At a magical place called Bunny Kingdom, an all vinyl disco set went down. Coming in at just under two hours Zukas starts off low and slow and then moves into disco classics and true dancefloor heaters. Really nice track progression and really well put together.
The Stripped & Chewed crew are starting an independent record label. Scratch that, they are starting an independent house label, and it’s coming to you straight from the city that helped put the sound on the map: Chicago. The brains, talent, and awesome guys behind the label are dedicated to finding artists and a sound that not only harkens back to those original days, but also incorporates a modern and forward-thinking aesthetic that will set their releases apart. The first release “Vol 1: Livin’ for the City” features a collaborative track by Adulture & Ghosts of Venice under the moniker SCR, and subsequent tracks from JNL, Black Madonna, Ridney, Maxime F, Broke One & Alec Carlsson. The talent on the first comp comes from the UK, France, Italy, & the States, but the tracks, with subtle style variations, all bring that same feel: HOUSE.
In order for these guys to really get themselves going, they set up a Kickstarter page & have nearly met their mark. So, give their first release a preview, head to their Kickstarter & help them make that last push. Even $5 makes a big dent at this point… Plus, you get a prize!
I’m a big fan of The Weeknd aka a very talented guy named Abel Tesfaye from Canada. Drake praises him, Pitchfork loves the crap out of him, Florence + The Machine collaborated with him, & Lady Gaga wants a remix. So he’s got a lot going on, & if you haven’t heard his stuff; jump on the train. His second release titled ‘Thursday’ is free to download, just like his mixtape ‘House of Balloons’. So… get that XO.
Rihanna is one of my favorite artists. Notice how I didn’t say Pop artist? That’s cuz she holds like the #3 position in my mental list of faves. She continues to surprise me (and pair herself with great producers & artists). My obsession started off with ‘Disturbia’, blossomed with ‘Rude Boy’, & is culminating in ‘We Found Love’. Big ups to her. She’s been through so much, and continues to push the envelope. I’m glad she’s made it. Also, this video is Trainspotting meets Requiem for a Dream meets American Apparel meets sex. You know you’ll dig it.
Jacques Renault did MODCAST #99 for Modular People (who rep the likes of Azari & III, Bag Raiders, Cut Copy, Chromeo, Klaxons, etc.) earlier this month. Great selection of disco, edits, & house. Highly recommend trying it out if you miss listening to mixes that inspire. Straight groovin’.
Jacques Renault – MODCAST #99 >>
Johnny Harris – Odyssey Pt 2
Mike Simonetti & Jonny Jewel – Hollywood Seven
Popular People’s Front – On & On & On
Weekend Express – Going To Chicago Rio – Rebound Groove
Wild Geese – Runner
Moodymann – Problemes d’amour (edit)
Bigger Than Life! – World of Make Believe
Dionne – Come Get My Lovin
Colourblind – Nothing Better
Dana – Come Back Home (Cajmere Remix) TC Crew – I Can’t Do It Alone
Jacques Greene of Lucky Me & CA has recently (about a month ago) dropped a freebie on his SoundCloud. The track is titled ‘Motivation’, & it definitely hits home. I’ve been getting into Rnb & Hip-Hop/Hip-Hop influenced artists/tracks as of late, & Greene leaves nothing to be desired. I feel it in my soul. Thanks for the free track!
We’re back y’all. We’ve lost a duck to Philly, but I don’t think Downtown is Dead will ever die. So, come down tonight, bundle up a little, grab a drink, and fucking boogie.