Weekly Release Picks 04-25-12

Cherub
"MoM & DaD"
03-07-2012
Elm & Oak
Genre: Sexy, avant-garde, dance music from the future.

"The wait is over ladies and gentlemen, Cherub’s new album “MoM & DaD” is finally out! They pulled out all the stops with this one. This new batch of Cherub songs brings a fresh, uptempo electro feel to the familiar pop sensibilities showcased on their first record. Jordan Kelley’s studio production, clever songcraft, and silky smooth falsetto are complimented perfectly by Jason Huber’s live production and tube-driven guitar work. Incorporating melodic harmonies, soulful lyrics, funky synth lines, and sexy, danceable beats, this album will definitely get you moving." -Elm & Oak

Grab the album here:
http://blog.elmandoak.com/2012/02/new-cherub-album-mom-dad-download-now-free/

SexyTime
"Naked Poetry"
False Idol Musik
04-20-2012
Genre: Sexy, Deep IDM

"Sexytime is the new collaboration of MiMOSA and Sleepyhead, both of whom bring not only maturity and seasoning with them, but also a sense of rhythm and innovation that is unique to each artist. This is no heavy hitting dance floor album full of banging club beats- Naked Poetry explores something deeper, more meaningful, dripping with class and soul; with layers of sound intertwining impeccably. Its atmospheric energy employs mostly original samples, with synthesizer heavy modulation and spacey textures." -Alpha Pup Records

Grab the album here:

http://www.alphapuprecords.com/releasepage.php?UPC=669158523801

The M Machine
"Metropolis pt.1"
OWSLA Records
04-24-2012
Genre: Dance/ Electro

"A group shrouded in almost complete secrecy, The M Machine continue to reveal themselves across some of electronic music's biggest stages. After summer gigs at EDC, Electric Zoo, and Global Dance Festival and opening slots for Empire of the Sun, Miike Snow, and Pretty Lights, the San Francisco trio is inching closer to unveiling their debut album, "Metropolis". With rave support from some of the biggest names in the industry, including Benny Benassi, Skrillex, and Porter Robinson, The M Machine are proving themselves to be as captivating and original as they are mysterious." - The M Machine

Grab the album here:
http://owsla.com/releases/the-m-machine-metropolis-pt-i/

Michal Menart
"Even If It Isn't Right"
Pretty Light Music
04-24-2012
Genre: Chillout

"Michal Menert was the first artist signed to the record label Pretty Lights Music, with the release of his album Dreaming of a Bigger Life in the Spring of 2010. His sound combines obscure vintage samples from both Eastern European and Western vinyl with rich analog synthesis and organic hard hitting beats. It is a fusion of yesterday's elements and tomorrow's ideas. Michal's second album, the mega-LP Even If It Isn't Right is set for release on April 24, 2012." - Pretty Lights Music

Grab the album here:
http://www.prettylightsmusic.com/therecordlabel/index.html

Vibesquad
"Orphan Alien pt.2"
Vibesquad Recordings
04-20-2012
Genre: Electronic, Bass Music

"The follow up to "Orphan Alien pt.1", a Glitch Hop banger album, is the newsest release by Vibesquad released 4/20/2012 . He brings not just the Glitch, but some Funk/IDM feel to his new project. On a roll, Vibsquad, is also going on tour with Bassnectar for the Vava Voom Tour. All in all the new "Orphan Alien pt.2" is a must for Glitch Hop and Electronica lovers everywhere!"
- Knoxtronica

Grab the album here:
http://vibesquad.bandcamp.com/

Interview with +verb for Knoxtronica Presents

Knoxtronica Presents (JT Smith)- Tell me where you are from and where you live now? What are your backgrounds in music? I have seen you have some interesting experience.

+verb (Dominic Tetmyer)- I am from New York but currently reside in Arizona. I am completely self taught in the field of music. 

Knoxtronica- What makes up an +verb set? What do you use when you preform? Do you improvise your tracklist or have an idea before you go on?

+verb- I am real minimal now. I run a custom template which I built in Lemur for iOS and then control my Macbook Pro via the iPad. It really allows me to manipulate clips inside Ableton in real time and have a lot of fun when I perform. The physics inside the app are amazing. Nothing compares at this point in time. My set is mostly improvised but I like to think about what I might play just before a set. I am brainstorming at the moment and running trials in my studio at home where the setup will consist of Fingerlabs DM1 app and my template in Lemur. The DM1 is a sick drum machine. The aim if I can make it work will be to use the drum machine for live drum triggering and then use the Lemur to play the melodies, basses, and fx. But that is a while away still.

Knoxtronica- How did you get your foot in the door with making electronic music? I've heard a lot of great stories of how people got into the game.

+verb- Hmm… I had been a huge fan of electronic music for many years before I decided to make my own style. I was a regular attendee of "raves" in the 90s and was absolutely in love with the idea of pumping soul into these machines and in the process making sounds with them. I had been making music for maybe a year when PJ (Starkey) hit me up asking for a remix. Being one of my favorite producers I couldn't say no. At that point my first EP had just been released so I was pumped. I guess that is when other people started paying attention to the noises I was making.

Knoxtronica- Mica D'Alesandro would like to know what inspires and helps you create such a unique sound?

+verb- Good question! I am mostly inspired by everyday occurrences. Often I will sit down and write an idea or begin a track because of a particular emotion I am trying to convey. I love the outdoors and find nature very inspiring. I also listen to a ridiculous amount of music. Music is the soundtrack to our lives. So it is important for me to not listen to the same stuff over and over. I like to expand my horizons so to speak via listening to a wide range of music. Doing this helps keeps my creative output fresh and always changing.

Knoxtronica- I know you stay in the slower range of electronic music and I hear a lot of what I call "Post Dub".  Have you ever tampered with other genres of Electronic music? I hear some artists mess around with other genres and that sometimes creates another sound etirely when the artist has a refined sound like yourself.

+verb- Hmm… not a fan of labeling music. I mean, it serves a purpose for marketers, listeners, and promoters… but trying to adhere to a set of rules defined by a genre would just limit your creative endeavors. Having said that, I do make a lot of different styles of music. I am mostly infatuated with hip-hop beats and bass in the many different genres that they can be found in. 

Knoxtronica- What are you really into right now? Who have you been watching out for and listening to lately? I been into a lot of iO, skytree, and kastle lately.

+verb- I have been into a lot of 808 music, juke, and post-dubstep (i hate that name). People who never cease to amaze me are: Starkey, EPROM, Machinedrum, Lazersword, Sinjin Hawke, and Salva to name a few. People who push boundaries are artists that you will find me listening to. If you are making music that sounds like 90% of the other crap out there, then I can't find enjoyment in that. Imitators are everywhere yet innovators are far and few. 

Knoxtronica- If you could collab with anyone at all, who would it be? Throw a couple names out if you can.

+verb- Haha! Anyone? John Lennon! Or Miles Davis. I do plan on working with more vocalists and MCs in the future so that will be some fun collaborations.

Knoxtronica- So who are some of your favorite artists to see live?

+verb- People who have high energy in their music and on stage antics. Hiding behind your laptop? I am not interested then.

Knoxtronica- Any news on upcoming music or shows?

+verb- I have remixes coming out for Bass Science, Trailer Park Noize, Adam John, and Illegitimate Children. I just had remixes come out for Misk, Hypha, and Kastle. I just had a track on a compilation with Lowriders Collective that came out on vinyl. My next ep is out on Car Crash Set on May 29th. It is called Sensual Frequencies Volume 2. Volume 1 came out exactly 2 years ago and was my first ever release. Volume 2 marks the end of my endeavors in that particular style. Many people asked for a sequel so this is me giving it to them. I also have several other projects on the go which I can not mention because it is just too early.

Knoxtronica- Do you have a link to some of your music for your fans out here on the east side?

+verb- New EP snip stream:

http://soundcloud.com/verb-1/sensfreqvol2microteaser-mix

last mixtape w/ memekast:

http://mk2systems.com/memekast/mk068.html

and I am always posting stuff on Soundcloud.

http://soundcloud.com/verb-1

Knoxtronica- I really hope we can get you out here very soon. Thank you for doing this for us and i'll be on the lookout for everything +verb and spreading the music over here for your east side fans.

+verb- Thank you for the questions! Would LOVE to play in the east coast!

You can also follow +verb on...

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/verbzzz

Twitter:
http://twitter.com/verbmusics

Cutthroatkid Track for Knoxtronica Presents

Knoxtronica Presents CutTHROATkid, aka Zach Scott from Nashville, TN. His latest track, “Pushing Me Away ft. Rabasca,” brings Knoxtronica Present’s latest review. In the song cutTHROATkid had been recording the samples but found that it needed a females caress. Emily Rabasca, his girlfriend, brought out the song for the female lead vox, without auto-tune just some EQ and Reverb. The track landed him a spot on the MASSIVE DUBSTEP GROUP, and opportunities keep coming in. The diversity of CutTHROATkid’s experimentation with a variety of genres has proven to create a lot of hype towards this new track. Coming out really soon, the track “Bullet for my Valentine-"Tears Don't Fall [cutTHROATkid remix]" is planned to turn a lot of heads.

CutTHROATkid discussed his influence with Hip-Hop saying, “A lot of them are long time friends that I have known and supported the whole time. Such as Kaby, Kid Dead, Sincere, and Polo. And as for the sampled tracks, they are usually songs that played a big part in my hip hop influence in general...” After playing with bands, producing Hip-Hop for the greater part of a decade; CutTHROATkid is fresh to the Electronic Dance Music scene. Only having two years in, Zach is making his way up releasing tracks frequently, and consistently. Making him a great rising Electronic sensation out of Nashville.

Beginning with chimes that hit the thought process into a journey through a life story, making the listener want to know more. Featuring his girlfriend’s voice saying, “Your pushing me away.” A breakdown at 3:40 goes into a drum and bass feel, with a wonderful use of synth array. Near the end of the song, super heavy synths accompanied by Emily, the end of gives that vibe of running away. Check out the heavy snare, female vox and of course the bass drops with cutTHROATkid’s new track, “Your Pushing Me Away,” with Knoxtronica Presents.

Cutthroatkid Facebook:
www.facebook.com/cutthroatkidmusic

Cutthroatkid Soundcloud:
 www.soundcloud.com/cutthroatkid

Interview with Starkey for Knoxtronica Presents

Knoxtronica Presents (JT Smith)- So lets start off by asking you're the basics for everyone. Whats your name, where your from, and what do you do besides music?

Starkey (Paul Geissinger)- My name's Paul, but pretty much everyone knows me as PJ.  I live in Philadelphia and I pretty much don't do much other than music.... except I watch a lot of movies.

Knoxtronica Presents- I have been following you for a while now since I first discovered electronic music and saw you at Dexfest in 2010. Id love to know how you prepare for a live show of size like that and that kind atmosphere.

Starkey- I don't really treat it much different from my club gigs really.  I've been lucky to get to a position in my career that if people book me, they know what to expect from my sets.  I always give an energetic performance and play what I play.  That's pretty much it.

Knoxtronica- I'm very interested about your sound you have that you like to call "street bass", what inspires that sound? Like what music influences that?

Starkey- Not all of the music I produce really falls under our "street bass" tag... but it's definitely a big thing for me and pretty much how I approach all of my DJ sets.  Street bass is a term that Dev79 and I came up with to really just describe the kind of music we play, and our general attitude towards what we do with our company, Seclusiasis.  We tend to mix a lot of vocals and mash up, hip hop, grime, dubstep... just lots of styles with good bass sound.

Knoxtronica- Where did you come up with that name Starkey and Starkbot?

Starkey- I've always been a big Beatles fan, and Richard Starkey is Ringo Starr's real name, so that's where it came from.  I never really meant for it to be something I would use permanently... but it just kind of stuck.  Originally I was using the name Aunt Jessica, which is a Magical Mystery Tour reference, but then that became a group that I did with two vocalists.  So when they moved away from Philly, I had to come up with another name to use... and I just thought of the opening line of Magical Mystery Tour, "Richard B. Starkey and his Aunt Jessica were always arguing about one thing or another."  That's how I came up with it.

Knoxtronica- With a lot of talent coming out of everywhere, what are some of your favorites right now and some people should watch out for?

Starkey- Well of course all the people on our labels Seclusiasis and Slit Jockey.... Sduk, DS1, Knight Riderz, DNAEBEATS, Kaiser, MIK, Mella Dee, Aquadrop, Distal, J-Sweet... too many to mention really.  Music's in a good place right now.  Swindle's killing it, so are people like Bassboy, the whole Family Tree crew... seriously too many to mention.

Knoxtronica- What gets you in the mood to make music?

Starkey- I don't really need to get in the mood.  I'm always in the mood.  It's frustrating when you go through periods where you don't think what you're making is very interesting.... but I pretty much force myself to persevere.  Because of that, I've probably got 100 unfinished tracks that I think are terrible and no one will ever hear.

Knoxtronica- I know you played here in Knoxville at 90proof and Southbound, do you have any comments about Knoxville? What do you think about our city?

Starkey-  Knoxville is cool.  Fast Nasty is a homey and he reps Knoxville, so that's enough for me.  I didn't realize that bootleg moonshine actually existed until I went to Knoxville.... so I definitely respect that.  haha.  The south in general is mad.  It's a totally different world.

Knoxtronica- If you had your perfect show where would it be and who would you have play with you?

Starkey- Everyone I mentioned in the question where you asked who i thought was cool right now + Paul McCartney and Wings.  And then Queen would show up........ plus Mogwai.  Always Mogwai.

Knoxtronica- What have you been listening to a lot lately? Like an album, artist, new genre...

Starkey- I listen to my music probably more than anything else.  I feel like I remember Aphex Twin saying that in an interview once before.  But in all reality, when I listen to music that I'm not directly involved with... it's usually Billie Holiday, or Django Reinhardt, or Brad Mehldau.....something completely unrelated to what I do.  I love good jazz.... so chances are that's what I'm listening to on my iPod.

Knoxtronica-  Mica D'Alesandro wants to know what is your old rock band influences?

Starkey-  There's too many to mention really.... but here we go.  I'll give you the most expansive list of stuff I've ever enjoyed.  All the post-rock stuff, Mogwai, Gospeed You Black Emperor, even early M83.  Then people like Spiritualized, Radiohead, Blur, Shellac.  Then I also played hardcore and punk in high school.... bands like Charles Bronson, Jasmine... the best french screamy-emo band of all time.... Devola, Man is the Bastard, Earth Crisis, Ivich, I-Robot, early Black Dice, At the Drive-In, Locust, Orchid, Candiria, NoFX, Crimson Curse.... list goes on and on.  Ah... can't forget Joan of Arc as well.  Sick.  In particular Live In Chicago 1999 and The Gap.  Those records are classic.  Oh... and the late, great, Mark Linkous.  Sparklehorse, in particular "It's a Wonderful Life" is simply amazing.

Knoxtronica- I am really excited for this show at The Cider House and see Street Bass in action. Thank you for the words and time, it was an honor and I hope to see you again very soon! Any last words for Knoxville?

Starkey- Not really..... just expect a crazy night.  Going to be dropping loads of new music... so expect to get rowdy.

Starkey Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/starkeymusic

Starkey Website:
http://www.starkey-music.com/

T8r(tot) All Original Mix for Knoxtronica Presents

I am very excited and honored to feature this incredible mix! T8r(tot), aka Taylor Jimmerson, put together a mix that is over an hour full of originals, unreleased tracks, and remixes he did. This guy is out of Atlanta, GA and has been making big moves in the South East scene. Recently opening for Starkey at Mindelixir's Bass Church, T8r(tot) is pushing the boundaries that most have only dreamed about.

Pressing play on this mix takes you into an almost guided relaxation of subtle and captivating tones. With most mixes that are full of build ups and drops, this takes you on a journey through what T8r(tot) is all about. This mix, I feel, is something special you can put up early in the morning or late in the night to unwind and relax. Keeping it pretty and deep, while still holding the uplifting beats at times, makes this a mix worth having. Grab this mix at the link below and check back with Knoxtronica Presents for the latest in the South East electronic scene and so much more. Thanks!


T8r(tot) Knoxtronica Presents 2012 Mix Tracklist
- AS I LIVE AND BREATHE [Abstract Logic Recordings]
- VADER'S LAMENT [forthcoming Broken Bubble]
- THESE DAYS - Dubconscious (t8r remix) [Piper Street Studios]
- UNTITLED 3 [forthcoming Broken Bubble]
- ROCK ME SOFTLY feat. Panther God [forthcoming Broken Bubble]
- YOU JUST GOTTA GO [forthcoming Circuitree Records]
- CLUTCH CAPACITOR feat. Beautiful Bells & Dan Cox [unreleased]
- UNTITLED 5 [unreleased]
- ...WITH EYES SO TRUE
- Flight Risk (t8r remix) [Piper Street Studios]
- OUTSIDE EVERYTHING feat. Stereotonin [unreleased]
- 808 - The Mighty High Coup (t8r remix) [unreleased]
- NOT 2B MISSED [Abstract Logic Recordings]
- YO - Stereotonin (t8r remix) [Abstract Logic Recordings]
- THE RESTLESS feat. Dan Cox [unreleased]
- HARPIE DIEM [Abstract Logic Recordings]
- TRIP TO NOWHERE [Abstract Logic Recordings]
- GIVING UP ON YOU GIRL [soundcloud.com/t8rtot]


Knoxtronica Presents: T8r(tot) 2012 Mix Link:
http://soundcloud.com/knoxtronicapresents/t8rtot-2012-knoxtronica 

T8r(tot) Facebook Link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/t8rtot/114646592777 

T8r(tot) Soundcloud Link:
http://soundcloud.com/t8rtot 

Knoxtronica Presents Facebook Link:
http://www.facebook.com/notKnoxtronica

MTBL "La la la, Lets Get It" Mixtape for Knoxtronica Presents

So it's been long enough sense the last review and even longer sense the last local review. I got the first local mix of 2012 for Knoxtronica Presents to start out with MTBL aka Corey Mattonen. MTBL has been putting in his time in the Knoxville scene for a while now and was previously playing under "Meatball Madness". From djing in Knoxville and most of the southeast and in his other project with J Mo called FTW. He produces and plays a lot of Glitch Hop and Gangsta Rap all the way to straight bangers.


This mix's tracklist inludes originals, remixes, and everything krunk in between. From his "Smang It" remix that is straight up gold to his original track "Preset" that is K-town Krunk at its finest. So if you want a mix to get loose to but still on point, grab this MTBL mix and be on the look for one of his sets in Knoxville or with J Mo as FTW. MTBL is opening for Starkey, Fast Nasty, and Dex at The Cider House on Feb. 17th. Keep coming back for more free music reviews, artist interviews, and more. Now check the link below for the mix!

MTBL-La la la, Lets Get It Mixtape link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?lz49jsjgaoq3qyk 

MTBL Soundcloud:
http://soundcloud.com/mtbl


MTBL Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MTBL/227594197298471

Interview with Kastle for Knoxtronica Presents

(JT) Knoxtronica Presents: I'd like to start by asking you your name and where your currently out of.

Kastle: My name is Barrett Richards and I live in San Francisco.

JT: I'm curious on what got you started into electronic music and your influences? I have noticed that a lot of your music has a deeper side and I am curious as to what influences that.

Kastle: I got into electronic music when I was very young, pre-teenager even. I was lucky to stumble onto artists like Moby, Aphex Twin, Acen, and other rave music in the early 90s via the internet. Since then I've explored the production of many genres, but as I grew older I've definitely gone a lot deeper. My focus is on music that may be a bit esoteric, but that speaks to the soul, and is of a timeless nature. I try to find a balance between club and forward-thinking. Club music doesn't always need to be in your face, as loud as possible. I think a common goal for a lot of musicians is to capture life in music, and life has a lot of dynamics. I try to represent those dynamics in my music.

JT: I've seen you have made plenty of mixes over the time you have been making music. What kind of mixes do you love to play out the most at your shows? Does it differ from show to show?

Kastle: My live shows are always original and on the spot. My mixtapes are usually geared towards more home listening, where I go a little deeper. But what I play live definitely differs from show to show. Depends on the crowd, the venue, the party.. I've done shows where I play mostly high energy garage/dubstep, or shows in a tiny intimate bar where I play deep house cuts. I always improvise,. I'll go into a show with roughly 300 tracks in my Serato crate, usually have an idea for the first two songs and from then on its all about reading the crowd and the vibe.

JT: Who has been your favorite artist or artists to play with?

Kastle: I've done a few shows with Untold and he is one of my favorite DJs, such great sets. I always have a blast with my buds 12th Planet & Flinch... we are doing a big tour together in February. I've been with Mimosa a bunch lately too and we have a blast.

JT: Any heads up on what genres you will be playing in Knoxville for the Mimosa show January 26th?

Kastle: Oh I don't know what to call it... a whole lot of bass music, garage, 2-step, dubstep, housestep? Genre's are a big blur for me these days.

JT: Heard a lot of good stuff coming from you like the new "Technique" track up for free download on your website. Do you have plans for any new releases or projects?

Kastle: I've recently done a remixes for Kaskade, Treasure Fingers, 123Mrk, Jeuce and Atlantic Connection which are all in the pipeline to be released. Before I hit the road I'm wrapping up four new tracks; two are collaborations with Jason Burns of Cleveland and two are collaborations with iO from London. So you will be hearing tons of fresh new material.

JT: Who are some artists you are really big into right now and some artists people should look out for?

Kastle: 123Mrk, Jim-E Stack, Jason Burns, iO, 5kinandBone5 and Coni are all doing some really cool stuff right now.

JT: I myself have seen some of the craziest shenanigans at shows, what is the funniest or most interesting thing you have witnessed?

Kastle: In the early 2000s I was DJ'ing at a rave, and a dude on 9 hits of acid spiked the mixer to the ground. He got beat up by security, I plugged the mixer back in and it worked and I kept playing haha. Nothing has ever topped this experience yet, surprisingly.

JT: The electronic scene is growing and many very talented artists have rose from the cracks and it makes it almost difficult at times to be original and acquire your own sound. How would you describe your music and how would you say you differ from other artists?

Kastle: I think first and foremost you need to focus on sound design and develop unique sounds. I think a lot of artists go at it by mimicking other things they heard... things that are popular, which is why you hear a lot of the same stuff. Some days in the studio are me just making new sounds that ultimately inspire new music. Also, I think a lot of my sound revolves around my natural playing style... all of my synth leads and often times percussion is manually played live. The best example of that is my track 'You Know That I Know You Know', that I shot the music video for. All of those melodies were played live. In a good portion of my songs you can hear at least a little section that has some sort of "solo". I grew up listening to rock music back when guitar solo's were cool. It's about having those type of climaxes that just add to a track I think...
Music video for 'You Know That I Know You Know':
    http://youtu.be/korn1wZdkrc

JT: What was the last song you listened to?

Kastle: This may be surprising but I am answering these questions while listening to Marilyn Manson 'Portrait Of An American Family'. What a great album!

JT: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans in the south?

Kastle: I'm stoked to share my music with you! Here's like 13 free songs for you http://www.kastledub.com/KASTLE.zip


Some links of interest on Kastle:

Kastle Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/kastledub

Kastle Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/kastledub

Kastle Soundcloud:
http://www.soundcloud.com/kastle