Tag: St. Lucia

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Interview Music

Steph Lund: Ruckus Rhythms Interview

We’ve come a long long way together, through the hard times and the good. I have celebrate you baby, I have to praise you like I should….”

Reading Stephs feature on Ruckus Rhythms nearly brought a tear in my eye man. I’m so proud of everyone that helps make EMPT happen these days but no one has been with me longer than Steph, that’s the bottom line. We have a loyalty to the music that’s beyond any regular affection most people have and that’s a beautiful thing, not many understand that but we do and that’s why she’s my twin. I’m so proud of what LMDM has become, Steph and how it continues to inspire others. Who wouldn’t have thought right Steph? Enjoy.
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Steph Lund regularly contributes to the NYC based music blog Et Musique Pour Tous (EMPT). Her contribution isn’t in the form of a daily post, but instead a monthly playlist called: “Le Miel Du Mois” She is my music aficionado idol and yet I know nothing about her. This interview is meant to shed some light on the mystery that is Steph Lund and of course give us a very special guest Playlust (found at the bottom).

Your “Le Miel Du Mois” inspired me to create the P L A Y L U S T. How long have you been putting that together for EMPT?

Steph: That’s awesome. I’ve been honored to be able to create Le Miel Du Mois since April 2009- that was our first mixtape and still one of my favorites. I opened it with a Whitest Boy Alive track – Erlund Oye, I mean he’s a Lund…:)

How did that come to be?

Steph: I met the founder of Et Musique Pour Tous, Hector, through a mutual friend. We were at a concert a few months into our friendship and I ran the idea by him – At the time, I felt like it was something music blogs were lacking – a monthly curated playlist that focused on up-and-coming artists and remixes.

Do you DJ at all?

Steph: I do, but only with EMPT’s Hector – I haven’t put time into it as I should so I’ll only trust him to be there next to me. We do select parties in NY and LA if we feel passionate/ excited about them – Hec is amazing- he has played some incredible places – I’m envious where he’s traveled to for it

What are the top three ways you find music?

Steph: HYPE MACHINE, first and foremost. Spotify – listening to others playlists (Nicolaas Jaar,Pitchfork, etc) and artist and remix submissions to forthbeat’s twitter account– I usually can tell if I’m into something ten seconds in, and if I’m in love, about thirty seconds in

What’s one song you’re playing on loop right now and are seriously risking burning out on?

Steph: So many! I have a repeat problem- and not just with songs – current rEpEaT PrObLeMs are:

Foals – “Bad Habit” (Alex Metric remix)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Under the Earth” (my wake up track)

Hermitude- “HyperParadise” (Flume Remix)

and Angel Haze – “Werkin Girl”

This summer has been St Lucia – “All Eyes On You” for wayy wayyy too long (still is…)

Can you tell us more about your own music blog, forthebeat.com, and what made you want to start it?

Steph: So forthebeat was started as a placeholder- it sounds a bit odd but my friend and I who started forthebeat wanted to throw parties with bands we loved through shows we curated – the idea was to have these parties once every 4 months.

When we started reaching out to managers, we wanted a page to refer them to so they could have a reference for who we are. Then ABC News Amplified partnered with us for our CMJ shows and we started using the blog to post info on our parties and it grew from there. We did one of the first New York shows for Sleigh Bells – that was amazing to be a part of. We also worked with We Have Band,Kisses, Hooray for Earth, Dominant Legs, Wiseblood, Phantogram, and more. (Some photos here from those shows)

I’m the only one that posts on it anymore, and its not a pressure-do it every day or even every month thing – I do wish I had more time to post though. Maybe after the summer.

What do you do for a living?
Steph: I run a public relations firm – I head the Brooklyn office for a London based agency.

If you could tell our readers about one band they have to see live the next time they come to town, who would it be?

Steph: See Foals. See Beirut. See Solange. All have been hugely impresssionistic shows.

Can you tell us an anecdote of the most memorable time that you made a Ruckus?

Steph: I would say the entire year of 2009, which is when we started forthebeat. We were VPs at our jobs by day and running around to shows and parties every night. Can’t beat NY for that…

“S T E P H L U N D – L U S T”: These are the top tracks Steph is bumpin right now:

via RUCKUS RHYTHMS

Categories
Music

St Lucia – Elevate

It’s a beautiful, breezy, blue-sky day in Portland, the kind of summer day you always fantasize about when it’s February and you can’t remember the last time you didn’t feel cold, wet, or hunched over. It’s the kind of summer day that makes every experience seem memorable or important, even if it’s the same routine you’ll be grumbling about in six months. There’s something about the light, the warmth, the colors of the sky, the smell of the warm air, the sound of leaves rustling in the night wind – it adds a layer of beauty and fantasy to everything you do. Sometimes it’s enough to remind you that the long summers of your childhood are still within reach, and the excitement and adventure of your teen years can still be found if you seek them out.

St. Lucia has always been able to evoke those same feelings for me. They’re one of those bands that have the power to transport, to dig out old memories you’d forgotten you had, to conjure images of places you haven’t been: dark blue saltwater stretching to the horizon, sun-warmed rocks, heavy green palm trees casting shade on white sand. Their music is dreamy, buoyant, and wistful, all at once. It makes you long to go back to something you never had in the first place.

I’ve been eagerly awaiting a full-length follow-up to last year’s flawless self-titled EP, and it looks like I’ll finally get my wish. St. Lucia just announced that “When the Night” will be out on October 8, and to whet our appetites, we also get “Elevate,” a funky, upbeat, reverb-drenched single in the vein of “Closer Than This” and “We Got It Wrong.” Jean-Philip Grobler’s strong, unique voice shines on both the mellow verses and the danceable choruses; check out the complex percussion throughout and the funky, “Sussudio”-esque bassline at 3:15. Recommended listening with the windows down, the wind in your hair, and the sun on your face. Preferably with a hint of ocean breeze in the air.

St. Lucia – Elevate 

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Music

EMPT Exclusive – Full Moon: Mix De Lune

Full_Moon_24x36 Moon

Ooooooo the excitement is raging in me as we speak.  Ever since I got word of the Full Moon party on Governor’s Island the anticipation has seemed like it’s going to last forever but alas the event is only two weeks away! Some of our favorite artist’s that we crave and love so much here at EMPT, as you will see listed below, are in the musical line up for the event.  Not only that but there is going to be yummy food to coat your stomachs as I am sure the alcohol intake is going to be massive, let’s not lie about it!  And for those of you feeling generous and full of Summer love there is a benefit called FLEET4hearME,  providing children in orphanages the ability to make music, the jewelry is dope so your doing a good deed and giving yourself some extra style. I think that’s pretty dope, so give your self some good Summer karma, ya?! Alright guys I am not going to go on and on because all the info about this panty droppin’, music mayhem, Full Moon craziness is all below:

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Inspired by the mythical power of the full moon and the famous parties of Southeast Asia, MATTE’s Full Moon develops this narrative with New York’s distinct culture and edge – a transcendental beach party in the center of New York Harbor with sounds, art and food from a carefully curated lineup of musicians, DJs, artists, and chefs.

Full Moon 2013 is New York’s not-to-be-missed summer music event, blurring the line between festival and dance party. In 2012, Full Moon was attended by over 2,500 of New York’s finest and written up by titles such as Bullett Magazine, NY Mag and VICE.

This year, The Beach at Governors Island serves as an urban paradise for Full Moon – a sunset over the Statue of Liberty, a moonrise over Lower Manhattan.

Full Moon’s 2013 lineup will feature Miami Horror, Tanlines, Wild Belle, Cyril Hahn, Float Fall, The Knocks, Yuksek, & more.

Alright so this sounds Fu$%ing exciting right!? I know EMPT is gonna be there so everyone reading this better get your sexy Summer asses there as well.  Here is where you can purchase tickets and check out the facebook link for more info and inspiration!

See you all there, press play and get pumped up for June 22nd, enjoy!

Check out last years Full Moon Recap and then get down on the mix, YOU’RE WELCOME!

Tracklisting:

Wild Belle – Keep You (Ticklah Remix)
Miami Horror – I Look To You
Destiny’s Child – Say My Name (Cyril Hahn Remix)
Tanlines – Real Life (Memory Tapes Remix)
Yuksek – The Edge (Aeroplane Remix)
The Knocks – The Feeling (Edwin Van Kleef Remix)
Miami Horror – Holidays (Cassian Remix)
Solange – Losing You (Cyril Hahn Remix)
Darius & Le Crayon – Alicia
Air Zaire – Reaction
Little Daylight – Overdose (Tippy Toes Remix)
Tanlines – All of Me
Yuksek – Extraball (Breakbot Remix)
Miami Horror – Make You Mine (Fred Falke Remix)
The Knocks feat. St. Lucia – Modern Hearts (Club Edit)
Wild Belle – Its Too Late (Snakehips Remix)

Categories
Music

EMPT Presents: Le Miel du Mois Mai 2013

How often do we forget the value and power of our individuality? I mean it’s not something one dwells upon daily but do you realize that your genetic makeup is one of a kind and that every feeling, emotion, thought, inclination or breath you have is unique to you an only you? I’m not talking about corny stuff like the clothes you wear or music you listen to, I’m talking about YOU, not the society version of you but the person deep inside…

We are free when our acts proceed from our entire personality,when they express it, when they exhibit that indefinable resemblance to it which we find occasionally between the artist and his work. – Henri Bergson

Every single one of us has something unique and powerful to offer. EVERYONE. True freedom, not material bullshit like being able to buy a nice car or the new iPhone, true freedom comes when all our actions are in accordance with that one of a kind blend of genes that makes you special. That’s a massive concept but one that deserves attention. I mean, do you know how advanced your body is? Computers are amazing yet nothing close to what you are. Yet if you put in a virus in a computer that joint is going to freak out. Behaving, thinking and acting in ways that aren’t in accordance with your beautiful and unique disposition will have the same effect. When you really think about that for a minute, when you realize what freedom really is you might realize the seriousness of the matter…

Look at me, I just can’t believe what they’ve done to me,
We can never get free… – Amber Coffman (Major Lazer)

Nobody ever thinks about that. Nobody ever thinks about finding themselves anymore. I mean we spend so much time trying to find another person, hustling in our day jobs, playing angry birds, trying to get laid, drinking coffee, worry about nonsense, watching movies and all that other crap that we ignore the discovery of ourselves. The irony is that you offer less to the world and others when you don’t have yourself in order…

Entertainment, Show them what you do with me
When everyone here knows better, What I once refused to be
Is everything they long together
I’d rather be alone…” – Phoenix

I could go on for days about the subject but I won’t, there’s too much to cover. Maybe I’ll write a book someday about it, probably not though, who has the time. I think it’s just important to know that most things these days are designed to keep you away from you – the current system wouldn’t survive otherwise. Anyways, every now and then just remember to step back from all the distraction, step away from people and work on yourself. It’s hard to be objective about yourself and it’s even harder when you’re dealing with people who don’t understand the value of that.

That brings me to the subject of todays post, the May 2013 edition of Le Miel du Mois by Steph Lund. Now here’s someone whose never had a problem with tapping into that unique expression of herself through music. There are many ways to express and explore your individuality and it’s no secret art is one of them. The way Steph selects music makes absolutely no sense to me but I love it. It’s the same feeling you get when you look at a great piece of art, at first glace you really have no idea why you like it or why it connects with you but it does and there you are. I think it’s because when someone is honest about their art it reflects their unique personality and you for that moment you dive deep into their zone, it’s a beautiful thing. Anyways, I’ve yapped enough for the day. Press play on LMDM Mai, as usual every song is great and more importantly its the expression of someways life in art form, doesn’t get any better. Enjoy.

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

Tracklisting:

  1. St Lucia – All Eyes On You
  2. Electric Guest – This Head I Hold Rudi Zygadlo Remix
  3. Vitalic – Fade Away C2C Remix
  4. Nosaj Thing – Eclipse Blue
  5. Hermitude – HyperParadise (Flume Remix)
  6. Daughter – Get Lucky (Daft Punk Cover) –  Holtoug Edit
  7. Summer Heart – I Wanna Go
  8. N.D.M.A – London Grammar-Wasting My Young Years
  9. Jacques Greene – Quicksand
  10. Fruit Bats – When You Love Somebody
Categories
Music

Le Miel du Mois by Steph Lund: Octobre + Novembre 2012

Dwayne Carter Jr. is full of good lines but the following is hands down my favorite…

If I die today it be a holiday…”

If there’s ever a moment in my life when my perspective is so off or I’m doing something so terribly against my true nature that makes me feel otherwise then there’s something wrong. Life is too short to be dishonest with yourself or others and nothing matters that much to put up with bullshit from anyone. I’m lucky to have music, it’s the thing I love, it’s what I do for a living, it’s what makes me happy and it’s never let me down. The more I get into it, the more fulfilling and inspired I am and I thankful for it.

Which brings me to todays post. It’s important to have something to look forward to every day, week, month, year. Keep yourself going and make everyday interesting however you can. For many of us here and our readers of course, one thing that’s made our days and months better is the release of LMDM, our first and most beloved mixtape series by Steph Lund. Recently, I’ve gotten a few angry emails, frustrated request and desperate music love letters from folks asking about the tape. If it’s gone forever, why we’re slacking? etc. We appreciate it all and we listen, if there’s anything that keeps this train going is the passion we have for music and knowing that others share it with us. That said, there’s no excuse, Steph and I are just busy mofo’s these days. We both left NYC this year and have been 100 miles and running since keeping up with our clients, personal lives and so on. EMPT and LMDM we’re created on and still run on pure love so bare with us as we learn to manage the new demands. That said, we’re playing catchup and brining you a combined Octobre & Novembre that is pure concentrated amazing. Decembre soon to follow.

As is customary this tape is nothing like those before it and perhaps the only thing it shares with the them is the amazing feeling you get while listening to it. This one in particular has a great balance, I haven’t seen Steph in a while but I can tell these are the good times. I won’t Speak for her but just know that every song fantastic and the fast forward button is worthless while listening to this, enjoy…

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

  1. Chromatics – Lady (YUS Remix)
  2. Roosevelt – Sea
  3. St Lucia – September
  4. Absofacto – Backfire
  5. Robosonic – Thankful
  6. Saint Michel – Katherine
  7. Civil Twilight – River (Ra Ra Riot Remix)
  8. Roosevelt – Soleil
  9. Crystal Stilts – Dark Eyes
  10. Y Luv – Driftin
  11. Nicolas Jaar – Mi Mujer
  12. First Aid Kit – Winter Is All Over (Baauer Remix)
Categories
Music Video

St. Lucia – We Got It Wrong

Brace yourselves, the dog days are coming and it looks like they’re bringing an army with ’em. You’ll be needing some armor to cool off with and beat the dogs away. If I were you I’d keep this track as a secret weapon. St. Lucia, the Brooklyn based musician, seamlessly marries elements of his home country (St. Lucia if you can believe it) and New York cool. Synths soar over island beats and cloud your thoughts with a summer haze. It’s energetic in its sublime quality.

I don’t quite remember how I came to know this artist, but I don’t plan on letting him go that’s for sure. We Got It Wrong is pure summer. The lightness of the track has a liberating quality to it…perhaps it’s the horns that pop-up from time to time in this 5 minute island adventure. I don’t really mind the temperatures heating up – I’ve got St. Lucia to take me away when I need it; now you do too! Sit back and enjoy the ride.

St. Lucia – We Got It Wrong

Categories
Music

EMPT Presents – S U M M E R : a n t i – w i n t e r 1C by Ryan Radler

Alright it’s official, labor day has passed so it’s no longer cool for chicks to wear white and summer is fictionally over. You gotta love labor day, yet another completely random holiday with no real significance. I refuse to acknowledge this symbolic end of the season so until the sweaters and jackets are back in rotation it’s all s u m m e r: a n t i – w i n t e r over here baby.  Speaking of which, mixtape connoisseur Ryan Radler sent me his latest installment of the anti-winter series over the weekend and I’ve been keeping it all to myself. I’m like Gail Wynand with art, I get attached to it and I want to keep it all to myself except I have a EMPT and all I do is share music, oh the juxtapositions. This tape like all the others is skip free listening because the song selection from start to finish is fantastic. I mean Herb Albert in between Bath & Pandit, Space Age Bachelor Pad Music? Yes.

I have no medical or scientific findings to support this statement but I’m pretty sure that listening to Ryans tapes at least once a day may be a great way to lower cholesterol, relieve stress and regain youth. I mean try to listening to this with a frown, I don’t care what cosmically insignificant problems you’re dealing with at the moment, it’s impossible. I have to say, I’m a huge fan of all these tapes but on this Tuesday morning 1 C is spot on, enjoy.

S U M M E R : a n t i – w i n t e r 1 C

1. Zimbabwe – NEW NAVY
2. Please Stay – SUMMER HEART
3. Aminals – BATH
4. Music To Watch Girls Go By – HERB ALPERT
5. Kathryn, My Love – PANDIT
6. Hands In The Dark – CHROMATICS
7. The Gaudy Side of Town – GAYNGS
8. Diet Mtn Dew – LANA DEL REY (OXFORD REMIX / RAD EDIT)
9. More Than This – BRYAN FERRY& ROXY MUSIC
10. Psychic Chasms – NEON INDIAN (ANORAAK REMIX)
11. Pocket – SAM SPARRO (THE PRESETS RADIO MIX)
12. History – GROOVE ARMADA (FEAT. WILL YOUNG)
13. The Old House Is Gone – ST. LUCIA
14. Punching In A Dream – THE NAKED AND FAMOUS
15. Hours – TYCHO

EMPT Presents – S U M M E R : a n t i – w i n t e r 1 c by Ryan Radler by Et Musique Pour Tous