We were so close to putting Zhu at the top of our 2014 R&B list. And even though he didn’t make the cut, he did help us distinguish the difference between today’s R&B and electro soul.
Before, the most notable difference the two was whether it was vocal or producer based, respectively. Where as R&B is focused on the soulful voices of today, electro soul generally cuts & chops memorable voices from the past and blends in heavy electro influences. Zhu is really the perfect intersection between the two, but we eventually came to the conclusion that his deep house influence was more fit for electro soul than the more traditional R&B (“traditional” in loose terms).
Also, keep in mind that even the musicians featured here are still electronically influenced in some way. Most music is nowadays. However, they play much more of a balancing act than their counterparts in electro soul. Hear for yourself and let us know your thoughts on today’s soul music and how you define it.
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I know I focus too much on chorus too much of the time, but Corinne Bailey Rae’s is damn near perfect in ‘Put Your Records On.’ It quite literally put me to tears. She’s as inspiring in words, for the most part, as she is in vocal zest and Nehzui’s remix gives it the extra oomph it deserves. His electro brass is a bit… brass but essential for the sing-a-long.
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Never have I ever (love that game) been so impressed by a mixtape’s intro than on Goldroom’s latest Verano mix. Not only is it a thrill of a chill track, but it’s so unexpected coming from Goldroom.
Creep Crawl Flash’s ‘At Bay’ reminds me of my earlier years with downtempo, especially our second beats to blaze [plug], and it’s good to get back to it. We need to start fishing out more music like this.. for mixtape purposes of course. Recommend!
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Looks like these Game of Throne remixes are keeping up with my taste in music. First with Rameses’ GoT dubstep remix back in 2012 and now with Steve Duzz’s 80’s disco theme.
It would’ve been nice if it played out for a little longer, but it’s a great reinterpretation of one epic theme song, especially with the fitting intro theme to accompany it.
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Nothing is better to dance to right now than this style of electronic music. I thought electro funk sounded fitting as a title, but it’s more commonly known simply as electro and to some extreme electro house and bass music. Though this naming shit is getting outta hand, as necessary as it is.
The sound actually sounds like something between disco-house & bass music, but more experimental than the former and more soulful than the latter. It gets a little strange at times, but that’s exactly what dance music needs right now.
Turns out I had heard the Gordon City’s version first, but I got to say this one is miles better. We love our house deep here, which Gordon City provides, but the slight piano in this version gives Laura Welsh the silence her voice can handle.
First Odesza with Zhu and now Classixx with Rufus. There’s nothing I love more than when my favorites remix my favorites (I’ve got a lot of favorites).
We didn’t do a write up on Rufus’s Atlas album simply because we didn’t really have much to say on it. It’s not as easy as you’d think bringing in some other insights. Take this post for example. But with our move towards playlists, our words won’t get in the way of good music no mo. Stay Tuned.
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The original clip of ‘Feelin’ hints at a real talented voice, minus the auto-tuning, but Tonefeld gave it a much needed production boost. And turns the tuned vocals into something tasteful.
On another note, this beat is so strange. I like it, especially with Samantha.
I usually try to wait at least a week before featuring something new, I’ve got good reason, but when two of my favorite sounds team up, officially or not, I can’t help but celebrate prematurely. Time will tell (about a week) if this is a keeper.
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