Tag: Diplo

Categories
Music

Frank Ocean + Mick Jones + Paul Simonon + Diplo – HERO

December 7th, 2008, I was 24 years old living at 1 River Place with my friend Nick, steps from the Hudson river in Manhattan. At the time I was producing a lot of music, in fact that’s all I was doing. That Sunday morning my mind was racing a million miles a minute as usual and the topic of the day was all the great music I was hearing while partying in Brooklyn or with a girl in the West Village or just all the scenes I was in and out of at the moment. I would go to my friends Uptown and they didn’t have a clue what I was talking about, I would go to my friends Downtown and they were no more savvy. Mind you this before streaming music services and all the discovery tools that are common place now. To give you perspective Spotify was announced exactly 3 months earlier on October 7th but it would be a long time before anyone actually started using it. This is before clubs uptown played Dance music etc.

Anyways, I get riled up over things like that man. There were people out there experiencing great things while other weren’t, that shit hit me like a rock. It was an injustice in my mind and I wanted to do something about it. I wanted to level the playing field and so later that day I said fuck it, I’ll start a website to share all the things I get to see in my lucky ass life. I’m big on freedom man, I’m sure all of you have noticed the youthful, rebellious and libertarian undertones of our writing and that’s no coincidence, those values are built-in. “My flag is American…”

The name – Et Musique Pour Tous (And Music For All) is a play on the the last four words of the Pledge of Allegiance – “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Musical justice for all, that’s our goddam DNA. Space Age Bachelor Pad Music represents our futuristic interpretation of the world and our rebellion against the matrix but never get it twisted, we’re modernist with deep roots in timeless values.

I turned 30 last week man, wow. I was in Austin for it, cruising up and down Lake Austin with some heavy folks you never heard of. As we rode by the Lakefront mansions sipping champagne and puffing paper planes I had the same feeling in my gut I had that Sunday morning, the need to create something bigger than myself. EMPT continues to be awesome but to be honest it should be more at this point. A person like me needs the right teammates, I need ideas executed while I focus on the big picture. My mind races, that’s just who I am and while I can do a lot, I can’t do it all. Elon Musk thought up the plans for Hyper Loop and because he’s so busy changing the world with Testla & Space X asked others to realize them. I want to have ideas that big, I have ideas that big but I need help. To be honest I haven’t played it right, I haven’t put the right leaders in place and because of that I haven’t been the best leader. You spend too much time around the wrong people, around phonies that don’t run and you start to doubt yourself. At some point you realize you have to be Lebron, go where you can get real help, not just where they want you. That’s a crucial difference for those on the path.

Here I am though, 30. I’m hard on myself because I’m swinging for the fences but I have a lot to be proud of man. I started this thing with nothing! I mean nothing man and nobody helped me till way after it was going. I’m a hard man to please though and I haven’t been happy as of late, that’s just being real with you. Sometimes people see folks like us and want us contained, a piece of art in their private collection, keep us in a controlled environment, in mental cuffs but I’m not a damn lawyer, like all the models say I ain’t no wifey! You know what I am?

Me, I’m a creator, thrill is to make it up
The rules I break got me a place up on the radar…”

That’s how I got on the damn map and that’s how I’m going to stay there. I’m 30 man so now we run harder than ever. Now I don’t listen anymore, now I trust my gut, I break rules and surround myself with unique thinkers. To all those who believe in me this is what I need from you –

I need you to be clever, Bean. I need you to think of solutions to problems we haven’t seen yet. I want you to try things that no one has ever tried because they’re absolutely stupid. – Enders Game

From now on I only follow fearless, beautiful expression. I create, I never have and will NEVER follow the set path, I’ll literally imagine it and make it up like I always have. Now we ditch the fakes, phonies & wannabes. All the kids that came to EMPT to run, here we go…

What you say?! You need a hero?!

Frank Ocean + Mick Jones + Paul Simonon + Diplo – HERO

Categories
Music

Grizzly Bear – Will Calls (Diplo Remix)

I recently had the rather awkward conversation with my current love about our last loves. He did not see the reasoning for wanting to know more about them as what is in the past and gone. Understandable. Being a girl and also not trying to be a crazy girl, I was trying to explain that you just want to know. What did they do wrong? What was the breaking point? In the very least, it is also sort of a boost as you get to sit back and think “What an brat, I would have never done that!”. But really at the end of this talk, you realize there is a sense of vulnerability there when you share what caused the last heart break. Scratching at your scars. I suppose it is because currently, I only know this person from the moment we met. Literally, the moment we met, it was obvious and there was no ‘before’ after we met. We didn’t know anyone in the eachothers lives, we didn’t know anything about where the person came from. Which is fun and also scary. You move based on the feeling that you should be with this person. The before no longer matters at it never existed. You have the now and the later. Honestly, I think I just wanted to be involved. I wanted to be there when he got to go through those past few years. I wanted to see what he did. But I guess that is more drive for wanting to be more together in the future. And I guess it doesn’t matter much anyways. I guess you go blindly.

–

Grizzly Bear may not be what you would normally have heard with some EDM twang, it is much appreciated in this rework put out by the band and the producer.

Although not too surprising to see the likes of Diplo working with the Brooklyn-based band, it is a treat to hear his rework adding in layers of base and his signature styles.

Grizzly Bear is one of my favorite musical additional to the past few years, but still a rather young group. The music they produce reads like poetry and drives their song and message in to your mind and body. Observe:

“I don’t wanna be, I don’t wanna know the lies
Shouldn’t ever be what it was alright
I’ll choose to believe what’s right
Even if in the end I’m blind
I don’t wanna be, I don’t wanna know the lies
Couldn’t ever be what it was, alright?.

Even if we send
Everything from both ends
So little left to, say, do, it depends

If we are past what we keep
All that was promised that was sheathed.”

Grizzly Bear – Will Calls (Diplo Remix)

Categories
Music

Sia ft. The Weeknd (prod. by Diplo) – Elastic Heart

I’ve had a string of shitty days in the office. If you want me to churn out some busy work spreadsheets, fine. If you want me to build some Ikea furniture, I can do that. But if you want me to just sit there and wait around doing nothing…no thanks. Factory workers stand for 18 hour shifts in horrible conditions making widgets and pillows and shit and get to go back to a windowless dorm room to sleep for a few hours before restarting the whole process. That is hell, and my plight isn’t even comparable.

I can’t wear headphones at work, so I fill my days writing blog posts for EMPT and others. I sometimes can sneak a few minutes of reading a book in (currently: “Mountains Beyond Mountains” by Tracy Kidder). Far too much throwaway internet content slips across my retinas. It’s a sad state when the commute is more exciting and enjoyable than the work day.

My commute is about an hour: 45 minutes of waiting for, then riding the train, and 15 minutes of biking. Usually I listen to an audiobook and drift into whatever world the sonorous, slightly British male voice takes me into (for the past 6 weeks, early 1800s Russia). But today I needed a pick me up, so I queued up “Elastic Heart,” a newish collaboration between songstress Sia, blogosphere hero The Weeknd and hand-in-everything-these-days producer Diplo (That annoyingly, I’ve just discovered, is from the new Hunger Games soundtrack).

You’d be hard pressed to find three more consistent artists. Not that everything they put out is good, but each has a distinct sound that they’ve stuck with from the start. Perhaps it isn’t a combo you’d expect, but fuck it works so well. It’s becoming clear that The Weeknd needs to do more guest verses on non-Weeknd-y beats, and that Sia is a legit crossover act. And it’s long been clear that Diplo is at his best when producing for versatile female singers (See: Robyn – “Dancehall Queen” and most Major Lazer female-fronted tracks).

So pop in those hopefully not-Apple earbuds, or throw on your audiophile cans and forget the economy and all of your friends whose photos make you jealous. You’re probably young (I’d guess the average age of EMPT viewers hovers around 25?) with a whole lot of years ahead. Keep answering those phones and churning out spreadsheets with the knowledge that when you get fed up with it, at least you’ll have great music to listen to while you apply to that dream job from bed.

Sia ft. The Weeknd (prod. by Diplo) – Elastic Heart

Categories
Music

MØ – XXX 88 (Produced by Diplo)

mc3b8music

MØ is a Danish songstress who has just recently started to capture the attention of electric and soul fans alike. Her voice is interesting with  her foreign pronunciation and added soulful nuances which make her lyrics and delivery different sounding and enticing. Although she has only been releasing music for the past year, 2013 has been filled with some amazing tracks. The most recent being XXX 88, produced by Diplo, arguably one of the most recognizable names producing today and one of Mad Decent’s premier DJs.

The lyrics and catchy soulfulness are what made this song stand out. Paired with her angelic delivery, the song is simple but  has a dark cloud over the lyrics which are as hopeful as they are haunting. Settling for the all-too-familiar thought of “who really cares in the end”.

 “I feel the water flow as I watch him go
Boy, life is cynical despite my heart of gold
Oh, no, buddy, don’t you cry as they go
Life changes all of us, it’s not your fault.“

MØ – XXX 88 (Produced by Diplo)

Categories
Music

MØ x Diplo – XXX

Who would have thought that the bad ass babeliness of Mø and Diplo would unite to create such a monster force of a track? Well, they did. And it’s every bit as entertaining as you would imagine. I’m not surprised by the quality of Diplo’s production anymore, I feel like his twerk life and projected image of wildness is only a little bit true. What I’m saying is, this party animal actually cares about his music, and it shows in the quality of tracks like this. This is a banger, don’t get me wrong, but the multiple levels of sound and harmony in those levels reminds me of the mixtape that Diplo released last year (?) where he claimed to have gotten stoned and mixed a bunch of old records together. The music video features this lovely lady head twirling and swinging her long braid in every direction, which is basically all I could imagine myself doing if I had that long amount of hair, too. So that’s lovely.

As I write this post, the day is intensely beautiful outside my brother’s window. I’m in the suburbs for a day. There’s water and green and leaves on trees that won’t deny the fact that Fall is approaching quickly. This track is playing in my computer speakers and it suits the landscape that I’m taking in right now.

Without further ado, enjoy!

Mø x Diplo – XXX

 

Categories
Music Remixes

The Black Lips – Veni Vedi Vici (Diplo Remix)

Veni Vedi Vici is probably on my top ten list of songs, let alone, one of my favorite Black Lips songs. There’s an attitude in it that I love, something about it rings true to a certain New York City attitude. And the mere fact that the words are, I came, I saw, and I conquered, feel all too present in the everyday realities of living in this city.

While I have always appreciated Diplo’s work, I’ve noticed that he’s taken a liking more recently to the genre of rock. That makes me happy. This way, the work is mellow and refined, not too dramatic and just the right amount of rework.

The whole idea of arriving somewhere, seeing it, and conquering, is general to no avail. There’s a lot of ways to look at it, though I’ve chosen to think about it in terms of other people. There is something to be said about the people that inhabit your space and time, all the time and remain that way for an extended period of time. There’s also something to be said about the people who seem like they’re going to inhabit your space forever, but really just serve a transient role that is to be filled by someone else. Both are beautiful and incredibly important, it’s just that I’ve found it harder to accept as of late that people serve temporary roles. It’s hard to imagine someone that you really love or appreciate, care about, not existing in that way in your life in the future. But circumstances occur and situations present themselves, making it impossible to continue. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a failed relationship, or a friendship gone sour, all of these things are sad in the moment and ultimately incredible life moves. Because they keep us in flux and remind us to stay on our feet, to not forget that we’re not in charge but that there are other forces in this universe (interpret that as you will, not saying in any one specific way), working with and against us. Keep that in mind, and every soul that crosses your path will offer themselves as a test to whether or not the two of you will come, see and conquer. And if the two of you get through all three together, perhaps it means that you will stay together in this lifetime as whatever it is you need to be for one another. And if not, what you had was beautiful.

I hope you enjoy this track, as much as I do. Go ahead and find the original and give it a listen to if you don’t already know it. It’s a good wake up call.

The Black Lips – Veni Vedi Vici (Diplo Remix)

Categories
Music

MIA – ‘Matangi’ Mix for Kenzo Fashion Show

artworks-000041910416-hs0sar-large

Fresh to death is the only way I can describe this new MIA mix. Diplo and world influences all over the place, extremely raw, aggressive, edgy, full of energy and genre defying. Not since Kala have we heard such #spaceagerebel banger music, this mix is everything I could ask for right now. Make sure to listen for the new album preview within the mix. So overdue, enjoy.

Instagram

Categories
Music Remixes

Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch – Sweet Nothing (Diplo & Grandtheft Remix)

So I’ll put my faith in something unknown
I’m living on such sweet nothing
But I’m tired of hope with nothing to hold
I’m living on such sweet nothing.”

Sometimes a musical pairing comes along that makes you go, “what?” When I first heard the rumor that Florence Welch was teaming up with Calvin Harris on his new album I was skeptical. I first wondered why Florence was dipping her foot into the EDM scene, then I wondered if she’s selling out. Sure, the dance remixes of her tracks (especially Calvin Harris’ re-do of “Spectrum”) are fire. Her beyond powerful vocals soar over synths and drops like it ain’t no thang, but this would be her first – for lack of a better word – intentional venture into a whole new sonic world. So when the official single dropped in late summer I was prepared for the worst. I don’t know why I even doubted Welch’s artistic and musical choices. The single was an dance-fused emotional explosion. Harris’ now trademarked bloop-bloops take the backseat while Welch wails her love woes. The track left me speechless and ready to blast it again.

Rumors again started circling the internet and between a couple of my friends that Diplo was going to release his take on the track. Other EDM DJ’s have already tackled the song, but I had a feeling that Diplo was going to trick this one out with something thats equal parts chill and filthy. Teaming up with Montreal’s go-to party-rock DJ, Grandtheft – who brings out his suave groove, the remix that officially dropped this week is dripping in Diplo.

Thankfully, the remix shifts the focus to Welch’s vocal performance. Harris’ sounds are chopped, slowed down, and twerked up beneath her. The verses are minimal and loaded with a bass line that’ll pound through your bones. Your ears will thank you when the beat builds and drops into a sexed up production with descending kick-drums, deep bass, and a synth melody that amps up Welch’s desperation.

I’m all about this track despite it being a Sunday – a day where I prefer relaxing music over hype, but this track is doing a balancing act that’s working today. If anything, it’s refreshed my ears to the incredible versatility of sound and music artistry. Worlds collide here that seem unexpected. Often, though, it’s the things that are unexpected and the things that make you slightly uncomfortable that are the most rewarding and exciting.

Here’s to Sunday. Here’s to a solid week ahead.

Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch – Sweet Nothing (Diplo & Grandtheft Remix)

Categories
Music

Diplo – About That Life (feat. Jahan Lennon)

Good vibes. Good life. Good morning. The first 10 seconds of this track and on will have you feeling elated all day long. This is Diplo’s first single from his to-be-titled late 2012/early 2013 release (it’s his  first full length LP in eight years…). Given that little fact, I am more than okay with the direction this album seems to be taking. This track is hazy afternoon bliss and a perfect companion to getting ready for the day.

Jahan Lennon’s woozy falsetto skims over Diplo’s 60’s summer-esque production (do I hear a little bit of a Beck influence, too?) to create a sonic concoction that goes down real smooth and takes over your body in waves.

I step outside
I slip and slide
I don’t know why
I’m about that life.”

I’m sitting with a hot cup of coffee, some breakfast, and  a good book beside me playing this track. Sunday has always been a day to regroup, refresh, and “begin again.” I don’t like to go out Saturdays because of the standards I hold Sundays to. Something about waking up early on a Sunday has a nice ring to it. It’s certainly an ideal and a goal that’s not met week after week, but it’s the process of working towards Sunday that’s honorable. This track only adds to the downtempo ambience Sundays should lend themselves to. Work hard, but keep it light. Lennon’s “la-de-da’s” aren’t there just for kicks, they’re emphasizing the good life; the easiness is living well; the comfort in liking what you do. There are other songs out there about the “good life,” but this track sounds like the title. There is nothing pretentious about it. No lyric about earning a bunch of money, spending it all on drugs and girls, no designer name drop; it’s about finding yourself a lover, keeping your feet grounded but your thoughts free. What more could you ask for, really?

I woke up this Sunday and decided that instead of asking to live a good life, I have to believe that I can. There’s no use in sitting around asking for things when the real and honest good things come from believing you can and doing it.

It’s a new horizon, now I know who I am.”

Diplo – About That Life (feat. Jahan Lennon)

Categories
Video

Diplo feat. Lazerdisk Party Sex – Set It Off

Okay. I want y’all to prepare yourselves for this video. Put on the nicest pair of headphones you have, turn on full screen mode, adjust the quality to the highest you can go and hold tight. I want you to experience this. This video is straight fire! But would you expect anything less from Diplo? I’ve watched this maybe two times every day since my good friend shared it with me. I’ve never been taken so high by a video than I have with this.

The track itself is a banger. It’s hot off Diplo’s newest album, Express Yourself, and features the up-and-coming electronic duo, Lazerdisk Party Sex. Beginning with an sleek almost smoky-seductive intro, a girl’s voice slowly leaks its way into the track repeating “I wanna set it off.” As more synths are added, the girl’s voice grows and the beat builds into a drop that’ll get your shoulder’s rolling and hips twerking.

Director, Ryan Staake’s work with this video follows Diplo’s musical suit. Take pole dancers, edit the pole together into one long pole, put the pole in space and watch them defy gravity in slow motion. I don’t even know how that may register in some of your brains if you haven’t seen the video, but it’s a combination I’d be down to see over again and again. With the second drop, the immensity of the sex-ed up cosmos hits you and spins you up and through the galaxy and slows to allow us to marvel at how sculpted and – honestly – how talented these dancers are. Only recently has pole dancing earned my respect. It’s a sport that even the strongest of strong men couldn’t tackle. Staake’s and Diplo’s vision is one that makes art sexy. This is far from sleaze. It is, rather, a video that raises the sport out of the stripper connotation and showcases the out-of-this-world strength it requires. Is it seductive? Yes. Is it hypnotizing? Definitely. It’s a dazzling glittery spectacle for the eyes, and one that’ll be sure to set your weekend off right.