April was filled with plenty of new music and exciting news. Coldplay seemed to dominate April with news they’re to headline Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Glasgow, the streaming of their new album ‘Ghost Stories’ for free on iTunes, and six special shows around the world to mark the launch of ‘Ghost Stories’. To top that off Chris Martin sat down for a one-to-one with Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1 for another of his hour long special interviews. Definitely worth a listen back! The mighty Kasabian returned with their new single ‘Ee-Zeh’ and new album details ‘48:13’. Legendary Coachella Festival took place over the two weekends which delivered a few surprises such as Beyonce making a surprise appearance during sister Solange’s set. Check out the incredible dance moves here. Speaking of Mrs Carter, yes Jay Z and Beyonce announced their ‘On The Run‘ tour this summer. Lets hope they add some UK and Ireland dates. Sigma gained their first no 1 with the incredible ‘Nobody To Love’ while previous no 1 ‘Hideaway’ from Kiesza was covered by Greg James … you need to watch this. Just when you thought the hype had finally died down, Radio 1 unveiled ‘Blurred Lines’ as the most download track in the UK ever! Prince signed a new deal with Warner Bros which will also see his influential ‘Purple Rain’ album celebrate it’s 30th anniversary with a deluxe edition release. Last but not least, legendary DJ Frankie Knuckles passed away. Known as the ‘Godfather of House music’, Frankie was a pioneer of Chicago house in the early 80’s, which still heavily influences music today. Some of his classic songs include ‘Your Love’, ‘Tears’ and ‘The Whistle Song’. Check out my April selections below, with over 1:40 for your listening pleasure.
1) DJ Fresh VS TC – Make You Bounce
After the success of the massive ‘Earthquake’ and ‘Dibby Dibby Sound’, DJ Fresh has unveiled his new single ‘Make You Bounce’, which received its premiere as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record. Known for his exciting collaborations from Diplo to Ms Dynamite and Dominique Young Unique, DJ Fresh has teamed up with Drum & Bass producer & DJ TC (‘Get Down Low‘), for a re-working of his original song ‘Make You Bounce’. With its relentless pulsating synths and infectious house style hooks and vocals, DJ Fresh is no doubt set for another hit! ‘Make You Bounce’ is set for release June 29th via Ministry of Sound recordings. Pre-order your copy here. The single is set to be taken from his upcoming fourth studio album, due later this year. Upcoming performances include ‘Mutiny In The Park‘
2) Disclosure x Friend Within – The Mechanism
Brotherly duo Disclosure unveiled their latest single ‘The Mechanism’ with rising UK producer Friend Within. The Liverpool producer recently featured on my January Selections, with his incredible remix of Gotsome’s ‘Bassline’ and once again works his magic on ‘The Mechanism’. The single served as a special delivery for Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 and perfectly captures their edgy UK garage style, deep house vibes and reverberating bass lines. Mix that with some of their signature percussive accompaniment and vocals samples similar to ‘When A Fire Starts to Burn’ and you’ve got another classic track. The Mechanism is available now via PMR. Upcoming performances from Disclosure include Governors Ball in NY and Reading & Leeds Festival, while Friend Within is set to perform at We Are FSTVL.
3) Oliver $ & Jimi Jules – Pushing On
Berlin based producer Oliver $ has collaborated with Swiss house producer Jimi Jules on their debut release ‘Pushing On’ via Defected Records. Previous collaborations between the duo include 2011′s ‘Earl EP‘. ‘Pushing On‘ serves up a smooth house classic, with its looped Frankie Knuckles inspired bass line, percussive medley and infectious vocals. ‘Pushing On’ is available now.
4) Steve Aoki, Diplo & Deorro – Freak (feat. Steve Bays)
What do you get if you cross Diplo, Steve Aoki, and Deorro? A full on club banger titled ‘Freak‘. Mad Decent founder and one third of the Major Lazer power house Diplo has teamed up with Dim Mak founder and producer Steve Aoki (Beat down, Rage The Night Away) with big room Dutch producer Deorro, to form an unstoppable trio in EDM. ‘Freak’ featuring the vocals of Steve Bays, highlights all the producers trademarks such as big room trap drops, vocal distortions and hefty basslines. Upcoming performances from Diplo/Major Lazer include Bestival, while Steve Aoki is set to play Electric Daisy Carnival in London, and Deorro Creamfields. ‘Freak’ is available now via Mad Decent records.
5) Klangkarussel Netzwerk (Falls like Rain)
Austrian house duo Klangkarussell — aka Tobias Rieser and Adrian Held, have unveiled their new single ‘Netzwerk (Falls Like Rain)‘ as the follow up to the hugely successful ‘Sonnentanz (Sun Don’t Shine)‘ ft Will Heard. ‘Netzwerk’ featured as a special delivery for Annie Mac and serves up a chilled, synth driven track with infectious vocals. Netzwerk (Falls Like Rain) is set for release July 28th, while their debut album is also set for release in July.
6) Jacob Plant – Louder
Jacob Plant is fast becoming a major player in the EDM scene having already delivered the massive bass heavy ‘Fire’ and high profile remixes from Calvin Harris to Iggy Azalea, and Example. Plant is back with his new EP ‘Louder’ and continues in the same force with a big room, pulsating banger with high energy drops. The ‘Louder’ EP is available now on Steve Aoki’s label Dim Mak Records and features the tracks ‘Radar’, ‘Tell Them’, and lead single ‘Louder’. Upcoming performances from Plant include Lollapalooza, and Reading & Leeds.
7) Mumbai Science ft DJ Spank-Spank of Phuture – King Of The Top Floor.
Mumbai Science, aka Belgian producer duo Jonas Kiesekoms and Maarten Elen, known for their 2010 EP’s ‘Woof’, ‘Ancova & Gold’ have unveiled new material from their forthcoming album. ‘King Of The Top Floor‘ is taken from the forthcoming album ‘DÉJÀ VU’, which is set for release June 16th and features the captivating and distorted vocals of Dj Spank Dpank of Phuture. With it’s futuristic and quirky sounding production, ‘King Of The Top Floor’ showcases the unique and creative talents from the Belgian duo. Upcoming performances from the duo include The Playground Presents Com Truise (Ghostly International) at Shapes Warehouse London on May 31st.
8) London Grammar – Sights (Original and Tourist remix)
London Grammar (Hannah Reid, Dot Major and Dan Rothman) unveiled their new single ‘Sights’. While their debut album ‘If You Wait’ delivered an impressive string of singles including ‘Strong’ ‘Metal & Dust’, ‘Help me Lose My Mind’, ‘Nightcall’, and ‘Hey Now’, the talented trio have once again delivered with the captivating ‘Sights’. Hannah Reid’s stunning vocals take center stage with delicate accompaniment, gradually building and soaring with stirring string instrumentation. Taking up the challenge of remixing this beautiful track is Tourist, AKA William Phelps. Currently signed to Disclosure Method label, Tourist’s previous remixes include Haim’s ‘The Wire’, Chvrches ‘Lies’ and his latest single Patterns, featuring Lianne LaHavas (featured in this months picks also). Tourists keeps the same serene sparseness of the track, before switching it up halfway through with some upbeat groove- style vibes. Be sure to catch London Grammar at O2 Academy Brixton June 3-4 while Tourist is set to perform at London’s Field Day.
9) Lorde – Tennis Court (Flume Remix)
While we’ve heard a lot of remixes of Lorde’s ‘Royals’, ‘Tennis Court’ seems to have been overlooked – that is until Flume! Australian producer Flume, aka Edward Streten has killed it with his latest remix, which serves as the follow up to ‘Drop The Game’ with Chet Faker and last years incredible remix of Disclosure’s ‘You And Me’. Flume breathes new life into the original with his blend of futuristic style production, deep house vibes, and eerie pulsating synths. Flumes remix is available now via Flumes Delux Edition . Upcoming performances for Flume include Reading and Leeds Festival.
10) Tourist – Patterns ft Lianne LaHavas
London based electronic artist Tourist, AKA William Phelps has unveiled his new single ‘Patterns‘, featuring the wonderful soulful vocals of Lianne LaHavas. (‘Is Your Love Big Enough, ‘No Room For Doubt’) Currently signed to Disclosure’s Method label, the single received its premiere with Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 and delivers an uplifting, gospel tinged track highlighting Tourist’s intricately layered synths and smooth production. Taken from his latest ‘Patterns EP’ , Tourist’s highly anticipated debut album is scheduled for release later this year. Upcoming performances for can be found here.
11) Jus Now ft Bunji Garlin & Stylo G – Tun Up (Dismantle Remix)
The already infectious sounds of ‘Tun Up’ from Jus Now (aka Bristol’s Interface and Trinidad’s LAZAbeam) ft Bunji Garlin & Stylo G, has been given the remix treatment from Brighton producer Dismantle. Dismantle’s epic, high-energy jungle remix premiered with Toddla T on BBC Radio 1. The ‘Tun Up’ EP is available May 18th via 3Beat Records.
12) Hudson Taylor – Battles
Irish brothers Hudson Taylor ( Harry and Alfie) unveiled their new single ‘Battles’, which premiered as Zane Lowe’s Hottest record, and serves as the follow up to ‘Weapons’. ‘Battles’ delivers an uplifting and stirring folk-pop song with a rousing, anthemic hook. From busking on the streets of Grafton Street in Dublin to supporting Jake Bugg and Kodaline on tour, the folk-pop duo are currently working on their debut album due later this year. The ‘Battles’ EP is set for release June 15th via Polydor. Be sure to catch the duo at their headline gig at Electric Ballroom London June 5th to coincide with the ‘Battles’ EP release, as well as upcoming performances at Glastonbury, Longitude Festival in Dublin , T In The Park and Festibelly.
13) Royal Blood – Come On Over
Royal Blood made up of Mike Kerr (bass, vocals) and Ben Thatcher (drums) from Brighton, unveiled their new single ‘Come One Over’, which serves as the follow up to ‘Out Of The Black’ and recent February Selections pick ‘Little Monsters’. ‘Come On Over’ once again packs a punch, with their trademark riff-laden power rock, edgy vocals and intense drumming. ‘Come On Over’ is available now. Be sure to catch the duo supporting Arctic Monkeys at Finsbury Park, and Reading & Leeds Festival.
14) Movement – Ivory
Australian trio Movement have unveiled their new single ‘Ivory’, taken from their self-titled EP. ‘Ivory ‘serves as the follow up to ‘Like Lust’ and ‘Us’ and highlights a perfect mix of light and shade with its moody atmospheric beats and and whispered, sultry vocals. Movement describe their style as ‘minimal soul’ and ‘Ivory’ certainly lives up to that with it’s pulsating beats and smooth R&B vocals from Lewis Wade soaring above. Mix that with an explosive guitar solo and ‘Ivory’ reaches a whole new level. The ‘Movement’ EP is available now . Upcoming UK dates include Ace Hotel Basement Shoreditch June 16th.
15) Klaxons – Love Frequency (Tom Rowlands remix)
Tom Rowlands from The Chemical Brothers, has remixed Klaxons new single ‘Love Frequency‘. As the British indie rockers experiment further with EDM influences, as heard in their latest album ‘Love Frequency’, Tom Rowlands seems like the perfect fit, having already produced their previous single ‘Children of the Sun’. Rowlands remix gives the track a more forceful vibe with its dark synths, heavy chimes and hard hitting drums and percussion. With an infectious vocal sample looped throughout, Tom Rowlands has clearly made his mark with this enthralling remix. Upcoming performances from The Chemical Brothers include Space in Ibiza May 25th.
16) Duck Sauce -NRG (Skrillex, Kill The Noise, Milo & Otis Remix and Hudson Mohawke Remix
Duck Sauce (collectively known as A-Trak and Armand Van Helden) unveiled their latest single ‘NRG’ at beginning of April, taken from their debut album ‘Quack’. Set for release June 29th, the single will also include two remixes; one from Skrillex, Kill The Noise, Milo & Otis and the other from former TNGHT artist Hudson Mohawke. Skrillex & Friends find that perfect balance by retaining that light-hearted opening with infectious vocals, before launching into a more industrial sounding, electro whirring break. Scottish producer and G.O.O.D music affiliate Hudson Mohawke, who usually delivers the heavy trap sounding remixes, has shown some restraint with his upbeat, synth infused remix, mixed with plenty of percussive and pulsing drums.
17) Clean Bandit Ft Sharna Bass – Extraordinary (Sigma Remix)
Fresh from the massive success of ‘Nobody To Love’, sampling Kanye’s ‘Bound 2’, and the remix of DJ Fresh’s ‘Dibby Dibby Sound’, drum and bass duo Sigma (AKA Cameron Edwards and Joe Lenzie) have worked their magic on Clean Bandit’s latest single ‘Extraordinary’ ft Sharna Bass. Sigma allow Sharna’s vocals to remain central to the track, as the tempo is ramped up half way though and given the drum n bass overhaul. Sigma’s ‘Extraordinary’ remix is set of release May 18th. Upcoming performances from Sigma include Global Gathering.
18) Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman X Steve Angello- Payback
Steve Angello Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman have unveiled their explosive debut collaboration on the epic single ‘Payback‘. There’s been plenty of hype surrounding ‘Payback’, which until now has just been played out during festival sets the past year, from Creamfields to Ultra.
Having been over a year since Swedish House Mafia ended, Steve Angello has been constantly touring and recently celebrated his 10th anniversary of his label Size Records. As he gears up for his new album release, ‘Payback’ serves a taste of what’s to come. Joining him for the highly anticipated collaboration, include Swedish progressive house duo Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman, who have already delivered some exciting material such as their recent collaboration with AN21 on ‘Rebel’, and previous remixes for Tiesto, Miike Snow and Coldplay. ‘Payback’ captures all the trademarks we love about Angello, from his soaring melodic hooks to the explosive big room drops, thrilling build-ups and top quality production. Mix that with Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman Angello progressive house production and electrifying energy and you’re in for something big! ‘Payback‘ is available now via Columbia/Size Records.
19) Tapesh & KANT – Ey Yo (Grades remix)
South London producer GRADES, has unveiled his remix of Tapesh & KANT’s underground hit ‘Ey Yo’. The single serves as the follow up to ‘Freedom’, ’I Wanna Be Down’ and ‘Rock The Boat’. ‘Ey Yo’ highlights GRADES ability to blend R&B with deep house vibes , with his sampling of Busta Rhymes ‘Dangerous’ before gradually building to an infectious deep house vibe mixed with UK garage influences. No word yet on any release date, but check out GRADES Soundcloud for further tracks.
20) Alice Boman – What
Swedish Singer Alice Boman unveiled her new single ‘What’, taken from her forthcoming ‘II’ EP. Lead single ‘What’ delivers a beautiful and fragile track with its delicate piano accompaniment. Boman’s haunting and whispered vocals create a sense of stillness that’s sure to strike an emotional chord with her fans. The term ‘less is more’ is very much the case for Boman, as she excels in creating such beauty from such simplicity. Upcoming dates for Alice include Dot To Dot Festival and Slottsfjell. What is available June 2nd.
Check out the full April playlist below:
