"I'ma Rebel Just for Kicks, Now I Been Feelin it Since 1966"

Full disclosure, until ZHU remixed Feel It Still, I had never heard of Portugal, The Man. Aside from the interesting stage name, the five member rock band from Alaska have a fun Indie vibe to their music. No idea what their music sounds like? Press play below...



There's a unique, swanky, smoothness that is half funk, half jazz. After hearing the original vocals on Feel It Still, it's not hard to understand why ZHU would want to remix it. The high pitched tone of John Baldwin Gourley's high pitched vocals sounds strikingly similar to ZHU. He's proven to be a master at speeding up and slightly altering the vocals into samples, so he was quite at home adding a deep house backbone to the original. Picture the addictive vocals of the original given a brand new lease on life with an uptick in tempo. Hat tip to ZHU for providing the intro to Portugal and for translating the track to a whole new EDM audience...#FeelItStill

Portugal, The Man - Feel It Still (ZHU Remix)

Martin Garrix Drops Tomorrowland Closing ID Pizza

Those of you who were at Tomorrowland about a month ago are probably geeking out right now. Those that were in attendance got a treat when Martin Garrix dropped a new, melodic, progressive house anthem to close out his set. Check out a clip of Pizza being debuted live...


As the story goes, the ID was somehow given the nickname Pizza shortly after it dropped and that name was so appropriate that it stuck for the official single release. Don't expect a pizza party when you watch the video for the track below, though. It's more of a wild and crazy, live life to your fullest tour highlight themed video, but Martin is in fact eating pizza at the end of the video. Whether or not it's intentional, I can weave a story around the track being so universally likeable that pizza is a good comparison. The bright chords and orchestral highlights on the track make for an emotionally charged, hit you in the feels type of combo. It's one of my favorite tracks that Martin has put out, which is saying a lot considering his laundry list of singles...#Pizza



Martin Garrix - Pizza

"I Don't Wanna Go Home, No, No, No"

Here's one thing you'll never see me write, "Man I wish someone would come up with a new form of House music!" Damn near everyday a well-known DJ finds a way to borrow some element of House music and take it a new direction. Like for example, Oliver Heldens new one, I Don't Wanna Go Home. The bubbly, infectious bass line sucks you in from the beginning, giving way to deep vocal accents that steadily build toward a booty-shaking drop. It's the perfect late night anthem that you could imagine everyone wilding out to as they attempt to plow through last call. The call and response aspect of the lyrics fuel the fire of energy given off by the track. If you find yourself subconsciously nodding your head or tapping your foot to the beat, you're not alone friend. Follow me over to iTunes or Spotify to digitally collect...#IDontWannaGoHome

Oliver Heldens - I Don't Wanna Go Home

"Don't Let This Be Our Final Song"

As a daily consumer of music, I like being surprised. When I say surprised, I mean a lot of things. It's surprised that someone finally released a song, or surprised that two artists collaborated. Or, like the song below, it could be hearing the original version of a track after being introduced to the remix and realizing it sounds nothing like it's predecessor. For reference, check the original version of MØ's Final Song...

The original is a soft, snappy, singing ballad. Then Diplo and Jauz got ahold of it and turned Final Song into a uptempo, Trop House banger. The vocals find a way to maintain that sing-along quality, while the increase in tempo dares you not to dance. If you were to bottle up the word fun and play it on full blast, it would sound exactly like this. I don't like to wax poetic, but I'm going to wear out this Soundcloud link until it's officially released...#FinalSong

MØ - Final Song (Jauz X Diplo Remix)

"When I'm Not With You, I'm Not Me"

There's an assumed level of quality every time I press play for the first time on a Martin Solveig track. It's hard to explain, but in my mind there are artists that I'll always appreciate for their consistency, but never be a die-hard fan of their music. When I say that, there's no disrespect intended because songs like Places are really catchy and deserve a listen. The ode to that special someone has a smooth house vibe that gives Ina Wroldsen plenty of room to shine vocally. It gets plenty quirky post drop, but those who like funky house music will dig it. All in all a solid track, so feel free to rent or buy if you feel so inclined...#Places

Martin Solveig feat Ina Wroldsen - Places

"We Tried Love Today, Let it Rest in Peace"

Anyone who has heard Amba Shepherd's vocals on an EDM track has made a point to find out who she is. For me, that moment happened over six years ago when she chipped in vocals for Porter Robin's Vandalism. She has that angelic, Ellie Goulding softness to her vocals, which sounds really awesome by itself, but also fits quite well over EDM chords.

To this date, she's had lots of feature credits, but this time she's branching out on her own solo single.
Prelude (Rest in Peace) merely confirms what we all figured from our first listen. She's got the talent to make her own music without hopping on other peoples' songs. When you press play below you'll immediately be re-introduced to her vocals before being smacked in the face with a wobbly, deep-house-esque chord progression that immediately reminds you that you're still living in the neighborhood of EDM. My favorite version of her new single is obviously the vocal Radio Edit that mixes all the goodness together, but there's also a four song EP with an extended club edit and instrumental version you might enjoy too. Let's all collectively hope this offering of new music is only the tip of the iceberg and we get to continue to see Amba soak in that limelight on a path to becoming the artist we think she could become...#Prelude

Amba Shepherd - Prelude (Rest in Peace)

Arona Mane Goes Retro Funk on Teardrops

Tracks that are hard to put in a nice neat box genre wise tend to be the tracks I enjoy most. Call it freshness or uniqueness, it's that original sound that pulls from other styles to create a new vibe is what lure me in. Cue up the new one from Arona Mane that pulls in funk samples, House rhythms and even some Hip Hop bass. Teardrops has a throwback sound, but the retro vibe is far from stale. The rolling bass break down around the 2:45 mark hits the spot and takes the track from a fun listen to a must listen. Down with the vanilla music you're listening to right now, give this one a shot...#Teardrops

Arona Mane feat Quinn - Teardrops

"I've Got Heaven, Right Here on Earth"

In the world of House music, it's usually all about the DJ and rarely about the vocalist being featured on the track. Chris Malinchak is the noteworthy exception to that statement. Smooth isn't a strong enough description for his vocals, it's more like pillow-soft mixed with grown and sexy. His new one, Wonderful, utilizes a smooth piano and percussion instrumental that he's able to layer on soulful vocals on top on. Yes, it may not be the most exciting track, but it's the type of easy-listening music I want permeating through my earbuds after a long day. Admit it, you were singing the hook after the first listen weren't you? I know I was and it was...#Wonderful

"Baby, Don't Let it Fade Away"

When someone nails a chill House playlist, it has the potential to make or break a party. Seeing that it's Labor Day, you're probably out grilling with your closest friends or family. If that's the case, give Simon Field & MAYE's new one a listen on Soundcloud. Fade drifts between Chill House and Deep House with a slow vocal sample and soft piano that mixes with soothing synths throughout. If I were to summarize the vibe, it's the opposite of distracting. It's one of those tracks that blends with the ambiance in a way that you probably wouldn't notice it unless it was turned off, which would immediately make it seem like there's something missing. This will be one of many tracks I'll be listening to while preparing food tonight.

As a side note, if this is your cup of tea, head on over to hypem to give it some love. If it isn't your cup of tea, give head on over to Spotify to give MAYE's Backyard Cool playlist a spin. Every good plan has a solid backup plan, so feel free and deploy at your own discretion...#Fade

Simon Field & MAYE - Fade

R&B House That Will Leave a Love Mark

As a fan of 90s R&B, I feel like I've been tapping my feet for the better part of a decade for the genre to evolve. Sure, there have been a few bright spots like Tory Lanez and TroyBoi who continue to serve up slow trap songs with a heavy dose of R&B influence, but generally speaking, it's been either non-existent or stuck in them mud. As I say that, here come the Bixel Boys with Jarell Perry with a new house/R&B jam. Off top Jarell will suck you in with some soft vocals over a steady tempo leading up to the hook. Then, post hook, you get a steady dose of swanktastic bass, reminding you that the track is still very much hitting at heart of easy-listening, house music. It's not a usual R&B flavor, which is why I found it to be notable enough to share with y'all. Hopefully songs like this serve as a much needed example of R&B artists who have the courage to re-imagine a stagnating genre...#LoveMarks

Bixel Boys feat. Jarell Perry - Love Marks

JAUZ Delivers Some Shark Week Goodiez

How fitting, another new track from JAUZ during Shark Week. For those counting at home, this is one of three new Shark Week releases from the Klay Thompson of EDM. First came his remix of DJ Snake's Propaganda, then Goodiez, followed by another new heater he let loose today titled For U. Out of the three, Goodiez is my fav because of it's funky House roots and speaker vibrating bass. To put it simply, it goes hard and refuses to take any prisoners along the way. The mumblin', bumblin', stumblin' vocal sample will have you nodding your head as it attempts to keep up with your hips. Honestly, if this is the direction House music is heading toward, I'm all aboard this funknasty train...#Goodiez

JAUZ - Goodiez

Jerry Folk is Definitely Not a Gangster

With braggadocio still a thing in music, it's nice to hear some refreshing honesty from an artist for a change. Enter Jerry Folk, an up and coming Norwegian artist who is much more Norwegian house than gangsta. To prove that, he put together an undeniably funky new single proclaiming exactly that.

On first listen, it's hard not to lose yourself in the groovy bassline that fits so well with Jerry's smooth vocals. I'm not sure which is more surprising, the fact that over 27,000 listens in 11 hours or that it's available for free to download. I'll gladly reward him with a few more listens for releasing something as fresh as I'm Honestly Not a Gangster...#NotAGangster

Jerry Folk - I'm Honestly Not A Gangster

"Lightning Strikes Every Time She Moves"

After a two week haitus in Italia, GWDJ is back online. With the help of Calvin Harris and Rihanna, it's time to get the daily repetition back rollin'. I know what you're thinking. I've heard this before with the whole "We found a love in a hopeless place" vibe. That's a fair assumption, but hoping This is What You Came For is going to live up to those colossal expectation is a bit ambitious.

Luckily, the song takes a much mellower, house personality, so it's not as much of an apples to apples comparison to it's predecessor. It's more of an easy-listening, pop track than a jubilant party starter, but it speaks to how addicting Rihanna can be when showcased on a great beat. Even if you don't like the track, you can't be surprised that it has already ascended to #1 in the world already. Despite not being in love with it, it's chill enough that I'll be able to tolerate the impending Top 40 radio bastardization...#ThisIsWhatYouCameFor

"I Won’t Let Go Now That I’ve Found You"

If there's one thing you can count on from Martin Garrix, it's a solid progressive house anthem every now and again. Luckily for us, Martin is finally through the drama with his record label and back to making great music again. Consider this the first release from his new STMPD RCRDS. Now That I've Found You features vocals from John & Michel, who offer plenty of catchy pop appeal. There's such a jubilant release on the drop that will play quite well come festival season. Head on over to iTunes or Spotify to give this one more permanent listenability...#NowThatIveFoundYou

Martin Garrix feat John & Michel - Now That I've Found You

Ride Out to Gryffin and Josef When Heading Home

It takes a certain mood, but there are certain days where chill House music is all I feel like consuming. That type of mellow EDM with soothing vocals and melodic chords that immediately forces you to relax your mind. Here's the newest example I can think of from Gryffin featuring the vocals of Josef Salvat. From the piano lead in to the echoing vocals and vibrant vocal samples, it possesses the secret sauce. It won't ignite a crowd, but if you're Heading Home and need something to put on to allow you to get past the exhausting day you just had, this will hit the spot. The way it comes together after the gentle drop may even get you nodding your head and vibing out a bit. Give it a listen if you're in the mood for a dose of chill...#HeadingHome

Gryffin feat Josef Salvat - Heading Home

Milk N Cookies Reforget How to Lauv

It's been a while since I've heard a mellow house track that blew me away. Rarely do R&B and EDM cross paths nowadays, which is why I tend to appreciate when they do in a tasteful way. I can't say I'm crazy about the original version of Lauv's Reforget, but for what it's worth, it's the best slow jam I've heard this year. Slow rock to the original below...

Now onto what Milk N Cookies was able to transform the original into. I'd characterize it as melodic house to the max. It takes full advantage of the original vocals while adding some soothing chords into the mix. There's enough tempo to afford a drop, but the other side of the drop is much more chill than hype. Speaking of hype, if you're don't be afraid to give it the old up vote on hypem...#Reforget

Lauv - Reforget (Milk N Cooks Remix)

A Fresh New Take on House From Habstrakt

If there's one thing I wish I could get more out of electronic music as a whole, it would be dramatic tempo changes that switch between house and drum/bass identities. I get that your eyes may have glazed over at that last statement, but I've got an example to illustrate my point. Take Habstrakt's new track She Goes. For the first three minutes it's a bouncy, uptempo, club rocker. Then, around the three minute mark, it turns on a dime, giving way to a this really dope beat breakdown that puts a halt on the tempo and emphasizes the drum and bass elements of the track. It's a little thing, but when you listen to a lot of electronic music it all starts sounding the same. This wasn't the usual dose of same and I appreciate that. Keep an eye out for Habstrakt's new My People EP that just hit iTunes earlier this week...#Habstrakt

Habstrakt - She Goes

Sincerity Reigns Supreme on Feint's New One

There will always be room for bubbly, effervescent House music on my weekly playlist. Like, for example, Feint's new one Sincere. It's one big happy chord progression that gives way to an even brighter drop. Picture 100 rainbows in an aerosol can sprayed out in one continuous stream, that's what you an expect below. It's also a great example of how the cover sets the tone for the track. The falling through the clouds imagery fits really well with the overall sound. This couldn't have come at a better time as many of us look for that mid-week, hump day boost to get through the rest of the week. Feel free to indulge in the shot of happy on your way to a smooth final 48 of this week...#Sincere

Feint - Sincere

"When I'm Lying Here, Will You Take Me Home?"

Even though Tiesto is becoming known for stylistically catering to more of an American pop audience, he's always going to be able to churn out great remixes of ballads. I'm talking John Legend's All of Me or Beyonce's Drunk in Love type of remixes. They're great examples of ballads turned into beautiful progressive house anthems.

Now let's add another new one to Tiesto's never-ending discography with his remix of Jess Glynne's Take Me Home. If you haven't heard the original, it's an emotion dripped ballad that fully showcases Jess's stellar vocal abilities. For reference check her video out for it below before you listen to Tiesto's remix that injects a angelic chord progression to the original...#TakeMeHome

Jess Glynne - Take Me Home (Tiesto Remix)

"I Wish I Could Find My Taylor Swift"

Any track with the name Taylor Swift in it has to be pop, right? Well yea, actually it does. Two favorites of mine, The Knocks and Matthew Koma, proved that theory true this week when they released their new single I Wish (My Taylor Swift). You already know what to expect from Matthew Koma as a vocalist, but The Knocks showed out with their laid back house beat that would have made for a perfect summer anthem. In the Bay Area, it still feels like summer, so this one hit the spot. After one listen I was already singing along, which means this will be dangerous on radio. I'll be very surprised if this hasn't found it's way onto the majority of LA DJs playlists by the time I make my way down to Orange County in November. Feel free and cop it or join me in eagerly looking forward to The Knocks debut album 55...#MyTaylorSwift

The Knocks & Matthew Koma - I Wish (My Taylor Swift)