Monday Measures: Santo Diablo

NYC-based producer, Cabo Blanco, released a new song in conjunction with the record label, Enchufada, a few days ago. Ever since I’ve downloaded “Santo Diablo”, I have had it on repeat non-stop. It’s hard to put it down especially when the track is so full of life it never ages. Taking Dominican merengue, Cabo Blanco seamlessly cuts the vocals and attributes the sample to a well controlled melody that keeps you engaged. Please take a listen, download it below, and add it to your Sunday Barbecue playlist.

Ladies & Gentlemen, next up, “Santo Diablo” by Cabo Blanco

Monday Measures: Calvin Harris

Producer/songwriter/musician, Calvin Harris, made chart history yesterday. With “Thinking About You” reaching top ten in UK, Mr. Harris broke a new record. It was the first time anyone has had nine top ten singles from one album. Nine! Back in April, he beat Michael Jackson’s record of seven top ten singles from one album. Needless to say, it is a big week for this talented man. Congratulations Calvin Harris, this Monday Measure is for you.

Monday Measures: Junip

It was hard to fathom when I first heard that Junip, the band, had broken up. Thank the holy spirits Jose Gonzalez came to his good senses and brought the band back together. Junip released their album, Junip, back in April, but for some reason, after many months, I still can’t put it down. One reason I appreciate this band is because the entire project does not rely on their lead singer’s voice, Jose Gonzalez. Instead, this is a collaborative effort where the Swede is accompanied by Elias Araya (drummer) and Tobias Winterkorn (synth player). Their single, “Line of Fire”, is a motivational one. Step back before moving forward. Take a listen and share your thoughts down in the comments below.

Next up, “Line of Fire” by Junip

Monday Measures: BANKS

Banks, a singer and songwriter from Los Angeles, is treading towards the top of my list for new artists to appreciate. Her music is tasteful, composed of interesting lyrics, and with a lower voice, she leaves you in a transient state listening to the builds and drops. What is particularly interesting about Banks is that she admits to not being in touch with social media, her manager handles all of those outlets. Instead, to connect with her fans she has left her cell phone number on her Facebook Page, inviting anyone to call her or text her and to which she will respond. That’s unique. Her new song, Warm Waters, has been growing increasingly popular. A few days ago, Banks released a free download for a remix of Warm Waters. Down below we have a few select songs from her small, yet powerful, discography. Leave us a comment to let us know what you think.

Monday Measures: Tightrope by Janelle Monae

Today’s Monday Measure goes back a few years, but the message of the track is still relevant for any day. Bold and ambitious may be one of the best ways to describe Janelle Monae, a R&B singer and soul musician from Kansas. Her presence, whether it is on a track or at a live performance, beams with confidence. It is hard to deny Monae’s raw, graceful vocal talent only to be further enhanced by her amazing band. Within the song, “Tightrope”, the message is very evident. Janelle Monae explains, “Every time you step outside you’re dealing with life and you’re trying to stay sane, for a lack of better words. Balance, to me, is the key; not getting too high, not getting too low – that’s what ‘Tightrope’ represents. It’s like life’s tutorial on how to actually make it through life without becoming insane and driving yourself to a life full of hatred and just not wanting to be here.” No matter how tough the situations life might present, remember to keep your balance and tip on the tightrope.

Next up, Ladies & Gentlemen. “Tightrope” by Janelle Monae.

Monday Measures: Major Lazer

Reggae has been one of my favorite genres to listen to for quite some time. More recently, we have been hearing new modes of reggae rise up thanks to innovative producers such as Major Lazer. It is difficult to find the right words to describe the phenomenal work of the wizards behind Major Lazer, Diplo and Switch. Some might be familiar with their popular song, “Bubble Butt”, however many people overlook the masterpieces they have made in the past. Today we’d like to share with you a few of those masterpieces.

Ladies & Gentlemen, next up Major Lazer. Sit back and enjoy some next level reggae.

Monday Measures: Electric Daisy Carnival

This week’s Monday Measure is in the honor of the last day of the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, a week long festival filled with games, contests, and most importantly, amazing EDM music. What once used to be only an one-day festival, has now been spread over to several days due to the impressive rise of the EDM genre. The week in Las Vegas must’ve been a blast with headliners such as Tiësto, Dada Life, Skrillex, Avicii, Nicky Romero and many more. With vivacious lights, an energetic crowd, and amazing performances the experience seems nothing less than phenomenal. Below we attempt to provide a glimpse of EDC in Las Vegas. Hearing the following through your speakers at home might not be as impressive as the decibel overload you could feel at EDC, but is still great music nonetheless.

Monday Measures: Panic Cord

As a music nerd, I find it incredibly intriguing to listen to the differences between a remix and its parent song. I can sit for hours and try to dissect the various sounds and connections between the two pieces. Recently, Brighton’s Hucci released a remix to Gabrielle Aplin’s song, “Panic Cord”. Let me tell you something, I did not see this coming. Hucci is more comfortably known for resting in the Trap Music genre, but it has been a very long time since I’ve heard oddly soothing trap. Remixes should only exist when they compliment a song even further, and Hucci really out did himself on this one. Take a listen to both songs, and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Ladies and Gentlemen, next up, “Panic Cord” by Gabrielle Aplin and Hucci

Monday Measures: Levels by Avicii

It is only the middle of the week and already I feel exhausted. I am a robot on a fixed schedule. Sometimes, we get too caught up with the work around us, so caught up, that we forget to slow down and enjoy life for a minute. Avicii, a Swedish DJ/producer, has the same idea with his song, “Levels”. Take a moment to just let go. Lose your stress and just dance.

Ladies & Gentlemen, with already 60 millions views, let’s give him a few more. Next up, “Levels” by Avicii

Monday Measures: Dada Life

The Electronic Dance Music genre has been on the rise for quite some time, and surely has not peaked yet. At the forefront, one pair of artists truly stand out, Dada Life from Sweden. With their fat synths, mind-boggling drops, and playful attitude, Dada Life is easily the powerhouse of EDM. For this week’s Monday Measure, we provide you a small taste of what it would feel like to be in Dada Land.

Ladies & Gentlemen, we present to you, “Feed the Dada” by Dada Life.