Latest Posts

Kristachuwan Releases Seeing Eyes (will not be) EP

February 3, 2015

Electronic producer and former Cinnamon Aluminum multi-instrumentalist, Kristachuwan, is known for his dense arrangements, often combining abrasive sounds with melodic, lush samples to make for an experimental take on electronica, house, and ambient music. Prior to relocating to New Mexico late last month, the artist released his latest EP, Seeing Eyes (will not be), which furthers his style of layering organic sounds in an abstract manner and is yet another unique collection of tracks that share a refreshing sense of playfulness. The album’s title track blends warm, inviting vocal melodies with a stark bass line and gritty, off-kilter percussion, while tracks like “Romanky,” “Bourgeois Harem,” and “Zebra (St. Sophia)” take a more meandering, jazzy approach with saxophone samples, bringing to mind the expansive work of producer Flying Lotus. Similar to the Los Angeles artist, Kristachuwan brings progressive ideas to styles like jazz, funk, and soul in an attempt to put past[...]

Tonight: Beatmakers Showcase

January 30, 2015

As music production software has become so easily accessible, artists have accordingly taken advantage of the opportunity to create texturally complex sounds and percussion-based tracks known loosely as “beats.” Taking an atmospheric approach, the often instrumental music is hard to define, but borrows much from jazz with its’ varied instrumentation and idiosyncratic structure. Events such as Los Angeles’ Low End Theory club night have helped break through many artists like Flying Lotus, The Gaslamp Killer, Daedelus, and Nosaj Thing and bring the genre to a wider audience. Tonight, Buffalo’s Dreamland multi-purpose gallery will host a showcase of local beatmaking talent including sets from Chauncey Tails, whose fresh tracks feature pitch-shifted vocals and a warped hip hop feel, and Melissa Hasagun, with her ethereal, reflective style that blends low-key rhythms with textured soundscapes. Other producers performing include Denzel and Brother Bless. The event starts at 7:30 and donations will be accepted at[...]

Tonight: Datsik

January 28, 2015

British Columbia-born producer, Datsik, has been creating crass, bass-oriented dubstep and trap music for nearly a decade, first breaking through in 2009 when ten of the artist’s releases reached number one on Beatport. In addition to original productions, Datsik has been consistently putting out an eclectic range of remixes throughout his career, reworking tracks by artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Diplo, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey, and MGMT. The producer also started his own label, Firepower Records, back in 2012 and has since signed various bass and dubstep artists in addition to releasing an EP and full length of his own music. Tonight, Datsik will bring his Ninja Nation tour to the Town Ballroom with support from Southern California trap producer Kennedy Jones and UK dubstep artist Trolley Snatcha. Doors open at 8pm, tickets are $30 and can be purchased here or at the door (although word is the show is just about sold out).[...]

Tonight: Eliot Lipp

January 14, 2015

With the seemingly countless number of artists incorporating some form of electronic music into their sound, the challenge of creating a concise, unique style while still maintaining an ear for pop accessibility is as important as ever. Brooklyn-based producer Eliot Lipp has built his career around an inclusive approach to songwriting, incorporating elements of funk, electro, hip-hop, indie rock, soul, acid house, and various other dance genres into his tracks. As an avid analogue synth enthusiast and noted crate digger, Lipp incorporates a wide array of samples into his work along with his original sounds. Since debuting his first LP, S/T, on Eastern Developments back in 2004, the producer has continued to grow as an artist, releasing six full lengths, the latest of which was released in 2012, titled Shark Wolf Rabbit Snake. Tonight, Eliot Lipp will perform at Buffalo Iron Works along with local live electronic band Sonder. Doors open at 8pm, show starts[...]

Tonight: Bro Safari

December 16, 2014

Texas based producer Nick Weiller, better known as Bro Safari, has been producing trap, dubstep, and moombahton tracks since 2008 and has since become a mainstay in the American EDM scene with appearances on Mad Decent’s Jeffree’s imprint and BBC Radio 1’s Diplo and Friends mix show. With a versatile approach to production, Weiller is able to create sinister, stark sounding tracks with an underlying melodic sensibility that makes for a maximalist, relentless listening experience. Tonight, the DJ/producer with perform at Buffalo’s Town Ballroom along with Miami turntablist and DMC world champion DJ Craze. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Doors open at 8pm. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/73982474″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

December 12th

December 12, 2014

Giovanni Damico – “Break” With a loose, funky feel, this slice of smooth disco house from Italian producer Giovanni Damico lays down an infectious groove complete with a thick bass line and a playful synth melody. Making use of a nostalgic, full-bodied sound Damico provides an enticing dance floor filler that thrives on straightforward, purposeful production. Listen below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/175641897″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] HNNY – “Noth…” Swedish DJ/producer HNNY delivers another soulful house cut, this time of the old-school sample based variety for Local Talk records. “Noth…” builds around several smooth, emotive samples to achieve a lush sound produced with a warm feel that relies on a familiar formula yet still feels fresh when put together with such precision. Listen below [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/180692671″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Howson’s Groove – “Can’t Explain” UK duo Howson’s Groove make their debut release for Love & Other records later this[...]

Jon Bap Releases New EP, Let It Happen

December 2, 2014

Previewing his idiosyncratic songwriting style on releases with the Get Money Squad and hip hop trio Network, along with a solo single last year, Buffalo based singer/songwriter Jon Bap has shown a vast range of influences from indie rock and folk to soul and hip hop. On his latest EP, Let It Happen, the artist presents six tracks of mellow rhythms, jazzy bass lines and soulful vocals that results in a multitude of compelling musical ideas. Despite somewhat minimal instrumentation, Jon Bap is able forge engaging drum grooves, paired with melodic guitar and rich bass allowing for a hypnotic effect like on “The Ending,” where an interesting breakdown is led by sprawling percussion. Other tracks like “Forced” and “Marissa” offer a more straightforward indie soul approach, with guitar reminiscent of Mac Demarco and more laid back, r&b vocals and rhythms. Certainly not short on refreshing songwriting ideas, the Let It Happen EP is a[...]

Tonight: Lazlo Hollyfeld

November 26, 2014

As a solely instrumental rock band, Buffalo’s Lazlo Hollyfeld are able to create vivid, melodic tracks with often a pensive atmosphere. With three full-lengths and two EPs to their name, the latest of which being 2010’s Desert, the band is working on their newest album and have been touring in addition to playing various local shows throughout this year. Guitarist and singer/songwriter Sonny Baker, also of indie-rock outfit Wooden Waves, brings an understated, yet emotive style of playing to Lazlo, using the group as an outlet for his more challenging and experimental inclinations. Tonight the band will appear following an opening set from Rhubarb at McGarret’s on Elmwood Ave. Music starts at 10pm. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/81005727″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

November 21st

November 21, 2014

New Jackson- “Having A Coke With You” The title track for Dublin producer New Jackson’s latest EP for Permanent Vacation slowly unravels as a euphoric, expansive track led by smooth horns, mellow chords and a bittersweet string melody. A sampled speech dropped at around the five minute mark adds a pensive element to the track’s already introspective vibe, making for a subtle, intricate production. Look for the Having A Coke With You EP out now via Permanent Vacation.    [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/176717046″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Fantastic Man- “Robotic Temptation” Cut Copy recently released Oceans Apart, the synth pop band’s latest DJ mix album/compilation featuring tracks from various Melbourne producers, including this spacey, shuffling track from Fantastic Man. With a thick bass line and eccentric melody, the track fits in comfortably among the collection of left-field dance cuts on the album. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/176647207″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Mark E- “Avion Central” Birmingham producer[...]

DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist at Town Ballroom (11/11/14)

November 12, 2014

On Tuesday night, those in attendance at the Town Ballroom were taken on a journey through nearly 40 years of the rich musical history that laid the groundwork for hip hop culture. DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist surgically moved through their set comprised of six turntables, a vintage drum machine, and a collection of records taken from Cornell University’s library, originally belonging to Afrika Bambaataa. The two performers genuinely expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to play the original copies of tracks that help build the culture that they love and champion. Despite the exclusive circumstances of this unique performance, both Shadow and Cut Chemist played with a casual, personal demeanor, occasionally explaining the historical significance of tracks or pointing out various breaks and samples that have been countlessly built upon over the years. Every musical moment was deliberate and contributed meaningfully to the eclectic soundscape that included everything from[...]

November 7th

November 7, 2014

XXXY – “TPW” Manchester, UK producer XXXY’s latest track is set to appear on house duo Waze & Odyssey’s upcoming compilation for their Street Tracks imprint. “TPW” features a prominent  acidic bass line and energetic drums along with colorful synths that make for an effective, slightly dark acid house track. Listen below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/174561223″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Holy Ghost! – “Changing of the Guard” (Andre Bratten Remix) Norwegian producer Andre Bratten delivers a deep, sprawling rework of NYC dance-pop duo Holy Ghost!’s “Changing of the Guard” from their 2013 album Dynamics. The slow-building cut locks into a hypnotic groove, using restraint to let each uneasy element fade in and out until a patiently-timed drop around the six minute mark. The track is now available as a 12″ single via DFA records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/175435138″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Quentin – “You Can Do It” John Talabot’s Barcelona-based label Hivern Discs[...]

October 31st

October 31, 2014

Youandewan – “93” Berlin producer Youandewan recently released this silky edit of the classic Souls of Mischief track “93 ’til Infinity,” which stretches out the pensive instrumental over six minutes, laying down an infectious, understated groove. With added atmospheric keys and soulful looping, the track builds upon the serene vibe of the original, delivering a unique soundscape that pays homage to a blissful, treasured hip hop record. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/174070390″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Jacques Greene – “1 4 Me” Building upon his patient production style that features slow builds and euphoric drops, New York-based producer Jacques Greene released his latest track “1 4 Me” earlier this week in anticipation of his forthcoming EP After Life, After Party on LuckyMe. According to the artist, the track was born out of a personal challenge to “keep an arrangement dead simple,” making for a minimal beat that places emphasis on emotive synths and abstract[...]

Tonight: Papadosio

October 22, 2014

Asheville, North Carolina-based band Papadosio bring a unique, improvisational approach to electronic music, creating organic grooves with eclectic instrumentation. As a mainstay on the summer festival circuit in addition to heavy touring over the past few years, the band has gained a substantial following from both the jam-band and electronic music communities. With three studio albums to their name, the latest of which, T.E.T.I.O.S., was released last year, Papadosio have strived to progressively bring together both traditional and electronic sounds, keeping in mind their roots while looking forward to new sonic possibilities. Tonight, the band will appear at the Town Ballroom with support from Vermont jam-funk band Twiddle. Tickets for the all ages show are $20 and will be available at the 7pm door.  [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/172629311″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

October 17th

October 17, 2014

Dusky – “Yoohoo” Having become known for their full-bodied, melodic house style, UK duo Dusky deliver yet another intricately-produced track on their latest release for their label 17 Steps. “Yoohoo” features a blend of stark, hard-edged sounds with euphoric, more uplifting elements like an inviting keyboard line and propulsive bass groove. While still referencing a familiar house approach, the pair have carved out an original, forward-thinking sound for themselves that is increasingly hard to categorize. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/171908726″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] FaltyDL – “Do Me (Bruk Mix)” New York producer Drew Lustman, better known as FaltyDL is set to release a new EP, titled ///I\II\\\\ for Ninja Tune following his expansive album In the Wild, which came out back in August. With a jazz-oriented sound, “Do Me (Bruk Mix)” organically incorporates breakbeat, and hip-hop elements to achieve an elusive, more reflective feel. Known for his eclectic sonic choices, Lustman builds around atmospheric percussion,[...]

October 10th

October 10, 2014

Doc Daneeka Feat. Seven Davis Jr. – “What’s It Gonna Be?” Berlin producer Doc Daneeka scored a major club hit late last year with the infectious “Walk On In” featuring UK artist Ratcatcher. With a command of subtle changes in energy and strong vocal refrain, the artist once again shows his ability to craft memorable tracks on his latest release, “What’s It Gonna Be?,” which features California producer/vocalist Seven Davis Jr. The tune features a tight groove and understated, yet soulful vocals that make for a moody, subtle house feel. Look for the pair’s upcoming EP, From Mine to Mistress, out November 10th via Ten Thousand Yen. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/171178688″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Session Victim – “Never Forget” The latest track from German production duo Session Victim, “Never Forget,” is the result of classic, soulful sampling, and raw, organic sounding percussion used to create a timeless atmosphere and an instantly engaging[...]