October 2011 ~ HotBox

Album: Blu - Open

Hip-Hop is slowly recovering, underneath all the generic garbage constantly being churned out on the radio day by day, some actual talent has survived.....a few diamonds in the pebble ridden sand. Blu is one of these rare talents. With a flow reminiscent of Nas & Pharcyde and quirky/clever lyrics to match, he's already a welcome breath of fresh air. Add to that, the fact that he does most of his own production.....and he does it damn well. What you have is the future of hip-hop, and it's brighter...

Death Cab for Cutie - Some Boys [RAC Maury Mix]

The first thing I should point out here, i am no fan of Death Cab for Cutie, for better or worse they are just lost on me. Nevertheless, RAC seem to have the ability to turn anything into to audible gold. Enter 'Some Boys' remixed by RAC's very own Maury.....with its awesome bassline, strong synth melody, catchy vocal sample.....poptastic indie at it's best. Sadly no free download for this one, but you can pick it up here Enjoy Death Cab for Cutie - Some Boys [RAC Maury Mix] by Death Cab...

Synkro - Stop & Think EP

More new stuff from Synkro here on his excellent 'Stop & Think' EP. What you've got here is more of Synkro's classic sounds, plenty of ambient and UKG cuts. If you're into the future side of garage, then this is well worth picking up. On sale now under Millions Of Moments here and here MOM 027-B1 - Synkro - Relapse Master (256 Bitrate) by millions-of-mome...

Soular Order - Find Your Way

Thank god for Sundays, time to stay in bed, recuperate and try to piece the weekend together. Luckily i've just the thing to help. Soular Order aka Jon Maynard is a electronic/dubstep/ambient producer from Manchester. His track 'Find Your Way' is an epic glitchy ambient masterpiece that demands your attention. It's probably the best composed and most chilled-out track i've heard for ages. The track is available for FREE but is only the single from his third EP 'A World Apart'. The EP is...

Chairlift - Sidewalk Safari

It's been a long time since we've heard anything from Brooklyn's Chairlift. However they're back with a single from their upcoming album Something, due for release 24/01/12 on Young Turks in the UK and Columbia in the US. The single, "Sidewalk Safari" is described as "religious reggaeton". I'm not sure about that...what you have here is Chairlift's attempt at some straight up indie/pop which isn't a bad thing at all. Add to that some awesome leading synths and surprising dark lyrics...

Personal Touch - Toque Tropical

More good stuff from Personal Touch. This time he's sent us an awesome Latin/Tech House composition called 'Toque Tropical'. The track has some seriously sexy vibes. Classic house hi-hats, and a funky melody combining perfectly with just the right amount of bongo. It's the kind of music that makes you wish you were down in some swanky island bar, with all the señoritas. 'Toque Tropical' is out now on Movierecords....Give it a listen, get your tropical on.. Personal Touch - Toque Tropical...

The XX - Night Time (Synkro Remix)

It's always a safe bet to remix anything when Jamie XX is involved, chances are you are already working with a diamond that just needs polishing. It's an even safer bet however when Synkro (aka S.Y.N.K.R.O) is on remix duty. Manchester's Synkro is one of the top post-dubstep/future garage/ambient house producers around, he's been making some of the most influential UK underground music since 2009's Everybody Knows. Along with Burial, Synkro is one of the original pioneers of the 'Chillstep'...

Flight Facilities - Foreign Language (Personal Touch Remix)

Flight Facilities are really coming on to big things. Their most recent singles 'Crave You' and 'Foreign Language' are two of the biggest indie hits this year and it's not hard to see why. As a result, the tracks have been remixed countless times. However here's one more from Las Vegas' own Personal Touch who really makes his mark on it (terrible pun avoided nicely). He's given the track some serious funk, so even if you weren't a fan of the original, this is still well worth listening to. Flight...

Katie Herzig - Free My Mind (RAC Remix)

RAC really can't put a foot wrong, everything they touch turns to gold. It seems like if you wanna get noticed in the indie music scene today, you better send your stuff to the Remix Artist Collective so they can work their magic. That's exactly what newcomer Katie Herzig has done, with this remix of her track 'Free My Mind' due to make an appearance on her debut album 'Walking Sleep'. Check it out. Katie Herzig - Free My Mind (RAC Rem...

Fiction - Big Things

Fiction are an indie/post-punk band hailing from London. The band have some airplay in recent months and are starting to receive some serious media attention. Frankly it's not hard to see why, their latest single 'Big Things' is really catchy, with a popping uplifting sound. Without a doubt this is a band worth keeping an eye on. The two track single is available now via iTunes. In the meantime, both tracks from the single are linked below, give them listen, it's good stuff I promise. Fiction...

Blondfire - Where The Kids Are

Blondfire is an indie duo from New York City composed of the brother-and-sister duo Bruce and Erica Driscoll, and they have a great electro/indie sound. Blondfire are also the first unsigned band to reach #1 on the iTunes alternative chart and there's no doubt as to why, this track "Where the Kids Are" is going to be big. My advice to you? Check out the track below and enjoy it while you can before the radio stations start playing it to it's early demise ala "Pumped Up Kicks". WHERE THE KIDS...

Foster The People – Life On The Nickel (Mansions On The Moon Remix)

Two words to sum this track up: Electro goodness. Mansions on the Moon have taken Foster the People's "Life on a Nickel" given it a whole synth laden breath of life. Particularly refreshing in the wake of the incessant rinsing of 'Pumped Up Kicks' on the radio (that song is being destroyed). Mansions on the Moon's next EP "Lightyears" is due for release in November. Judging by what i've heard from them so far, that's an EP well worth keeping an eye out for. Foster The People – Life On...

Orbital - Never

Well this is exciting.....Orbital, the pioneering dance duo from Sevenoaks, one of the biggest names in british electronica ever, are finally back after splitting in 2005 and reforming in 2009 with a BRAND NEW ALBUM and a TOUR. This really is excellent news for fans of dance music everywhere. Orbital have released a FREE teaser track off their new album, 'Never', which i've linked below. Give it a listen....not sure what to make of it? Neither was I at first, however this one is a grower, give...

Yuksek – Always On The Run (Peter & The Magician Remix)

Some more Indie/electro pop here, this time from French duo Yuksek and The Magician, known collectively as Peter & The Magician. Yuksek released his second LP Living On The Edge Of Time. Since then, it appears that he’s released one EP of remixes, and is geared up to release a second. This song comes off that latter EP. The duo have started appearing on a few Kitsuné releases lately, so they are definitely one to watch Yuksek – Always On The Run (Peter & The Magician Rem...

Phaeleh & VVV - Reconcile

Future garage, post-dubstep, 2-Step....whatever you want to call it, Garage is back and in a big way (that means UK Garage to all you state-side). As electronic artists begin to turn away from the commercial whipping horse that is now Dubstep, they are starting to look back to their roots. What we are experiencing now is a reemergence of the Garage Sound. The roots of all 2-Step, D&B and Dub are all audible in the tracks being released by artists such as Joy Orbison, XXXY and Pariah...mostly...

Bisweed - I Promised

More music here to make you forget all your troubles. This time from Ukrainian producer Bisweed. This one will really take you to another planet, with it's rolling breaks and piano tones, except this aint quite DnB, it has more of a future garage vibe to it.....a vibe which I'm really digging. Check out the track, which Bisweed is giving away for free here. Bisweed - I Promised by Bisw...

Little Dragon - Twice (LSB Bootleg)

The weekend is almost over, the hangover has set in....mondays draws ever closer. Man it's depressing....luckily here's a something to lift your spirits. New comer LukeSB has taken Little Dragon's 'Twice' and really made it his own. Generously he has also decided to give it away for free..well for the low price of a Facebook 'like'. Well worth it if you ask me Little Dragon - Twice (LSB Bootleg) - Download Available by Luke...

Mix: More Liquid Drum & Bass

It's Friday! Finally the weekend is here, so here's another HotBox mix to get you on it! Track List Agent Alvin - Super Highway (Original Mix) Aorta, BCee, Lomax - Love Hope & Future (Original Mix) Indivision - Final Departure Madmen & Poets - Afraid Of Jazz (Lenzman Remix) L.A.O.S - Helsinki Netsky - Rise & Shine Sonic - All I Wanna Do ................................. Complete track list coming s...

Album: Phantogram - Nightlife

Good news everyone! Phantogram are planning to release a new EP! 'Nightlife' drops on the 9th November and is bound to be worth a listen! The electro/indie duo have already taken hold of the whole scene with their debut album 'Eyelids Movies', released last year. Since then we've all been eagerly anticipating more....well finally it's on the way and as a teaser i've linked two tracks off the upcoming album below. It sounds like Josh & Sarah have been hard at work in their New York barn, because...

Catcall - Satellites

More Indie/Electro Dance here, this time from Sydney native Catcall. She's fairly new on this side of the the world but already her style feels very familiar with obvious influences from the world of 80s synth pop (Blondie, Fleetwood Mac etc)Personally I think she sounds a bit like an Aussie Ladyhawk, which isn't a bad thing at all. Check it outCatcall - Satellites by rosequartzb...

Carousel - Get Up

Remember Carousel? Well they are back with their 3rd and final track from their debut EP '26 Allston' Much like 'Games', this track is more of the same up beat indie/electro flavours, which i'm sure will be heading to the top of the Hype Machine any day now. Carousel are currently busy producing their second EP now, so in the meantime give 'Get Up' a listen. If you like what you hear, then download Carousel's debut EP '26 Allston', which they are giving away for free here Carousel -...

The Roots feat. Big K.R.I.T- Make My

Time to get excited.....The Roots are back! This is a brand new single of their upcoming album 'undun'. This is a must listen....nuff said. The Roots "Make My" featuring Big K.R.I.T. by okaypla...

We Were Promised Jetpacks – Act On Impulse

I can't believe I only just discovered these guys. They have a really unusual, yet familiar sound that is being called 'post-rock'. Personally I think it has a slight indie flavour to it as well. Nevertheless these guys are really interesting and worth checking out. The track 'Act On Impulse' is the latest single to be released from their album 'In The Pit Of The Stomach'. This is their second album after their 2009 debut EP 'These Four Walls', both are available via iTunes We Were Promised...

Rameses B - Moving On

More good stuff here from Rameses B. It's Sunday, so hopefully this will cure that hangover you're feeling. It might also take that monday dread feeling away :D Lets chill out. Moving On (FREE) by Rameses...

Jay Electronica – Call of Duty (Ft. Mobb Deep)

Hip-Hop aint dead yet. If you sift through the sea of mediocracy you'll occasionally find a gem or two. Jay Electronica is already well respected in his own right, despite never having actually released a full album. Nevertheless, his latest collab with Mobb Deep has attracted some serious attention, blowing up all over the internet since its release on Twitter. Even Jay himself wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it for himself. This track is one that grabs you immediately...

Shotgun Radio - A Bad Place ft. Mimi Page (Minnesota Remix)

I don't often post dubstep here, personally I think it's a victim of its own popularity, having already been done to death...there's nothing worse than an art form who's originators hate what it has become. Nevertheless, there's still some good stuff out there, though it may be few and far between. Minnesota, for example, is one of the most prominent new-comers on the scene state side. His remix of Shotgun Radio's 'A Bad Place' blends an interesting mix of the roots of dubstep, with some of the...

Artist Recordings Free Drum & Bass releases

What's that you say? You'd like some free Drum & Bass? Well your in luck as Artist Recordings happens to giving loads away for FREE! The new label run by GeneticBros is giving a free track away every week ranging across all D&B styles. It's some pretty high quality stuff and all completely free so well worth checking out. Enjoy the tracks and show your support! RELEASED TUNES FREE by Artist Recordi...

Feint - Clockwork Hearts (Bustrexx Remix)

Remember that remix of Clockwork Hearts I posted a few days ago? Well here's another remix entry that takes the song in a slightly different direction with some really euphoric, almost 8bit DnB. Bustrexx is a rising star in the world of Drum & Bass. This kid has got real talent and has already been released via a few labels. Fortunately he has also decided to gift his remix to the public, just stop by his Facebook Fanpage and 'like' him in order to access his free downloads (right...

Album: Jinja Safari EP

It's not often that I let a band or an album as good as this slip by me. However I must admit i'm really behind on this one. Luckily however, I have just discovered Jinja Safari and these guys are something seriously special. They are a band hailing from Sydney, Australia and they describe their sound as "afropop rhythms (and) tumbling island guitar". The band has links to Uganda (hence the reference to Jinja town) which you can really hear in their melodies and composition. All of this combines...

Rameses B - Memoirs

Lets keep the monday chill out going with this gem from Rameses B, a DnB/Electronic producer from my very own LEEDS! Rameses describes his tune as 'Minimal Liquid D&B' and I couldn't agree more, in his words i bid you to "wind down and relax, let the melodies soothe you". Well said. Rameses B - Memoirs (FREE) by Rameses B Download L...

Feint - Clockwork Hearts (Fetch Remix)

Oh god it's Monday, chances are you've had to go to work/uni, despite still being hungover from the weekend and you're feeling tired/stressed out. Well never fear, i've got something that will really cure what ails ya. This remix of 'Clockwork Hearts' is some seriously chilled out, comforting music. Let it whisk you away from reality, if only for just under 6 minutes.Fetch is an up and coming DnB/Electronic producer from Cardiff. Unfortunately, that is about all I know about him. All that's...

Mix: Liquid Drum & Bass

It's Friday! So here's a little something to get you up and ready for the weekend courtesy of the resident HotBox DJ. Some of the lesser known stars of the Liquid scene here, so if you like what you hear, check them out! Enjoy Tracklist : Three20 - Your Fire Autumn - Redemption BCee - Disciple Aperture, Mutt - New Jazz Lick T.I vs Unknown Artist - Why You Wanna Unknown - You Don't Know Three20 - Falling Apart Duo Infernale - Feeling Blue Three20 - Breakaway (Original M...

Nirvana - All Apologies (Sound Remedy Remix)

I don't think i've ever heard a Nirvana remix before, at least not a decent one. The following by Sound Remedy however, totally exceeds all expectation. He's taken Nirvana's 'All Apologies' and turned it into a glitchy prog house track that really must be heard. Unlike some remixes, this doesnt just give a great old song a new edge, or murder the original, rather it stands on its own as a unique new piece of music and homage to the original masters of grunge. Give it a listen, and while your at...

London Elektricity vs. Logistics - Search Engine

At last, my favorite Drum & Bass label has reached its 100th release and boy is it a good one. With 'Search Engine', London Elektricity and Logistics demonstrate what happens when two of the best Liquid DnB producers in the world collaborate, liquid-gold that's what. This jazzy masterpiece will get you soothed and grooved, with plentiful 'Apache style' bongo breaks to your nodding your head and stepping those feet. This 100th release is a sure fire purchase for all you D&B...

Carousel - Here Now

Happy happy vibes. That's exactly what a tune like this stirs up in me. You've likely never heard of Carousel and neither had I before today. Luckily though, 'Here Now' was brought to my attention and i'm very grateful, Carousel are certainly one to keep an eye on. Make no mistake, this is straight forward indie/electro-pop, but the awesome vocals and solid production make it and instant hit with me. Won't be getting it out of my head for a while now, see if it gets stuck in yours too. Carousel...

Album: The Weeknd - Thursday

Don't know how this slipped under my radar. The Weeknd have a followed up 'HouseOfBalloons' with the new album 'Thursday'. If you are familiar with The Weeknd then you'll be happy to know this album is more of the same synthy, R&B style jams yet twisted and dark lyrics that we have come to expect. If you aren't aware of The Weeknd yet, then you are in for a treat, think Frank Ocean but with more of a 'post-dubstep' sound too. Their next album, 'Echoes of Silence' is on the fast track to release...

Cally D - Fast Forward

Sometimes you come across a song so beautiful, it arrests you for a while, this song is a perfect example. As I sit here, not doing the work i've been putting off all-day, I am intoxicated by this warm, peaceful tune that second by second is curing my hangover. The artist Cally D hails from London ends and has only been producing music since Feb '11, despite this he's already managed to make some of the best 'chillstep' i've ever heard. Luckily he's giving this track away for FREE, so I urge you...

Album: Frank Ocean - Nostalgia, Ultra

Those who already know about Frank Ocean will recognise that this is old news. Nevertheless i've posted this up for the ignorant. Frank Ocean is the best thing to happen to R&B in years. His production is stunning, vocals and lyrics are thought-provoking and in general very original. Ocean is a member of the acclaimed Odd Future (OFWGKTA), but certainly not your typical member. Unlike the Horrorcore of Tyler the Creator and EARL Sweatshirt, Ocean takes a much more laid back approach to...

Sunday Girl - Love You More (RAC mix)

If you haven't already heard of RAC (Remix Artist Collective) you'll be glad you have now. Whether you're pro remix or not, these guys undoubtably make some of the best and most compelling music around right now. They already have several excellent albums out, in which they remix artists such as Delorean, Sufer Blood and Foster The People. If you havent checked them out already I strongly urge you to do so here. A lot of their tracks are free to download and I'll certainly be mentioning them...

Alex Winston - Sister Wife (Star Slinger Remix)

Hey there sister wife. Get the hell out it's my night You don't know the way to his heart, like I do More from Indie darling Alex Winston, this time with Star Slinger on the remix. Another really excellent electro/pop track, got to love those cheery synths and Alex Winston's soothing vocals. Check it out Alex Winston - Sister Wife (Star Slinger Remi...

Alex Winston - Velvet Elvis (Crystal Fighters Remix)

Alex Winston is the latest indie darling of the internet, and man does she deserve such acclaim. Her soothing voice mixed with pop production makes for an easy uplifting listen. The reliable talents that are Crystal Fighters have however injected a further stream of energy in the track 'Velvet Elvis'. The synth lead combined with with Alex Winston's vocal snippets sounds awesome and dancey. Watch for more remixes of this song to be released on a Remix E.P soon. In the meantime check this track...

Blind Melon - No Rain (Pumpkin Remix)

Remember Blind Melon? They were awesome back in the day. "No Rain" is one of those revolutionary 90s tracks that would normally be sacrilege to alter. However when I first heard this track I feel straight in love with it. Pumpkin seems pretty under the radar on the scene right now, but nevertheless this LA remixer describes his track as 'Bouncy Lovehop'. He's not far wrong with that, all I know is this track is somehow even more trippy than the original. Give it a listen, and melt with me. Blind...