Influenced by a wide range of musical styles including soul, trap, dubstep and hip-hop, Bay Area-based bass DJ/producer/We Got This Music label owner Spekt1 just dropped his Instinct EP, a six-track effort featuring collaborations with 23 Odd Cats, Wink and Prime Perf.
As we slowly come out of lockdown, he continues to flex his creative muscle by shooting, directing and editing the video for the party-perfect bonus track “Go Back Its Just Begun Remix.”
We’re thrilled to world premiere the music video for the clip featuring B’boy Jnobi who lays down sweet dance moves isolated in a park and field. Hit the play button below and don’t forget to top rock.
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With a history as a metal and rock drummer, Utrecht-based DJ/producer Pythius brings a distinct point of view to his chosen medium of drum ‘n’ bass.
After presenting the Descend full-length album in 2018 on Blackout Music, he amps up his bristling sound on the Upheaval EP released in April.
The intense four-track release features a collection of kick-ass tracks, including a pair of ripping collabs: one with Black Sun Empire called “Kepler” and the other with French d’n’b master Redpill titled “Watch Me” (kudos to the guys for cleverly opening the track with a vocal sample from one of Oldham County, KY upstarts Knocked Loose’s fiery live sets).
As Pythius looks ahead to the future, we checked in with the Dutch master to find out his five tracks of the moment. Continue Reading →
Guitarist/vocalist Christopher Amottis speaking to me over WhatsApp. It’s March 2 and the New York City-based Swede is on the line from his homeland. He’s returned to Sweden to record guitar parts for Gothenburg melodic death metal band Dark Tranquility’s much-anticipated upcoming album. Later in the month, the band will announce that Christopher, who has toured with the group since 2017, has joined as a full-time member.
As for myself, I’m preparing to enter lockdown in New York. Amid grim predictions about the havoc coronavirus will wreak on the U.S. and the world, we’re both doing our best to manage our anxiety.
The new decade wasn’t supposed to be like this, but here we are. At least the horrific year began in a promising way for Amott.
Known for his guitar mastery and former membership in Arch Enemy (he left in 2012 to pursue a solo career) — among his many contributions to the band, Christopher envisioned the band’s 2003 anthem “We Will Rise” — he took a musical leap of faith by releasing Electric Twilight, a captivating synthwave album at the end of January.
Instead of composing an album flaunting his shredding skills, Christopher went in a new direction and crafted a ten-track collection of synth-driven, retro-flavored soundscapes embedded with pop melodies.
On Electric Twilight, he plays all of the instruments and sings lead vocals (he proves once again that he has a really good voice!). Three songs (“Agenda,” “Symphony Of Home” and “Stellar Paths”) were co-written with his older brother Michael, who he used to play with in Arch Enemy.
As the conversation begins, I tell Christopher how much I enjoyed Electric Twilight. He sounds flattered and surprised.
“I’m a metal guitar player, really,” he laughs.“But I don’t think anyone dislikes synthwave. It’s such a chill genre. I don’t think anybody dislikes the style of music.”
I think he’s right. Synthwave is the soundtrack of so many beloved movies. It’s often in the music bed of commercials and video games. The genre is ubiquitous yet unassuming.
“It’s also the time we’re living in,” Christopher continues. “I see people wanting to escape reality more than ever through their phones. At least my Instagram feed is very [full of] retro stuff, like from the ‘80s. I think people want to drift away and synthwave does that. Maybe it’s the opposite of punk rock that tried to change the world and be mad. Synthwave is about escaping reality for a while.”
Read on to learn about Christopher Amott’s five-year odyssey to realize Electric Twilight and how the album has empowered him to investigate new musical possibilities. Continue Reading →
Adjectives like “rising” and “up-and-coming” have been used to describe London-based drum ‘n’ bass duo GLXY on countless occasions over the past few years. During this time their fresh, liquidy sound has evolved over the arc of various productions, where they’ve consistently presented engaging musical concepts. In the process, their profile has risen and they’ve amassed a legion of faithful believers.
With the April release of their flawless debut album, Research & Development (Shogun Audio), Tom and Jonathan from GLXY have officially arrived.
Their 12-track full-length is a brilliant musical statement, one of the best long-players of the first half of 2020 for sure. Research & Development features five sleek vocal tracks (our fave is “Conclusions” feat. Steo) as well as expansive, atmospheric rollers like “Changed Forever” and a funky, red-hot head-nodder called “The LP Track.”
From lockdown in London, the guys wax poetic about their five favorite tracks of the moment.
Calibre – Years
Been waiting for this tune for literally years! Calibre’s Shelflife releases are always a special time for his fans so we’re glad that number six is finally here!
Submorphics, Pola & Bryson – Albion
Put simply, one of our favorite releases of the year so far. Three friends joining forces to make some quality music!
Halogenix – Reminisce
Laurence can do no wrong. His latest Dragonforce EP absolutely bangs, and this is our fave cut from it.
Break – Got a Feelin’
It’s Break – not sure much else needs to be said. What a guy!
Sustance – Squirt
Oscar has been relatively in the shadows, mastering his sound. His productions are so cutting edge it hurts. Glad to see his latest release get the widespread attention it deserves. He’s dangerous!
No paywalls, free to all. Help us remain 100% independent and unbiased. Please give to Big Shot by making a secure one-time donation to help us continue covering DJ culture and electronic music like we’ve done since 2003.
