The OXD Mirror: New Music for 4.5.13

BY OCCUPY THE DISCO / RU BHATT

The OXD Mirror is a weekly music column brought to you by the boys of OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD), a New York City based collective created by three music lovers, Ru Bhatt, Josh Appelbaum, and Tadeu Magalhães, who want to share their love for disco, house and dance music with the world.  

 

Phoenix - Entertainment (Blood Orange Remix feat. MKS)'

The original version of 'Entertainment,' the lead single from Phoenix's upcoming album, Bankrupt!, uses cheery synth riffs and a children's choir to mask the deep sadness buried in the song's lyrics. With this remix, rising star producer Blood Orange (née Devonté Hynes), strips the original of its chipper elements and lets the song's inherent sadness lay bare. Along with Phoenix's lead singer, Thomas Mars, Hynes has added vocals by MKS (that's Mutya, Keisha, & Siobhan, the original Sugababes), who have been working with Hynes on their upcoming, very highly anticipated album. The soft harmonies of MKS add a vamp element to the song's chorus, and the lazy, downbeat-ridden production--complete with a haunting guitar solo--emphasize Mars' yearning for solitude.

 

Slow Knights - 'Legendary Children'

Scissor Sisters bandmember Derek "Del Marquis" Gruen posted a mixtape earlier this year, as a teaser for his LP, Cosmos, which released under the Slow Knights moniker earlier this week. The album itself is brilliant. Gruen teams up with several different artists like Xavier and Rod Thomas (of Bright Light, Bright Light) to create an 80's, funk, pop, house and R&B groove that is unlike anything else I've recently heard. It was hard to choose a favorite track to highlight on today's column but 'Legendary Children' does stand out track as it's the only song where Gruen himself provides the vocals. Of course, the title and lyrics appeal to the gay aesthetic (along with the quiet "work" refrains), but it's the song's beautiful production that truly draws one in.

 

Justin Timberlake - 'Let The Groove Get In (Krystal Klear Remix)'

'Let The Groove Get In' is my favorite track on Justin Timberlake's latest album, the 20/20 experience. The song's rousing brass section and addictive, repetitive chorus make it the album's only true dance moment. UK's Krystal Klear, hot off the heels of his critically acclaimed Sky Ferreria remix, takes a different route with this complementary remix. The producer and DJ strips the song of its aggressive elements creating a smooth, chilled out track that highlights Timberlake's R&B-styled crooning.

 

Du Tonc - 'Darkness'

Du Tonc is the mastermind of UK's Mighty Mouse and Australia's Matt Van Schie (of Van She). 'Darkness' is their first release. Although the beautiful, tropical influenced modern disco track saw it's official release months ago, it has finally been given a music video treatment that the track so desperately called for. The video tells the story of a young girl struggling to find acceptance from her family due to her sexuality. OXD recently sat down with Mighty Mouse and he lauded us for helping gays discover modern house and disco music. Although he's straight, it's clear from our conversations and the video above that we have yet another ally to add to our ranks. 

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The OXD Mirror: New Music for 3.29.13

BY OCCUPY THE DISCO / JOSH APPELBAUM

The OXD Mirror is a weekly music column brought to you by the boys of OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD), a New York City based movement created by three music lovers, Ru Bhatt, Josh Appelbaum, and Tadeu Magalhães, who want to share their love for disco, house and dance music with the gay world.

We are now on Spotify!  Subscribe to our 'As Featured on Towleroad' Playlist to listen to tracks posted from past weeks.

 

Tuxedo: 'So Good'

The mysterious music act Tuxedo is comprised of unnamed members, but is rumored to be the braindchild of Mayer Hawthorne and producer Jake One.  They seemingly came out of nowhere a couple of weeks ago and started to tease their debut EP Tuxedo Funk cryptically on Twitter and Facebook. This three-song effort showcases their unique brand of smooth, synth-heavy funk.  The slick, yet sometimes silly, vocals are backed by masterful production, creating the perfect brand of sexy funk music to get down to.  Although we may not know who the members of Tuxedo actually are, I am greatly looking forward to hearing more from this talented music act.

 

Jamiroquai: 'Too Young To Die (Late Nite Tuff Guy Capricorn High Remix)'

Jamiroquai, a band that has been making music since 1992, were one of the pioneers in the acid jazz scene in London in the mid 90s.  To this day, their effect on funk and acid jazz music can be heard across multiple genres, even with popular artists like Robin Thicke and Justin Timberlake.  'Too Young To Die' is Jamiroquai's second single off of their debut album Emergency on Planet Earth.  Lead singer Jay Kay's vocals are the highlight of this song (as they are with most of Jamiroquai's work) while Late Nite Tuff Guy (aka Cam Bianchetti) takes the original upbeat song and substitues a more soulful and jazzy backing.  Although the remix comes 20 years after the original song's release, LNTG's remix adds a sexier element to the song that the band's repertoire has sometimes lacked.

 

Hanni El Khatib: 'Penny (Classixx Remix)'

San Francisco native Hanni El Khatib describes his music as being 'for anyone who has ever been shot or hit by a train'.  While I don't fall under either category, I am a fan regardless.  His latest single 'Penny,' from his upcoming sophomore album, Head In The Dirt, is a bluesy modern rock song inspired by a bassline Khatib would play while warming up at sound check.  L.A. producers and summer music afficionados Classixx totally overhauled the song, giving it their signature "sunny weather" feeling, complete with crescendoing synths and instrumentals.  The final product is nearly a dub version of the original with the distinct beats Classixx are known best for.

MORE NEW MUSIC AFTER THE JUMP...

The OXD Mirror: New Music For 3.22.13

BY OCCUPY THE DISCO / TADEU MAGALHÃES

The OXD Mirror is a weekly music column brought to you by the boys of OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD), a New York City based movement created by three music lovers, Ru Bhatt, Josh Appelbaum, and Tadeu Magalhães, who want to share their love for disco, house and dance music with the world.

We are now on Spotify!  Subscribe to our 'As Featured on Towleroad' Playlist to listen to tracks posted from past weeks.

 

Mickey feat. Jeremy Glenn: 'Heartstrings (Extended)'

Mickey and Jeremy Glenn are no strangers to our columns, nor are their collaborations. Last summer, we showcased Glenn's remix to Mickey's single 'Love For Sale,' a song that also featured another one of our favorites, Monarchy. The two producers are now back together with the release of 'Heartstrings,' a lovely piano-driven uplifting house track that begs to be played by the pool on a sunny day. Glenn's soulful vocals are becoming a familiar sound in the house music scene, with features for other artists like Mario Basanov and MANIK.

 

Nick Monaco: 'Party Therapy'

Young producer Nick Monaco, hailing from San Francisco, is a child of the 90's with a passion for hip hop and house and an ear for great music. His productions recently caught up the attention of the Soul Clap and Wolf + Lamb collective, who have helped translate his creations into the dance world through their labels. Monaco's first official release, the EP Naked Is My Nature, is a statement of his originality and innocence. In his own words: "I started singing, collecting sounds, beatboxing, walking, grunting, whatever I could to get a piece of me and my environment inside this music." This particular track, 'Party Therapy,' is a captivating song with minimal yet strong elements from jazz and hip hop that are beautifully combined in this debut work.

 

The Juan Maclean: 'You Are My Destiny'

DFA Records’ John MacLean, also known as Juan MacLean, has been producing, singing and DJing for the label since 2002. His impressive repertoire of remixes includes songs by artists like The Presets, Chromeo, Chicken Lips, and many others. After nearly 3 years with no new original material, the New York-based producer has shared the soon to be released 'You Are My Destiny.' The track's mix of strong grooves and spacial synths are really delightful and I foresee this becoming a huge hit throughout the year.

MORE NEW MUSIC AFTER THE JUMP...

The OXD Mirror: New Music for 3.15.13

BY OCCUPY THE DISCO / RU BHATT

The OXD Mirror is a weekly music column brought to you by the boys of OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD), a New York City based collective created by three music lovers, Ru Bhatt, Josh Appelbaum, and Tadeu Magalhães, who want to share their love for disco, house and dance music with the world.  

 

Nickodemus: 'Los Tarantos'

When I first heard this track, while listening to Tensnake's phenomenal Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1, my jaw hit the floor. I instantly recognized samples from two huge Bollywood hits, 'Har Kisiko Nahin Milta (Not Everyone Will Find Love)' & 'Pyar Do, Pyar Lo (Give Love, Take Love).'  While Bollywood frequently "borrows" samples from Western songs, it's rare that the opposite happens, especially on a track that would pass Tensake's muster. Inspired by lovers on a journey from Rajasthan to Barcelona, NYC's Nickodemus (née Nick DeSimone) adds some flamenco-driven flair to the Bollywood-influenced track by including a Spanish guitar & horn section.  The result is a languid melodic tune that connects the lovers via music despite being separated by circumstances beyond their control.

 

Rufus: 'Take Me (Cassian Remix)'

'Take Me' is the lead single off of the Australian trio known as RüFüS’ debut album, Atlas. While the production on the original song is light and warm (see the video), fellow Aussie producer Cassian draws from the song's melancholic verses to create a darker production that still maintains the pop elements of the original. The deep rolling bass and catchy vocals are dance-inducing, creating a perfect "end of summer" tune for those down under. Luckily for us, it serves nicely as a "warm up to spring" tune as well.

 

HAIM - 'Falling (Duke Dumont Remix)'

If you've read our column before, you know I'm a huge Duke Dumont fan. Hot off of the heels of the success of 'Need U (100%)' (and its amazing remixes), Dumont tries his hand at California-based HAIM's catchy 80s inspired single, 'Falling.' With this remix Dumont steps away from the bass heavy production he's known for and creates a more mellow, groovy, and yet, danceable tune that shows he's certainly not a one-note. Many music blogs have already pegged the trio of sisters known as HAIM to become a massive act in 2013, and pairing up with the likes of Dumont will hopefully launch both musical acts into the stratosphere.

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The OXD Mirror: New Music for 3.8.13

BY OCCUPY THE DISCO / JOSH APPELBAUM

The OXD Mirror is a weekly music column brought to you by the boys of OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD), a New York City based movement created by three music lovers, Ru Bhatt, Josh Appelbaum, and Tadeu Magalhães, who want to share their love for disco, house and dance music with the world.

We are now on Spotify!  Subscribe to our 'As Featured on Towleroad' Playlist to listen to tracks posted from past weeks.

 

French Horn Rebellion: 'Girls (Rogue Vogue Remix)'

French Horn Rebellion are 2 Brooklyn-based brothers that describe themselves as "band geeks gone wild." While normally I would scoff at a song from two guys paying tribute to the female species, the song also features vocals from ex-Le Tigre member and out lesbian J.D. Samson, thereby mitigating the chauvinistic nature of the track. Chicago disco DJ Rogue Vogue adds in his signature disco style and chops up the vocals, making this once cheeky pop song a fun, dancefloor-appropriate work. The track is available for free download through the link above.

 

Gold Fields: 'Dark Again (Penguin Prison Remix)'

Although recently my taste has leaned towards deeper and 90's-inspired house, this appropriately dark remix of Australian band Gold Fields' single 'Dark Again' really struck a chord with me. Penguin Prison added deep synths, rolling bass and a much more sinister vibe to this song, giving it a very 80's new wave feel. Gold Fields have a sound that is reminiscent of pop/rock/dance comrades Phoenix and Van She. Their debut album is available on iTunes here, and it's definitely worth a listen if you like the former two bands.

 

Kraak and Smaak: 'The Future is Yours'

Netherlands-based trio Kraak & Smaak have been producing their own original songs and remixes for artists like Sam Sparro, Moby and Jamiroquai since 2003. Their latest single features vocals from a personal favorite of mine, UK crooner Ben Westbeech. His smooth and sexy vocals go quite nicely with the slick "uptempo lounge" sound Kraak & Smaak have crafted.  If this single is any indication of the sound of their new album, we are in for quite a deep house treat. I'm also a big fan of Tom Trago's deep house remix of this song, which can be found here. For extra credit, check out the video for Ben Westbeech's slick 2011 single 'Something For The Weekend'.

MORE NEW MUSIC, AFTER THE JUMP...

The OXD Mirror: New Music For 3.1.13

BY OCCUPY THE DISCO / TADEU MAGALHÃES

The OXD Mirror is a weekly music column brought to you by the boys of OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD), a New York City based movement created by three music lovers, Ru Bhatt, Josh Appelbaum, and Tadeu Magalhães, who want to share their love for disco, house and dance music with the world.

 

Mitzi: 'Down'

While we featured the teaser single from Mitzi's debut album, Truly Alive, last October, the album finally dropped on Future Classic Records this month. The Australian quartet has mastered a beautiful, light-hearted electropop LP that will surely resonate well with fans of Cut Copy and Van She. My favorite pick on this 10-track album is 'Down,' which mirrors the classic disco mood into a track that is very cute and powerful. The album is available for free stream on Future Classic's SoundCloud page as well as on Spotify and in the iTunes Store.

 

Benoit & Sergio: '$100 Bill'

DC-based slick house duo Benoit & Sergio are on track to become one of next big names in dance music with their latest 2-track EP, Bridge So Far. The EP is released by one of my personal favorite labels, Hot Creations. Although the title track already stands out at first listen, it is the b-side, '$100 Bill' that really shines. The song is a mix of funk, deep house and pop with an extremely catchy beat, making it nearly impossible to stand still while listening. Our friend and fan of OXD, Mighty Mouse, gave this track a spin last Saturday at Brooklyn's Cameo Gallery, much to the delight our "gay occupied" dancefloor!

 

The Right Now: 'Call Girl (JKriv's Alter Ego Mix)'

JKriv is a producer, DJ and instrumentalist from Brooklyn who also founded the label Deep&Disco, which focuses on creating original soul, funk, disco and house music. His re-work of 'Call Girl,' by Chi-town based R&B and soul band The Right Now, showcases the more pop-oriented side of house music. It reminds me of the days of Naked Music, the acclaimed SF/NYC deep house label that made a stamp on the scene in the early 2000's with its soulful releases. The song is available as a free download on JKriv's SoundCloud page.

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