subdrive - underground electronic culture

iTunes to be 100% DRM-Free, introduces pricing structure

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:46:15 -0600

So the industry finally caved in to Apple, well, in a way. Today Apple announced that their iTunes music, app, and video store is going 100% DRM-Free on the music side by April this year.

What does that mean? Once you buy it you can share your songs on multiple computers with a higher-quality file.

They also introduced new pricing tiers: $0.99 cents, $0.69 cents, and $1.29. Depending on how the music labels offer music, Apple will price accordingly. It's being said that the "hottest" or top tracks will be sold at $1.29.

Interestingly enough, this is closing in on the prices lots of people already pay on sites such as DJ Download and Beatport, those being around $1.49 and $1.99.

Older songs will be cheaper however, and this could give some new revenue to upcoming artists.

If you want more info, check out Engadget's live stream of the Apple Macworld event.

Subdrive Survey 09

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:44:01 -0600

Happy New Year - Famous Friends NYE 08 Clip

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:03:00 -0600

Well, I'm a bit delayed with the Happy New Year to you all. But seriously, 2008 was a fantastic year and like I've said before we're looking to make 2009 even better. We've got some huge announcements coming in the next few weeks.

But for now, enjoy a clip our boy VDRK from Famous Friends made from over 1200 pictures from their New Year's Eve party with AC Slater, Udachi, and Kill the Noise!

Happy Holidays from the Subdrive Crew!

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 16:43:55 -0600

It's been kinda quiet on our side due to the holidays, but I wanted to take a moment today to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays this season. No matter what you celebrate, spend the time with friends and family and have some fun!

We've got some pretty big announcements for 09 that I'm psyched to share with you all extremely soon, one of which is our huge site redesign!

So stay tuned and have a great night!

-Ricardo and the Subdrive crew

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Streetlab Remix)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:47:08 -0600

Subdrive faves, Streetlab, sent us their remix of Passion Pit's "Sleepyhead". They took the original concept and fleshed out the sonic scape, adding much more bass and a thicker kick drum with a driving beat. Still dreamy and chill, but with some more oomph. I honestly prefer it to the original and it's a perfect track to throw on to open up a set or party.

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Streetlab Remix)

This Weekend: Famous Friends @ Webster Hall + Moby w/ AC Slater and Drop the Lime

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:21:33 -0600

It's FREEZING out here in Brooklyn but if you're interested in getting out and getting some liquor in you to warm you up and get hot and sweaty while dancing to some excellent music, I've got two parties I suggest you check out tonight!

First up is our good buds Famous Friends party at Webster Hall with The Glamour, Krames, VDRK, and Bradley D. They'll be rocking it out downstairs in WH's The Studio. Also, if you're a more mainstream dance fan you'll be able to catch Kaskade spinning in the main room upstairs.

After or before, head on over to Le Poisson Rouge to catch Moby, AC Slater, Drop the Lime, and JDH & Dave P rocking out at the Degenerates party.

Seriously, so much fantastic music tonight its really tough to choose from! But in the recession, prices make the call and both parties are perfectly priced at $8 if you RSVP (Famous Friends) and $10 pre-sale, $13 at door (Degenerates). So get your coats, dancing shoes, and rock out tonight! Stimulate that economy folks!

we are ENFANT TERRIBLE - I Can't Help Myself

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:55:55 -0600

Ok, idea-bubble time! Doodle the 8-bit sounds of Crystal Castles with just a little more rock flying around it, then scribble in some indie-rock vocals (not screaming, definitely not screaming), and you've got the pop-8-bit rock of we are ENFANT TERRIBLE.

Based out of Paris (France) the group is going on an extensive European tour and covering a lot of bases which should see them touch down in your neck of the woods if you live over there.

we are ENFANT TERRIBLE - I Can't Help Myself

we are ENFANT TERRIBLE - Lobster Quadrille

Steed Lord - It's What U Do 2 Me (Jack Beats Remix)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:15:24 -0600

Steed Lord have survived a car crash, touring, and now they've got the imminent release of their debut album, Truth Serum, on deck.

To give you a taste of what mayhem is at hand, they sent us a freshly-baked remix by Jack Beats, who happens to be signed to Hervé's Cheap Thrills label. Fidget fans take notice, this remix is definitely something up your alley with slick cut up vocal samples and some fantastic basslines.

Steed's new album comes out in a few weeks everywhere digitally so keep an eye out for it and pick it up! Oh and as an added bonus, check out the music video for one of the new tracks called "New Crack City" above.

Steed Lord - It's What U Do 2 Me (Jack Beats Remix)

Kaiser Chiefs - Never Miss a Beat (Yuksek Remix)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:28:35 -0600

Yuksek is at it again, this time retouching Kaiser Chiefs' "Never Miss a Beat". Oh and if you know your Yuksek remixes, you should definitely recognize a "signature" bleep from Yuksek's fantastic remix of Das Pop's "Fool for Love". It makes up the main synth lead in the Das Pop track. On the Kaiser Chef's remix, it's an accent on the main melody which you can hear at 2:04 in.

Yuksek is currently on tour in Europe and Kaiser Chiefs just dropped their new album Off With Their Heads on October 28th. Pick it up on iTunes.

Kaiser Chefs - Never Miss a Beat (Yuksek Remix)

South Central - Higher State

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:40:58 -0600

Josh Wink fans, rejoice. Today is your day to have a rave flashback. UK dance rockers South Central are pushing their debut album The Owl of Minerva (out now on Egregore Music) with their latest single, "Higher State", which is a cover of Wink's classic "Higher State of Consciousness".

I'm seriously getting psyched to see these guys perform here in the states. But until then, I guess we'll have to get thrown back into a mid-90's UK rave through the new album (which is fantastic and you should go pick up now!) and videos.

South Central - Higher State

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - The Sun Ain't Shining No More (Thomas Gold Remix)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:59:56 -0600

With a name like The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, one can be utterly confused by whether they're actually a full-on tour or just a Danish duo producing some fantastic music. Already featured on the Apple iPod touch ad with "Around the Bend", they're picking up speed with a full-length release next year.

I'm kinda bummed because these guys played at Webster Hall with Switch and D.I.M a few weeks ago and I showed up pretty late (Ok if you were there please tell me if they even went on. They opened the main room at midnight...when did they go on?). Too bad, I'm really digging their stuff.

The Thomas Gold Remix of their track "The Sun Ain't Shining No More" is fantastic. You've got some excellent use of the original track in the first drop, followed by some bad-ass tech build-ups and a melody that are perfect for a peak-time drop. I can just see the sweating masses going ape-shit when the original cuts in and the remix drops.

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - The Sun Ain't Shining No More (Thomas Gold Remix)

The Bloody Beetroots - Cornelius (VIDEO)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:50:04 -0600

New video from the Bloody Beetroots. There's one funny part where a guy totally pukes over this girl's chest. Classic.

Converse - Poor Man's Weapon

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:32:55 -0600

I saw these in a sneaker mag a month or so back while in the city and I thought, wow, that's actually a pretty clever idea.

The shoes take the concept of military bomber jackets from the materials all the way down to the removable patches. Back in past wars, when a solider was captured, they could rip off their patches and swap them out for something else so that the enemy wouldn't torture them based on their rank or affiliation.

The Converse kicks play off that idea and come with several velcro patches that the owner can swap around, including an embroidered patch that says "War Is Big Business".

Exclusively available at UNDFTD and select shops.

via HypeBeast

The Analog Blog on CreamTeam

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:10:27 -0600

No this isn't a post about a DJ, or a band, or even a director or music video.

It's about another blog post, actually a feature on another great blog called CreamTeam. The picture above is the actual post.

See, here's the thing. One of their writers' laptop messed up and they had to figure out a way for him to keep posting without a computer. Solution? He brings the CD to the other blogger and draws his review up by hand. They call it the Analog Blog, like it used to be.

Cool, old-school, and actually really clever. I think it's more interesting than a regular old post and definitely unique. I thought it was fan art at first, like at the front page of Wizard comics magazines back in the day. Uh-oh, did the geek in me come out?

The Analog Blog

Don Rimini - OHOW? (VIDEO)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:07:21 -0600

First video from Don Rimini.
DIRECTOR: GUILLAUME GRASSET
POST PROD: NICOLAS DUMOND
MODELS: WHERE DA CA$H AT

Kylie Minogue - In My Arms (Terror Dactel RMX)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:54:31 -0600

Our first exclusive post and track from our boy Terror Dactel. His hot new remix of Kylie's "In My Arms" throws the dance track into overdrive with an over-the-top epic electro rager, complete with the vocals that will make the girls (and possibly some guys) chanting on the dance floor.

If you live in NYC, catch him DJing Monday night at Porch in Manhattan!

Kylie Minogue - In My Arms (Terror Dactel RMX)

VDRK - At the Beach & Famous Friends 1 Year Anniversary

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 15:35:02 -0600

Our good buds, Famous Friends, are throwing their 1 year bash tonight with the US debut of The Twelves, AC Slater, Finger on the Pulse, and FF talent VDRK and Bradley D holding down the fort. The night is also hosted by blog biggies Palms Out and BigStereo.

Tickets are up for pre-sale now, definitely check tonight out as its going to be a rager!

To celebrate, our boy VDRK sent us a short and sweet mixtape to remind us of warmer times.

...featuring tracks by some of my favorite artists. Disco, Tech, and Bass all in one. The beach is hot, so don't miss out!

TRACKLISTING:

1. Agent Stereo - Keep on Goovin
2. Jokers on the Scene - Baggy Bottom Boys (JotS Remix)
3. Wolfgang Gartner - Wild Card
4. Deadmau5 - Ghosts and Stuff
5. DJ Rush - MF Bass (Popof Remix)
6. Twocker - Stitch (Bass Kleph Remix)
7. Nu Coalition - Born For The Nightlife (Aston Shuffle Remix)
8. Joey Chicago - After Midnight (Diizy Edit)

VDRK - At the Beach

Happy 1 Year Famous Friends!

The American Dream Team (TADT) Video Teaser

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:20:35 -0600

Together since June of this year, The American Dream Team are probably the most talented VJs/musicians I know of in Brooklyn. It's really hard to find people who can balance design and music skills so well as these guys do, and even rarer to do them do both live. They're fantastic in that respect, and they DJ and VJ with a shitload of gear that promises to make it an experience to remember. Their original productions and remixes are top-notch and true-to skill mixtapes showcase their talents even more.

Here's the HD clip from their forthcoming docu flick. Like I said, TADT are ninja motion Visual DJs. You have to see them immediately if you have the chance!

UPCOMING DATES:

12/5 - San Diego, CA @ Feel the Noise
12/31 - Brooklyn, NY @ Famous Friends NYE Bash w/ Kill the Noise

UPDATE: Fixed Links for videos!

Justice Releases "A Cross the Universe", a Live CD and DVD

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:09:08 -0600

Justice released their second full length album last week entitled, "A Cross the Universe". The release is a live album and is accompanied by a DVD.

The CD captures Justice's unique live performance incredibly accurately. They spin all of the tracks from "Cross" as well as their remixes of "NY Excuse" and Simian's "We are Your Friends". They manage to remix all of these tracks live as well as mash a few of them together. The show ends with a raging metal head banger mixed with "TTHHEE PPAARRTTYY". If you caught Justice any time in the last year and half there are no surprises on this album. I saw them twice during this tour and it is incredibly similar to both of these shows. Not to say that their live show isn't fantastic, because it is, but being able to compare multiple performances and not finding a lot of differences is a little disappointing. I was hoping for at least a few tidbits of new and exciting material. For those who weren't able to make it out and see them, this is an excellent substitution.

The DVD is a look into the life of Justice that is brand new for me. The documentary follows the French Duo, label mates Kavinsky, Sebastian, and Busy-P, their gun-toting manager, and their friendly bus driver across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Not surprisingly, the pair does a lot of partying, but they also get into a lot more serious trouble than you might expect. The hour long documentary includes bottles being smashed over heads, a lot of irresponsible behavior with guns, and multiple arrests, not to mention some fantastic live footage. Look for cameos from such celebrities as Anthony Kiedis and Kanye West. Although you don't here Justice speak much, the documentary is very entertaining.

"A Cross the Universe" is a must have for any fan of Justice.

Justice - Phantom Part 1.5 (Live Performance)

Tech update on Subdrive

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:14:42 -0600

Hey everybody, just giving you a heads up that from now on all future videos included on our podcast will be encoded in .MP4 format. This is to ensure full compatability with all portable devices including iTunes. I noticed that many of the .mov files I post sometimes don't function on iPods or iPhones so I wanted to make sure that from now on that problem is resolved.

Let me know if there's anything else I can add to the site or podcast to make it work better.

Thanks!

Download the Subdrive podcast Directly from your iPhone!

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:23:50 -0600

Apple has just released version 2.2 of the iPhone operating system. With it, the iTunes store on the phone now has the ability to subscribe and download podcasts anywhere. So what does that mean if you want to listen to Subdrive?

First make sure you have the 2.2 update. Plug in your phone to your computer as usual and upgrade. From there, just log onto iTunes on your iPhone and click on search, then type Subdrive. The podcast will come up and from there you can download individual mixes and songs or subscribe to get them all!

A quick note, files larger than 10MB will not download over the cellular network so you'll need WiFi for the SELEKTOR sets!

Click here to subscribe to the Subdrive podcast on iTunes!

Lebatman - La Maitresse Aux Yeux D'Or

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:27:00 -0600

Milan's Lebatman makes disco-electro with a bit of an 80's synth-pop vibe. You can even get an idea of ambient layers in some of his tracks and remixes.

His original track, "La Maitresse Aux Yeux D'Or", has that old-school filter house bassline and flanged-up disco stabs. He's also adept at making some pretty good remixes such as his remix of Sunset Cruisin's "Perfect Wave" and his cut of The Cars' "Heartbreak City".

Though some of the remixes can be rough around the edges at some points, which isn't often, the talent is there and definitely makes him an artist to watch out for.

Lebatman - La Maitresse Aux Yeux D'Or

The Cars - Heartbreak City (Lebatman Remix)

Sunset Cruisin - Perfect Wave (Lebatman Remix)

Catz 'n Dogz - Yes They Still Play Casio

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:54:11 -0600

You might have heard of this Polish duo, but probably under the name 3 Channels. They've been busy working on their new album under the new name Catz 'n Dogz. The reason for the change?

In the past few years, our music grown has grown up a little bit. We started to use more instruments and vocals. Catz 'n Dogz music is deeper and we work a lot harder to make the fundamental groove.

With two smash hits under their belts on Claude VonStroke's dirtybird records, they also remixed the infamous "Who's Afraid of Detroit?" into a highly coveted limited-edition release. When VonStroke heard their new sound, he signed them up to release tracks on his new mothership label.

While Catz 'n Dogz is different than their original 3 Channels project, don't dismiss it. As the guys said, their new sound is deeper and focuses more on building up a rhythm, which their track "Yes They Still Play Casio" showcases.

Be sure to pick up their new album, Stars of Zoo, out now on mothership.

Originally posted on Nov 5th, server issues didn't post until now! Sorry!

Catz 'n Dogs - Yes They Still Play Casio

Bike Hero

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:11:48 -0600

Watch as this guy literally plays Guitar Hero World Tour in a real-life course.

UPDATE: So apparently this video was a viral done by ad agency Droga5 for Activision. Amanda, I know you were in on this!! Fanatstic job regardless.

Mr. Oizo Releases "Lambs Anger" this Week

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:50:53 -0600

Mr. Oizo released his junior album this week entitled, Lambs Anger. It's his most developed and mature work to date and while his general aesthetic has remained the same over the course of his career, he realizes it in a much more accessible way with this release.

Overall, it seems that Oizo has been greatly influenced by his label-mates on Ed Banger. He has created a much more dance party friendly album without losing the style that makes him so unique. The glitchyness that defines his style is evident throughout this album, but he remains much truer to the beat than in his previous albums. He lightens his tone with disco and soul samples in "Two Takes It", returning shortly thereafter to his patented spacey experimental sounds in "Rank" and "Bruce Willis is Dead." Uffie makes a notable guest appearance with a more mature and reserved performance in "Steroids."

He closes the album with a classic Mr. Oizo experimental glitch-fest that rivals his most cut up track from the past. The introduction poses that, "Some [songs] are good. Some are bad. Some are just OK." I would argue that, while some songs may be just OK, the rest are good if not great.

Pick up Lambs Anger on iTunes or Beatport now.

Mr. Oizo - Two Takes It (feat. Carmen Castro)