Tag: Electronic

Uncategorized

Single Review: “Cruel (feat. ZAYN)”

by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment on Single Review: “Cruel (feat. ZAYN)”

There’s no doubt Zayn Malik has made a name for himself in the pop scene as we heard with his explosive single “Pillowtalk”. But this time, he lends his vocals to Snakehips, a British electronic/R&B duo who are also responsible for the catchy anthem, “All My Friends.”

cruel
Image: fistintheair.com

Malik’s vocal prowess is as powerful as ever. In the boppy light chorus he sings, “It’s such a cruel, world, saving all my love for you.” A balance between electro-pop and R&B is right where he fits perfectly. Snakehips keep their sound fresh and new age along with their energetic clap beats, as we hear on this one.

Fellow pop singer, Troye Sivan tweeted about his love for the new song saying, “alright Cruel by ft has one of the best choruses of 2016.” I AGREE. Snakehips should be plaguing radio stations with this one

The lyrics are electric modern love. Even with all the madness happening in the world, he can’t help but be bothered with her presence, it’s quite beautiful actually. “Noise and tears, death on the TV, and then there’s you…I can’t concentrate, I just see your outline.” Later on, he refers to her body as “CCTV” (closed circuit television/surveillance footage) replaying in his head. Although the lyrics are quite mature, the chorus has a child-like quality that is easy to sing-along to and mimic.

signature

Uncategorized

The Secret Collab You Need

by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment on The Secret Collab You Need
taku wafia
Image: wegotthiscovered.com

Both TAKU and Wafia manage to stay under the radar when it comes to their music. You won’t hear their names on E! News and you won’t see their faces on the cover of every tabloid magazine. That’s what makes them the best kept secret in music. Both come from powerful genres of music; TAKU from the electronic world and Wafia from the alternative world. It only seems natural that the two would come together and form some musical magic one day. Well, that day is coming August 5 of this year when their duet EP titled,  (m)edian is released. A 5-song emotionally stacked project that can only serve as the melancholy soundtrack to the end of your summer.

The two recently brought their collaboration to life at the Sydney Opera House a couple weeks ago. With intensely subtle lights and visuals, TAKU started the show plucking at everyone’s emotions through his piano-driven sounds and vibes. “How’s everyone’s feelings?” he says into the mic as the crowd cheers back for him, waiting for their souls to be revived by his extremely beautiful sense of self.

Watch their concert at the Sydney Opera House here:

He told the story of how the duo met and how he instantly fell in love with Wafia’s music and immediately emailed her saying, “Lets work.” TAKU tells the crowd (m)edian is about, “experiences we’ve had throughout our lives with our families. About sacrifice, love, and compromise.” Although TAKU’s music is mostly non-vocal, Wafia and him have a wonderful vocal sound together. It’s a coffee-shop soundtrack with a little more pizazz. The two seem very humble, talented, and inspired when performing together.

“Love Somebody” is the closing track on the upcoming EP, keeping TAKU’s classic piano- driven melody alive. Wafia and TAKU compliment eachother’s sounds perfectly. They repeatedly harmonize to the words, “Oh, when you love somebody,” pushing the poetry right into your soul.

One can’t help but feel enlightened after witnessing a duo like this. Cue the incents and burgundy-hued wall tapestries.

signature

Uncategorized

Who You Need: dvsn

by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment on Who You Need: dvsn
Image: hip-hopvibe.com

WHO: dvsn

WHERE: Toronto

GENRE: R&B

TOP SONG: “Hallucinations”

 

 

dvsn (pronounced “division”) is quite the mystery. Dropping a subtle album on iTunes in early April titled Sept. 5th , this duo, signed to Drake’s OVO Sound label are making major waves in the R&B genre. Alongside similar artists like Majid Jordan and Miguel, dvsn mixes electronic sounds with R&B beats and the cherry on top? Impeccable vocals from singer Daniel Daley. Standout track “Hallucinations” feels like a cloudy dream as Daley’s vocals swoon you to sleep; “Tryna rewind ’til we’re back where we started, yeah that’s all I want, night after night after night I’m still haunted.” Another hot song off their debut is titled, “Too Deep” with credits going to  producer of the group Jefferies, Majid Jordan, Timbaland, the late Static Major, Maneesh, and other dvsn member Daniel Daley.

Jefferies told The Fader he started dvsn to “to explore some stuff that I normally wouldn’t get to do as this quote-unquote pop producer.” And that’s exactly what you hear on this album. Gospel-soul-like sounds that never seem to grace the radio waves. Each track takes you on a crazy trip into another world you can’t seem to get out of mentally (in a good way.) Jefferies has a strong hand in the OVO Sound producing crew and is bound to make you fall in love with him sooner or later. Although he keeps his identity on the low, dvsn might be the end of that.

signature

 

 

Uncategorized

Who You Need: Flume 

by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment on Who You Need: Flume 
WWKD OCTOBER 2013
Photo: konbini.com

WHO: Flume 

WHERE: Sydney, Australia

GENRE: Electronic

TOP SONGS: “Sleepless feat. Jezzabell Doran”, “Holdin On”, and “Drop the Game feat. Chet Faker”.

The electronic God is back. Flume is known for his insane beats that pulse through your veins. His latest single, “Never Be Like You” (feat. Kai) is pure magic.

Not only are Kai’s soprano vocals angelic, but the production is heavy when necessary and mellow when appropriate. Flume brings life to electronic music through pretty musical tones and edgy lyrics. This isn’t your average song, it has emotional layers to it.

“You” is an apology; “I’m only human can’t you see? I made a mistake, please just look me in my face, tell me everything’s okay.” Kai proceeds to sing, “I’ll never be like you.” Although the lyrics are heartbreaking, the music provides a powerful contrast and somewhat positive glimmer into a brighter future.

Flume throws this song in your face and you can’t help but be completely consumed by it.

signature

Uncategorized

Who You Need: Ta-Ku

by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment on Who You Need: Ta-Ku
photo via facebook.com/takugotbeats.com
photo via facebook.com/takugotbeats.com

Sometimes you just find music that completely speaks to you. That’s what it felt like when I found Ta-Ku. I was like ummmm, where have you been all my life? (stuffs chocolate and wine into my open mouth as I listen to Songs to Make Up To). It’s an eclectic mix that I’m sure only certain people are into but there’s one thing you can’t deny; it’s beauty. These are love songs and they are mind-blowingly good.

Ta-Ku is a musician from Perth, Australia. He started back in 2011 with an EP titled KT. His most recent album, Songs to Make Up To, serves almost as a sequel to Songs to Break Up To, which was released in 2013. When I heard these two, I thought it was the coolest thing I’ve ever heard. The songs truly live up to the title in the craziest ways. Both keeping an electronic/R&B based sound with incredible musicality. Songs to Break Up To, could almost be playing in the background as a couple fights about how they don’t make time for each other anymore, or how he’s never home for dinner, or she’s always late. The intense musical elements spark visuals in your brain, almost as if you could create your own music video just from listening.

photo via uproxx.com
photo via uproxx.com

Songs to Make Up To, is even more delightful to listen to. The song names are a true indication of what magic is about to happen: “Hopeful”, “Love Again”, “Trust Me”, “Long Time, No See”, “Sunrise/Beautiful”, “Fall4You”, “Work In Progress”, and “Down For You”. Every song makes you think of beautiful things in life and that’s how they make you feel too.

One thing that makes Ta-Ku different is that his style is unpredictable, a song can shift into something completely separate from what you just heard and it still cohesively fits together somehow; it’s incredible. “Love Again” (Feat. JMSN & Sango) is a clear masterpiece off this album. Repetitive piano chords, intoxicating vocals, and a clap beat dances in your brain making you want to make up with someone, ANYONE. The song, spanning over 5 minutes is borderline heavenly. Not to mention, the dope hip-hop drag at the end making it a true Ta-Ku song. Most songs are led with no or minimal vocals and it totally works, which is a skill in itself.

Check out this live performance of “Love Again”:

The truth is, I have too many good things to say about Ta-Ku and the way he’s building his music. It’s intricate, intoxicating, powerful, and immensely captivating. Something every artist should be trying to achieve. Touché to you Ta-Ku. Cheers to being a delicious musical force.

-Abbey