Electronic music is in the midst of an unpredictable rollercoaster this week. Depression set in after the news of icon David Bowie's death. (See our tribute here.) Moods only started to pick back up after several major festival lineup announcements and teasers, including that of the favored Mysteryland. This weekend, let's pick the mood up even more, the way Bowie would have wanted us to: let's enjoy the gift of music. Let's dance.
This Friday, January 15th, our favorite weekly party brings us Lemaitre, Autograf, Prince Fox, and StéLouse.
Lemaitre signed with Astralwerks in 2013, and since then, their summertime-fine, feel-good brand of electronica has swept North America into a whirlwind. Originally from Oslo, Norway, the Los Angeles-based duo climbed charts with their Relativity Series EPs. Their most recent release, "Stepping Stone," featuring Mark Johns, perfectly displays the musical core of these artists: just funky, synth-driven beats that urge you to get to the dance floor.
On their SoundCloud biography, Autograf write that you should leave your mark on the world, or rather your "autograf." They've certainly left theirs. Their numerous remixes leave you feeling uplifted and satisfied - take their dreamy remix of Lorde's "Team," for instance. Lay back with your cup of hot cocoa, pretending it's mid-July, and listen to their playa-ready mix for Tech Me House.
A New York native, Prince Fox kicks off his Back to the Future North American Tour at Webster Hall. He makes music that is nothing short of lush. Dubbed "future pop" on his SoundCloud page, he remixes pop classics into their chilled-out yet complex alter egos, complete with 808s. His latest official release, "I Don't Wanna Love You," featuring Melody Noel's soaring vocals, is an electronic ballad that blows up into an explosive drop - a must-listen for anyone keen on catching the feels.
StéLouse (pronounced "Stay-loose") is a Denver-based producer whose music is layered with urban-edged drops and samples. He refuses to be boxed into a single genre; a tour through his recordings displays enough admirable diversity to make you think there was more than one artist behind them all. StéLouse says of his music that is a "reflection" of his heart and soul. "Every emotion, every love, every death, every thought and flaw - past and present - all wrapped up into one single beautiful melody for the world to sing." He recently collaborated with Prince Fox on a groovy mix for Too Future.