Tag: Chrome Sparks

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EMPT Presents: Le Miel du Mois Aout 2013 (Mini-Mix Series)

I forget how much magic is in LMDM. When we first started these tapes the first of the month always had a way of putting things in perspective and pushing the momentum.

And everything is on profit, and anything is an option…” -FRXXMASONS

That’s how I’m feeling going into the second day of our 4 day LMDM Mini-Mix release. Money is basic, it’s literally fake and has no meaning whatsoever so when I speak about profit let’s be clear, it’s a metaphor for all you basic bitches out there. Ask yourself, what are you getting for the amount of time you put into something? Though basic, analyzing such a thing isn’t so easy because fear leads us into relationships, jobs and situations that hurt us more than they help and the truth gets blurred in the process. Instead of embracing the flow of life we fight it and what should be a rewarding learning experience or opportunity for growth becomes a loss. The truth is everything has an upside and armed with the correct mindset, creativity and resourcefulness everything truly is on profit.

That’s the vibe I get from the LMDM Aout Mini-Mix, everything is on the up. EMPT was born from that energy and that’s what’s going to keep us ahead in the Space Age. I was just reminiscing with CP’13 about Noctambule and all the great things that happened so early in this sites life. It was all organic, all manifesting out of pure energy, love and excitement. When that’s there you don’t really have to try hard. Energy is more powerful than anything, vibe and true substance can do more than a marketing plan that’s why it’s better to be true and do things

With way less effort,
‘Cause when you try hard, That’s when you die hard…” – Kanye West

We’ve tried many things in the last couple of years and I can’t say it’s all been successful but it’s time to cut the losses and get back to that energy. Few things speak the true nature of EMPT like LMDM so it’s great and I love what this Mini-Mix series is doing reignite that fire, enjoy.

Tracklisting:

  1. Is Tropical – Dancing Anymore
  2. Oh Sailor – Mr. Little Jeans (Strange Talk Remix)
  3. Chrome Sparks – Marijuana
  4. Haim – Falling (Duke Dumont Remix)
  5. Kali Uchis – What They Say
  6. Mama Kin – Rescue

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Chrome Sparks – Send The Pain On

chrome sparks

The idea of a last first something is bittersweet. On one hand you’re excited/nervous/giddy at the prospect of starting something new. The door is wide open and the path ahead of you is fresh, clean, and waiting for you to carve your way through. On the other hand it’s the last time you’ll be standing before this doorway, and once you cross over the threshold that feeling of newness, that bright shiny polished feeling of the future begins to fade away. There’s a slight pinch in your gut; you know that the doorway you just walked through has shut, and while what lies ahead is unknown, there will always be a tiny feeling of longing for those moments standing before that door. Our lives will undoubtedly hold many first days, but the number of last first days is small and those days are especially important to take hold of, breathe in every moment, and honestly feel those butterflies in your stomach. It’s those butterflies that will keep you on your feet. I’ve found that those little guys fluttering around keep my perspective fresh; keep me alert, and keep me motivated.

Reflection at the end of first day is essential. What is it you want to carve? How will you manifest your goals? A solid soundtrack to this is obviously key. Back in December, Chrome Sparks dropped this single and all its wintery magic is perfect to unwind to. From it’s opening wind-down into a lush atmospheric synth melody, Jeremy Malvin instantly takes us to space while simultaneously chilling us out. A sample of some therapy session or recorded confession is muffled and crackling in the background bringing a haunting element to the track. It’s an honest song. The lyric “send the pain on” doesn’t feel contrived; it rather has an odd feeling of confidence – like Malvin is standing on the edge of some sublime space yelling to the world “come at me. I’m ready for you.” With each cathartic synth explosion (and believe me, the synths explode into something magical), Malvin’s cries begin to sound like commands. He’s challenging the world with the sound as his armor. For a track with a seemingly melancholy title, it’s actually quite joyous – euphoric in fact.

“Send The Pain On” is a lush soundscape worthy of low lighting, loud speakers, a pen, and a notepad (maybe even some wine, but that’s just my prerogative). At the end of a last first day you want to feel confident in whatever it is that’s ahead of you. You want to be able to say, “Hey world, I’m here. I’m ready. Send the pain on.” Because really, we probably aren’t ever totally ready, but convincing ourselves that we are is 3/4 of the battle. Keepin’ them butterflies in ya and opening yourself up to the confidence bursting in this track will get you through that last quarter.

Cheers.

Chrome Sparks – Send The Pain On

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Chrome Sparks – Show You My Way

There are a lot of names that come through the blogosphere and world of Internet music that prove extremely noteworthy and worthwhile, but for some reason, only make a one time appearance. The accessibility may have something to do with it. Anyone can be on the Internet. I guess I’m really pleased to find that Chrome Sparks is not one of those Internet names. The release of Marijuana earlier in 2012 had me really excited and this track is such a lovely follow-up. I remember the first time I heard it, the tribal quality of the drums and the vocals that just continued to add on top of one another after every four to eight bars. The jingling of something that jingles in the background keeps the sound light and airy. The lyrical repetition of the vocals resonate in a simple and meaningful way, something that we can all relate to.

No need to doubt
I’ll show you my way
No need to doubt
Just stick with me
I’ll show you my way
Just stick with me.”

No matter how you interpret it, thoughts of trust come to mind. Who do we let own our trust in this world? Where do we let it reside? Such a seemingly important thing, but I’ve always wondered why. In my family growing up, trust was a really important thing. If trust was ever betrayed, that person would lose a lot of respect, and then it would be a process to re-earn that respect. Trust and respect are two things that I value a lot now, and while I feel that I’ve learned to become a lot more trusting with people then younger years, I cherish the people in my life who possess both my trust and respect. But I am always wondering why, and how this feeling exists. Sometimes I get frustrated, because I realize that we’re the only creatures on this planet who place so much emphasis on feelings. It’s only because of our ability to be so self-aware. And while it is frustrating sometimes, it’s ultimately a really beautiful aspect of our lives. Because the disappointment that comes with a lack of trust, one that is betrayed by someone, is countered when we find someone who is so worth investing that same emotion in.

And that, is irreplaceable. So maybe today, just for today, don’t doubt. Follow that intuition and above all, trust yourself first.

Chrome Sparks – Show You My Way

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Chrome Sparks feat. Steffaloo – All There Is

No offense, Michigan, but you’re not the first place that comes to mind when I think of innovative electronica. But what do I know? Jeremy Malvin, the wizard behind the Chrome Sparks curtain, has been crafting beats out of Ann Arbor while also playing drums for Stepdad. The trained percussionist released My <3 back in 2011. The 7-track album journeys through synths and samples, highlighting mood-altering beats. The entirety of the album is fluid and reflective, and overall, is as much an exploration of sound as it is of self.

waiting for a sign
my eyes close
looking to recall
when i was a child
 
is this all there is
is this all there is to life?”
Steffaloo provides what I’ve coined the “vox aetherius” on All There Is. Her mostly acoustic solo work emphasizes the delicacy of her vocals, but when paired with the nu-gaze synths and beats, she takes on a whole new vibe. Her gentle melodies swerve in and out of Chrome Sparks’ musical structure. It’s so easy to get lost in it, so easy to ask the big questions. Take some time, and let yourself go there.

Chrome Sparks feat. Steffaloo – All There Is

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Chrome Sparks – Marijuana

Here’s to a happy Sunday. I’m riding this metaphorical high right now in so many different ways, especially after seeing The Black Keys & TV On The Radio last night. Both are major favorites of mine and I am pretty sure what I experienced yesterday was one of those lifetime memories. Sometimes you just need to push your way to the front of an audience and fight off the crazies so that you can experience exactly the close-up and personal music of people you adore. And to do that at a music festival where hundreds of others are trying to do the same exact thing, is both frightening and incredible.

I arrived back in Brooklyn at around 1am last night feeling as if I could fly. The rain had stopped, I was eating a burrito, and totally in bliss. A natural high, that only seemed to continue when I woke up this morning and played this song. The title is a total coincidence, but I immediately thought about how awesome it is when a song gives you a natural high. Our emotions are constantly in motion, and it’s usually out of our control. When a song comes on that is capable of continuing a good feeling, it’s bliss. It’s especially so when we don’t know what the song is capable of.

That is precisely what happens here.

Chrome Sparks does something really special with his music, and particularly with this song. The  static bass synth line provides a solid foundation for a sexy track, paired with screwed vocals and a plethora of ethereal sounds that enter and exit the body of this fantasy-filled track throughout the all too short 2 minutes and 59 seconds.

Enjoy the day, get out in the sun whenever you see it shine through the window as it decides to come and go this week, and turn this one up for complete relaxation and enjoyment.

Chrome Sparks – Marijuana

 

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Le Miel du Mois by Steph Lund: Decembre 2011

I’ve never been a big fan of looking back, sure it’s comforting to reminisce about the good old times…

Hey you know everybody’s talking about the “good old days”
Everybody! The good old days
Well, let’s talk about the good old days…” – Gladys Knight

But in my mind the past does more harm than good. If you think about the past so much you’re going to constantly be ignoring what’s happening to you right now. The past is good for one thing and one thing only – educating yourself, learning from your mistakes and those of others, otherwise it should be avoided like the plauge. Your current situation is a result of your past thinking and thus your future situation will be a result of your thinking right now! However, if you keep thinking the same sh*&tty thoughts because you can’t stop thinking about the past you’re going end up with the same result. It will happen over and over and again and you’ll just be wondering why but the past is why…

Life is like a treadmill ni*#@s running in place, 
Getting no where fast, a whole year done passed…” – Jay-Z (It’s Like That)

Like I said, the value of the past is education, it’s the only way to break the pattern. Otherwise it already happened and if you really think about it, it doesn’t even exists anymore, it’s literally just in your head. My conductor, the late great Walter J. Turnbull always told us – “you’re only as good as your last show.” That always stuck and it means more to me now than ever. Think about your job, say you’ve put in years of service but if you start screwing up today it’s good bye. If you’re in a relationship, those first months or years we’re wonderful but if you stop showing love, caring to impress, to improve and always keeps things fresh things are bound to go sour…

You’re only as good as your last show” – Walter. J. Turnbull

So what does all of this have to do with LMDM? Well, if you’ve been following LMDM these years you’ll know that this ruthless forward thinking mentality is at the very nature of Steph’s mix tape series and listening to this special version inspired all these thoughts. For those unfamiliar with the series this is a great way to get to know it, here’s why

Instead of a “best of” 2011 artist and songs mix,  our end of the year mix is a compilation of the best of LMDM’s of 2011. I tried to chose one track from each month, of the past 11 LMDMs but that was tough and turned into two select tracks per month, because lets face it, 22 tracks is better than 11 and I wanted this holiday tape to be a BIG one. Every LMDM I listen back on reminds me of what I did that month and the little moments that made the month, and piled on, that made the year. …Here’s to Hec and EMPT moving to LA and to a bigger better faster stronger 2012.

That said, here’s to the future, enjoy.

Le Miel du Mois at work? That’s much better than work at work! Download

Tracklisting:

  1. Dark Colour  – Don’t Let It Stop (Avril 2011)
  2. Of Oceans – In Love, Not Limbo (Janvier 2011)
  3. Gold Panda – You (Janvier 2011)
  4. Vadoinmessico – In Spain (Fevrier 2011)
  5. Fleet Foxes- White Winter Hymnal (Fevrier 2011)
  6. The Go! Team – Apollo Throwdown (Star Slinger Remix) (Mars 2011)
  7. Ravens and Chimes – Division Street (Mars 2011)
  8. Raleigh Moncrief – Lament for Morning (Avril 2011)
  9. Siriusmo – Idiologie (Mai 2011)
  10. Pepeiano – Flesh Rails (Mai 2011)
  11. Hurricane Bells – The Waiting Song (Juin 2011)
  12. Body Language – Social Studies (Plastic Plates Remix) (Juin 2011)
  13. Chrome Sparks – Show You My Way (Juillet 2011)
  14. Jonathan Johansson – Blommorna (Niva Remix)  (Juillet 2011)
  15. Neon Indian – Polish Girl (Aout 2011)
  16. Santogold – You’ll Find A Way (Switch and Sinden Remix) (Aout 2011)
  17. M83 – Midnight City (Septembre/Octobre 2011)
  18. Gauntlet Hair – Top Bunk (Septembre /Octobre 2011)
  19. Brenton – Kensington System (Septembre/Octobre 2011)
  20. Flight Facilities – Foreign Language ft. Jess (Personal Touch Remix)
  21. Blood Orange – Sutphin Boulevard (Novembre 2011)
  22. Fall in the River – Badly Drawn Boy (Novembre 2011)

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Le Miel du Mois by Steph Lund: Aout 2011

Like the flowers needs the rain, like blind man needs his cain, I need you…

If you haven’t noticed mixtapes are a big deal around these parts but there’s none more significant than our beloved LMDM by Steph Lund. Month after month, no matter the weather, you can come here and find a new fresher than the last mixtape and for that we’re so thankful. I don’t know about you guys but my months don’t feel like they can’t start until I hear the tape and since music is a drug that means I’m pretty much addicted to LMDM. Actually, I know I’m not alone, I’ve seen some other addicts tweeting and commenting when the tape isn’t out in time…

Like the darkness needs the night and the moon glow needs the light, I need you…
Like a person needs his soul like the winter needs the cold, I need you…
Like the fire needs the air I won’t burn unless your there, I need you…” – Frankie Beverly & Maze – I Need You

Somehow Steph always manages to put it all in perspective with songs that make you sit down chill out and think and then immediately after another to make you get up and dance. I don’t let too many girls play with my emotions but when it comes to LMDM I’m daytime television baby. Alright, the day is young but there’s much to do so check out the new disclaimer and take a ride, enjoy.

There are many ways to listen to LMDM but I highly recommend you do as I do – press play, sit back and put your trust in Steph. A lot of thought was given to the sequence so no fast forwarding, no rewinding, no flipping, just listening…

Beirut’s Port of Call is my favorite track off of their new album, so I wanted to open the mix with it. I also included Air France’s new song, which after a bit of a hiatus, its exactly what I could have hoped for. Not everything is new which I think makes for a more interesting lmdm like the Santogold remix which means more to me in using it two years later than when it first came out. Andddd its August…”

Le Miel du Mois at work? That’s much better than work at work! Download

Tracklisting:

  1. Beirut – Port of Call
  2. On-The-Go – In The Wind
  3. Chrome Sparks – All There Is (feat. Steffaloo)
  4. Discovery – Osaka Loop Line
  5. Errors – Supertribe
  6. Santogold – You’ll Find A Way (Switch and Sinden Remix)
  7. Holiday Shores – Phones Don’t Feud
  8. Air France – It Feels Good to Be Around You”
  9. Neon Indian – Polish Girl
  10. Wise Blood – Someday (Stroked Tribute)
  11. Atlas Sound – Spring Time Instrumental
  12. Donora – I Think I Like You
  13. Priors – What You Need (Le Crayon Sidechain Edit)

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Le Miel du Mois by Steph Lund: Julliet 2011

I know a lot of you have been waiting but I finally got the new LMDM from Steph and once again it’s nothing short of amazing. Steph is super busy these days and I know how much work goes into making something this good every single time so on behalf of all EMPT heads I’m saying thanks, a month wouldn’t be the same without a dose of LMDM.

There are many ways to listen to LMDM but I highly recommend you do as I do – press play, sit back and put your trust in Steph. A lot of thought was given to the sequence so no fast forwarding, no rewinding, no flipping, just listening…

No need to doubt, I’ll show you my way.
No need to doubt, just stick with me…” – Loud Valley

I’m always curating music for brands these days and I rarely get to sit back and just enjoy someone else’s work. That’s why I cherish these tapes more than ever because I get to just sit back and go on Steph’s adventure. This one like all the others is a trip from start to finish so check out a few words from the mastermind herself as I go indulge in LMDM Julliet, enjoy.

Two amazing albums came out recently: Beirut’s new “Rip Tide” and Hooray for Earth’s “True Loves.” I can’t stop playing them. Go buy them and support the artists,  from start to finish, they are both amazing. Both bands are also touring this (end of summer/fall) so look out to see if they are coming through your city…this mix is a much lighter summer tape – for the winding down- half falling asleep-drink in your hand- smile on your face – sun about to call it quits – type of evenings. Hope you enjoy.”

Le Miel du Mois at work? That’s much better than work at work! Download

Tracklisting:

  1. The Soulettes – A Deh Pon Dem
  2. Chrome Sparks – Show You My Way
  3. Jonathan Johansson – Blommorna (Niva Remix)
  4. Architecture in Helsinki – City Calm Down
  5. Coma Cinema- Shy Water
  6. Metronomy – Everything Goes My Way
  7. Letting Up Despite Great Faults – Sophia In Gold
  8. Ladylike Lily – I’m Terrified of Being
  9. Four Tet – Angel Echoes
  10. Foreign Born – Vacationing People
  11. Ian Matthews – These Days (James Taylor cover)
  12. Yeasayer – 2080
  13. Rubblebucket – Silly Fathers (RAC Remix)
  14. Nightfall on Family Mountain – Minikon

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