Catch Me If You Can!

Hey everyone,

I haven't blogged for a while as I have been moving house, all very exciting but have just got internet today. The reason I am posting is to point you towards my live set tonight on social networking radio station, StudyVox FM.

I'm featuring on Deep Level Sessions, a show on StudyVox FM hosted by my good friend Duquan - who helped me get into DJing. I'll be talking for a bit and then get into my set, which will mainly consist of some of my favourite old dubs. The show starts at 8pm and runs until 9, and the radio station is very much in it's infancy so it'd be great if it could get as many listeners as possible.

See you all tonight at 8pm BST!

Virus Syndicate - Your Life (Starkey Mix)

New for 2011, Starkey has come out with a brand new track with Virus Syndicate - Your Life. Starkey is a resident DJ on Mistajam's Daily Dose of Dubstep on 1Xtra and has remixed tracks by some huge artists. Now the time has come to produce some original stuff and Virus Syndicate are a great group to start with.

I have been a fan of Virus Syndicate for a while, and could not stop listening to Talk to Frank for ages! This new track is strong and has a catchy hook, something that always grabs me when I listen to new tracks.

This just the tip of the iceberg for USA producer Starkey, as he is currently producing tracks for a host of big artists - Kelis, Missy Elliot, MIA, Britney Spears, and Dizzee Rascal!

So here is the video, produced by Courtney Phillips, you may even spot an ex Hollyoaks girl in there! This track is available now on Beatport.

Flux Pavilion - Bass Cannon (Official Video)

Bass Cannon is a massive new tune from Flux Pavilion. I've been loving playing this at home, in the car, and in the gym. It's a real head turner and this week the highly anticipated video dropped on YouTube. So without further ado, here is the video for Bass Cannon (which also features Doctor P) courtesy of Circus Records.

I've Been Away!

I've been feeling so bad lately about there being a distinct lack of blog posts here on The Disc Jockey Blog.

There is a good reason however. I started my new job in the middle of January, and have been so busy that there has been little time for blogging. In my previous job, I was able to stream music while I worked, which was great for finding new things and having my finger on the pulse.

When I was made redundant in mid-September, I was able to devote a lot more time to The Disc Jockey Blog, it's one of the few things that kept me sane during that time. In fact, the experience of writing and using HTML on this blog was the main reason I was hired for my new job!

I want to make more effort to bring you the latest in dubstep tracks and mixes, and will aim to publish posts every weekend. This is just a quick update to say hey, I'm not dead, and I'm still a massive dubstepper!

A New Dubstep Mix from Me!

It was about time I uploaded something of my own once again, and I am quite happy with how it panned out. I pretty much picked the records at random - which tracks felt right together, and which tracks I wanted to include in the mix. The mix itself went really well. I filmed the mix with my Nokia N8 that allows HD recording, and I recorded the audio with the usual Magix Audio Cleaner application on my laptop.

The problem came when I wanted to edit my video. My Windows Movie Maker has not been working very well lately so I decided to try something new - Cyberlink Power Direct. I thought this would have more capability add more quality to my video - I was wrong.

It was buggy, slow, and just didn't work very well. Processing took forever, and the output format was not recognised by my laptop, which made for a pointless video. I managed to process the video in a lower quality format that my laptop could work with, but as you can see above, the quality was severely comprimised. I must say thought to be fair, I think the age of my laptop may have had something to do with my problems.

So back to the mix, the tracklist is as follows:

Borgore - Birthday of the Black November
Trolley Snatcha - Circle K
Magnetic Man - Mad
Magnetic Man - I Need Air
Subscape - Hardcore Members
Subscape - Let Me Clear My Throat
Doctor P - Sweet Shop

Let me know what you think of the mix, and don't forget to subscribe to me on YouTube if you like any of my videos!

Chase & Status - No More Idols (First Impressions)

At the end of last month, Chase & Status released their latest album, No More Idols. Yesterday I bought the album, and here are my first impressions.

As expected, it's quite a diverse album, taking influences from dubstep, drum and bass and hip-hop to name a few. The album features the cream of British talent, with Tempa T, Tinie Tempah, Plan B, Dizzee Rascal and Liam Bailey all contributing their vocals to this album.

The main problem I have with this album is that I have already heard (and in some cases own) a lot of the tracklist. Hypest Hype was a free download at the end of last year, End Credits was the soundtrack to Harry Brown (which I promptly grabbed from iTunes), Let You Go was released as a single last summer, and Blind Faith has been played so much on the radio.

If I gave my views on those tracks they would be dated, and in some cases I have already reviewed them. So, I shall take a look at some of my favourite tracks from the album that I hadn't already heard.

The second track on the album, Fire In Your Eyes is one of my top tracks upon the first listen. The guitars remind me of Distance, or even Pendulum. If truth be told I've been neglecting dubstep lately, but a track like this is enough to get me back on track.



Flashing Lights is the next track I will talk about. This has a liquid feel that I've always loved from Chase and Status, a catchy sample with a clean beat - I really cannot get enough of this kind of music.




Finally, Fool Yourself. This track features Plan B, who has just blown up this year, he's now a household name and for good reason. His latest album The Defamation of Strickland Banks is fantastic, and showed a whole new side to his talents. When I first heard Fool Yourself I wasn't too sure, I really like the start, but I wasn't expecting the track to develop the way in which it does. I have picked this as a favourite though as I can see it growing on me in the same way that End Credits and Pieces.






These are my first impressions, and I'm sure my opinions will develop as I listen to the album more, so I will write a full album review in a few weeks.

Free Download: M.I.A. - Internet Connection (Flux Pavilion Remix)

Flux Pavillion have come out with a massive remix of MIA's Internet Connection and guess what - there's a free download!

It's what we've come to expect from modern dubstep; it has that change of pace that I've mentioned before in my post about Skream & Example - Shot Yourself in the Foot Again. Considering it's a freebie, it's well worth a download, and Flux Pavillion never disappoint.


M.I.A. - Internet Connection (Flux Pavilion Remix) by 360 Remixes

10 Minute Progressive Dubstep Mix - Strictlywax

Back in October 2009, I was getting to grips with mixing. I'd uploaded a couple of dubstep mixes to YouTube, but I wasn't completely satisfied with them. I decided that for my next upload, I wanted a mix that was faultless, something I could really be proud of. The product of my efforts was a lot better than I could have expected, and I think I rode my luck a little bit with this mix.

The mix I am talking about is my 10 Minute Progressive Dubstep Mix. I didn't plan this, but all of the tracks used in this mix are from the Tempa record label. This is probably why the mix works, and the tracks compliment each other quite well.

One thing that attracts attention to this video is its title. I didn't set out to make progressive dubstep, I just felt that the mix itself was a progression, the way it starts slowly and gradually builds up to the fast paced, high energy Filth by Skream. It's also worth noting that one of the main reasons I named it this way was because I wanted each of my mixes to have a different name, and this mix was more progressive than any other mix on my channel.

The reason I am blogging this video today, is because it has broken 3,000 views. This is a proud moment for me, as I never expected any of my videos to get so much attention. I have uploaded mixes since and still this one gets all of the attention - it has double the hits of my second highest viewed video.

So here it is, if you haven't already seen it - The Strictlywax 10 Minute Progressive Dubstep Mix.

Tracklist:


Data - Leaves
Skream - Memories of Third Base
Skream - Rims
Benga - Buzzin'
Skream - Filth
Skream - Fick

Skream & Example - Shot Yourself In The Foot Again

I've had a long Christmas break, but I return now in 2011 with a right cracker for you. I've known for a few weeks that Skream was collaborating with Example, but today I have found the finished edit of Shot Yourself in The Foot Again on the UKFDubstep YouTube channel. I am a fan of both Skream and Example in their own right, and we know from Bar9's Kickstarts remix that the man's voice works over dubstep. Skream is widely recognised as the pioneer of dubstep, and continues to develop the genre, constantly giving it new twists and sounds.

Now, to the track in question:

I really like the tune behind this track. We're at the end of the Christmas period, but the jingle in Shot Yourself in The Foot Again feels very festive to me. The change in pace of the track gives it more dynamics and this sort of thing really goes off in the clubs. The lyrics are catchy as we've come to expect from Example, and get better with every listen.

A release date is yet to be confirmed for this track, but keep an eye on The Disc Jockey Blog for further news.

Professor Green - Jungle (High Rankin Remix)

The highly anticipated High Rankin remix of Professor Green's Jungle has finally hit us, and it is large. I've listened to Professor Green's album a lot since it came out in the summer and I have to say that when I first heard Jungle, I felt it was crying out for a remix. It's quite different to any of the other tracks on the album Alive Till I'm Dead, which is quite an eclectic mix of different styles of grime and hip-hop.

High Rankin is a brilliant dubstep producer, and he always puts a good sense of humour into his work. The video for Meow Meow was hilarious, while giving a strong message against mephedrone, which was a legal drug at the time (since then it has become Class B, and rightly so).

Free Download: Cutline - Let Me Go

The latest upload from UKF is Cutline's Let Me Go. This has a club-like feel that we've come to expect from UKF's dubstep channel. I love this kind of music at the moment, with the samples and synths complimenting each other. The track takes some jungle/breakbeat influences, as well as the standard 140bpm dubstep beat we've become so accustomed to.

The good news is, Cutline has made this track available for free download on Soundcloud. The link for that download is below in the Soundcloud player, and you can buy the rest of the EP here.

Let Me Go (Free Download!) by Cutline

Chase & Status 'Blind Faith' feat. Liam Bailey Official Video

I was very excited when I first blogged Blind Faith - Chase & Status' new track featuring Liam Bailey (above).

Well now I'm just as excited as I was then, because the official video is now up on YouTube!

It's made to look like an amateur video, as it's telling a story. It depicts a warehouse rave, these were very big in the 90's, attracting a lot of attention from police. Now, the scene has changed. Raves take place in licensed clubs, and true warehouse raves are kept very quiet.

I like the video, I wasn't quite expecting a video like this to accompany this track but it really works. I love the shots of people dancing and going crazy because of the music, I've been to a few gigs where I've felt like they do. The video features both Chase & Status, and Liam Bailey, as if they were performing at the rave. Playing at warehouse raves has traditionally been a great way for DJ's to get noticed, most notably The Prodigy.

Now, to the track. I did a review after I first heard it on Radio 1, but I do like to give tracks a few weeks to really sink in. I thought the track was huge when I first heard it, I now think it is even better. It's out January 24th, so we can expect 2011 to go off with a huge bang for Chase & Status. The album No More Idols is also being released in January and it is a must have for any reader of this blog.

Chase & Status' last album, More Than A lot is still one of my favourite albums. It had so much diversity, and I could happily listen to any track - This is quite rare, especially for such a diverse album. Since that album, they have released some great singles, collaborating with brilliant up and coming artists.

The Blind Faith digital iTunes bundle will of course come with remixes. We can look forward to remixes from MJ Cole, Trolley Snatcha, and Loadstar, as well as the full 10 minute director's cut of the official video!

Useful Links

Chase & Status Official Website

Chase & Status MySpace

Chase & Status Twitter

Liam Bailey Official Website

Liam Bailey YouTube

Liam Bailey Twitter

Nero - Me And You - Full Official Video (MTA Records)

The official video for Nero's Me and You has today been broadcast on YouTube. I like the route Nero are taking with their videos, it suits the electronic music they make. Innocence took inspiration from anime, and now Me and You is all about retro gaming.

This video reminds me a lot of my first console - The Sega Mega Drive. I will never forget the hours of fun I had on that console, it was revolutionary for me. Gaming has come a long way since then, but being able to look back on fond memories is always good and that's what I love about this video.

The song itself is strong, using the electronic guitars and the dubstep beat - it's a winning combination for me. Nero have always samples female vocals well, and that is the same case here. It's the sort of track that will stay in your head for a long time. Nero are clearly leaving 2010 with a bang, and as today they were announced in the BBC's list "Sound of 2011", we can only expect bigger things in the new year.

BBC - Sound of 2011

Today, the BBC have released their annual list of musical talent to look out for in the new year, so I thought I would share my pick of the 15 named on that list.

Daley



If you're able to work with Gorillaz, you know you're doing something right. This guy's got a great voice, and I really like the song. His image is pretty out there (like any good artist!) and 2011 will be a very important year for him. It will be interesting to see who else he collaborates with, and what he can produce on his own.



James Blake



This is one of the hottest tracks of the moment. I'd first heard of James Blake when a friend played me CMYK - A garage like track using female vocal samples, well worth a listen! The video above is more harmonic, using the piano to give a more classical element to the song. James Blake is a genius, and fully deserves to be in the Sound of 2011 list. I'm really looking forward to see what he has to offer us in the new year.


Jamie Woon



I've used a Burial remix to demonstrate this guy's talent, as it is one of my favourite songs. Just listen to the man's voice, it's suits Burial's dark vibe. His singing is so sincere that you truly believe every word he is saying, and it makes the song feel really emotional. The video above was added nearly three years ago, so Jamie Woon has been around for a while. I'm really glad that he's started to break through by appearing in the Sound of 2011 list.


Nero



In high contrast to all of the above, dubstep producers Nero. In a way, I was surprised to see Nero in this list. In my mind they are massive and have been around for years. I wasn't sure which Nero track to share as they have made many classics, they are one of my favourite artists! I decided to go for an older track of theirs, This Way. It's an original track, one of my favourites, and shows what they are about. I feel that 2010 has been a huge year for them, so if the BBC think that 2011 is their year, we can expect a hell of a lot.

The full list of artists from the BBC's Sound of 2011 can be found here.

Noisia Summer 2010

Dutch electronic trio Noisia have uploaded a compilation video of their summer tour. The song is the Excision & Datsik remix of Alpha Centauri. This video is showcased on their YouTube channel.

I love videos like these. As an aspiring DJ, it gives me an insight into what my life would be like if I was out there, playing shows on tour. I love the shots of the crowd, as well as the crazy things the members of Noisia do in the video.

Alpha Centauri is available on Beatport and the Noisia Website, as well as the Excision & Datsik remix.

Chase & Status - No More Idols UK Tour 2011

I recently posted both live and radio ripped versions of Blind Faith, Chase & Status' new single featuring Liam Bailey. This is due to feature on next year's new album, No More Idols - released 31st January.

To promote this album, Chase & Status have announced a UK tour that will start in March 2011. Tickets for this tour are going on sale this Friday, 3rd December. However, you can jump the queue by accessing the 24 hour pre-sale that starts 9am Thursday here.

UKF Dubstep 2010 (Album Megamix)

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Part time dubstep promoters UKFDubstep are taking advantage of the festive season by releasing an album containing the best of their uploads. The video above is a 10 minute mix giving you a taste of what you can expect from the album.

UKF are prolific uploaders of all the latest dubstep and drum and bass, and if your track doesn't make it onto their channels, your chances of being successful are significantly slimmer. They have 152835 subscribers on YouTube, and their uploads regularly receive 6 figure hits.

A lot of their subscribers have been urging them to bring out a CD, but these things are easier said than done. Thankfully, UKF have been able to release an album on iTunes. This would be a perfect gift for someone starting to get into dubstep, or for anyone you know is a fan of UKF.

Tracklist
1.Hadouken -- 'Oxygen' (Gemini Remix)
2.Freestylers -- 'Cracks' (Flux Pavilion Remix)
3.Numbernin6 -- 'Garbage'
4.Dubba Jonny -- 'A Brief Introduction On Dubstep Production'
5.DJ Fresh -- 'Gold Dust' (Flux Pavilion Remix)
6.Nero -- 'Innocence'
7.Sub Focus -- 'Could This Be Real' (Joker Mix)
8.Example -- 'Kickstarts' (Bar9 Remix)
9.Bar 9 -- 'Piano Tune'
10.Chasing Shadows -- 'Amirah'
11.Tek-One -- 'Broken String'
12.Sekklow -- 'Be Alright'
13.Slum Dogz -- 'For All Time'
14.Dreadzone -- 'Gangster' (Trolley Snatcha Remix)
15.BYOB vs J Majik & Wickaman -- 'Save My Live' (Dubstep Mix)
16.DJ Fresh -- 'Fight'
+ Bonus Continuous Mix

Chase & Status - Blind Faith (feat. Liam Bailey)

As promised, there is a studio version (radio rip) of Blind Faith, Chase & Status' brand new track featuring Liam Bailey that had an exclusive play last night on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show.

This is taken from the new album No More Idols, which we can expect to drop in January next year.

My full review of the track is here.

Chase & Status - Blind Faith (feat. Liam Bailey) (Live)

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Just heard the exclusive first play on Radio 1. Chase & Status have come out with Blind Faith, featuring vocals from Liam Bailey.

At present, the only version I can link to is a live version that was uploaded 3 weeks ago, but I am certain a studio version will hit the internet extremely soon, and I will make sure that it makes its way here.

The track itself is huge, it's at a dubstep pace and Liam Bailey's vocals work so well over the top. It sounds like something you'd hear in a movie sequence, and just suggests something epic. I'm a big fan of this "ballad" like music, that just exceeds emotion.

The exclusive play was on Zane Lowe's show, and he was able to talk to Chase & Status after the exclusive play. They confirmed that the album No More Idols is finished, and will be out January 2011. This is great news as I'm expecting the album to be out of this world. More Than A lot, their previous album, was so diverse and there were some real anthems on there.

Since then, they've brought out some amazing tracks, working with Plan B, Tempa T, and Mali to name a few. No More Idols is definitely going to be packed full of heavy hits, and Blind Faith is just a taste of what we can hope to expect from the January release.

EDIT: The studio version is available to listen to here.

Plan B - Love Goes Down (Official Video) & Doctor P Remix

The official video for Plan B's Love Goes Down is available to watch now on YouTube.

Plan B's album The Defamation of Strickland Banks is on the face of it, very different to his previous work. It's a more soulful album, with a bit of jazz, but it does contain some rap elements. I bought the album on the week of it's release, and it's a firm favourite with me.

If you watch all of the videos to come from the album, you will see it's trying to tell a story. I'm finding this really interesting to follow as it's like piecing a jigsaw together. Every release from this album is prompting a remix from the who's who of electronic music: Recluse was remixed by both Nero and Netsky, Stay Too Long was remixed by Pendulum, and Love Goes Down is no different, as remix duties go to Doctor P.

More drumstep than dubstep, this is a strong song on it's own. As with a lot of Plan B remixes, the sample is used sparingly to create a more original track. I really like the riff and would happily play it out in a set.