Illum Sphere - The Plan Is Dead

When the sky turns black, why do I feel so blue?

2010 has been a hell of a year for Illum Sphere. Ryan Hunn a.k.a Illum Sphere has been rushed of his feet, not only is he the co-creator of Manchester’s (and probably the UK’s) freshest club night Hoya:Hoya but he also claimed a spot in the much sort after Red Bull Music Academy at the beginning of 2010.

In between his hectic schedule he managed to drop his massive Titan EP for Martyn’s 3024 label whilst also releasing two EP’s via Fat City Recordings. The first of this two-part release being the excellent Long Live the Plan and now to conclude proceedings he has released the much anticipated The Plan Is Dead.

The EP opens with the psychedelic Hip-Hop sounds of One For Dimlite with Illum Sphere tipping his cap to the much respected Swiss producer. With its swirling vocal samples set against its relaxed Hip-Hop beat, One For Dimlite is a great opening for the listener to ease themselves into.

Next on the agenda is Diablo Day Out, a futuristic take on Hip-Hop in a similar vein to artists such as Flying Lotus. Based around an awkward yet appropriate melody Diablo Day Out shows why Illum Sphere is a master of the leftfield Hip-Hop sound.

Supercharged begins with its upbeat shuffling percussion, which then collides with a deep and futuristic bounce. This then morphs into a synth ridden beast which reminds of the LuckyMe member Hudson Mohawke at his best.

Illum Sphere then takes us down a dark and dystopian path with An Old Escape (Kill Them Kill). Starting out with a tribal sounding introduction the track is then drenched in dark synths and heavy beats to create a menacing dancefloor cut.

The EP concludes with Aftermath which carries on from where An Old Escape left off. With a deep synth bassline juxtaposed against a Sci-Fi inspired melody, Aftermath clatters against a distorted drum n bass rhythm to finish things off nicely.

Although I have likened his sound to artists such as Flying Lotus and HudMo I use these names only as a reference point as I feel that Illum Sphere is making music way ahead of its time. The plan may be dead but that isn't to say it didn’t work.

The Plan Is Dead is available now physically and digitally via Fat City Recordings.

Listen to EP opener One For Dimlite below:

One For Dimlite by Illum Sphere

Secret Peter - 10 Best Tracks of 2010

Georgy Porgy pudding pie, kissed the girls and made them cry....

As I delivered my top 10 albums of 2010 last week I believe it only fair that I bore you to death with my top 10 tracks of 2010 as well, so here they are.

#1 Quest - Smooth Skin

Deep outer space electonic vibes from Deep Medi Musik
One for the wig out sessions at the end of a long night. Essential listening!


#2 James Blake - CMYK

Absolute dancefloor destroyer from man of the moment James Blake. Sampling Kelis' vocal to great effect, James has made screaming "I found her red coat" more enjoyable than ever.


#3 Foals - Spanish Sahara

I wasn't a huge fan of Foals after they appeared with their "Math Rock" sound back in 2005 but then I heard Spanish Sahara. Beautifully crafted, progressive and haunting if only all comeback singles were this good.


#4 Ramadanman - Glut

I don't think it could have been a more perfect year for David Kennedy a.k.a Ramadanman. This lad is seriously striking whilst the iron's hot, with his huge cross over single Work Them and now releasing material under the Pearson Sound alias, his percussive 808 sound has soundtracked the year for me.


#5 Mim Suleiman - Mingi

Zanzibar born singer/songwriter Mim Suleiman teamed up with legendary house producer Maurice Fulton to come up with this years stand out underground disco stomp. For me personally I prefer the instrumental dub version but the vocal ain't half bad either.


#6 Breach - Fatherless

Breach otherwise known as Ben Westbeech churned out probably the most instantly recognisable anthem of 2010 with Fatherless. With banging tribal drums and the nastiest use of a flute I've ever heard, this one is fatter than Rick Waller in his prime.


#7 Jamie Woon - Night Air

With his good mate Burial helping out on the controls, Jamie Woon has created the most effortlessly cool electro/soul hit of 2010. Next year looks set to be a big year for Jamie as well with the BBC shortlisting him for the Sound of 2011.


#8 Deadboy - If U Want Me

After releasing his 2009 EP U Cheated, Deadboy returned at the start of 2010 with the infectious house/garage track If U Want Me released on Numbers Records.


#9 Illum Sphere - Titan

May 2010 saw the release of Illum Sphere's Titan EP on none other than Martyn's label 3024. Mixing futuristic Blade Runneresque synths with a glitchy Hip-Hop beat, Illum Sphere is making music way ahead of its time.


#10 Joy Orbison - The Shrew Would Have Cushioned The Blow

Undisputed winner of the longest and strangest song title of the year Joy Orbison returned in early 2010 with The Shrew Would Have Cushioned The Blow. More subtle than his 2009 stand out track Hyph Mngo but still brilliant enough to creep into my top 10.

Secret Peter - Top 10 Albums of 2010

It's that time of year again when everyone starts compiling their best of lists but now the wait is over for Secret Peter's Top 10 Albums of 2010

#1 Caribou - Swim

Back when I first heard this album in April I said it was my album of the year so far, and since then nothing has changed. Dan Snaith infamous for changing musical direction with his outfit Caribou delved into the world of electronic music and came up with a future classic. This LP works on so many levels; on your headphones, on the bus, sat at home or tearing up a grimey dancefloor and that is one of the many reasons that Swim is my album of 2010.

Choice Cut - Sun


#2 Mount Kimbie - Crooks and Lovers

2010 saw the rise of Mount Kimbie. A pair of producers who surfed a sea of praise since releasing their Maybes EP and when it came to their debut album they did not dissapoint. Fusing R'n'B, Hip-Hop, Dubstep and Electronica this duo have created one of the most forward thinking albums of recent times.

Choice Cut - Before I Move Off


#3 Oriol - Night and Day

Oriol for me was the surprise of the year. Hailing from Barcelona and now based in Cambridge this bloke came from nowhere with his 80's Electro/Boogie inspired album. Soaked with lush synths, deep basslines and shuffling percussion Night and Day gave me a bit of sunshine during a somewhat typical damp English Summer.

Choice Cut - Coconut Coast


#4 Glasser - Ring

2010 has seen some amazing debuts from new emerging artists and Ring is certainly one of those. In a similar way to Bat for Lashes and Kate Bush Ms. Cameron Mesirow is not scared to push the boundaries. Using tribal drums and sweeping strings to compliment her haunting voice Ring shows off the talents of a gifted individual who I'm sure has plenty more up her sleeve.

Choice Cut - Home


#5 Four Tet - There Is Love In You

January of this year saw the comeback of one of electronic music's most valued producers Kieran Hebden a.k.a Four Tet. Picking up from where he left off with his Ringer EP back in 2008 Four Tet came back with an offering aimed at the dancefloor. There Is Love In You is packed full of intricate melodies and technological trickery to give an experience not just suited for the dancefloor but for the sofa as well.

Choice Cut - Angel Echoes


#6 Gold Panda - Lucky Shiner

After releasing his You Ep at beginning of 2010 October saw the release of Gold Panda's first full length effort, Lucky Shiner. Splicing Hip-Hop and Electronica with Eastern instruments and samples Lucky Shiner is a great example of two seemingly different worlds coming together to create something new and intriguing.

Choice Cut - Same Dream China


#7 Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me

This year I had the pleasure of seeing this lady live down in London for the first time and I have to say I was spellbound. Have One on Me shows how much Ms. Newsom has matured and grown as a song writer since her Milk Eyed Mender days. With over 3 discs worth of material Have One On Me really shows off the versatility of one of folk music's living greats.

Choice Cut - Baby Birch


#8 Darkstar - North

After abandoning half an albums worth of material and adding vocalist James Buttery, Hyperdub's unlikely heroes Darkstar came to the publics attention with North. Stepping away from the Dubstep/Garage sound which got them recognised, Darkstar created their dark melancholic and haunting take on 80's industrial synth pop to critical acclaim.

Choice Cut - Gold


#9 Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma

Dubbed by Flying Lotus as his "Space Opera" Cosmogramma sees Steve Ellison distort his wonky hip-hop sound from his previous releases and take it to a whole new world. Featuring the likes of Thom Yorke, Thundercat and Jazz legend Ravi Coltrane Cosmogramma definitely comes out all guns blazing. Newcomers beware this may scare you away at first but stick with it and you will be converted.

Choice Cut - Do The Astral Plane


#10 Aloe Blacc - Good Things

This year saw Aloe Blacc roll back the years with his Soul inspired album Good Things. Opening with his upbeat hit I Need A Dollar Aloe Blacc takes the tempo down for the rest of his LP harking back to the days of Al Green, Sam Cooke and Otis Redding whilst adding his own modern swagger.

Choice Cut - Loving You Is Killing Me

Secret Peter - Don't Call Me Shirley Mix

I am serious, and don't call me Shirley

As it's nearly Christmas hear at Secret Peter we are in a giving mood. So here is another mix for you to wrap your ear drums around.

This mix was recorded in honour of the late & great comedy genius that was Leslie Nielsen.

Again there's a slight buzzing on the quiet bits but you should know that by now. And please remember that all these mixes are recorded on vinyl as everyone knows Vinyl is King.

Tracklist:

Modeselektor - Art & Cash (SBTRKT Remix)
Mount Kimbie - Maybes (James Blake Remix)
James Blake - CMYK
Deadboy - If U Want Me
Ramadanman - Work Them
Floating Points - K & G Beat
Ramadanman - Fall Short
Illum Sphere - Titan

Listen to this mix for free via my Mixcloud, Merry Christmas.

x

Don't Call Me Shirley Mix by Casualsi on Mixcloud

Floating Points Ensemble - Post Suite

We'll all float on, good news is on the way....

Now here at Secret Peter I do try and keep as ahead of the game as possible but I must admit that this one crept up on me without me even noticing.

Today I bring you the rather superb news that Floating Points is releasing some new material. Although Sam Shepherd is best known for tracks such as Love Me Like This and the still absolute killer known as Vacuum Boogie he has plenty more tricks up his sleeve.

Taking time out from producing his Nu-Disco/House sounds Floating Points has brought several musicians together to form the Floating Points Ensemble. Although the talent within the ensemble is mostly rumoured I can confirm that the group does feature Soul princess Fatima on vocals with Sam orchestrating and writing the music. My sources also tell me that Funkineven also plays a part but don't quote me on that.

Recorded at the historic Abbey Road Studios the first offering Post Suite sees the Floating Points Ensemble dip their toes into the world of Jazz. Opening with some delicate keys and strings you feel as if you could be listening to The Cinematic Orchestra. But don't be mistaken this is no copycat production, Sam makes the sound his own.

The new 10" Vinyl is available now on Ninja Tune and features the tracks Post Suite and Almost In Profile. There is also rumours of an album in the pipeline so lets keep our fingers crossed.

Listen to Post Suite below:

Jamie XX and Gil Scott-Heron - We're New Here

New York I love you but you're bringing me down....

It probably comes as no big surprise to you that Jamie XX has recently been quietly tinkering away on a re-working of Gil Scott-Heron's 2010 come back album I'm New Here but after months of rumours and hearsay news has finally broken today of an official release date.

We're New Here will be released on the 21st of Febuary 2011 via XL. From my first listen of Jamie's remix of NY is Killing Me it sounds as if the talented producer has come up with the goods. He gives the original a bass heavy bounce which will appeal to any Dubstep/Bass head.

Head over to http://www.werenewhere.com/ to stream or watch the video for NY is Killing Me and links to get your hands on this early 2011 essential.

The full Tracklist is shown below:

1. I’m New Here
2. Home
3. I’ve Been Me (Interlude)
4. Running
5. My Cloud
6. Certain Things (Interlude)
7. The Crutch
8. Ur Soul and Mine
9. Parents (Interlude)
10. Piano Player
11. NY Is Killing Me
12. Jazz (Interlude)
13. I’ll Take Care Of U

Fantastic Mr Fox - Evelyn EP

Forget super, ignore incredible, it's all about fantastic....

Since returning from a touring stint in the U.S of A supporting the likes of The XX and Warpaint Manchester based producer Fantastic Mr. Fox is back with the follow up to his Sketches EP; Evelyn.

His latest offering kicks off with the title track Evelyn which steps into Joy Orbison/James Blake territory with its bass driven click clack rhythm and processed vocal, but as soon as the intro gives way the beat breaks into a beautifully crafted leftfield Hip-Hop stomp.

Next on the agenda is Fool Me, with the first 20 seconds sounding like a slow jam version of Katy Perry’s Hot n Cold. FMF switches it up a gear with rising and falling synth stabs combined with intricate bass drum and hand clap patterns.

Mr Fox continues with the garage/Hip-Hop style of Over; utilising sampled and processed vocals to make his beats sound more like conventional songs.

“I wanted vocals to be more prominent, I was trying to find acapellas with richness to them.”

From listening to this EP it seems to me FMF has concentrated heavily on the percussive rhythms he has used, basing his hybrid Hip-Hop/Dance style around his intricate drum sounds and rhythms.

The finale of the EP Sepia Song steps up the BPM again with what sounds to me like Mr. Fox’s sped up take on UK Funky. Using chopped up vocals, 16 bit synth lines and a pounding kick drum. Sepia Song may be short and sweet but is suitable for testing out any sound system daring enough to take it on.

In a world obsessed with pigeon holing artists and genres I find it hard to describe Fantastic Mr. Fox’s sound, similar to many of the other emerging artists around at the moment. Where some producers fail Evelyn succeeds to sound like the efforts of a young talented producer carving out his own individual sound within a new and developing music scene with incredible results.

Evelyn is available now on Black Acre Records. You can also listen to the title track below:

Fantastic Mr Fox - Evelyn by FBi Radio

Casualsi - Louis Walsh Can't Clap Mix

There's more to Ireland than this....

As I have neglected my dedicated blog followers (all 5 of you) for the last couple of weeks I have decided to treat you to yet another mix by moi of some of my recent and not so recent personal musical highlights.

This mix was recorded to highlight the fact to the general public that Louis Walsh is unable to clap like a normal human being.

Once again I cannot afford to fix my mixer so there may be a slight buzzing but other than that I think it is quite lovely. Not all of the timings are perfect but I am lazy and I couldn't be arsed to record it again.

Listen below to your hearts content

Tracklist:

Tiga - Gentle Giant (Martyn's Heaven Remix)
Breach - Fatherless
Four Tet - Sing (Extended Mix)
Glasser - Tremel (Astronomer Remix)
The XX - VCR (Four Tet Remix)
Badly Drawn Boy - Promises (Beyond the Wizards Sleeve Re Animation)
LCD Soundsystem - Beat Connection (Disco Dub Version)
Julio Bashmore - Chazm
Ill Blu - Bellion

x

Louis Walsh Can't Clap Mix by Casualsi on Mixcloud

Throwing Snow - Hiffle

Your as cold as ice, willing to sacrifice

It has been a while since my last post and even longer since I treated my readers to a free download of musical goodness.

This little gem comes from Throwing Snow (real name Ross Tones) a London based producer who came to my attention after hearing his recent single Un Vingt which is a broken beat/drum n bass influenced banger well worth checking out.

After stumbling upon his Soundcloud account I discovered this little beauty Hiffle that Mr. Tones is kindly giving away for free. Hiffle is a Hip-Hop inspired slice of dancefloor goodness, using a repetitive grimy synth line that reminds me of Mike Skinners crowning glory Blinded By The Lights. The synth line is chopped up and set against a kicking Hip-Hop beat, simple bass line and a 16 bit trickling melody with astounding results.

His talents have not gone unnoticed with Secret Peter favourite Gold Panda getting this young producer behind the desk to remix his stand out track Snow and Taxis.

Listen and download Hiffle for free below. This is definitely one for the headphones!

Hiffle by Throwing Snow

Caribou - Swim Remixes

Night swimming deserves a quiet night....

Not content with releasing one of the best albums of 2010, Dan Snaith the brains behind the Caribou outfit is releasing a whole new remixed version of the masterpiece Swim.

Cleverly titled Swim Remixes Snaith hands over the reigns to some of dance musics current front runners to see what they can do, and I can whole heartedly say this remix album does not disappoint.

The man behind Caribou obviously has a great knowledge and love of electronic music, just by taking a glance at the Swim Remix rosta you know your in for a treat. Some of the artists called upon to take the controls include Secret Peter favourite Gold Panda, the first lady of Hyperdub Ikonika, James Holden and the mighty Fuck Buttons amongst others.

Swim Remixes was released in the UK digitally on the 26th October and you can stream it in its full blown glory below.

Enjoy x

Swim Remixes by Caribouband

Julio Bashmore - Chazm / Footsteppin'

See you, me and Julio down by the schoolyard....

One half of production duo Velour and Bristol resident Julio Bashmore is back with his third solo release Chazm/Footsteppin’ on Ten Thousand Yen Records.

First up is Chazm which sees Julio step into his house/funky shoes. Starting off with a kicking 4/4 bass drum riddled with hand claps and tribal drums Julio throws in a dark swirling synth line that when it drops is a definite eyes down moment for anybody on the dancefloor.

On the flipside Footsteppin’ takes you into 2 step/garage territory with the intro sounding like it’s straight off Gold Panda’s cutting room floor. Bashmore adds the ever essential cut and paste style female vocal and laid back garage rhythm and Bashmore is on to a winner.

Don’t sleep on this one folks Chazm/Footsteppin’ is number 3 in a 5 part series of coloured and numbered 10” vinyl and is only a 350 limited pressing so don’t say I didn’t warn you! And with Bashmore lined up to do remixes for Mosca and The Martin Brothers in the near future he looks destined for big things in 2011.

Listen to Chazm and Footsteppin' below

Chazm / Footsteppin' 10" by TenThousandYen

Secret Peter - Fink Brau Mix

Ooh Ahh just a LIDL bit, Ooh Ahh a LIDL bit more....

Bonjourno this weeks offering comes from the musical metropolis known as Secret Peter HQ. This is my first mix that I've recorded and it is dedicated to the refreshing tipple known as Fink Brau available from all good LIDL stores. Theres a slight buzz on the quieter bits because my mixers buggered but its not too bad. This was all done on vinyl so a couple of the timings are slightly out, I am a novice so give the kid a break.....

Fink Brau Tracklist:

Nas - Get Down
Hot Toddy feat. Ron Basejam - I Need Love (Morgan Geist's Love Dub)
Quest - Smooth Skin
Joy Orbison - Hyph Mngo
Four Tet - Lovecry
LCD Soundsystem - 45:33 (Theo Parrish's Space Cadet Remix)
Mim Suleiman - Nyuli (Dub)
Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Remix)
Jamie Woon - Night Air (Ramadanman Refix)

Listen and enjoy below

Enjoy

x

Fink Brau Mix by Casualsi on Mixcloud

Darkstar - North

Above there are no stars tonight just Northern skies...

2010 is really churning out the debuts and this week sees the release of one of the most anticipated of the year, North.

North is the creation of Darkstar the production duo who brought you the dubstep/garage stylings of Aidy's Girl is a Computer and Need You.

But if you believe this album is going to be one for the dancefloor you would be wrong. Although Aidy's Girl is a Computer does make an appearance, from all accounts the album has more of an experimental downbeat synth/pop feel. This could be due to the addition of a new member to the Darkstar boys set up, James Buttery on vocals.

The first single to be lifted from the album is Gold a reworking of the Human League track You Remind me of Gold which is the B side to their single Mirror Man. The choice of cover possibly hinting at where the groups sound is going?

Gold definitely has the Darkstar touch with the boys turning the original into a stunning mechanical ballad powered by Buttery's vocal. But who is to release this ambitious LP I hear you cry..... Hyperdub

Hyperdub may seem like a strange choice as the style of North does steer away from their usual output but head honcho Kode9 obviously sees something in these lads and I reckon he's bang on the money. Some might say it is a risk but I think it is a risk worth taking. North looks like it is to be one of the most talked about albums of the year and I reckon will be sitting comfortably at the top end of many critics best of 2010 lists.

North is released on Monday the 18th October via Hyperdub whilst Gold will be released on the 18th of November on 12" and digitally with a remix by John Roberts.

Listen to Gold below

DARKSTAR "GOLD" HYPERDUB 08.11.10 by DARLING RADIO PROMOTION

Jamie Woon - Night Air

Night Air has the strangest flavour.....

Welcome one and all to the soulful voice of Jamie Woon. If your a fan of Burial you will already be aware of this talented gent from Burials much hyped remix of Jamies take on the classic folk song Wayfaring Stranger.

Mr Woon gets his good mate Burial back in to help on production for his new single which sees him delve into the world of RnB/Electro/Soul. Based around a hypnotic synth riff Night Air has a laid back groove that will have everyone heading for the dancefloor, then add the soulful vocal of Jamie and you have a sure fire hit.

Night Air is released today on vinyl but be sure to get it quick as it's a 1000 limited pressing (my copy is currently sitting at home). I believe that there will be a digital release of Night Air in November though so don't be disheartened if you don't get your hands on a copy.

Jamie obviously has great taste, first he gets Burial on remixing duties then for his latest cut he gets man of the moment Ramadanman to do a tasty refix on the flipside. Ramadanman gives Night Air a similar treatment to Burial on Wayfaring Stranger. Drenched with atmosphere, wooden percussion and that trademark Ramadanman rolling snare this is sure to be a huge remix for the Leeds based lad and will no doubt will be causing quite a stir in the weeks to come.

Liten to the Night Air Ramadanman Refix below....

Night Air (Ramadanman Refix) by woon

Jamie XX - Far Nearer

Blue Lips, Blue Veins, Blue, the colour of our planet from far, far away

If you have been on any music website or blog in the past week or so you have probably come across this tune somewhere, and here in the dark and secluded headquarters of Secret Peter we don't like to feel left out.

This of course is the news that Jamie of The XX fame is releasing his first solo effort. Apparently created whilst on tour with his fellow bandmates, Jamie with the aid of a trusty Steel Pan created Far Nearer.

When I listen to this track it does sound like a typical Jamie XX production with the laid back Wonky Hop/Garage feel that is so familiar throughout his recent productions but he also adds a nice carnival vibe with the steel pan. But it is not only the late 90's garage feel that Jamie evokes with this track, I get a feeling of late 90's dance with my mind always bringing me to Dario G. I'm not sure whether it's just the steel pan making me think evil thoughts or I'm just a little bit obsessed with my guilty pleasure Sunchyme.

Either way this is a superb debut from the brains behind The XX. According to Jamie Far Nearer will be released in the next month or two on Numbers. He is still undecided what name to release this under though folks so if you have any ideas answers on a postcard please.

Listen to Far Nearer below. (This is a rip from XFM so sorry for the crappy quality)

jamie xx - far nearer by Artschoolvets

James Blake - Limit to Your Love

I can't read your smile, it should be written on your face. I'm piecing it together, there's something out of place.....

This young man is really starting to blow up! I brought you James Blake a couple of months back with his excellant remix for his good pals Mount Kimbie and after the release of his huge CMYK EP on R&S Records it looks like the world is really starting to take notice of this young producers talent.

Not only has he just released another hotly anticipated EP Klavierwerke via R&S but prime time Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe recently named James' brilliant reworking of Feists Limit to your Love as his hottest record in the world. Commercial success looks like it is beckoning Mr Blake into its open arms.....

According to the Radio 1 website Limit to your Love is the first single to be taken from James Blakes debut LP due to be released in November. Personally I don't think I can wait till November but luckily his Klavierwerke should keep me satisfied till then.

Listen to his heartbreaking rendition of Limit to your Love below

James Blake - Limit to Your Love by sophiehirst

Drake - Fireworks (Deadboys Tearjerking Slo-Mo House Edit)

I heard it said you had come back from the dead......

For someone whos name is Deadboy this man seems to be putting himself about quite abit at the moment, and once again this London based producer does not dissapoint.

After releasing U Cheated his R'n'B/Garage tinged EP on Well Rounded Records and the dark funky/garage dancefloor stomp If U Want Me that man Deadboy is back on remixing duties.

After remixing the likes of Foals and Delphic Deadboy is leaving the tight trousered world of Indie behind and heading back to his R'n'B roots with a remix for Drake on the track Fireworks.

Deadboy opts to leave Drake out from the remix and concentrate on the hook sang by none other than Alicia Keys. Chopping up and pitch shifting her vocal Deadboy creates another beautiful and melancholy house slow burner (as suggested by his remix title)

No idea if this one will get a release (I've been scanning the internet to no avail) or if the mysterious Deadboy is just giving us a taste of things to come. His reputation has been simmering throughout 2010 but I reckon 2011 is gonna be his year.

Listen to his Tearjerking Slo-Mo House Edit of Fireworks below

Teebs - Why Like This

"Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot; others transform a yellow spot into the sun"

I could try and pass off this wise and profound quote off as one I coined myself, unfortunately Pablo Picasso got there first....

Today I am bringing you the sounds of Teebs; visual artist and musician from Los Angeles.

There has always been a strong link between music and art and Teebs brings both of his passions together beautifully. Creating his own cover art (a piece of his is shown above) and some of the finest beats to come from across the pond. As this man hails from Los Angeles it doesn't take a genius to figure out that this man has already been snapped up by Flying Lotus to join the ever expanding Brainfeeder crew.

There are strong similarities between his sound and other artists from Brainfeeder but I feel that the visual aspect of Teebs' music has a very important influence on his sound. When you listen to one of his tracks it washes over you and without realising what has happened disappears and evolves into the next track; using sound as an artist would use colour.

His music has the typical "L.A" sound (they must put something in the water over there) but where as Flying Lotus' style borrows from Jazz and Electronica or Gaslamp Killer just about borrows from everywhere Teebs seems to be influenced by the Southern California head nodding Hip-Hop style with the laid back rhythms and layered synths. Teebs music has been described by Flying Lotus as "the way that Avatar looks."

Now I must of been one of the only people on this planet to have not seen Avatar but with it being 15 years in the making and costing around $220 Million I believe it looked pretaaaaay, pretaaaaay good.

Take a listen to a cut from his LP Ardour to be released by Brainfeeder on Oct 19th.

Teebs - 'Why Like This' by BRAINFEEDER

Ramadanman - Bass Drums

Rama Damn Man!!!!!!!!!

This man is making quite abit of noise at the moment, so much racket in fact that I had to make up a rather shit pun on his name as the header for this little bit of "journalism".

The name of this bass music rogue is Leeds based Ramadanman. Everyone seems to be raving about this young producer with the likes of Benji B, Mary Anne Hobbs and Kode9 giving him their blessing. And what does he use to create this genre defying, groundbreaking music?

The answer to that question is............... Fruity Loops. Just goes to show that abit of skill and imagination can go a long way.

He has already put out two of the biggest tunes of 2010 with Glut on Hemlock and the undeniable massive cross over tune of the year Work Them released on Swamp 81. And this geezer doesn't look like he's easing up with another bass heavy offering in the form of Bass Drums.

Bass Drums doesn't deviate far from his previous releases but if it ain't broke don't fix it. This track is to be included on a forth coming compilation by Soul Jazz Records aptly named Future Bass. The compilation includes tracks from the likes of Mala, Four Tet, Untold, and LD.

Future Bass is released on the 20 September.

Listen to Bass Drums below. Preferably loud and in a dark sweaty room if possible.

Ramadanman - Bass Drums (Future Bass Exclusive) by Soul Jazz Records

Glasser - Home

Once I had a love and it was a gas, Soon turned out had a heart of glass

I present you with the one woman orchestra known as Glasser. I have heard of this young lady before but she really captured my lug holes today when I heard Home for the first time.

This is one of the catchiest experimental pop tunes I've heard in a long while (I've been humming it all day...) Her style reminds me of Kate Bush and Bat for Lashes. I know, they're all women and they're abit "out there" not too obvious Eddie!!! But that is my summary and I'm sticking with it.

I first heard of Glasser from a tasty little remix Jamie XX did for her track Tremel (which I purchased on a rather lovely see through vinyl I'll have you know). After touring with the likes of Jonsi, Delorean and The XX she is now releasing her debut Ring on September 28th via True Panther and from the tracks I've heard I reckon its going to be rather special.

There are some delectable debuts coming out this year by the looks of it and this will definately be one of them.

Have a listen below



You can also download the track for free if your quick from Dummy Magazine another good online mag worth taking a look at....

http://dummymag.com/downloads

Martyn - Great Lengths Short Film

Great Lengths short film (Martyn & Ramon Gieling) from 3024World on Vimeo.

They say you find something you never knew out everyday and today is one of those days.

The man behind one of 2009's best albums Martyn
has created a short film in honour of his father. The thing I have learnt today is that Martyn's father Gerrie Deijkers was a star player for the Netherlands side PSV and he sadly died of heart failure in 2003.

Martyn with the help of the director Ramon Maria Gieling has created this short film as a fitting tribute to his father with the soundtrack lifted from his debut LP.

Check it out above....

Illum Sphere

The Future is closer than you think.....

This is the man that is bringing the future of music to the people of the present, his name Illum Sphere

Based in Manchester Illum Sphere is a very busy man at the moment after releasing the first of a two part project at the start of the year Long Live the Plan and releasing his mammoth Titan EP for Martyn's label 3024.
All this whilst being part of the duo behind Manchesters best night out by far.... Hoya:Hoya

This Saturday 28/08/10 sees the return of Hoya:Hoya with an absolutely huge line up including Lone, Kutmah, Krystal Klear, Jonny Dub and the man in question, all providing some goodies for the dancefloor.

And if this doesn't satisfy your appetite enough Hoya:Hoya are behind one of the biggest line ups for the Warehouse Project 2010 with guests including Magnetic Man, Flying Lotus, Martyn, Joker, Joy Orbison and Floating Points amongst others. That is what they call a heavyweight line up.

If you still don't believe me about this blokes skills have a listen to the title track taken from his Titan EP and I bet you won't be able to resist....

Pariah - Safehouses

RS1005 - Pariah - Safehouses by R & S Records

The newly revamped R and S records aren't doing to bad at all on the releases front at the moment. Fresh from releasing this mans (Pariah) last single Detroit Falls and James Blakes huge CMYK their latest release is Pariahs 6 track EP Safehouses. Not bad going at all....

Expanding on from where Detroit Falls and Orpheus left off with their J Dilla and Burial influences, Safehouses finds Pariah spreading his wings and showing why he's one of the finest new producers around at the moment.

Dipping his toes into the deep house/techno sound with openers The Slump and Prism. Whilst Railroad sounds like the bigger more handsome brother of Orpheus and Crossed Out sees him branch out into the 2 step vibe that is back with a vengeance at the moment.

The final two tracks C - Beams and Safehouses show the more down tempo, atmospheric side of his music.

On the whole this is a very broad, solid release from Pariah and shows he has more than a couple of tricks up his sleeve. You can stream the EP above for absolutely free (you lucky buggers) so fill your boots.

Safehouses is released on R and S records on the 6th September.

Gold Panda - Snow and Taxis

Snow & Taxis by Gold Panda

"I didn't want to write beats. I didn't want bangers, I wanted songs with structure"

These are the words of Gold Panda, part of a new breed of producer.
Using the cut and paste style of production usually found in Hip-Hop and applying it to a house/2 step ethos.

This track Snow & Taxis is a little taste of things to come from his first LP Lucky Shiner which is released on October 11.

His Hip-Hop influences are more obvious on previous releases such as You with the chopped up vocal and head nodding bounce. But this latest offering shows that Mr. Panda is notching up the BPM a little for the dancefloor.

But if this track is anything to go by I reckon his debut is gonna be abit of a gem. Roll on October!

Lucky Shiner will be released on Ghostly International

Trilogy - Rocky Road

It's very hard to try and dig up any information about Trilogy; according to their Soundcloud they are from Coco Island, France but what I am certain of is that they produced one of the best tunes of 2009 Brother Don't Cry.

The formula for Brother Don't Cry is
simple but very, very effective. Nice broken beat, simple piano progression and a beautiful vocal by a lady I believe is called Luce.

If you don't believe me you can find Brother Don't Cry on the Brownswood Bubblers Five compilation compiled by non other than Gilles Peterson.

The tune below is called Rocky Road a newer one from this secretive group. More of a harder, darker sound than previous tracks I've heard but just as intriguing. This tune sounds like the bastard love child of Portishead and Little Dragon which for me is never a bad way to go.

Trilogy- Rocky road by Trilogy

If you like what you hear head over to their Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/trilogyweb

Oriol - Shay Lo

Welcome to the sounds of Oriol. I know the English Summer seems to have buggered off at the moment but i'm hoping for abit of a late Indian Summer and I think Oriol is to.

This Barcelona born beat maker now based in Cambridge has definately got the Summer sound nailed. Oriol sharpended his musical tools down at London based night CDR also home to the brilliant Floating Points.

Incorporating 80's Boogie with layered synths, funky bass lines and balearic drum loops Oriol has definately been the sound of my Summer so far with his debut LP Night and Day released on Planet Mu on the 19th July so go check it out.

Being the internet gold digger that I am I also found another freebie to share with you. This track isn't on the album but still has that quintessential Oriol sound.


Shay-Lo (Download) by oriol

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Spottieottiedopalicious

Spottie - Heritage EP Exclusive Download by ChoiceCuts

Bring on the Trumpets! Here is another freebie that is guaranteed to get your head nodding.

This is a free download of the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble covering Spottieottiedopalicious by the gruesome twosome that is known as Outkast

This track is taken from HBE's EP Heritage. An EP which covers Jay-Z, Madlib, MF Doom, Art of Noise and of course OutKast.

Heritage released May 2010 on Choice Cuts

Get it whilst it's hot!!!!!

Johnny Flynn - barnacled warship

Here at Secret Peter HQ we're not all Beats Beats Beats! We do try and mix it up as much as possible.

This is the new video for Barnacled Warship from the modern day bard they call Johnny Flynn. This is the latest single to be lifted from his new album Been Listening

Not quite sure what the hell is going on in the video but there is some rather nice animation. The video is directed by Christian DeVita / One Hand Clapping and the single is out on August 16th on Trangressive Records

Shelter - The XX (C.R.S.T Rmx) by C.R.S.T

Shelter - The XX (C.R.S.T Rmx) by C.R.S.T

I stumbled across this little gem whilst checking out the Young Turks takeover of The Boiler Room.

If you've never heard of it before The Boiler Room is a live stream broadcast every Tuesday from a warehouse in Dalston, London by the good people at Platform
(www.readplatform.com)

These sessions show case some of the worlds best DJs. Previous guests include Theo Parrish, Mosca, Bullion, and Paul White.

Jamie XX included this little ditty in his latest stint down in the Boiler Room. It's a beauty of a remix from probably my favourite cut from The XX's debut album, Shelter. Keeping the atmospheric feel of the original this remix turns it on its head with a Garage/Dubstep feel.

More Boiler Room sessions to look forward to are:

17/08/2010 - Livin Proof Takeover feat Hudson Mohawke (Hip-Hop set)

24/08/2010 - Deviation Carnival Special feat Benji B

J Dilla Donut Shop

The man above is James Dewitt Yancey but you might know him as J Dilla

J Dilla is arguably the most influential Hip-Hop producer of all time working with everyone from De La Soul, Q Tip and Common.... to name but a few

Sadly Dilla died on February 10th 2006 aged just 32 but his music and influence on todays music is still going strong.

The legacy of his music can be felt not only in the Hip-Hop world with bands and artists such as Micachu, The XX, Mystery Jets, Joy Orbison and Darkstar all citing J Dilla as a major influence on their music.

If you are unaware of Dilla's music here is a good place to start. The lovely people at Stones Throw Records are giving away the digital version of his latest release Donut Shop absolutely free with their next newsletter.

All you have to do is log on to www.stonesthrow.com and sign up to their newsletter. It's as easy as that.