Posted by Scott Willats

Middle of July, festival season in flight, hotter than a muthafucka ….

Wait a sec: remember all those long, cold winter nights when we bundled ourselves in parkas, scarves and long johns, enduring the bitter chill so we could get to the club to see our favorite DJ rage? I certainly remember, and I’m sure you do too. So I find it hard to complain about this stifling heat we’re all suffering through. As we all know, it could. Be. Much. Much. Worse.

But yeah, it is hotter than a muthafucka.

One other thing about summer that kinda sorta blows: since most major artists are busy touring so much, new material can be lacking. Now, sometimes that’s a good thing, giving you the chance to get reacquainted with old favorites. But for a new music junkie like me, it feels like drought season. But that just means I’ve gotta search harder and longer to find something fresh for you. Plus the Calgary Stampede starts today, and I can’t leave my cowboys hanging without some new electro. Lez get it!

Oh, and did I mention it’s hotter than a muthafucka?

THE SWEETS

We start with two vastly different but equally awesome remixes of Dada Life‘s “Kick Out The Epic Motherfucker.” Which one do youuuuu like?

Dada Life – Kick Out The Epic Motherfucker (Otto Knows Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE 

Dada Life – Kick Out The Epic Motherfucker (Datsik Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Wolfgang Gartner is bizzack — this time with a preview of his new EP. People have been saying that Gartner’s work lately has been lacking. I think that’s a testament to high how he has set the bar. While I wouldn’t put it quite so harshly, I’ll concede that I haven’t heard the old Gartner for awhile. That ended today.

Wolfgang Gartner – Casual Encounters Of The 3rd Kind EP: LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW

One-half of The Krays, Yuksek, is back with a new EP and it’s packed with killer remixes. Anything new from Aeroplane will always get my attention

Yuksek – The Edge EP: LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW

Here’s something a little different: Skrillex versus drum-and-bass. Some will love, some will hate. Either way,, this will evoke some kind of emotion from you.

Skrillex – DnB Ting: LISTEN TO IT HERE

This one, on the other hand, I know you’ll love. Whether you’ll admit it to anyone is another question.

Far East Movement – Dirty Bass (Jump Smokers Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Le Youth is on fire. The way he uses his samples, you can tell he knows his way around a DAW. Keep him on your radar

Le Youth – Memories: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Waka Flocka? Rooster in my Rari? What the hell am I talking about? Fans will know. People who don’t: trust me, you’re not missing much. But Clinton Sparks does make this pump. Worth a try.

The Cataracs feat. Waka Flocka – All You (Clinton Sparks Awesome Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Viceroy is an acquired taste. At first: not so much. Now: addicted.

Viceroy – Chase Us Around feat. Madi Diaz: LISTEN TO IT HERE

BANGER!!!! Basically five minutes of pure bass. I’ll take it.

Bart B More & Harvard Bass – Listen To This (D.I.M.’s Unreleased Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Hmmm. I’ve liked every Sound Remedy track I’ve ever heard. Ever. But this one lacks … something. Still, he’s earned his stripes, so I’ll let it slide. Consider it recommended on the strength of his past work.

Imogen Heap – Hide And Seek (Sound Remedy Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

You know I love me some swing. Here’s a track that will spice up your party asap.

Minimatic- Practise Your Swing EP: LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW

Riva Starr, where have you been all my life? The elegant return of a true master. Look out for Canadian tour dates soon!

Riva Starr & Ramon Tapia – Freedom (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

VISUAL SWEET

Excited about the upcoming IDENTITY Festival? This video should get you properly amped. If not, two words: Eric. Prydz. (Btw, if you want to win tickets to IDENTITY, mosey on over to our FB page, as in now-ish,)

Enjoy le weekend, knuckleheadz!

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Posted by Scott Willats

Dunno about you, but this weekend feels like Christmas to me. The dance music season is in full swing, and Canada is playing host to the best parties in the world! Can you feel it?

This is our weekend. There’s Bassmentality — sorry a Super Bassmentality happening in Ottawa, along with the Escapade fest. As for Toronto … well, you may have heard about a little something called the Digital Dreams festival. Homie! Iz going down. I said, can you feel it?

In this spirit of celebration, I’ve put together an extra-special “Sweets” — not so difficult, when you consider that this has been one of the better weeks of 2012 in terms of new music. Special praise for The Knocks, Zeds Dead and, of course, Dillon Francis. CAN YOU FEEL IT?

THE SWEETS

I love Ryan Enzed. If ever there was producer who deserved to be famous worldwide — as in right this minute — it’s this guy.

Ryan Enzed – Mission Accepted: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Dropped it yesterday, dropping it again today, might even drop it tomorrow. Zeds Dead are making next-level music. Canada. Does. It. Better.

Colin Munroe feat. Pusha T – The Fight Of My Life (Zeds Dead Remix): LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW HERE

Dillon Francis tweeted, while making this track, that it was creepy and awesome at the same time. Been waiting a while for a fresh Dillon track with quality — and man, is it good to have him back!

Steve Aoki – Control Freak feat. Blaqstarr & Kay (Dillon Francis Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

The Fool’s Gold Clubhouse mixtape dropped this week, with nine quality tracks. Highlights go to the Donovans and our homie Meech.

Donovans – House Of God: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Meech – Somethin: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Don’t know much about Elliott Porter … but I know this is massive!

Elliott Hamilton Porter – Flamingo

Don’t know who I’m more excited to see this weekend: Afrojack or R3hab! Anybody for a joint set?

Afrojack & Shermanology – Cant Stop Me Now (R3hab & Dyro Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

French excellence.

Madeon – Finale (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

A shout-out to Provoke for throwing this li’l ditty on their SoundCloud.

Gabe Gallucci & Jed Harper – Falcon (Kim Fai Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Mister Bashmore, you so special …

Julio Bashmore – Troglodytes: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Only a preview, but that’s not gonna stop me posting this soon-to-be-colossal hit.

Kaskade feat. Neon Trees – Lessons in Love (Fareoh Remix): LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW HERE

Montreal madness!

Adventure Club feat. Kai – Need Your Heart: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Feel-good track of the week and my personal fave!

Santigold – The Keepers (The Knocks Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

VISUAL SWEET

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Posted by Scott Willats

I couldn’t possibly wait for Friday’s” Sweets of the Week’” to share this one. DC and Hooks — better known as Zeds Dead — are back in the lab brewing up some remix shit. This time they’ve taken a personal favorite of mine, “The Fight Of My Life” from Colin Munroe and Lil Wayne arch-enemy Pusha T, and slathered it with grime sauce till it sizzles.

Right, I know I’m being corny as f*ck — but this track is massive. How massive? So massive I’m doing a post just for the f*cking two-minute preview. That’s how massive.

Colin Munroe feat. Pusha T – The Fight Of My Life (Zeds Dead Remix): LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW HERE

Plugggggggggg!

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Posted by Scott Willats

We take a break from Porter Robinson week to give you our latest edition of Scott’s Selections. Our mini-mix for June is 17 minutes of the freshest bangers on the planet: a collection of tracks that will turn your party into a rager in a matter of minutes. Brodinski, Felix Cartal, and Pleasurekraft are just a few of the artists to make this month’s cut. Download the mix from SoundCloud, then grab the tunes you like at Beatport.

Scotts Selections June: LISTEN TO IT HERE

TRACKLIST

Brodinski ft. Louisaaaah – Nobody Rules These Streets

Moguai – Lyme (Moguai’s Crushed Lyme Mix)

Autoerotique – Roll the Drums (Felix Cartal Remix)

A-Trak and Dillon Francis – Money Makin’

Pleasurekraft + Belocca – Murdered Out

EDX, John Williams – Give It Up For Love (Mysto and Pizzi Remix)

Joe Garston – Forever

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Posted by Scott Willats

This week we celebrate a young artist known to many as, simply, “the Prodigy.” In anticipation of a rager of a show slated for this Friday at Toronto’s Sound Academy (which two lucky members of bpm Nation will be catching for free!), we delve into the work of  Porter Robinson, the 19-year-old North Carolina native who is leading the next wave of emerging EDM artists into glory.

Ever since he dropped “Say My Name” in 2010, PR has compelled attention, standing out even in a field as overcrowded as EDM. Sure, “Get Brain” and “Leaving” had been released earlier, and both were heavy tunes in their own right. But “Say My Name” was something different, something epochal. For a kid of just 17 to take a sample, produce such dramatic strings, and blend it with such a heavy bassline: it was unimaginable.

Don’t discount those earlier tracks, though. “Leaving” was a tantalizing preview of Porter’s abilities, proving that he knows how to blend beats and vocals to perfection. Meanwhile, “Get Brain” showcased his knack for taking a small sample and making it giant-sized. And here’s the rub: while your favorite producers are creating these kinds of sounds in studios with 15-foot Legacy consoles, Porter was doing it on a laptop in his bedroom.

Porter Robinson – Leaving: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Porter Robinson – Get Brain: LISTEN TO IT HERE

2010, then, was a big year for Porter Robinson — and he was just getting started. We’ll have more on his subsequent releases tomorrow, as we prep for his Sound Academy Show this Friday.  CLICK HERE FOR INFO AND TICKETS.

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Posted by Scott Willats

Across Canada this week the weather is into the plus-20s, which means forget about June 20 — summer starts NOW!

With EDM kidz from far and wide searching for that special tune that says “summer of 2012,” many producers will be pumping their tracks out there, all hoping to score the next “Barbra Streisand” or “Leave the World Behind.” Some will be amazing, yet fail to get the love they deserve. In other cases, the opposite will be true.

Every year a specific sound comes to the fore, and I’ve been waiting for this year’s to drop. BAM! We got it yesterday.

For the past year or more I’ve been professing my love for Dillon Francis — and naturally, I figured if that if anyone was going to define the sound of this summer, it would be him. And it is. Teamed up with 50 percent of Duck Sauce, he has delivered a track that is 100 percent awesomeness. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you “Money Making,” by A-Trak and Dillon Francis — a tune so perfectly addictive it will be an immediate download.

A-Trak & Dillon Francis – Money Makin’: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Best  of all is the video that accompanies this track. Watch out for cameos from P-Thugg, Natalia Kills and my favourite rapper of the moment, Action Bronson.

This tune is bananas.. I’ll be keeping count of how many times I hear it this Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas — which is where I’m headed right now. Stay tuned for updates!

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Posted by Scott Willats

A week ain’t a week unless it’s sweet. With the sun a-shining, the last thing you want to do is spend a couple of hours in front of your laptop searching for new tunez. That’s what I’m here for! (You’re welcome.) I got you covered: sit back, press play, and enjoy the soundz of summer. bpm:tv presents … your May Two-Four Sweets of the Week!

I admit it: Justin Bieber‘s “Boyfriend” is one of those songs I find myself humming in the shower or singing along with in the car. At this point, some readers of this blog have already closed their browsers and moved on. For those of you who decided to give me the benefit of a doubt and stick around: the Swedish duo Dada Life has taken the original and turned it on its head, making it over into something you can sing aloud freely with your windows wide open. Once you’ve heard this, the original becomes obsolete.

Justin Bieber – Boyfriend (Dada Life Remix) Radio Edit: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Heavy, Heavy, HEAVY! Sound Remedy is out of this world right now. This time they take on a personal favourite in Lisa Mitchell‘s “Neopolitan Dreams” and … ahhh, screw it: just press play!

Lisa Mitchell – Neopolitan Dreams (Sound Remedy Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

When I went to Webster Hall in New York to see Annie Mac, Savoy was the opening act. Now, it can’t be easy to open for a DJ whose set features all the most in-demand tracks. It leaves you with the leftovers. Happily for Savoy (and for the audience that night), “leftovers” meant their own originals. Since then, whenever I hear the name Savoy I sit up and pay attention. This time around they link up with Heather Bright, throwing in a little dubby-wubby to get you scooting over to Beatport to cop this tune.

SAVOY & Heather Bright – We Are The Sun (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

You know that moment when you walk into club in the middle of summer, and everyone is already screaming and sweating? That moment when your heart starts beating faster and a grin steals uncontrollably across your face? Usually in that moment it’s a DJ Dan track playing in the background. The legend is back, with a new tune that will put you right back in that moment.

DJ Dan – Reckless Gurl (Lo-fi Preview): LISTEN TO IT HERE

AudioPorn Records gives us a preview of a new EP from Xilent. It’s heavily produced, but not overdone. If you like Kill the Noize, you’ll want to pick this up. Take a good listen to all four tracks.

Xilent – Ultrafunk EP: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Last, since next week is Pryda week, I’m assigning some homework: listen closely to these classic tracks from the master. Whether as Cirez D, Eric Prydz or Pryda, one fact remains consistent: this dude puts in the work. Enjoy some faves, and feel free to suggest your own in the comments below!

“With Me”

“Viro”

“Not Going Home (Remix)” – I kept the rip ’cause it just sounds alive. Gotta love Pete dropping a world exclusive.

“On Off”

And if you missed it his new one … “Allein”

VISUAL SWEET

Bassnectar fans will love this one. His new album which we reviewed a few weeks back, is causing a stir with a wide cross-section of “good music” fans across the world. From heavy metal fans to ravers to jungle junkies, the response is the same: This sh*t is crazy. Here, he takes the Prodigy-like “Ugly” and adds appropriate visuals.

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