I came across a video the other day that demanded my attention until the last second, something that rarely happens. "Civilization" is a video mural created for the Standard Hotel in NYC by Marco Brambilla that is composed of over 300 individual channels of looped video blended into a multi-layered seamless tableau of interconnecting images that illustrate a contemporary, satirical take on the concepts of Heaven and Hell. I still haven't been able to take in the mural's full breadth (trust me, you'll know what I mean after you watch it), and I can only imagine the time, dedication, and patience it took to create this visual masterpiece.
Civilization from william roy on Vimeo.
Along with this video I'm including some hip-hop tracks that go hard from start to finish, enjoy.
Lil Wayne - 6 Foot 7 Foot (Feat. Cory Gunz)
One of the newer bangers from one of the most prolific musicians of our time, 6 Foot 7 Foot doesn't really have an identifiable chorus for DJs to mix out of easily, but Weezy's flow is so fresh the crowd never wants the track to end. I also put an intro on the track because every single kid with a Mac happens to DJ.
Chris Brown - Look At Me Now (Feat. Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne)
The talent that collaborated on this track still blows my mind, and I'm not just talking about the vocalists. This song was produced by none other than Afrojack and Diplo, bringing the total number of stars on this track to 5, which is exactly what it deserves. Breezy and Weezy have ill verses, but there's no doubt that Busta Rhymes drops jaws and steals the song with his killer bars.
Eminem - Syllables (Feat. Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Stat Quo, & Ca$his)
I've been waiting a long time for someone in the know to call out the current status of the industry. Featuring some of the best rappers in the game, and some of the most under-appreciated, this song puts all the recent pop-hop nonsense on blast. Em puts it best "It's all about a hot beat, and a catchy hook."
Bonus:
Jean Elan - Killer (Jean Elan Mix)
Since we're talking about hot beats, this is one of my favorite EDM tracks of all time. Germany's Jean Elan, who just mixed the prestigious Ministry of Sound's Clubbers Guide 2011, lays it down hard. His massive tune keeps me, and the crowd, enthralled the entire way through. "I'm a killer when the lights go out."
1.16.2011
1.13.2011
A Journey Beyond Perception
Today I'm posting a collection of music, videos, and artwork that I've been exploring over the last few days. It began while browsing the imageboard-which-may-not-be-named, and a thread came up about some bloke who had just taken a tab and needed some flight material for his upcoming journey into himself (I'm still not entirely sure why someone in his state would sit on an imageboard, but who am I to judge?). I'd like to present what the most thought-provoking of my findings. I'll start off relatively , before delving headfirst into my more exotic discoveries.
I want to thank Larry Carlson for his mind-bending artwork. I'd love to pick his mind sometime about what inspires him. In the meantime, we'll enjoy the fruits of his labors.
Passion Pit - Sleepyhead
As I said, we're starting slow, with Passion Pit's breakout hit Sleepyhead. A beautiful track that draws emotion from chaos, this is the perfect song to begin today's musical selection.
Gorillaz - Superfast Jellyfish (Feat. Gruff Rhys & De La Soul)
Next up is a song from my favorite non-EDM talent. UK-based Gorillaz have been an inspiration to my music for years. You can always count on the gang to take the performance to the next level in every respect, from including full orchestras to their iconic 2D animated alter-egos to the subtle blips that may go unnoticed by the casual listener.
This video will be the launching point from which we'll begin our ascent into the subliminal unconscious of the universe. The first half is relatively generic, but it begins to press the boundaries of perception in earnest during the second portion.
Claude VonStroke - Vocal Chords (Isaac Jordan Technicolor Bootleg)
One of my favorites from CVS, Isaac Jordan's wispy guitar bootleg gives the track a non-synthesized breakdown that relies on wispy guitars to fashion a fantastic break before picking back up into the distorted vocals.
A video with an unimaginative name, this great clip makes up for the title with a brillant display of talent, and some interesting visual flips in tune to the music that caught me by surprise.
Wolfgang Gartner - Space Junk
One of my favorite producers, Wolfgang recently released this banger. It's been getting mixed reviews, and I can easily see why, it's not for the closed-minded.
The last of my videos for today, this one features a great track from a great producer duo, Infected Mushroom. While normally known for psy-trance, Converting Vegetarians is a chilled-out track, which shows the wide range of talent that these artists possess.
Cascandy - Five (Front)
A tech-house banger, this track demands a fat bass. I've been enjoying tech house a lot more recently, to me it seems like tech house is the exquisite mastery of subtle sound manipulation that uses only a few elements, so as not to dilute any of the individual elements. Only the most dedicated producers can successfully create tech house, especially considering the relatively small niche that these producers inhabit, when they could easily sell out their talents for more mainstream ventures.
Asser - Evil (Figure vs. Space Laces Remix)
Asser is one heavy-hitting cat, and he doesn't disappoint on this track. This song explores the electro potential of the iconic dubstep wobble. Watch your face with this one.
Bonus:
Gorillaz - Fire Coming Out of Monkey's Head
I want to thank Larry Carlson for his mind-bending artwork. I'd love to pick his mind sometime about what inspires him. In the meantime, we'll enjoy the fruits of his labors.
Passion Pit - Sleepyhead
As I said, we're starting slow, with Passion Pit's breakout hit Sleepyhead. A beautiful track that draws emotion from chaos, this is the perfect song to begin today's musical selection.
Gorillaz - Superfast Jellyfish (Feat. Gruff Rhys & De La Soul)
Next up is a song from my favorite non-EDM talent. UK-based Gorillaz have been an inspiration to my music for years. You can always count on the gang to take the performance to the next level in every respect, from including full orchestras to their iconic 2D animated alter-egos to the subtle blips that may go unnoticed by the casual listener.
This video will be the launching point from which we'll begin our ascent into the subliminal unconscious of the universe. The first half is relatively generic, but it begins to press the boundaries of perception in earnest during the second portion.
Claude VonStroke - Vocal Chords (Isaac Jordan Technicolor Bootleg)
One of my favorites from CVS, Isaac Jordan's wispy guitar bootleg gives the track a non-synthesized breakdown that relies on wispy guitars to fashion a fantastic break before picking back up into the distorted vocals.
A video with an unimaginative name, this great clip makes up for the title with a brillant display of talent, and some interesting visual flips in tune to the music that caught me by surprise.
Wolfgang Gartner - Space Junk
One of my favorite producers, Wolfgang recently released this banger. It's been getting mixed reviews, and I can easily see why, it's not for the closed-minded.
The last of my videos for today, this one features a great track from a great producer duo, Infected Mushroom. While normally known for psy-trance, Converting Vegetarians is a chilled-out track, which shows the wide range of talent that these artists possess.
Cascandy - Five (Front)
A tech-house banger, this track demands a fat bass. I've been enjoying tech house a lot more recently, to me it seems like tech house is the exquisite mastery of subtle sound manipulation that uses only a few elements, so as not to dilute any of the individual elements. Only the most dedicated producers can successfully create tech house, especially considering the relatively small niche that these producers inhabit, when they could easily sell out their talents for more mainstream ventures.
Asser - Evil (Figure vs. Space Laces Remix)
Asser is one heavy-hitting cat, and he doesn't disappoint on this track. This song explores the electro potential of the iconic dubstep wobble. Watch your face with this one.
Bonus:
Gorillaz - Fire Coming Out of Monkey's Head
1.06.2011
Touch Screen DJ Controller
Today we're pleased to announce a truly revolutionary break-through in visual and sound media. ICE AV Technology Ltd, an outfit based in New Zealand, has completed tests on a DJ/VJ unit that will change music forever. Led by "techno-entreprenuer" Kevin Andreassend, ICE AV's HoloDesk is a virtual DJ mixer that is a see-through, touch-screen, mixer that can best described as "a step beyond Minority Report." What's even better is that the mixer ditches the Michael Jackson gloves that Tom Cruise donned for the movie in favor of the interactive touch-screen.
Hopefully ICE AV will be generous enough to send one up to Flight School for us to play with.
Hopefully ICE AV will be generous enough to send one up to Flight School for us to play with.
12.31.2010
Multi-Media Masterpiece
Today we're going to explore an epic trilogy of music and movies. Russ Chimes, a bloke from England released "Midnight Club," an EP that comes with music videos for each track. The videos form a beautifully shot and deep story that weaves together in ways I rarely see in film, and never in a music video. The videos are directed by Saman Keshavarz These two gents prove that not all trilogies are fails.
Russ Chimes - Never Look Back (Pt. 1)
Russ Chimes - Tertre Rouge (Pt. 2)
Russ Chimes - Targa (Pt. 3)
Russ Chimes - Midnight Club EP (Part 1: Never Look Back) from Russ Chimes on Vimeo.
Russ Chimes - Midnight Club EP (Part 2: Tertre Rouge) from Russ Chimes on Vimeo.
Russ Chimes - Midnight Club EP (Part 3: Targa) from Russ Chimes on Vimeo.
Russ Chimes - Never Look Back (Pt. 1)
Russ Chimes - Tertre Rouge (Pt. 2)
Russ Chimes - Targa (Pt. 3)
12.28.2010
Destination TAO
Here's a mix I made for all the space cadets bound for TAO to celebrate the new year! Plus there's a few headbangerz tracks to sample.
When I'm composing the next mix in my ThizzAyre series, I often get lost in a daze and imagine what these places would look like if they were habitable. So today I'm including some pictures of landscapes that might exist only within the human imagination, or that may reside somewhere unknown, waiting to be discovered.
DJ Ayre - NYE 2011 Mix
As always, the lovely Stefanie Vara on the drop.
Tong & Spoon - Muchness (Original Mix)
The voice of Radio 1's Essential Mix, Pete Tong is one of the most respected figures on the global music scene. Here's one of his newest collaborations with his partner Simon Neale aka Dave Spoon, another huge DJ from the Radio 1 "In New DJs We Trust" programme (and he's the cat who mashed the epic tune "Yin for the Kill"). Muchness is tech-house fire that took me four hours of heavy (blog)crate digging to find (for free dammit), so I'm presenting it to you in the holiday spirit. Don't say I never did nothin for ya.
Comic Strips - Shake Em Up
New dirty dirty Electro from the coolest cat to come out of Pittsburgh since Wiz Khalifa.
Black Eyed Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit) (Afrojack Remix)
The song needs no introduction, nor does TAO surprise guest Afrojack. This track is the next "My Otherside" and it bangs hella hard. Make sure you rock a hard hat when listening to this track.
Yolanda Be Cool & D-Cup - We Speak No Americano (Savoy Remix)
I'm of hearing the same version on the radio, and on most mixes for that matter... Here's a version that slaps (and more importantly hasn't been overplayed), but hasn't made too much buzz yet on the blog circuit (probably because we're all drowning in remixes of this track). A tune that Afrojack would drop.
When I'm composing the next mix in my ThizzAyre series, I often get lost in a daze and imagine what these places would look like if they were habitable. So today I'm including some pictures of landscapes that might exist only within the human imagination, or that may reside somewhere unknown, waiting to be discovered.
DJ Ayre - NYE 2011 Mix
As always, the lovely Stefanie Vara on the drop.
Tong & Spoon - Muchness (Original Mix)
The voice of Radio 1's Essential Mix, Pete Tong is one of the most respected figures on the global music scene. Here's one of his newest collaborations with his partner Simon Neale aka Dave Spoon, another huge DJ from the Radio 1 "In New DJs We Trust" programme (and he's the cat who mashed the epic tune "Yin for the Kill"). Muchness is tech-house fire that took me four hours of heavy (blog)crate digging to find (for free dammit), so I'm presenting it to you in the holiday spirit. Don't say I never did nothin for ya.
Comic Strips - Shake Em Up
New dirty dirty Electro from the coolest cat to come out of Pittsburgh since Wiz Khalifa.
Black Eyed Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit) (Afrojack Remix)
The song needs no introduction, nor does TAO surprise guest Afrojack. This track is the next "My Otherside" and it bangs hella hard. Make sure you rock a hard hat when listening to this track.
Yolanda Be Cool & D-Cup - We Speak No Americano (Savoy Remix)
I'm of hearing the same version on the radio, and on most mixes for that matter... Here's a version that slaps (and more importantly hasn't been overplayed), but hasn't made too much buzz yet on the blog circuit (probably because we're all drowning in remixes of this track). A tune that Afrojack would drop.
12.10.2010
Ayre Mixes
Alright fellahs, today I'm posting up several of my own live recordings featuring a variety of genres, all available for free download. There's been a drop in the frequency of posts because we're updating the site and changing to a legit ass .LA url. More to follow when that happens; till then, the mixes. And seeing as how this post is focused on my work, I'm going to post some random art (and some beautiful poetry) that's inspired me recently.
ThizzAyre Vol. 5 : Jupiter
The latest edition of my ThizzAyre mix series, this badboy is straight electro head-bangers from start to finish. It's that festival sound.
Imaginary Mix
Here's a mix I recorded as a preview for Fall Into Imagination, the rave I played with Calvertron, Alex Kidd, and the Thrillseekers (to name a few) this November.
ThizzAyre Vol. 3 : Venus
One of my favorite mixes from the series, this one is electro-mainstream mashups. Peep it.
Only Two Can See Me
That's Ray Charles and Stevie. Gangster line from Sketchy P himself. This is a mix I made at the beginning of 2010, and encompasses everything from Young Money to Cold Blank and back.
Minimix 7.20.10
A quick 20 minute jam sesh I had that turned out pretty rad
ThizzAyre Vol. 5 : Jupiter
The latest edition of my ThizzAyre mix series, this badboy is straight electro head-bangers from start to finish. It's that festival sound.
Imaginary Mix
Here's a mix I recorded as a preview for Fall Into Imagination, the rave I played with Calvertron, Alex Kidd, and the Thrillseekers (to name a few) this November.
ThizzAyre Vol. 3 : Venus
One of my favorite mixes from the series, this one is electro-mainstream mashups. Peep it.
Only Two Can See Me
That's Ray Charles and Stevie. Gangster line from Sketchy P himself. This is a mix I made at the beginning of 2010, and encompasses everything from Young Money to Cold Blank and back.
Minimix 7.20.10
A quick 20 minute jam sesh I had that turned out pretty rad
10.28.2010
Electron Phenomenon
Today's lifted thought is sponsored by Eric J. Heller, a Ph.D from Harvard, where he is now a member of the Physics and Chemistry faculties. He creates art using computer simulations of naturally occurring physical phenomena. His computer generations are dazzlingly complex, and in the artist's own words, "a key element of [the work] is an exploitation of Nature's almost narcissistic self-similarity, her repetition of pattern on vastly different scales and in radically different contexts." The art is a glimpse into the patterns and movement of individual electrons. Eric's current research involves theoretical investigation of wave behavior, chaos and quantum mechanics, and collision theory.
While you contemplate the art, I invite you to listen to these dirty electro house tracks, some of which might be in my set for my upcoming festival Fall Into Imagination!
Zombie Nation - Squeek (Bart B More Mix)
A massive collab track from two iconic electro figures. With a mad dirty bassline and intoxicating laser samples, this track brings the peak hour fire hard into your mind.
Richard Vission & Trash Yourself - Get Down (Lucky Date Remix)
Lucky Date is a Chicago-native and purveyor of epic Reason refills. When he's not busy dedicating his time helping producers, Lucky Date bangs out some of the best electro tracks around.
Mom & Dad - Judas (Dem Slackers Remix)
Valley based talent Mom & Dad has been catapulting as of late, with his tracks receiving support from names like Tiesto. The Dem Slackers remix of his heater Judas is so dirty it demands a comment list worthy of Youtube dubstep.
Die Azten Frauenarzt & Manny Marc - Disco Pogo (Extended Mix)
When I think of an proper electro bash, I can't help but think of the video from Disco Pogo, just one of this German duo's collection of party smashers. These cats know how to freakin' party the way Frankie Knuckles intended.
D.I.M. - Lyposuct (Feat. Tai)
This track features another heavy (like H) bass that grates into your consciousness. Timing this one properly can send any crowd over the edge.
While you contemplate the art, I invite you to listen to these dirty electro house tracks, some of which might be in my set for my upcoming festival Fall Into Imagination!
Zombie Nation - Squeek (Bart B More Mix)
A massive collab track from two iconic electro figures. With a mad dirty bassline and intoxicating laser samples, this track brings the peak hour fire hard into your mind.
Richard Vission & Trash Yourself - Get Down (Lucky Date Remix)
Lucky Date is a Chicago-native and purveyor of epic Reason refills. When he's not busy dedicating his time helping producers, Lucky Date bangs out some of the best electro tracks around.
Mom & Dad - Judas (Dem Slackers Remix)
Valley based talent Mom & Dad has been catapulting as of late, with his tracks receiving support from names like Tiesto. The Dem Slackers remix of his heater Judas is so dirty it demands a comment list worthy of Youtube dubstep.
Die Azten Frauenarzt & Manny Marc - Disco Pogo (Extended Mix)
When I think of an proper electro bash, I can't help but think of the video from Disco Pogo, just one of this German duo's collection of party smashers. These cats know how to freakin' party the way Frankie Knuckles intended.
D.I.M. - Lyposuct (Feat. Tai)
This track features another heavy (like H) bass that grates into your consciousness. Timing this one properly can send any crowd over the edge.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)