Archive for the 'tra.kz artist spotlight' CategoryPage 2 of 5

Tra.kz Artists Spotlight: Radio Nowhere ("London Calling")

Radio Nowhere brings you fresh alt rock/pop sounds from Oakland, California. The band was started by Mike Baker, who writes all the songs, sings, plays guitar, and does “pretty much anything else that needs doing” for the band. Apparently, Mike writes most of his songs while he’s driving, on an ancient Casio keyboard bungee-corded to the passenger seat. This doesn’t seem safe, but we can’t complain.

As a youngster, Mike’s family would drive from the Bay Area to Idaho every summer, and his mom would make up stories to go along with what they were seeing along the highways. So, he got imprinted with the whole combination of music, empty roads and stories early on. This shows in his music. Take a listen to “London Calling” here (no not THAT London Calling, silly).

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Tra.kz Artist Spotlight: Enzyme Dynamite ("Girls" Trevor Simpson Remix)

enzamiawhitetigercappsdIf you read Evolving Music, you probably know that the Bayliens have been taking the Bay Area by storm this last year, and are currently inviting you to remix their single “Bubble Gum”. But, Enzyme Dynamite (1/3 of the Bayliens) is a man of many flavors. “Girls” features Enzyme leaving his familiar hip-hop roots and stepping into new territory: electro.

And, Enzyme handles it well. “Girls” is remixed by Energy 92.7’s Trevor Simpson, a master producer and DJ who lays down the necessary dirty synth and driving beats to make this song bang. This song will surely find its way in the your local dance club very soon. Listen/Download Girls here!

Tra.kz Artist Spotlight: BLVD ("Vortex")

Live electronica is a unique art form that brings together two very different communities, the dance music club scene and live music fans. BLVD seemlessly integrates the two into a stunning hip-hop, house and breakbeat experience that uses both riveting samples from the studio and organic live sound.

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At times reminiscent of the live jams of bands like String Cheese Incident and Phish, the foundational grooves of BLVD have an air of spontaneity that lend themselves to live crowds. As if the juxtaposition of jam band style instrumentals and riveting electronica beats weren’t enough, add to the mix the lyrics of MC Souleye, a “conscious wordsmith”, and you’ve got something pretty unique. Listen to/download their track, “Vortex”, here.

Tra.kz Artist Spotlight: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad ("Season's Change")

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad calls their music North American International Body Music, and Evolving Music couldn’t agree more! They bring a relentless reggae sound that is laced with experimental dub that will keep your head boppin’ and your bones rockin’. Here is a delicious track by them called “Season’s Change“.

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Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad was formed in 2004, by brothers Matthew and Christopher O’Brian, and mutual friends James Searl and Dylan Savage. The Rochester, New York-based group’s current lineup solidified with the addition of Rachel Orke, and Aaron Lipp. GPGDS plays an eclectic blend of roots reggae, dub, and afrobeat. The sextet’s impeccable musicianship and explosive live show have received widespread acclaim. Giant Panda will be releasing a new album in 2009, but be sure to check out their debut release Slow down.

Tra.kz Artist Spotlight: Sabotage Soundsystem ("Love 2 the DJ")

sabotage-soundsystemValentines Day, 2009… it’s winey time. Grab your girl, a green bottle, and prepare to groove as Volcom Entertainment’s newest act, Sabotage Soundsystem unleashes its debut release, The Boto Machine Gun: a sex-soaked slow-motion spring to summer soundtrack of an island-infused life daftly designed to blow your mind.

Don’t want to wait until valentines day? You can get a taste by listening to their new track “Love 2 the DJ” here. It’s the perfect pairing for that green tea you’re enjoying.

Sabotage Soundsystem is a two-man machine made up of Big Island surfers and musicians Remy “Dub” DeRochemont and Kaleo Wassman (of Pepper). “What I love about Dub is that he encourages frequent surf breaks during recording sessions,” says Wassman. “If something wasn’t clicking or didn’t feel right we would just bail and go surf. Clear the mind, then come back and hit it again fresh,” adds DeRochemont.

The new venture for the duo culminates in music that has a decidedly laid-back rural island feel, while at the same time it is clear the two come into their own with influences and experiences that come from worldly travels, international exposure, and a long life on the road. As the title, The Boto Machine Gun implies, the new album is all at once dirty, sexy, and lethal. A guerrilla style recording, this weapon was built in people’s houses and garages on both sides of the sea, from Hawaii to SoCal. Be on the lookout for Sabotage Soundystem in 2009!