The Farthest

What You Were Meant To Bring

Seldom There In Time Of Need

Life Must Be Such A Breeze

Katie New

Alpha Data’s rising music career has been exciting to follow. He has been consistently turning out music with high production quality, originality, and just straight up awesome sound. This EP is no exception, and in fact is a step-up for the producer: all original, mind bending, body moving tracks that are so multifaceted and outstanding that its hard to believe that there are only 4 of them. The music is rowdy and has volume, but the sound is precisely placed and intelligently thought out. It literally carries you through a layered soundscape, grabs you, sends you whirling through a vortex and lands you gently on the other side. Alpha Data’s shows have consistently been an inevitable, undeniable dance party and with the release of this EP, I can’t wait for another east coast tour!

Starts with a serious head-banger. Triumphant, Smooth synths, mysterious and captivating with a solid drum beat. I am intrigued to watch “The Prestige,” the characters of which (Alfred Boden and Robert Angrier) this opening track is based on. If I ever see the movie I hope I’m reminded of this song.
These songs are influenced by certain characters in contemporary fiction but they certainly are much larger than that–not contained by a single image. Take the second track, for example. I’m not sure if even Neil Patrick Harris’ character Barney could be awesome enough to have this be his song. However, it does sound like a game of laser tag, neon lights everywhere, you’re on your guard, eluding the enemy, lurking behind shadows. Then, you’re under attack! Laser shots fire from all sides. Enemy is defeated! Game over–how about another round?

The title track, I Am the One Who Knocks, is a tribute to Walter White from Breaking Bad, and definitely sounds like you could jam out to it in a meth lab. Evil laser synths and glowing strobed lights flickering over men in lab coats. It is a fantastic climax for this EP, Alpha Data really got it on this one.
As a former LOST fan, See Ya in Another Life Brotha, is the song that I felt the most association with. A great closer for the EP and one that really resonated for me with the kind of wistful, beautiful, almost sad yet cheerfully hopeful feeling music can give you, and which Alpha Data has done an excellent job of portraying.The theme of this EP was a great idea because there is that extra connection with the music if you are familiar with the different attributed works. There are scenes and feelings, people, pictures, and events that you may associate with what you hear based on your experience with those themes. This 4-track EP is a complete success, setting the bar higher and upping anticipation for more of this artist’s work to come.

Zoogma – Ayer’s Rock (D.V.S* Remix)

(Original Version) Zoogma – Ayer’s Rock

Start off with FREE PARKING and head over to the ‘intimate setting‘ that is Catskill Chill, alongside three ‘main music stages’ and an ‘open mic’ stage. There are on-site cabin rentals w/ hot showers and electricity or FREE CAMPING and RV parking. The Catskills bring out a vibe in itself; imagine being in the area just as Summer concludes and enjoying the last of the ‘Summer breeze’ around a warm bonfire drum circle. The festival will also feature yoga classes, clothing and craft vendors, a fire show by SOFP, food vendors w/ vegetarian options, and lots more. Click here to see the detailed artist schedule!

Break Science – Beaming Up

Zoogma – Primary Colors

Break Science feat. Talib Kweli – The Alliance (D.V.S* Remix)

lespecial – Degoba

Click here to buy tickets! See you there!

Katie New

Right away I could notice something different in Sugarpill’s new EP release on Muti Music, “Space Foray.” Breaking away from the producer’s usual hip hop inspired glitchy bass this album takes the listener on an elevated, intergalactic journey through outer space, just as the title suggests. When I finally looked up the word ‘foray’ I found that it means, “a brief excursion, especially outside one’s accustomed sphere,” and it all made sense. Sugarpill has attempted a different direction for this release, which still incorporates aspects of his style from previous work, but in comparison is much more downtempo. I love space-inspired sounds, so I ate this album up. It works very well as a whole, each track blends into the next and really creates another world through which to travel.

“Level 21” is a catchy and gripping, opening track, with claps over a polytemponic beat. Bouncy with some swagger, it’ll pull you right into the next levels.

Now you are entering space in “Sputter Star,” rising, weightless up through clouds until you are surrounded by twinkling stars. The tempo picks up and you are launched forward through the galaxy at light-speed, and yet everything around you seems to move in slow motion as you rocket by. Glittering melodies are beautiful and enchanting, and the driving bass is not lost, but propels the music forward like an engine on a space ship.

With “BlipSquip” I imagine some creature you’d encounter on your space travels. Distorted synths lash out like twisted tentacles and laser beams shoot out through gnashed teeth.

“Space Foray” is definitely a high point in the album, bound to enliven dance floors, people bouncing with hands in the air, weaving in and out of each other, getting down to this triumphant track. High energy synths, and what sound like space owls, overlaid and syncopated with the heavy-hitting beat create an invigorating soundscape.

If this album was a soundtrack the next, “Galactic Interchange,” would definitely be fit for a chase scene. Siren synths and convoluted glitch create a hyphy and darker atmosphere, which is reminiscent of Sugarpill’s older, more bass-centric work.

Some of the EP’s only sampling is found in “RisoMorph” also recollective of Sugarpill’s prevalent sound. The lack of sampling in “Space Foray” is the most obvious aspect of this albums divergence into a more flowy, instrumental sound. The samples in this track are even cut so that they are used as sounds, not as words.

In one of the most spacey tracks of the album, “Lightyears,” you are spun around among the stars one last time, and you wave goodbye to the speck that is planet Earth, before being propelled onwards, drifting off into the outer corners of the universe.

Available on Addictech and Beatport

Review by,
Katie New

Upon seeing this new release from this LA-based music company, I eagerly downloaded it, free from Headtron and was excited to listen, anticipating what I knew was going to be a trip through crisp and lush soundscapes as only Headtron could bring you. I was not disappointed with this fun compilation that has something for everybody, and every mood. Whether you’re inside on a rainy day, driving with the windows down on the highway, or bumping bodies on the dance floor in a dark club, the music on this cd melts into its surroundings and will have people snapping their fingers to the bass-driven melodies.

Except for their newest addition, Andreilien (formerly known as Heyoka), the whole Headtron roster is featured in this new Disciples release, showcasing each artist’s individual style while each track flows smoothly into the next. These remixes incorporate some more mainstream music making for an accessible listen and one that shows the versatility and creativity of these producers. A scandalous opening by GoldRush with ’Pu$$y’, an Iggy Azalea remix, gets the ball rolling. Hyphy and aggressive; this track has an unspeakable energy. Next we have some signature luvstep, dreamy and effervescent, with an Ashanti & Ciara refix–giving the track that soft, seductive ambiance that is ‘Gladkill’. Sugarpill owns the crunk, southern hip hop with a Shawty-Lo remix: “Foolish”, with trap inspired glitchy bass and 808 beats on the floor, this is a party track for sure.

A haunting remix by Stephan Jacobs of a 1950’s song by Eartha Kitt, “I want to be evil,’ her vocals dripping with resonant violin strings that carry the song into more militant beats and deep, dubstep bass. The atmosphere is enchantingly beautiful with a twinge of the bizarre. Russ Liquid and Outkast are a match made to be, the remix is animated with a bold swagger, just like both of these artists’ personas. The Swordfight remix is one of my favorites on the release; Big Krit is awesome, and Chris B. and Sugarpill together? Just right. …kept this last track on repeat a few times, not wanting it to end.

Overall a super fresh release from the Headtron group. This compilation particularly shows the infinite directions there are for these artists to take their sound. There has been one other Disciples of Headtron volume with all original tracks. It is exciting to think about what more is in store for us from these talented music-makers.

Preview the whole release here and click on the album art for a direct link to a FREE download from Headtron!

Sugarpill w/ ChrisB. (aka Swordfight) – Remix of Big KRIT’s ‘The Vent’

Sugarpill – Cats Used to Harmonize

Gladkill – River Runs Dry

Gladkill – Remix Drake feat. The Weeknd‘s ‘Good Ones Go’

Space Jesus – Remix of The Universals‘ New Generation

Space Jesus w/ GDP and MLVNFRSH -Deep Space Alchemy

(Only $10 with RSVP; click on the event poster for a direct link)

Come to Eastern America’s highest town, with an elevation of 5,500 ft, resting upon 150 acres boasting of views of the Blue Ridge Mountains; free yourself! We’ve heard it from so many different groups of people, Gnarnia is calling their name. The Blue Ridge Parkway peacefully and pleasantly guides you to Beech Mountain where you’ll find home at Gnarnia the Festival. If you haven’t gotten out deep into nature’s inner beauty, here it is in it’s purest form. It features gorgeous views, hikes, waterfalls, overlooks, and other attractions along the Blue Ridge Montains and Appalachian Trail. You can catch it all on your way to or from Gnarnia. “As the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and one of the great destinations in the South, Grandfather Mountain stands head and shoulders above the surrounding region.” You may even want to take your own detour and take the time to explore the ridges and valleys,  the native wildlife habitat,  the Mile-High Swinging Bridge; an experience of a lifetime. If you want to wander off to picnic and fish, there are a bunch of beautiful trails that lead to 60-85 ft. falls with trout to catch (ie: Crabtree Falls, The Cascades, Laurel Creek Falls). Or here’s a full attraction guide.

When you’re ready, head to Gnarnia the Festival from August 9th to August 11th. This year has a complete Yoga Schedule so bring your mat and proper gear and ‘prepare to align your chakras’.

Here’s the schedule:

THURSDAY:  Evening yoga 4-5 PM

FRIDAY:  Morning Yoga 9-10 AM; Evening Yoga 4-5 PM

SATURDAY:  Morning Yoga 9-10 AM; Evening Yoga 4-5 PM

SUNDAY:  Morning Yoga 9-10 AM

We were attracted to Gnarnia from the start. They have covered all apects of a proper festival and provide live music, health & wellness, dance, community, nature, poetry, fashion, and more. As a part of the dance involvement, Gnarnia does hip-hop. BattleHolex Carolinas and DJ Brett Rock along with B-Boy Frantic (Universal Zulu Nation/ BattleHolex) present a 1 on 1 B-Boy (break-dance) battle and South East B-Boy Championships 2012 Qualifier event. “This is not the typical festival performance art showcase where people observe from a distance and clap politely for some novelty they don’t quite understand. This is an actual battle featuring B-Boys from across the South East. The format will be a single elimination, tournament-style battle judged by a panel of three, top regional B-Boys. This a chance to witness actual Hip Hop first hand, so join us at Gnarnia, learn something new, support B-Boy culture and get involved!”  Other activities include a poetry showcase featuring Solstiz, NovaKane, Griffin Paynes and others, the land of Oz, a costume ball, and bicycle jousting.

Did we mention the lineup is a crafted masterpiece? We present our ‘SoA artist spotlight‘, the top ten you must see at Gnarnia the Festival:

1) ESKMO

2) HeRobust 

3) Starkey

4) NastyNasty

5) Futexture

6) Tipper

7) Minnesota

8) VibeSquaD

9) Bookworm

10) Elfkowitz

Also featuring Beats Antique, Toubab Krewe, Easy Star All-Stars, Mindelixir, Skytree, Paper Diamond, Eliot Lipp, Heyoka, Conspirator, Break Science, and lots more!

Join us at Gnarnia, we’d love to see you all!

Stay tuned for an SoA ticket giveaway! Like Streets of Atlantis on facebook for a chance to win!

Who’s going to CounterPoint Music Festival?? Streets of Atlantis will be there in full effect and we’re here to guide you to who to see and why you should attend! Taking place in Atlanta, Georgia from September 27-29, “this 8,000-acre paradise is filled with well-established rolling pastures, lakes, and woodlands that run 12 miles along the Chattahoochee River and will play host to multiple stages, art installations and a variety of other activities.” Whether you’re driving in with a crew or taking the bus and meeting your party, CounterPoint is worth every penny; and there are options. Do you love the outdoors and regularly attend festivals? This festival is a beautiful location for camping out, whether you’ve got a tent, tarp, or RV. We know a lot of folks aren’t into the whole outdoor camping experience and just want to catch the live music and sleep in a hotel with a quality shower,  room service, a pool, and air conditioning. CounterPoint has got you covered and offers a few different options for that too. Consider It Dan (CID) has put together hotel & shuttle packages with ‘reliable transportation’ included, to and from CounterPoint. Packages include accommodations at the Marriott Atlanta Airport and come with or without GA, VIP, or Platinum tickets to the festival. Also, do you need a ride to the festival? CounterPoint provides both short and long distance shuttles.

Art will be everywhere! Local artists and art schools will have displays all over the campground, stages and more. There will be an ‘Arts Village‘ with artists, vendors, and fans  selling and displaying their art, crafts, and merchandise; don’t forget to stroll through and check out the diverse and unique creations from, but not limited to, organic hand-made clothing to wire wrapped metaphysical crystals and gems to original hand-blown glass.

Now that we’ve given you an overview, we arrive at the best part: the lineup. CounterPoint has a stacked lineup that speaks for itself. Check out the lineup on the poster below, listing all of the artists performing, a diverse group of EDM producers and DJ’s. Under the poster, we present an ‘artist spotlight’, the top 10 artists performing at CounterPoint that Streets of Atlantis recommend that you do not miss!

(Click on the CounterPoint poster below for a direct link to purchase tickets)

Alongside headliners Bassnectar, Skrillex, and Pretty Lights, and also with popular acts Wale, Beats Antique, Conspirator, Paper Diamond, Excision, Atmosphere, and Zeds Dead, here is the top 10 CounterPoint artists we chose for an ‘artist spotlight’:

1) HeRobust (Saturate  Records, PGA Music, Error Broadcast)

2) Com Truise (Ghostly International, Windish Agency)

3) Archnemesis (MCP Presents, PGA Music, 1320 Records)

4) Emancipator (1320 Records, Hydeout Productions, Autonomous Music)

5) MiMOSA (Muti Music, FALSE iDOL, PGA Music, Endit! Management)

6) TOKiMONSTA (BRAINFEEDER, Art Union, AM Only)

7) Ghostland Observatory (Trashy Moped Recordings)

8) Big Gigantic (1320 Records, Paradigm Agency)

9) Up Until Now featuring MURPH of STS9 (1320 Records, Madison House)

10) Lotus (Sci Fidelity, Madison House)

Hope to see you all there! Stay tuned for an announcement on a CounterPoint ticket giveaway!