By David Peter Simon | December 31st, 2011
Here’s a little New Years beat package that won’t disappoint. Start the new year with some delicious hooks, colorful loops, and, of course, raw underground styles. And don’t worry: you won’t be spending any of that Christmas money you just received to enjoy this music — most of the releases featured here are available for free download on the artists’ websites or Bandcamp.
"Raw Stiles - The Red"
Raw Stiles, a DJ from Miami, kills it with interesting samples and a sound that exudes 70s, fresh from his Hello Lovely EP that dropped back in January 2010. This feature track is a personal favorite, a true trip hop head bopper proving Raw Stiles is from the school of soulful samples a la J Dilla. Check "For Ma Dukes" and "Ain't I'm Clean" too for some fantastic beat/sample combos. Head over to his website for free downloads.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Nefarious! - Glass Bong (Bonus)"
A perfect name to fit the Bay-Area-based DJ. The featured track is a clap and bass heavy piece that slowly twists and turns, hitting full stride at around 1:26 and demanding you kick up the volume.
Most of his songs follow this sort of pattern: repetitious beat cycles marked by an added loop line at the end to deliver the winning punch. Shout out for the stylish album cover too -- I'm digging the bold white typography sitting in front of the washed out blue photo. Check out his record label's website for more music.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Bahwee - Hold Me Tight"
At only 1:28, this repetitive little piece is straight up sexy. I love all the little touches Bahwee adds, and while these pieces may be short, they have a uniquely personal aspect that many beatmakers lack today.
The LA-based huhwhat&where crew that Bahwee is a part of are absolutely killing it with their recent releases, so be sure to peep their website to check out all the fresh stuff they are putting out (like the blended beat video/social documentation "OHBLIV IN LA" or the recent Kab Nooner Mix that dropped for free). Also be sure to look out for Bahwee's newest album which should drop soon.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"bugseed - Stimulated Emission"
"Stimulated Emission," off of Bohemian Beatnik, is one of those tracks that can be played on repeat without annoyance. The drum loop in the background lays the foundations for 3 minutes of chill beats that hypnotize will you. Bugseed releases all his stuff for free on his bandcamp.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Jesse Futerman - Black Is The Color"
Futerman brings jazz to the forefront here on "Black Is The Color," harnessing a great sax to fill the background to this mellow snare piece. It's a somber one compared to the others, providing a bit of relaxation after some of the electronic complexity most beatbakers deliver today, and reminds me a tad of instrumental Japanese jazz hop (like artists Uyama Hiroto or Zack Austin). Super Basement EP is available for free download on Futerman's bandcamp
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).