Circuitree Records

Panther God's Avenger EP Out Now!

2012-01-25T03:29:00.004-05:00

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Panther God
Avenger EP
CIRC027
Release: 01/24/11
Art: Kent Hernandez

Track List:

1. Pixel Lord
3. Avenger
3. Pixel Lord (Mochipet Remix)
4. Pixel Lord (Kentsoundz Remix)
5. Pixel Lord (HEAVENLY FATHER Remix)

“This is my Metal record.” - PG
"Heavy" - Akira Kiteshi

DOWNLOAD HERE

DJ CNTRL's The Thing: A Bass Music Mutations Mix

2012-01-22T15:08:00.008-05:00

DJ CNTRL has begun working on new music for the Internet to enjoy, including some original compositions. In the meantime this mix is a product of a mini residence CNTRL took up while DJing in Atlanta. These tracks were the result of what CNTRL was listening to and playing for the good people of the South. The focus of all theses tracks are on frequencies below 20Hz. Genres span from deep house to post-pop-dubstep-type tunes. Stay tuned for more from CNTRL in 2012...

iPad 2 + Animoog + 12 Step + Camera Connection Kit!

2011-12-26T23:03:00.000-05:00

Panther God Shirts Make Great Gifts!

2011-12-13T03:29:00.004-05:00

Our graphic designer from the future, Kent Hernandez cooked up this sweet Panther God shirt design. We've got a few left in SM, LG, and XL, sorry no medium currently...so get one before they are gone. Color is black on American Apparel shirts. We appreciate your support and thank u for your order!

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Panther God "Pixel Lord" Remix Contest w/ Mochipet!!!

2011-11-27T18:29:00.023-05:00

Update: In lieu of the holidays we are extending this to Jan. 10th. Giving you two more weeks to knock out a remix!

Panther God's new track "Pixel Lord" is a banger in every sense of the word. Garnering props from some of the top producers on the planet, including Akira Kiteshi, Mochipet, and Sugarpill, this is the one that's going to separate PG from the pack. To celebrate it's release (along with a few other gems) from the Avenger EP, dropping Jan. 24th, we have decided to give YOU a chance to get involved, and to get on a record with the legendary beatsmith Mochipet.
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That's right...remix "Pixel Lord" and get your fans involved to win a spot on Panther God's Avenger EP featuring an exclusive remix by Mochipet!

Here's how:

1. This contest is for fans of Panther God and Circuitree Records only, so if you haven't liked our fan pages, do so first. (Click the green text links above).
2. Download the 24 bit stems for remixing. *Files are large, sorry.
3. Submit your remix directly to Soundcloud using the dropbox below before Jan. 11th!
4. Have your fans "favorite" or comment on your track to be a finalist. This is key, as explained in the next step.
5. The 3 tracks with the most comments or "favorites" will be considered for the record.
6. All net profits will be split evenly with the finalists, and your track will be included alongside Panther God and Mochipet, with art by the world renown designer Kent Hernandez.
7. Release date is Jan. 24th on Bandcamp, Feb. 8th Worldwide!

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Panther God - "Pixel Lord" Remix Stems (97 BPM) by Panther God

Send us your sounds_________________________________________________________

Special thanks to everyone involved, especially Ben Davis, Matt Hettich, Kent Hernandez, Nigel One, Mochipet, Distal, Sugarpill, and Nicole Parrillo. And thank all of you for participating!
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Universus Vol. III Out Now!!!

2011-11-27T17:13:00.002-05:00

We are beyond pleased to announce that the latest incarnation of the Universus series, Vol. III is out now and available as a free download, or pay what you like. It features 13 different producers from 5 different countries including the Netherlands, and the UK. It's a Post Dubstep themed album and although we don't take the term too seriously, it describes bass music that is influenced by Dubstep, but at different tempos, and with different rhythmic influences, namely House, and Techno. There's tons of variety here, from the Burialesque "Reflections" of Fedbymachines, to the Industrial tinged banger by Knobgoblin, "Ghosts."

We are extremely proud of this record, and hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Over 5 months went into the curation of it, and lots of love. Check out the link below to grab it now!

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&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://circuitreerecords.bandcamp.com/album/va-universus-vol-iii-a-post-dubstep-affair"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;VA: Universus Vol. III - A Post Dubstep Affair by Various Artists&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

QuNeo: New Midi Controller Set to Blow Minds!

2011-11-17T22:47:00.002-05:00

Our friends over at Keith McMillen Instruments have just announced their latest invention called the QuNeo and it looks amazing! It's a midi controller about the size of an iPad, features velocity sensitivity, multitouch functionality, LED feedback and much more. For those of you fed up with your current controllers or if you're just looking for more, this might just be your new favorite performance / studio instrument.

They are looking to get your support for the product with a kickstarter campaign and everyone who pledges a significant donation is getting something. In fact donations of over 200 dollars are getting one of the QuNeo's ahead of time. We certainly want one!

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Interview: Kidsmeal

2011-11-04T01:30:00.004-04:00

I've been meaning to post this for awhile now. I played a show about six months ago with Kidsmeal (and Polish Ambassador), in Knoxville, TN, and was really impressed with his skills and overall performance. It was a DJ set unlike few I've seen, seamless and really well thought out. Hovering around 90-100 BPM, Kidsmeal played high energy Hip Hop with a video game vibe, keeping it futuristic and gritty, while giving the crowd everything it needed to move. I interviewed him shortly thereafter to get the scoop.

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Panther God: Where you from?

Kidsmeal: I was born over in England, I've been in Nashville for about 15 years.

PG: What's your favorite restaurant there?

K: I love food... so I can't really narrow it down to one. My neighborhood has a killer deli called Star Bagel, and an awesome taco spot across the street called Local Taco that's always good.

PG: How do you account for your turntablist chops? What's the secret?

K: I think that because I started scratching at such an early age, I was able to get a head start on developing my chops. Then practice, practice, and more hours of practice is the obvious secret. I was obsessed with the art form of DJing so much that when I was learning, I never stopped practicing different techniques and drills. I would have a break through and it would motivate me to set another goal for myself. I wanted to eventually acquire an arsenal of multiple styles of turntablism.

PG: I noticed this really cool effect you were doing live by staggering one record a bit behind the other and cutting between them. Explain?

Yeah, for sure. That's the basic idea behind that trick. It's an old hip-hop DJ method of taking two of the same track to create a delay or extra beat. The rhythms are just felt by using the cross fader to switch back and forth between the doubles. Keeping the doubles of the track running together, with the second running ahead, I switch between the two to create new rhythms within the track. I use this same technique with electronic music to create a different kind of connection between Electronic and Hip-hop beats and techniques.

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PG: What's on the horizon for Kidsmeal?

K: I'm looking forward to making some music videos with my buddy Dylan Mire. I also always feel like I need to be out on the road performing more. I love experiencing different environments and performing for fresh crowds. Meeting new people that truly love music and art, and spreading my stuff around for those folks to appreciate is what I'm really trying to do. I try to remain open and experimental with my music and the genres I use and produce, so there is no telling what I might do next?!

PG: Do you do DJ battles? That kinda thing...(It seems you certainly could win a few)

K: I won a couple of battles back in the day... just local stuff... I always loved watching battle videos when I was learning, and they definitely helped me dig deeper into the turntablist culture at a young age. I used to follow the worldwide battle scene pretty close and aspired to one day try my hand at it, but I'm not really competitive in that way. I compete with my self hard enough. I always set standards way above what I think is possible on the turntables, and try to out do myself. There's a lot of time and pressure involved in battling at that level, so I have mad respect for all the DJs committed to keeping battling and real hip-hop culture alive.

PG: The CD you gave me, with your brother producing as well...had a definitely video game feel. Which video games had the biggest impact?

K: Metroid and Arkanoid had the biggest influence on the EP because I sampled both of their main themes to create the remixes.

PG: Favorite piece of gear?

K: I love my Rane 57 mixer.

PG: Is there anything you wanna tell people about what you're doing?

K: I do what I do because I really, genuinely love the music and the culture surrounding it. I just love to get on stage and crush it for an awesome crowd, and I love getting the opportunity to expose people to what I think is musically relevant. Finally, I would just like to thank everyone for the constant support so far! I'm really grateful for being able to do what I love.

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Yerps.

2011-11-04T01:02:00.003-04:00

Kentsoundz Interview!

2011-09-24T23:33:00.003-04:00

6 Tips on Team Building and Creating Community in Music

2011-09-09T20:49:00.008-04:00

With the steady decline of album sales, and the staggering amount of sheer competition for gigs, it's becoming increasingly hard to make a living off of music and art these days. As the industry continues to reconfigure itself and build a new infrastructure, tt's becoming apparent that connecting with other like minded individuals, and building a team is a key to a sustainable career in music. It doesn't matter if you're famous, or unknown, on XLR8R's website, or just your own...if you build the right team with the right players, you can create whatever you need to succeed.

In the spirit of community, here's a few tips on how you can help your team and musical community grow. Some of it may seem obvious and commonsense, but is often overlooked.

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1. Buy music from people who need the sale

This one seems obvious, but really, if you're going to download music, I mean, steal music, do it from Prince, who has already made his millions, and support the indies, your friends, and colleagues. You can literally make someone's day by purchasing even one song from their album. That .70 cents can feel like a million bucks to an artist working hard to create. Cliche but true: What goes around comes around. Tip: if you buy someone's music on bandcamp the money goes directly into their account!

2. Click "like" on someone's fan page (for starters)

Nowadays, a "like" on Facebook is a form of currency. Booking agents, promoters and record labels do look at an artist's fan page and will judge them (at least partially) based on how many "likes" they have, whether the music is good or not. But don't just click the "like" button. You should also share the page with your friends, and even message people who you think would be interested in what the artist has to offer. This also applies to people's posts...leave comments! In fact, leave comments / reviews on places like iTunes, Blogger, their website, etc. Sound like work? Well, it might take ten minutes for you, but lead to quantifiable results for the said artist, like increased sales and/or attention.

Everyone likes a winner. Have the guts to spot one in the making and stand beside them early on. Watch this video below, with narration by the founder of CD Baby, Derek Sivers (a hero of mine). It's a concrete, real world example of it.
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3. Throw events that are all inclusive

Some events are meant to be exclusive. VIP rooms, limited tickets and capacity, 18 and over, best dj's only, etc. Someone always get's left out. How can you make your event more inclusive? Get the underdogs involved. Have contests to get on the lineup, maybe a remix contest. Raffle off tickets, so that the determined but broke can attend. Throw an all ages show. Split the door with the artists, or make it free to enter (get sponsors to pay the artists?) Maybe, even maybe, mix up the genres a bit so that different crowds get to mingle. Exclusivity is great for most events, but there's also a time to give back and make something happen for other people. In fact, throw a fundraiser, every year or so to buy some arts supplies, or medicine, and watch the people around you get more involved than you could ever imagine.

4. Support your local venues

If it wasn't for places like Churchill's in Miami, or Bobo Lounge in Asheville, the music scene in said communities wouldn't be as strong. Sure, they don't have the best sound, might be in the hood, and don't have fancy lighting, but they nurture artists by giving them a place to play, whether it's their first gig or not. And maybe one night, there's a shitty noise band tearing up the stage, but on the next it's a young Marilyn Manson, age 16. How do you support these types of venues? Always try to pay the door fee, instead of pulling the "I'm on the list" card. Buy drinks, tip bartenders, schedule events there, and remind people who like to criticize these venues, that you appreciate what they offer, despite their shortcomings. Keep in mind, if a venue is forced to shut down, it's not their fault alone.

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5. Cross Promote

Have a musician friend or label buddy accross the pond in Africa, or the UK, or maybe a neighbor who is getting his feet wet? How about swapping remixes with them? Or swapping gigs? Maybe open for a band in Atlanta as a favor and in return the band you opened for, opens for you in Knoxville. Know a sponsor looking to spend some of their budget? Put them in touch with your hardworking buddy in their area. Did a friend of yours help you engineer your last album? Give back by recommending them to a local club, studio, or festival. Did your friend from high school design your album cover(s) for free? How about sending all your friends his way? Leaving comments on his website, putting up a link to his site on yours, or helping to promote his kickstarter campaign are all good ideas too. Remember, altruism is a form of promotion, and reciprocity is simply good manners.

6. Create something bigger than yourself

An artist's career may or may not be sustainable. As much as we hate to admit it, most career's peak and fall like stocks, and oftentimes it's even beyond our control. The public is fickle, uninformed and prone to attention deficit disorder. They also want what's new. On the other hand, if you create something bigger than your own career, there's a good chance you can continue to be an active member of a musical community for many years after you've hit your apex. That might mean founding a music magazine, blog, or website. It might mean starting a record label to release emerging artists. Maybe your open a music school for underprivileged youth, or a studio. It might mean starting a night like Bass Church, so that everyone you book get's to play for excited music fans in a proper setting, with proper sound and lighting. Or maybe you start a festival and base it around a planetary convergence like the Trinumeral Festival.

You wanna be famous? There's no better way to promote your band / brand than putting money in other musicians pockets AND giving them a place to showcase their art. Now you have a new friend, as well as a promoter on your team. If you don't lose your shirt on the show, then everybody involved wins.
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Main Point: Get (Everyone) Involved

This goes back to the inclusive theme. The more people you can bring into your sphere, the more likely you'll get something out of your shows, compilations, contests, productions, etc. Why not start a blog and feature every deserving artist in town on it? Why not throw a contest where everyone wins? How bout offering a free 1/2 hr. lesson to emerging artists? Or you could make a Youtube video of a new technique you discovered and share it with the world. The pie might not get any bigger, but the people you reach out to will make or break you. After all, word of mouth is the best form of promotion there is. Pay it forward. End of cheese.

Panther God, Peripheral, Eprom!!!

2011-08-25T01:23:00.001-04:00

For tickets and more info visit Underonebeat.com

RBTS WIN: Upside Down Cross EP

2011-08-12T23:49:00.009-04:00

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RBTS WIN have a special new treat for you, in the form of a free EP titled upside down CROSS. In the words of Brien Worsham, RBTS' lead singer, "I Just feel the fans have been craving something evil as they wait for the dark ones. I've been spiting venom as of late. Had some shit to get off the chest."

Download here!

Tracklist:

1.The Dark Ones
2. That Xan Took me Under
3. Salin' On
4. I built a fire

Art by K. Hernandez

RBTS WIN x Bele Chere!

2011-08-08T13:46:00.002-04:00

RBTS WIN x Bele Chere from eric graham on Vimeo.

This Thursday: Marley Carroll @ Red Bull DJ Battle!

2011-07-12T18:35:00.001-04:00

Our homie Marley Carroll has a big (as in major) DJ in Charlotte this Thursday. It's an invite only battle hosted by Red Bull called Thre3Style. Here's what Red Bull has to say about the event:

"Seven of the area's best and most requested DJs will have to prove they have the spinning skills and musical knowledge to be crowned the city’s best. Each hand-selected contestant will have 15 minutes to mix three different genres of music and win over the judges and the crowd. Judged on song selections, creativity, skill, swagger, and audience reaction, each DJ will have to bring everything they’ve got to the stage in order to win this competition.

World renowned party starter, Z-Trip is considered to be one of the best live performance DJs in history, by both fans and peers will give a live DJ performance as well as join a cast of two other local judges who will score the contestants and ultimately pick who’ best."

TFPP's New EP: Chill Crosby II Out Now!

2011-07-05T00:34:00.005-04:00

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&amp;lt;a href="http://circuitreerecords.bandcamp.com/album/tfpp-chill-crosby-ii-from-the-rave-to-the-grave"&amp;gt;TFPP - Chill Crosby II: From the Rave to the Grave by Circuitree Records&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

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We are pleased to announce the release of TFPP's new ep, Chill Crosby II: Rave to the Grave, a journey of discovery through mermaids of genres and tempiz. A space rock approach to hi tech electronica with a DIY element. There are moments here so accessible and inviting, we find ourselves transported to peaks and valleys not out of place on say a Beck record. Though recorded in bedrooms, the production value is high, showcasing the chops of two genuine dudes who push themselves at every turn.

The lyrics thwart pop categorization, while being emotive and precise, going from full on vocoder rap stanzas in “The Snake...” to the RnB love and romantic expositions of “I love 80 BPM” One gets the sense that these guys could be big television music superheroes if they wanted to, but that they enjoy the less facile approach to art.

We're enamored with this release and hope you dig it too! Visit their website for more music and info TFPP here!

VA: Universus Vol. 1 ::: feat. Take, Caural...More!!!

2011-06-15T19:43:00.006-04:00

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&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://circuitreerecords.bandcamp.com/album/va-universus-vol-1"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;VA: Universus Vol. 1 by Circuitree Records&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;
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Universus Vol. 1
CIRC014
Released: June 14th, 2011

Tracklist:

1. Misel Quitno - Im Halbhohen Gras (Caural Remix)
2. Take - Generation Gap
3. Peripheral - Ratrace
4. Sun Room Generator - Abduction

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Our first installment of the Universus series, is a four part compilation brought to you by Circuitree Records to highlight some of our favorite producers’ works. The 4 part series includes tracks from internationally recognized producers like Luke Vibert, Jimmy Edgar, Take, Caural, Dimlite, AK Kids (Akira Kiteshi), as well as Jacque Polynice, Kentsoundz, Sleepover, Panther God, and more. Featuring stunning artwork by Kent Hernandez of Madeira Projects, Universus is a veritable force of nature!

Sleepover's "The Sun" Reinterpreted!

2011-05-30T22:35:00.002-04:00

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Special thanks goes out to Simon C. Patton for sharing this reinterpretation of Sleepover's classic tune, "The Sun." His jazz centric ensemble is shown in tight formation as they soar in various directions away from the original theme and back again, landing home in unison after each player solos in turn. A fine performance by a band I am assuming is named Gwarek2, according to the youtube title, and quite a surprise!

RBTS WIN w/ Mount Kimbe Live!

2011-05-25T14:09:00.005-04:00

rbts win filmed by eric graham on Vimeo.

Future Garage Mix from Broken Bubble!

2011-05-24T20:13:00.012-04:00

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Broken Bubble might very well be the hottest new post dubstep upstart this year, as 2012 has already seen a slew of hot digital butter including EP's by Cogidubnus, Hurtdeer, Duskky, Macka, Rooflight, with a seemingly endless stockpile of fine tunes on the way. Label head Guy Thompsom, aka Cogidubnus recently did this fantastic mix of future garage tunes that made us literally jump in our seats upon examination. Oh joyous days ahead, we toast to a long and prosperous future for our UK brethren. Guy tells it like it is, "Lots of future garage and a few other bits I thought I could sneak in, plenty of it out (or soon to be) on Broken Bubble..."

Tracklist:

Roof Light - Arcadian [Broken Bubble]
Bonecold - Ark Vase [forthcoming ?]
Buck UK - Once [Cut]
Hyetal - Boneyard [Black Acre]
Ghostek & Roof Light - Known All These Days [dub]
Roof Light - Rum & Coke [dub]
Second Line - Why Wait [dub]
FaltyDL - Open Space [Planet Mu]
Cogidubnus - Open Shape (Sorrow Remix) [forthcoming BB]
Cogidubnus - Six by Nine (Anclove Remix) [forthcoming BB]
Bonecold - Iliad [forthcoming ?]
Roof Light - Touch Down [Prolific]
Bonecold - Choppa [forthcoming ?]
FaltyDL - Eight Eighteen Ten [Planet Mu]
Ghostek & Roof Light - Saboteur [forthcoming ?]
Hurtdeer - Boku-maru [Twenty:Twelve}
Sorrow - Escapades of Kami and Dayna [forthcoming BB]
Buck UK & Mirror State - The Way I've Seen [forthcoming Car Crash Set]
Bonecold - Remain [forthcoming ?]
Buck UK & Mirror State - This Evening [forthcoming Car Crash Set]
Fedbymachines - Bleed [dub]
Lando Kal - Time Out [Hotflush]
Clouds - Spat [Channel Zero]
Ghostek & Buck UK - Farsight [dub]
Sorrow - Nostalgia [forthcoming BB]

Panther God / Miranda Rae : "Chopin'scoat"

2011-05-18T12:56:00.006-04:00

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Sleepover's lead singer, Miranda Rae recently teamed up with Panther God to create the soulful hip hop track "Chopin'scoat." Based around a Chopin piano sample, the beat ambles along in a shuffle while the bassline and subtle synth crosshatch a tapestry for Rae's golden pipes. We're feeling this one and can't wait to hear what's next. On that note, check for a whole slew of new collaborations coming from Miranda and Circuitree's family of producers.

Sleepover: The Sun Remixes!

2011-04-19T15:11:00.013-04:00

Sleepover The Sun Remixes EP

1. The Sun (Peripheral & Nigel One Rmx)

2. The Sun (Jacque Polynice’s Homebase Rmx)

3. The Sun (Boy in Sleep Rmx)

4. The Sun (Axiom Crux Rmx)

5. The Sun (Second Line Rmx)

6. The Sun (Cogidubnus’s Solar Powered Rmx)

Artwork: Kent Hernandez
Mastering: Nicholas Raftis III
Download: here

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Wow, Sleepover had an extremely difficult time deciding the finalists for "The Sun" Remix contest. There were a whole lot of entries from all corners of the earth, literally. We got everything from disco mixes to avant garde noise tracks, and to be honest, every single one of them was pretty damn good. Some however had a bit more of whatever Miranda Rae and Charlie Astro were after, and so it goes that those tracks are featured on this here release. One thing we really want to stress here is that just having done a remix makes you a winner in our eyes, and on that note, we extend a warm thank you to every participant! Download The Sun Remix EP here.

Also, there were a number of entries for which we did not have a proper uncompressed wav. or the file was at the wrong bitrate. Due to time constraints we had to move forward without including the track. In future make sure anything you send us or any other label for a competition is release ready! Cheers.

Hydroplane Remixes Entresol: Free DL!

2011-04-17T23:19:00.002-04:00

Our friends at Nightdrive have just put out Entresol's debut EP, which is for the track "Formal Matter," and features a handful of remixes, including ones by Kabuki Iron Kolors, and Hydroplane. The EP is funky, dancey disco, and is now available as a free download, on bandcamp, here, so get it while it's hot.

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Eden Grey Reporting For Duty

2011-04-02T14:15:00.006-04:00

Hey everyone, I just voted for Wake.. I hope he wins!

Other than that, i've been up to lots of interesting new projects and am very excited. On Wednesday is an event in Miami with Axiom-Crux, Franky Helix, Aura and I playing live and spinning vinyl! Here's the flyer Aura designed for the event:
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Also, i just updated my page on facebook and would be glad to have the 'likes' of you!

Wake Up for Artist of The Week on MTV!!!

2011-04-02T00:00:00.001-04:00

Help Wake get the honor of being named "artist of the week" on MTV's blog here. He needs your vote!

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Panther God: Touch and Feel!

2011-03-17T17:35:00.004-04:00

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Panther God
Touch and Feel Digital 12”
Remixes by Wake and Mindelixir
Release Date: March 21, 2010

1. Touch and Feel (Panther God Original)
2. Touch and Feel (Wake Remix)
3. Touch and Feel (Mindelixir Remix)

Available on: http://www.panthergod.bandcamp.com
Art by Kent Hernandez!

Hurtdeer: I Am Decay

2011-03-13T22:12:00.008-04:00

Our pal Hurtdeer, out of the UK, has just put out a stellar new ep on Broken Bubble, titled I am Decay. It's a labyrinth of backdoors, alleyways and Escher like staircases. This record seems to trace the periphery of the post dubstep landscape, fleshing out new directions, while weaving in the past with equal aplomb. There's a multitude of surprises in store for the eager listener, and we really couldn't be much more eager. Get u some right here on Broken Bubble's Bandcamp page!

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Mike Slott: Interview?

2011-03-11T22:40:00.001-05:00

Mike Slott - Conducting Interview from LuckyMe on Vimeo.

Duskky: Aber EP!

2011-03-06T23:17:00.003-05:00

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Our pal Duskky just released a new ep titled Aber on the UK based imprint Broken Bubble. It's futuristic bass music with shifting intricate percussion that reminds us of a cross between Phoenecia, James Brown and King Tubby. Intrigued? Peep the whole thang on Broken Bubble's Bandcamp page here, and if you dig it as much as we do...support the artist and label by clicking on that "buy now" link.

Marley Carroll, The Destroyer!!!

2011-02-23T23:10:00.000-05:00

Miranda Rae Interview

2011-02-16T00:19:00.016-05:00

Lyrical investigation

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Miranda Rae is one half of the inimitable Sleepover and a burgeoning solo artist destined for greatness. We hooked up with her to get the scoop on her lyrics, which if you haven't already noticed, are phenomenal. Full of whimsy and romance, she gets right up close and whispers what we need to hear in a musical language which is both direct and ambiguous, in a way that stimulates our imaginations to fill in the gaps, to create the world in which her words operate. Let's cut to the chase.

PG: There's a line in “Outside Glitter” that really strikes me as sad but true. "We don't get older or mature much, we just get more responsibilities.” Do you especially miss childhood, and what’s your take on growing up?

MR: I used to think we change into new people when we “grow up” but this isn’t true. There is no escaping or growing out of yourself. You are stuck with yourself for life... and a lot of who you are comes from your childhood. I was fortunate enough to live in an old town not too suburb-y or too country. My neighborhood had individual old houses with huge yards to run around in and explore... I remember just itching to put my fork down after dinner and fly out the door to meet up for a good game of ghost in the graveyard or capture the flag with the neighborhood gang of kids. I used to think I missed childhood, but now moving on, the possibility of pursuing what I love today feels like a being big kid with more elements to play with and control. So we are all continually figuring out our path as the same person we were when we were younger...just now, we have more things to deal with and take into consideration.

PG: Where does the literary influence come from? Are u much of a reader, do you write for it’s own sake besides lyrics, say poems and such, short stories.

MR: I used to write a lot of poetry and a few short stories before I even had the notion to write music. And I still hear gasps when I say I miss writing essays for school...writing has always been fun.. words just trickle and spill out of my fingertips when I type or write. But now everything I write usually ends up becoming lyrics.... even if I just happen to write one word down that struck me as peculiar. Oh yes and I used to be a huge nerd. Reading has been a big part of things.

PG: There are definitely a number of moments on the record which remind me of church hymns, with the harmonies and emotional content. You even have a line in outside glitter, “being outside is just like making prayer.” Has gospel music, and or the church itself had an influence on you, or is nature more of a divine driving force in your life?

MR: Wow. That’s really neat you hear a choral influence. I grew up completely without religion, but I had a great time in my high school concert choir.... I never really understood “faith” or even spirituality until I discovered it in nature. At first I didn’t know why I had such a strong connection to several summer cabin trips in WI, but then I continued to travel and camp and it was on one of those trips that I could feel and energy spilling out of the mud and leaves on the Colorado river. Everything is so magical, there has to be a greater energy churning in even the smallest of sprouts.

PG: To me, the song “Burn” is a story about two lovers...one of which believes the other to be their “only one,” while the other has perhaps a grander ideal and is not convinced of true love, but rather in it for the companionship, while one eye is turned towards the world, in eager anticipation for something else. Is this accurate to some degree?

MR: Yea. You hit it on the nose. Only less companionship, more carnal indulgence.

PG: “Peace Buds” is probably the most oblique of the batch in terms of having no obvious interpretation...care to say a few words about that song?

MR: For that track I just started a stream of consciousness that ended up being about a young indigenous boy discovering his surroundings.... and just how being in nature can be healing and connecting... hope that doesn’t sound contemptuous but really there are no master plans. I just go with the flow. Like water through a gorge. Haha...
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PG: Is “Frightened deer” about a deer at all? Or are we dealing with pure metaphor? When I think of frightened deer I think of one that’s been hit by a car, and there are a few references to glass, possibly a windshield, and “grip so tight, but let me steer,” is another car reference. I imagine a couple driving in the dark, perhaps they’ve hit a deer and the woman gets out to console the deer, but then you have this line, "it’s always better in the dark," and I wonder. Is this subjective approach a part of your “master plan” as far as lyrics go? It’s definitely an approach that let’s the listener fill in the blanks. The songs can become about any number of things, and take on a personal meaning for each person.

MR: Yes I really want to instill images and notions that will guide a listener into their own interpretation -- one that affects them... It’s all based around the frightened deer -- it could be an actual deer or a person... and if producing road kill is what hits your gut first, that is definitely a stirring outcome which pleases me. I usually can imagine several different story lines when I piece together words for song One of the original themes I thought I was channeling was a deer in hunting season being accompanied by an intangible comforting force …. who then (the deer) turns into a very introverted person needing a guide/inner voice as well ("I am here"). Basically this song contains a lot of short film clips... pieced together however one can.

PG: “Ghosts in The Shelves” is such a clever yet obvious title for a song. Of course there was the movie Ghost in the Shell. Is this title just a play on words or is there some deeper meaning?

MR: Originally it was this little acapella song that I recorded on a tape, then upon hearing it, Charlie totally locked in and wrote a beat/music for it. I used to have this big wardrobe in my room with giant mirrors on the front and shelves inside in my childhood home. And I know for fact that house is haunted. It was built before my grandmother was born and was orginally a Victorian bed and breakfast. The pitter patter of old guests definitely echos through the long hallways and vacant rooms.. they could even be partying in the shelves of my wardrobe!

Photography by Karla Garcia

Jacque Polynice "Skidda" up now feat. Mike Slott

2011-02-04T13:58:00.014-05:00

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We are very excited to announce the next Circuitree release due out Feb.13th worldwide. It's a digital 12" by Jacque Polynice of the title track "Skidda," with a remix of "Obama O's by Mike Slott of Lucky Me fame. The two tracks are available now, directly from us, and after Feb. 13th, will be up on Amazon and iTunes and all those other sites! Peep our Bandcamp page to grab the full uncompressed tracks and read the liner notes! Artwork by none other than Kent Hernandez.

"Jacque Polynice’s Skidda 12” on Circuitree is one of my favorites of 2011, and he is one of my favorite new upcoming artists. A wonderful sonic journey through beautifully intricate layered textures and beats." - Richard Devine

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New Sleepover Video for "Outside Glitter"

2011-01-28T15:02:00.002-05:00

sleepover // outside glitter from describe the fauna on Vimeo.

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Special thanks to Describe the Fauna, for making this video with Miranda Rae, visit their site here:

Hydroplane Remix EP Out Now!

2011-01-21T15:01:00.003-05:00

We are pleased to announce the results of our Hydroplane remix contest! The entries flooded in from all over the planet and we were very impressed at the quality of the remixes we received. It was a long and arduous road to pick the final tracklist, but we are happy with the finished product and think you will be too! Download the whole thang here, with a stunning new cover by K. Hernandez and 9 great interpretations of Hydroplane's original dance romance classic "Borm" from his Flowers LP released last year. Special thanks to findremix.com and Soundcloud on this!

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Kentsoundz vs Afrobeta: Remixxxxxx

2011-01-17T15:48:00.000-05:00

Hi gang! Click ABOVE to peep a remixxx I completed a while ago for my pals Afrobeta. Apparently, there is a "remix contest" (sponsored by Ultra Music Fest and Soundcloud) in anticipation of their new LP! Kewl. Check it out here!

Sleepover Remix Contest

2011-01-05T16:40:00.019-05:00

The Sun Remix Stems by Circuitree Records
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In honor of one of the most epic debuts in recent years, we bring to you the Sleepover Remix Contest. We've had such an unbelievable response to this release already, and couldn't pass up the opportunity to let our friends and fans get in on fun. Remix contest winners will be selected by Sleepover themselves this time, to be featured on an upcoming, free digital release with stunning new artwork by K. Hernandez. The contest ends Feb. 23rd, so get crackin! UPDATE: Get the stems here now! All entries must be submitted to our Soundcloud page, and please include contact info, and links to your web pages, and a word or two about yourself.
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And if you don't already own the Sleepover album, get on it, here, for free. You'll love it...Special thanks to Soundcloud on this one!
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Meet Sleepover!

2010-12-07T13:43:00.010-05:00

One of our new favorite bands is Sleepover, a lyrics and beats affair between singer Miranda Rae and composer / electronic virtuoso Charlie Astro. They've got a new record out, The Sun, on Nov. 30th via Circuitree, and we couldn't be more impressed. The two of them have made musical magic somewhere along the lines of a Nina Simone or Bjork meet's Burial or Four tet. It's hard to pin down and exceedingly haunting music that will grab you by the heart and make you want to mosh to three part harmonies. Their full length LP is already in the works and is sounding like a classic. Take a listen now, to the dreamy sounds of Sleepover's new ep The Sun.
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Art by Kent Hernandez

Visit Sleepover's:

Website

Bandcamp

Panther God: Live in HD

2010-10-27T00:54:00.000-04:00

Label Spotlight: Khalija Records

2010-10-26T23:32:00.007-04:00

I recently had a chance to discuss Khalija Records with founder Wyatt Keusch, an electronic producer / composer and all around smooth dude who has been working hard to build a home for music that caters more to visionary experience, than fickle club culture. Thank god for that.

Khalija have a number of releases out, including ...And the Giving Hand by our pal Wake. Other releases include works by Ethan Braun, Anthony Cantor, and Wyatt Keusch,

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"In the summer of 2008, I began curating a series of events called Decay Fest. the idea was to showcase drone and drone-minded beat music, in such a way as to shirk the often cripplingly d.i.y./low-fi aesthetic put forth by the drone/noise scene at large, as well as to remain free of the expectations of the beat-driven club scene. I wanted to bring forth music that was deep, arresting, powerful, physical, cerebral, music that didn't limit itself with worry over what the audience would think, but rather music that, if you gave yourself over to it, and trusted it, would take you somewhere you'd never been before. and you'd like it.

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"Our first release was a compilation called Cache. it was named after the Michael Haneke film (which, significantly, is sub-titled with the word "hidden"), and seeks to make plain the concept of hidden music. it featured eight tracks, most of which were very long, very intense, and very minimal. cache is a very solid definition of the beginning of Khalija as a record label, a collective, a group of friends, whatever you want to call it."

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In all honesty, the Khalija project is defined most deeply by the inter-personal relationships at its core. "We're all very good friends, who've known each other for years; we've worked together, gone to school together, gotten drunk/stoned together, spent hours talking about minute details of music together..at the end of the day, that's what Khalija is about. a group of tightly-bonded artists and friends, expressing their individual interpretations of a common aesthetic. I'm not interested in getting demos from people. this isn't about releasing music because i think it'll sell, or because i want to reach a certain demographic. it's not about being a part of a scene or movement, and i have no interest in capturing any kind of zeitgeist or discovering any wunderkinds (schadenfreude, however, is right up my alley). My only interest is in releasing well-made music that i like, made by people who i think have their heads and hearts in the right places.
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This is where Circuitree and Khalija share ideologies. There's a sense of trust in your crew, a momentum of humanity at work through music and sharing. We are excited for the future of music from this frothy collective of musical brigadiers.

Visit their friggin' website page already:

Wyatt Keusch: founder, webmaster; Annelise Baer: graphic designer; MK: photography; Marc Nimoy: web design.

Panthergod.com Up Now!!! Free Mix!

2010-10-21T21:49:00.003-04:00

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To celebrate the launch of panthergod.com, PG has cooked up a very special hour + long mix of exclusives and unreleased gems alongside a few other treats. Starting with laser funk hop and speeding up to Garage and Dubstep territory, this mix shows the diversity of Panther God's sound, along with his ability to fuse different musical worlds. Strictly for the heads!

Visit www.panthergod.com to download Planetariumix

Art by Kent Hernandez

RBTS WIN: Get it!

2010-10-18T12:45:00.007-04:00

RBTS WIN are an Ashevile based, self proclaimed "soul, indie, folk, hip hop group, doing big things this year, including a debut full length release with stunning art by K. Hernandez and an appearance at the almighty Moogfest.

Their new record, "Everything I Do Is Raining" is a vocal-centric work which wouldn't be out of place on a label like Anticon or Morr; with smart, emotive lyrics over crunchy beats and analog synths, they draw upon everything good in modern music, to create their own sonic amalgamation. Tracks like "Mind Matter" have a hip hop ethos, without all the bragging and boasting; instead, lead singer B. Worsham tells us that "growing up takes time," over a nostalgic melodic passage which reminds one of childhood ice cream in the park with dad, or something similar. Other songs, such as "Crushin on You," utilize big horn samples and Golden Era beats to cinematic effect, marking one of the highlights of the record. "Heart Attack" is the dance banger, with a 4 x 4 kick pattern keeping things steady while J. Bolea lays down a driving, memorable lead that lends the track momentum, while vocoded lyrics weave in and out of the groove like embroidery.
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There's a lot of versatility on display with "Everything I Do Is Raining." Some tracks are a bit icy and have a Nu Wave feel, while others are as warm as the sun itself. There's really something for everyone, without things losing a sense of coherency, which makes for a great listen all the way through. The folk element is there as well, which makes sense, as RBTS are from one of the folk singer capitals of the world. All in all, we are impressed and can't wait to hear what comes next from one of the hardest working groups in music.

Get the whole damn thang here free!

Tokimonsta + Panther God at Trinumeral 2010

2010-10-15T15:16:00.001-04:00

Trinumeral Festival 2010, Miami, FL

2010-10-15T13:31:00.021-04:00

Peep the entire slideshow here on the New Times website!
Photos by Ian Whitlan!

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Tokimonsta in pink @ Moksha 10/08/2010
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Kentsoundz + Kamikaze @ Moksha 10/08/2010

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Marley Caroll with lightning hands! ________________________________________________________

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Big Boi in Lights @ Grand Central 10/10/2010

www.trinumeral.com

Tokimonsta, Ikonika, Eden Grey: Women in Beat Music

2010-10-10T18:42:00.014-04:00

There's always been a handful of ladies in electronic music who've stood their ground and done great things in a very male oriented genre. Artists like AFG, Miss Kittin, DJ Rap, Magda come to mind immediately for the instrumental stuff, and obviously there's loads of great vocalists, who also produce, such as Bjork and Karin Dreijer Andersson (Fever Ray). But as far as the beats alone go, it seems there's been far too few, or maybe too few role models. Maybe it's that women are typically, in America, atleast, encouraged to base their self worth more on how "cute" they are than who they are, as creative beings.

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Ikonika:

London based Sara Abdel-Hamid is a dubstep producer who has been making a big splash as of late with her full length debut Contact, Love, Want, Have, on the already legendary Hyperdub. Her highly melodic and soulful blend of futuristic garage and funky synth laden bass music. She stands at the forefront of a highly competitive genre that has spread the world over, while breaking off into a gazillion sub genres and hybrids. She's got roots in punk culture and considers herself a rebel but rejects the idea that she represents women at large. Instead she's more interested in being a producer first and foremost.
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Tokimonsta:

Tokimonsta is an L.A. based producer riding the wave of near hysteria surrounding the Flying Lotus centric beat scene there. Her recently dropped long player has made her an international figure in a matter of months, and with the Brainfeeder association she is being marketed as Flylo's girl. It def. doesn't hurt, but her music lives up to the hype and is well deserved. Her recent set at Trinumeral was full of more upbeat bangers than we've heard on her latest record, so she can definitely move the dancefloor. Another striking characteristic of her live show was her interaction with the crowd. Using the mic intermittently to stay in touch with the audience, she seemed totally at ease and brought her personality into the performance, something that was apparently welcome from everyone in attendance.
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Eden Grey

Miami based Chelsea Bruno, first approached us at a "noise" and IDM show at a seedy underground bar full of history known as Churchill's. She assured Panther God that her music was informed by a healthy dose of musical training and theory, having played piano for many years already.

Her new EP Nano-Soup on UK based label Corpora Aliena is an eclectic, experimental dance record teeming with chopped robotic vocal snippets floating in a sea of synths and sub bass. Stay up on her tunes, as only good things can come!"

When asked about her feminine responsibilities, she said, "I don't believe there are any; I need to think about it a bit more..I am trying to get the music out regardless of my gender. Being a female making music is as hard as it is for males i guess in this day and age. I certainly would prefer to be androdgynous if it were possible.

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There's even been a handful of lady centric beat nights in the UK, one called the Feline X-Mas Mashup (09) http://www.nerdbanite.com/2008/12/the-feline-xmas-mashup/

Tell us about your experiences as or with a woman producing beats and sounds. Send us your story at: info@circuitreerecords.com

KH Interview in BeScene Magazine

2010-10-05T16:13:00.002-04:00

Circuitree Art Director Kent Hernandez was recently interviewed by BeScene Magazine (it rhymes!). Read on, amigos …

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Trinumeral 10 Poster Contest!!!

2010-09-18T17:38:00.004-04:00

Remix this poster and win some cash peoples. http://creativeallies.com/underonebeat

The Under One Beat / Circuitree crew will be in effect hard at this year's celebrations, as well as, umm...Big Boi, Tokimonsta, and Blackalicious

Trinumeral is a holiday celebrated on the date in which the day, month, and year align with auspicious numerical sameness (i.e. 1/1/01, 2/2/02, 3/3/03). This years (10/10/10) official celebration will be held in Miami, FL.
Complete details can be found @ TRINUMERAL.COM.

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Hydroplane / Khalija / Knobgoblin / Wake @ Pehrspace: Sept. 24th

2010-09-16T17:56:00.003-04:00

If you are in Cali you shouldn't miss this event. Nope, you shouldn't! Starts at 8 pm!

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Pehrspace

325 Glendale Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA

Hydroplane Remix Contest, Ready...Goooooo!!!!

2010-09-06T19:02:00.013-04:00

In celebration of one of our beloved Hydroplane's new LP Flowers, we are kicking off a remix contest for his bouyant dance masterpiece "Borm," open to one and all. We have a little bit different format for this one, so listen up, there's a few things you should know:

1) There will be a remix ep / free download, comprised of of the best entries.
2) The stems are here and at the bottom of this post, via Soundcloud!!!
3) Please send us your remix page here, or use the dropbox widget below!!!
4) All remixes must be in by Oct. 14th!!!

Send me your track

Hydroplane - Borm (Parts) by Circuitree Records

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If you enjoy the original track, you can listen to the whole dang thing here

Big ups to Soundcloud for reaching out and sponsoring this contest!

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble "Drips/Take Notice" feat Flying Lotus

2010-09-02T05:45:00.003-04:00

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble "Drips/Take Notice" feat Flying Lotus from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on Vimeo.

Interview: Wake

2010-08-25T22:14:00.011-04:00

Wake is Matt Hettich, an Oakland based producer who has been involved with Circuitree Records from the beginning. He's one of our favorite producers and is getting some serious love from everyone from URB and XLR8R to NPR and TOKiMONSTA. In fact, he was just recently featured on one of her mixes alongside luminaries like Flying Lotus, Take and well, Biggie. Wake also has a serious way with words, and I think has the potential to write the next great American novel. In this interview he tells us what's new and about his dreamworld, in which "The Future of Girlfriends" is revealed.

Photo by Rhea Cutillo
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Panther God: Seems like some big stuff is happening in the world of Wake as of late. Can u tell us what's new?

Wake: Well, my good friend Sahy Uhns (Charlie Burgin) started a label (Proximal Records) with grammy winning composer producer, Jeff Elmassian. They just released their first official compilation (Proximity One: Narrative of City)! The comp. has been getting a ton of attention-- it was on NPR's "First Listen" and has been reviewed favorably all over the place! I am totally jazzed because Daedelus is on the record and he has been one of my favorite musicians since I was an early teen! Also, TOKiMONSTA (also on the comp) put my tune "Buttabump" in a mix alongside herself and Notorious BIG (download here.) That really made me feel validated as an electronic musician!

I also just got my MFA-- for some reason I keep forgetting that!

PG: Yah, you went to Cal Arts and then Mills for Electronic Music studies. What was that like, and what are the benefits of such an education?

W: Man, I loved it! Before CalArts, I was one of a few kids I knew making music with my computer-- it was hard to get better being in such a small group. When I got to CalArts I was placed right in the center of a group of really excellent computer musicians! Everyone was making beats, writing software, designing controllers, and all we'd do was talk music! I learned so much from having a community like that! On top of that, I was able to take really good classes in max/MSP, Reaktor, Recording, Compsition/Music Theory, Multimedia Art, Javanese and Balinese Gamelan, etc...

Mills was great for similar, but different reasons. For one, Mills has such a history and recognizing that I was about to become part of this history really helped my self confidence as a musician! The Mills crowd was much less interested in drum machines than myself or the CalArts group had been (which was difficult at first) and I found myself really questioning what I should focus on during my two years there. I decided to work on my abilities as a live and improvisational computer musician-- mostly because Mills has such an amazing faculty, all of whom are experts in that stuff! Mills was a really great place to take what CalArts had planted and nurture it...

I guess it's a little too soon-- I probably won't really know what the benefits were, but I definitely feel like I have a much deeper understanding of music and computer music than before (or even without )?
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Photo by Dan Macanulty
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PG: Your father is a poet and your mother an "environmentalist," What's it like to have such cool supportive parents?

W: It's great. I talk to one of them pretty much ever day. When I was studying Psychology and Music at liberal arts college, they sat me down and told me that I really should go to art school. I can talk to my dad for hours about the artistic process! My mom and I talk about any and everything-- from astrology, to relationships, to books, movies, music, and life in general! Plus, they've been exposing me to great, off the wall stuff since I was a baby! Now, it's even more fun because my sister just graduated with a degree in sculpture from RISD and she sends me art books and pieces as presents! I really respect my family and I'm totally blessed to be related to them!

My dad gave me DJ Shadow's Endtroducing for Christmas when I was 11-- that album is totally responsible for where I am right now! Now that I think about it-- I think my aunt gave it to me, but I feel like my dad told her to? I'll have to ask him!

Plus, if my dad had never been your professor, I don't know if we would be friends and collaborators right now (For those of you who don't know: PG and I met at Sweat Records in Miami- when it was in the back of Churchills Pub. I was there with Hydroplane for a show he was playing. My friend and I were talkin' crap about Thom Yorke (which annoyed you, PG, didn't it? yes it did a bit, music snobs! hehe) and there was this totally AMAZING music playing in the store. I asked Paul what it was (because I really wanted to buy it) and it turned out that it was him (PG-13 vs DK1)! Anyway, I gave him my e-mail and a week or so later he wrote and asked if I was related to one of his favorite professors-- my dad...)!

PG: Man, I love that story. Speaking of collaborators / friends...who came up with the name Total Fucking Pizza Party, (or TFPP for short), and what is the project?

W: I don't really know if it was Bob (DennyDennyBreakfast) who came up with TFPP, but I bet it was? We were living together at the time and saying a lot of bullshit! Total Fucking Pizza Party is an internet based collaboration between DDB and myself. When I moved in with Bob, I got him into Renoise Tracker and so now we both use Renoise, which makes it easy to send songs back and forth. We used to make really spastic music (I think we were both listening to a lot of Team Doyobi)-- sending MODs back and forth and just totally destroying/messing with whatever the other had done in it! Then Bob started singing on the tracks and we sort of shifted into a middle ground-- we decided to make pop songs, but we were still way too "IDM"-- most of Phil Spectator (our free album you can get at tfpp.net) was made this way/with these ideas. For our new stuff, we've been really focused on the idea of the pop song and how to make interesting pop music. We had a talk about making hundreds of songs and picking 10 for our next record, and we're moving along on that. I'm really proud of the stuff we've been doing and we're both excited to do a release with Circuitree!

PG: So are we! Hey I heard you have a new toy. It's a new synth right?

W: Yeah, it's so great! It's an MFB Kraftzwerg-- semi-modular analog synth...3 vco, 2 lfo, 2 envelopes, ring mod, noise, dual amp... For some reason the MIDI to CV won't work with my computer yet-- been talking with the shop about getting that fixed-- but I can just hook it to my MC202 and sequence it from there! I've always wanted a little modular and this thing kills! Now that I have this synth, I feel like I've actually got a good little studio! It's really fun to turn knobs to make sounds-- you can just play around to make tracks! I borrowed a TR909 from my friend Greg (of Eats Tapes and the Pacific Housing Authority) for part of the summer and that really made me want a nice drum machine! It'd be cool to make tracks without touching the computer!

PG: You moved from LA to Oakland not too long ago...can u compare the two for us?

W: I've been in Oakland for 2 years. I love Oakland-- it's a really unique place with a lot of very troubled, intense, and creative energy... It's also very small... LA was unique, and troubled, but BIG! I lived in LA for 3 years and I got tired of the driving! I think that there is a lot of really great stuff going on in that city-- it's just so damn hard to get to! They're hard to compare-- I miss the people a lot and LA has a vibrant electronic music scene, but it actually rains in Oakland (during the winter) and I was really starting to miss that! The Bay Area is full of artists and creative people! AND I've made some great friends here (as well as imported them-- DennyDennyBreakfast, Hydroplane, and KnobGoblin to name a few)! Plus, I've wanted to live in the Bay Area since I was a kid! It's actually really hard to compare the two places though-- they're very different but both are strong in their own ways!

Photo by Rhea Cutillo
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PG: Seen any good movies lately? Any good books?

W: Yep! Saw and really loved Mr. Lonely-- the Harmony Korine film! I saw Cremaster 3 by Matthew Barney at a theatre in San Francisco, and I'm not sure if I liked it or not... I just got The Holy Mountain by Alejandro Jodorowsky-- which is supposed to be amazing (I havent watched it yet)! Also, The Room by Tommy Wiseau is hilarious-- worst best movie ever. As far as books go, I recently read Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned by Wells Tower and it's now one of my favorites! I'm reading St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell and am really into it-- it'll probably score high up on my list once I'm done! I'm also reading The Four Fingers of Death by Rick Moody, which has been pretty good so far!

PG: What IS the future of girlfriends? (Really)

W: A few years ago I had this dream:

I woke up on the ground in the desert, the sky was red and smokey, there was nothing around. Far off in the distance, I saw what looked like a line of people stretching across the desert and, being as there wasn't anything else around, I decided to investigate. When I finally reached the line, it was made up of gorgeous naked women. None of them noticed me. They were all waiting in religious rapture, looking straight ahead and moving as one being through the desert. I followed the line, walking slowly and investigating the dessert shrubs, the sky, and these women. After what felt like hours I came upon a Mayan pyramid-- the line stretched up the front and then back down the other side. At the top there was an ornate temple and in front of it there stood a sacrificial alter and a half man/half bird priest. The women were subjecting themselves to bizarre sexual acts upon the alter. The priest was dancing and chanting behind them. Strung across the top of the temple was a white vinyl banner with black block text that read "This is The Future of Girlfriends". I woke up.

Later the same week I had another dream. In it, I was in possession of a flying carpet. It was the future and I was in a cloud city in the sky. My robot wife and I took the flying carpet out for a picnic. We sat on the edge of the city, in a park, and watched the clouds roll by from the edge of a cliff (like an ocean below us). The sun was setting-- pink and purple. "This is The Future of Girlfriends" kept swimming through my mind.

Both of those dreams felt really profound-- I was feeling a bit lonely as far as girlfriends go. I wanted to be a part of late night handholding sessions on the beach and all that! Anyway-- I was making a lot of cloud city style music and I just sort of thought it was a great sentence!

That e.p. will probably be coming out on Proximal sometime soon?

PG: Can't wait man, thanks for the interview...keep writing! Beats and stories!

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Be on the lookout for the forthcoming Wake EP on Proximal Records, and the TFPP LP on Circuitree. Then there's the Tokimonsta mixtape, with the "Buttabump," as well as a handful of other great releases here, and here, and here.

Umm...Yeah! 6 Free Dilla Tracks (Donut Shop)

2010-08-23T19:13:00.001-04:00

Get em here. Courtesy of Stones Throw!

Wake Featured on Tokimonsta's New Mixtape!!!

2010-08-22T20:13:00.000-04:00

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Mad props go to our homie Wake, for being included in the new Tokimonsta mix, which you can listen to here!

1. Shing02 - 夢幻殿 (TOKiMONSTA remix)
2. Mono / Poly - Explosive Puppetry
3. Africa Hitech - Blen (Garage remix)
4. Goldielocks - Addict (Falty DL remix)
5. Take - Juniper
6. Rustie - Pendulum
7. Fulgeance - Chico (Dorian Concept remix)
8. TOKiMONSTA - Sa Mo Jung

9. Wake - Buttabump

10. Notorious BIG - Going back to Cali
11. Dizz1 - Here We Go Again
12. Nicholas Ryan Gant - Move (00Genesis's Body Electric remix)
13. Dimlite - Byrdshot and Bye
14. TOKiMONSTA - Sweet Day
15. Flying Lotus - Galaxy in Janaki
16. Lorn - What's the Use
17. TOKiMONSTA - Cheese Smoothie

New Hydroplane Video: "Borm"

2010-08-21T13:09:00.001-04:00

Video: Kirk Alexander

Hydroplane's LP: Flowers, Out Now!!!

2010-07-28T20:57:00.003-04:00

We are super pleased to announce the release of Flowers, our 14th release by the insanely talented Renzo Gorrio, aka, Hydroplane, whom you may already know from his release with M.C. Nived (Crow Kids). This record has been getting some serious love by our boombox at the office, and I think you'll agree it's worthy of your attention.

Ecstatic dance music, both whimsical and poetic, Flowers, sees Hydroplane at the height of his powers as a producer and musician...

The diversity of the album cannot be downplayed, at one moment sunny and warm at others we are transported to an after hours party, seeking respite in leather couches and the frigid blue glow of the bar's neon lighting. Despite its welcome stylistic variety, there is a steady pulse throughout, at all times accessible, cool and inviting, without pandering to modern conventions. This is an electronic album that hosts more traditional instrumentation for the sake of texture and nuance; the melodies are overflowing, yet economic, owing equally to Aphex Twin and Morroder while traversing continents to draw upon the tranquility of Latin lounge music. Songs like "Play Argentina" whisk us away to a paradisiacal reverie in an imagined, idyllic land where all our fantasies and dreams become tangible for the length of a song, or perhaps a lifetime. Others such as "Falling Love" avoid the quick artifice of pop love songs while evoking the cold pathos of nu wave synth pop at its best. Never have robotic vocoders been given such a human, and heroic force. Hydroplane's own personality is so clearly evident- there is a romantic wistfulness, a chivalry to his music, a pure spirit awaiting the world's rapt attention with open arms. He is a gentleman, unassuming yet clearly a master of his craft. Pick a flower and take a ride with him, he does not disappoint!

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Hydroplane is the stage name of producer/musician Renzo Gorrio. Having been raised in the suburbs of Miami, FL with nothing to do but inline skate and make music, both became passions. Music stuck, leading to an eventual move with his band Late Night Curly to Portland, OR where he would stay for 2 years while he honed his production skills and musicianship. His first two full length albums, S/T and Negative Bufalo were more experimental; however, his recent work has more of a melodic, indie pop vibe, akin to what a Giorgio Moroder and Mathew Dear collaboration might sound like if they both got together to record in Argentina.

Art by K. Hernandez.

iTunes

Results: Knobgoblin Remix Contest!

2010-07-15T10:50:00.008-04:00

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We've been extremely impressed by all the great submissions for the Knobgoblin remix contest!
These remixes flooded our inbox from all around the planet, including submissions from Germany, the UK and Spain. In fact, due to the strength of some of these, we have compiled the best ones and thrown in a few surprises to release a 8 track EP of remixes + the original Knobgoblin track, along with an all new cover and stunning digital mural by graphic virtuoso Kent Hernandez!

It seems that everyone here was really quite inspired by the excellent all analog source material, as it really shines through, in a way revealing what we loved so much about the original track, while bringing some new and unique perspectives to the fore. You can download the remixes, bonus track, cover art, screen saver and more here! Peep the tracklist below:

Knobgoblin: "Ghost's" Remix EP

1. Ghost's (PG's Synthetic Bog Intro)
2. Ghost's Hurtdeer Remix
3. Ghost's (Blasco Remix)
4. Ghost's (Lightan Remix)
5. Ghost's (Pyrococcus Remix)6. Ghost's (TechnoBears Redux)
7. Ghost's (Charlie Astromix)
8. Ghost's (Knobgoblin's Album Version)

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Extremely notable entries:

TrickAssedMarxist (Portland, Oregon)
Nullality (Miami, Fl)
C.F. Meister (Dublin, Ireland)
DJ Steve Delight
TSBM
DJVIK (Spain)
The Mutor (Poland)
Prateric Dubs (UK)
Sine Waves (Boston)

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We thank you again, and hope that you will follow our blog, as we continue to host new remix contests and free sample packs, as well as many great releases. To become a follower on our blog simply click on the "Follow" link on the right hand side of our blog. If you are a Google user this won't take but ten seconds or so, and then you'll be first to know about these offerings!

Also, if we have not included a link to your myspace, facebook or souncloud page, along with where you are from, please email us with this info and we will add it accordingly. panthergod13@gmail.com

Extra special thanks to http://www.remixcomps.com/ and http://findremix.com/ for the promotions!!!

Best from Circuitree Records!

"Play Argentina" from Hydroplane's New LP!

2010-07-01T07:58:00.000-04:00

This is one of our favorite tunes, ever, and it's by Hydroplane, whose new album Flowers, is coming very very soon in digital format worldwide! We hope you enjoy this one! You can hear the rest of the album right here, for free!

Results: Panther God Remix Contest!

2010-06-10T17:52:00.007-04:00

Firstly, thanks so much for your submissions to the Circuitree Records, Nightshade remix contest. We recieved many great tracks from all over the world, including, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and even the Czech Republic. It was a difficult decision overall, but we are pleased to announce that NIGHTATTAC, of Keller, Germany took first place, with his lilting, spaced out and grainy interpretation, that while staying true to the original, definitely brought a new sensibility to the mix. He's also got some dope remixes of everyone from Nas to Royskopp on his myspace page, which you may dig. You can download his "CNTRLR" remix here.

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Seriously notable entries included remixes by (in no particular order):

Komori, Paris, France
Steven Krebs, Switzerland
Wetdog, Spain
Deconstructer, Czech Republic
Tom Perfect, UK
Harry T, UK
Lightan, Vallejo/Bay Area, CA
DTone, Kentucky, USA

Stay tuned for the Panther God remixes and outtakes album, Nightshade: Addendum, coming soon from Circuitree Records. Also, if you missed this remix contest, there's still time for the Knobgoblin Serpentine one, which you can find more about here!

Art by Kent Hernandez

Hydroplane Featured on Nightdrive Blog!

2010-06-06T21:39:00.003-04:00

The man of the hour, Hydroplane, has a new album, Flowers, dropping soon on Circuitree Records, and it's getting some love from the Nightdrive blog. You can check out snippets of the new album and get the lowdown here! Also, stay tuned for the remix contest we will be uploading this week...enjoy!

Kentsoundz @ Awarehouse (w/Prefuse 73) May 15

2010-05-22T18:19:00.001-04:00

And what a night it was!

I immediately knew good vibes were brewing when I saw a throng of concertgoers sitting on the lawn, picnic-style. The lights were a-shinin', the people were a-winin', and the sound was like a cloud's linin'. My set was tighter than a fiddle string thanks to the sound dudes.

And dig this, kiddies: I was joined by none other than effin' Raffa Jo Harris for a super-secret collabo! If anyone has "piccies," please shoot them my way. I'll be tickled pink if you do.

Sweet, man!

P.S. Images were captured by Ms Vanessa Dabul. True.

Interview: Take

2010-05-20T11:07:00.007-04:00

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After over 10 years of dropping some of the best beat music on the planet, our homie Take is getting some much deserved global attention! Having dropped 2 stellar remixes for Flying Lotus last August on the behemoth Warp Records, his days of paying dues are over. His new record, Only Mountain has just recently dropped on Alpha Pup and is getting great reviews across the board. His blend of lush melodies, avant garde electronics, heavy bass and masterful production is reminiscent of a psychedelic onion, waiting for listeners to peel back the layers and literally step into his world. We've been raving about this guy for years, ever since he sent us his ambient masterpiece, "Under Her Skirt," for our first compilation, Silicon Graffiti.

We get up close and personal with the man himself to talk about the new record, relationships, and his creative process.

Panther God: So congrats on the signing to Alpha Pup for your next LP. Can u tell us a bit about how that came about and maybe a little info on the album?

Take: Thanks man. Well, as for how it came about, I want to say it was just a Low End theory connection. You know after years of being around each other after a while we all get to know one another and connections are made. Daddy Kev suggested we do a record, and the rest is history. As for the album it self, I feel like this is my most mature and cohesive work to date. I really wanted to make an album that played like an album and not a beat tape or a bunch of random beats. I feel like this whole "Beat Scene" " Wonky" whatever people try to call it is getting pretty stale. Its starting to sound so formulaic to me and i really wanted to start moving away from it the best I could. For me that meant really focusing on my song writing and making sure I created a deep vibe and emotion in the music.

PG: In a recently shot short tour of your studio, you mention having switched sequencer platforms, now using Ableton Live. What prompted you to make the switch?

T: After I started performing using Live, i just saw how well it was designed and thought that i could really benefit from using it to produce my music as well. Its been a really interesting transition, but I think it was for the best. There is just so many tools at your finger tips with Ableton and its really user friendly, plus it has really spead up my work flow.

PG: Tell us about your first experiences making music.

T: Well, my very first experience was as a 3 year old banging away on my great Grandmother's piano. Funny, she told my folks I would be a musician. Later on when i was about 12 years old i started playing Guitar and Bass and took lessons for a few years. Soon enough i was playing in little high school bands and jamming all the time with friends. When i got to college i met this guy who was a dj and that just really blew me away. Back then dj's were sooooooooo cool. They were much more rare than nowadays. You know, pre cd dj, pre Serato. This was just wax and turntables. Anyways, to make a long story short, i became obsessed with djing and would go to this guys' house almost every day asking if i could mess around with his turntables. Soon I had my own and I was fully emerged, starting my own club nights and parties. Next came production. It was the logical progression to want to make the music I was so in love with playing.

PG: What would your dream gig be?

T: Well, if we are talking about dreams and a non reality state.. i would have to say playing underwater, with a very high ratio of beautiful women as the audience. Oh yeah and they would be nude. lol.

PG: You music at times has a lot of space between the beats, in which you lay these beautiful melodic passages. It's a very unique, pregnant pause that in a way helps define your own style. Can you comment on this?

T: Thank you! I think that is my style. i dont know, its hard to comment on it. Its just the way it comes out you know? I am very much a melody person. The songs I make always have melody and movement. Sometimes it drives me crazy. I will set out and tell my self " Ok, this one, Im going to make a super banger, no melody, just heavy bass and drums" but somehow it never ends up that way..lol .. Cant fight who and what you are i suppose.

PG: How do you handle having a loved one, girlfriend, wife and having time and space to make music? Are there difficulties?

T: Its tough at times. Luckily, right now we are both very busy with our careers and so its a bit of the opposite. Rather than needing to find time and space to make music, we both need to find time and space to spend time together. Its quite hard because at times it become a challenge to be connected when both people are off in their own worlds and don't see each other for long periods at a time. I try to remain positive and confident that we can make it work as long as we try. Its a work in progress. Relationships are a very big learning experience. I think you are constantly learning new things about your partner as well as yourself.

PG: Do you work in long stretches, or have a pre-planned routine for every day.

T: I work when I can find the inspiration. When its there, i can work for very long stretches. When its not, I can get really frustrated after about 1 hour and just have to walk away. Music is a strange beast like that. Sometimes things just flow like water and you link with this connection to the creative force. Other times, you can beat your head for hours and come up with nothing special.

PG: Would you consider yourself a disciplined person?

T: Yes.

PG: What is the one question you wish that interviewers would ask you? Feel free to answer it.

T: Whats your favorite thing to do other than makemusic? That would be to cook amazing meals and watch good friends eat, drink and be merry.
Cheers!

PG: Thanks man!

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You can download Take's "Neon Beams" track from the Only Mountain LP here, and find out more about the man on the Alpha Pup website. Also be sure to check for his upcoming release on the next Circuitree Records compilation, Universus, dropping this Fall.

Synthesis Festival Miami!

2010-05-17T00:56:00.004-04:00

Panther God / Glitch Mob Show!

2010-05-17T00:44:00.002-04:00

Knobgoblin Remix Contest

2010-05-06T18:59:00.006-04:00

Knobgoblin is a somewhat secretive dude. He doesn't really do the email thing, and would be hard pressed to tell you about some of his achievements, including building the custom analog synth cases for Trent Reznor, working with Plan B, and creating his own breed of futuristic bass music.

If we called it Dubstep, we'd probably give you the wrong impression; however; his debut ep on Circuitree, titled Serpentine is heavy on bass wobble, huge kicks, and razor sharp textures, including snippets of processed sitars and what might sound like synthesized tambouras. It's cinematic, while capable of sparking ecstatic frenzies on the dance floor, with enough sub bass to blow a club's woofers. So strap in, strap on those limiters, and hang tight.

We are celebrating the release of Serpentine with a remix contest, for the track "Ghost's."

The stems can be downloaded here. You can listen to the whole album here. Due date for the remixes is June 15th. All remixes will be listened to, and the best ones will be chosen for release. Winners will also have their music featured on this blog along with some links, biography and such. Now get crackin' and good luck!!!

Please send entries to: panthergod13@gmail.com
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Download Knobgoblin's "2013" Remix!

2010-05-03T19:22:00.005-04:00

Circuitree Records is pleased to announce our 13th release, dropping May 15th worldwide, by the red hot Knobgoblin, who, currently residing in Oakland, CA, makes some of the fiercest and most intricately detailed Dubstep yet imagined. Think Monolake meets Datsik somewhere near India, in the future!

Equal parts tech and soul, with an exotic twist on the wobble bass equation, his Serpentine ep is sure to move you.

As a free gift from us to you, please download and enjoy this remix he did of Junc Ops' smash anthem "2013." Also peep the alternate cover the graphic design virtuoso Kent Hernandez came up with for the album. Original track "2013" by Junc Ops.
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Wake - Meat Mountain

2010-04-13T19:11:00.005-04:00

Preview of the first single in the Catalog Records Singles Project.

Wake - Meat Mountain

1 track single by Wake with remixes by Sexy Ultimatum, Denny Denny Breakfast, and Blasco.

Wake's 8-Bit Sample Kit!

2010-04-10T00:33:00.003-04:00

It's been a hot minute since we shared some tools with you. This installment of the Circuitree Toolkit comes direct from Oakland, CA, where Matt Hettich, aka Wake resides. Currently on the cusp of graduating from the illustrious Mills College with an MFA Electronic Music, Mr. Wake is destined for great things. With a large and growing handful of tunes on Circuitree and Catalog Records, and collaborative album with DDB (TFPP), there's plenty to immerse yourself in. He's remixed Machine Drum, Caroline, and Panic Bomber brilliantly while managing to balance school and help launch our sister label in LA Catalog Records. Stay tuned for more great music from this gifted composer.

8 bit sample kit! by Wake available now for download.

CNTRLR - Panther God - NEW VIDEO!

2010-04-08T18:21:00.011-04:00

Our friends Charlie Astro and Corey Martinez have just finished a sweet new
collabo video for the single off of Panther God's new release Nightshade,
called "CNTRLR." The song features DJ CNTRL on the drum programming. Enjoy!
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Panther God / Mindelixir CD Release Show Pics!

2010-04-06T22:25:00.007-04:00

April 2nd was a special day for Panther God and friends! Teaming up with the red hot Mindelixir, proved alchemical! The lineup was legendary, including Jeswa, Brutal Wizards, and Par D. Set in an intimate hookah bar in Asheville, the future and future past of electronic music was on full display.

The music scene in this city is quite remarkable, with everything from brilliant street crooners to well booked nightclubs touting the ever present stream of touring bands and solo musicians. Everyone and his grandma rolls through this city to play tunes, despite it's relatively small population. A local world class concert venue, the Orange Peel, was named one of the top 5 places in the country to play at by the Rolling Stone.

Anywho, here's a visual rundown of the event courtesy of photographer
Elisabeth Moore.
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Josh Kay / Richard Devine Analog Goodness

2010-03-28T23:30:00.000-04:00

TIPTOP AUDIO Z8000 - Experiments - Part 2 from Richard Devine on Vimeo.

The Glitch Mob Talk Sync

2010-03-27T19:29:00.001-04:00

The Glitch Mob are one of the most exciting laptop groups out there. Whether you love their music or not, you have to respect their presentation. I played a show with them last year at the Trinumeral Festival and was blown away by how thought out every aspect of their show was, from the hidden computer and 3 glowing Lemurs, to their somewhat stylized movements and matching outfits.

They took the time to think of their live show from a spectator's point of view. Ooah, edIT, and Boreta, have been playing together 3 or 4 years now and have definitely put in the hours necessary to build an engaging live set that feels live. It's had to do but worth the effort. And if you pull it off and get people excited, there's actually a chance that people will pay you well for those efforts.

Here's some footage of Boreta and edIT of the Glitch Mob explaining how they handled their sync issues when playing together.

Trouble The With (Live at Signal Flow)

2010-03-16T23:54:00.000-04:00

My masters thesis piece, recorded at the Signal Flow Festival at Mills College

Panther God's Nightshade ep Remix Contest

2010-03-11T18:55:00.013-05:00

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Hey friends! We are very excited about our next release by Panther God titled Nightshade. It has been getting some amazing reviews including one from Caural in which he describes it as "like Boards of Canada, but in Space."

To celebrate the release of the ep we are having a remix contest. The top entries will be selected for release on the Nightshade Remix ep, due out later this year. Winners will have their music featured on this blog along with their bio and links to other projects.

The single for the ep, "CNTRLR" is available in stems here. Tempo is 140 bpm and key is C Minor.

For more info about the album or to stream/purchase it, visit the Nightshade bandcamp page.

Due date: April 13th! Send entries to: panthergod13@gmail.com

Happy Remixing!

Art by K. Hernandez

Do You Have A Midi Controller and Want to Customize It?

2010-03-08T00:02:00.005-05:00

The mastermind behind nativeKONTROL is straight up a genius when it comes to making custom mapping templates for commonly used controllers like the MPD and APC. It's all a bit over my head but the good news is the templates are all for sale so you can skip to using them rather than creating them. After recently playing a show with Nosaj Thing and having my mind blown at his ability to use his MPD in a similar fashion to an APC40, I went on a rampage trying to figure out how he did this. If I had been a little less tired I might have pressed Nosaj to explain himself a little better, but alas, after doing a little research I think it is quite clear that he's using something like Bome's Midi Translator to achieve these results. Check out this video to get a glimpse in the world of customizing your midi mappings. I also recommend reading this article on CDM when u are done!

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Want That Dubstep Snare Sound?

2010-03-07T15:24:00.000-05:00

Kentsoundz — Wavelengths LP — Available Now!!!

2010-03-05T10:52:00.008-05:00

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The much anticipated long player from Kentsoundz is finally here! Twelve tracks of trunk rattling bass and mouth watering melodies that are good for the soul. It features collaborations with Treesa of Treesoundz fame, as well as Rachael Lundblade, Jason Aaron, and the folk goddess Raffo Jo Harris. The artwork is of course, stunning, as I think you will agree, and was done by the maestro himself.

"This is music as sensitive as it is pounding, as poignant in the club as it is in intimate settings, which crosses musical divides, and travels through space in both waves and particles, whose final destination is an idealized utopia where love really does save us all."
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For a full description of the album along with streaming audio visit the Circuitree Records Bandcamp page.
It is also available on iTunes, Amazon, and eMusic!

Live at the "Totally Intense Fractal Mindgaze Hut"

2010-03-04T03:06:00.015-05:00

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Wake live @ "Totally intense Fractal Mindgaze Hut" on Feb. 27th, 2010
A recording of a live set for you straight from west Oakland! A little preparation for my MFA Thesis concert/piece at Mills College on March 11th, 2010 as part of the Signal Flow Festival (Signal Flow Website)! Same patches, completely different piece!

Panther God Opening for Daedelus/Nosaj Thing/Jogger!

2010-03-03T18:34:00.003-05:00

Holy Eigenharp!

2010-02-25T22:57:00.002-05:00

Eigen Labs @ NAMM 2010 from Neil Bufkin on Vimeo.

Circuitree Toolkit: Tal Elek7ro

2010-02-22T01:41:00.001-05:00

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Circuitree Toolkit: Tal Elek7ro

The Tal Audio group make some amazing free plug in's that are simple to use and sound great. Based upon classic analog synthesizers, these effects and soft synths can be heard on a number of Circuitree releases including Panther God's forthcoming Nightshade ep.

This particular soft synth, called the Tal Elek7tro is a new addition to their growing family of products. I was really surprised by the low end on this one, and can definitely recommend it for some massive bass tones. If you like this one go ahead and grab the Tal Bassline as well, which is another great soft synth based on the legendary SH-101.

Chopping Up a Sample for the ESX-24 in Logic

2010-02-20T11:56:00.001-05:00

A M.O.R. DJ Mix

2010-02-12T13:02:00.012-05:00

A M.O.R. was recorded a year ago for Valentines Day. It was never posted proper...so here it is, cut with rose pedals:

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A physical release is forthcoming. For now, enjoy a digital download to soundtrack the weekend....Click on the cover to download.

Menu:

The Foreign Exchange : Daykeeper

Modeselektor : Edgar

Lymbyc Systym : Pittsburgh Left (Eliot Lipp Remix)

Ms. John Soda : Technicolor

LCD Soundsystem : Someone Great

Notwist : Pick Up The Phone

Animal Collective : My Girls

American Analog Set : The Green Green Grass (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)

Prefuse73 : Storm Returns

Radiohead : House of Cards

Sigur Rós : Svefn-g-englar

DJ Shadow : Blood On The Motor Way

Björk : All Is Full Of Love

Boards of Canada : Dayvan Cowboy

Shelley Duvall : He Needs Me (Jon Brion mix)

"Victory" (Kentsoundz + A/V ft. Lady Shotgun)

2010-02-10T16:19:00.005-05:00

From the forthcoming Kentsoundz + A/V EP On The Aisle …

Pharoahe Monch & Denaun Porter @ Allure Sound, Detroit

2010-02-08T11:25:00.001-05:00

Can't wait for this one!!

Hobnox AudioTool

2010-02-05T20:01:00.003-05:00

Kill some time.... keep some time!! Have some fun with Hobnox's Flash music creation software. You can even record what you make. AudioTool Link

Free Ghostly Compilation

2010-02-05T18:35:00.000-05:00

Ghostly International has released a free compilation for download! The album was initially intended to be a limited release CD but is now available for you. LINK HERE

2010-02-05T16:07:00.001-05:00

Some throwback Detroit funk for your Friday night!

"Homesteady" by Jacque Polynice

2010-02-04T10:54:00.000-05:00

We've been a little swamped getting a lot of new music ready for release, so forgive our infrequent posting. We've got some exciting new surprises coming your way as well as some cosmetic changes to our blog, so definitely stay tuned in the coming weeks. We are feeling great about the new year, and hope you are too!

As a gift from us, here is a stunning tune off the Schematic / Circuitree Records collabo release by Jacque Polynice, a truly gifted producer hailing from Miami, Fl. His laid back jazzy beats from the future are the perfect Sunday afternoon listen, and we think you will agree. He draws upon the futuristic landscapes of IDM and fuses it with the vintage warmth and rich melodic content of "back in the days." It's what Monk and Trane would be making if they were alive today.
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"Homesteady" by Jacque Polynice, from the album Strangelet Value.

Enjoy the alternate take on the cover by Kent Hernandez.
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2010-02-03T22:40:00.000-05:00

(From15 Minute Delay Ep)Dirtee Curt feat. Twin Blunts - Same Difference feat. Leif Erikson out of Detroit. check it! myspace page here

2010-01-13T12:00:00.001-05:00

Video by Corey Martinez!

Flash Drive 2: Jan 22 @ American Legion

2010-01-11T20:19:00.000-05:00

Richard Devine, Magnetosphere (Revisited)

2010-01-08T01:34:00.000-05:00

Magnetosphere, revisited (from 2007) from flight404 on Vimeo.

A Question for You

2010-01-02T18:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays from Circuitree Records! We are excited to say we are approaching our 5 year anniversary our 11th and 12th releases. We hope you've had as much fun as we have during the best of times. Which brings me to a question for YOU.

What Would You Like to See More of?

On our blog that is. Do you like the interviews, tutorials, free mixes, Circuitree Toolkit (free samples)? We'd like to know what excites you about what we do!

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Next up we have Kentsoundz' magical Wavelengths coming in January. More info on that soon, but for now, check out his stunning online portfolio here.
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New Max for Live Patch by Herik Schwarz

2009-12-24T19:17:00.000-05:00

Are We Freed From Theory?

Things are really getting interesting in the world of software. The marriage of Ableton Live and Cycling 74 has spawned a widely versatile combination of the two in Max For Live, an open ended approach to building your own musical environments. Not having had a lot of experience building my own patches from the ground up, I didn't know how useful Max for Live would be in my own song writing process, but Henrik Schwarz has just changed that with The Schwarzonator, a Max for Live patch he has built to help help us play more complex harmonies, and avoid wrong notes during improvisation with other musicians.

Henrik describes it here:

"The Schwarzonator is a note twister. It's all about helping musicians (or non-musicians) find the right notes and chords in real time. It turns one finger playing into chords that fit together well. Choose from a list of Chord Sets in a drop down menu. Then all notes you play on your keyboard will fit into the selected Chord Set."

Here's the video of Henrik Explaining his creation. If you already own Max for Live you can download the patch for free right now and start using it! And let us know how u like it.

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Interview: Praveen Sharma

2009-12-20T15:12:00.000-05:00

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Praveen Sharma has been making music for most of his life, and has contributed releases to AI, Neo Ouija, and Expanding Records. He also runs Percussion Lab, a hub for underground electronic music and exclusive DJ sets, in addition to being an avid live performer and event organizer in New York City.

Praveen released his debut Backed by Spirits on the now-defunct Neo Ouija imprint in early 2005. Not long after, Praveen returned from a profound journey through his family’s native India with a minidisk full of field record- ings and voices, forming the basis of Song Spun Simla, his second album released with Benoit Pioulard.

Panther God: You've definitely spent a lot of time developing Percussion Lab. How important to you was it to build something other than just musical compositions?

Praveen Sharma: Percussion Lab was extremely important to me from day one. I would always think about how if I had found the site, I would freak the fuck out. I mean - I was writing and listening to so much music at the time - I was as much a fan and pusher of the music as I was a creator. The idea was that this music needs a home. People love it. Let's give them a place to go and hopefully be moved for a short while during their day. That ideal isn't so far from the reason I write my own music as well.

PG: Do you do all the web programming for your site or is there a team you work with?

PS: We've got what you might call a dream team going on right now. As far as the site's technology is concerned, its simply me and the extremely talented Sougwen Chung. I do all the coding, she does all the design and we both meet in the middle as far as functionality, story and flow are concerned. The only other team member is my close friend and long time Percussion Lab partner Brian Blessinger. He's our talker and our writer, as well as one of our top contributors.

PG: I really dig the way your site is open to building community and revolves around sharing mixes. What led you to this kind of open source format, in which anyone can submit and potentially be featured?

PS: It was a huge decision for us. I remember Sougwen constantly questioning my decision to give up our 100% grip on quality control, in order to open up the site to a community. Eventually, we both agreed that if Percussion Lab was going to take an evolutionary step - it wasn't going to be just us yelling into the void anymore. Although I still worry about the site outgrowing its niche, underground status and there suddenly being an influx of PsyTrance and Pop mixes submitted, I think what's happening with the site right now is amazing. When that day comes, the site's structure will just have to change accordingly.

There was one big reason we decided on the three tiers of Percussion Lab users (Administrators, Contributors and Users) - content. With a large hand-picked group of Contributors and a totally ungoverned group of Users - I know the site will always have a steady stream of content. Not surprisingly, Percussion Lab users have damn good taste and have been blowing my mind with their submissions. I've regularly upgraded User accounts to Contributor after they consistently upload solid, sonic gold. On occasion I've hit up standard users for their own exclusive mixes to be featured.
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PG: On your myspace page you mention having travelled to India, spending time gathering sounds that would end up as a foundation for Songs Spun Simla, your second album with Benoit Pioulard. Can you tell us more about your journey and what you found particularly inspiring?

PS: I think the musical performances I witnessed, the field recordings I gathered and most definitely the instruments I purchased there were the most inspiring aspects of that trip. I came back home with a harmonium, tablas, some assorted sound makers... and a hunger to start a new, more acoustic sound than my Neo Ouija album. I had gone there with some serious emotional baggage - by the time I returned, I had somehow managed to transform that into a truly motivational force. I think the first day I was back I laid down the basis for "The Tunnel Is Still There."

PG: How important is travel to your process, and inversely, do you have an intrinsic need to have a strong home base, which I'm assuming for you is New York City?

PS: Funny question since I'm answering these questions while on a plane to Portland. I'm heading out to meet up with Benoît Pioulard and work on the next album a bit, so I suppose you could say travel is rather important to my process. The majority of fresh musical starts I've gone through have often been the result of a trip or an escape from the norm of some sort.

About having a strong home base - yes - I'm not very nomadic. I love New York - more specifically I love Brooklyn. I couldn't wish for a better home base for Percussion Lab. I've been in New York nearly my whole life - only other place I've ever lived is London. The city has got this bubbling, overturning energy which seems to swallow and then regurgitate itself every few years. With Percussion Lab's New York State of Mind series, my goal is to try and bring together a group of the artists, organizers and DJs I admire, to hi-light the diverse sound of NY right now.

PG: Song Simla have a subdued, mystical quality to them, and remind me of walking late at night through a deserted space...an extreme contrast to the hustle and bustle of NYC. Was it necessary for you to make something to contrast your immediate surroundings, bringing in a foreign peace to your life?

PS: Well, at the time, I was locking myself up in my room and simply working, so I guess the sense of isolation in the music comes from that. I didn't consciously attempt to contrast with NYC's daily grind - it's just where I was going when I wrote music then. I was, however, trying to be more acoustic, subtle and developed with my production than on the Neo Ouija album.

PG: What is next for Praveen and Percussionlab?

PS: Well, I'm hard at work on the next Praveen & Benoît album. Hope to get that out my door by the end of the year. Its a bit more forward than Songs Spun Simla. A bit more drum heavy at points. Just finished meeting with Benoît in Portland and recording some final bits for the album. Its the first time we've ever been in the same room recording, believe it or not.

Percussion Lab is going to continue to evolve rapidly as we come across areas that need to be improved. I'm working on bringing back the 24/7 radio stream right now and we will definitely be expanding on the concept of location-based series. I'm hoping to bring the idea of our NY State of Mind series across the globe. Quite a bit lined up for the site, definitely stay tuned...

I've also been working on a new project, Sepalcure (www.sepalcure.com), with Travis Stewart (Machinedrum). Its fueled by a love for bass, dubstep, two step, neon synths and 90s diva house vocals. We've got our first gig lined up for this February with Untold, 2562, TRG, Pole and more. Future Lovestep.

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Special thanks to Praveen for the interview. Check out his myspace here, and Percussion Lab too!

This is a really sweet video for "Feeling That I Know So Well" by the group Sepalcure, which is the aforementioned collaboration between Praveen and Machine Drum. Their deep "Lovestep" tune is accompanied by an animated live drawing courtesy of Sougwen.
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Sepalcure - Feeling That I Know So Well from sougwen on Vimeo.

Live: Panthergod & Kentsoundz Dec. 28: Official Phish Afterparty

2009-12-16T01:31:00.000-05:00

... And The Giving Hand

2009-12-04T02:20:00.000-05:00

Hi All,
My new record "... and the giving hand" is about to be released by Khalija Records.

it's briefly available for free download! Click the pic to get it!

Nived-n-Hydro Debut — Crow Kids — Out Now!

2009-11-29T23:08:00.000-05:00

Art by Kent Hérnandez
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We are pleased to announce the release — in both digital and CD format — of Crow Kids by Nived-N-Hydro. We like how our friend at Roofless describes it:

"...(Crow Kids) documents a running dialogue between producer Hydroplane and MC Nived3rdEyeMonster. Neither the raps nor the instrumentals are platforms for the other, but are instead engaged in a bit of musical give and take. Hydroplane flexes his glitch-pop pedigree and Nived matches the generally spastic audio with a creeping, slithery, well-pronounced cadence that it isn't quite thug, nerd, backpacker or, really, anywhere on the existing contiuum of hip-hop vocalists. All the synthetic bells and whistles get pulled out and a couple numbers ("Shooting Star" in particular) seem to take a (well appreciated on our end) page from straight up pop music."

-Matt Priera (Roofless Records)

Full review here. Cop it on Amazon. Listen more: myspace
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Images: "Flash Drive" Nov. 20

2009-11-28T04:34:00.000-05:00

Images by Devin Ruiz, Catherine Kaiman and Cristi Garcia.

Nived-N-Hydro Shirts!!!

2009-11-26T20:11:00.000-05:00

Hey folks, to celebrate the upcoming (Nov. 29th) release of Nived-N-Hydro's Crow Kids, we did a limited run of slick new shirts designed by Kent Hernández. These are available exclusively at shows!!! Black shirts with neon pink crow logo for thee.

Event: "Flash Drive" Friday Nov. 20

2009-11-18T02:51:00.000-05:00