Soundclouds of the Underground: DJ Mix Edition

ABOVE: KINGDOM. IMAGE COURTESY OF DAVIS KIRKLAND

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.

The DJ mix has long been a beloved pastime, but there’s arguably no place where it’s more at home these days than on the Internet. The blogosphere hosts a nearly never-ending multitude of downloadable sets from every talent you can name—spend a while searching the web for them, and you’ll have an entirely new wardrobe of tracks in no time. We picked out three mixes we’ve recently been enjoying from three of music’s most engaging producers.

Kingdom: “Clubposite Mix for DIS Magazine”

Who: A producer out of LA whose sound could never be considered tame, Kingdom’s tracks go for the jugular—an arsenal of intense, exciting club jams and what seems to be a boundless creative energy by his side, Kingdom’s sexy aesthetic is constantly on the cutting edge.

The Song: Kingdom’s greatest talent might be his unique pace—his mixes generally evoke excitement and a bit of overwhelmed nervousness all at once, and this one’s no exception. Although he includes contributions from Future, Morri$, and Total Freedom, Kingdom’s aggressive edits are the highlight.

Current Project: Check out Kingdom’s Facebook page for info on upcoming gigs, like his Fade To Mind show at Los Globos in LA this Friday.

Floyd Campbell: “Visions 2”

Who: The LA-based artist nicely rounds out the roster belonging to Body High, a record label founded by fellow producers Samo Sound Boy and Jerome LOL (who was profiled on this site last year). Fusing dance genres seamlessly with his own dark and melodic style, Campbell has become one of 2013’s early forerunners.

The Song: The highly anticipated “Visions 2” (its first chapter was released about a year ago) features only tracks produced by Campbell—an impressive feat, considering the distinct quality of each song and the cohesiveness of the project as a whole. The trippy mix takes its listener on an inventive journey through the talent’s ability and wide-ranging influence that’s sure to keep attention from start to finish.

Current Project: Keep in tune with Campbell and the rest of Body High via their Facebook page.

Obey City: “1XTRA MIX”

Who: This young producer based in Brooklyn is also at the helm of his own label, Astro Nautico, which features releases by people like Paul Jones and RAJA. Obey City’s sound is funky with an edge, hip-hop subtleties often overlapping with heavy house-infused beats.

The Song: Christmas comes early (or late, depending on how you look at it) in the form of this high-energy mix, which comes jam-packed with a host of amazing tracks, including some Astro Nautico exclusives. Highlights include Driicky Graham’s undeniably addictive “Snapbacks and Tattoos,” Arca’s “2 Blunted” (previously featured in this column) and Lil Texas’ “I Need You.”

Current Project: Obey City’s worked on a number of mixes and tracks as of late, all of which can be listened to on his Facebook page.

Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.