Track of the Weekend #128: Major Lazer - “Lean On” ft. MØ

Spring is here for us in Paris, and the cycle of life continues it’s never ending swing. As the flowers bloom you can feel the energy in the air, the people drinking next to the Canal St. Martin, music blaring from open car windows. 

Capturing this funky moment is a track that almost became the Track of the Weekend a few weeks ago, but ascended to the summit of popularity when the Bollywood-style video came out this week. “Lean On” by Major Lazer and is a study in contrasts: between the Danish MØ and the Indian setting of the video; the electronic riffs and the poppy feel; and between the lyrics themselves:

Blow a kiss, fire a gun.” 

Thanks to Diana Tabachnikov for getting it to the Whyd community! 

EDM Playlist of Reference

Our latest edition in our Playlist of Reference series turns up the hype, featuring the raging phenomenon taking the world — and particularly the US — by storm. This EDM playlist is curated by SimplyM, an artist in his own right with an EP coming out this year. Let’s get the story behind the curation: 

When did you start listening to EDM? 

I’ve been listening to EDM since 2010.

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like EDM started speaking to you? 

EDM started speaking to me first at this club in San Francisco. The club was ragga but had different listening/dance rooms, and I happened to pass by the room that had EDM music playing, and I ended up partying in that room until the early hours of the morning, after that I was hooked. 

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself? 

Situations that I would listen to my EDM playlist, well, I would have to say, as a music artist myself I listen for inspiration or when I am working out or just feeling in the mood for some fast thumping beats or if I have a get together with some friends. 

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite? 

I believe my favorite song from my EDM playlist is Martin Garrix - “Animals.” I really like it because it goes through different changes and it has this poppy beat that just makes me move. 

EP Review: Oh Morice - “The Shapes”

A long long time ago, when Whyd was just a little chubby baby wiggling in its cradle, we interviewed an artist called Oh Morice (aka Patrick). At the time, he was working on his EP “The Shapes” but he had not formally released it yet because he was “looking for a serious label.” 

After nearly two years of hard work and dedication, his EP “The Shapes” was released officially last week on Alter-K. Here’s the deal: 

Released: March 16, 2015

Genres: electronic rock, synthpop

Tracks: 12

Who would like this EP?

Fans of Bastille’s vibes/vocals, people who like Empire of the Sun’s compositions.

Our thoughts:

While we are partial to people who we have been following for a while, this EP has a lot to offer. Careening between English and French lyrics, Patrick’s vocals and guest singers, there is a communality that comes from his layering and use of accompanying sounds like claps, recorders, and harmonicas - like you are listening to this EP with other people. There is also a simplicity, formed around the strategic repetition of certain lyrics, that comes out very strongly through the often muted vocals. Top this all off with the extra-terrestrial electronic touches and the result is an innovative next step in the continuum of electronic rock. One that might not always please, but never fails to inspire. 

Listen to Oh Morice - “The Shapes” 

Track of the Weekend #127: Grimes - “REALiTi”

Well, the promise of a pretty-fucking-sweet solar eclipse gave us a case of the blue balls here in Paris, as the cloudy fog didn’t burn off and it didn’t get any darker than the usual late winter morning dreariness. Too bad, but that’s the reality of the situation. 

Speaking of reality, it’s also the name of this week’s track of the weekend from Canadian experimental artist Grimes. “REALiTi” might sound like a lost Madonna B-side, with all of the poppy catchiness and seductive vocals, but the track was actually a scrapped demo from her fourth studio album. Annoying spelling aside, Grimes has been steadily conquering the world with her unique blends of multiple styles, all put together with an expert touch of individuality. Let yourself be seduced. 

Welcome to reality

Thanks again to Radar Bazaar for getting another one to us this week! 

The Whyd SouthbySouthwest Playlist

Last year we had the pleasure of attending what has becoming the largest gathering of music and technology in the world: the epic South by Southwest festival. This year, we are not attending, as we are in development mode for our future products. But take one look at the incredible feast of music on display there and we know that we are not alone in wishing that we could be there. 

So for all of us who aren’t enjoying SxSW this year, we’ve made a playlist with some of our favorite picks from musicians performing in Austin this year. 100 solid tracks for your listening enjoyment. 

Never stop jamming!

Track of the Weekend #126: Woodkid ft. Lykke Li - “Never Let You Down”

The end of another week and another weekend is almost upon us in the waning weeks of winter. The buds are on the trees here in Paris, and the tulips are ready to burst. Just like the cycles of seasons, music is cyclical too. We knew it would only be a matter of time before the velvet-voiced provocateur Woodkid would be back on the world scene. He’s already had one track of the weekend, and now he claims #2 alongside indie favorite Lykke Li with “Never Let You Down.” The tone is bleak, sad, like something has been lost. And yet despite this dark environment hope still exists. 

Do you remember all the sounds, when I found you by the lake? And how the water seemed to call your name?” 

Thanks to the unassailable Radar Bazaar for nailing this one! 

EP Review: Kagu

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A few weeks ago we featured a talented producer from Sudan, and now, our focus on emerging music turns to the land of red sand and open spaces, known for barrier reefs and unending beaches. Australia’s Sean Heathcliff has become the musical entity Kagu, releasing his first eponymous EP this week out on Humming Records

Released: March 10, 2015

Genres: singer-songwriter

Tracks: 4

Who would like this EP?

Fans of Bon Iver’s vocals, people who like Beck’s guitar arrangements.

Our thoughts:

Singer-songwriters are a nickel a dozen these days. As a songwriter, It’s easy to fall into a trap that people will be carried by your lyrics alone. Yet poetry does not command the influence it once did (unless it’s clever hip hop). To be successful, this style of music needs to become more, it needs to be delicate and luscious at the same time. It has to feel full, with a combination of seductive vocals and layers of complexity, the more surprising the better. Kagu does exactly this: managing to walk the tightrope between annoying angst and overproduced orchestras. The result is an honest, delightful, and highly pleasing EP that signifies a powerful career to come. Just one listen to “Shadow of the Wind" and you’ll understand why. 

Listen to Kagu’s EP here

Track of the Weekend #125: Action Bronson - “Actin Crazy”

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The sun is out in full force in Paris for what promises to be a weekend where the shivers are warmed away. Plus the Whyd team expanded this week with the addition of Laurent and the promise of 2015 is starting to feel stronger. Reflecting this, there is an extra jump in the rhythms of the music trending across Whyd, like this week’s track of the weekend from the ex-gourment chef born in Queens, New York: Action Bronson. His latest single off his forthcoming album Mr. Wonderful is “Acting Crazy,” an extremely quotable hip hop anthem that reflects how large his out-sized personality has become to take advantage of the huge potential of (presumably) his hip hop career. Because, after all the swagging and bragging, he’s still his “mama’s little baby.”   

"Opportunity be knockin’" 

Thanks to LR for getting it to us! 

Track of the Weekend #124: Florence & The Machine - “What Kind Of Man” (Nicolas Jaar Remix)

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Ah, what good the sun can do! After hiding behind rain clouds all week, dampening our moods in the wake of the official departure of our beloved Dr. Joly, the sun is a-blazing on this Friday. And it’s pizza day. Fuck yeah. 

Around the corner is March, and that means spring will soon be in the air. But before we enjoy the budding flowers and warmer breezes, winter is not over. It’s not done yet, which is exactly what can be said about the most popular track on Whyd this week, Nicolas Jaar's epic remix of Florence & The Machine's “What Kind Of Man.” For more than 12 minutes the song bounces from Florence’s voice to deep house echoes to the classic mix of odd percussion sounds that has come to characterize Mr. Jaar’s prolific career. It’s a veritable banger of a track from someone so used to exploring the quieter parts of our musical mind. 

Thanks to Maxime M for getting it to us first!