If you’re a nu disco fanatic, you’ve probably heard fresh tunes from Stockholm’s Jonas Rathsman featured in The Magician’s recent Magic Tapes. On December 12th, French Express, a music label known for its tropical disco artists, released Jonas’ “Tobago” EP. “Tobago” is Jonas’ newest EP based on the name of his single that was featured in Magic Tape 15. His other gem from the EP, “Feeling You” was a definite highlight from Magic Tape 17.
“Tobago” prompts an urge to get up and groove. It’s infused with a tropical setting visual, a reminder of the summer heat, as represented in the soulful music video. It’s sultry and smooth, ideal for blasting during a car ride along the Californian coast. The sounds are isolated and profound, with a bongo sequence to add the tribal house feel. It’s pure bliss.
“Feeling You” is a 90’s deep-house creation with soulful vocals, similar to the arrangement of Rathsman’s earlier “Love Is My Middle Name”. Like Tobago, this jazz-funk tune also embodies a sexy feel. The brief build-up at 2:32 has you begging for the catchy retro loop to return to your ears immediately. Jonas maintains the classic discotheque sound, yet brings a modern twist with the dissonant, deep synthesizers.
Jonas digresses from his pop disco sound as heard in his duo Uniforms, and establishes an independent sound through deeper and more retro-vibe synths in his EP. I’m personally thankful that a nu disco-groove icon like The Magician has spread the sound of Rathsman’s edgy, harmonious productions. And Jonas, you know that I wanna thank you too.
Fabian is part of the Binary family, so yes, there’s some bias here. In case you missed the memo, I’m pleased to report that Fabian has signed to the Bond Music Group, ensuring that 2012 will be another step forward for our disco-hero. And to celebrate, Fabian gave out this disco gem to the masses.
While I could wax poetic about this track, I’m going to turn to some of our friends across the bloggosphere on how they got Jacked up.
Harder Blogger Faster: “it’s a fun-time piece of disco house”
Remix86: “This is one of those that will move your feet before command and keep that bouncy feeling in your brain. A damn addicting shaker, so don’t wait, try it on.”
TILT: “His new single gives us something real crispy for us dance music lovers. This sounds like something we would all expect from Afrojack if he took up Nu Disko, or if Moullinex and Mr. Afrojack did some sort of hybrid collabo of the century! The sound is infectious and only makes me want MORE!”
UH OH DISCO: “Big ups to Fabian for this HEATER of a freebie. Such an epic track, “The Jack” is.”
So yeah, if you like disco, if you like fun, and enjoy infectious hand-claps, I imagine you fancy this track. I hope you like to clap.
And here’s Fabian’s Prospect Mix to celebrate the year of 2011:
Intriguing title. This song announces that it will go deep and then follows through on that promise. There is a gravity and degree of emotion and feeling to this release that really sets it apart.Discotexas has created a following and I for one am on board and fully committed. Talented Frenchman Arnault Douze Esteve aka Douze defies genre-labels and just makes a great EP.Forget about classifying this, just let the music wash over you and enjoy the journey. Cinematic, heartfelt and moving.
The mood is immediately set. As elements enter and a wailing almost Enya like vocal slips in to the magic, this track has set sail for different waters. A whispering background vocal, a momentum building guitar track, the song feels full and heavy but not HARD. There is something about the brooding undertone and dark, cautious vibe that pulls you in to surrender.Resigned. Accepting. Forsaken.
Title track. This one comes in with a nice accented beat, muffled male vocals like a Public Safety Announcement…Eternity’s Call Back. Allright. With the synth laying cover for a steadily developing beat this song shifts and grows. It is pretty and meaningful all at once. Clearly a work of passion. Bravo.
Wow. Ben Rhayader gets the idea. This remix twists the original into a funky, sexy, spacey disco track that shifts into another gear and sweeps us way in the process.This is one of those remixes that immediately has me wondering why I am not up on this dude and then promptly diving in to his soundcloud to remedy that embarrassing oversight. To approach such a well made, meaningful original would not seem like an easy task but this remix not only honors but compliments and adds to. Gorgeous track.
Ahhh.I know Thanksgiving has passed but its never too late for more exceptional music. Apparently Douze enjoys Thanksgiving.Whatever the motivation the holiday seems to have put him in a giving mood and this mix is an awesome sonic gift indeed. Douze selects a variety of styles, tempos and sounds to craft a solid and seamless well-rounded mix.Throw this on in any gathering for a better time. It is sublime. Thank you Douze. Check out his facebook and pick up the latest EP, with the songs included here as well as sweet remixes from Publicist and Blende, you will be glad that you did. Cheers-Binary
As I get older, I feel pain I didn’t know existed. I feel stress that used to be pretty easy to eliminate. And I face the reality that life is no longer one giant party 24/7/365. But that doesn’t mean music sounds any less sweet.
Thankfully, music has the ability to transform you, even if for a brief moment. It can remind you of a moment, bring back a kiss, or spark your body. It can act like an antidote. It can make you act anything but your age–which, after all, is just a number. Besides, where’s the fun in maturity?
“Why don’t you act your age. When I wake up, I’m in the same old mood. I get so worried I don’t know what to do…”
Gigamesh’s sounds frequently act as an anecdote, and this remix is no different than his other work. This edit comes equipped with catchy wailing, lush clapping sounds, and Gigamesh’s trademark touch of uplifting nu-disco.
My relationship with music is usually to the beat. With the influx of electronic music into my life (and seemingly everyone’s lives), lyrics are generally sparse or nonexistent in a lot of what I the majority of EDM blowhards listen to. This song is a breath of fresh air.
This song is not as abrasive as the Quentin Tarantino film (maybe his best…)–but it’s nearly as enjoyable. It’s got that daytime disco feel to it that a lot of Gigamesh’s recent work is starting to embody. It’s always sunny in LA so take a dip in the pool.
P.S. When it comes to Gigamesh highlights, everyone tends to point to his Foster the People Remix…I point you to this:
Disclaimer: This song should be played at volume 11 with a smile on your face and a shot of Jameson in your hand for proper levels of enjoyment.Enjoy
Sweden’s Johan Bengtsson, who goes by the alias “Mitch Murder” released Current Events as his second album from RossoCorsa. The album is an enhancement of his first, Burning Chrome, with wavy melodic synths and a variety of astronaut-esque vocals. The instrumentals ricochet bands such as Simple Minds and Whitesnake to name a few. The album is intended to mirror the historical events throughout the 1980’s; the representation of events such as the invention of the personal computer and The Challenger space shuttle catastrophe are vivid through the synthpop melodies. Welcome to the danger zone.
“Galaxy Train 1989” is a soothing montage of a powerful bassline and bright melody that send you off into a harmonious adventure through the galaxy, with the help of vocalist “Eel”. The build-up at 2:18 is a psychedelic wind amidst a high-pitched throwback. It’s catchy and eclectic, maintaining a funky pop-infused sound throughout. The bass drop at 4:00 with the subtle high-hat and low chimes concludes the song, leaving the listener wanting more.
“Telefuture Theme” is another catchy space jam; a sequel to “Ravaged Skies”. It is far from a 2011 production; Johan incorporates authentic 1980’s new-wave with brief vocals straight from the space shuttle. The major key transition at 1:15 spurs an uplifting build-up, with the introduction of chimes, voiceovers and supplementary percussion engagement. It echoes a 1986 hypnagogic pop production.
Johan’s 10-song sensation successfully depicts computer development and space phenomena history through its intro, intermission and finale. The early computer-electropop music sound is clear in the album, through the use of sequencers, synthesizers and drum machines. It’s glo-fi, it’s big hair, it’s fluorescence. It’s 80’s nostalgia.
Final Djs are a production/dj duo from Stuttgart, Germany. The music that they create is inspired by french touch as well as new wave and italo disco. You may remember our previous post on these guys, they have an emotional almost dark/moody approach that we here at Binary are very fond of. Last week this beautiful Kris Menace and Savage edit showed up in my inbox and it not only prompted a new post but re-ignited my passion for the sound and style these guys are throwing down. Check it out.
This song comes in thumping, the filtered melody cruises in like the concorde, all jet hiss and crackly muffled. There is a vibe here, sexy, intense. This is not so much the jam that you throw on to get the girl in bed, this is the jam that you throw on as when you and said female/partner are already in bed. Steady, constant, hot.it’s simultaneously dirty and entirely clean. Awesome edit.
This song is glorious. Like the soundtrack to an ending fondly remembered.As heavy as a permanent goodbye to a cherished lover or as light as that moment as daybreaks after an epic night and you are just finding your way home. The sun rising as the memories dance in your mind. At 5:05, as the hauntingly melancholy synth solo kicks in, the listener is transported to a beautiful place. Reminiscent of some of Fred Falke’s incredible jams.This is a new favorite. great work.
Visit their facebook (“like” them) and soundcloud (“follow” them), purchase one of their releases. Final Djs make music worth supporting. Please do
Anoraak. (These fellas know how to diversify their sound). I struggle to label their music as anything other than extremely chill. And then you see them perform live, and they possess a type of energy and presence that is rock-like. This particular remix possesses more of that chill quality that takes you on a slow-paced space odyssey.
This song is “Space Age Bachelor Pad Music” at its finest. One of my favorite blogs out there (which has been for quite some time) is Et Musique Pour Tous (EMPT for short). Hec, the man behind that site, coined that term, and ever since, it’s been a mantra I’ve subscribe to when it comes to music.
I love the term so much because it doesn’t categorize or genre-label. It just gives you an awesome image in your mind. And for everyone, that vision for a space age bachelor pad is probably something completely different.
For me, a “space age bachelor bad” is an all white loft overlooking a coast, equipped with only the finest Rose, sexiest women, and scents the world has to offer. Lots of chic-ness all around (think: the penthouse room in Tron that Daft Punk plays at, minus the violence).
While the music may not all have the same vibe or be labelled under the same genre, there’s one common thread. This type of lush music is for a sophisticated pallet. Music does not need to be complex or earth-shattering to be enjoyed. And this remix by Anoraak fits the bill. It’s a lovely, calming track that makes you want to close your eyes and zone out all the ills in life.
So I guess what I’m saying is that Anoraak makes super chill music brah (originals too), and it’s perfect for your space age bachelor pad. Or for whoever you’re trying to wine and dine this evening.
Waterloo, Canada brings us dynamic duo Dan and Angela Drysdale AKA SolarSolar. Together they create “snowy sunshine music.” Their subtle yet stirring brand of dreamy pop caught our attention and made an impression, so much so that we have signed them and are proud to announce that their debut LP Pilot will be released Feb.21st right here on Binary.Beyond that we just dig their sound and want to share the wealth with you. There is a restraint to their compositions that allows the listener room to draw their own conclusions. Have a listen.
A backdrop of moody synth work sets the stage for Angela’s quiet vocals, the beat pads along, a fuzzy droning background and twinkly highs.This is a pretty song. Accessible but not over the top, the experimental progressions, the harmonics that fall in as the strings emerge.Soothing …thoughtful, heartfelt and substantial. Welcome home SolarSolar.
This track stays in your head. Like the XX, there is a sexy, sincere feeling that comes across as completely real and honest.The gravity of the jam and the creative video speak volumes for SolarSolar as far as who they are and what they can become.I love the emotion in the little boy’s face, searching but still feeling empty and lost. As the searching turns to discovery and then eventually wonder, the meaning behind the song gains clarity of purpose.SolarSolar make intelligent music that sounds good and evokes emotion.
This bands authenticity and fully realized style give them a level of character that makes them stand out, it is also these qualities that make them a fit on our roster of artists. Their complimentary style adds an organic facet to our crew that we are proud to have as part of the family. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Lp on Binary Entertainment this February.
Following up the fantastic Late Night Drive Ep from earlier this year is Short Circuit’s latest single release: After Burner. I’ve been a great fan of Short Circuits work over the years and always regard this artist in the top echelon of the current generation of 80′s inspired synthpop/wave musicians as his music consistently delivers thrilling pieces that have all the key elements to the genre, but always add a little Short Circuit magic to the proceedings to individualize the songs.
The construction of the After Burner single is musical craftsmanship of the highest calibre. One might think an EP with one song and an intro track could be a frivolous or shallow affair, but these two tracks are of such refined quality that it feels like a much more epic endeavour.
The real magic of this is the Intro to After Burner. The art of the ‘introduction’ is lost on many electronic artists. An introduction sets the tone, feel and personality of a track when done properly. It’s like the opening to a movie, after a couple of minutes in you know where you are or where you stand in film. With music it’s a similar idea. The introduction is our initial experience that is our first impression. Some songs are scared of meeting us, and take their time to make us feel comfortable with them before allowing us all their pleasures. Some songs are very up front, greeting us with a firm hand shake and strong eye contact. And some songs tease and draw us into the experence, almost deceiving the listener like a fly trapped in a spider’s web, before it drops on us like a ton of bricks.
The art of the introduction is exemplified in Short Circuit’s After Burner single. The track itself at two and three quarter minutes in length is more developed and constructed than a lot of stand alone singles. The tone is set early on, where one can almost see credits appearing before their eyes as the wonders of what is to come are brought to our aural attention. By the time the main melody arrives it loses it’s focus and we are drawn into the distance, making us anticipate the next direction of After Burner’s journey.
The song itself is perfectly weaved into the ending of the introduction and our direction continues along a new interstellar experience with the classic Short Circuit robotic vocals complimenting the brilliant synth melodies. The music is what you always hope for as devotee of this genre: a magical vision of the future circa 1983, where synthesizers and laser beams fill a star filled sky and unrequited love is something only the neon grid filled heavens above seem to offer any consolation over.
The refrain of “Go ahead and set me free” is a haunting lyric that is defiant yet vulnerable, even through the robot vocal effects. The words are never said without megatons of drama and makes for a mechanically melancholic masterpiece. The story of a relationship dying like a star in a distant galaxy that upon it’s final collapse will be a catclysmic event. Air raid sirens fuel the panic in After Burner during the very contemplative breakdown that bring the emergency and panic of emotions to a fever pitch before the track drops back into the deliberately disenfranchised disco that is unrelenting and unapologetic in it’s delivery.
The After Burner single rises above and beyond what is expect of a single release. This is an epic experience that won’t soon be forgotten by the listener. Short Circuit once again proves why he’s a musician par excellence of the synthpop/wave genre and I applaude this single and highly anticipiate his future releases.
Chateaubriand is 17 year old Paul Perrault of Bordeaux, France. This young dj/producer makes dreamy nu disco or as he describes it “music that is soft music but sometimes sensual…a mixture of glittering disco with big basslines.” Whatever you call it Chateaubriand has caught our ear and earned a spot on our blog. The description that Paul offers is really very accurate, these are songs that capture the glitz of disco while revealing a softer more vulnerable and sexy side as well.Great stuff.
This song jumps in, a remix/rework of fellow Frenchmen Keadz, this cut has a bouncy optomistic vibe. Still subdued but more energetic. The futuristic synth stabs, the big bass, the percussive hits that fade in and out. There is a full sound to this song. Chateaubriand has captured that part of the evening when some are falling out but you press on, second wind kicking in…not ready for the night to be over you hold onto that feeling…savoring the moments. The pleasure.The euphoria, the desire.
Ahhh. Le Romantisme. So nice. The extended synth intro builds to a beautiful break, funky bassline with flanged guitar that creeps from the background to center stage, sultry and funky, driving but groovy. This is my jam. Short and sweet, this track really showcases Chateaubriand’s excellent production and keen sense of appropriate genre bending. When it’s gone you are left wanting more. It is emotional, it is full of life, it is an awesome song.
Paul/Chateaubriand is set to release his first EP entitled “The Sunset” on Parisian label Yeah!/Dish Records. The Ep is in collaboration with Lyon’s Destronics and features remixes by Jean Tonique and Knight One and Sydney’s Ashton Edit. Suffice it to say that we are anxious to hear the full release. Check out these artists and discover some extremely well crafted gems that you may not have been previously up on. It is our pleasure to help you find them. Enjoy
