Soundclouds of the Underground: Pre-Game Edition
ABOVE: NICK CATCHDUBS.
With an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses, music truly lives online. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the newest and most exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute music around the world. In this weekly column, Internet sleuth Christopher Klimovski goes into the depths of the music-sharing site.
Your crew has congregated at your place, everyone is dressed and ready to impress, drinks are flowing, and conversation is feverish. When you try to leave, however, everybody insists that they have the perfect track to play just before stepping out the door, an anthem that is sure to set the mood for the night to come. Phones are connected and disconnected to the speakers like a revolving door. An hour passes. To speed up the process of getting out of the apartment on Friday night, we’ve picked three tracks that should be on everyone’s “I have to play this before we leave!” list.
Nick Catchdubs ft. B.I.C.: “Wuts That”
Who: Fool’s Gold Records co-founder Nick Catchdubs plays a strong hand in developing the rise of the next generation of hip-hop and electronic musicians by day, while manning the turntables at shows around the world by night. He has performed at events like Lollapalooza, Electric Daisy Carnival, and invite-only Super Bowl bashes. He’s also introduced musicians like Danny Brown to the world, and has been said to have the ability to break acts singlehandedly.
The Song: Catchdubs new single “Wuts That” is a trapped-out blast of deep bass mixed with frenetic, tongue-twisting verses from Bronx lyricists B.I.C. (Bitches Is Crazy). The single features an up-tempo remix from Australian breakbeat master Kraymer and will most definitely prepare your crew for the club.
Current Project: Catchdubs’ debut album Smoke Machine will be released April 28, featuring guest spots from IAMSU, Heems, Troy Ave, MNDR, Roach Gigz, and more. Next week, he will be performing at the Brooklyn Artists Ball alongside other musicians his label represents (including Interview favorites, Leaf and Bosco). For more on Catchdubs, follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
Brenmar ft. Dougie F: “Award”
Who: Brenmar’s musical stylings are vested in his ability to manipulate bass beats expertly. This Chicago-born, New York-based producer connects the dots between hip-hop, R&B, and futuristic house music. From 808 slow jams to club-ready anthems, Brenmar’s got you covered for the coming summer months.
The Song: “Award” is the title track of Brenmar’s EP and features smooth lyrics courtesy of Dougie F. The track exemplifies Brenmar’s ethos, introducing experimental sound effects that lend layers to the beat.
Current Project: Brenmar’s EP Award is available now via iTunes, and successfully melds songwriting with years of body-bumping DJ know-how. For more on Brenmar, be sure to follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
MNEK: “More Than A Miracle”
Who: MNEK began producing tracks at age 14 and soon gained musical traction, developing a fan base from within the confines of his South London bedroom. This Grammy-nominated writer, producer, singer, and remixer extraordinaire has since collaborated with the likes of Rudimental, Duke Dumont, and Sub Focus, and his music was even featured in a Nike ad. He shows no signs of slowing down in 2015.
The Song: “More Than A Miracle” follows MNEK’s musical mantra. If you’re not familiar with his work, the typical MNEK sound rests in beats that transcend the word ‘catchy,’ lyrics that have unbelievable flow, and once a track is over, it leaves you with an urge press play again and again.
Current Project: MNEK’s EP Small Talk is available via iTunes now. Keep up to date with him via his website.
Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.
