you, this guy is French techno at its purest. You like Justice? you like Ed Banger Records? you like black leather, dark hair and claps and kicks that rattle your veins and turn your face pale? Wrongbar Saturday. You’re welcome!

SWEETS

First, let’s hear some bangers from the the above mentioned. Dada Life must of been two of the loudest kids on the block growing up. Nothing is soft with them, and that’s why we like them.

Mustard Pimp – ZHM (Dada Life Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Brand new EP from Jokers of the Scene, and the JOTS have some seriously emotional tracks on this. Big! If you like, check out also We Plants Are Happy Plants.

Jokers of the Scene – J0T5: LISTEN TO IT HERE

As if you don’t already have these….

Gesaffelstein – Control Movement (Preview): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Brodinski feat. Louisahhh! – Let The Beat Control Your Body (Preview): LISTEN TO IT HERE

PROPER SWEETS

A fresh new EP just dropped by this man can only be summed up one way: it bangs! Some serious tunez on this joint. If you’re thinking 12th Planet is just another one of those Skrillex clones, you are dead wrong. This kid has an ear for what’s next, not what’s now, and this EP could spell the beginning of Skrillex opening shows for him. All right, I’ll calm it down — but you get the point: cop this!!!

Antiserum & 12th Planet – Ghost: LISTEN TO IT HERE 

http://soundcloud.com/antiserum/ghost-w-12th-planet

12th Planet, Skrillex & Kill The Noise – Burst: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Finalllllllly! A remix to this track that you can actually hang your hat on. This track is genre-less. You could rap on it, sing on it, speed it up to hardstyle, slow it down to whine to, and on and on. A little bit of everything, which is what we love. Good looking Flosstradamus!

Major Lazer – Original Don (Flosstradamus Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE 

Want to piss off your parents in a hurry? Easy — take Sawgood‘s newest release, lock yourself in the room right next to your folks, and BUUUUUUUUMP THIS! This track has your energy levels covered from every angle. Heavy bass, an up-tempo anticipation and a higher-tempo climax! Everybody just clap your hands!!!!!!!!!!! Even a little DnB thrown in for you creatures!

Sawgood Ft Indosilver Club Vs Skrillex – One Handed: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Brazil’s finest! This is an immediate add. Look out for a special South American post coming very very soon!

Afrojack & R3hab – Prutataaa (Darth & Vader Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE 

Attention, attention! This is a new track from Adventure Club – it’s not a remix and it sounds fantastic. (Boys: with tunez like this, when’s the EP dropping!!!!?!?!?) And the best part? it’s free! I love these Montrealers. (But go Leafs!)

Adventure Club – Do I See Color: LISTEN TO IT HERE

VISUAL SWEET

Brand new video from Rusko. I like — what do you think?

And that’s it for this week, amigos. A review of Steve Aoki‘s new album next week, along with more of the goodies you’ve come to expect!

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Posted by Scott Willats

Exhausted from the incredible Boys Noize show at The Hoxton last night, I’ve reached deep and wide to find some of the biggest tracks in z world for ya. Today’s post features a man who’s playing The Mod Club tonight, a moombahton king, and a track from the nicest dude in the biz. No point on dwelling on the obvious, let’s get to it.

SWEETS

At The Mod Club tonight: the musically gifted Zedd. The young German gave away a free dubstep track earlier this week and it has been ringing around the blog world ever since. However, it’s his feature single that I think will be the  track conquering dancefloors this winter. This track has all the essentials to be an anthem. I figure you’ll like it, so: double dose time!

Zedd — Stars Come Out feat. Heather Bright (Radio Rip Preview): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Zedd – Scorpion Move: LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD HERE

BONUS SWEET!

Here’s the young prodigy playing the piano at age nine …

Next up: an artist from Skrillex’s OWLSA label, Kill The Noise. If you’re used to the electro bangers that they put out then you are going to be overwhelmed by the production value of this EP. Every track has its own vibe and energy, and to be perfectly honest … this is heavy in every sense. I honestly found it just about impossible to choose between the tracks to post. These are just the first two. Kill The Noise!

Kill The Noise – Kill The Noise (Part One): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Kill The Noise – Deal With It: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Speaking of Kill the Noise, there’s an absolute killer remix produced by Dillon Francis on there. By now I’m sure you’re aware that I’m a big Dillon Francis fan. Lately, though, I’ve felt he’s been lacking that characteristic soul-shaking, swaggadelic vibe. But this remix of Death Cab for Cutie‘s “Under the Sycamore” joint comes on like a punch in the face. Enjizzoy!

Death Cab For Cutie – Underneath The Sycamore (Dillon Francis Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Here’s something a little outside of the norm. I don’t usually care for remixes of tracks that have been out for a couple of years, or are such huge hits that they’ve already been remixed a hundred times. But I like this one, for some reason. North Carolina’s Cry Wolf have taken Justin Timberlake‘s “SexyBack” and killed it. Some will love this, some will hate. Your choice.

Justin Timberlake – SexyBack (Cry Wolf Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Next: a double dose from one of Holland’s finest, Laidback Luke. Always a huge fan of Luke’s tracks, and this is no different. I find that he goes into modes where you don’t hear from him at all, and then he drops, like, three massive tracks in a matter of two weeks. The Eric Prydz gift/curse, I’d call it. The first one here with Sander van Doorn is huge.

Laidback Luke and Sander van Doorn – Who’s Wearing The Cap: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Chris Lake – Sundown (Laidback Luke Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Lastly: Hardwell. Haven’t always been the biggest fan, but consistency kills skepticsm. In this anthem — and all he seems to make is anthems — he teams up with Dutch producer JoeySuki. The result … well, you can see/hear for yourself. The video is a great teaser — check it out!

Here’s the BBC Rip. Support the industry and buy the track!

Hardwell & JoeySuki – Munster (BBC Radio Premiere): LISTEN TO IT HERE

That’s it for now. Pics of Boys Noize and a Kaskade review next week!

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