So this is what a mosaic sounds like… With a heralded stylistic hybrid of a debut album in his back pocket, Ghanaian-Canadian singer-songwriter Kae Sun is set to shine with his sophomore effort, Afriyie. Like its predecessor, Kae's latest sonic collage combines elements of folk, soul, and reggae with his insightful and inspired poetry; however, if 2009's Lion On A Leash was his road map, Afriyie is his destination.
“I've settled into a sound and vocal delivery that feels very true to me,” says Kae of his latest release. The sound that many called “genre-bending” on Lion On A Leash was actually its artist searching for his true voice - and he came quite close to unearthing it. Afriyie took him the rest of the way there. “There's a real cohesive sound,” says Kae of the recording, “that is really representative of what I'm all about.”
In 2010, Pigeon Hole released their critically acclaimed debut LP, Age Like Astronauts. Using the MPC 2000, they pieced together a mix of samples, analogue synths, live instruments, and sharp lyricism - their debut outing spoke to listeners from the opening note to its final fade out. The audio translated to the stage, sending Pigeon Hole on a ruthless touring schedule, annihilating audiences across North America. Along with Sweatshop Union their energetic live show invaded the festival circuit, notably Shambhala, Rifflandia, as well as the world-renowned SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas.
Chimpblood, the groups second offering, delivers a sound so powerful it’s impossible to ignore. Trading in their original blueprint for a heavier bass-driven electronic sound, Pigeon Hole attack with all new artillery. Chimpblood thrashes over a foundation of grimey synths, sampled and chopped over machine gun drum programming, 808s, and massive bass. An epic hybrid of music that will make you feel like you can levitate.
A.M. Architect will released their third studio record, Pattern Language, via Toronto's Urbnet Records. Lush, melodic guitar layers and electric piano are broken apart, rebuilt and spread over a rhythm section that fuses hip-hop and beat music. Daniel describes their process: “We’d record ideas really quickly--some piano, bass, guitar--and then immediately flip it into something new. Then we'd record more ideas on top of it and flip it again, often ending up with five or six different compositions from the same source material. Some of those ideas spin off to become new songs, so the process starts over.”
The album name is an extension of the concepts in Christopher Alexander's 1977 urban design book, "A Pattern Language." The book's hypertext xxxxxx encourages us to collaborate, and examines how our environments and ideas form networks and patterns. Watch for remix material available to the public soon.
Finally, ILL TONE's long awaited, debut album, “Bringin' the Hope Back”, is set to drop on February 26th, 2013! The album will be released on URBNET Records and features some of Canada's best vocalists, including Jasmin Parkin of 'Mother Mother', and Kyprios. Also featured on the album is Skryptcha, a talented Australian MC from Australia's 'Obese Records'. The songs, which are mainly focused around Tone's struggles with drug addiction, showcase the MC's lyrical depth and song writing abilities over hard hitting beats with great live instrumentation. His DJ, DJ Optimus Prime, laces a handful of tracks with skillful scratches that allow this release to bridge the gap between old and new school, while the live instruments give a rock-like feel to some songs.
6.3.2013Ryan Stinson - Move On (Official Video / Short Film)
The new deluxe edition of FUTURA includes the original collaborations with Ghettosocks and members of Vancouver's Henry Hudson Elementary School Choir, but also features remixes and verses from D-Sisive, Open Mike Eagle, mikedecline and F. Virtue, Kay the Aquanaut, Virtual Flannel and 2012 Red Bull Thre3style Canada finalist Charly Hustle.
With a catalogue that is unmatched by many, Moka Only is often considered to be a pioneer and driving force behind Canadian West Coast hip hop, as well as an important component in popularizing the art of freestyling in Victoria and Vancouver. In the 13+ years since his debut, Moka Only has released more than 50 albums, both solo and collaborative. He records under a variety of aliases, with the most popular being Ron Contour, Flow Torch and The Durable Mammal. He has been a contributing member of numerous groups and collectives, including Perfect Strangers, Code Name: Scorpion, Cryptic Souls Crew, The Dominant Mammals, City Planners, Nowfolk and Swollen Members, along with many others. Amongst all of that, Moka has worked with underground hip hop heroes like J Dilla, Aceyalone, OH NO, MF Doom, Buck 65, K-Os, Sixtoo and more.
12.1.2013Knoblich - The Complete '08 Comeback Special Aside from the music, one thing I’ve come to love about D-Sisive is his outspoken nature and the level of honesty he offers his fan. When he’s happy, you’ll know it. When he’s considering hanging up the mic, you’ll know it and you’ll know why. A press release from D-Sisive is more than likely going to be just a letter from D-Sisive explaining where he’s at. Case in point, click the jump to check the press release that accompanied his latest release, Knoblich: The Complete ’08 Comeback Special.
Knoblich: The Complete ’08 Comeback Special was mixed by DJ Grouch and features production from a talented array of beatsmiths including Orin Isaacs, The Arkeologists, Muneshine, MoSS, Anonymous Twist, Bird, Gamshooter and Justin Trugman. You’ll also find some self-produced records on the project as well. The guest appearances include Muneshine, Guilty Simpson, and Toronto vet, Frankenstein.
You can download the project for free but it comes with an option to “pay what you can” as well. If you’ve been enjoying D’s free music over the years you should consider supporting with a purchase! More details, including that press release I mentioned earlier, after the jump.
10.11.2012Kae Sun - Ship And The Globe (Video & Single)
Toronto based singer songwriter Kae Sun is set to release a new video for his latest single “Ship and The Globe,” which will be available October 16, 2012 via URBNET.
Kae’s latest work explores themes of spiritual growth, fearless exploration, and vulnerability. As the artist explains, “the way I came to music was as a part of a bigger search. Exploration and fearless expression was a part of a spiritual journey for me and continues to be. It was never initially about a career or a certain style or anything like that. It was about easing anxiety and being closer to God. In that sense I'm always creating to satisfy that part of me. The songs on this record are deeply personal for that very reason.”
This new effort by the singer-songwriter builds on the success of his previous releases. For his 2011 EP Outside the Barcode, Kae Sun was inspired by the return to his native homeland Ghana. After nine years of living in Canada, he found a renewed drive for creating the raw and non-commoditized artistic experiences that shaped his passion for music. 2009’s Lion on a Leash, the well-received LP that landed on the iTunes 2009 Rewind List and earned esteemed reviews from Exclaim, The Montreal Gazette, OkayPlayer.com, as well as gaining recognition on many critic’s lists for top indie release of the year.
The success of Kae’s work has led him to play venues and festivals across Canada, UK, Dubai and Ghana. Kae Sun is also in the works of putting out his next full-length album AFRIYIE produced by Kae Sun and Science!, set for release in early 2013.
With three critically acclaimed albums, North American & European touring under his belt, and a feature on the latest album of UK Hip Hop band The Herbaliser, MC, Producer & DJ More Or Les is a Hip Hop triple threat. After taking time off his own projects to team up with The Wordburglar on the super-sensational single and video Rhyme O’Clock, More Or Les has put the finishing touches on Mastication, his latest release of mouth-watering proportions. All about food and including several rapped recipes, this release features artists including Timbuktu, the afore- mentioned Wordburglar, Laura Barrett, and early 90’s rapid-fire Rap specialist Chip-Fu (of Fu- Schnickens fame).
17.5.2013DL INCOGNITO - Someday is Less Than a Second Away
Now with his fifth and latest release "Some Day is Less Than a Second Away" being issued this spring on URBNET, some are saying that DL Incognito is one of the best MCs Canada has ever produced. Ever humble, DL dismisses such talk with a shrug, but as he tells it, there is a solid base behind his inspirational artistic output.
17.5.2013Animal Nation | Sly Business - Don't Grow Up To Be Like Us
"Animal Nation should be prescribed by physicians as an oratory cure-all for many of the ailments which plague the human condition, including, but not limited to, depression, heartache, ennui and the blahs. I defy anyone to listen and not feel happy."
-Kent Osborne, Adventure Time, SpongeBob Squarepants writer??
Giving In, a brilliant mixture of introspective lyrics, beautiful harmonies and a powerful chorus delivered with a unique style that separates Cherina and Davina from the rest. The James Pew produced opus is 4 minutes of honesty and raw emotion; a snapshot of what the girls have been going through over the past couple of years. They are currently in the studio recording their debut album, expected for a fall|2013 release.
SATURNS is Toronto cousins Lukas Cheung (The Dharma Sun) and Bryan Sutherland (OPOPO) whose collective creativity emerged spontaneously over a weekend, days before moving out of a cat ridden house. Using two dysfunctional laptops and one broken synthesizer they sculpted beats late into the night and upon playback at sunrise, agreed to pursue the partnership -- both are allergic to cats.
Their melodic debut may disguise them as electro-pop but their lyrics spell a different story. The EP explores themes of dream travel and escapism in a fashion that sculpts a world entirely their own. The opening track DIAMONDE constructs a fantasy palace which lures those who lust after riches to their own demise. "Diamond doorsteps stay the same as the warriors decay, scriptures peeling off the walls, there's no echo in these halls". The Zen-like metaphors may leave some listeners scratching their heads, but the catchy melodies will balance out the experience. The duo performed many Toronto music nights since their summer debut, including the Wavelength Music Series, Two way Monologues, and Silent Shout parties. The hardworking duo have their eyes set on recording their full length over the next year. Tour dates will follow.
6.3.2013Tru-Paz - Black Widow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsgUH_-vLVE From the album "Tru to the Game Without a Pause" released 2012.
Video by Romantic Child Studios.
“Normally I have a really long, detailed, philosophical explanation as to the meaning of my album and what I was trying to do. And I certainly do, but this time, I will try not to overcomplicate things.
Parallel lines refer to two lines that never intersect or touch...which is how i feel about this music shit lately. I'm certainly not the only musician doing the kind of music that I do, but I find a lot of pressure in all sorts of places to follow the same type of formula as other artists, many of which I'm fans of. However, I would rather stay in my own lane...i believe that the destination is ultimately the same. Kind of one of those ideas that is applicable in all fascades of life, ultimately, the purpose is to what makes sense and suits you, rather than altering yourself to fit in with everybody else, at the end of the day, we are all striving and moving in the same direction.
In terms of the music, I wanted to challenge myself more. very little sampling, spent a lot of time trying to work on the actual composition of everything so that my music feel more like songs, than just beats. I suppose it will ultimately be up to you to decide whether it worked, or if you like it or not. I just wanted to step a bit outside of my comfort zone and approach the body of music from a different standpoint, being at a different point in my life. Nevertheless, enjoy. Many thanks for all of the support."
10.11.2012HERE IT IS! The brand new short film from Perfeck Strangers, "Work To Do"!
Directed by Andre Rehal ("Ghetto"), shot by Xenzo and edited by XCON of Will X Movement ("Stay Me", "True To You") , the "Work To Do" music video is the fourth from the musical tag-team of Perfeck Strangers and their debut album on URBNET Records, "Series Premiere".
A parody of the movie "Office Space", "Work To Do" stars MeloTel President John Meloche as a Bill Lumbergh-esque version of himself. The short film's cast also includes the group's DJ Chef Brown, actress Khalilah Brooks and cameos from some of Toronto's most skillful, rising hip-hop stars SepTo, Scott Ramirez, Dice Ailes and Conwell (of L.I.U.).
10.11.2012 D-Sisive - Don't Turn The Lights Out (feat. Neverending White Lights)
Run With The Creeps (TheD-LuxeEdition) features 6 new songs: an extended version of The Stranded, A cover of Dee Dee Ramone's Funky Man, as well as an unexpected/powerful collaboration with Neverending White Lights. Along with the four songs are 4 tape recorder demos recorded in 2008. Brian Wilson recorded minutes after the most important dish washing session of my life. The demos truly represent the beginning, fitting perfectly with Run With The Creeps' closing chapter.
10.11.2012 Miles Jones - The Jones Act (Part III) Toronto emcee Miles Jones just released his latest album, The Jones Act (Part III). Jones’ latest offering runs 12 tracks deep, blending together a mix of hip-hop, pop, and dance music. On The Jones Act (Part III), Jones is joined by Tona (“Raw”), Kae Sun (“Fresh”), D-Sisive and Ghettosocks (“Scorpio”), and Kayo and A-Jaxx (“Sweet Lies”). Stream and purchase The Jones Act (Part III) below.
A strong contender for the most likely-to-be-quoted rapper at the water cooler, Wordburglar’s lyrically potent oeuvre runs the gamut from thoughtfully casual to ridiculously ludicrous. There’s just something about the way he puts words together that keeps people nodding their heads and smiling their mouths. With finely constructed whimsical lyrics, a sharp sense of humor and a dedication to true-school rap, ‘Burg has carved a niche for himself with audiences across Canada and beyond. Showcasing a wide variety of concepts and styles, the new record “3rdburglar” has something for everyone and everything for someone. If you’re a person who enjoys things, don’t sleep on Wordburglar.
Aside from tearing up 10 tracks on 2011's Backburner: Heatwave album, its been 2 years since Wordburglar last dropped a full-length solo album (2009's underground hit Burgie’s Bassement) and it’s with great pleasure that we’re preparing to unleash 3rdburglar, Wordburglar’s third full-length release of all-new material. Featuring 14 tracks of original lyrics, beats & cuts blended meticulously with ‘Burg’s patented style, every track is a stand-out. 3rdburglar also features production from Juno-nominated producer Fresh Kils & long-time collaborators Beatmason, Timbuktu and Uncle Fes, with guest appearances from Canadian rap cohorts More or Les, Chokeules, Garthim-Master and Timbuktu as well as Los Angeles underground rap legend Riddlore (Chillin Villain Empire/Project Blowed). We’re looking forward to sharing.
