Tag: Fred Falke

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Remixes

Atlas Genius – Trojans (Fred Falke Radio Edit)

One of the most uncomfortable things about a breakup is the lingering thought. Like a splinter in the back of your head deep-rooted in your conscious –wishing it’d be in the subconscious– it’s a constant reminder of what happened. That said, one of the most gratifying things about a breakup is being able to say with certainty that that which you had, the other person will never emulate or find the same with someone else; like a picture no one can ever recreate. And it is the story of that Trojan stuck in our heads that Atlas Genius uses as it’s catchy tool to leave us humming the chorus over and over after the first listen.

 

“It’s ok if it’s gone
The thoughts that you had that it was the one
And oh what is left?
For all those times is that what you get?
Oh regardless
The walls get painted anyway
Oh you’re guarding
The gates, but it all got away

Your trojan’s in my head”

 

Atlas Genius struck gold with this debut single. The South Australian indie rock outfit released this one in May 2011 but it wasn’t until the group signed with Warner Bros. and released as a debut EP  Through The Glass a year later that the song really became a hit. And with remixes by Lenno (not typical Lenno remix but still dance-y), Xaphoon Jones (the most unique of the remix package and very rich musically) and this one by Monsieur Fred Falke is that Atlas Genius puts a bit in that EP for just about every taste. Make no mistake, this is a bonafide pop song infused with indie rock elements and remixed masterfully by very talented individuals.

Of course, in true Fred Falke signature it is the bassline that paired with the rock drums and all that sets this remix apart from the rest — and in my humble opinion the best of the pack. I know that once you listen to the bonus track I’ve included you’ll think it deserves its own writeup –and you’re right on this one– but I don’t want to miss this opportunity of sharing with you the unique and wonderful remix by one-half of Chiddie Bang Mr. Xaphoon Jones.

Atlas Genius – Trojans (Fred Falke Remix)

Atlas Genius – Trojans (Xaphoon Jones Remix)

Categories
Remixes

Lana Del Rey – National Anthem (Fred Falke Remix)

Long time reader, first time writer here. 1love to EMPT Nation and Hec. Let’s boogie.

I’m writing this post about Fred Falke because he’s a name that’s become synonymous with the bloggosphere, underground emeralds, and really, what drew me to EMPT in the first place: exquisite music.

I’ve had the luxury of meeting Monsieur Falke on a couple of occasions, and he’s a man of few, but stoic words. In his words, as long as he’s got his bass and is making music, he’s happy.

And that stems from a little known fact: Fred does not use the Internet. This blows my mind, mainly because of how so many artists rely so heavily on staying relevant, all day every day, by saying ridiculous (and often entraining) crap on social media channels. That aint Fred. He stays relevant by locking himself in a studio with Excalibur (his bass) and creating some of the most consistently phenomenal music in the game. He stays relevant by getting on a stage, plugging in his bass, and immersing himself in a set. There’s no fist pumping with Falke in the house: just pure artistry.

Which, in a day and age where the Internet and Ritalin are more prevalent than the “National Anthem” in classrooms, is very rare.

Perhaps some of Fred’s superpowers come from this abstinence? Because he’s still got the funk, and there’s no better example of Fred’s ability to transform the ordinary (or, the meh) to the jam du jour than what he’s done to Lana Del Rey’s “National Anthem.”

Lana Del Rey originals are very scarce in production. They lack a driving bass, or some force to distract you from anything but her voice. If she was Aretha Franklin, that’d be fine. But she’s not. Her voice is, really, far better suited for catchy, electro-pop anthems than empty, bland productions.

And Fred made the otherwise *shruggish* track into a straight jam. The bass-lines are as exquisitely placed as ever, and he even threw in some (YAY) hand claps for a change.

It’s a bit of a deviation from Fred’s more bass-laden, instrumental remixes, as Del Rey’s (actually very dope) lyrics are very much still in the mix–and seem much more genuine and honest than in the original. And damn, does Falke’s sound resonate as always. The track, coupled with RAC’s equally lush interpretation of Del Rey makes you wonder: why didn’t her label commission them to produce the album in the first place?

“Wining and dining, drinking and driving,
Excessive buying, overdosin’, dyin’,
On our drugs and our love,
And our dreams and our rage.
Blurring the lines,
Between real and the fake.
Dark and lonely,
I need somebody to hold me.”

Take some time to exit the Matrix and live in a moment. Go out to dinner and leave your phone in your car. Hell, go a day without the Internet. Unplug, unwind, and see how much smarter–and more in touch with your creativity–you become.

Lana Del Rey – National Anthem (Fred Falke Remix)

Bonus:

One of the more unheralded but primo Falke remixes, from the vault:

Sugababes – Girls (Fred Falk Radio Edit) 

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Music

The Knocks & Fred Falke – Geronimo

You wanna go to the sky with me?!

Man, take a look at the world right now. Scientist have have recently made one of the most important discoveries in modern science with the observation of what could be the God particle aka the Higgs Basoon. We’re that much closer to know what matter is made of, are you kidding me?! Our technology is so advanced it’s making all aspects of life easier in ways most of us fail to fully understand or appreciate. The fact that you can learn just about anything simply by taking 5 minutes to Google something is so mind blowing it’s hard to grasp. I know it’s all becoming “normal” and common place but take a moment to marvel at your surroundings people, we live in one of greatest, most progressive times in history…

You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.” – Andy Worhol

Progress is happening everyday, time is certainly waiting for no man and the modern life is all about being flexible, learning, challenging what you know and living fast. Geronimo by our boys from BK The Knocks & French House pioneer Fred Falke captures this energy to perfection. Kitsune describes this track as thundering, I would add to that massive, passionate, driving, banging and we’ve just about nailed it. The way this track just keeps getting bigger and bigger makes me think of how I’ve been feeling about progress lately. You have to be active, ruthless and fearless about getting better, keep pushing. That sidechained synth keeps moving the track froward, that’s how you have to be about the things you want, don’t stop. There will always be roadblocks, negativity and challenges but just push through it because the only consequence is getting what you want.

The lyrics are few and simple, just how I like them. The call and response ask two things – do you want to go the sky or fall to the ground? Couldn’t have said it better myself.  The song breaks down to that chant with hand claps and you just want to jump – Geronimo! This is how we do weekends around these parts. Stay live, live the moment folks, let’s get it!

The Knocks & Fred Falke – Geronimo

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Music

EMPT Presents – W I N T E R : a n t i – s u m m e r 2 a by Ryan Radler

Ethereal – extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world. Press play on Ryan Radlers latest mix tape and that’s exactly how the music will make you feel, immediately. The effect is no coincidence and if you’re hip to the anti-summer/anti-winter concepts then you know that’s what these tapes are all about…

At the end of the day I think the mixes are really about how to navigate each season. Personally, winter has been killing me and this mix is literally some catharsis to cope with the stuff that comes. Cold, depression, lethargic lack of motivation…

I love finding alternative perspective to seemingly crappy situations so Ryans and I see eye to eye on anti-lameness methods. Listening to this tape while reading that makes me think of all type of reality alteration; if you haven’t noticed by now I’m big into Steve Jobs and if you’ve read Walter Isaacson’s book you’ll know all about Steve’s reality distortion field. At it’s most fundamental level it was a complete neglect and disrespect for any know limits, boundaries and expectations. Dig a little deeper and it was Steves ultimate tool for creativity…

Reality is maleable, we should all know that but we don’t. There’s no such thing as the “real world,” the only thing that exists is what we decide to bring into fruition. That may seem far fetched but think about it, if you’re feeling down one day and you put on your favorite song to cheer you up and it works then you’re effectively changing your “reality.” That’s why the world, it’s art, it’s people, customs, morals and standard are constantly changing. The concept runs deep, I mean just think about the things you don’t do because of what you have come to accept as possible in your life.

In the case of a n t i – s u m m e r  2 a rebellion never sounded so good. Talk about reality distortion, this hazy dream of a mixtape make the world feel like heaven as it effortlessly jumps from genre to genre, decade to decade and known to unknown. There are mixtapes all over the place but you’d be hard pressed to find two as unique and inspiring as Steph’s and Ryans and I think I speak on behalf of the entire EMPT army when I say how thankful we are to have these great artist bless us with their selections. Alright, I have to go face this bitter sunshine filled LA winter, enjoy.

W I N T E R : a n t i – s u m m e r  2 a

1. Dissolving – BON ACCORD
2. Tropic Fruit – POLOGRAPHIA
3. People Can Do the Most Amazing Things – KISSES
4. Windows Of The World – PETER JOLLY
5. Roscoe – MIDLAKE (BEYOND THE WIZARDS SLEEVE REMIX)
6. Open Your Eyes – PARTY GIRL
7. Everybody – BENOIT & SERGIO
8. Charlotte Wants to Dream – BETAMAXX
9. Take me Home – POOLSIDE
10. Animal – MIIKE SNOW (FRED FALKE REMIX)
11. Psychic Chasms – NEON INDIAN (ANORAAK REMIX)
12. Little Man – LITTLE DRAGON REMIX (TYCHO REMIX)
13. Escape City Skyscrapers – MONO IN VCF


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Music

Wolf Gang – The King And All Of His Men (Fred Falke Remix)

I was having a hell of a time finding something to post today. I heard a lot of good acoustic stuff and some cool electronic but nothing was connecting with me, I was looking for something special, something that took me on a ride…

I needed that epic Space Age Bachelor Pad Music, you know the type that feels like a new classic, makes you want to dance, think, live, dream, chillout and explore simultaneosly. Man did I find it with Fred Falke’s remix of Wolf Gang’s The King And All Of His Men. This remix is 8 minutes long and shows off Falkes maturity as a producer. Typical of all Falke productions are slowly developing foreplay type arrangements that are in no rush to get to the good stuff. But this is no self-indulging producer, this track is made for the listener so there’s always something happening, something coming or going to keep your interest. Young producers should take note, this is soul and science at it’s best.

I’m not sure what this song is about but it feels big, like he’s dealing with a higher power or something that won’t leave him alone despite having total control over him. Anyways, my boy told me a quote this morning that pretty much explains how we all intake great music so I’ll leave ya’ll with that, enjoy.

Great art communicates before it’s understood… – T.S. Eliot

Wolf Gang – The King And All Of His Men (Fred Falke Remix)

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Music

Fred Falke – 909 PM At The Beach

You know it’s unfortunate that certain sayings become cliché because it’s in the simplest most overused expressions that we can find the most truth. The one I find that we always take for granted is life is what you make it. We put ourselves though a lot of headaches and get in bad modes when certain things come our way but in the process we are denying our power to create our reality. It’s very easy to blame external forces for how we feel but letting something external affect us and cloud our perspective is a choice we make. I’m rambling about all this because there’s something about this song that makes me think limitlessness, imagination and creativity. These days I find myself unlearning a lot of concepts like being mad and searching for a better ways to keep my mind focused on the productive and good feeling alternative. Life is short and life is beautiful, when you keep that in mind you realize there’s not much value in focusing on things that make you think otherwise. This is a very inspiring instrumental, enjoy.

Fred Falke – 909 PM At The Beach

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Music

Kris Menace – Lightning

Kris Menace exploded to the scene in 2005 with his hit single Discopolis, a collaboration with Lifelike that took the house scene and Ibiza by storm. WARNING: To all the girls reading this, this video is for boys, unless your a girl that likes girls, which is totally cool with me. The video is basically an extremely sexy, exotic girl in a very revealing bikini being focused on the ENTIRE time. There’s a good chance you’ll be offended in one way or another, just putting it out there. The video was shot at some ridiculous space age bachelor pad in Ibiza, gotta love it.

I learned about Menace through his work with Fred Falke, the producer who single-handedly seduced me into the glamorous world of contemporary French house. I don’t know how these guys do it but somehow they create this elegant style of dance music that makes you feel like jet-setting, watching F-1 races, drinking excessive amounts of champagne and party all the time. Lightning is a track Menance did way back in ’09 and was recently revived by a mashup with The Dream’s Walking On The Moon. To all the office folk, put this one on and take a trip for the next 3 minutes, enjoy.

Kris Menace – Lightning

Kris Menace & The Dream – Walking On Lightning (U-Tern Blend)

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Music

The Gossip – Heavy Cross (Fred Falke Remix)

You could play it safe or play it cool, follow the leader or make up the rules.”

I was in a meeting yesterday that pissed me off and listening to this song inspired the rest of this post.  I was talking to an A&R about the music business and all I got was this sappy somewhat depressing point of view that made no sense in this new revolutionary time.  I’m convinced that it’s time for people my age to  stop depending on the older generations and go ahead and start executing all the cool ideas we have.  Jay-Z called his album the Blueprint, but follow that blueprint and see what kind of house you build.

Talking ’bout my generation.”

I mean anything they can do we can do faster, cheaper, easier and better thanks to the new technology we have at hand.  I hear a lot of people complaining about the times but if you ask me we’re living in one of the best times ever for creating and distributing any type of art, you just have to work hard and I think that’s the concept people keep trying to avoid. Anyways, I got an email telling me I had a message on Facebook that automatically got posted to my Twitter that suggested I check out this song ; P. I wasn’t a big fan of the original version by the Gossip but Fred Falke’s reinvention makes this song a very worthwhile experience, enjoy.

The Gossip – Heavy Cross (Fred Falke Remix)

MP3

Categories
Music Remixes

Le Miel du Mois by Steph Lund: Aout

New month – new Le Miel du Mois mixtape on EMPT. I would write more but it’s Saturday and I need to back out in the sun asap, enjoy.

Le Miel du Mois: Aout:  Last month, one of the fans of the monthly mix, “kiki,” commented on how Le Miel du Mois: Juillet makes her feel: “like dancing around the edge of a pool late night with a drink and a cigarette and oversized t-shirts and sometimes getting pushed in and you never remember the photos that get taken but you laugh the whole time,” Le Miel du Mois: Aout, aims to invoke the same exact feeling, but with a few minor alterations: sans pants, and add in flashing, flashing, lights lights lightssss.”

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

Wale – Chillin Ft. Lady Gaga (The Knocks Remix)

Phantogram – Mouthful Of Diamonds

Sufjan Stevens – Chicago

PNAU – Embrace ft. Ladyhawke (Fred Falke Remix)

M83 – We Own The Sky

1. Little Boots – New In Town (Fred Falke Remix)

2. Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed (Jakwod Remix)

3. Wale – Chillin Ft. Lady Gaga (The Knocks Remix)
4. Phantogram – Mouthful Of Diamon
5. Boys Noize – Jeffer
6. Calvin Harris – Ready For The Weekend
7. Sufjan Stevens – Chicago
8. PNAU – Embrace ft. Ladyhawke (Fred Falke Remix)
9. Goth Star – Pictureplane
10. French Kicks – Cloche
11. Miike Snow – Animal
12. Chester French – She Loves Everybody (Pance Party Remix)
13. M83 – We Own The Sky
14. Ra Ra Riot – Ghost Under Rocks
15. Warpaint – Stars

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Music

Fred Falke – French House Remix King

Will French disco house ever get old? I don’t think so. Besides Don Diablo, I don’t many other producers with as many high quality remixes as 33 year old bass player turned producer, Fred Falke. Notice I said high quality, I know there are producers who release something new every two days but we’re talking about mixes that can last, that are many times more engaging and fulfilling than their original counterparts. Anyways, Falke is French and looks more like a member of a jam band than house producer (which should explain the picture of Little Boots). His sound is infectious, uptempo yet never overbearing. Think of it as the perfect background music for your bachelor pad dinner parties. He did some of his most notable non-remix work fellow French co-producer Alain Quême, also known as Alan Braxe, a key figure in the French Electro scene. Together the duo produced what some would describe as very tasteful and glamorous dance music – check out Bliss. Sadly, the two have recently parted ways but continue to make great music. Here’s are some EMPT favorites. Enjoy.

Sneaky Sound System – I Love It (Fred Falke Remix)

Little Boots – New In Town (Fred Falke Remix)

PNAU – Embrace ft. Ladyhawke (Fred Falke Remix)