David May - Superstar

ATB - Could You Believe

OMFG this song is amazing and the video is delicious

Adele - Rolling In The Deep (Jamie xx Shuffle)

Tiësto ft. Busta Rhymes and Diplo - C'Mon (Catch 'em by Surpirse) Britney Spears Mashup

Let me make it clear that I am not a Britney Spears fan, but this remix and it's heat cannot be denied.

Pitbull - Hey Baby (Drop It To The Floor) ft. T-Pain

Diplo feat. Dead Prez - Dip Hop

This remix is sick.

MSTRKRFT - Heartbreaker

Gorchitza - Final Cut

I have no idea who this chick is but this track is fucking hot. Apparently it's Ukrainian. Thoughts? Feedback? Information?

Gorchitza - Final Cut

The Moody Side of Electronica

When listening to trance, sometimes, melodic arpeggios don't cut it.  Sometimes, a straight 4:4 signature doesn't feel right.  Sometimes, you don't want a piano, strings, and a major scale riff.  Yes, sometimes you need the darker tracks.

There's some quality of dark songs that always seduces me.  They are intriguing, mystifying, and captivating.   They linger in your head and shape your mood.  I wouldn't think of them as depressing; though they have the ability to dampen the atmosphere.

I'd like to share with you some of my recent obsessions.

First, there's the (self-labeled) Trace Energy 2010 Anthem, "Renegade," by Sander van Doorn.  I do not dispute its anthem status, and I in fact like the direction this track takes trance.  Its an in-your-face single, like many trance anthems.  But, its brooding, moody, and dark, unlike many trance anthems.  Perhaps dark trance will go mainstream?

Second, check out Crystal Castles.  This Ontario-based duet of singer and producer has the capability of taking experimental electronica to the radio.  Their haunting compositions mix with a 80s-pop feeling to make perfect cross-over tracks, if record producers would be willing to listen.  "Crimewave" is off of Crystal Castles's freshman CD, and I would suggest picking up both their self-titled albums.

Third, "You Are Not Alone" by Mason is a wickedly chilling track.  With soft vocals, fast tempo, and rumbling, sustaining bass, "You Are Not Alone" is a lounge-worthy song that is not a bit cheesy.

Last, here's a resurrection of an old Faithless track--the Armin van Buuren remix of "Not Going Home."  It might be at risk for being overplayed at this point, though this track is still gripping and entrancing.

Enjoy!

--tonotopik

Tiësto vs Diplo - C'Mon

Check out the vid/concert footage for a Tiësto vs Diplo track called "C'Mon." The track is banging and the video looks like a ridiculously fun party. Be Warned: this video is not recommend for people who are sensitive to strobe lighting or good music. enjoy.

Tiësto vs Diplo - C'Mon

Simian Mobile Disco - Hustler

Simian Mobile Disco is a production and remix team out of England. I know the name may be off-putting but check out this modern take on a classic childhood game. I don't think my game of telephone ever ended up like this.

If you like what you hear, be sure to check out The Klaxons and the Arctic Monkeys

Sidechain Compression Is What Makes the World Go 'Round

For my first post on this blog, I'd like to discuss my obsession with sidechain compression. Its the sound that puts the bounce in my step while walking around the City bearing headphones. Its the musical technique DJs employ to move the floor like a choreographed ocean wave. Its the uncredited cousin of house music's "umm cha umm cha umm cha."

"What exactly is tonotopik talking about", you ask?

Technically, sidechain compression is a production technique. It uses a compressor (device that reduces the volume of an input when it reaches above a set threshold amount) to dynamically effect the output based on the sidechain input. The sidechain input is most usually a bass drum signal. So, whenever the bass drum hits, the compressor reduces the volume of the track being compressed, and as the bass drum releases, the compressor raises the attack level of the track. Usually, the compressor is set to a long attack and short release, never letting the level get to the decay point. The result is the fading in and quick release of the track being compressed.

Non-technically, listen to the following clip (The Bloody Beetroots - Dimmakmmunication) and you'll get it. Pay attention to the organ-like synth at the beginning, and then listen to how it changes when the bass drum enters around 0:44. For a more drastic example, pay attention after "Hey DJ" around 1:35.

By the way, it is my dream to DJ a club and drop this track, watching the crowd go nuts after "Hey DJ."

Another one of my favorites is Autoerotique's remix of Lykke Li- Little Bit. Many different tracks of the song are sidechained, including the bass and a little bit (pun intended) of the vocals. Autoerotique also puts most of the instruments on the syncopated off beats, making it impossible for an engrossed listener to sit still.

Another great track is Purple Haze - Bliksem (Purple Haze is the alterego of Sander van Doorn, master of dark and heavy house music).

And, last, no post on sidechain compression could be complete without the modern classic Deadmau5 - Ghosts N Stuff.