Example vs. Laidback Luke - Natural Disaster

Here is a radio rip (from a Spanish station) of the collaborative track from Example & Laidback Luke, which will feature on Example's new album, Playing In The Shadows. Not sure how it ended up getting its World exclusive in Spain, but it has. I've kind of lost touch with Laidback Luke's stuff over the past few years, but this is massive - the euphoric production works brilliantly with Example's ever unique vocals. This will no doubt be smashing up Ibiza with CTWYKM this Summer. Pre-Order the album HERE.

P.S. I know Ministry have tried to keep this under wraps, but lots of people seem to have it and new YouTube videos of this radio rip are being uploaded every single day. This is an example of when the internet isn't cool.

Road To Global

Just completed my review of Wakestock Festival, which I went to last weekend. Here is a promo video for Global Gathering, which is my next stop. See you there gang.

Gramatik - Break Loose x Happiness On A Leash

So, after leaving Cold Busted and joining up with Pretty Lights, Gramatik is back with a new release entitled Beatz & Pieces Vol. 1. As Gramatik explains, "The Beatz & Pieces series comes as a successor to the popular Street Bangerz series which was my first work as a producer. I never really considered these volumes to be albums.  I always looked at them as hip-hop beats on steroids. They are still raw, sample based beats, but with evolved arrangements and wrapped in a fine layer of live instrumentation.  And the reason I started adding live instruments is because I felt that classic hip-hop beats without vocals lose me after two minutes.  I want to keep the listener through the whole track!". This guy is one of my favourite producers in the world, and I believe his sampling style is the most unique and refreshing around right now. He never fails me, and even though I was sad to see him leave CB, this is up to the high standard that I have come to expect from him over the past 3/4 years. Slovenian Hip-Hop beats are cool.

Example - Stay Awake x Playing In The Shadows (Tracklist)

Here is the monstrous Nero produced second single from Example's upcoming album, which was given its World Premier on Annie Mac's show earlier this evening - I was lucky enough to hear an early version of this towards the back end of last year, and haven't got the hook out of my head since. The single will be available on 28th August, and will feature on his third studio album, which is set to be released on 5th September. Whilst on the show he unveiled the tracklist for Playing In The Shadows (see below) and explained that it is now available to pre-order on the HMV website HERE. Oh yeah, you can gets tickets for his Nov/Dec tour HERE too. Even more exciting times ahead.

1. Skies Don't Lie
2. Stay Awake
3. Changed The Way You Kiss Me
4. The Way
5. Natural Disaster-Laidback Luke Vs Example (Extended Album Version)
6. Never Had A Day
7. Microphone
8. Playing In The Shadows
9. Midnight Run
10. Under The Influence
11. Wrong In The Head
12. Anything
13. Lying To Yourself (Bonus Track)

Yuksek - The Edge

My favourite track off French producer Yuksek's sophmore album, Living On The Edge Of Time. The album is the perfect listen for a lovely Summer day like today - funky electronic beats laced with cool vocals. His style reminds me a lot of Chromeo.

Wretch 32 - Don't Go (Feat. Josh Kumra) (DJ Fresh & Sezer Uysal Remixes)

Here are two smashing remixes of Wretch 32's third single from his upcoming debut album, Black & White. First up is a pretty abstract Electronic rework courtesy of DJ Fresh, who is the man that has brought us one of the songs of the Summer in Louder. The second is a brilliant Tech/Progressive remix from Sezer Uysal, who has been a popular figure on the underground scene for quite a few years now. Future Data don't let their artists put out poor remix packages, and this one is no exception, even though the Manhattan Clique remix is pretty poor. Enjoy, and make sure you cop Don't Go, which is out August 14th.

SBTRKT - Trials Of The Past

My favourite track from SBTRKT's self-titled debut album, which is set to be released on June 28th. This guy is well-known for producing some next level shit, and this whole album is no exception. One of the more enjoyable listens of the year - forward thinking electronic production, with lots of soul.

Jamie XX - Far Nearer

Here is Jamie XX's debut single on Numbers - he has stayed true to his roots, being as unique as ever, making the slightly bizarre vocals work perfectly with the steel drum infused beat. You can listen to the track below and then get your copy from Numbers. This young man is what is commonly known as a genius.

Samiyam - Escape x My Buddy

Sam Baker, better known as Samiyam, is an instrumental Hip-Hop producer from Michigan who was first discovered in 2008 by the incredble Flying Lotus. His latest release, Sam Baker's Album, is 40 minutes of pure listening pleasure, a series of woozy, off-centre Hip-Hop instrumentals drawing heavily on Baker’s love of electronic funk. Always unique, and never ordinary, this is a must have if you are a Samiyam fan - his best work to date.

Chiddy Bang - Nobody Has It Down x You Think My Old Shit Hard? (You Ain't Seen Nothin')

Here are my two favourite tracks from Chiddy Bang's new mixtape, Peanut Butter & Swelly. I don't think Chiddy is the best rapper in the world, and I don't think Xaphoon is the best producer in the world, but together they definitely work. Xaphoon's production style compliments Chiddy's flow brilliantly, which allows them to create fun music that is easy to listen to. Download the mixtape HERE.