July 2012 ~ HotBox

Polkadot - You're Right

We can always depend on Polkadot to provide the big Garage-vibes we crave. As if we weren't eager enough already for his forthcoming EP, 'It'll Happen', the teaser single he just dropped on Soundcloud is more than enough to really wet our appetites. Check out ''You're Right' below, if it's anything to go by, this EP is gonna be huge...the anticipation is killing me. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

The Soul Electronic - The Party & Afterparty (Compilation)

San Francisco blogs, The Soul Electronic and Indie R&B recently joined together to release, 'The Party & The After Party', a FREE double compilation album featuring material from 21 up-and-coming producers, including multiple HotBox favourites like Polkadot, RuddyP and Benny Loco. The compilation spans genres from Deep House and Garage to soulful R&B and more Ambient vibes. As the The Soul Electronic put it, '"The Party & The After Party" invites listeners on an...

Morning High - I'm The One Who Lost You

We've had enough awesome FREE downloads from Atlanta's Morning High, to know that his talent couldn't possibly stay unsigned forever. It comes as no surprise then, that his latest release, 'I'm The One Who Lost You', is forthcoming on Optimystic Records as part of the 'Out Of Place EP'. Check out the track below...and if you aren't familiar with his particular experimental brand of Future Garage/Bass, then head on over to Soundcloud to grab all the excellent FREE downloads. WANT...

Dee Brown - Dangerous Roses

We're big fans of Atlanta's Dee Brown here at the HotBox. His particular brand of Hip-Hop drifts away from the far more mainstream 'Atlanta chopped 'n' screwed', focusing instead on lyrical finesse coupled with melodic beat production. It's an excellent formula and one that truly paid off in Dee Brown's most recent full release, the acclaimed 'Sleep Walking Diaries'. Since then, Dee has been hard at work on the single 'Dangerous Roses', which has progressed from it's teaser to become...

Crystal Castles - Plague

Much like the rest of the music press, we were absolutely blown away in 2010 by 'Crystal Castles (ii)'. Now, almost to years since their second album release, it's hard to believe that haven't heard from the Toronto band in so long. However all fears of the break-ups or retirements from music can be swept aside as Crystal Castles have announced their third album, currently being recorded in Warsaw, Poland. In anticipation of the album, which won't see release until much later this year,...

Changing Faces - Reasons To Be Happy EP

The much anticipated 'Reasons To Be Happy' FREE EP from our favourite Slovakian Drum & Bass producer, Changing Faces, was finally released this week. As promised, the 7-track EP delivers a beautiful collection of crisp, high quality Liquid DnB productions with the likes of Sheffield's Roebuck and Synth (winner of the remix competition) also contributing. Although the standard is high, the end product here is far more evolutionary than revolutionary...

Armeria - While I've Got It Together

It's getting harder and harder to classify music into specific genre pigeonholes and though this is by no means a bad thing, it does make it more difficult to convey the 'feel' of a track via the medium of the written word. In this case, Derbyshire's Jake Norman aka Armeria has chosen to class his track 'While I've Got It Together ' as an R&B production and the vocal samples and general 'soul' of the track would seem to conform to that assumption. That being said however, I'd argue...

Roebuck - 52

Soundcloud really is an excellent resource, with a little bit of searching here and word of mouth there, you can stumble onto absolute gems. Gems like DnB producer Roebuck and his track '52'. This Sheffield native may be young, but you wouldn't know it from his mature and accomplished production style. '52' is a proper masterclass in Liquid DnB, with meticulous percussive arrangement, a smooth, jazzy melody and deep, rich bass...all wrapped up in an impeccable master. You can't really ask for...

Ellie Goulding - Hanging On (Great Skies Remix)

There's something about Ellie Goulding tunes that makes them prime remixing material. Perhaps it's because though her vocals are often both beautiful and unique, the tracks themselves often feel bloated production wise, or at least never seem to reach their full potential. In the case of 'Hanging On', London based Great Skies has transformed the track, stripping away the bloat and adding intelligently arranged percussion and vocals to create a beautifully euphoric, yet mellow track. Check the...

The XX - Angels + Remixes

Since their acclaimed debut release in 2009 excitement has always followed the prospect of new material from The XX. With their upcoming sophomore album, 'Coexist', just around the corner, it is the first few singles that will be setting the public tone for the whole album. Fortunately though, in 'Angels', the duo's trademark minimal production and spaced, yet emotional vocals have proved once again that less can indeed be much, much more. It would seem then,...

Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

Considering the sheer amount of hype behind this album, you'd have had to be living under a rock for the better part of a year not to know about 'Channel Orange'. Well it's finally with us and the overwhelmingly warm critical reception is no surprise. All PR stunts, rumor and speculation aside, it's the music here that matters and just as fans of Ocean's mixtape release 'Nostalgia, Ultra' will know...Frank Ocean knows his music. Just as his former mixtape was an eclectic mix of genres and influences,...

Moon Boots - Got Somebody (Hannes Fischer Edit)

We've yet to be disappointed by anything in our inbox from German House producer Hannes Fischer, and his most recent edit is no exception. Under the production knife this time is Moon Boots’ electro hit 'Got Somebody!' Once again Hannes has worked his magic, altering the track in a way that both acts as a testament to the original and adds that House groove we all love. Moon Boots himself has said of the track, 'Hannes Fischer has taken “Got Somebody,” sped it up,...

Bondax - Baby I Got That

Damn those Bondax boys just can't go wrong. Their upcoming release, 'Baby I Got That' sounds like a proper summer groover, but don't take our word for it, check it out below. Unfortunately there's only a radio-rip for now, but stay tuned for the full release - August 19th. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

Jonathan Lee - Make Up (On The Dancefloor)

First thing's first, this isn't the kind of stuff we'd normally post on The HotBox. That being said, we've got love for Canadian producer Jonathan Lee, plus it has to be said that his first venture into straight 'pop/commercial' music is, at the very least, damn hooky. With that in mind, presenting 'Make Up (On The Dancefloor)' Lee's first real foray into the world of electro pop. Yes it's cheesy and catchy as hell but it's exactly for those reasons that a track as well produced as this...

Oby Nine - Discover to Recover

It's been a while since Dutch electronic artist Oby Nine shared his 'Weightless' EP with us. However, in his latest release, 'Discover to Recover', Oby Nine has moved away from the more experimental direction and psychedelic influences of his last release and into perhaps...more conventional territory. This is by no means a bad thing, as 'Discover to Recover' draws on the established 2step rhythms and minimal percussion of Dubstep, whilst avoiding cliché LFO bassline whomps in favour...

Young Unknowns - Target Practice

Brooklyn four-piece Young Unknowns formed earlier this year after frontwoman and Oklahoma native Meredith Meyer moved from LA to New York, eventually meeting drummer Matt Arbeiter, bassist Bryan Percivall and guitarist Mike MacAlllister. Since their formation, the band has been hard at work creating their debut EP 'You Are A Young Unknown' and in anticipation of it, they've released the single 'Target Practice' for FREE. The track combines emotionally charged lyrics and plenty of 90's style layered...

Coldplay - Paradise (Changing Faces Dubstep Remix)

Changing Faces is an electronic music producer from Slovakia, well known across Soundcloud and the Blogosphere for his frequent high quality and importantly FREE releases. He's just recently completed a successful campaign to reach 1000 fans on Facebook and to celebrate, has released his remix of Coldplay's 'Paradise', available for FREE download here. Though this particular release is Dubstep oriented, Changing Faces is perhaps better known for his excellent liquid DnB productions,...

Eliott Smith - Oh Well, Okay (REverb Rock Remix)

In my opinion, some of the most interesting and unique music has been emerging from the Chillwave scene/trend in indie music over the past year or two. Not only is such music often unusual in terms of time signatures, instrument choice and overall focus on a lo-fi, mellow sound, but as many of the artists within the genre remain underexposed or unsigned, a great of deal of the music is available for FREE under Creative Commons. With that in mind, I present New York's REverb...

Big People Music - Free EP

Big People Music is a fresh new label out of Manchester. Originally a Garage based club night known as 'BPM', it has since grown into a fledgling bass orientated label primed with plenty of young talent and ambition. To celebrate the label's launch, they've released a 4 track FREE EP of remixes and original material ahead of their first release in September. The EP's tracks stretch from the likes of Grime and Garage all the way to more House influenced productions from some...

Tame Impala - Apocalypse Dreams

It can only be a good thing that on first hearing 'Apocalypse Dreams' we immediately thought of 'Lucy In The Sky'...but by the beach and with a few more hits of acid. There's few bands that you can compare The Beatles too, or for that matter The Beach Boys, but Perth natives Tame Impala seem to fall somewhere in between the two. This aussie psychedelic rock project is the brainchild of Kevin Parker and though they've been around for sometime, the band are just now starting to receive some...

WiSkiM - Lights

There's something about WiSkiM's particular flavour of Chillstep that just puts me to sleep, in a good way that is. Music like this can carry me off and away from reality and into the ether, bringing about a valuable, if brief moment of bliss. 'Lights' is an audible painkiller, the kind of music that soothes and calms like an electronic lullaby. I could go on but there's point, you really just need to listen to this one yourself below. Grab it for FREE and head on over to Soundcloud to show WiSkiM...

FREnchfire - CONTESTant

This atmospheric 2step number from FREnchfire is part of a bigger bass music compilation album from the Future Grooves blog. To download this track and more like it for FREE, head on over to Bandcamp to grab 'Future Grooves vol.1'.....the standalone track from FREnchfire is also available for FREE here. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

Wildlife Control - Wildlife Control LP

Indie rockers Neil and Sumul Shah aka Wildlife Control have finally set a date, July 31st, for the release of their self titled LP. Material for the 10 track LP was recorded in studios, stairwells, parks, and bedrooms in and around Brooklyn and San Francisco and it's release comes on the heels of the very well received 'Spin' EP, with which it shares a few tracks. In case you missed it the first time, the band have sent their awesome first single 'Analog or Digital' over to us again to give away...

Anoraak - Made Up + Remix

Fans of synth/pop will likely already be aware of established french indie rockers Anoraak. Their latest release, 'Made Up', doesn't stray too far away from the indie/pop formula, with catchy hooks, funky guitar lead melodies and plenty of synth accents. While the original mix is certainly bouncy enough to get feet shuffling, the accompanying Les Loup remix gives the track just that little bit more bass groove and consequent dancefloor appeal. This remix is available for FREE download...

Jessie Ware - Wildest Moments (Star Slinger Remix)

Star Slinger's unique brand of vibey hip-hop inspired beats rarely disappoint, and this remix of Jessie Ware's 'Wildest Moments' is no exception. The whole track bounces along around the 130-140 beat mark as house inspired melodies and uplifting piano chords ring through the track. Jessie's beautiful vocals cuts are then expertly manipulated by Star Slinger to create a perfect summer chill out tune. It's no wonder then, that the track been selected as the official remix to paired alongside the...

JMSN - Alone (Kastle Remix)

Originally a native of Pittsburgh, now San Francisco resident Kastle aka Barrett Richards has been making waves in the electronic music scene since 2009. In terms of production, Kastle has his own heavy yet soulful style, something which comes across completely in his remix of JMSN's 'Alone'. Pitched vocals, 808 bells, they're all there and are unified with the kind of passion and half time rhythms that are reminiscent of modern R&B artists like The Weeknd and Frank Ocean. Let's make one...

Bwana - Baby, Let Me Finish (Karma Kid Remix)

We love a bit of Karma Kid here at the HotBox and now that he's all set on Bondax's Just Us label, he's set to really blow up. Even though we are a bit late to the game with this one, it's safe to say that his remix of Bwana's 'Baby, Let Me Finish' is straight fire. With a bouncy 2step rhythm and aggressive synths punching out all the way through, Karma Kid has created a proper banger, not to mention that with Annie Mac behind it, this one is bound to take over dancefloors. Check it...

Shem - Spring

It's been a long time since we last posted about polish Drum & Bass/Electronic producer Shem and it seems like in the time that has past, Shem's sound has really matured and developed. In 'Spring' Shem has abandoned the traditional genre conventions of electronic music, opening the track with a sampled classic piano riff which soon evolves into a bouncy hip-hop beat. This beat in turn evolves into a bass filled and vibrant wonder, twisting and turning throughout the track before forming a...

Portishead - Roads [Hosta Late At Night Bootleg]

Hosta is back after a long time off the grid to share his latest bootleg of Portishead's 'Roads'. This one's a lovely mellow roller, with plenty of deep and luscious bass. Rest assured this will cure what ails ya. Grab it for FREE here. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

Benny Page - Turn Down The Lights (Jammal Remix)

Pay attention junglists! Serbian producer Jammal has just dropped his FREE remix of Benny Page's 'Turn Down The Lights' and boy is it a big one! With big vibey bass and sweet classic breaks, this one is an instant classic and must download, grab it now here for FREE and show your love on Soundcloud WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twit...

The M Machine - Faces

San Francisco-based trio, The M Machine are some of the freshest faces on Skrillex’s burgeoning OWSLA imprint and their track 'Faces' is really starting to blow up across the internet. 'Faces' is one part of The M Machine's debut 'Metropolis Pt.1' LP and though the track has already received a great deal of promotion via Skrillex, any attention is well deserved by this excellent and highly unique release. Rather than just following in the wake of Skrillex’s high energy 'Brostep', The...

Wildcat! Wildcat! - The Chief

Wildcat! Wildcat! have got in touch to share their latest release, 'The Chief'. In case you're not already familiar with LA three piece band, they combine almost falsetto vocals (reminiscent of bands like Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes) with drum pads and synth instruments to create their unique indie/pop sound. 'The Chief' represents more of the same, with Wildcat! Wildcat!'s high production standards and beautiful melodies yet to disappoint. The saxophone feature on 'The Chief', while perhaps...

Filip Filipi - 624 (feat. Jai Paul)

Hot off the heels of his recent charity work with Boj za Kosovo, our favourite Serbo-Canadian Filip Filipi has hit us up with another brand new track from his upcoming mixtape 'Life, $$$ & Cashmere'. '624' is Filipi's own interpretation of Jai Paul‘s 'Jasmine' and clocking in at just under two minutes, it clearly isn't the longest track. However, though the track does leave the listener wanting more, it is for all the right reasons. Filipi's flow is tight,...

Luvian - Jams EP

Luvian's 'Jams' EP has finally arrived comprising the previously covered tracks 'Only You', 'My Life'. Also there is new track 'Haze', a chilled out, sub bass roller that lingers around the 140-160bpm mark. With tidy use of vocal samples and an enchanting if minimal melody running throughout the track, this is exactly the kind of post-dubstep style vibe that we love at The HotBox. Check out 'Haze' below as well as the whole 'Jams' EP, which is available to buy at VibeDeck, where you can also...