Monthly Archives: September 2012

FREE beats from Perverse, Camu, Phaeleh, and NDread

Posted by Bassweight Society on

Big up everybody!  Today I’ve stumbled across a very large amount of free music so I thought that I would share it with everybody.  I hope you have some space on your drive because there is quite a large amount of tunes circulating at the moment.

First batch of tunes for your free download cravings come from one of the most talented producers in the world, Phaeleh.  He has decided to give out a 4-Track EP download if you sign up for his mailing list (can be done here).  The EP offers 4 tunes, all of different vibe/style, ranging from downtempo house to dubwise spliff riddim’.  You don’t want to miss out on these, Phaeleh has a production ability that places him in a category of his own.  Truly an amazing artist.

If you didn’t catch our interview w/ Phaeleh earlier this year, take a look here:  https://bassweightsociety.com/2012/01/23/phaeleh-interview/

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Next up on the free tip is an LP from our New Zealand friends Perverse.  This is the second installment of the ‘Progression’ series of free downloads that Perverse has been so kind as to give up for free download.  The track encompass productions of various styles and age.

“A mixture of the old with the new. We decided to release the Progression EP in 4 different volumes, this being the second. Each Vol. will feature 4-5 tracks of mixed genres and styles. Some of the older tunes don’t have the production value of the newer ones, but we thought we would give them away anyway.

“‘Barren’ is an ultra minimal creepy tune that never got to see the light of day so we though we would give it away. ‘Cluster’ is an older track of ours that’s had the support of artists like Biome. ‘Space Kush’ is a tune we struggled to finish, 2nd drop is a bit of a copy & paste job but it still goes pretty hard. The Shura remix is something different for us, a minimalistic/downtempo garagey tune that we enjoyed making, we don’t play it so we thought we would share it with you to listen to. ‘Homebrew’ are an NZ hip-hop group that we are fans of, so we had a crack at a remix for a bit of fun and have had a few people request it for D/L.”

Give it up to the boys at Perverse, THIS IS HUGE.  Be on the look for Parts 3 & 4 – soon to come.  Big up FatKidOnFire for always hosting such fine music for the people dem’.

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Next is a tune that my good friend Shawnee Altman, aka Camu, has decided to give away for free.  If you’ve kept up with this site you should be somewhat familiar with Camu’s sound.  He takes a lot of tribal and eastern influences to incorporate into his music, sampling things from Bollywood films to shamanic rituals.  A very promising young producer no doubt!  Take a listen to this one, titled ‘The Journey To Find Anas Hassanati’.

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The last bit of free music is a beautifully composed tune from badman NDread from the ICU/MUD outfit.  This is another one hosted by the boys at Deep Heads – always keeping things real!  This one sees NDread’s signature style of soul and groove whilst bringing garage style swing to the table as well.  This man is a complete badman on the buttons and is definitely someone to keep your eyes as he will be making large-large moves in the near future.  Hit download and tell the man what you think!

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Alright everyone hope you enjoy the sounds.  Not everyday that this large a quantity of music is being given away for free.  We will see you next time fam’.

To the gods.

-Kinman

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Bassweight Sessions 3: Calski

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Big up fam’.  As I had said on Tuesday, I have a very special interview today with a Bristol-based producer.  There’s got to be something in the air in Bristol because the amount of top-notch musicianship that comes out of that city is just massive.  I’m going to have to collect some air in a jar whenever I get over there and take a huff each time I get in front of my beat machine ;).  Anyways, let’s get down to business!

Today’s feature is with Calum Lamont, aka Calski.  If you’re not familiar with his sound, I strongly urge you to look into it.  This is a producer who, in less than three years, has gained himself support from some of the scenes rising stars like My Nu Leng, DK, and The Town as well as dominators such as Phaeleh.  To try and pigeonhole Calum’s sound is nearly impossible (he’ll even tell you himself) as he is constantly changing the tempo, approach, and style of his productions.  What is very clear about this man is his ability to make beautiful music, so it should be no surprise that the King of melodic bass music, Phaeleh, has been showing his support.  Don’t want to say much more because his responses are quite informative.  Take a look below to find about what Calski has to say about being a musician in Bristol and why he feels it best to produce a multitude of genres rather than stick to a single formula…

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1.  Just to get the formalities out of the way, can you give the readers a quick rundown about who you are and the music that you make?

Im Calski, I’m from bristol and I make sub bassy, melodic and percussion based music. It’s always a tricky one when someone asks that because I dont really know what to say. I tend to cross between genres and try messing about with different styles so it hopefully stays interesting for people.

2.  How long have you been involved with music production?  What was it that sparked your passion?

I’ve been producing for about 3 years now. When I was younger I played the saxaphone and piano, which is what started my passion for music.  I only moved onto computer production after I downloaded a free demo of fruity loops on my mums computer and started making cheap grime tunes, but it was pretty pointless because you couldnt save your beats on the demo!  After I got bored of the FL demo I just enrolled in a music technology course and it all went from there really.

 3.  You seem to really have an exceptional ability to work your drum tracks.  Is this something that just manifested itself through your production style, or do you make the conscious effort to create the cleanest and fullest drum tracks?

Percussion is just something I’ve slowley progressed on over the years.  I love fat, punchy drum beats and anything with rythm and a nice bouncey vibe to get your head nodding.  I always find its important to work the drums as much as you can because in my tunes they are usually the main factor along with the sub and they can make or break the tune.

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 4.  Furthering on your production style, your sound is undeniably distinct.  I don’t know if it’s just something about Bristol that injects creativity into people, but the amount of artists w/ fresh sounds in massive (Die & Break, Addison Groove, Phaeleh, Guido, Kahn, Appleblim, list goes on…)!  How would you say the environment in Bristol has transposed itself into your productions, if at all?

Yeh its a hugeley inspirational city for music, arts and culture.  I’ve lived here for about 4 years now and dont think I will ever move.  I believe the city has had nothing but positive effects on my music, Bristol has some sick producers and labels in so many different genres so I try to take inspiration from everywhere I can. I started getting booked for small gigs for no money when I first moved to Bristol and it made me see just how big it all was, seeing people making their own tunes and doing well at their own thing drove me to try it myself.  I believe its important to be around people with similar goals and aspirations as you because you motivate one another.

 5.  You tend to cross genre platforms when writing music.  Some people believe that when trying to build a name for yourself, it’s better to identify with a particular sound in order to “brand’ yourself, in a sense.  You seem to have transcended this philosophy, so I’m curious as to hear your thoughts about cross-genre beat making.

Personally I think its important to cross different genres.  Most of the people I look up to and aspire to be are versatile producers.  I think if you use the same drum pattern, synth or stlye in every tune you make, you might make a few bangers but eventually people will get bored because its too predictable.  When I start making a tune, I never have any idea where im going to go with it.  I usually start with percussion and see where it takes me from there, but it never usually ends up where I thought it would!  I also listen to all different sorts of music so I can hear something that will inspire me to take a tune in a whole different direction when I’m half way through writing it.  I can be pretty annoying sometimes as well!

 6.  You and KeyedUp make quite the team.  How did you guys get linked up?  What more can we expect to hear from you two in the future?

We live in the same sort of area and just met through the music scene and started making tunes when we were chilling at mine. We dont really make tunes anymore because we are just heading in different musical directions.

 7.  Your debut EP on Overcooked Records  will be seeing a released October 1st.  I’ve listened to the tunes, and they’re top-notch!  How has the reaction been so far on the release?

Thank you 🙂  There has been a really positive reaction so far which I am really greatful for.  It’s had a few good reviews and its being played by some of my favourite artists.  People like ‘Enigma Dubz’, ‘My Nu Leng’ and ‘Phaeleh’ have been supporting it which is a real honor for me because I’ve been listening to their stuff before I even began producing.  I think the good thing about the EP is there is a variation of styles and hopefully a track for everyone on it, and if not.. wait for the next release!

 8.  Is there anything else in the near future that the readers should keep their eyes/ears out for (gigs, releases, etc.)?

There should be multiple releases dropping in the next couple of years.  A few EP’s on Overcooked Records and some releases on various different labels in between. Lots of different vibes to come!

 9.  What’s the one piece of advice/knowledge that you have today that you wish somebody would passed down to you early on in your career?

Without sounding too cliche …Just work hard at what you want to do, be persistent and determined in life and one day, eventually, it will pay off.

 10.  Who shot Biggie & Pac?

illuminati 😉

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Much respect out to Calum for taking the time out of his day to contribute to our Bassweight Sessions series.  If you haven’t already previewed his EP on Overcooked Records, the ‘St. Andrews EP’, be sure to check the link below as it’s most definitely one you’ll want to add to your collection!  Featuring 3 Originals, a collaboration with Enigma Dubz, and a remix of an Inkarv production.  Big sounds no doubt.  The EP is available for pre-order of iTunes currently and will be officially released on October 1st at all good online record stores.

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Also, to top things off Calski has been generous enough to build a mix for all your listening pleasures.  Unfortunately there were some complications while trying to upload the mix to Soundcloud, and I was not able to use that particular platform.  I have uploaded the mix to Mixcloud but, since the ability to embed the players used by Mixcloud to a WordPress site is non-existent (C’mon WordPress, seriously?!) you will have to follow the link below to our Mixcloud profile.  Believe me though, it is WELL WORTH the extra two clicks you will have to endure ;).  Check the link below…

http://www.mixcloud.com/BassweightSociety/calski-bassweight-sessions-3/

I hope you all enjoyed the words and the mix!  Will see you next time.

To the gods.

-Kinman

Biome – Two Way EP (BLACKBOX029)

Posted by Bassweight Society on

 

Bless everybody.  Hope all is well with the fam’.  Today I wanted to take some time out to highlight the recent EP released by Biome.  As if this man has not been absolutely slaying bass bins for the past 6 months (at least), he has made his presence even more visible with this latest release on Black Box.  With one of the hardest sounds in the deeper side of the 140 arena, Biome has carved out his place like a force that cannot be reckoned with.  I have promoted much of his music within the time span of Bassweight Society’s existence and he is definitely one of my favorite producers.  This 4 Track 2 x 12″ release sees a more calm Biome (or at least that’s how I’ve perceived it) than his recent work with the Macabre Unit crew and his release on New Moon not too long ago – I find it very refreshing.  The Two Way EP is an excellent addition to the Black Box discography, holding true to the imprints sound.

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Reality || Vinyl, Digital

This beat starts off with some beautiful atmospherics and quickly progresses into a pressure-ridden halfstep masterpiece.  The space utilized in between each bass element creates grooves that would cause a paraplegic to off his/her chair and straight mash the dance.  I was instantly hooked by the eerie pads used in the track and I’m sure each of you will find an element that tickles your fancy within this one.

Inner Mind || Vinyl, Digital

This tune embodies the “calm” Biome that I spoke of in the introduction of this feature.  Preceding this release I’ve seen Biome on very high-energy trend, utilizing extremely heavy tribal-styled percussion to keep the dance inna’ zone.  Inner Mind utilizes calming vocals, eyes down piano chords, and atmospherics that all equate to a brilliant work of art.  I find this tune to be extremely peaceful, and to be honest, thought-provoking.  I say thought-provoking because each time I play this one I can’t help but reminisce on past memories, analyze current situations, and just think.  I’m going to have to say that this is my persy off the EP.

Charged || Vinyl, Digital

In uniform with the calmer vibe of the EP, ‘Charged’ keeps the beat slow but the vibes large.  Biome’s unmatched ability to modulate growling basslines is apparent in this stomper as the tune is constantly interchanging between them.  The snare hit in this beat really makes me exaggerate my body movements as it is crisp in it’s strike and fades flawlessly, with just the right amount of reverb.

Two Way || Vinyl, Digital

To wrap up the release is ‘Two Way’.  This one is for the steppers!  A very clean and constant kick drum floods the sound field while an array of hats and snares compliment the grooves.  For some reason I picture a mad scientist frantically searching for a lost potion when I listen to this tune.  Haha, yeah, I’m weird.

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Many of you have probably already purchased this but, if you haven’t, DO IT!  It’s available at all good record shops and online stores.  You can preview all of the tunes down below via the Black Box Soundcloud page.

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Hope you enjoy the sounds!  Support the artists, show them some love and most importantly, DON’T PIRATE MUSIC.  Be sure to check later this week, most likely Thursday, as I have a very special feature/interview with a Bristolian producer that has been turning heads on the late!  Big up to all the readers, your support means the world to me.  Until next time…

To the gods.

-Kinman

Subreachers: Foundation EP (WRZ005)

Posted by Bassweight Society on

EZ fam’.  I’m finally back to reality.  It was definitely quite the journey I embarked on, and I’m refreshed and ready to go for the next year.  It’s amazing what one week in Black Rock City can do for ones mind and soul.  I’m going to have a feature up soon showcasing a lot of the amazing art and experiences (via photo) that I shared with my family while at Burning Man last week.  It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and energetic cities on the earth – yet only exists for 1 week!

Anyways, for today, I have a little review on the fresh EP from Subreachers.  This 4-track (digital) / 3-Track (vinyl) release is an absolutely outstanding display of deep-rhythm versatility.  With sounds ranging from the foundation reminiscent wobbles of  ‘Developer’ to the jazz-infused ambiance of ‘Foundation’, Matthias Hoogewijs has really cemented himself as a producer that is here to stay.  The EP marks the fifth release for Warriorz Records, an imprint dedicated to the promotion of their fellow Belgian musicians.  The EP hits the shelves today so be sure to get your copy!

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‘Developer’ || Vinyl, Digital

This tune, in my mind, is the ultimate homage to the original dubstep sound.  As the shutter-shaking wobble creeps its way in through the envelope, the masterfully constructed snare hit bleeds a reverb that sends the listener into an abyss of atmospheric groove.  The constant introduction of new sounds and grooves throughout the bars keeps this song eternally fresh and interesting.  Hold tight for the second.

‘Foundation’ || Vinyl, Digital

After the infamously talented duo, Author, formulated and introduced one of the most forward-thinking interpretations of the 140 arena, there have been many imitators – few of which I’ve found noteworthy.  This track is one of the few.  This laid back sunshine anthem has a feel-good vibe often foreign to the cold, dark nature of dubstep.

‘Karnaubawa’ || Vinyl, Digital

This one is so softly melodic and peaceful.  The subtle vocal processing really brings out an extra amount of vibe that “puts a cherry on top” of this production.  The rhythmic delay of the synths and the snap-hat combination really put the shuffle in your step and groove in your hips.  This beat is my persy off the release.

‘Return 2 Reality’ || Digital Only

Stuttered drum sequencing and howling basslines characterize this track.  Definitely takes you through a wormhole of audible frequencies.  This delightfully energetic half-step bit is one for those preparing for the dread march.  Hoods up, fists up, eyes down – bring on the revolution.

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Released today!  Available in all good record shops.  Below are purchase links from Chemical and Juno.  Make sure you head over the Subreachers page and shout him some love and support.  Will be a lot more of this fellow to hear in the near future.  To celebrate the release, the label and artist have been generous enough to give away ‘Return 2 Reality’ as a free download.  PLEASE show the involved parties some love for this.  A fucking massive tune free of charge is always deserving of a simple, yet genuine, “thank you”.

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Chemical Records

Juno Records

Stay blessed.

To the gods.

-Kinman