November 2011 ~ HotBox

ENiGMA Dubz - Badness (Free Remixes & More)

Dubstep news..........DANK 'N' DIRTY DUBZ have just released the ENiGMA Dubz - 'Badness Remixes EP' (ft. Retro, Legend4ry, & sMILOdon) [DANK005]
To celebrate they've released a 5 tracks for FREE, which if you like your bass (and I bet you do) are well worth checking out...Grab them now below! These tracks hit HARD so turn those subs up.
Keep an eye on the DANK 'N' DIRTY DUBZ soundcloud for plenty more free release in the future...
Personal fave: Controlled Kaos - 'The Key v2', the chilled vibes on this one are spectacular, grab it below.

ENiGMA Dubz - Badness (Controlled Kaos Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD] by DANK 'N' DIRTY DUBZ

ENiGMA Dubz - Badness (Crystal Catcha Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD] by DANK 'N' DIRTY DUBZ

DANK006 - Controlled Kaos - The Key v2 [FREE DOWNLOAD] by DANK 'N' DIRTY DUBZ

DANK006 - ENiGMA Dubz - Are You Afraid of the Dark? [FREE DOWNLOAD] by DANK 'N' DIRTY DUBZ

DANK006 - Dee:See - Take It Back A Decade [FREE DOWNLOAD] by DANK 'N' DIRTY DUBZ

Killed It - Extralonglife (Original Mix)

Another one here from Killed It, this time with some serious 8bit video game vibes. With sweet chord progression and heavy synths loaded all the way through, this 100% electro joy...similar to the likes of Unicorn Kid. I'm pretty sure if candy made music it would sound like this.....
It's almost like it could be summer again.....swing by Killed It's soundcloud and show your support.

Killed It - Extralonglife (Original Mix) by Killed It

Troy Gunner - Mindset009 EP

Experimental music, by it's very nature, isn't going to please everybody. You can't plunder the deepest, darkest depths of music and still appeal to a wide audience, but of course...who says it has to....
Along this vein, I present Manchester's Troy Gunner. Mindset Record's latest signing and pioneer of the post-dubstep/future garage scene.
His debut EP "Mindset009" is an eclectic mix of field samples, bassy moods and highly textured, percussion led music. This is some of the most hectic and complex music i've ever heard and while it isn't always an easy listen, it's certainly worth your time.
In Troy Gunner's on words, "i don’t really expect people to get my music and I guess that it’s all about the music at the end of the day so i do try to allow that do most of the talking."
I've encountered artist that use field recordings before, e.g. Joy Orbison's patterned percussion sampled from the pitched down, metal clangs of a hammer on a radiator. But Troy goes even further, sampling audio from meaningful answer-phone messages, conversations with his brother and even more unexpected sources.
This EP represents audible soundscapes at their finest, Troy takes mental images from the past, close memories and emotions and creates a soundtrack from them, inviting his listener to experience them too. Like I said, this music won't always get you dancing, but it will definitely get you thinking...
”Mindset009" is out on 5th December…check the 3 track EP below...

[mindset009] by Mindset Records

Spacecamp - Miko D.T.B

Some more disco indie/pop here, this time in the form of Spacecamp, a four piece band from Brooklyn. Spacecamp just recently released their debut EP "Alibi" on November 22, and have released this single “Miko D.T.B.”
The track has a spacey galactic, indie/disco vibe with David Bowie esque moments.

Band member Jon Wiley recently explained the meaning behind “Miko D.T.B.”:

“Lyrically, the song is about a boat captain who is running a shipment of guns and narcotics from Brazil to the Keys for export to the states. He is betrayed by his lover. His boat is boarded by a group of very good soccer players. They carry golden revolvers and fight valiantly for their heroine (not the drug), Sister Crystalline, also the Captain’s fraudulent bed-mate. Her actions are sanctified by the fact that she is the leader of an ancient-mystic-shamanistic-psychotropic religious society. Her motives are unclear, even to me. If only I had a few more hyphens I could probably figure it out. She probably means well, even though she behaved badly.” -antimusic.com

Well.....an explanation like that is bound warrant some interest in their EP "Alibi". Nevertheless, these guys are definitely one to keep an eye on, check out their single below and download it for FREE from their bandcamp

Miko D.T.B. by SPACECAMP

Album: Made In Heights - Aporia: In These Streets

Unfortunately the weekend is over, and i'm betting no one is ready to go back to work. Luckily i've got some good music for you.
A brand new, full length album from Seattle band, Made In Heights, the project of Blue Scholars DJ/Producer Sabzi with vocals by Kelsey Bulkin.
They describe themselves as, “mythical filth pop New York,” although there are traces of R&B and indie pop within the mix here.
'Aporia: In These Streets' is a cool combination of Bulkin’s celestial vocals, samples, and instrumentals that creates a confident, decadent and sensual album, reminiscent of something by The Weeknd or Frank Ocean.
The best thing about this album? Its available for FREE download at their Bandcamp, so make sure to check it out. This is, without doubt, some damn good music.
In the meantime here's their track 'Wildflowers (Exhale Efreet)' to give you a taster.

Made In Heights - Wildflowers (Exhale Efreet) by The Wounded Jukebox

TEED - Dream On

TEED (Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs) is and has been my favorite electronic artist for a few years now. Everything he turns his hand too just comes out brilliantly, from 'Garden' to 'Household Goods' to 'Blood Pressure' to 'How Far' , TEED crosses electronic genre boundaries from Tech House through to Future/Garage and Ragga seamlessly and every time producing another unforgettable tune.
His latest release 'How Far', represents yet another inventive and timeless track. This time we get a track more to the Tech House end of the spectrum, yet still encompassing plenty of funky melodies to your shoes shuffling.
Generously TEED decided to give this one out for FREE in return for your email address, easy decision if you ask me. Swing by his soundcloud to extend your thanks, and while you at it check out his other tunes available via Beatport & iTunes

Dream On [FREE DOWNLOAD - http://bit.ly/TEEDDreamOn] by T-E-E-D

Active Child - Diamond Heart (Man Without Country Remix)

Since their latest EP 'King Complex,' Man Without Country, the Welsh electronica band, have been making waves through the underground remix scene. Now the band are on remix duty for one of todays premiere electronic artists: Active Child.

This remix of Active Child's 'Diamond Heart,' is taken from the L.A.-based producer's debut full-length 'You Are All I See' and features some really interesting acoustic elements....ranging from powerful church-hall drums, gothic vocals and surges of dark, electronic bass. I've had my eye on Man Without Country for some time now and they just keep getting better. As far as I'm concerned this remix is one of the most powerful pieces of music they've produced yet and is well worth you time, check it and download for FREE below.....be quick though, there's a limited number of d/ls on this one.
Also check out their EP 'King Complex' available via iTunes

Active Child - Diamond Heart (Man Without Country Remix) by Vagrant Records

My Double, My Brother - I Only Dream of Places Now

It's always nice when someone alerts you to a new emerging talent, especially when their sound is as encouraging as LA's My Double, My Brother. The band recently sent over their single and I really didn't know what to expect. In the end I was pleasantly surprised to hear one of the best indie tracks I've heard in a long time.
'I Only Dream of Places Now' is a wonderful mix of beautiful melodies, thought provoking lyrics and excellent production values. Add on top of that the lead singer's soothing yet unusual vocal style and you've got a seriously sweet tune. There are clear quality influences here from the likes of Arcade Fire, Bombay Bicycle Club, Real Estate and so on. If that sounds like your thing then i've got good news...My Double, My Brother have decided to give this single away for FREE so grab it asap from the player below. If you like what you hear, then head on over to Bandcamp to check out their full length album 'What We Found Beneath The Ground'. Keep your eye out for more from these guys.

Sweetheart of Kairi & CoMa - Last Summer Song

I'm tired, dizzy and there's a bitter taste in my mouth...it must be Sunday. Days like this are tough, with Monday lingering at the back of your mind and all that work you didn't do lingering far more obviously on your desk.
On a day like this, I appreciate good soothing music more than ever, luckily i've got 'Last Summer Song' by the duo Sweetheart of Kairi. This is one beautiful, enchanting song, with the beautiful vocals of CoMa that will whisk you away to another, better world....and its FREE to d/l, so head on over to soundcloud and drop them a thank you.

Work?...what work? :D

Sweetheart of Kairi & CoMa - Last Summer Song by •Sorrow

LIPS - Everything To Me (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix)

Adventure Club really are ahead of their game. Christian Srigley & Leighton James are a duo of Dubstep producers out of Montreal. These guys take some of the top releases around and give them a unique Dubstep flavour. The latest example of this is their remix of LIPS - 'Everything To Me, here they've taken an awesome tune, kept the chilled out vibes and created some serious 'Chillstep'. Check it below as well as their excellent remix of Flight Facilities - 'Crave You.....both FREE to download

LIPS - Everything To Me (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix) by Adventure Club Dubstep

Flight Facilities - Crave You (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix) by Adventure Club Dubstep

Cise Star × DJ Unwind - Greater Purpose (Mixed by EvanAwake)

If you're into Hip-Hop, chances are you've already heard of EvanAwake, if not then you're in for a treat.
EvanAwake is a German beat producer and mashup artist. He takes the best instrumentals, designed by the likes of Nujabes and Shin-ski and mixes them with some of the most talented lyricists around. What results normally is jazzy hip-hop goodness. Then he gives the track out for free, currently he has over 4 remix albums available for FREE. Sound good? Then check out the track below featuring the brilliant Cise Starr and DJ Unwind. If you like it follow the d/l link....and while you're at it, follow EvanAwake on Youtube and then download his discography here

Cise Star × DJ Unwind - Greater Purpose (Mixed by EvanAwake)

Body Language - Holiday (RAC Mix)

Shouldn't need to say to much about this one. It's RAC on duty again...by now you know what that means, they've worked their magic as usual...this time with Brooklyn's Body Language and 'Holiday'.
Grab it now off iTunes now, it's simply awesome.

Body Language - Holiday (RAC Mix) by RAC

The Maccabees - Pelican

Looks like The Maccabees have got a new album, 'Given To The Wild' on the way and the hype machine is blowing up for this one. It's a 12 track album with influences from Kate Bush, The Stone Roses and David Bowie. They've also leaked/released a little teaser track, currently Zane Lowe's hottest record in the world, called 'Pelican'. Unfortunately as its a leak, the quality isn't amazing on this one, but the track itself sounds like a return to form for the always brilliant Maccabees. Looking forward to that album release....

The Maccabees - Pelican

'Given to the Wild' track list:

01) Child
02) Pelican
03) Feel To Follow
04) Ayla
05) Glimmer
06) Forever I've Known
07) Heave
08) Go
09) Unknow
10) Went Away
11) Slowly One
12) Grew Up At Midnight

UK Tour dates:

Fri 21 Oct Gloucester Guildhall
Sun 23 Oct Coventry Kasbah
Mon 24 Oct Oxford Town Hall
Tues 25 Oct Liverpool Masque
Weds 26 Oct Glasgow Arches
Thurs 27 Oct Edinburgh Liquid Rooms
Sat 29 Oct Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Sun 30 Oct Leeds Cockpit
Mon 31 Oct Manchester Sound Control
Tues 01 Nov London Village Underground
Weds 02 Nov Bristol Trinity

Album: Chaos In The CBD - Moving Image

I've talked before about the resurgence of UKG and how it's steadily making a come back under the guise of Future Garage/Post-Dubstep or whatever you want to call it. The point is, those UK garage vibes are back, and are now starting spread well beyond Britain.
All the way on the other side of the world, New Zealand's finest Chaos In The CBD have been putting their own spin that garage/bass vibe and I can tell you now....it's a damn fine sound, combining elements of House, Acid House, Garage and Dubstep.
With an EP (Moving Image) out on Youngunz, collaborations with French Fries and remixes by the likes of Submerse already flooding out, it's clear these guys are on a fast track to the top. Frankly it's no surprise as their music speaks for itself. Check out the house and garage vibes on 'Moving Image' EP and the upcoming 'Waves' EP linked below. Also check the post-dub remix of 'Pearl' which is FREE to download.

Chaos In The CBD - The Moving Image E.P by Youngunz

Manare - Pearl (Chaos In The CBD Remix) by Chaos In The CBD

Waves EP (Southern Fried Records Nov 20th) by Chaos In The CBD

Nostalgia – Superfunk

It's getting harder and harder to find decent, melodic, progressive and interesting dubstep. With the advance brostep/popstep (whatever you wanna call it) all over the radio most producers have just abandoned the genre entirely.
Some artists however, are choosing to innovate...... Nostalgia's 'Superfunk' is a perfect example of how dubstep can be melodic, with musical chord progression......as well as dancey, summery vibes.........this is a stark contrast to the majority which falls into the usual dusbstep formula trap of melody – drop – melody – wompwompwomp – over rinse/repeat.
Alot of people are hating on the US right now for the whole Skrillex/Bro-step thing, but Nostalgia proves there's still plenty of in the States...

Super Funk by Nostalgia by Dubstep.net

MitiS - Influential Past

If you like 8bit electronic music, then have I got a treat for you....actually scratch that, whether you're a dubstep, electro, house or chillstep fan there's something for you on the soundcloud of MitiS.
Pennsylvanian MitiS is one of the most versatile electronic artists i have ever come across, his music is unique, uplifting and extremely well produced. There's influences stretching from Unicorn Kid, to Deadmau5 to Burial, and his range should hardly be surprising, considering MitiS aka Joe Torre's background as a classical trained pianist.
This guy is one seriously talented musician, definitely one to follow. Check out the tracks below, all available for FREE.

Update*
God damn I can't get over "Anything in the World", reminds me of the tunes that first got me into electronic music....new obsession.

MitiS - Influential Past **FREE DOWNLOAD**! by MitiS

MitiS - Anything In The World *FREE DOWNLOAD CAUSE I LOVE YOU* by MitiS

MitiS - Written Emotions *(FREE DOWNLOAD!)* by MitiS

Killed It - Pecknam's Dirty Secret

I get sent alot electronic of music and I really appreciate it. However, unfortunately the vast majority of it just isn't quite ready for the HotBox.
However, every now and then I recieve a little gem or two. Today's came from Jack Aisher aka Killed It, an up and coming DJ/Producer from South London. Killed It has a funky, electro sound that's reminiscent of classic Justice or even Daft Punk.....however, while the influences remain clear, tracks like 'Pecknam's Dirty Secret' still retain their own unique flavour with an interesting mixture of disco vibes and dirty basslines.
The material might be a long way from release yet, but Killed It is definitely worth checking out, let's hope he gets some much deserved label attention....check his two latest releases below.

Killed It - Pecknam's Dirty Secret (Original Mix) by Killed It

Killed It - Wootalicious (Original Mix) by Killed It

Radiohead – Codex (Deadmau5 Cover)

Some unexpected awesomeness here, Deadmau5 aka Joel Zimmerman just posted some surprising new material on Twitter. A cover of Radiohead's 'Codex' that provides a true homage to the original. If you're a Radiohead fan and a Deadmau5 fan, like me.....then this will be right up your alley.
This excellent tribute demands your attention..

Radiohead - Codex (deadmau5 cover) by fuckmylife

Album: Dems - House EP

Dems are a London based indie trio, making downtempo/chillwave music that's reminiscent of The XX....perfect vibes for your Sunday morning recovery.

Their debut EP 'House' dropped today on the Bad Life label......This EP is well worth your time, blending top class vocals, excellent production and beautiful chilled melodies.
These guys really are one to watch, and the EP is a worthy investment, hopefully we'll be hearing more from them soon.
Below, ive linked two of the featured tracks, 'Down On you' and 'House', to wet your appetite.Close your eyes and let them take you away...
'House' EP is availble now via Bad Life

Down On You by dems

The Big Pink - Stay Gold + Araab Muzik Remix

The Big Pink are an english indie/electro/rock duo comprising multi-instrumentalists Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell. The duo signed to the 4AD label and since then have released a pretty successful album 'A Brief History of Love'.
Their new album, 'Future This', drops January 2012 and is looking to be pretty sweet judging by the first single 'Stay Gold', it's a great track, although I have to admit the shouts of 'GOLD' really remind me of Spandau Ballet, which frankly makes the track even better.....check it out below.
I've also linked to the Araab Muzik remix...normally im not a massive fan of him, but this remix is pretty decent and doesn't mess with the original too much, just gives it a more intense feel....

The Big Pink - Stay Gold
The Big Pink - Stay Gold (Araab Muzik Remix)

Deadmau5 – Aural Psynapse (Myndset Remix)

The remixes are already flooding in for Deadmau5's latest release 'Aural Psynapse'. So far this is the best i've heard, Myndset doesn't mess to much with the original structure, just tweaks things to give the track a little more dance floor appeal...a bit more oopmh! Check the d/l below

Deadmau5 – Aural Psynapse (Myndset Remix)

The Wind - Hathor

Here's something new for ya. The Wind are a fresh new band out of Long Beach, California. But there sound isn't quite what you'd expect. It's laid back, cheery, but there's less of a beach bum vibe and alot more of St Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. These guys are Beatles fans and the influences show. Their single 'Hathor', really sounds like something from 'Abbey Road' and i'm completely hooked. Don't get me wrong, they are no rip-off band, their sound is still developed and unique, but the influences are there...frankly it's a welcome relief from alot of the generic 'indie' coming out at the moment. The album 'Harum Scarum', has actually been out for a while now and disc 1 is available for FREE in exchange for a Facebook share....well worth it, grab it now!

The Wind - Hathor

Album: DJ Sega - The Throne Is Watching Me EP

Filtering through the mounds of free music uploaded on soundcloud can be a bit of a chore. For every decent band EP you find, there's normally a ton of cliche, under produced crap.
However, every now and then you find a gem.
DJ Sega is a perfect example. He's a producer signed to Mad Decent and the leading edge in Baltimore club music. He is starting to get some well deserved international attention and as a thank you to all his loyal fans he's released 'The Throne Is Watching Me' EP for FREE via Soundcloud
Some really interesting stuff here, check it out below

Tracks Off "The Throne Is Watching Me" EP!!!! by DJ Sega

Little Roy - Lithium (Nirvana Cover)

You know how I feel about covers, most of the time they ruin old favourites, but every now and then, they give old songs a whole new lease of life.
Here's a perfect example, Reggae artist takes Nirvana's angsty masterpiece 'Lithium' and gives it those dubby, chilled vibes. Like the sound of that? Well you'll be happy to know, he's done a whole album of Nirvana covers called 'Battle For Seattle'.
This is a must listen.........

Lithium by Little Roy

Manix - Feel Real Good (Doorly Pigeonhole This! Booty Vocal Mix)

Another FREE and genre defying release from Doorly and his 'Pigeonhole This!' collection. Literally can't pin this one down, it's a bassy, dubbed up, electro mess........but it works, just like everything Doorly gets his hands on. Grab it now while it's free!

Strange Talk - Sexual Lifestyle

I've had my eye on Melbourne's Strange Talk for a while now. This four-piece band has already gained quite alot of hype for their year old release 'Eskimo Boy' and I really thought they'd be releasing an album some time soon, especially considering they have already toured with the likes of The Joy Formidable, The Rapture and Marina & The Diamonds. But, unfortunately it looks like we'll have to wait until sometime in 2012 for a full album.
In the meantime this latest release 'Sexual Lifestyle'....an awesome, catchy track that already has me excited for a full album release.

Strange Talk - Sexual Lifestyle

Deadmau5- Aural Psynapse

New Deadmau5!? Okay not quite, turns out this is just a rework of an older track, but that's still good news.....this means a potential return to the Deadmau5 we all know and love, fine melodic minimal/electro house with no out of place wobbles/nero/dubstep crap.
Listen, enjoy.......let's hope we get to hear more like this

*Update new HQ 320kps d/l link here
Deadmau5- Aural Psynapse

Robots with Rayguns - Electro isn't Dead

Something to brighten up your Sunday here. I'm dismayed as to how i've never heard of Robots with Rayguns before, aside from having an awesome name, they are also making some seriously good music. Unfortunately I can't say I know a lot about the Phoenix based electro artist/s. Only that with a huge repertoire of remixes and solo productions already under their belt, it's hard to pick something out that really stands above their already high level of production....you really should visit their soundcloud for yourself and check them out.

Nevertheless, their first EP "Electro Isn't Dead" is a good place to start. This is 80s style synth pop at it's best with some interesting modern indie/bass influences as well as retro throwbacks (listen out for the 808s).

The 10 track EP is available to download for FREE on Soundcloud and is well worth your time.

The link below should wet your appetite, don't get me wrong though...this is a very well accomplished release, but Robots with Rayguns' remixes are also well worth checking out.

Electro Isn't Dead by Robots With Rayguns

Show your support by following Robots with Rayguns on Twitter and Facebook

Field Music - (I Keep Thinking About) A New Thing

Field Music have just confirmed the release of a new record, early in 2012. The record, is called 'Plumb' and will come out on February 13 in the UK via Memphis Industries.
In the meantime you can listen to a track off the new album below, which available for FREE from their website .

The band have a couple of UK tour dates before the end of the year, followed by some new ones to support the new record. Have a look at them below:

November:
26 - Middlesbrough, Westgarth Social Club
30 - London, Koko (Memphis Industries 13th Birthday Party)

February:
18 - Glasgow, Stereo Feb
19 - Manchester, Deaf Institute
20 - Leeds, Brudenell Social Club

22 - Nottingham, Bodega
23 - Bristol, The Fleece

Field Music - (I Keep Thinking About) A New Thing by memphisindustries

Future Islands - Crish (Javelin Remixxx)

Some straight up synthy-pop here from Future Islands, 'Crish' the original version was never released, but here's the remix by Javelin....cant honestly say I know a lot about Javelin, but here's what Future Islands has to say:-
"Crish is a song that was recorded for On the Water but the lyrics weren't completed in time to make the cut. We asked Javelin if they would do a remix of it for a bonus track. At this point, we're not sure if our version of 'Crish' will ever see the light of day, but we really love what Javelin did with it... I feel like it's more of a collaboration than a remix."

Future Islands - Crish (Javelin Remixxx) by thrilljockey

Deer Tick - Miss K

Rhode Island's finest Deer Tick, are back with a track from their latest album 'Divine Prodvidence'.
'Miss K' is an upbeat, folksy, indie track that is sure to brighten up your day.

Deer Tick - Miss K

Bastille - What Would You Do? (City High Cover)

The word 'cover' brings to mind images of old men in bands covering old rock songs, with amusing names like Nearvana and The Rolling Clones. However, not all 'cover' music fits the stereotype, in fact the borders between cover tunes and remixes are blending massively, with some bands putting their own spin on a song and transforming it entirely...a great example being Inspired Flight's brilliant cover of 'Wonderwall', the song that actually got me into said band.
In the same vein, London native Bastille has taken one hit wonder City High's 'What would you do?' and made it his own. Remember the jam? All about baby momma's shakin dat ass for a lil bit of money cause their daddies gone? Well Bastille has turned it into a an emotional electronic ballad, that's well worth your time. Check it out below

Bastille - What Would You Do? (City High Cover)

Album: Dinosaur Bones - My Divider

Toronto's Dinosaur Bones are a band that have managed to completely evade me up until now. However having been introduced to them by a dear friend recently, I can now say that i'm hooked.
Since 2008 this Canadian band have been playing some of the most interesting indie/alternative music I've ever come across. Their sound is quite hard to place, in terms of their contemporaries I'd say they are a little reminiscent of Tokyo Police Club, The National with a little bit of Radiohead in there for good measure. In truth though there aren't really any comparisons as Dinosaur Bones' unique sound stands out on own.
The album, 'My Divider', is the band's first full length to date (despite a fair few EPs) first widely commercially available record. Naturally it's also the bands most accomplished release with two particular highlights being "Ice Hotels" and "N.Y.E". Not that this is a two track wonder, the whole album is an absolute triumph...and a long time in the making.
It's impressive stuff, and I'm eagerly awaiting more from Dinosaur Bones. Check out the tracks linked below and see what you think. 'My Divider' is available right now via iTunes

Dinosaur Bones - Ice Hotels
Dinosaur Bones - N.Y.E