Step Your Fresh Up Friday

As we close out this week there are quite a few tunes that demand your attention and some upcoming news from my crew at Dance Hard Die Hard and Next Era as well.  As a new recruit to Dance Hard Die Hard I will be releasing a mix alongside SMiRK (Twitter) featuring tunes from Curtis B, Utku S., Lazy Rich, and more!  I have also put together a Sunday broadcast on uStream starting at 7pm EST for the Next Era DJs!  Look for names from the Next Era DJ crew dropping some fresh tunes to get you in the right mood for any Monday surprises you may face.  On to the tunage!

First up is a hot new breakbeat from DJ Vize out of Portland, OR.  No stranger to breakbeats and a high octane live performance Vize is going to be having some killer releases out in March and April including Refuse on Bassbong.com!  Refuse features bouncy synth riffs and a grinding synth backing track throughout as well as progressive pads and a plethora of drum syncopation.  The mellow subby breakdown complete with the delayed stabs drives you right back into the proggy drop.  His bootleg 'Bout Money' will be released as a free download if he gets 20 shares on his post too!

Utku S. is absolute monster of a producer releasing tunes on Cassette as well as a ton of loop packs on loopmasters.  His style is always at the top of the game of whatever genre he's working in at the moment.  His latest breaks release on Beatport, 'My Life' is no exception.  I have been playing his tunes out for quite some time and I feel he doesn't get near the recognition that he deserves!  The latest on his soundcloud is a monster of a tune deserved to be caned hard.  His synth work is impeccable and is matched by few.  Check him out, I guarantee you'll be pleased.

No stranger to peaktime electro house, Revolvr is back at it again with a remix of Spencer & Hill.  The huge builds lead up to supreme breakdowns which I can already see rocking big rooms across the country.  His mixes as well as his tunes are great to have in your repertoire.  His mix from February is off the hook and highly recommended, have a look and a download below (it's free on iTunes through the Buy link).

Step Your Fresh Up Friday

Big time breakbeat coming hot off the press from Krafty Kuts!  A run through of as many Wolfgang Gartner tunes as possible complete with Martin's own spin on it.  Quick transitions in this medley keep the energy off the charts and give you just enough time to get into it before bangin' out a new edit.  We'll get to enjoy his edits in person coming soon, but for now cop the download!  Download's done, got it if you got it!

Only two days from Krafty comes Specimen A another UK artist known for exquisite production value and multi-genre madness comes to Dayton for Elton's Birthday Bash.  From explosive remixes to original bangers Specimen A released their EP London Calling covering Drum and Bass, Drumstep, Dubstep, and Electro House in one tasty package.  Only a few days ago the remix of AfroWhitey dropped and I still can't get enough!  Look for the release due out February 27th on Sludge Records.  Exclusive interview with Phil of Specimen A coming soon!  For now peep the tunes and leave some love.

Presale Tickets
Beatport Page

Post Rusko Breakdown

So the Rusko show was absolutely bonkers and was the best time I've had playing out in a while.  The crowd was in it and everything went off without a hitch!  Rusko is also one of the coolest artists I have met and is truly down to earth and involved for all the right reasons.  Pics are going to be coming in from I Shoot My Friends for Fun, Tri Plur Ent, and Life of the Party to show you just how we get down.

That being said we have some other events coming in the next few months that should be given some major attention.

As a breaks fan and DJ I can't let this one slip by un-noticed.  Martin Reeves aka Krafty Kuts will be coming to The Masque on March 29th for his first ever Dayton appearance and as far as I know first ever Ohio appearance!  Below is his latest mini mix for his new label Insane Bangers and a recent re-rub of Adele that's a real floor burner.  One of the most hype DJ sets to be seen period!

Step Your Fresh Up Friday

Weekend where are you?  Well, only a few hours away and we'll get it in before then to set it off with a boom, a bang, and maybe even a whoosh or two.

First up is a big breaks release, "The Theme" on Groundlevel from Andy McAllister also featuring a remix by DJ Hero.  Appropriately named, the intro has a great brass sample that sounds like it's from a 70s TV show that slams into a deep bass heavy break!  Developing into a jukey beat with some funky stabs and a hint of that brass it's lookin' hot!  The DJ Hero remix is a standard issue club floor destroyer with effected out vocal samples and a driving breakbeat with a dash vibrato/wobble back into a glitched out brass loop.  The drop hits hard with a heavily modulated synth and stabs of the brass.  Delicious all the way through, check it and it just may even make it into your weekend set by surprise.  There's also a FREE surprise from Andy that's a house classic spun around in a whole new breaky direction.

Andy McAllister - The Theme by groundlevel

Eddie Amador - Rise (Andy McAllister Re-Riser) by groundlevel

We all know Kick It here in the breaks community and I'm a huge fan but this latest work from Farace is through the roof on the electro tip.  A super clean complextro banger, Get Up Jax has a catchy saw lead and a heavy bassline on deck.  With only a teaser up at the moment I can't WAIT for the release to drop.  The Bass mix takes it to a whole 'nother level on the drumstep front of things.  Huge drum fills and a journey into the amen break get this grinder of a tune goin' from the floor up.  The epic piano brings it from the grave to the rave and back again.  This release will be BIG...even an acoustic version on the tubes for you straight from Paul himself!

Farace - Get Up Jax (Preview) by farace
Farace - Get Up Jax (Farace Bass Mix Preview) by farace

For some hometown hotness from Cincinnati, OH DJ/MC Firecat 451 goes big with a liquid DnB remix of A Tribe Called Quest - Stressed Out.  There's not many people that I would say could do a great job with this, but I knew when I heard him announce it that this was going to hit it right.  With solid rolling basslines and a breakdown into hip hop it's bangin' it out.  Liquid dnb always makes me feel like it's really fall and I have to say this pulls it in for me just the way I like it.  Check the rest of Firecat's tunes/mixes on his site www.firecat451.com

Tribe Called Quest - Stressed Out (Firecat 451's Liquid Trick Edit) by Firecat 451

Step Your Fresh Up Friday

This week has been pretty exciting and chock full of great material from across the globe.  A couple of real treats are in store for you to rock over the weekend and beyond!

Curtis B's new EP coming up on Drop the World is an all around killer.  From electro to breaks and dubstep to Drum and Bass/Drumstep he's smashing it up and never getting pigeon-holed.  His sound design is familiar but distinct.  It's not just another cookie cutter complextro tune, it's Curtis B!  The glue of the EP is just this.  No matter what the genre, there's a common sound set.  My personal favorite attribute about his sound is the lo-fi wind downs and killer fills.  Scope the tunes and pick up the EP on Beatport when it drops!

 DTW014 Curtis B Chromatic Album Teaser by Curtis B

The always expected clean sound design from Mord Fustang, but the cutting edge of BT and vocals from Angela McCluskey crush this one.  Glitched out, and sounding epic in its very own way are trademarks of Plasmapool's most popular artist right now.  The vocal pitch manipulations are spot on with what my ears expect.  This one is a big room banger for sure.  The drums in the beginning of the taster build just right to the vocals and come smashing right back out to the drop.  The arpegiated leads that are the trademark of the modern complextro sound are polished and give you just what you want.

Morgan Page, Sultan + Ned Shepard, and BT - In The Air feat. Angela McCluskey (Mord Fustang Remix) by Mord Fustang

Vize is coming to Cincinnati on the 29th for Shut Up Gina and Dance by B.O.T. productions and has just released another killer breaks tune to condition your eardrums for his arrival.  The drums come out swingin' from the beginning and the synth stabs build it up just right.  The driving basslines are a staple and make this beast come to life.  If you know how to build anticipation like Mitchell does, you're definitely on the right track.  It is not only killer sounds, but killer arrangement is what make a great producer, and he hits it on all the marks.

Juice 2012 by Vize

Stylus Rex from Ground Level just had a release on beatport and wanted to give us a bit of a taste of with a free short edit as well as full previews of the tunes!  The edit showcases the rolling sub bass and emotion that hasn't been present in a lot of music lately.  It's quite refreshing to see tunes like this pop up and I'll guarantee you'll have a spot for it in a set upcoming.  The Access Denied mix takes it to a harder level and gives it to you with a raw style.  Grinding synths crunch down just right at the drop is and leave you wanting more.

Snatch it up here at Beatport

Amplify Album Sampler part 2 by groundlevel

Last but not least, the man himself Simon Shackleton aka Elite Force has a full 2 hours of mayhem from Burning Man 2011 at the Distrikt camp and TWO free tunes.  There's not much to say but WOW.  Check out the refixes and you can pretty much count on dropping them this weekend if you haven't already.

http://www.eliteforcemusic.com/crankitup.htm
http://www.eliteforcemusic.com/techno.htm

As always...don't fake the funk, catch you next time!

New Tune Tuesday

Some serious work being done by Rebel Sketchy on the latest Ground Level release Square Dance.  A progressive and melodic but techy intro take you into the world of breakbeat through an atmostpheric breakdown.  A rolling techy grinder with a side of funk is the best way I can put it.  Some choice sound design here and a lead synth reminiscent of Groove Allegiance and Malente brought me back.  Along on this release is the Lo IQ? mix but wait, THERE'S MORE!  A free tunes never did any harm so here ya go!

Rebel Sketchy - Square Dance by groundlevel
Rebel Sketchy - Square Dance (Lo IQ? Remix) by groundlevel
Nyse - Moguai (Rebel Sketchy RMX Re-Edit) by groundlevel
2011 Lo IQ? & Johnny Dangerously - The Invincible Wild Style [FREE DownLoad] by Lo IQ?

Being a long time breaks listener I'm quite familiar with the work on Bombtraxx.  Bombtraxx is dedicated to the techy and aggressive side of breaks but that doesn't mean they've lost the funk.  Quadrat Beat and Chevy One bring it to you proper with their own spin on The Day Before.  The original mixes catchy melodic build drops into a breaky grinder that progresses with more complex shuffled hats and pleasing synth stabs.  I have to say it has a killer fill right before the last drop!  The Chevy One mix takes a slightly more aggressive take with retains enough melodic elements of the original to keep those dancing shoes moving.  With higher pitched slightly squelchy stabs I'm a huge fan.  The half-time breakdown to dubstep for a couple measures at a time really kicks it into high gear when it drops back into breaks.  Check the tracks and follow Bombtraxx for release updates!


BTX041 Quadrat Beat - The Day Before w/ Chevy One Remix - Bombtraxx by Bombtraxx

I've mentioned him before, and he's back again, KWeRK is dropping some serious breakbeat heat with his latest work in progress The Werkout.  I talk to Ian on a regular basis and he tipped me off to this unsigned tune with great responses and wanted me to have a listen.  I put on the cans and was in it from the beginning.  I really like the wind up into the bass heavy lead breakdown in the beginning.  Another element that I really dig about his work in general is the variety of sound choice.  Progressive synths along with grinding sub bass and distorted leads coupled with b boy vocals get me every time.  Check his other tunes and look for an EP coming soon!  Keep KWeRK'n it...

KWeRK - The Werkout (WIP clip) by KWeRK

Step Your Fresh Up Friday - Breaks that Bang

If you know breakbeat, you know this man. Deekline is a veteran producer of many styles but I can say that some of my favorite releases from him have been in the breaks department. This continues from his earlier tracks on Botchit and Scarper to his latest projects on Rat Records, Sludge, and beyond. The forthcoming release "Always RIP" on Rat Records is nothing short of his energy he always brings.  The original mix with it's progressive intro brings it up just right to the piercing vocals.  The drop hits hard with slimey detuned squares with a righteously funky groove.  The Pyramid remix has a classic breakbeat feel that will get you in the gut.  The Eddie K and Minus remix brings the DnB just how I like it, smooth enough to flow and dirty enough to get down to.  The release as a whole is absolutely out of this world.

  Always RIP - forthcoming on Rat Records by DJ Deekline

Deenk continues his steady flow of breaks releases that hit the spot.  His tracks are always carrying a great energy with a funky driving beat that's nonstop to the last drop.  His synths are super clean and his arrangement is dancefloor ready, just what you need for the weekend.  Kyla's vocals carry your feet on a journey of their own.  From glitch to funk to drivers, he does them all in proper fashion.


Deenk by DEENK

You were gettin juiced before, now they're back at it again with their latest release Back To Back.  A Tribe called Wes and DJ Fixx bring it with a breakbeat styling.  The orignal mix takes me back to florida for sure!  Fixx takes you away with the electro stylings with a hard hitting funk like he's known to do.  Check both the tunes!

JRSR069, Back To Back (DJ Fixx Remix) by Wes Smith on Juice Recordings by The Juice Squad
JRSR067, Back to Back, Wes Smith on Juice Recordings by The Juice Squad

Ian Padley aka KWeRK is always bustin out some funky breaks, and this week is no exception.  With a Calvin Harris remix and a sick WIP, I'm stuck on his page!  Don't forget the Calvin Harris tune has the free download so you can bang it out at the club.  Face The Front is a chunky tune with extra catchy drums and a breakdown that's ever so sweet.  Check his other tunes and look for his releases on Kick It Recordings and beyond!

Calvin Harris - Feel So Close (KWeRK ReRub) (**Free 320 D/L**) by KWeRK
KWeRK - Face The Front (work in progress clip) by KWeRK

Now for a couple mixes to set you off right into the night...

Curtis B Summer Session by Curtis B
PRODUKDo - Gettin' It In by PRODUKDo
8*B1T + Jon Wert - Blood Guts & Basslines by 8*B1T

Step Your Fresh Up Friday - Septemba Sucka!

Miles Dyson has been doing some serious work on his label lately with the like sof Hypster and Mord Fustang.  Here is one of his latest remixes of Trafik which holds true to the bangin' style of electro house you have come to know and love from Miles.  The dramatic strings and melodic elements have something for the progressive enthusiast and when the beat bangs...it bangs.  Just like I love it, check the track below.

Trafik - The Difference (Miles Dyson Remix) by Miles Dyson

Coming soon is Deenk's latest breakbeat release with Kyla on the vocals to land on Hard Hits, his own label.  To describe it as best I can I would say a combo of Lazy Rich, Mord Fustang, and Deekline with Yolanda.  That being said, I absolutely love this track.  Sound design is very polished and the vocals are not overpowering.  If anything they could even come up a bit in parts.

THE ALBUM. Track 01. Deenk Feat Kyla - Monster Track COMING SOON!!! by DEENK

 A.Skillz remixes are always bangin' and his Nu Funk remix of Jackson 5 - ABC has definitely put a new school spin on the original without taking away the groove.  A.Skillz work is great as usual and on a cheeky track to begin with, it's a dancefloor churner.

ABC (A.Skillz Remix) by A.Skillz

Ready for a high energy banger to get the crowd pumped?  Here it is...Specimen A and James D'ley are crushin' hard on some DnB stylings in their remix of TC ft. MC Dread "Burning Starlight".  The half time breakdown and Dread's vox over it all really hit the spot as it smashes right back into the drop.  Check the tune and leave them some commentary!

TC ft. MC Dread 'Burning starlight' (Specimen A & James D'ley Remix) 128 k by Specimen A

Krisp and Frenzy (aka F^K Y34H!) are slingin' quality breakbeat tunes and their latest rub of Alex Mind doesn't come up short.  With a booming bass and an atmospheric and melodic intro, the drop hits you hard.  Absolute raw business is what they're about and it shows in every aspect of this tune.  The dubstep breakdown smacks you off your feet and the melodic build out of it is the perfect transition element back to breaks.  I'll definitely be rinsing this one for a good while!

Dirtyloud & Alex Mind - "Dirtymind" (F^K Y3AH! Breakbeat edit) by Krisp ♪ illeven:eleven ♪

Ohio dubstep producers Binary Boom (Brandon Allen and Josh Reyolds) are hitting it hard on the newly founded Twisted Monkey Records!  With release after release they pack a punch.  You may know of Josh already via his previous monikers Sociopath and Zen.  Look forward to electro, breaks, and dnb coming up on Twisted Monkey and Binary Boom at a show near you.  Their production versatility and tag team energy makes them a force to be reckoned with.  They're making big moves on the beatport must hear dubstep charts so take a peep at a couple of their tracks below and visit the label page at http://soundcloud.com/twistedmonkeyrecords

  Buck by Binary Boom

Binary Boom - Neuron Transmitter Synapse by Binary Boom

I'm going to leave off with some Drum and Bass to get you hype for the weekend.  A Tribe Called Wes and his label The Juice Squad consistently put out quality tunes no matter what the style.  They got the steeze all day and it shows in their latest track that throws me back with some oldschool vibes.  Check it out below and I guarantee you'll be ready for the party...i mean revolution.

Revolution by The Juice Squad

Monday Music Menagerie

Baymont Bross are at it again with their latest two track release on Pooty Club with a dutchy beat to get you bouncing.  Where's the Beat has a less edgy dutch lead and hits hard with booming kicks.  A full up intro to the drop gets it set off proper.  The vocal and instrumental stabs make for a breaker's dream.  MC Alaska is featured in Have Some Fun and bring it on with him.  You can't resist groovin' to this one.  The strings in the breakdown make for some great suspense, and it is not overdone.  The beat drops right back in to finish it off right.  Check the release when it drops!

Baymont Bross - Where's The Beat & Have Some Fun (Positiva Thangs Sampler Pt3) (POOTY018D) by The Pooty Club Records

Jesse is a nonstop MONSTER of re-rubs and As We Enter is no exception!  I love the arrangement, it's similar to the Foamo remix from a while back.  If you dig bangin' breaks and a hip hop tempo change you'll be in heaven.  The free download as always for everyone to get a piece.

Dallas K - As We Enter (REL1 RE-RUB) by REL1
Nero - Innocence (Feed Me Remix)(REL1 RE-LICK) by REL1
Zedd - Dovregrubben (REL1 RE-RUB) by REL1

8*B1T brings is hard on Yellow Finger records with his Barb Wired remix.  Heavy synths and filter modulation have you shaking in your set just wanting to get up and dance...so do it!  Booming bass drums and an acidic feel are always a good combo and this just proves it.

48K - Barb Wired (8*B1T Remix) by 8*B1T

Access Denied crushes it with his horn filled funky intro into Balkan Mountains.  The intro continues to develop into a huge drop with a latin feel throughout.  If you're a moombahton fan you'll be sure to dig this at a higher tempo.  Although it's just a preview, Access Denied guarantees a banger of a release!

 Access Denied - Balkan Mountains_short preview by AccessDenied(Andrey Mute)

What time is it again?  Oh yeah...11:11  To top it off we have Krisp from I11even Eleven taking you away with his Summer 2011 breaks mix.  Not only a killer producer but a hell of a DJ too!  Nuff said on this one, cop the download, drop the top down, roll around town!
-- FRACTURED -- by Krisp ♪ illeven:eleven ♪

New Rubs, New Mixes, Fresh Ish Period

First off is a re-rub of a Peo de Pitte original tune.  I really dig the arrangement of both the original and re-rub and how Raj stays dominantly true to the intended feel of the original instead of completely taking his own take on it while kicking up the tempo at bit too.  Consistently good re-rubs from Raj coming steadily makes him one to watch.  Links to the original tune, the rub, and Raj's latest mix below.

PEO DE PITTE - BERLUSCONI - OUT NOW by peodepitte

Peo De Pitte - Berlusconi (Raj Marathe Rerub) by rajmarathe

Raj Marathe - July 2011 Promo Mix by rajmarathe

Next up Kwerk is back at it with grinder of a remix of Manila Sound and a bangin' Wolfgang Gartner remix as well.  Manila sound stays in the groove just right with the quirky lead synth and grinding subs, right up my alley.  Lovin' the vocal samples throughout, and the build is just right too.  Don't sleep on this release when it drops on Kick It!  Next the WG remix is off the hook!  Really dig the switch in the drums from breaks to dubstep alternating every couple bars, it hits the spot right on.  Definitely going to be dropping this at my next gig.  Check out more from Kwerk on the regular, he's a busy guy on the production end.

Silverfilter - "Manila Sound" - KWeRK Remix (pre-master clip) **Forthcoming on Kick It Recordings** by KWeRK

Mark Knight & Wolfgang Gartner - Conscindo - KWeRK ReRub (**Free 320 D/L**) by KWeRK

Coming full speed as usual is Elite Force's new taster of Captain America.  It's a driving breaks track that will take you through the darkest swamps leaving you a sweaty mobbed out fool.  Luda's vocals even make a cameo appearance getting it right in time.  All in all a truly sick track.

Elite Force - Captain America (128k TASTER) by Elite Force

Here's a killer breaks/dubstep mix by a good friend of mine from the Dayton, OH area relocated to L.A.  His track selection is great as well as super clean mixing.  If you're on the left coast and see DJ Sprocket on the lineup make sure to head out and have a listen, guarantee you won't be able to stand still.

 They're Breaks Bitch Vol. 4 [D/L Link In Info] by DJ Sprocket

DJ Assault vocals hit it right every time...even though it's just a preview make sure to have a listen.  Rat Records is always bringing some heavy 808 bass to get you shakin' it.  Viro and Rob Analyze bring it right up on a silver booty laiden platter.

Dj Assalut - Gimme A Piece - Viro & Rob Analyze Remix Clip by Viro & Rob Analyze

On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you don't want to absolutely dance your pants off and need a bit of a chill moment, Kouncilhouse delivers.  Scarlett Quinn's vocals are stunning and the instrumental matches.  The ethereal feeling throughout really puts emphasis on the main focus of the tune, the vocals. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more of Scarlett soon enough so stay on the lookout!

Kouncilhouse Feat Scarlett Quinn - Hurricane - Original Mix (Preview) by kouncilhouse

N-Funk or Nu-Funk...that is the question

NAPT brings it huge as usual with their latest funk and grime infused track "Bass" off of their upcoming EP.  This grinder of a tune has shimmering high end and bassbin destroying lows.  I really dig the fact that no matter NAPT is capable of infusing a multitude of emotions into one track.  Whether it's the call of the organ grinder of a lead synth or the response of the arpeggiated keys they've got it sounding crisp every time.  The breakdown is another point I really enjoy since it's got a bit of an oldschool rave feel with the keys they chose as long as a proper build.  I can't wait to hear the rest of the EP on July 24th!  Always a good time in store when NAPT is in the building.

NAPT "Bass" by NAPT

Tim McVicar and Busta let loose with some serious tuneage in the newest release on Bombastic Jam "For the Money".  It's a new school fusion of elvis, strings, funky synths, and powerful drums to bring you sonic enjoyment on many levels.  The original mix is more of a chillspot tune while the Busta remix is an all out dancefloor swizzle stick...that's right ma'am, I'll have that shaken and stirred.  With quirky 8-bit sounds, grimey synths, and an all out funky rhythm it's got to get you right.  Keep on the lookout for new sounds from Bombastic Jam and enjoy the tunes.

Tim Mcvicar - For The Money by Bombastic Jam

Tim Mcvicar - For The Money (Busta Remix) by Bombastic Jam

Complextro Is In...

Big things are always a staple from Mord Fustang with his epic electro tunes.  They've been dropping on Plasmapool week by week and are nothing short of big!  All the characteristics of complextro shine through, the melodic breakdowns are pleasing to the ears with a bit of delayed percussive synths it's sound is cultivated and funky.  To go along with it is a properly sized bassline to compliment all the elements perfectly.  The goal of complextro is to be polished, danceable, and be able to have builds without boredom.  Mord hits the nail on the head every tune.  He uses a lot of the same samples/synths in many of his tracks which are all quite refined and will likely be a staple for some time to come.  Check the teaser and cop the track from Beatport!

Mord Fustang - Magic Trooper by Mord Fustang

Here's some booty from the Physical Bross and Four Motion with this taster of their latest work.  It's a heavy track but the funky sounds will get bottoms shakin' it for sure.  The sub bass and quirky synths really do it for me.  I really like the intro as well, a nice building helicopter LFO and rise to match.  Be sure to check the rest of their tracks for some more great breaks vibes.

Physical Bross & Four Motion - Wet Tits (Original Booty) by Physical Bross

Kid Vibe out of Vancouver is droppin' some seriously funky tunes with some disco flavor.  His tracks have been some 90's RnB bangers remixed in a new school disco fashion with pitched up vox.  Really dope glitches and filter sweeps make this a keeper.  His previous tracks range anywhere from jackin' chicago house to new jack and all things funky.  Keep an eye out on for him on Midwest Hustle Recordings, Flapjack Records, and Greenhouse Recordings!  Get down with the RnB jams!

Kid Vibe - Disco Decision by Kid Vibe

Step Your Fresh Up Fridays - Kickin' It

Check out the latest from the Kick It crew to smash the dancefloor.  Sneaker and the Dryer's remix of Powerpad hits it right with a powerful punch to the drums and a funky set of synth stabs in the intro.  Backing it up with a funky lead synth and the vox from 8*B1T that are meant for the b-boy antics I'm definitely down with this one.  The whole release is hot and out now on Juno!  Another little bit of remix action for the weekend on the free tip as well.  Can't go wrong with Stanton Warriors remixes, and this is just a testament to that.

 8B1T - Powerpad Sneaker & the Dryer Remix by SneakerAndTheDryer

 Free Track - Stanton Warriors - Get Up - Sneaker & The Dryer Remix by SneakerAndTheDryer

The interview went great, his tunes are stellar, and the mix is even better.  Back again here is Elite Force's latest mix from Rough Tempo Radio.  You heard his tracks, you've seen his thoughts, time to rock his jams out the way he wants you to hear em!  The epic intro prepares you for a journey into sound.  Not your typical hard and heavy banger all the way throughout, this is a musical travel to put your head in a different world.  That doesn't mean it's short of the sharp edges of harder track selection so don't be surprised by hard hitting beats.  I think my fave is the Krafty Kuts re-rub in the midst of it all, but you peep it and decide for yourself.

Elite Force - Live at Rough Tempo Radio - 29/06-11 by Elite Force

For those looking to chill and still bounce Rektchordz has it in for you.  His latest bouncy Techno release has got the right vibe all around.  The horns and acoustic guitar give just the right amount of organic flavor, while the techy drums, builds and falls fill your need for that synthetic extension of being.  This isn't all his specialty is though, check his older tracks for bangin' breaks and some funky tech house as well.

Rektchordz-Gypsy Buzz by Rektchordz

Exclusive Artist Interview: Elite Force

Since the release of his album Shockland, the extended versions of tracks from the Motorstorm Apocalypse soundtrack, I got a chance to pick Simon's brain a bit with a quick interview.

On with it!

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Bit Flip:

Since your entry into the EDM scene, you've been crashing through barriers and paving a path for the future sounds of EDM.  How has your experience with music production in recent times changed compared to the beginnings of your career?

Elite Force:

Needless to say it's been a wholesale change, pretty much totally from inaccessible, expensive, hardware-based set-ups, to cheap, affordable, software-based set-ups. It's SO much easier these days to make electronic music than it's ever been, but it's just as hard as it's ever been to come up with a good idea, and a lot of the time the technology and the ease of drawing on presets that sound great, rule out a lot of innovation.

Bit Flip:
In regards to the Motorstorm Apocalypse soundtrack, how does your workflow and approach differ from productions meant for the dance crowd?  Does writing soundtracks give you a different perspective as to your typical approach on your original tracks?

Elite Force:

Yeah for sure. Motorstorm is a racing game, and the tracks needed to be tailored specifically for the purpose of the races, rather than the dancefloor ... and that had a lot of bearing on every aspect, from song structure, to duration, to sound design.

Bit Flip:
It’s no secret that you’re one of the kings of breaks and founders of tech-funk.  What inspires you most when doing sound design for your tracks?  Are you more of a fan of plug-ins or hardware?  Finally, what is the most utilized piece in your studio (hardware or software)?

Elite Force:

I use plug-ins more & more these days - I find they gel better with my workflow which has become primarily audio-based. I have an Andromeda A6 for example, and it's virtually impossible to get it to do anything I want it to do, and even then it's a massive time-killer, so it very rarely gets used these days. Sometimes I'll make myself use a hardware synth to keep things fresh and once the MIDI's all running smoothly it's something I enjoy doing because it's tactile, but ultimately it's a lot more work, so mainly I'd rather get on with designing the ideas as quickly as possible. The most used bits of kit are my Macs, soundcards, mixing board & speakers ... as far as sound sources go, it really depends on the track.

Bit Flip:
I know  you’re a huge fan of Burning Man.  Can you give us some insight on what DJaying at the opulent temple stage means to you? Secondly, what’s it like to have control of a stage that spews fire at your beck and call?

Elite Force:

Haha, well it's re-defined what DJaying is all about to me really. You feel like you're very very connected with people in a way I've never experienced in a club and never will (not that there haven't been many amazing club sets over the years). If I stopped touring and DJaying tomorrow, Burning Man is the one thing I wouldn't be able to give up - it fuels me and inspires me for the entire year ahead. The fire controllers are great fun and just a tiny tiny insight into just one of the many amazing things that people step up and do for the love of creating something special and unique.

Bit Flip:

Working with a score composer has to be a different experience than an EDM artist.  What differs in the studio when working with Klaus?  Next, which track on the Shockland album was the most fun for you two to work on and why?

Elite Force:

We didn't work on any of the tracks together. It was much more of a remote effort really - he wrote & recorded a load of orchestral parts, and I took them and wrote and recorded a load of electronic parts incorporating elements from his sessions. Since then we have met in Paris and got on very well, so we're both hoping to do some specific, bespoke stuff over the coming months and years.

Bit Flip:

Finally what everyone may want to know; what is your number one tip for working musicians?

Elite Force:

Work smart & use your time wisely.