Cube is a young Electro/DNB producer out of Dunavarsány, Hungary.  I first heard his “Metro Lovers” track in DJ John B’s Podcast 075 (March 2010 Studio Mix).  What I like about “Metro Lovers” is the hypnotic vocals that just seemed to echo in my head for hours after listening to it.  Cube made a very good hook in this track.  Here’s hoping that he is able to do the same in future tracks!

I find the transitions between musical elements to be the key to making electronic music compelling.  There is a sexy mathematical element and certain geometry to the progression of rhythm that Techno expresses in subtle ways.  Many progressive DJs choose one tempo for an entire mix.  This is a very safe, yet unadventurous way to mix.  Anyone can make a loop but the true expression happens in not only the selection of those elements but also in the transitions between them and the gradual evolutions through time.

Menno De Jong has a podcast that I’ve been following for a while.  In his Intuition Podcast #019, he opens it up with a remix of “In For The Kill” by La Roux that smacks the tempo all over the place while maintaining a smooth and danceable feel.

Starting off with an Aphex Twin sounding ambient pad, deep bass tones and slowed down vocals, the track merges into the realm of drum and bass with filtered drums jumping in at 160bpm and the vocals at around 80.  Then, during the crescendo, the drums switch to half-time and then get faster and faster and faster until a slower kick comes in at around 130 bpm.  A few measures after this, the vocals jump back in at 130 as well.  This gives the feeling of the drums slowing down and the vocals getting faster while staying in sync.  For a mathematically minded DJ like myself, it’s quite a treat for the mind and ears.

Today I’m starting a new series called Current Listening. It is a collection of music that I’m currently enjoying, discovering or rediscovering.  I hope you enjoy it!

– Adam Smith-Kipnis

Mastermix Studios in Ghana

Remember EMF?  A coworker recently introduced me to this hot hot jam that was recently recorded by The Big Ghana Band at a small recording studio in Africa.

You can download the album for free from the music division of chocolate manufactuer Cadbury.  Read more about the band and the recording adventure here.