This week, don’t sleep on Colorado’s finest: Pretty Lights. Consisting of Producer/DJ Derek Smith with Adam Deitch bangin’ the drums at live shows, Pretty Lights is one of the leaders in what’s quickly becoming one of my favorite genres: a fusion of electro and instrumental hip-hop. This perfectly welded sound comes from a seamless integration of hard electronic synths with the strong bass and snare elements of hip-hop. Throw in a myriad of other delightful sounds, including piano melodies, and his craft has succeeded in creating what you’d call groovy ear candy. If your head or body has no impulse to move/groove/shake/nod/whatever while listening to a track, I’d contact a physician ASAP because I think you might have mono. The best part of artists with this type of sound is it’s very easily enjoyed by anyone — it’s a great gateway style for those that are turned off by glitchy rough electro, especially those whose tastes lean in the hip hop direction. After performing at Coachella in 2010, the duo has gone on tour and pleased many crowds with what is apparently an amazing live show that features visually stimulating components (this has always been a no-brainer to me for artists). I still haven’t had the chance to catch a performance. (Skinny Genes went last year and forgot to hit me up about it… still harboring a good amount of hatred deep inside). If all this isn’t good enough, ALL his music is available for free on his website. You can catch him at Identity Festival in LA on September 4th, as well as Vegas, Northern California, and other cities across the country on the festival’s tour.

+jangbar

Pretty Lights – Fly Away Another Day
Pretty Lights – City of One
Pretty Lights – Chicago Bulls Theme Remix
+had to include this, since the Lakeshow crumbled I’m pullin for DRose and Co. Plus that theme has always been ‘epic,’ great spin on it.

BONUS

The latest offerings from Drake… seeing some maturity from Drizzy. A lot of people hate what he’s become but I’m still a fan.
Drake – Dreams Money Can Buy
SBTRKT – Wildfire Remix ft. Yukimi (Little Dragon) & Drake+++