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For the better part of 2014, Hanami’s Winter Warmers #1 mix was my go-to pre-sleep set. He’s got a clear knack for inducing a state of calm. Earlier this month, he finally released #2 and the flow is impeccable. I’m caught up so deep in the feeling.
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Music moves in cycles. When the waves collide they tend to form something spectacular. This installment of Latest and Greatest features remixes and collaborations whose parts influenced a greater whole. What better way to end a fabulous year of music than by reflecting back on those who helped create it? And perhaps these new friendships and methods will help spur an ever better year of music in 2015.
Porter Robinson – Years of War (Golden Features Remix)
Worlds was one of the best albums of 2014, hands down. Golden Features was one of Australia’s blow out acts; his self-titled EP was an eerily awesome trip. His remix of ‘Years of War’ retains the emotive vocalizations but replaces the instrumentals with his signature industrial darkness.
Porter Robinson – Years of War (Golden Features Remix)
Corbin – Worn
Corbin, formerly Spooky Black, and thestand4rd came together with the fellas at Wedidit to release this melancholic winter burnout. Both collectives had, to say the least, an extremely productive year pushing the limits of hip-hop. Here’s to hoping for more from this powerhouse team up.
Luca Lush x Josh Pan – Get It On
Luca Lush and Josh Pan took Marvin Gaye’s classic ‘Let’s Get it On’ and added some future style to this baby-maker staple. The two have been coming in hot all year on their own to much success. This collab sees lush bass met with dancefloor excitability and makes for one really cool flip.
Luca Lush x Josh Pan – Get It On
Ryan Hemsworth ft. Dawn Golden – Snow in Newark (XXYYXX Remix)
Ryan’s journey into ‘sad boy’ reached a pinnacle when he teamed up with Dawn Golden for ‘Snow in Newark’. Hearing it float on the breeze at TIMF was a highlight of the year. The video is a breathtaking exploration in being alone. XXYYXX took it one step deeper by drowning it in slow-moving beats and fleeting pianos.
Ryan Hemsworth ft. Dawn Golden – Snow in Newark (XXYYXX Remix)
ZHU – Paradise Awaits pt.2 ft. Goldlink
Everyone already knows ZHU was this year’s “#1 must-hear”. Nowhere near finished, he paired the sultry ‘Paradise Awaits’ with GoldLink and some added lyricism with a special shout to Usher. It doesn’t look like the faceless mob is slowing down anytime soon.
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There’s no denying the growing influence of ‘kawaii’ in the electronic scene. The musical translation of this Japanese term is video-gamey and emotionally driven by a sense of nostalgia. The style has gained widespread traction thanks to Porter Robinson’s Worlds.
NΣΣT is an artist who adds his own special touch to ‘kawaii’. His most recent release, A Kinda NΣΣT Christmas, captures the holiday spirit in style. It is a lighthearted and funky expression of cold weather, foggy nights, cuddling, and hot chocolate. Catch us chilling out by a warm fire with NΣΣT on repeat.
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There’s not much to say about that needs to be said about this track that the title doesn’t already cover. The song itself almost seems like more of an edit then a remix. I don’t want that to take anything away from it. It’s beautiful.
Tycho puts his signature touch with dreamy arpeggios and floaty synths on top of Spoons “Inside Out.” Britt Daniel’s voice complements Tycho’s ethereal vibe so perfecly. I can totally see Tycho playing this out live as he’s been performing with a full band lately. Takes me back to his set at Outside Lands. On a hill in San Francisco. Lying on a blanket. Empanada in hand. Beer and jay at the ready. Just the absolutely perfect situation. I’m not trying to brag…just see him. Enjoy the tune below.
[Indie] Spoon – Inside Out (Tycho Remix)
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PXLX [pronounced poh-loh] hails from New Zealand. He supplies heavy beats and keeps them lofty with picturesque progressions. The result is a dreamy chill perfect for sunset sessions.
Check his bandcamp to support; join the $ecret Club for more awesome sounds.
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After releasing Awake | Cardigan last year with a signing on the famed Anjunadeep, Jeremy Villecourt, or Croquet Club, has since been taking emotional deep house to great heights with his voice and colorful song structures. His most recent release, ‘Only You Can Tell’, is no less than beautifully heart wrenching. The Jacuzzi EP, similarly, evokes a calmed euphoria.
The best part is he isn’t a single-sound hound. Check out the mix he made for Kitsune Maison’s recently released Sweet 16 Artist Compilation for some seriously chilled-out style. I’m floating.
Croquet Club – Only You Can Tell
Croquet Club – Kitsune Sweet 16 Mix
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There’s been heaps of remixes from all-star producers coming out for ZHU this year. ODESZA, Lido, The Magician, and AMTRAC to name a few (you can hear them all here). Well, French Kiwi Juice decided to take his hand at debatably ZHU’s most underrated track “Paradise Awaits.” He added his signature brand of funky instrumentals in half time which put a special groove to this amazing original. I’ve been all over FKJ more than ever lately, so it’s nice to see him getting more acclaim.
When you have a moment to see where electronic music is headed, watch this beautifully done video of him jamming in his bedroom studio. Yeah, he has awesome dreads.
ZHU – Paradise Awaits (FKJ Remix)
FKJ Mix For VibesHK
