Soundclouds of the Underground: After the After-Party Edition
ABOVE: BOY/FRIEND. PHOTO COURTESY OF ETHAN KLEIN
These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the most new and exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes deep into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.
We will be the first to tell you that we love to party. As much as we love to be festive, however, we’ve become a bit picky about an evening’s proper progression; sure, it’s essential to get hyped-up before an evening out on the town, but a good night needs a denouement, a turndown, if you will. That’s why this week we’ve grouped together three songs that we think will help bring your night to an appropriate—but never humdrum—close.
Mojek: “OhUAintKnow”
Who: Also known by the alias Young Africa (a name under which he released an awesome tropical bass-influenced EP), Mojek is a Chicago-based producer who dabbles within a variety of genres. One search of Mojek’s name on Soundcloud, and you’ll stumble upon smooth house tracks and hard-hitting club remixes.
The Song: Mojek’s work on “OhUAintKnow” is subtle yet meticulous, with the song’s slick drum switch-ups, chopped-up vocal samples, and filtered synth finding a medium between full-out and lethargic. Exactly what we’re looking for in a post-party cool-down.
Current Project: If you’re in Chicago, Mojek is playing tomorrow. If not, check out more info on the artist via his Facebook page.
BOY/FRIEND: “Good 2 U” (Kuhrye-oo Remix)
Who: New York talent Boy/Friend specializes in R&B music—a futuristic mix of sexy crooning and addictive hooks. His recently released LP Leather Weather may remind one of The Dream and even Jeremih, but Boy/Friend’s style and quality sound still stand distinct from his contemporaries.
The Song: Boy/Friend enlists producer Kuhrye-oo to create a remix of “Good 2 U,” one of the tracks off Leather Weather, and it doesn’t disappoint—the light juke rework can definitely induce some butt-shaking, but the pitter-patter of synth helps keep things lax.
Current Project: For more on Boy/Friend (including the official video for “Good 2 U”), head over to this website.
Kenzie May: “Hide And Seek” (FTSE Fucked It Mix)
Who: Not much can be uncovered about FTSE (and trust us, for better or worse, our digital lurking skills are bar none), but after some strategic Googling we at least figured out that he is a originative electronic producer/singer from the UK whose glistening tracks have people wondering the same things we are.
The Song: Here FTSE reinterprets “Hide and Seek,” the original track by 19-year-old pop vocalist Kenzie May, who the producer has collaborated with on his sultry track “Float.” FTSE’s mix packs more vigor than the original, sometimes infusing a sissy bounce-esque backbeat and a conga rhythm to keep things interesting.
Current Project: FTSE just joined Facebook this month so there’s not much on his page, but head to his Tumblr for pics, press and links to more music.
Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.
