1. “Total Fascination” by Pretty Lights
It’s not every day that you get to hear Etta James’ iconic soulful voice paired up with modern day glitchy, electronic beats. Or even listen to rapper Glasses Malone spit flawlessly on the same track as one of the most influential classic rock bands of all time –– Led Zeppelin.
That was until Derek Vincent Smith, better known as Pretty Lights, stepped into the electronic dance music scene, and gave us favorites, like “Finally Moving” and “Hot Like Sauce.”
Listening to these two tracks, it’s safe to say Pretty Lights is a sampling God. He has mastered the ability to blend a variety of genres, like jazz, hip-hop, funk, soul, and rock on one track –– all while adding his signature electro elements.
One track that stands out and takes Pretty Lights’ expertise to a whole new level is “Total Fascination” from the EP “Making Up A Changing Mind.”
The song starts off with 70s soul singer Lyn Collins crooning, “Give me what you know I need.”
And Pretty Lights most certainly gives listeners what they need –– those choppy, bass heavy beats, synth slides, and “wubs” that we all love to rage to as college students.
Better yet –– his EP’s and singles are available to download for free online at prettylightsmusic.com, letting you experience an eargasm without going completely bankrupt.
2. “Wolfgang’s 5th Symphony” by Wolfgang Gartner (radio edit)
Who would have thought that Beethoven’s “5th Symphony” would be blaring at dance clubs?
Well, I don’t think many saw that one coming, but Wolfgang Gartner (Joey Youngman) has proven us wrong with his track “Wolfgang’s 5th Symphony,” in which he adds a twist to Ludwig Van Beethoven’s classical composition
It’s certainly not an easy task tweaking one of the greatest pieces of the Classical Era, while still doing it justice, yet Wolfgang Gartner nails it.
The track has a futuristic sound –– like it was meant for 2020. Perhaps, similar to Beethoven, Wolfgang Gartner is just a man who is ahead of his time.
With Wolfgang’s progressive elements and catchy riffs, he’s becoming an increasingly common name in electro-house music. He has collaborated with big name DJs, like Skrillex and Deadmau5 and he’s even dabbled with rap artists, like Eve and will.i.am
Wolfgang Gartner’s style is helping advance the genre, proving that EDM is not just a “phase” –– it’s here to stay.
If December 21, 2012, the day the world is meant to end, had a theme song then Nero’s “Doomsday” would be it.
Nero, comprised of Producers Daniel Stephens and Joe Ray and Vocalist Alana Watson (most known for her hauntingly high-pitched, yet beautiful voice), were thrown into the spotlight when Skrillex remixed the trio’s track “Promises.”
While “Promises” is more of a crowd favorite, “Doomsday” provides a more eerie feel –– pairing drums with dark beats.
The music starts off soft and builds up until a man with a deep, ominous voice (who I imagine to be wearing a hockey mask) says “Doomsday.”
The song is slightly disturbing to listen to and I mean that in the best way possible.
The name Nero is derived from a former Roman Emperor, who was known for a time of tyrannical ruling, which is similar to the trio’s style and their drive to dominate in the EDM world.
