subdrive - underground electronic culture

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

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:58:56 -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.

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)

Michael Woods - Natural High (Micky Slim Remix)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:52:10 -0600

Michael Woods is a UK-based producer and DJ that should be on red alert on your radar if he hasn't been already. His new track "Natural High" is a mix of old-school vocal-house and funk with an electro edge and is out now with remixes from Micky Slim, Dino Lenny, Dave Boynes, Ant Brooks, Lee Haslam, and Michael's own alter-ego Out of Office.

Slim's cut is a bouncy wobbled-bass track that is definitely going to appeal to both the big room and underground crowds. The Out of Office Dub is a much more epic take that has to be blasted on a huge system to be appreciated. There is of course a vocal remix, but if you're not a fan of vocals on some tracks, this version is for you.

Buy up the full-quality MP3s here, out now on Diffused Records.

Michael Woods - Natural High (Micky Slim Remix)

Michael Woods - Natural High (Out of Office Dub)

Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Dawn of the Dead (Station X Remix) - Proyecto Batidora

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:36:06 -0600

You're all probably aware that Buffetlibre is about to release their new Rewind2 remix project to the masses in 2 months, but what you might not know is that they have another remix project in the works. Yes, for real.

The Spaniards are at it again with a new "social remix" project called "Proyecto Batidora", which translated into English means "remix project". The concept is simple: you log onto the project website, check out the original tracks you like, e-mail Buffetlibre and apply for the stems of the track. Then you remix and submit.

Simple and fun, right? We got one of the first tracks off the project by UK-based Station X and it's fantastic. Check out the project here and try your hand on tracks by artists such as Cut Copy, The Bravery, Yelle, Holy Fuck, Walter Meego, Sidechains, Does it Offend you, yeah?, Dragonette, Ladyhawke, and more.

Oh and if you do remix one, let us know!

Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Dawn of the Dead (Station X Remix)

Secret Machines - Atomic Heels (KiD COLA Remix)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:36:14 -0600

Fans of Fake Blood will love Cambridge-based KiD COLA's remix of Secret Machines' "Atomic Heels". It's got an eerie, droning bassline synth with fantastic drum programming. The remix takes the original track into harder dance territory, and it's great.

Secret Machines - Atomic Heels (KiD COLA Remix)

MCing and DJing in Russia - Part one UFA

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:09:52 -0600

I am now on my 8th DJ/MC tour to the Russian Federation, and I have been +10 hours from my home time zone. I first came to Ufa, Russia - where no USA DJ's have ever been before! It was very strange to be the first, but the people there gave me a warm welcome and made me very comfortable. It was quite a shock to have traveled for 38 hours through 5 airports on 4 flights, but nevertheless I made it safely and found myself in a climate I was not used to.

I became ill for the first 2 days and even had to have an ambulance come to my flat because I fainted and my body temperature dropped to 34C, which is apparently below normal. I felt very weak and stressed and also a bit afraid that I would have a heart attack. I reported my syptoms to my friends there who I lived with and they became full of fear for my health.

In Russia, they can enjoy socialized medicine and Ambulance visits for free. It was nice for me to not have to pay anything for their care, and it was amazingly a fast response. The doctor arrived to my flat within 15 minutes of the call and I was very happy to see them. Basically I was told that the difference in climate combined with 48 hours of not sleeping could potentially kill almost anyone, and that I was lucky to have such caring friends to pay attention to my needs and help me to find fast medical attention.

Finally after I recovered my health, I had the challenge of registering my business visa in Ufa. This is the most strict city in the Russian Federation for registering visas, and it was not an easy process at all. You have 72 hours to register your visa from the time you first land in Russia, and because I was ill for longer than 72 hours I had to pay a $100 penalty and deal with 2 police offices + a bank + the registration office. The people were not very friendly to me at all, and the lady at the registration office even canceled my visa with a big CANCEL stamp on my migration card. I was terribly worried because I thought this would be a big problem for me when I have to pass through passport control to fly back home to USA. But paying the fine and traveling to all of the places to actually get my migration card stamped correctly was an adventure in itself and full of problems.

In Russia, you can't do anything without having about 50 problems attached.

Kanye West - Love Lockdown (Streetlab mix)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:17:12 -0600

Fresh on the heels of their SELEKTOR mix, our favorite live NYC duo, Streetlab, just sent us their latest mix of Kanye's "Love Lockdown". It's a grindin', bumping mix that will definitely get you in the mood for a full night of partying.

~~Kanye West - Love Lockdown (Streetlab Mix)~~
removed at the request of the artist

Hedi Klum for Guitar Hero World Tour (VIDEO)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:18:16 -0600

and then there's the prime time TV shirt-on version

Plus Move - BOSS

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:01:38 -0600

The New England producers, Plus Move, have a new EP titled 2099 out today on Expansion Records. The track we're sharing with you is called "BOSS", cut-up stuttering synths that will bring the house down.

The boys first got noticed online with their bootleg remix of "D.A.N.C.E.", which I'm pretty sure was the very first remix ever as it was straight form the BBC radio rip.

The EP has this crazy concept behind a sphinx and time-traveling:

Plus Move claim to have traveled through time with Sphinx to the year 2099, where together they defeated the evil ruler BOSS. In the ensuing days spent in 2099, Plus Move and Sphinx recorded these songs and brought them back to the present day as documented proof of their travels.

Plus Move - BOSS

Right On

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:08:55 -0600

The Crystal Method - Now Is The Time (Vote 08 Remix)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 02:39:14 -0600

Today is probably one of the most important elections in the history of the United States. Today, people will determine who is the next chief of state.

And today is NOW.

The Crystal Method, like Adam Freeland and countless other DJs, have thrown in their support for Obama for President. And Subdrive is throwing its support for Obama today in the last hours.

Blast this when you're at the polls, when you're about to vote, or even as you're voting.

"Enough is enough, now is the time for change!"

The Crystal Method - Now Is The Time (Vote 08 Remix)

SELEKTOR: Streetlab - EXCLUSIVE EP Promo Mix

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:25:43 -0500

Day after Halloween treat for you all! I first came across Streetlab earlier this year on the pages of Going.com. But before then, they had a remix played on the BBC's Radio 1, the guys have released their first track on RCRD LBL/Downtown for free download and are playing a bevy of live shows in NYC and hopefully soon abroad.

Streetlab might bring to mind old-school bigbeat acts like the Chemical Bros and Crystal Method, but their sound is all their own with a harder and four-four rock rhythm which is straight up for dancing. You can hear it in the stuff they produce as well as in their choice and style of remixes. It comes as no surprise that their SELEKTOR mix is tinged with their own recuts of some pretty big rock tracks as well as original tracks from their new EP.

So now that you know who they are, or at least a little bit more about them, I'm psyched to share their SELEKTOR mix, made exclusively for Subdrive, to help promote their new EP out now at all digital shops and on a cool limited-edition USB-wristband format.

Streetlab - EP Promo SELEKTOR Mix

Tracklisting:

1. The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Streetlab mix) *
2. Thieves Like Us - Drugs In My Body (Streetlab mix)
3. Streetlab - NYSound ** #
4. Streetlab - She Is Our Music (feat. Kaia of Mixel Pixel) **
5. Mixel Pixel - Coming Up X's (Streetlab mix)
6. Heartsrevolution - CYOA! (Streetlab mix)
7. Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son (Streetlab mix)
8. Professor Murder - Free Stress Test (Streetlab mix)
9. Nine Inch Nails - Capital G (Streetlab mix)
10. Streetlab - What Is It For? (feat. Dawnie Love) **
11. The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter (Streetlab mix)

From the Streetlab guys:

* SUPER-f'in-EXCLUSIVE! Found/heard no where else but in our studio as of yet..
** Off our latest EP
# Download this song FREE at RCRD LBL

Cousin Cole New EP out for Halloween -- "Canyon Dancing"

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:33:58 -0500

Got this in the mail from Brooklyn's own Cousin Cole. Happy Halloween!

Pocketknife & I are proud to present the "Canyon Dancing" EP. We wanted to have this out on Halloween and we made it just in time! Onesheet is attached.

Available now at:
http://www.turntablelab.com/vinyl/0/0/57676.html

And if you're in NYC tonight, come by Hugs for Working the Knobs Halloween featuring haunted house and demented disco...

Peace
CC

----

<FF-004-Canyon_Dancing-onesheet.pdf>

<wtk halloween.jpg>

Yo Gabba Gabba

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:54:24 -0500

Somehow, this TV show for kids on Nick Jr passed under my radar. Why would I even know about a kid's show you ask? Well some of them are pretty brilliant, but you know, this one is just downright interesting.

First off, the show is called Yo Gabba Gabba and the theme music sounds like, guess what, slowed down Gabber music. It's that crazy happy hardcore sounding dance music. If you've seen the open for the show, you'll get what I'm talking about. Here's a blurb about the show:

Yo Gabba Gabba! is a fun live-action program for young children ages 1 and up. Join our host DJ Lance Rock as he introduces us to friendly toy monsters in a magical land full of music, dance, colorful cartoons and simple life lessons that will get you and your children up off the floor to learn and dance along. Muno, the red cyclops, Foofa the pink flower bubble, Brobee the green little one, Toodee the blue cat-dragon, and Plex the robot are ready to sing, play and teach whenever you're ready. Just say the magic words! YO GABBA GABBA!!

DJ Lance Rock is probably the funniest character I've ever heard of for a kids show. These toy monsters are actually vinyl toys, nod to that subculture, and he brings them in his multi-colored ghetto-blaster.

Oh and to make shit even crazier, Biz Markie is in the show. He has a 'Beat of the Day' segment. Celebrities make appearances and dance to music with the monsters and kids go crazy, just like on other shows. It's just a cooler, I guess "hipper" concept and look.

Did I mention this show has been airing since 2006? Below is a hilarious clip featuring Elijah Wood dancing to Numa Numa. Really weird, but funny.

Buffetlibre's Rewind2 + Deltawave - Lost In Music (Sister Sledge cover)

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:08:33 -0500

The fantastic 80's remix project from Buffetlibre returns as Rewind2 and this time around the artists are aiming their skills at not only the 80s, but tracks from the 70s and 90s as well. The Spaniard-run project sent us some tracks from the upcoming January 2009 release, which they say will be a free download. The names on the new project are crazy! Lots, lots, and lots of people are involved.

This is lineup for the Rewind2 release:

Au Revoir Simone, Bonde Do Role, 1990s, Headlights, Little Boots, Whitey, Starfucker, Sidechains, Delorean, Boy 8-Bit, The Shoes, Electric Youth, 80Kidz, The Requesters, The Young Punx, Malente, Grum, AC Slater, Sohodolls, Sportsday Megaphone, The Ruby Suns, Miami Horror, Revolte, Robbers On High Street, Mendetz, Facteur, Justin Faust, Russ Chimes, Aleks And The Drummer, CFCF, The Glass, Codebreaker, Mojib, DVAS, Project Jenny Project Jan, Love Motel, Pin Me Down, Minitel Rose, Heads We Dance, Little Pictures, Redial, We Have Band, Division Kent, Man Like Me, Cobra Dukes, Division Day, Grafton Primary, Tender Forever, Ultraviolet, Freezepop, Giko, Electric Valentine, Super Mal, LAZRtag, Parker Lewis, Kah, 1984, Plugs, We Were The States, Absent F, Damn Arms, Sound Of Arrows, The Old Believers, Beau Jennings, Josh & Anand, Saar & Sky, Bikini, Americans In France, Millioners, Elias & The Wizzkids, Deltawave, Phantom's Revenge, Matt Keating, FLOU; CatComplex, Setting Sun, Diamond Cut, Youth Attack, Nightwaves, The Amplid, Hidrogenesse, Charlie ASH, The Model, Fight Bite, Canadians & Cherielynn Westrich, The Mocks, Computer Club, Schnitzer, Calling In Sick, Bling Crosby, Dolby Anol, La Chansons, Chin Chin, Gun'n Rose, The E.L.F., Evarial, Black Holes, Baron Von Luxxury, Club 84, Rory Philips, The Picture, The Very Best, TMX, Maethelvin, Jools MF, p e a c e FIRE

So if you thought the first version was great, this one will blow your socks off.

Deltawave - Lost In Music (Sister Sledge cover)

Sidechains vs Ultranate - Endless Summer vs Free

Super Mal vs Micky Finn - Rough Justice

MTV starts playing music videos again on MTV Music

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:46:26 -0500

So MTV had a bright idea, instead of launching another network to cater to only music videos (which the original MTV was supposed to be doing from the beginning), MTV Networks has launched a YouTube like site full of their music videos. Of course, the site is simply called MTV Music.

I think it's a bit of a gimmick to get more ad-sales and traffic, but, it's actually well-designed and looks legit. The site lets you search by director (such as Spike Jonze), arist, and song. It's also got a pretty good catalog of classic videos, niche-genre stuff; so it's not just today's top 40 hits. You can also embed those videos on other sites as well without having the labels taking the links down. Geekiest of all, there's an actual API.

Wow, MTV, kudos to you for doing something smart.

Roni Size |MTV Music

STA - October Mix Tape

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 03:52:21 -0500

Our boy STA came down and rocked out our CMJ showcase this past Thursday at 205 Club. If you weren't at the show, here's your chance to hear what you missed!

STA - October Mix Tape

Tracklist:

1. Steroids Intro
2. Golden Bug - Looklooklook
3. Sta - Movement
4. Discodeine - Joystick
5. Uffie - Steroids
6. Private - Man, I'm a man machine...
7. Ratatat - Falcon jab (Copy remix)
8. Sta - Demo
9. Dolle Jolle - Balearic Incarnation (Todd Terje remix)

Fuerza Bruta launches DJ Connection Series

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:28:37 -0500

It was going to happen eventually, and I'm happy they finally did it. Fuerza Bruta, the off-Broadway performance show from the creators of De la Guarda, is celebrating their one-year anniversary and have launched the DJ Connection series.

The series, starting this fall, will host international DJs every Thusday night playing music to the Fuerza Bruta show. The first is on October 30th with The Juan Maclean, followed by Derrick May, David Waxman, and Dave Hollands every week thereafter.

If you haven't seen Fuerza Bruta, it is an awe-inspiring piece of alternative performance fueled by pumping rhythm and energy. The audience is an important part of the show and is encouraged to participate throughout the production.

Tickets are on sale now for $45 (normally $75).

One More Disco Interviews Don Rimini

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:00:55 -0500

Our good friends at One More Disco had the great opportunity to interview the global heat Don Rimini. Check it out here.

Who are you, where do you come from? Tell us a bit about yourself…

Don Rimini. 32 years old, DJ, Producer, from Paris - France
I'm also a really cool guy, your best friend, your confidant, your old brother, your idol….
I've just released a new EP Kick n' Run- that I'm very proud of, on Delicious Gutter, the label launched by Aaron Lacrate on Delicious Vinyl.

Delicious Gutter Big Night Out Showcase @ Webster Hall - October 24th

whatup@subdrivemedia.com (Subdrive Media) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:03:41 -0500

So CMJ is again upon us and there are going to be a ridiculous amount of shows this week. Besides Fool's Gold having theirs, Pendulum and The Crystal Method playing out, and our own CMJ Showcase with BigStereo and Famous Friends, Delicious Gutter will be celebrating the launch of their new label, a new force formed between Rick Ross of famed LA Hip-Hop label Delicious Vinyl and Bmore-gutter star Aaron LaCrate. The massive showcase goes down on October 24th at Webster Hall and mixes old-school talent with up and coming faces from both camps such as Debonair Samir, Mr Vegas, Masta Ace, Verb, Mike Mumblez, Da Yo Boyz!, Illa J, and Aaron LaCrate.

Advance tickets are $10, the party is FREE before 11pm, and $20 after 11pm. More info here.

Don Rimini - Hools

Masta Ace - Jeep Ass Gutter (Aaron LaCrate & Debonair Samir RMX)