Jamie Jones announces new “underground” label and EP

Hot Creations, as a label and a collective group of producers, has gone strength to strength. After tasting chart success with “Benediction” with the Hot Natured project, many of the hardcore followers of the label felt somewhat betrayed by the mainstream success (the stem of a huge debate between fans of house).

Jamie Jones and his label, at least on face value, appear to be about the followers and supporters of the music. That’s where the new subsidiary “underground” label for the “headstrong” comes in: Hot Trax.

In an attempt to keep those underground-heads happy, all releases on Hot Trax will strictly be “underground dance floor orientated” stuff. So don’t expect catchy hooks and crowd-pleasing vocals.

The direction of the new label is perfectly displayed in a new three-track EP release by Jamie Jones, set to be released in January 2013. You can listen to “Changes”, “Road to the Studio” and “No Rush” right here.

SOTD #10: Alix Perez - Melanie

There is no doubt that “1984” released by Alix Perez in 2009, is one of the best drum and bass albums of the past decade: a stunning collection of mellow, dusk-time tracks, big industrial sounding basslines and a nifty little collaboration with grime act Foreign Beggars.

Prior to the LP, Alix Perez released an EP containing “I’m Free”, a track which eventually featured on the full album and a B-side “Melanie”. Under the distorted image that drum and bass is all about savaging basslines, harsh percussion and nasty, masculine MC-ing - for some - it might be hard to comprehend how beautiful this track really is.

The trademark Alix Perez pad subtly sidechains to make way for the shuffling percussion before rushing into a crescendo of spine-tingling piano work. It’s the simple but clever production that makes this track a cosy addition to the ever-pleasing discography of Mr Perez.

Listen to the song here.

SOTD #10: Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise

Today’s “song of the day” is something a little bit different, in that, it’s not a song. That understandably doesn’t make a lot of sense but allow for an explanation. Nicolas Jaar’s “Space Is Only Noise” released on Circus Company records, was one of 2011’s masterpieces, if not the masterpiece of the year. And thus, the impossible nature of selecting a single track from the album, has resulted in today’s SOTD being a full album stream.

Some have described his work as self-indulgent, but, it’s clear to see from the off that the album is a journey of left-field electronic music. It’s cutting edge, it ebbs and flows in and out of every possible genre. It’s atmospherics are interesting, intricate and touching but it also, at times, gets your feet tapping.

It would be a crying shame to single out any one song on this album, so enjoy the full album stream right here and prepare to be blown away.

RA documentary on electronic music and its culture in Paris

Paris is well-known for its cafes and sophisticated culture outside of music. Within music, acts like Daft Punk and Madeon front the face of Parisien music on a worldwide scale.

What’s often not seen is the underground culture of electronic dance music. Restricted to the suburbs, which is commonly recognised for its dangerous streets, techno and deep house has been over-shadowed in France’s capital.

After being voted as the worst clubbing city in Europe by the New York Times, it was clear to see that music and clubbing in Paris was under a serious decline.

This documentary from Resident Advisor showcases the forward-thinking labels of Paris and those that have stretched boundaries to create club nights that have managed to attract thousands and bring some life back into the nightlife.

It’s a terrific watch and you can do so here.

XNYT going forward…

It’s been several weeks since moving the blog to a new domain and giving it a small makeover and the response, in terms of new followers and page visits, has been pleasing. Currently XNYT has run on single and EP reviews as well as random news articles, however, in the near future - much more will be added.

It’s likely that for the rest of 2012, the current style of the blog will continue but I just wanted to take the chance to explain what I have planned for 2013.

I have a small list of feature pieces that I want to write and these will become a focal part of XNYT. As well as monthly mixtapes and playlists, guest mixes and mixes from myself. Not only will the range and amount of content be improved but the site design. I have a website designer, lined up and ready to be paid to transform to blog to make it look, well, un-tumblr-ish. This will be launching sometime in January 2013.

There are other things that are merely ideas and so therefore not worth mentioning but keep tuned. Thanks to my new followers and other visitors who are finding my blog by other means and viewing from all corners of planet earth!

Spread the word if you can!

If you thought that Disclosure were the only teenage duo making waves in the EDM scene, then you’re mistaken. George Townsend and Adam Kaye have seen releases getting airtime on Radio 1 and impressing music fans with their catchy, chilled tones.

Today, thefader.com bagged an exclusive mix and interview which can be downloaded here. Featuring a couple of unreleased tracks from Bondax and beyond.

Next month the pair are to tour North America and they revealed that they will be making an album next year - which is sure to be highly anticipated.

Don’t forget to also give their new remix of Rudimental here.

I absolutely hate how if I follow someone it will show this blog first. My primary blog is over at http://www.xnyt.co.uk - exploring all things EDM with reviews, mixtapes, features and more!

I just uploaded “Justforfun House Minimix #2” to www.mixcloud.com - listen now!

THIS LEGION

Self-acclaiming themselves as ‘Blindie’ (Blues & Indie) isn’t so ludicrous given the sheer funkiness of the bass in this single ‘Bring Me Joy’ which is featured in a free EP that can be downloaded in the link below. Not only are the instrumentals brilliant, but so are the vocals, sounding far too mature for a new-born band.

Here is an acoustic session from the three boys.

*Pieces from the above text are taken from my own review at http://theleedsscenester.co.uk & the free EP can be found here

THE MAKING OF EBORACUM EP

Earlier this week we featured The Glass Caves and a busking session they did in York city centre ahead of their forthcoming EP release ‘Eboracum’ (which you should definitely check out). This evening they have just uploaded the above video - a small fun feature clip behind the scenes of the making of the three tracks that will feature on their first full three-track release. Something good to watch whilst you eat your tea!