Jack’ed In. (Issue 8)
After a week of holiday, I find myself back in the normal routine. Working, spending, sleeping, eating etc. More interestingly, I’ve also been preparing for the new University term to start, sorting out leaflets and promo material for UpBeat, the University of Plymouth DJ Society of which I am President. I’m going into my final year, so my degree is going to be hard work, but I now know that blogs like this are invaluable experience for my writing, which is what I would like to do as a career.
As always, enjoy the tracks, share them around and catch up with me hear for any questions/tracks you want featured:
Shall we discuss some music?
Track Of The Week:
Nero – Crush On You (Knife Party Remix)
Nero are a popular artist featured on my blog posts, and I wouldn’t feature them if they weren’t good enough to merit it. This remix from Knife Party puts a great slant on the anthem from Nero’s new album ‘Welcome Reality’. The vocal hook is unbelievably catchy, you’ll find yourself singing this one. The drop is urgent and builds up with snare rolls to a destructively filthy barrage of screeching synths and low growls. Nero are slaying it at present, this really has been their year of coming to prominence not just in the EDM scene but making a major breakthrough to the mainstream. I am playing with them in October, and I just can’t wait. Superb remix from Knife Party who turned this track from heavy to ball bustingly violent. In the best possible way.
Constant Banger:
Major Lazer – Pon De Floor (Cold Blank Remix)
The original is a classic, but unfortunately thanks to the likes of Beyonce, people are getting a bit sick of the catchy vocal sounding synth hook. Luckily, there are artists like Cold Blank to restore some credibility to what was once a dancefloor destroyer (and still is in my opinon, if used sparingly). This remix kicks off with a funky beat and samples from the hook, soon ascending into a bassy breakdown with yet more samples and thick low wobbly bass pummeling from all angles. Great remix.
Pure Filth:
Haydn Hoffman – Lower Than A Basement
I featured Haydn Hoffman a few weeks ago in an exclusive interview, and he continues to impress with his powerful originals. This dubstep track starts with relative subtlety before aggressive bass and huge dynamic wobbles take over. Production quality is just sensational, and the track is disgustingly and deliciously filthy. Guaranteed to satisfy any desire for roaring, growling and screaming synths, the breakdowns provide slight and well needed relief before yet more bass attack occurs. Play this loud, but beware of complaints from neighbours who think World War III is starting.
Unsigned Gem:
Treasure Fingers – Keep Up (Street Lurkin Remix)
Had this submission in via email, this song starts with a great vocal line before a solid electro beat comes in. Some interesting chopped vocals feature in the build up and the songs drops with a well produced electro house progression, big bass which isn’t too distorted and fits the vocal melody perfectly. Great track!
MusicBud Presents:
Jordan Mencel – Atmostphere (feat. Becky Wixon)
Jordan Mencel was featured way back with his remix of ‘Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely’ by the Backstreet Boys, to critical acclaim! This offering is slightly different, but nonetheless superbly produced. Featuring stunning female vocals from Becky Wixon, a brooding piano intro opens up into a ferociously double time drop, with some fantastic synth sounds, each filled with clarity and precision. The recurring melody floats back in, and then soon we are presented with another well produced and intelligently thought out drop. This guy just keeps getting better, excellent track.
Be sure to check out MusicBud.co.uk
Bonus Track:
Ryan Enzed – Skyscaper (Jack XI Remix)
I recently entered the Royal Fetish Records remix competition, to remix the one and only Ryan Enzed. Ryan is well known throughout the world of music as a YouTube guru, offering simple but effective tutorials on DAW’s, synths and other aspects of production. Personally, his productions have been invaluable to me and I wouldn’t understand or have tried some of the things I have today if it weren’t for his insight and guidance. I’m sure many musicians are in debt to Ryan for his outstanding contribution to music production, so listen to this remix but also head to Beatport to buy the original, a far superior track of course!
Hope you enjoy the tracks! See you next week.
Jack XI
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