Groove Pancakes for Supper

This is the final instalment of my Groove Meals mix series. First there was Groove Cereal for Breakfast then came Groove Sandwich for Lunch and now I present you Groove Pancakes for Supper And yes, as a kid I only ate pancakes for supper.

The Groovy Meals mixes have no real specific genre, just whatever I deemed groovy enough to make the cut, which has included some funk, soul, nu-jazz, reggae, hip-hop, disco, breaks and house. Essentially they are meant to be something you can just nod your head to and not feel like you need to be at a crazy party. This final mix picks up just enough to send you into your evening!

Groove Pancakes for Supper (Left Click)

Other Mixes:
Sunday Morning Bass Coast Mix
Too Much Emotion
Bedroom Dance Party

The Foals

Yesterday was my last day of landscaping for the year and it was a pretty awesome day. The sun was mostly out the crew had plenty of laughs. I came home wanting to hear something mellow and unelectronic and so I had my first full listen of the album Total Life Forever by Foals. For the most it's an upbeat but relaxing inde-rock album which I throughly enjoy. But I must say, upon searching for photos of the band somehow I wasn't surprised that every band member has the hair-pushed-sidways-across the-face hair do. Maybe that's how they decided who would be in the band in the first place? Anyways, check out the title track from the album.


Here's a download of the second track on the album, perhaps my favorite:
Foals - Miami (left click)

Chrome Sparks

Sometimes bands names mean nothing, and sometimes, you just have a feeling that you wanna hear what the band or producer has to offer just by the name it has chosen for itself. "Chrome Sparks" I thought, "Must be some super dreamy pop music" and I was right. Listen to the stand out track below on soundcloud, and if you want you can purchase (for free) his entire 7 track release form the link below. Just name your price.

All There Is (Feat. Steffaloo) by chrome sparks

Hackman - Close

After hearing this near the beginning of a nu-disco/house mix I had to hunt it down. It's more like a 2-step/UK-grage track packed full of emotion and atmosphere, seriously rad track. If you dig it, buy it on itunes for 1 dollar and support the artist of this great stuff.
Hackman - Close by Greco-Roman

Happy Thanksgiving! (feat. Dubstep and Longboarding)

Last night I was DJing at a super fun and intimate Thanksgiving supper party with all our closest friends. Chelsey had the lovely idea for me to cut the music and gather everyone in a circle and hold hands and concentrate all our energies and be thankful and acknowledge how lucky we are to have the lives that we do. Then I was told to have some sort of big dubstep drop ready for after, and this one seemed to do the trick. Thanks everyone for an awesome party.
Freestylers - Cracks (Flux Pavilion Extended Remix) by YunusEmreUNAL
Download Link: Freestylers - Cracks (Flux Pavillion Mix)



Also check this out. Quite an impressive video. The Evolution of freestyle longboarding...

Always Funkin' Not Always Bikin'

I am too trusting. If I wasn't I wouldn't have left my $1000 dollar bike unlocked outside my house last night. Normally I lock it, or just bring it right inside, the thieves timing was strangely accurate. The frustrating coincidence is that last night as I was just about to go to sleep I read the police report for this week's newspaper. It made mentioned of the continued bike thefts around town and I thought "oh ya, I will sleep better if I go lock up my bike" but I made justifications about my neighbourhood being safe and fell asleep. This morning I went to ride my bike to the highway where the work truck picks me up, but instead I ended up running to the highway, bike lock in hand, and not stoked. Thirty minutes later at the work site, I begin to take care of landscape duties on my own, a perfect time to put on my ipod and drift away. Instead I realize I had forgot my ipod at home, and thoughts of my bike, which I was growing ever closer to, and which I will likely never see again were all that filled my mind. But there are plenty more bikes in the world, and good music like this will always make me feel awesome. All tracks are available to download through soundcloud.

A nice little funk/soul piece with some catchy vocals...
Show me your love-Feat.Shira chen by Shimi sonic

This remix from pimpsoul gets really funky with some upbeat breaks. It's got me couch-dancing.
Free Download - BackBeatSoundSystem - Old Friend Of Mine - Pimpsoul and HongKongPingPong RMX by Pimpsoul

A classic track, the remix keeping all of the original greatness in tact, but adding some extra punch. I can't wait to play this at a party! Yes, this is David Bowie.
Let's Dance (Goodgroove's Heavy Disco RMX) by GoodgrooveRecords

And some sort of reggae-dub groove session...
DogzNadz: Dreadlock Holiday - Funky Partybreaks *Free Download* by DogzNadz

Brasstronaut.

I just got off the phone from a long and wonderful conversation. I had decided to put some Brasstronaut on in the background while I was on the phone, a band I had simply sought out after seeing their name on posters in Whistler. By the time I had gotten off the phone one album was finished and it was playing the 2nd track of a 4 track EP. In fact, yesterday I had deleted this EP having never given it a full listen. It was however still in my trash can, and so Itunes still played it. As I regained full focus on the music when I got off the phone this nearly-deleted beautiful piece was playing. I'm sure that everyone can find time for a track like this at one point or another in their lives. With chilling piano, subtle percussion, and some sort of brass instruments, this is a 5 minute soothing journey.

Brasstronaut - Fan

This is the first track off their album titled "Mt Chimera". It's not as mellow as the track above, the kinda track you would love to see performed live.

Brasstronaut - Slow Knots

Stickybuds

Today as I worked in the rain but this time wearing snowboard pants and boots and staying mostly dry I finally got a chance to listen to a recording from the Kelowna DJ Stickybuds, of his set from Shambhala this summer. It covers a lot of ground and never gives the listener too long to settle into a sound before moving on. The eclectic flow is the main thing that kept me wanting to give it a second listen sometime. Check for yourself:


Stickybuds - Fractal Forest Mix - Shambhala 2011 by Stickybuds~


I was not at Shambhala to see Stickybuds set, but I was at Bass Coast where I was there to see him kill it Sunday evening. I was most stoked when I heard him drop some sort of remake of the classic "Feelings for You by Cassius which it turned out is a track by Stickybuds titled "Been Real". I'm pretty surprised he didn't include this in his Shambhala mix. Only available on youtube or vinyl frustratingly enough:

You gotta get soaked before you get stoked

In my newly acquired occupation as "Nature's Hairdresser" as I like to call myself (also known as a landscaper), working in the rain is inevitable around this time of year in Whistler. And so today as it poured down all morning I had a rain jacket, but regular pants and shoes. The rain jacket worked to run water down onto my pants until they were soaked through, and my feet did not stand a chance of staying dry and were soggy for the last several hours of work. But knowing that it was snowing up on the tops of the mountains all day I thought yo myself "Hey, ya gotta get soaked before you get stoked", and so I bring you some soaked and stoked tunes.

Soaked

This track would make me wanna just let the rain fall on me as I enjoy it's blissful feeling on my skin, until I get too cold to stand it. With faint vocals spread throughout this chill tune packs some smooth emotion.
How To Dress Well - Ready for the World (xxxy Re-Edit)

Hardly sounding like the original, Star Slinger does a nice job of turning this into a relaxing piece you can nod your head to.
The Morning Benders - Cold War (Star Slinger Mix)

Stoked

A joyful and very youthful sounding track, no wonder it was used in the snowboard movie "Art of Flight", to capture the child-like feelings of elation we get when playing in the snow.
The Naked and Famous - Young Blood

With positive lyrics and smooth-as-can-be percussion this track from 1983 nearing the end of the Disco era does it for me.
Level 42 - The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)

Bass-Sick Chillin'

Two weekends ago was the follow up to "Bass-Sick Training for the Pirates of the Apocolype" which was called "Bass-Sick Training for the Party Animal". Everybody knows the party was incredible, but so was the next day chillin by the river in the gorgeous Squamish Valley with the sun beating down on us. Someone eventually pulled out some speakers and started playing the perfect tunes for that setting. Upon inquiry, I found out it was Krafty Kuts "Back to Mine" mix.

Back to Mine is a series of mix albums, usually mixed by renowned DJs or composers of electronic music and are based on what the artist would play at home after a night out, rather than as part of a nightclub session. See for yourself what Krafty Kuts has to offer on a Sunny Sunday after an amazing night of partying.

Krafty Kuts - Back to Mine Left Click, then "save as"

Photo courtesy of Aideen McFadden taken that afternoon.

Bedroom Dance Party

This mix was done especially for a dear friend of mine who injured her foot and left Whistler for some recovery time in her hometown. Thus far I have made only mellowish mixes, but I wanted to do something a bit more upbeat because you can still dance with broken foot. This was my first attempt at mixing a "party-style" set. There's a few little screw ups but I hope you dig it, featuring some breaks, house, and a little dubstep.

Bedroom Dance Party Left click, then "save as"

Tracklist:
1. QBical - Starz
2. Dizzee Rascal (Bezwun Banger Mix)
3. JPOD - Slapstick
4. Vent - Lunatics
5. Whistle - Buggin (A Skillz Mix)
6. LexiconDon - Student Body (Bit Funk Remix)
7. Mitzi - All I Heard (Cassian Mix)
8. Flight Facilities - Crave You (Cassian Mix)
9. The Squatters - Bring Back the Duck (Kyle Watson Mix)
10. Dom G - Work (DJ Dan and Mike Balance Remix)
11. Gary Caos - Jack Hits the Road
12. Pryda - Shadows (Claes Rosen Mix)
13. Chris Lake - Shake
14. Troydon - Learn to Love (Chuck Love Mix)
15. Little Boots - Meddle (AC Slater and DJ Skeet Skeet Mix)
16. Ninelives the Cat - Bouncin off the Walls
17. Flux Pavillion - I Can't Stop
18. the Widdler - Just Want

Too Much Emotion

This mix which I did last winter was inspired by hearing a few electronic-female-vocal-pop songs that really got my attention. I decided to make an entire mix based on this concept. The mix starts off quite slow and gradually picks up throughout until I slow it down for one more epic track featuring Feist. This mix is titled "Too Much Emotion" and I dedicate this one to all the ladies out there and all their lovely bundles of emotions that I can not fathom. Enjoy! Feedback much appreciated.

Download Link:Too Much Emotion (Left Click)

Tracklist:
1. Sarah McLachlan - Dirty Little Secret (Thievery Corporation Mix) (2005)
2. Madonna - The Power of Goodbye (1998)
3. Bent - I Can't Believe It's Over (2009)
4. Imogen Heap - First Train Home (2009)
5. Regina Spektor - On the Radio (2006)
6. Annie - No Easy Love (2005)
7. Annie - Anniemal (2005)
8. Imogen Heap - Swoon (2009)
9. Vangelis - Rachel's Song (1994)
10. Ellen Allien - Alles Sehen (2004)
11. Kaskade feat. Dragonette - Fire In Your New Shoes (2010)
12. Way Out West - Mindcircus (2001)
13. Metric - Collect Call (Imij Remix) (2010)
14. Blue Foundation - Eyes on Fire (2007)
15. Ellie Goulding - Guns and Horses (Jezebel Remix) (2010)
16. The Rubies feat Feist - I Feel Electric (Tiedye Remix) (2007)

Sunday Morning Bass Coast Set

Having only started DJing a few months ago I was thrilled to have the chance to play at the Radio Stage at Bass Coast a few weeks ago as my first live set. I was given the 9am slot on Sunday morning, and as such crafted a set that reflects a good wake up mix to start the last day of an amazing festival (or any day for that matter). I did not record that set but I re-recorded almost exactly what I played there (but I added a few more tracks). It starts with some Ambient Chill-Out type stuff and finishes off with some Nu-Disco grooves. Have a listen and let me know what you think!

Evan Seidel - Bass Coast 2011 Sunday 9am (Left Click).

Tracklist:
1. The Album Leaf - Streamside
2. Mirror System - Flex-E-Fun
3. The Album Leaf - Red-Eye
4. Mylo - Valley of the Dolls
5. Nujabes - Letter From Yukosuka
6. Jose Padilla - Adios Ayer
7. Air - So Light Is Her Footfall (Breakbot Mix)
8. Pretty Lights - Solamente
9. Infinity Scale - My Aquatic Life
10. Bonono - The Plug (Quantic Mix)
11. Starsmith - We Leave Tonight
12. Body Language - Social Studies (Plastic Plates Mix)
13. Jimpster - Groove Jumpin
14. Gene Chandler - Does She Have a Friend For Me (Zimmer Edit)
15. Woolfy - Odyssey
16. Woolfy vs Projections - Neeve
17. Crystal Fighters - In the Summer (Picture House's 'In the Balearics' Mix)
18. Pretty Lights - Finally Moving (James Brown Mix)
19. Nicolas Jaar - Come N Get It
20. Montauk - Holiday

Groove Cereal For Breakfast

This is Part 1 of my latest music project of "Groovy Meals" titled "Groove Cereal For Breakfast". Just look at that groovy-ass bowl of cereal above. Ain't no plain cheerios there. Unfortunately I have never actually felt groovier after eating a bowl of cereal... until now, if by eating I mean listening.

In the last while I've been listening to all things slower and groovier than the usual bass-heavy party-all-night type of stuff, so this is a reflection of those tastes, ranging around nu-jazz, funk, reggae, soul and hip-hop.

Download: Groove Cereal for Breakfast

Tracklist:
1. The Jazz Liberatorz - Clin D'Oeil
2. Jose Gonzalez - Time Alone
3. The Black Seeds - Cool Me Down
4. Charles Bradley - The World (Is Going Up in Flames)
5. DJ Quik - Summerbreeze
6. Jay Electronica - Jazzmatazz
7. Gramatik - Just Chillin'
8. DJ Cam Quartet - Everybody Love the Sunshine
9. Lucy Pearl - Dance Tonight
10. Lauryn Hill - Forgive them Father
11. JK Soul - My Way
12. Gramatik - Talk that Slang
13. Gramatik - Hit the Jive
14. Pretty Lights - Finally Moving
15. Jimpster - Groove Jumping
16. RJD2 - Ghostwriter
17. Uptight People - Get Up(tight) Man
18. Miami Horror - I Look to You (Tim Fuchs Make Out Mix)
19. Marschmellows - Soulpower (Jazzanova's Straight Dub Mix)
20. Incognito - Get in to My Groove (Jazzanova Regroove)
21. Troydan - Learn to Love (Chuck Love Mix)

Groove Sandwich for Lunch

This is Part 2 of the Groove Meal Series, titled Groove Sandwich For Lunch. It spans quite a few genres, too many for me to name, so it's all squished into one Groove Sandwich. Enjoy!

Evan Seidel - Groove Sandwich For Lunch Left click, then right clock "save as" on file.

Part one: Groove Cereal For Breakfast can be played or downloaded on Soundcloud.

Tracklist:
1. Lemongrass - Skydiver
2. RJD2 - Here's What's Left
3. Bonobo feat. Adreya Triana - Eyesdown
4. The Roots feat. Joanna Newsom - Right On
5. Funkdoobiest - Sunshine
6. Pete Rock - Pete's Jazz
7. Cymande - Brothers on the Slide
8. Sade - Soldier of Love
9. JK Soul - Too Hot
10. Bonobo - The Plug (Quantic Remix)
11. Tosca - Orozco
12. Nujabes - Blessin' It
13. Pete Rock - A Little Soul
14. De La Soul - Eye Know (The Know It All Mix)
15. JK Soul - Wanna Talk About You
16. Cassius - See Me Now
17. 10CC - Dreadlock Holiday
18. Four Tet - As Serious as Your Life
19. George Benson - Give Me the Night (Bezwun Remix)
20. Har-You Percussion Group - Welcome to the PArty (Jazzanova Mix)
21. The O'Jays - Love Train

Chromeo: Original and Remix

Last night after boozing around the village til the bars closed a few of us headed back to my place for some more partying. This gave me my first opportunity to actually DJ for others rather than just chilin by myself. I ended up playing for about 3 hours, dropping tunes from all over the map, talking to some security dude around 4am about a noise complaint and then finally shutting it down at 6am. So I would say the night was a success and definitely a lot of fun. Here's a couple tunes before I go to bed at a decent time tonight...

Chromeo needs no introduction. They almost seemed to have pioneered, or atleast were one of the breakthrough names early on when this now massive 80's synth pop and nu-disco craze began. Their 3rd full length album was more of the good clean relationship strewn silliness that we've come to expect.

Chromeo - Don't Turn the Lights On (Aeroplane Remix Aeroplane adds some extra sexy factor with this smooth remix.

Chromeo - Don't Walk Away One of my favorites from Chromeo. I first heard it in the winter when it came on my ipod when I was hiking corona bowl... and then again as I was dropping in. I think it's the plucked sounding bassline I enjoy so much, and also being a super stellar tune overall.

David West and Ida Engberg

The sun generally continues to hide in Whistler as clouds just keep rolling through. There is even suddenly "summer snow" or whatever all that white fuzzy stuff that is floating thru the air to help correspond to the sub-normal temperatures. The forecast is cool and rainy for the week, but with songs like this one you can easily you imagine you are on a scorching hot ocean-front beach with a bunch of happy youths dancing around in minimal tribal clothing and most definitely barefeet. This is a tropical summer jam at it's best, full of the right kinda drums and some upbeat chanting for you to try and sing along with, so you can drift, drift away.

In other news my package just arrived in the mail as I was typing with some DJ gear I'd been waiting for. It's gonna be fun!

David West & Ida Engberg - Abataka

And I really must include one more track from Pretty Lights in which he samples both Sublime's and Will Smith & Jazzy Jeff's tracks called "Sumemrtime" and of course he throws in some of his chill breakbeat goodness.

PRetty Lights vs. Summertime

A Skillz takes on 80's hip-hop

The sun is out in Whistler and I eagerly await the cold beer and floating down the River of Golden Dreams today, and then later on an outdoor movie at Lost Lake. Maybe I'll encounter some minimally clothed ladies along the way, and I may scream "I love chicks and beer" because I do and... it just works. What's gets me especially stoked on a morning like this? Well this remix by A Skillz has done it many times. A remix competition was held to remix the 80's hip-hop track by Whistle called Just Buggin' and when you hear how f'ing fun and awesome this track is you'll understand quickly why it won. From the second it starts you will be nodding as the smile gets bigger and bigger on your face, and then a few seconds later you may be throwing your hands up in the airrocking back and forth. Atleast that's how it works for me. Get it on itunes for 1 dollar!

Whistle - Just Buggin' (A Skillz Remix) by championrecords

and here's one more happy summer tune I am totally digging... I was pretty stoked when Chilli Thom played this early in his set at the crazy-ass rafting rodeo after party last week. Free Download!!
Crystal Fighters - In The Summer (Picture House's 'Summer in the Balearics' Mix) by Picture House

Ghetto Funkin'

Here in Whistler it appears as though summer is finally upon us. Though the lakes are still cold but you can jump in for a quick refresher as I did yesterday, and floating down The River of Golden Dreams is on the plans for tomorrow. As for the sounds I've been hearing the most of in the last few months The Ghetto Funk crew seems to be all the rage right now and with good reason. Heavy and Funky rocks a party. They will be playing sets at The Bass Coast Project in Squamish (July 29- Aug 1) and at Shambhala (mid August).

The first track is from Parker and is actually an almost anthemic yet summery DnB track.
Parker- Jemmy Twitcher by Parker*

And remember that classic from Air, Kelly Watch the Stars? Nick Thayer has put a Ghetto Funk twist on this one.
Kelly Watch The Stars (Nick Thayer Bootleg) - Air // FREE DOWNLOAD by Nick Thayer

And lastly this is a track The Funk Hunters debuted at Shambhala last summer and are now giving it away for free. This track needs no introduction....
All of these tracks are available for free download by using that little downward arrow on the soundcloud player. Happy Summer, get your tan on!
Soul Man - The Funk Hunters - FREE DOWNLOAD by The Funk Hunters

The Widdler

I don't know much about this guy named The Widdler except that he is from New Jersey and makes some great atmospheric dubstep that most everyone should enjoy. I was ripping some bike trails around Whistler yesterday listening to some of my favorite tracks from him that I recently found. "Just Want" brings some funky dubstep to the table and "It's a Fine Day" as you might assume uses the classic line found in the title as so many other tracks over the years, but it's a fresh take well worth the listen.

The Widdler - Just Want

The Widdler - It's a Fine Day

Gacha 3 Track EP

Hmmm, here is some good Chill-Dub if that's what you wanna call it. That's what I'm gonna call it. There's some soulful vocals scattered in there. You can download the 3 track EP for free below.

Rainy Grooves

My weekend hike to Russet Lake, where we would've hiked up until we had to put on the snowshoes to get up to the cabin was cancelled last night and rightfully so. This morning I woke up with my window open to a rather soothing and steady pitter patter of rain. So how bout some rainy day grooves coming your way?

The first is a track by The Groovers, so naturally with a group name I assume I'd like em, and they help up to my expectations. Titled "The Spirit" it is a smooth loungey-house track with soft female vocals tossed over top in never too strong a fashion.
The Groovers - The Spirit

Next up is a by Mitzi called "All I Heard". I still love the original mix, and pretty much all of Cassian's productions, so when I found out Cassian remixed this track it as Groovy as it should be.
Mitzi - All I Heard (Cassian Remix)

The First Summer Gathering

Tow days ago on Saturday June 11 was the first summer gathering for the awesome people who make up this area. Thrown primarily by Joel and Benny, they picked an epic location in the Squamish Valley and the whole thing went off seamlessly. The photo above is a shot of the beach area where people would hang out when they wanted to get away from the dance floor. But a mere 1 minute walk away you could go from the beautiful beach area to the soft and sandy dance floor tucked into the trees just back form the beach. Most people were barefoot the entire night, making for just one more element of perfection, because dancing barefoot just feels so darn good. The cops showed up sometime in the morning (between 8-10 maybe?) and they just asked us if there was anymore hot dogs to roast for the camp fire and told us to have fun. Sometime after that me and some other random chick stormed around with garbage bags cleaning up the vast majority of the party mess. I then took a nap and continued to party and relax the rest of the sunday away until somehow is was into the evening, nobody was sure how.

Here is a track Benny played sometime in the late sunday afternoon, as this dude would just not stop DJing. I tracked it down today, it's a funky dubstep track. I know those 2 words aren't normally put together but this is the closest thing I've found so far and I really dig it.
Koan Sound - Mr. Brown

And from Nelson B.C. here is a breaks track from Bryx!
Bryx - Jawbreak

Summer is Back!

Hey party people, cool dudes and rad chicks! Today is my birthday and the sun is out. However when I finished work this afternoon at 2pm some clouds suddenly moved in a rained for a few minutes but not for long. It looks like the food roasting, smore eating, bonfire chill sesh along a bad ass river and in front of a cliff (as seen in the picture above) will go on and be a blast! Well for the time being I'm chillin at home alone, and I put on a most fitting track called "Summer is Back" because quite literally in the last few days, summer is indeed back, and this melodic progressive house tune perfect for the some mellow vibes with beautiful energy layered over it! Claes Rosen has remixed this, and is one of my favorite producers. I was sitting here and realized everyone needs to hear this! Enjoy!

Left click once, and then left click on actual file:
Add2Basket and Interplay - Summer is Back (Claes Rosen)

Mr. Little Jeans- The Suburbs (Arcade Fire Cover)

Here's a great track an ex-co-worker-returned-to-aus just sent me... tripping, haunting....

Epic Chill Vibes from Emancipator

After very little sleep over the past week all because of an amazing trip to California I returned home yesterday tired yet refreshed, with a whole load of incredible musical, visual and personal experiences. Three of us had made the roughly 22 hour drive down to the L.A. area for Lightning in a Bottle Festival. Its a bold statement, but it is the best time I've ever had at a festival due not only because of it's great DJs and stages, but its oh-so smooth organization, fun respectful crowds (including many families with small children) and a huge eclectic offering in the realms of music, art, spirit, mind and body.

One of the acts at Lightning in a Bottle was Emancipator. I however missed this on friday afternoon beacuse I was sitting in the Temple of Conciousness listening to pair of speakers talk about "The Yoga of Bass" or more specifically, how the moments, those wonderful highs we seek to achieve on the dance floor directly parallel the objectives sought after by practicers of Yoga. Ask me about this some time as I would love to share more of this amazing talk disecting just what happens and why we love to dance in masses so much. That was friday afternoon and set the tone for an epic weekend.

Like I mentioned I missed Emancipator's set, though I heard it was awesome, but I'd like to share 3 of his tracks he is giving away for free on his website. This morning I purchased his new album for a mere 10 dollars online. If you like his stuff you should do the same. At less than a dollar per track, it's time we start supporting the artists to fill us with these great emotions and experiences through beautiful music. His mash-up of Sigur Ros and Mobb Deep always gives me chills.

Chillin' in the Rain.

So those ice cubes above think they are chillin'? Well when you give it a quick thought it's actually quite the opposite. They are ice cubes and they are MELTING! They need to get outta the heat. Clearly they are not chillin hard enough. Well I'm chillin hard enough right now, and the sun spring sun has finally come out in Whistler... I take that back, the sun was out yesterday and I just looked out the window and yep, it's raining! Today is my second last day of the season to go snowboarding so I'll see how the rain treats me. Here's a few great tracks to make sure you're chillin hard enough, and one banger that I'll hafta put on to get me amped to shred!

Downlaod Links: (left click, then right click "save as" on actual file)
Teen Daze - The Blueest Water I'd Ever Seen
Teen Daze - Waves
Star Slinger - May I Walk With You

Banger Alert!
Blunt Instrument - Mighty Boosh Bounce

Flat Bit and Mutant Eye

It's another rainy ass day in Whistler and I'm hungry. However I have no food at home and no desire to ride my bike to town and back in the rain so I took to searching my freezer for a random frozen ham to fry up. That should last me. Meanwhile during my lunch prep I've got a couple of tunes you should hear.

But before I get to that I wanna introduce Whistler's new community radio station if you have not yet heard about it. Simply go to WMN.FM to see a schedule of the live shows. It is just getting started so there are only a few time slots filled at the moment. Last night K-Su and Caitlin as part of their summer project "Mutant Eye" hosted their first radio from 8-10. DJ trio form the UK, "Itchy and Scratchy" spun in the studio while we partied with them and promoted upcoming events around Whistler, freestyled, and just talked about whatever other things we are up to (like this blog). Next Sunday the 22nd Benny Freebound will be in the studio with us rocking out another Sunday evening. Benny was featured on this blog a while ago with his new mix of eclectic awesomeness which can be found HERE.

As for the tunes today, check out this new track titled "Flat Bit" by B.Visible which indeed samples the classic Flatbeat but still creates a very fresh sound with a mid-tempo reggae-breakbeat.
B.Visible - Flatbit

And another mid-tempo reggae-hip-hop type thing. I quite enjoy the high-pitched asian vocals spread throughout.
Chinese Man - Miss Chang

One more from the same producer, no vocals here but a nice organic groove...
Chinese Man - Down

One more that I had to add last minute... 1940's style Drum and Bass. You gotta check this gem.
Dr Fish vs Glenn Miller - In the Mood

Groove Cereal For Breakfast

I'm extremely happy to bring you my latest music project titled "Groove Cereal For Breakfast". Just look at that groovy-ass bowl of cereal above. Ain't no plain cheerios there. Unfortunately, though I do eat a lot of cereal, I have never actually felt groovier after eating a bowl of cereal... until now, if by eating I mean listening.

There's more of a description of the concept and inspiration behind the mix and a full track list at This Soundcloud Link . As well, since it can be hard to find, you can in fact download the mix by clicking on that little down arrow above the play button.

And since some of you may have missed it the first time around, I now have a permanent link to my last mix...

This mix was a result of hearing a few electronic-female-vocal-pop songs that really got my attention a while back. I decided to make an entire mix based on this concept. The mix starts off quite slow and gradually picks up throughout until I slow it down for one more epic track featuring Feist. This mix is titled "Too Much Emotion" and I dedicate this one to all the ladies out there and all their lovely bundles of emotions that I can not fathom. Click for the download link. Enjoy!

Tracklist:
1. Sarah McLachlan - Dirty Little Secret (Thievery Corporation Mix) (2005)
2. Madonna - The Power of Goodbye (1998)
3. Bent - I Can't Believe It's Over (2009)
4. Imogen Heap - First Train Home (2009)
5. Regina Spektor - On the Radio (2006)
6. Annie - No Easy Love (2005)
7. Annie - Anniemal (2005)
8. Imogen Heap - Swoon (2009)
9. Vangelis - Rachel's Song (1994)
10. Ellen Allien - Alles Sehen (2004)
11. Kaskade feat. Dragonette - Fire In Your New Shoes (2010)
12. Way Out West - Mindcircus (2001)
13. Metric - Collect Call (Imij Remix) (2010)
14. Blue Foundation - Eyes on Fire (2007)
15. Ellie Goulding - Guns and Horses (Jezebel Remix) (2010)
16. The Rubies feat Feist - I Feel Electric (Tiedye Remix) (2007)

Download Link (Left Click): Too Much Emotion

The Roots

Here I am, sitting in my seemingly new house, after many things cleaned, removed, recycled, and rearranged, and of course a full roommate change over. I got some incense burning, the new roomie is making some sort of taco dish random food previous roommates have left behind, and I just finished sewing my first ever buttons back onto one of my summer button-down shirts. Life is good!

Also good is this hip-hop you're about to hear. Once I thought about it, I realized I've never listened to any one hip-hop album in full more than once or twice, enough to really get a feel for it. Well The Roots newest album "How I Got Over" went well beyond that. This whole album is solid right front start to finish. Never angry or arrogant, just chilled tracks with really smooth almost jazzy beats with musically mature and thought provoking lyrics. I don't really know what to say except that this is quickly going down as one of my favorite albums. Every track is a treat, but here's a few....

Download Links: (left click, then right click "save as" on actual file)
The Roots - Right On
The Roots - Walk Alone
The Roots - The Day

Classixx Seduction Journey

As I chilled here and suddenly played this new gem 3 times in a row I realized I should share it. The track in question is a remix form the Duo known as Classixx. I already had a load of awesome original and remixes from these guys and yet there is still more to be found. Their remix of "Cash Flow" by Major Lazer is a carefully and cleverly crafted piece that never reaches a noiticeable climax. Rather it seems to continuously keep yanking you a little deeper and higher with rushing sounds and several other layers that come and go effortlessly. This is one to put the head phones on, close your eyes and ride that calming journey to elevate your soul.

Major Lazer - Cashflow (Classixx Glass Bottom Dub Mix)

Another awesome track, this one is real seductive.
Mayer Hawthrone - No Strings Attached (Produced by Classixx)

This is how we Chill

This is how Chris Dufficy chills from 93 'til Infinity...



It had to be done. Probably the most chilled-out hip-hop track that for many people makes you think of nothing but steezy snowbording and rocking that chill vibe that makes the sport so incredible. It's one of those tracks that almost gives me shivers every time I hear simply for what it represents for snowbum culture. And how bout that front 9 off the toes to start off Chris Dufficy's part? Or that ridiculous 450 on 450 off to finished his part? Whaaaat?

Well anyways perhaps it's one of those tracks you've heard many times, but like me, never actually knew what the track was, that is until recently. I remember hearing it at a skate competition last summer and thinking "what is that most perfect chill-ass beat I always hear at places like this?" If you do have the original then there's also a mellow house remix that takes all the smooth sounds from the original and molds it into a 7 minute sunny afternoon type track. No substitute for the original, but a cool track nevertheless.

Downlaod Links: (left click, then right click "save as" on actual file)
Souls of Mischief - 93 'til Infinity
Souls of Mischief - 93 'til Infinity (Hannes Fischer Remix)

Whatever Trevor Volume 1

Hmmm....that yellow dude above sums up my mood. Finished work tonight around 10:15 pm. Bumped into a few people for a couple pitchers at a pub, and here I am not in the mood for typing some elaborate story or music description filled with a vast plethora of colorful adjectives so here's some random tunes. I like them, they are good. Try em out.

How about a reggae version of the now famous club hit "Animal" by Miike Snow?
Miike Snow - Animal (Mark Ronson Remix)

A funkalicious oldie from Outkast...
Outkast - Throw Yo Hands in the Air

And some light-hearted-as-heck old-skool hip-hop...
Whodini - The Freaks Come Out at Night

Ah....might as well stick with the theme now. Remember "You down with OPP?" Not as popular, much better in the long run...
Naughty By Nature - Feel Me Flow

A Tribe Called Quest seems to know a girl named Bonita Applebum, rad name.
A Tribe Called Queest - Bonita Applebum

Hmm... I like the way that turned. Fun vibes and silly rhymes. 'Till next time party people.

Sunday Chillin'

Well that was an incredibly fun night last at "The End" party to finish off the Telus festival meaning little to no sleep so far for this guy. Eventually it comes to that point where you realize it's too late in the morning to get any sleep. In my case it was time to get up and go snowboarding and take it all slowly in as I smile at the silly haze I'm left on this Sunday and with thoughts of the wonderful times of the previous night keeping me going. So what do you listen to on a Sunday like this? Something mellow, yet uplifting and fun, groovy enough to keep you awake and in the perma-grin state but nothing to make your delicate head hurt. Nothing too intense, nothing too chill, which leads me to JK Soul. A recent discovery of mine, he is on the same lable as gramatik and has a very similar sound... jazzy instrumental hip-hop or something like that. These are my 3 favorite tracks of his album "Dinner With the Beatz Vol. 2". Enjoy!

Download Links: (left click, then right click "save as" on actual file)
JK Soul - My Way
JK Soul - The Music
JK Soul - The Poetry

Boom Shake the Room

As I sit here in my snowboard pants soon to be leaving for what might finally be a "real" day of spring riding here in Whistler I decided to dig into what awaits us tomorrow night. Tomorrow night is of course "The End" party and I must say I was a bit skeptical as I've been to the last 3 all of which were rather disappointing. The venue holds about 1600 and when let's say only 500 hundred show up the place never gets a sense of of a packed energetic house where everyone is vibing off each other. Well yesterday when I bought my ticket there was only 200 left, so this will be a packed house, and I'm also extremely excited for the line-up more than any other year. RJD2 will be headlining who is likely the cause of the majority of hype and ticket sales. His tracks have been featured in a few different snowboard films as some of his older stuff totally emits that chilled out and groovin vibe perfect for a snowboard video part.

But besides the main man we've also got the "Ghetto Funk" showcase, which includes The Funk Hunters, JPOD, Sticksbuds and Bryx, a collective of DJs and producers who have been pushing forward a new funky wobbly breaks scene, and dam this shit it hot! It's slower and grooveir than traditional electro/trance club music, but it still fits in those deep basslines to shake your soul. Here's is 2 tracks from The Funk Hunters to give you as little preview!

Download Links: (Left Click, then right click "save as" on actual file)
The Funk Hunters - Shake the Room
Red Hot Chillipeppers - Under the Bridge (Pimpsoul and the Funk Hunters Remix)

And if you have not heard Benny Freebound's new mix that includes this remix of the Chillipepers give it a listen because it is a wonderfully crafted musical journey and can be found right here.

Fort Knox 5 kicks it off.

Today, April 14 2011 marks the start of the sweet 16th Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival. And of course the best part of the festival, as I'm not a fan of all the corporate shit giveaways, is all the free music you get to see in the afternoons when you come down from the mountain and the sun is out, or in the case of this April it is still snowing. Whatever the weather Fort Knox 5, a 4 piece DJ act from Washington D.C. will be taking the stage this afternoon, and I plan to go rock out to what is sure to be some funky, groovy, soulful, remashed, banging, breakbeat electronic type goodness. Here's a few tracks to see what they're about.

Fort Knox 5 - The Sax Pusher vs Bambataa (DC's Finest Remint)
Fort Knox 5 - Calling Out a Winner
Fort Knox 5 - Insight

Reptile and Skrillex

Released on April 5th was an album called Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired By the Warriors, and is executive produced by JFK of MSTRKRFT. Each of the 12 tracks on the album takes one of the chracter's theme and is redone by a different producer. Track 6, Reptile's theme happens to be done by Skrillex. No dubstep and wobble here, this track is screechy raging electro track which might inspire a fight on the dancefloor from people getting too crazy. And of course what would be a Mortal Kombat remake without a sample of "whoopsy" and "fatality" in there.

Download Link: (Left click, then right click "save as" on actual file)
Skrillex - Reptile's Theme

The Knocks

I must admit I've always loved Diana Ross's "You Can't Hurry Love" both for the great sing-along effect it has, and the warm feeling you get from absorbing the very true lyrics because some things just can't be hurried. It was here that I first found The Knocks. Based out of Manhatten The Knocks are making some pretty smooth and catchy tunes these days, one of them of course being a great cover of "You Can't Hurry Love". Nothing beats the cuteness of the original but they did a good job of giving a fresh take on the classic. The next track called "Blackout" is something I think many people in Whistler can relate to, yes it it is about blacking out and forgetting the conversation they had with a girl and only remembering getting it on. Their style is very catchy dance-pop music that will have you singing along in no time.

Download Links: (Left Click, then right click "save as" on actual file)
The Knocks - Can't Hurry Love
The Knocks - Blackout
The Knocks - Make it Better

Everybody Loves the Sunshine

As the sun continues to come out and melt the masses of snow we've had all winter long in Whistler I continue to get more and more obsessed with Funky Breaks, and most appropriately as these types of tracks just scream summer party. I had the pleasure of seeing A Skillz almost a week ago here in Whistler as he played to a small but and ram-packed house, too full to move in fact. Though he did play a good, more club-oriented set I did not hear him play either of the tracks I'm going to share with you today. Nevertheless, these tracks are truly funky booty shaking breaks.

The first two tracks are from A Skill and the Beat Vandals, and with the main lines from each song being "The beat don't stop til the break of dawn" and "Everybody loves the sunshine" you can assume what you're in for. I have also included a more mellow mix of "Everybody loves the Sunshine" for when you're really chillin. And as a bonus, an amazing remix that A Skillz just did, but I can't even seem to buy on beatport because of territorial restrictions, whatever sense that makes in the digital world I'm not sure. Either way, I've had this remix on repeat this morning. It's that good. Check it out on soundcloud.

Download Links: (Left Click, the right click "save as" on actual file)
A Skillz and Beat Vandals - The Beat Don't Stop
A Skillz and Beat Vandals - Sunshine
DJ Cam Quartet - Everybody Loves the Sunshine

Whistle - Just Buggin' (A Skillz Remix) by championrecords

Muffins and Beaches

Today I did not go ride the hard groomers of a cloudy march day in Whistler. Instead I stayed home and baked some Bran muffins, and they are delicious. Today, and last night, and recently in general I've just been listening to some superb mellow rock music. I call it surf rock, even though I don't surf, I imagine that if I was chilling on a wide open beach this would be a great soundtrack. No disco influences, phat basslines or sick drops here, just some tunes to nod your head slowly to and pretend it's really sunny out. These are all fairly new except for an old favorite of mine from Sam Robert's first album.

Download Links: (Left Click, then Right Click "Save As" on actual file)
The Young Friends - Be My Baby
The Bees - I Really Need Love
The Holidays - 6AM
Oh Mercy - Lay Everything on Me
Sam Roberts - No Sleep

Bass at the Creek Base

Two nights ago at Bass at the Creek Base we had the pleasure of hearing a banging set form Joseph Martin from Vancouver. A small but energetic crowd danced til end. And it was right near that end that a track blew my mind... an electro breaks banger! I asked Joseph what it was called and he was quick to reply. So see here it is!


Dom G - Work (DJ Dan & Mike Balance remix) by djdanmusic

Download Link:
Dom G - Work (DJ Dan and Mike Balance Remix)

Remix Land

In the magical land of remixes, who is killing it? I can confidently say The Twelves are killing it. The Twelves, who are a duo from Brazil, first gained attention in 2007 with their remix of MIA's Boyz. From there they just keep on releasing killer remix after killer remix as they take good tracks and give them that extra bouncy groove that is just so darn fun. And their 2 hour Essential mix is awesome too. I've put it on a few times at work, and it definitely gives you that extra bit of energy you need after a day of snowboarding and then facing the busy crowds of a restaurant. Check them out. There are plenty more but these are some of the more well-known names they have remixed. These tracks only stay online for about 2 weeks for get them while you can!

M.I.A. - Boyz (The Twelves Remix)
Fever Ray - Seven (The Twelves Remix)
Metric - Help, I'm Alive (The Twelves Remix)
Radiohead - Reckoner (The Twelves Remix)
Ah-Ha - Take on Me (The Twelves Remix)
Groove Armada - Drop the Tough (The Twelves Remix)
Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (The Twelves Remix)

And... The Twelves Essential Mix and tracklist

Radiohead - Nude (Freebound Remix)

Introducing Benny Freebound, who many of us already know and love, but this time as a producer/remixer! It wasn't hard to find a great photo of Benny giving that wonderful crazed smile he is nearly always rocking, and it wasn't hard to dig this track. It starts off with a long atmospheric intro, and then finally drops a grimey but smooth beat that keeps the eeriness of the original. It is layered really well and never tries to be more than it should. I was impressed. Let's hope to hear more from this guy, and of course party with him in the summer!

P.S. Don't miss those funky breaks in the previous post...

Radiohead - Nude (Freebound Remix)

Get down with Aretha!

Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady" was first released in 1971. Then you take that track, chop up some powerful black lady vocals, throw in some funky-ass womping breaks and you have a serious party-rocking track.

Aretha Franklin - Rock Steady (Parker Remix)

And while we are on the topic of party-rocking breaks, Fort Knox Five has just released a free download from their website. It's titled "The Sax Pusher", and yes there is plenty of sax with some dude throwing down some fun party rhymes that make you wanna jump up and get down. Don't miss this one! And more importantly for those in Whistler, don't miss Fort Knox 5 on April 15 as they kick start the afternoon concert series for the Telus festival. I plan to get off the hill, throw off my jacket, sip on some fireball, and shake it as these guys rock the warm spring afternoon. See you there.

Fort Knox Five - The Sax Pusher vs Bambataa (DC's finest Remint)

The Paper Bag Princess

Today as I rode the Whistler Gondola up from midstation, there was already a ski instructor with 4 four-year-old boys on the Gondola. This instructor was the real deal, the kind that as a kid could only wish for. She spent the next 15 minutes captivating these young boys and myself with 3 different Robert Munsch Stories, the final one being "The Paper Bag Princess" These kids would laugh at the stories and say "what the heck?" and "Holy Guacamole!" while staring at the pictures in the book, even though they had obviously very recently heard it. For those of you who don't know the excellent message behind "The Paper Bag Princess" the princess saves the boy from the dragon, except in the process she has to wear a paper bag because her clothes got burned. When she saves the boy he doesn't like her anymore in her paper bag, and therefore she realizes she is better off without him. All the power to her, but what a silly boy! I mean, I would be perfectly happy if a princess came to save me wearing nothing but a paper bag.

Anyways, here's 2 tracks that samples kids playing because kids are just so darn cute and happy, why not feel that warmth and nostalgia in a few tracks? These are both some sort of down-tempo melodic track that actually sound quite similar despite being years apart and by different artists.

Dowbnload Links:
Vitaminsforyou - 1986
Baths - Animals

Something Good Can Work

Tow Door Cinema is a indie rock band (just look at those pushed-sideways hairdos and pretty collared shirts) from Northern Ireland which was formed in 2007. In 2010 they relaeased their first album called Tourist History. I haven't actually given the full album a listen because I've been distracted by the super catchy remixes of one of their tracks called "Something Good Can Work". Just try and get this track outta your head after a few listens. The Twelves and Ted & Francis both take the light-hearted vibes of the original and give it that extra edge of fun with danceable groovy sounds.

Download Links: (Left Click, then Right Click to Download)
Two Door Cinema - Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Mix)
Two Door Cinema - Something Good Can Work (Ted and Francis Mix)

Lush Progressive Breaks

Today, like most days for me in the winter, was a snow day. It wasn't snowing, rather the sun was out and shining on all the fresh snow it had left behind the day before. As I hiked up toward Corona Bowl for my second lap, because the first untracked run just wasn't enough, I was reminded of a track called Snowday by Digital Witchcraft. The soundtrack to seemingly endless amounts of fluffy snow couldn't be more appropriate. Digital Witchcraft first came on the scene in 2003 when they released Fingerpaint. This lush progressive-breaks track is absolutely gorgeous with it's slow moving piano, constant twinkles and gentle percussion. Snowday and Kaylee's Blanket follow a similar formula. So next time you are watching snow come down (or even rain) Digital Witchcraft has you covered with the perfect audio mood to let you sit back and take it all in.

Download Links: Left Click, then Right Click on Link.
Digital Witchcraft - Fingerpaint
Digital Witchcraft - Snowday
Digital Witchcraft - Kaylee's Blanket

Billy Madison and Honesty.

So yesterday was a special day on the mountain for me. I went up late, the riding was average, but as I got my pass scanned I asked the young scanner lady innocently "How many days have I been up this year?" She looks at her data and says "69", and with that I give a loud snicker similar to the one Billy Madison gives his class when the teacher tells them to open their books to page 69. You see, I asked around day 60 so I just keep track until the correct day and then ask again. It's now a 4th season tradition for me, and I'm sure it spices up the monotony of the scanners job just for a few seconds.

In similar-ish news on the music front, who appreciates honestly? Well in the track below either Enrique Iglasias is just being honest about the actions that will later go down between to consenting adults, or he is simply letting some girl know that he will force himself upon her. Either was his honest approach is to be respected. Give this catchy disco track a listen and you'll see what I mean...

Enrique Iglasias vs High energy - Tonight I'm F**king You

Senor Coconut will spice up your life.

His name is Senor Coconut. He has totally remade the classics, Sweet Dreams and Around the World into Salsa-esque jams. Need I say more?

Download Links: (Left Click, then Left Click again to Preview or Right to download)

Senor Coconut - Around the World
Senor Coconut - Sweet Dreams

Park Benches are Important.

So this song that I am sharing with you today paints a picture in my mind. And that picture is of a guy sitting alone on a park bench arms resting up on the back of the bench. Then this track starts, and he starts nodding his head in one direction, and then the other direction to the beat of the music, confidently eyeing up any girl who happens to be walking by, looking suave as can be. And with any luck soon some girl will sit down for a wonderful park-bench make out session. Sounds awesome right?

The track described above is by The XX who are an indie-pop band from the UK. Their tracks feature both male and female vocals and it is a really solid album from start to finish. In 2009 they release their first studio album titled XX, and VCR was one of their singles. Matthew Dear's remix is what is responsible for giving it that real slick sitting-alone-on-park-bench-nodding-at-the-ladies groove. I've also included the four tet remix, which is a bit drawn out, but is still a nice track.

Download Links: (Left Click once, then Left Click on Link to Preview or Right Click to Download)

The XX - VCR (Matthew Dear Remix)
The XX - VCR (Four Tet Remix)