Media Contender » Fidget

Mel Gibson’s Racist Rant With Ras Kass

Danny — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:16:54 +0000

I checked my inbox this morning and found this gem from Ras Kass. I’m sure you have all heard about the recent outburst from Mad Max clowning his lady saying some pretty far out shit. Ras had a few words to add to it absolutely murdering this 4/4 fidget beat.

This had me rolling.

Download audio file (Pussy%20From%20Behind%20%28www.mediacontender.com%29.mp3)
Click to Download “Ras Kass ft. Mel Gibson – Pussy From Behind”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Jack Beats TV – Episode 1

Jeff Tovar — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:15:18 +0000

Jack Beats are a multiple DMC Award winning DJ duo made up of Niall Dailly (DJ Plus One of Scratch Perverts fame) and Ben Geffin (The Mixologists). Since teaming up and having an immediate effect on the club scene in 2007, the duo has honed a cutting edge style fusing House, Hip Hop, Drum & Bass and Dubstep with Electro and Baltimore Club. Their production has since released some of the most admired remixes for La Roux and Passion Pit (amongst others), and their ‘U.F.O’ EP on Hervé’s Cheap Thrills Records.

Jack Beats have an EP due for release in late April and have started work on their debut album which will be released mid 2010. We’re pretty sure you can catch them headlining some of the biggest world-wide festivals to follow.

Check out some of their recent hijinks and travels courtesy of the Jack Beats TV Episodes:

Websites: Myspace, Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter

WMC Preview: Star Eyes of Trouble & Bass

Jeff Tovar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:00:55 +0000

“…watching the sun rise around the world.”The late 90’s was all about bass for a good amount of us EDM fans; bass that was mainly accompanied by drums, and lots of them. Now, I hate to get all chauvinist on you, but Star Eyes is known as being “one of the United States’ first female D&B DJs” so I guess I need to mention that. What, are you not impressed by that fact? Well, neither am I and I’ll tell you why. Being one of the hardest working DJs to cross genres through her 15+ year career behind the decks, California-born Star Eyes transcends the “look at that girl go!” game and has made a huge impact everywhere she has trotted with a single factor that makes us all androgynous- raw underground music. Now hailing from Brookyln, she is part of the notorious Trouble & Bass crew who are responsible for slaughtering dancefloors across the globe with their unique “mix of goth and rave influences whipped into a style she calls ‘haunted house.’” With only a few days to go until WMC, we had a chance to catch up with the hardy-partier and find out what’s in store.

MC: What’s up in the world of Star Eyes?

Star Eyes: I’m trying really really hard to stay home and not party so much so I can get tracks finished. By the time you read this, my UK funky/tropical remix of Hanuman’s “Bola” should be out on Murderbot’s Sleazetone label. Also working on a Bmore-ish relick of “Disappear” (my Trouble & Bass track from June 2009), making tracks with Pharaoh (formerly of Todosantos) and The Captain, and doing a few remixes. I also just put out a new goth & industrial DJ mix collabo with artist Dust La Rock (Fool’s Gold) for Mishka Clothing. It’s called Ov Cvrse and it debuts at SXSW with a party, a CD, and a limited edition t-shirt Dust designed. Then of course there’s the usual run of DJ gigs, mixes, and Trouble & Bass stuff—we’ve got a really busy year ahead with our new podcast, tons more parties and releases, and of course, watching the sun rise around the world.

MC: What’s next for you?

Star Eyes: Making more scary synth sounds, writing more lyrics about raving and dying, traveling around playing heavy bass jams and rattling eyeballs, lighting candles, drinking coffee, and perfecting my vegan pot pies. And probably a European tour in September and a remix for Lauren Flax’s C.R.E.E.P. project, but don’t quote me on that.

Jubilee and Star Eyes Midwest Tour Video 11/09

MC: Anything else that you want to share?

Star Eyes: Me and my roommates Dre Skull and Jubilee have a blog called Bad Manor (www.itsbadmanor.com/blog) that we post on when we are not too out of it. Not MP3s, more like funny gifs, recipes, vids, and Top 10s from the many strange and wonderful DJs that have stayed at our house. Also subscribe to the T&B podcast at www.troubleandbass.com.

Star Eyes: Happy Haus (Rubys Remix)

This is an unreleased remix from my 2009 “Disappear” EP on Trouble & Bass. A drummy early morning techno trip from the elusive Copenhagen duo known as Rubys.

Download audio file (Happy%20Haus%20%28Rubys%20Rmx%29%20%28www.mediacontender.com%29.mp3)
Click to Download “Star Eyes – Happy Haus (Rubys Remix)”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Star Eyes: Ruffage Mix Part 1

Here is one side of my first official mixtape, a 90-minute old-school drum & bass jam called “Ruffage.” I think it’s from 1997? If it sounds noisy, that’s because it was ripped to MP3 from cassette (remember those?). Just a little taste of where I got my start, deep in the jungle!

Download audio file (Ruffage%20%28Side%20A%29%20%28www.mediacontender.com%29.mp3)
Click to Download “Star Eyes – Ruffage Mix Part 1″
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

If you want to hear a more recent mix from Star Eyes, check her District Ignition podcast Live At Bad Manor.

Website: Myspace
Photo Credit: Megan Jolly

WMC Preview: Party Like Us Records

Clancy — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:03 +0000

“Basically, we like heavy bass that pounds and drives the dancefloor.”New York artists AC Slater and Udachi joined forces with Pittsburgh-based B.Rich in late 2008 to bring you the lively and dancefloor smashing Party Like Us Records. Their mission- to release dancefloor friendly tracks that incorporate classic dance music elements with a “creative and original edge” while showcasing original work and remixes from like-minded producer friends from around the world.

All 3 label cohorts have significant solo careers that add weight and significance to the collaborative project. With each having solidified their place in the EDM scene, Party Like Us Records is sure to satisfy the mass bass weight enthusiasts.

We got a hold of the crew to find out what’s crackin’ in their world, here’s what they had to say.

MC: What do you have going on at the moment?

AC Slater: Big tings! Working on the video for my next single on Trouble & Bass called Take You feat. Ninjasonik which drops April 13th! I just finished a remix of Crookers next single as well. Also have been working on a side project with Juiceboxxx and vocalist Amy Baron called 92 Eternal, its like throwback rave with a modern twist. That first single drops this summer as well on Party Like Us Records.

Udachi: Just released a new single on party like us titled P-funk Skank. A new single coming soon on Palms Out Sounds, and a remix of South Rakkas Crew coming out on Marine Parade.

B.Rich: Just returned from a big 3 week long European tour throughout UK, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

MC: What’s next?

AC Slater: In April I’m off to UK and Europe to support the release of Take You, then back to the states to tour. The infamous Calm Down Trilogy EP comes out around then, also on Trouble & Bass. Spending July in Europe with Drop the Lime touring. I’ll be in the studio grinding and starting my album for next year!

Udachi: Just left my job to concentrate on music full time, so more and more music, working harder than i have ever before. Happy to have my health, amazing friends that i get to do this music thing with, and i’m looking forward to an exciting future!

B.Rich: I have a collab that I did with Atlanta MCs Armanni Reign & Sporty-O featuring on an upcoming Scion compilation called No Static At All. Also did two tracks with Heavyfeet when I was in the UK. After WMC I’ll begin work on a new EP.

Also make sure to look out for B.Rich’s side project Kastle which I am a huge fan of.

…it is sort of my do-whatever-i-want sort of escape and I am experimenting a bit more with it. But it’s obvious that the direction is aimed towards deeper sounds. Multidimensional sounds blending dubstep, garage, house, R&B and soul.

Download audio file (Party%20Like%20Us%20%28Original%20Mix%29%20%28www.mediacontender.com%29.mp3)
Click to Download “AC Slater – Party Like Us (Original Mix)”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Download audio file (P-Funk%20Skank%20%28www.mediacontender.com%29.mp3)
Click to Download “Udachi – P-Funk Skank”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Download audio file (Make%20Me%20Dance%20feat%20Reese%20%28www.mediacontender.com%29.mp3)
Click to Download “B.Rich – Make Me Dance feat Reese”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Download audio file (B_Rich_Feb2010Mix.mp3)
Click to Download “B.Rich – February 2010 Promo Mix”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Website: www.partylikeusrecords.com

Flinch of True Pseudo – Downloads

Danny — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:30:14 +0000

LA sure knows how to party. The amount of locals championing the latest sounds in bass driven music is stacking up. Reid Speed, Camo UFO’s, Whiskey Pete, 12th Planet, and Flinch, the list goes on. Los Angeles artists and their infamous parties are making serious waves from Downtown to Hollywood, you can now find the best new artists on some of the best sound systems around. Through the development of all these new sounds, a sort of convergence has happened with the different scenes, for so long drum n bass heads partied with just drum n bass heads, and house heads partied with house heads, techno with techno heads…you get the picture. Now, its a bit different, you will see the Cinespace party people at the SMOG and Media Contender events, the drum n bass heads at techno parties, and the kids that party at Nocturnal will also party at Hard. Which takes it back to the way it originally was. I have always liked partying all over the place so im pretty happy about the fact that we all meet up and party at the same places these days, I think it keeps things fresh and exciting.

I could probably babble all day about that stuff. Right now, lets get on with this long over due feature on our boy Flinch. You may know of him from his work as True Pseudo, or his recent remix collabs with 12th Planet on Swedish Trouble & Bass artist, Little Jinder and the track Youthblood, and DC party monster, Dave Nada and the track Apocalypse Theme. He has a great ear for tunes and has dj’d with the best so its no wonder he is starting to get the recognition he deserves. He was kind enough to plug us with an original, a remix, and a bootleg. Enjoy!

Download audio file (Shake Em Down (www.mediacontender.com).mp3)
Click to Download “Flinch – Shake Em Down”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Download audio file (Steed Lord – Oh Lord (Flinch Remix) (www.mediacontender.com).mp3)
Click to Download “Steed Lord – Oh Lord (Flinch Remix)”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Download audio file (The XX – Shelter (Flinch Remix) (www.mediacontender.com).mp3)
Click to Download “The XX – Shelter (Flinch Remix)”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Control w/ Armand Van Helden Photos

Danny — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 04:53:31 +0000

Control at the Avalon has been booking really solid line ups for Friday nights for the last couple months. We at Media Contender have found our favorite artists playing the massive Hollywood club. A couple Fridays ago was no exception as the Control crew hosted one of dance music’s most respected artists, Armand Van Helden. Our boy Leo was on the scene with his camera to capture the madness. As you can see, Armand definitely brings out the ladies.

Check out this video from the homie Glenjamn.

CLICK TO VIEW FULL SIZE GALLERY

Hard Haunted Mansion ‘09 Photos & Videos

Jeff Tovar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:58:13 +0000

A massive event coming unto its own over the past couple years, the 2009 Hard Haunted Mansion was held at The Shrine in Downtown Los Angeles, featuring over 20 artists on 2 stages over the span of 2 days. A new generation of ravers were out in full force sporting their Halloween garb and get-up, leaving no costume without a spark of imagination. Media Contender’s Staticka was there on day one to capture the madness where amongst it all, both A-Trak and The Bloody Beetroots felt inclined to jump on top of the decks as part of their performance. Day two was covered by guest photographer Regal D in fine fashion, getting great angles on a hysterical crowd. Respect goes out to all involved with this event, it felt to be a great success on all fronts.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW DAY ONE PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO VIEW DAY TWO PHOTOS

We’re also going to feature a few videos from our friend Glenjamn that will give you some motion picture insight into the frenetic world that was Hard.

The American Dream Team – Lickwud

Clancy — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 06:31:33 +0000

Our boy Code-D from The American Dream Team has started a new party titled Lickwud. Boasting a a multi-genre night of Bass and Breakbeats, Jungle, Electro, House, Fidget, RaveRap, Club, Dubstep, Garage & More, it all goes down in Brooklyn, Saturday, Aug 22. The theme is FREE, and is a call out to New York music lovers to come out and support your local talent.

Following suit, he sent us a few new bits from the crew. First up is a remix of Ain’t I from Yung LA featuring Young Dro & TI, followed by a melodic club remix of Give It To me Right by Melanie Fiona. If you haven’t seen these guys put on a show, get out the house and go. TADT are definitely one of the more interesting artist collectives around.

Download audio file (Ain%27t%20I%20(TADT%20Remix)%20(www.mediacontender.com).mp3)

Click Here to Download “Yung LA feat Young Dro & TI – Ain’t I (TADT Remix)”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Download audio file (Give%20It%20To%20Me%20Right%20TADT%20Remix%20(www.mediacontender.com).mp3)

Click Here to Download “Melanie Fiona – Give It To Me Right (TADT Remix)”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

New York don’t sleep on this one. It’s gonna be heavy!

Also, keep tuned to Media Contender for some forthcoming material from Monster Squad, a collaborative effort championed by The American Dream Team featuring Whiskey Pete, Andre Parnell, Jae Stylus & Code-D.

Website: http://www.myspace.com/thenewamericandream, http://www.myspace.com/monstersquad

CarnivoREXic Exclusive Live Mix

Jeff Tovar — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:35:18 +0000

Upon first mention of the name, you can’t help but almost wince in perplexity. “Wait, say that again, and maybe spell it, too?” Should you ever find yourself in this situation with either one of the CarnivoREXic guys after seeing them DJ, I highly doubt you’ll forget their sound or moniker. These two have been opening minds and ears for years, all while gaining recognition for owning a talent similar to that they play. Recently they’ve completed a new continuous mix and have granted the Media Contender readers dibs on adding it to their collections. Prepare to rate this one 5 stars on your Ipod!

I made this mix to really show what I could throw down. This is exactly what I would want to hear in the middle of a festival crowd…relentless, in your face beats with ear piercing build ups. This mix encompasses all the styles we’re messing around with right now; its got everything from ravey electro, hard fidget, some unrelenting techno, and even some dubstep. I lay all my mixes down live because I feel like Ableton mixtapes don’t really show what you can do as a DJ. Yeah you can pick the tracks, but the rest is just editing…big whoop. This is exactly how I would throw it down live, and that’s what I want people to hear and hopefully notice that I can murder a dance floor just as hard as any big name overpaid headliner. Hopefully this mixtape will really show what I am capable of as a DJ and what we can do as a group and get us on some of those dream gigs that we’re hoping to rock. Enjoy.

– Hablo Jackson of CarnivoREXic

Download audio file (Dino-Face-Killah_Mixed-Live-by-Hablo-Jackson_www.mediacontender.com.mp3)
Download CarnivoREXic’s
“Dino Face Killah – Mixed Live by Hablo Jackson”
(Stream & Download Courtesy of Media Contender)

Interested in a tracked version of the mix? CLICK HERE!

Upcoming stuff for CarnivoREXic-

Always check us out at TRUST OC, and definitely stop by our night MNML at Avalon Costa Mesa for those dirty underground techy beats. We’ll also be out in LA during the summer playing at the Downtown Standard Rooftoop, Medusa Lounge, and hopefully another appearance at Control at Avalon Hollywood. Also we’re in the works of starting another monthly night in Orange County where we hope to further spread the underground into a top40-infested area near you. Also, we will be releasing an EP by the end of the summer with a couple fresh tracks and with some remixes and collabs with some surprising artists. And by the end of the summer I’ll be premiering my live electronic band “Morose;” we’re bringing a completely live show to music that usually has to be DJ’ed, it’s gonna be wild.

- HJ

Website: CarnivoREXic on Myspace

Rusko Live! 04/11 Shots by Staticka + Video

Jeff Tovar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:17:06 +0000

Last night Media Contender teamed up with Hard to bring Downtown Los Angeles a very special night of today’s hottest bass music. Just to be certain that message was clear, the Funktion One Sound system was brought in and sent everyone a healthy dose of chest thumps, winning the MVP of the night. Skeet Skeet was on the decks when I arrived, dropping 4-beat weight and leading into Dubstep. It was then time for Rusko to headline the event with an impressive live set that included him on the bass guitar, Akai MPD32 (controlling Ableton Live) and keyboard, while Rod Azlan kept the rhythms fresh on the microphone. Our boy 12th Planet followed that by absolutely smashing the place down, swinging away and hitting a home run combo of Dubstep and B-More. And it wasn’t just the performers who brought their A-games, the crowd was in full effect and absolutely lively! Thanks go to all who made it out!

Click here to view the full gallery

Check out this awesome party review/video from You Tell Concerts…

And this video by the3vilsix!

And… and… and this video by JunglistJon!

Websites: Hard, Rusko, 12th Planet, Skeet Skeet, Staticka Photography this