2012 ~ HotBox

Equator Club - Calling You

A late crimbo present here from Chicago's Equator Club. 'Calling You' is a vibrant, glitch-out bit of Garage inspired House with all the pitched out vocals and dancefloor appeal you'd expect. Equator Club has been pushing out consistantly high quality electronic releases for a while now, so we're looking forward to more of the same in the New Year, in his words this latest release is just 'a little taste of whats gonna be happening in the upcoming year!'.....watch this space. Check the preview...

Taches - Stockhausen / Altona

I'l keep this one short and sweet, since its boxing day and we've all got plenty of drinking to do. Senegal's Tåches has sent us over two more smooth, souful and unorthodox electronic tracks, dancing around somewhere in the 'Future Bass' catagory. Regardless of genre, the first, 'Stockhausen' is a poweful track with perfect vocal sample that rolls and builds the emotion throughout, until its anti-climatic ending. It certainly warrants the time to listen, it's only fault being that you'll...

Joey Bada$$ x Pro Era – PEEP: The aPROcalypse

It's the 23rd December, the world didn't end, and we've got an early xmas present in the form of 'The aPROcalypse', the latest mixtape release from Brooklyn's Joey Bada$$ and the Pro Era collective planned to coincide with the ending of the Mayan calendar. In case you're not up on these guys already, all you need to know is that they're making of the most exciting Hip-Hop to come out of the East Coast since 'Illmatic'...its that simple. Along with Joey, the Pro Era collective consists...

Shoot The Ghost - Cotton Mouth

It's about that time, let's get deep and groovy with another FREE release courtesy of the lovely Annie Mac. 'Cotton Mouth' is a 4x4 exercise in how to make that perfect chewy Deep House vibe by UK Bass maestros Shoot The Ghost, complete with those sub bass rolls and crispy high we all know and love. Grab the FREE download here and keep your eye out for Shoot The Ghost's forthcoming EP on MadTech, if 'Cotton Mouth' is anything to go by....it's gonna be FIRE! WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox...

Synthetic Epiphany - Thunderous

If you're a regular reader, then you'll already be very aware of British producer Synthetic Epiphany and his consistently solid releases. Though he's no stranger to the broad horizons of electronic music, having contributed to genres all the way from the most obscure minimal ambiance, right to accessible 4x4 House, it seems like he's heading back to his dubstep roots with 'Thunderous'. The track enchants from the offset with a soothing chillstep opening that quickly begins to...

Skins - You Got To See

It's Monday afternoon and god knows we are all in need of a pick me up. Thankfully Skins got in touch to share their primo bit of 90s House revival, 'You Got To See'. Pay attention House heads, this Aussie duo can give you everything you've ever wanted and needed; big 4tothefloor beats, uplifting synths, soulful vocal hooks and all the funky bassline you can vibe to. 'You Got To See' is pure nostalgia at it's very best and as the memories of raves gone by come back in all their chin-gurning glory,...

Buraka Som Sistema - Hangover (Maxx Baer Remix)

I'm still not sure where I stand on the whole 'Trap Music' movement that's increasingly gaining traction these days. It seems to be a genre of extremes; when it's bad...dear god it's bad, but when it's good....it goes as hard and vibey as a motherfucker. Nevertheless, it's an exciting and ever growing sub-genre that refuses to be ignored. Most recently it's Maxx Baer's (formerly FoxClub) remix of Buraka Som Sistema's 'Hangover', a big vibrant instrumental track that packs a real punch of southern...

Adele - Rolling In The Deep (1963 Remix)

There's something beautifully chaotic about stumbling on to a piece of music like this, especially since the track's erractic structure seems to reflect the manner in which I found it...perhaps i'm delving too deep, who knows, it's a Friday. The point is 1963's remix of 'Rolling In The Deep' isn't your typical rhythm refix or vocal sampling bass infusion, it goes much deeper than that. The French producer has wiped his hands of the original track, choosing instead to start from scratch, building...

Artful Dodger - Please Don't Turn Me On (Disclosure Remix)

Let face it, when you Disclosure alongside Artful Dodger in the title, you know it's gonna be good.... House and Garage heads rejoice, Disclosure's well rinsed and much loved remix of 'Please Don't Turn Me On' have finally been released to the public. What more is there to say, this track is a real groover so go ahead and grab the FREE download here. Serious vibes...Disclosure never disappoint. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

Isadora - On The Rights

It feels like it's been an age since we were sent any indie music worth writing about, so it was a geniune thrill to hear a band as stimulating as Isadora. On the immediate 'press packet' surface you'd be forgiven for thinking Isadora was simply more of the same; the story of the duo, that became a 5 piece band, an all Brooklyn tour calendar and a quirky - central protagonist based music video. It's all there and while it's always tempting to simply judge, slap on a badge and move on, there's...

Chill Bump - The Loop EP

French Hip-Hop duo Chill Bump have had a firm place on our radar ever since we covered 'Back To The Grain', one of their first EP releases and the record that really established their thoroughbred, 'DIY' Hip-Hop sound. Now with their 4th EP release 'The Loop', producer Bankal and MC Miscellanious are looking to take things a little deeper, reflecting on their style, their hard work and and the growing success and acclaim that has come with each subsequent past release. The pair...

Doorly ft. Soraya Vivian – Rush

With his earlier 'Pigeonhole This?!' releases, Doorly basically already proved that he's electronic music's jack of all trades, there's seriously nothing this man can't do. It should come as no surprise then that having now turned his hand to House music, the man is absoloutely killing it. His latest release 'Rush' takes everything that ever hit raw and hard with that classic 90s House sound; euphoric piano leads, Soraya Vivian's soulful vocals, and a deep bassline groove, all complemented...

Isaac Tichauer - I Forgive You

Regular readers will already know that as far as we are concerned, everything the Sydney based Isaac Tichauer touches turns to gold, vibrant housey audio gold. His latest release, 'I Forgive You' is no exception to this rule, with all the nicely pitched vocals and deep house grooves we need. Plus, just as with his former releases, 'I Forgive You' is a totally FREE download, once again on the French Express label so grab it now and start getting into the vibes....suddenly the weekend...

Burial - In McDonalds (Coust Remix)

It's been a long, long time since we've heard anything new from the atmospheric garage master that is Burial. Fortunately french producer Coust has felt our pain and sent over his remix of 'In McDonalds' to help settle our cravings. Coust takes the tiny, yet beautifully atmospheric short from Burial's 'Untrue' release and crafts it into a powerful, spacial track that honors the spirit of the original whilst standing out all on its own. This is a track for the guys who've been...

Synthetic Epiphany ft. CoMa - Sleep, The Division

We've covered a lot of stuff from British producer Synthetic Epiphany over the last year, and the fact remains that when it comes to intelligent and well produced chillstep, nobody can touch him. In his latest track, 'Sleep, The Division', he collaborates once more with Coma and her sultry vocals to create a track that is as dark and atmospheric as they come. Grab the FREE download here and be sure to check out Synthetic Epiphany's latest FREE EP releases if you haven't already. WANT...

Soul II Soul - Back To Life (Follow Me Remix)

Just because it's cold as f#%* outside right now, doesn't mean we still aren't in the mood for some sweet summer vibes. Luckily for us, Brooklyn's Follow Me was kind enough to send us over some fine summery grooves in the form of his remix of the classic 'Back To Life' by Soul II Soul. If you are feeling the chill, this track's warm bass and tropical house vibes will get you right where you need to be. It's not quite back to reality, but who needs reality when we've got tunes. Grab...

Bailey - C'est Un Oui / Run

Just recently we posted up a remix by Brighton based House and Garage producer Bailey. Since then Bailey has been hard at work, with two brand new production already hot of the presses; 'C'est Un Oui' is a 4x4 oriented track with what many a calling that 'Bristol' vibe. Expect sexy pitched vocals, prominent 808 drum samples and plenty of deep loved up grooves. Call it what you like, this is exactly the kind of thing that gets us up and moving. 'Run' turns the pace up a notch, still falling into...

DJ Zinc - FREE Downloads

Remember when Zinc used to make DnB? We sure as hell do, Zinc's riddims were easily some of the heaviest classics around. Well now Zinc has decided to give the fans what they want and has uploaded loads of his old classic releases to Soundcloud as HQ FREE downloads. It's all there, big breaks old and new including old dubplates and white labels like his bootleg of The Fugees 'Ready or Not', both the original and the 2003 remix. Of course these days Zinc makes some pretty sweet Electro House...

Enk Collective - EnkTape Vol.1

You might remember The Enk Collective as the UK bass community behind artists like The D.A who's remix was featured some weeks back. The guys have since got in touch to share their first mixtape 'EnkTape Vol.1', a dub/bass oriented album with live dub reggae from General Roots and Flatline, grime/moombahton tunes from Rinse Fm's Sypro and Dubloke, Future Bass/House oriented tunes from DrDr, Rendar & Leebo and even some smooth RnB from Fortay. Throughout...

Disclosure - Latch ft. Sam Smith (Bailey Remix)

In the world of electronic music one's thing for sure, those Surrey Disclosure boys know just how to press my audio buttons, with 'Latch' easily being one favorite releases of 2012. That being said, it would have to take one hell of a producer to rinse out the track on the remix and take it even further. Enter Brighton based Bailey who's funky vibrant House remix of 'Latch' has somehow managed to pass us by until now. With support from the likes of Karma Kid, Booddha and the Disclosure lads themselves,...

Brian McKnight - Stay Or Let It Go [Sabre Remix]

Few things can brighten up a Monday quite like a bit of FREE Drum & Bass. This weeks contender is London based producer Sabre with his remix of Brian McKnight's 'Stay Or Let It Go'. With percussion on the light end and deep reese vibes on the low, this smooth bit of jazzy liquid funk is bound to mellow you out and put a smile on your face after a long cold winter's day. Grab it for FREE via Facebook. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

Rudimental - Not Giving In (Stay+ Remix)

We may have already mentioned our love for London quartet Rudimental, Nevertheless we were more than happy to hear that fellow Londoner Stay+ has given their track 'Not Giving In' the remix treatment. It's safe to say that he's managed to get the best out of the original, creating something euphoric and dancey, but without removing any of the depth and emotion that we've come to expect from Rudimental tracks. Even better, this one comes as a FREE download courtesy of the lovely Annie...

Pledge - Some Timez

Pledge is another mystery producer who we've not been able to find much out about, other than that he hails from the UK and has already dropped some releases via the notable Slime and L2S Recordings. Nevertheless, what's important is that he's making seriously tasty music. The track in question, 'Some Timez', is a sweet little garage roller with a downtempo vibe, but still just enough groove to get feet shuffling on the dancefloors. This lush bit of UKG is available for FREE download here, so...

Joey BADA$$ - 1999

2012 has been a decent year for Hip-Hop, with a new MF Doom album, plenty of mixtapes and even album releases from the likes of new boy Kendrick Lamar exceeding expectation. Meanwhile the underground has provided a steady stream of decent new artists like Blu, Chill Bump and Dee Brown....keeping things fresh and interesting for the future. With this in mind, the latest new boys, Brooklyn's Joey BADA$$ and his Pro Era crew, have a lot a competition as Hip-Hop starts to gradually claw its way...

Earl Sweatshirt – Chum

We haven't really heard much from Odd Future's Earl since 'The OF Tape Vol.2'. 'Chum' is his latest and first release since coming back from Samoa, a mellowed out , emotional track about his family life over light pianos and drums. Many expected Earl and the other OF guys to have fizzled out by now, but with this being the latest of a series of impressive releases from the crew, we can only see big things ahead of Earl, Tyler, Hodgy and co. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on...

Bicep - Feel It

British house duo Bicep has just released deep house / garage crossover track in 'Feel It'. Here's what the guys have to say about the release themselves: Produced early last year, this version was actually a rough demo. We went on to change the track considerably, evolving it into what became '$tripper'. However with some space we came back to it and actually loved it's raw feel. This led us to test her out on our BIS mix - And here she is! This stripped out track really is as vibrant as they...

Virgin Minds - Better Girl

The Monday chillout is in full swing this week as we bring you another smooth electronic vibe. 'Better Girl' is the second release from promising newcomers Virgin Minds. With its subtle melody, trapped out structure and hypnotic vocals, this deeply mellow track is sure to make you forget all about work. Check it after the jump and grab the track for FREE here. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

Maribou State - Scarlett Groove

Something a little different from Londoners Maribou State. 'Scarlett Groove' is a laid back and throughly blissed-out chiller, perfect for a stressful monday. Add in a soulful, yet slightly un-nerving vocal and you've got that Southern Fried label sound to a tee. Grab this one for FREE here courtesy of Annie Mac. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

Pascäal - Lamborghini / Apollo

Fresh off the back of our post on Booddha, we've got word of another top release on the Amsterdam based VRESH label. This time, Texas based producer Peter Wiley aka Pascäal is rocking our headphones. Previously known for a large number of releases under his previous alias, Subvader, Pascäal is taking a new direction and a brand new start with his debut EP 'Lamborghini / Apollo '. The two track EP doesn't disappoint, with the opener 'Lamborghini' really shining. This...

Booddha - Good Vibes

'Good Vibes' is probably one of the most accurately named tracks i've ever seen, with it's sweet housey piano licks and garage inspired rhythms providing plenty of uplifting audio pleasure. The production wizard behind this track is Amsterdam based Booddha, of whom 'Good Vibes' is just a small part of his impressive, bass orientated release back catalogue on the VRESH label. You can grab the FREE download of 'Good Vibes' here, but be sure to check out the rest of FREE downloads as well...

Mutt - Conversations ft. Kevin King (Atlantic Connection Remix)

You might remember Atlantic Connection's DnB remix of Mos Def's 'Travelin' Man' which we featured a few weeks ago. Well Atlantic Connection has dropped another FREE remix, this time of fellow DnB producer Mutt's 'Conservations'. Atlantic Connection has taken the already stellar original track and stripped it back somewhat to the bare essentials, giving it a whole new minimal flavour and diverting all focus to that warm rolling bassline and Kevin King's soulful complimenting vocals. It's...

Rubblebucket - Oversaturated EP

It's about time for some Indie Rock and this weeks contenders are Brooklyn based Rubblebucket, an interesting blend of psychedelic indie rock, upbeat dance, and radiant, left-field arrangements, all led by frontwoman Kalmia Traver and brassist Alex Toth. Since their formation the band has evolved into something quite unique, with an exciting and unusual music direction, culminating in the bands latest release, the 'Oversaturated' EP, a chaotic, post-genre mix of dischord, horns, synth,...

Taches - Ålingsaäs

Im still not quite sure how I feel about Trap, but coming all the way from Senegal, I feel Taches take on it warrants a look in at least. There's not much to say about Taches (info on this mysterious producer is scarce to say the least), nevertheless his first release 'Ålingsaäs' speaks for itself, it's sensual, bassy release that leans on the edge of 2step whilst toying with that that Trap sound. It won't appeal to everyone, but I still recommend you check it out, after all it's a...

Figgy - Can't See / Don't Waste

You guys might remember New York based Figgy from the excellent 'Broke City Summer Collection' released over this past summer, featuring the likes of Sleepyhead, Dunes, and the man Figgy himself. Unlike previous releases, his latest is as much about the visual as the audio. 'Can’t Say' and 'Don’t Waste' came about after Figgy was asked to compose the accompanying music to GOTM Films latest timelapse project. Safe to say, the two chilled out, serene, downtempo tracks...

Warren Xclnce - Say Goodbye (Vampire Story) ft. Jordan James & Pheenix

Regular readers will all ready be familiar with London based Warren Xclnce, Hip-Hop/Bass producer extraordinaire and HotBox favourite. He has recently re-released his track 'Say Goodbye', this time complete with vocals courtesy of collaborators Jordan James & Pheenix. As we've come to expect from Warren, the Dilla-esque production on this track is absolutely stellar with Jordan James' slightly off-key vocals and Pheenix's rhymes nicely complimenting the instrumental. The...

Hanga - Drought

It's amazing just what kind of stuff has emerged and continues to come out of the bedroom DJ/producer generation....perhaps the most incredible thing is the speed and youth factor. Take UK based Hanga aka Caleb Watson, at just 16 years old this guy is producing music with the maturity and production values to rival many a seasoned producer. His latest track 'Drought', which samples Moby's 'Go', is a gripping, grooved up vibe with exactly the kind of dark bass and 2step rhythms many of...

Flashmob - Sometimes

Ahead of the release of their new single 'Hot', House maestros Flashmob have teamed up with our beloved Annie Mac to give away another new track. 'Sometimes' is a Deep-House with plenty f vibrant, dark bass and just enough synth lead percussion to keep the tech-heads happy (no vocal worries here). Check it out below and grab the FREE download here while you can....this one will heads nodding and feet shufflin. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

DE$iGNATED x Christopherson - It's Not Right

It's hard to sum up DE$iGNATED's style in words, but one things for sure, these two young brits are making some seriously interesting and exciting music. The lads describe themselves as "fusing genres that they like", a statement that seems a fairly accurate, especially in regards to their latest release, 'It's Not Right'. This track firmly embraces the idea of blending genres, beginning with a simple, but classic Whitney Houston sample, and ending in so much more. There's a little Trap,...

ENiGMA Dubz & Sub Antix - Premonition

We can always depend on ENiGMA Dubz to supply us with quality, grimey Dubstep, so when we heard about his latest joint release with Sub Antix, the 'Easy' EP, we knew it would be full to the brim with the biggest, deepest and darkest dubs around. To celebrate the EP's release, the pair have released 'Premonition' as a FREE download. As you'd probably expect, this dark and ominous track doesn't skip on the low frequencies. If you're the type that likes to give your subwoofer some exercise,...

Polkadot - We Got History

Wolverhampton's Polkadot has finally achieved a well earned 1000 followers on Soundcloud. To celebrate he's teamed up with rapper Wonda to produce this vibrant bit of grimey, RnB/Garage, 'We Got History', a short but deeply emotional inward look into the dynamics of relationships and that chemical chaos we call love. The track is available for FREE download here, so check out the preview after the bump and grab the download asap. Here's hoping for even more big things soon from this seriously...

Ed Congreave - Heal

Ed Congreave is best known for being part of Oxford Indie band Foals. In between working on their upcoming 3rd album he's been honing his own production skills, taking his knowledge of electronic music and some clear Deep House inflences to create his first solo release, 'Heal'. Though it may only be his first solo foray in electronic music, Ed's experience as a musician is clear in 'Heal'; production values are high, the sound is crisp and the pitched vocal lead melody works in tandem with...

TCTS - Feels So Good

The weekend is finally here and i've got a bass itch that needs scratching. Luckily Manchester's TCTS are here to help with 'Feel So Good', a lively and deeeeeeeep bass filled House/Garage roller that is sure to rub you up the right way. Just as the title promises, this vibey track feels pretty damn good through the subwoofer. Grab the FREE download here and start your weekend off with a bang, courtesy of the lovely Ms. Annie Mac. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and...

Pále - Catacombs EP

Up and coming Manchester based producer Pále a.k.a. Leo Marcus has been hard at work finalising his forthcoming 'Catacombs' EP: 3 tracks of bass oriented and intelligently designed Deep House, certain to grip many a electronic music fan with its forward thinking vibe. To celebrate its impending release, the EP's third track, 'Orchidea' has been released as a FREE download, with the downtempo, dub influenced piano led roller sure to wet your appetite. The full EP drops October 22 via the London-based...

Retraflex & Akayar - Set Me Free

Flexout Audio's Retraflex have teamed up with Akayar to produce 'Set Me Free', a hectic liquid DnB track with the kind of deep bass freqs and lively breaks that will be sure to get your heart racing. The track is being generously giving away to promote Fractured Foundation, a London based DnB night featuring the likes of Total Science, Villem, Mark System and more. Check the track below and grab the FREE download here. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love (Negativ Remix)

Those Negativ boys are back with another jam, taking Leona Lewis' 'Bleeding Love' and molding it into something twisted and beautiful. The end result is a easy rolling House track, with deceptively dark, off-key tones and all the 4x4 loving any dancefloor will ever need. It takes some serious talent to make Leona samples sound that good, god knows I never thought I'd see the day where her name made it to the HotBox, is there nothing these polish production wizards can't do? Grab the...