It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for and the build up around this release has been intense. But the wait is finally over… Ram Records is proud to release the seminal RAM200! And this catalogue number marks an incredible feat. Achieving 200 releases on the world’s most coveted and beloved D&B record label. Compiling 5 absolute masterpieces in production, carefully hand picked to deliver full devastation upon dancefloors worldwide, RAM200 is the must have release from this year!
The curtain is finally pulled back to reveal ‘Piano Dark (Original Dub)’ by Culture Shock. Much sought after by many, it’s ready to be unleashed upon the masses. ‘Future Fold’ by Mind Vortex deploys full on dancefloor carnage, championed again by The Executioner himself, it is a masterclass in high energy D&B, set to cause even more destruction in the hands of masses. Next up is the Audio remix of ‘Robots and Romans.’ An even darker take on the track reels you in for a barrage of razor sharp drums and twisted bass sound design, giving guaranteed maximum bass weight in the dance! Diving back into the dark, gritty tech step days of the early 2000’s, Inside Info steps in to deliver his remix of the incredible anthem ‘The Truth’ by Kryptic Minds. Distorted, sharp reese basses cut through the fray, delivering an onslaught of stomping, weighty drum hits and low sub grit. Finally, a VIP mix of Rene LaVice’s track ‘The Calling’ feat Ivy Mairi rounds up the release, giving a fresh, different take on the original.
Diving deep into the Ram dubplate collection, RAM200 delivers an across the board, cutting edge blend of all D&B flavours. Proving with every release that Ram is always at the top of its game, this release is no exception and is the perfect celebration of an incredible 200 release. Ram shows no signs of slowing down as they continue their path into 2016.
“We’re hoping to show that language is a powerful tool, that self-expression is a powerful tool — it’s just as valuable as any rifle you carry or any tool you can put in your pack.” Those are the words of Marine-turned-actor Adam Driver (Girls, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) introducing a US military audience to the theatrical performance they were about to see.
Driver is the founder of Arts in the Armed Forces, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing thought-provoking and impactful contemporary theater to American military personnel currently “in theater.”
VICE News followed Driver and his fellow actors (including Joanne Tucker, Natasha Lyonne, Eric Bogosian, Peter Scolari, Sasheer Zamata, and many more) on their first trip to the Middle East, where they struggle to broaden the offerings of on-base entertainment beyond country-western cover bands and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.
In March 2013, the Seleka, a coalition of predominantly Muslim-armed groups from the northeast, marched on the Central African Republic’s capital Bangui and seized power.
They committed mass atrocities against the population, and to the largely Christian population in the southwest, Muslims began to be associated with violence. They took up arms to form a Christian self-defense militia called the anti-balaka, and carried out revenge killings.
By the end of 2013, the Central African Republic had descended into civil war. Under pressure from the international community, the Seleka were forced to give up power and retreated towards the northeast, where they regrouped.
A United Nations peacekeeping mission and a French military operation were able to stem the fighting, but despite their presence, the transitional government has not been able to regain control of the country outside Bangui.
With the anti-balaka controlling the southwest, and the Seleka controlling the northeast, the Central African Republic is de facto partitioned along ethno-religious lines. For those who find themselves on the wrong side of the divide, life has become hell.
In this excerpt, the coordinator of the anti-balaka movement in Carnot takes VICE News to a diamond mine he oversees, which was reclaimed from Muslim owners during the recent conflict.
Subscribe to VICE News here: http://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-News
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for and the build up around this release has been intense. But the wait is finally over… Ram Records is proud to release the seminal RAM200! And this catalogue number marks an incredible feat. Achieving 200 releases on the world’s most coveted and beloved D&B record label.
Diving back into the dark, gritty tech step days of the early 2000’s, Inside Info steps in to deliver his remix of the incredible anthem ‘The Truth’ by Kryptic Minds. Distorted, sharp reese basses cut through the fray, delivering an onslaught of stomping, weighty drum hits and low sub grit.
All of the music on this channel has either been sent to me directly by the artists themselves or from the label who own the copyright to the song. If you have any further questions please dont hesitate to inbox me. Images are downloaded from a free site, if you happen to be the owner/designer please again dont hesitate to inbox me to attach links, copyright or to simply remove the content.
As the Mexican Navy continues the hunt for fugitive Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman, hundreds of people have been forced to flee the Golden Triangle, the Sinaloa Cartel’s stronghold in Northern Mexico. While refugees claim they fled helicopter gunfire, the navy denies their operation to hunt the most wanted drug lord are out of control.
In this excerpt, VICE News correspondent Daniel Hernandez meets farmer Gonzalo Peña, whose ranch in Durango has become collateral in the Mexican Navy’s hunt for ‘El Chapo’.
Enter Subtitles Music. Run by Teebee, one half of Calyx and Teebee, it’s a label that’s managed to survive the transition from old world to new in fine form. They’ve been been around since the year 2000, playing host to everyone from Break to Fanu to Ulterior Motive and pretty much anyone in between. Their sound has edged towards the heavier end of the spectrum, nicely interspersed with some deeper, more experimental vibes.
In comes Ed:it. Flake’s the more techy of the two tunes on the single. The percussions that eponymous thick, deep and rounded perc that’s really in vogue at the moment, and its sparring partner is a gently undulating bassline with the whole thing accentuated by slightly ethereal, delicate pad work. You’d be forgiven for think that this was just a deep roller, but it actually has quite a lot of development in its 4 minutes 17 run time. It snaps to attention halfway through the verse, gaining a wicked cheeky edge, set off by some subtle drum edits. It’s bold, but subtle. Perfect A side material.
All of the music on this channel has either been sent to me directly by the artists themselves or from the label who own the copyright to the song. If you have any further questions please dont hesitate to inbox me. Images are downloaded from a free site, if you happen to be the owner/designer please again dont hesitate to inbox me to attach links, copyright or to simply remove the content.
Two bomb explosions in the Syrian city of Homs on Monday have killed more than 30 people, injuring a further 90, according to the monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The explosions are the second major attacks in the city since a ceasefire was implemented earlier in December.
In 2015, VICE News’ reporting spanned from politics and the environment to conflict and the human cost of war. Here are the most powerful and memorable things we saw.
At the start of 2015, Mexican national Horacio Hernandez Herrera, allegedly third in command of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested in the Philippines’ capital, Manila, at the center of a 12 million peso ($255,000) drug bust.
Herrera’s arrest came as Philippine authorities confirmed that not only were Mexico’s cartels vying for a piece of the country’s rapidly growing drugs trade, but forming an alliance with Chinese syndicates to do so.
The Philippines drug of choice? Shabu: A local name for crystal meth, present in over 90 percent of the capital’s neighborhoods.
While shabu’s popularity has skyrocketed in the last decade — partly for its ability to allow the poorest of Filipinos to work longer hours — the drug’s grip on Manila has reached crisis point, as unemployment rates remain high and the collusion of gangs with police and local government becomes an every day occurrence.
So, as Herrera awaits trial in the capital, VICE News takes a look at the Philippines drug trade. We visit the Tondo district of Manila, a port area overwhelmed by shabu, to speak to dealers defending their turf and police officers trying to contend with porous borders, stunted judiciary power, and – their most challenging enemy – corruption within their own forces.
In this excerpt, VICE News meets with the men behind a small-scale shabu operation in Manila, to explain how their business was borne out of a profound lack of opportunities, coupled with corruption in both the Philippine police and government.
Watch “Crystal Meth and Cartels in the Philippines: The Shabu Trap” – http://bit.ly/1YN1wRL
Read “The War on Drugs Isn’t Just Destroying Lives — It’s Also Killing the Environment” – http://bit.ly/1QS63mN
This year Hospital Records announced an unexpected addition to their roster, Brazilian-born Urbandawn.
Previously unknown in the spheres of drum & bass yet has shone through with his melodic and soulful drum & bass that’s polished to perfection. Following his well-received debut single “Neon Nights” is the charming “Cloudless” EP – four tracks encompassing every element of Urbandawn from his sweet-natured, warming tones to high-energy dance-floor impacts.
Title-track “Cloudless’ is the result of an unexpected session in London Elektricity’s south-east London home-studio. Expect an instantly inviting vocal-lead arrangement performed by “Just One Second” singer Elsa Esmeralda who compliments the instrumental qualities with a beautiful, harmonic performance.
Adding another string to his bow is an unorthodox title for an unorthodox track. Screaming for the dance is Urbandawn’s ‘Pavlov’s Dog’ that uses unconventional arrangements and unusual sounds in an effort to make noise against the rising glamorization and formulaic predictability of “EDM culture”. Jazz inspired piano chords lead the way over fierce beats in “Under Your Sheets” followed by a call back to the summer months with “Vona”.
In no particular order, here are my favourite 15 tracks of the year:
00:00 Dimension – Whip Slap
It all started with a video on social media causing hype havoc. Undoubtably one of the biggest tracks in drum & bass this year – simple yet highly effective, this one’s been tearing down dance floors worldwide throughout the whole of 2015. Having taken himself to the top competing with some of the best producers in the scene, exciting prospects are in store for Dimension in 2016.
00:17 Noisia & The Upbeats – Dead Limit
A tried and tested winning collab combination. This track was a few years in the making and it was worth it for that reese that kicks in after 48 bars alone. Possessing incredible production and impact, it’s no surprise ‘Dead Limit’ has received heavy rotation throughout Summer and the tail end of the year. It’s a tight one between this and ‘Whip Slap’ as track of the year!
00:35 DRS ft. Jubei – The Puppeteer
DRS is always there to deliver a strand out track. This time partnering up with Jubei, the collaboration has a perfect balance of rolling darkness and a vocal hook which is as catchy as always. One of my favourite tracks to hear dropped in the dance this year – bouncy!
00:48 Lynx – Clap Track
The man who gave us ‘Disco Dodo’ re-introduced the unique style with ‘Clap Track’ – designed for djing, this one’s an absolute hurter once deployed on innocent gurning ravers.
01:11 Xtrah – What Would You Do!?
Another example of simple yet effective – my love for this track is very strong – gunfinger inducer. Xtrah’s had a sensational year and is no doubt now considered one of the best producers in the scene.
01:44 Dawn Wall – Angel Field
Yes, we all want to know who Dawn Wall is/are, but I honestly hope we never find out! Two EP’s on Integral in the bag and a huge impact left within the drum & bass scene. Angel Field and Lose Face are my favourite from the EP’s, but Angel Field just tips it – I can’t wait to hear the debut LP in 2016.
Side note: I commissioned Dawn Wall’s remix for Nero – Into The Night, does that mean I know who they are? Ooooof.
02:17 Break & DLR – Human Error
One word for this one – ‘mixdown’ – jesus fucking christ. I dropped this at The Nest when I was warming up before Spor’s set earlier this year and rest assured, the dance floor turned in to a zoo. So many tracks you could pick from these two producers separately.
02:50 SCAR – Caged
SCAR aka Survival & Script have been churning out some huge rollers on Headz in the last two years. ‘Caged’ is certainly the stand out track which turned heads within the scene. I dropped this in room 2 fabric recently and the system had a bit of a work out. Gunfingers were raised.
03:14 Hive – Repentance
It’s always good to hear new music from Hive and ‘Repentance’ definitely delivered. I love the delay in drop and progression of the track which makes for a wicked listen and journey when experienced on a dancefloor.
03:36 SpectraSoul – Always
SpectraSoul delivered us a sensational and versatile album via Shogun Audio this year – ‘Always’ is definitely my pick of the bunch. Vibe-o-meter hitting a solid 10, I haven’t heard a track like it in a while – very cinematic. Good work chaps.
04:07 LSB – Walking Blues
LSB is one of the best liquid producers hands down. Output has been incredibly strong for Luke in 2016, including ‘The View’ with DRS and Tyler Daley, but ‘Walking Blues’ on his Soul:R EP definitely takes the biscuit for me. INCREDIBLE.
04:31 Joy Orbison – Hyph Mngo (Vandera Remix)
This one surfaced at the start of the year and I’ve been playing it on repeat ever since. Being a big fan of the original, Vandera has done it justice with effortless execution.
05:04 Bomfunk MC’s – Freestyler (Teknian & Zero Zero ft. JFB Remix)
Quite a late addition to the year. Having been a massive fan of the original in my youth, seeing this track title alone got me excited and I’m happy that Teknian & Zero Zero did the original justice with a headsy approach. The intro is a perfect tease in mixes and the drop is very unexpected, yet satisfying! Free download vibes.
05:38 Ivy Lab – Sunday Crunk (Mefjus Remix)
I don’t really need to say much about this one. Absolutely stupid mixdown – with that build up you’re expecting a two step drum pattern, but the half time element and piercing bass create that ‘shock’ element which really turns the dance in to a frenzy.
06:00 Bensley – Next Generation
Bensley came out of no where to drop an LP via Ram Records. Although I’m not massively in to the LP as a whole and I think his production can improve, this track has undeniable musicality which is extremely difficult to dislike. I’m excited to see what this guy’s got lined up in 2016.
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for and the build up around this release has been intense. But the wait is finally over… Ram Records is proud to release the seminal RAM200! And this catalogue number marks an incredible feat. Achieving 200 releases on the world’s most coveted and beloved D&B record label. Compiling 5 absolute masterpieces in production, carefully hand picked to deliver full devastation upon dancefloors worldwide, RAM200 is the must have release from this year!
The curtain is finally pulled back to reveal ‘Piano Dark (Original Dub)’ by Culture Shock. Much sought after by many, it’s ready to be unleashed upon the masses. ‘Future Fold’ by Mind Vortex deploys full on dancefloor carnage, championed again by The Executioner himself, it is a masterclass in high energy D&B, set to cause even more destruction in the hands of masses. Next up is the Audio remix of ‘Robots and Romans.’ An even darker take on the track reels you in for a barrage of razor sharp drums and twisted bass sound design, giving guaranteed maximum bass weight in the dance! Diving back into the dark, gritty tech step days of the early 2000’s, Inside Info steps in to deliver his remix of the incredible anthem ‘The Truth’ by Kryptic Minds. Distorted, sharp reese basses cut through the fray, delivering an onslaught of stomping, weighty drum hits and low sub grit. Finally, a VIP mix of Rene LaVice’s track ‘The Calling’ feat Ivy Mairi rounds up the release, giving a fresh, different take on the original.
Diving deep into the Ram dubplate collection, RAM200 delivers an across the board, cutting edge blend of all D&B flavours. Proving with every release that Ram is always at the top of its game, this release is no exception and is the perfect celebration of an incredible 200 release. Ram shows no signs of slowing down as they continue their path into 2016.
Hailing from London, Shyun’s spent the past few years honing his production skills in a city drenched to the core in neurofunk. Reasonably fresh off a collaboration with Maksim, Shyun has teamed up with NeurofunkGrid to release an explosive four-track EP, a perfect blend of musicality and anger to accompany his grand slam entrance to the scene.
A Critical Music charity fundraising album project for Oxfam’s refugee crisis appeal, featuring tracks donated by Current Value, Enei, Foreign Concept, Halogenix, Hyroglifics, Klax, Sam Binga & Signal. Over the last two Christmas’ the team at Critical huddled together and decided that rather than let some sought after unreleased music sit idle on their hard drives they would put it to use and offer people the chance to download the tracks in return for donating something to charity.
This year is no different and we at Critical have all gone through the vaults and put an album together, again for an important cause. We have chosen Oxfam’s Refugee Crisis Appeal which is something close to all of our hearts. Millions of people have been forced to flee their homes, to run for their lives and risk the safety of their families. Oxfam urgently need to help more people in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and closer to home in Europe, too. You can read more about the appeal here – http://bit.ly/1NC8wOe
100% of the proceeds go directly to the charity.
Please give generously and enjoy the music!
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for and the build up around this release has been intense. But the wait is finally over… Ram Records is proud to release the seminal RAM200! And this catalogue number marks an incredible feat. Achieving 200 releases on the world’s most coveted and beloved D&B record label. Compiling 5 absolute masterpieces in production, carefully hand picked to deliver full devastation upon dancefloors worldwide, RAM200 is the must have release from this year!
The curtain is finally pulled back to reveal ‘Piano Dark (Original Dub)’ by Culture Shock. Much sought after by many, it’s ready to be unleashed upon the masses. ‘Future Fold’ by Mind Vortex deploys full on dancefloor carnage, championed again by The Executioner himself, it is a masterclass in high energy D&B, set to cause even more destruction in the hands of masses. Next up is the Audio remix of ‘Robots and Romans.’ An even darker take on the track reels you in for a barrage of razor sharp drums and twisted bass sound design, giving guaranteed maximum bass weight in the dance! Diving back into the dark, gritty tech step days of the early 2000’s, Inside Info steps in to deliver his remix of the incredible anthem ‘The Truth’ by Kryptic Minds. Distorted, sharp reese basses cut through the fray, delivering an onslaught of stomping, weighty drum hits and low sub grit. Finally, a VIP mix of Rene LaVice’s track ‘The Calling’ feat Ivy Mairi rounds up the release, giving a fresh, different take on the original.
Diving deep into the Ram dubplate collection, RAM200 delivers an across the board, cutting edge blend of all D&B flavours. Proving with every release that Ram is always at the top of its game, this release is no exception and is the perfect celebration of an incredible 200 release. Ram shows no signs of slowing down as they continue their path into 2016.
The first offering from Mikal’s long awaited album is here. The package is comprised of two solo tracks and a collab with Xtrah, the trio highlights the variety that is forthcoming on Mikal’s debut album Wilderness, from rugged rhythm led tracks to eyes down 4am moments via soulful introspective stages. Further information on the album coming soon.
In 2015 Hospitality reached new heights with eighty-two shows reaching over twenty countries across the globe! We’ve recreated the unparalleled atmosphere of a Hospitality dance-floor in our huge 60-track compilation.
‘Hospitality 2016’ brings you the biggest tracks from the current drum & bass scene including 25 brand new exclusives that are set to take the year by storm.
In the first of 2 full CD length mixes dive into fresh tracks from Fred V & Grafix, Krakota, Logistics, Metrik, Urbandawn and an extra something special from no other than High Contrast! Med School have gone from strength to strength and with their 10th year on the horizon we get a taste of what’s to come with brand new music from Keeno, Anile and Whiney.
In the second hour we’re spoilt for choice with previously unreleased tracks from Nu:Tone, S.P.Y and the Gresham duo Nu:Logic. There are refreshing remixes in store including Diego Torres’ rework of the London Elektricity classic “Had A Little Fight” and the long awaited Logistics spin on Etherwood’s “Light My Way Home” featuring Eva Lazarus.
We’ve brought in a whole load of the scenes exciting newcomers including the mysterious Dawn Wall, the USA’s bundle of energy Ownglow and smooth movers Pola & Bryson.
With the 5th year winning the Drum & Bass Arena Award for ‘Best Club Night’ behind us, Hospitality is onto even bigger and better things in 2016, kick started with this massive compilation!
In the last episode of the year the three of us go through our favourites from season 1 of Noisia Radio, and the presence of an airhorn soundboard in Nik’s vicinity makes for a very messy Christmas episode. Subscribe to Noisia Radio: http://noisia.nl/radio
Merry Christmas! Hope you’re having a lovely time… Let’s make it better with our christmas mix!! Mixed by our very own Alpha, here’s what he had to say:
“So my harddrive failed while I was making this and I lost more or less all my music. Fun! Hope you’ll enjoy it anyway.” Oh, Alpha, you so silly!
Tracklist:
Phace – My Mind Is Modular
Misanthrop – I Need More
Teddy Killerz – Endlessly
Emperor – Passed Up
Phace – Digital Diet
Dimension – Whip Slap
Noisia & The Upbeats – Dead Limit
Enei – Prometheus VIP
Fre4knc – Rotor
Trigga & Sam Binga – MCR
Jazzatron – Slang Bang
Phace – Automatic
Misanthrop – Rock’n’roll
Mefjus & InsideInfo – Footpath ft. The Upbeats
DC Breaks – Gambino VIP
Break – The Flux
DJ Hazard – Time Tripping
Noisia & The Upbeats – Dustup
Phace – Flaky
Enei & Mefjus – Dead Space
Spor, Evol Intent & Ewun – Levitate
Unknown Error – Sucker Punch
Misanthrop – Evacuate
Phace – Fingerfood
Noisia – Facade VIP
Misanthrop – Viperfish VIP
RAM Trilogy – Mind Overload
Bad Company UK – The Nine
It’s been another fantastic year for Skankandbass, thank you for all the support – onwards and upwards in 2016! To celebrate, here’s a wicked little Christmas mash up mix from Mistanoize. Enjoy!
Tracklist:
Let It Snow / Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Mashup – Dan Marshall
DJ Die – Special Treat
logistics – Murderation
DBridge – True Romance
Mampi Swift / Charge Recordings – Jaws2
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for and the build up around this release has been intense. But the wait is finally over… Ram Records is proud to release the seminal RAM200! And this catalogue number marks an incredible feat. Achieving 200 releases on the world’s most coveted and beloved D&B record label. Compiling 5 absolute masterpieces in production, carefully hand picked to deliver full devastation upon dancefloors worldwide, RAM200 is the must have release from this year!
The curtain is finally pulled back to reveal ‘Piano Dark (Original Dub)’ by Culture Shock. Much sought after by many, it’s ready to be unleashed upon the masses. ‘Future Fold’ by Mind Vortex deploys full on dancefloor carnage, championed again by The Executioner himself, it is a masterclass in high energy D&B, set to cause even more destruction in the hands of masses. Next up is the Audio remix of ‘Robots and Romans.’ An even darker take on the track reels you in for a barrage of razor sharp drums and twisted bass sound design, giving guaranteed maximum bass weight in the dance! Diving back into the dark, gritty tech step days of the early 2000’s, Inside Info steps in to deliver his remix of the incredible anthem ‘The Truth’ by Kryptic Minds. Distorted, sharp reese basses cut through the fray, delivering an onslaught of stomping, weighty drum hits and low sub grit. Finally, a VIP mix of Rene LaVice’s track ‘The Calling’ feat Ivy Mairi rounds up the release, giving a fresh, different take on the original.
Diving deep into the Ram dubplate collection, RAM200 delivers an across the board, cutting edge blend of all D&B flavours. Proving with every release that Ram is always at the top of its game, this release is no exception and is the perfect celebration of an incredible 200 release. Ram shows no signs of slowing down as they continue their path into 2016.
