Empire Of The Sun - Wandering Star (FINAL DJS Remix)

My good friend Final DJS recently decided to remix one of the coolest new Empire of the Sun tracks, ''Wandering Star''. We love the original, it's magical. But Final DJS remix is not one to be overlooked. The entire time I was listening to the original track, I kept hoping there was a little more synth to it.  Final DJS's remix adds that extra touch to the original, making it just a little bit cooler. Be sure to throw some love at him here.  

Kimbra.

Now you're just somebody that I used to know (echo: somebody!). Yes, a lot of you have probably heard Gotye and Kimbra's hit single ''Somebody'', it was a chart-topper a few years ago.For our more synth-y crowd, you probably know Kimbra through her stellar work with our own Miami Horror back in 2010. Her music has been on our radar for a while now and we absolutely had to get her down for an interview. And as a special treat for you guys, she has also given us a small playlist of the music she's into right now! Enjoy another Disco Unchained exclusive! 

Shazeb: Tell us about your work with Miami Horror and the whole 80s synth concept album they released a few years ago. How was that experience?  Do you see yourself making more of ''that'' sound in the future?

Kimbra: It was great working with those guys. We had all become friends while living in Melbourne and spending time with them opened me to a lot of great dance music. I remember discovering bands like Justice, Air, Sebastian Tellier etc through them - and that went on to inspire me a lot. I am always open to working on dance tracks that I feel a connection with, it often pushes me to access a different side of my voice which is interesting too.

Shazeb: How did you get into music? What would you say was your ''big break''? 

Kimbra:I always remember writing songs from a very young age. I recorded onto cassettes from the age of about 8 picked up guitar around 13 and soon entered a high school competition called the Rockquest which was the first time I started performing original songs in front of people and developing a deep love of the songwriting. I started producing demos from that point (some on guitar, and some using a Boss 8 track sampler) and uploading them onto Myspace which was where my manager first found my music and offered me the chance to move from New Zealand to Melbourne (where he was based) when I was 17 and record my first album. I think that was the moment I was pushed to really find myself as an artist.

Shazeb: Where would you say your greatest influences have come from in regards to your own ''sound''?

Kimbra: I would say my love of experimentation and layered sound worlds comes from a lot of the psychedelic rock I listened to in high school like The Mars Volta/NIN, but I have also been influenced by the jazz-like approach of artists like Bjork and Jeff Buckley... and pop artists who have been universally engaging (like Michael Jackson) while still being so creative and boundary pushing.

Shazeb: What are your top 3 favorite tracks at the moment?

Kimbra: 

Redinho - Playing With Fire

The Great Curve - Talking Heads

 Emily - The Singers Unlimited

Shazeb: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? 10?

Kimbra: Sitting in a garden with a guitar. 

Shazeb: What's Kimbra's favorite horror film?

I used to think The Grudge was great when I was a kid. 

Shazeb: Tell us about your new stuff. Any new albums, EPS, or singles in the pipeline?

Kimbra:I am writing new music which feels great. I plan to keep putting music out. I just released a cover of 'I'm Wishing' (from Snow White) for a recent Disney project in Australia and there will be some very exciting collaborations coming out early next year. Watch this space!

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Below are some of the tracks Kimbra has been vibing to over the past few weeks. Be sure to follow her here for some rad new releases in the coming months. 

Pierre Maulini on M83 and STAL

You literally have got to be living in a cave if you haven't heard of M83. Midnight City anyone? We recently got in touch with our good friend Pierre Maulini who, aside working with M83 for some time, also runs a solo project called Stal. In our latest interview installment, the DU team brings to everything there is to know about Mr. Pierre, from his work and experience with M83 to his favorite horror films.

1) Tell us about Stal. Explain the project to us a little better.

After my worlwide tour with M83, I decided to start my own project. I always played a lot of guitar and i wanted to explore new horizons in terms of composition. That's why i started playing keyboards more. I learnt a lot about them these past years, and found my own approach. I had never worked alone before that. And i really enjoyed it, even if i'm always ready to hear critics etc..I'm trying to write sincere songs, mixing my indie background with a lot of mainstream influences. I want STAL to be a generous, sincere and true project. A real mix of electronic and rock music. On the other hand, on stage we're a 3 piece band, and it will sound a more rock. Live shows are very important to me, i think it's the future of this industry. We have a lot of nice stuff coming up and i can't wait to hit the road again. 

2) You used to work with M83, what was that like? Tell us about your work with them in the past. What happened?

M83 was my biggest experience so far. Anthony ( M83's brain) is a friend of mine and we used to lived in the same town in the south of France. We used to hang out together. I played in a band called A Red Season Shade,  and he used to come to our rehearsals. One day, when he was about to release his album "Saturday's= Youth" in 2008, he asked me to join the live band. I accepted. We toured the world for 2 years, headlining  shows as well as opening for big acts like Kings Of Leon, The Killers, Depeche Mode etc... But you know touring for someone else is sometimes pretty difficult. Being far away from home and your loved ones is hard especially when it's not your own project. Overall, it was a great experience though and without it, i probably wouldn't have started STAL. 

3) Where would you say your greatest influences have come from, in regards to your sound?

My life with its ups and downs is certainly the biggest influence.

When it comes to music,i could classify them in 3 categories :

1/ all of my teenage indie music that comes from emo/punk bands to post rock bands. I'd say my favorite one is Sigur Ros.

2/ Mainstream. I used to be a fan of Coldplay, Kings Of Leon, Foo fighters and other rock stuff. These stadium rock bands are a kind of fascination for me. 

3/ Film music. i love cinematic music, i've got a few favorite composers like Max Richter, Olafur Arnalds. In this category i'd also say more minimalist music like Sakamoto or Steve reich.  

4) What's your favorite horror film?

Braindead ! 

5) Favorite track? (This is hard and we're notorious for asking this but try your best)

Sigur Ros, Vaka. This track changed my life.

6) Tell us about your future projects. Any EPs or albums in the pipeline?

My new EP will be released on Sept 29th via Arista/Sony Music France. It comes with 2 new tracks and great remixes ( and a crazy video clip). We are also building a new live set for the next shows. The album is recorded and planned for early 2015 ! Can't wait !

7) Is there anything you'd like to shout out to your fans?

Hope you guys will dig our sound. Don't forget to follow us on facebook if you want to be updated on our releases and shows ! We may come near you!

Here's our favorite track by STAL. You can tell he's been the creative genius behind M83- his sound is iconic.

Saint Pepsi - Fall Harder (Exclusive Track Premiere!)

Saint Pepsi just dropped his latest track, "Fall Harder", via Carpark Records. His newest sound has a very uplifting synth scheme as well as some very interesting guitar riffs. The track bares a sound very similar to The Teenagers' earlier work. Be sure to catch this Disco Unchained premiere while it's still fresh, and remember to support the artist here!

Purple Disco Machine - Musique EP

One of the fastest growing names in our roster and probably throughout the whole scene as well, Purple Disco Machine, creates such a level of expectation that we can't help to feel overthrilled every time he delivers one of his perfectly crafted EP's. We truly love him here at Disco Unchained and he keeps paying back with incredible music.

This is probably one of his biggest works to date, "Musique" is one of those tracks that turns all the heads around, a game changer. With his trademark disco vibe and a touch of french house influence, PDM sends us on a soul trip with infectious chords, intense drums, inmense breakdowns and just the right amount of epic in what will sure be one of this summer's biggest anthems. If you like his sound, throw some love at him here.

Work Drugs: Free To Roam (Exclusive Track Premiere)

Work Drugs are out with their killer new indie-pop single,"Free To Roam". For those of you unfamiliar with Work Drugs, they are essentially one of the coolest indie-pop bands on the scene right now...We mean that, because we're fans of practically every track they've ever released (which is a big thing considering we're always surrounded by all sorts of music). "Free To Roam" features typically arresting, Work Drugs quality lyrics, along with backing guitars that remind us of Wild Nothing's earlier sound.

 Be sure to give their new single some love, and be on the look out for their new album,"Runaways"due this October. If you like Work Drugs' sound, you can find more of it here. And if you want to know more about them, check out our exclusive interview with them from last month!

DREAMERS (SAVOIR ADORE PARTY REMIX)

We recently came across the SAVOIR ADORE edit of  "Dreamers". Their Party Remix boasts an incredibly catchy beat and utilizes the original awe inspiring, chill giving, Depeche Mode -esque vocals to perfection.  A true summer anthem! The track is up for free download, so be sure to check it out! You can follow SAVOIR ADORE here. 

Nicky Night Time.

Introducing Nicky Night Time: the new alias of a fabled dancefloor name (or several) you know very well. Nicky Night Time is Nick Routledge, aka Nicky Van She frontman, co-founder and producer of the band Van She (One of Disco Unchained's original favorites).

"Everybody Together" was released about a month ago by our friends at One Love Music. The track's influences are varied: From 90s piano house to pop and soul, this is a dancefloor ready, house hit that delivers a fresh take on staid house clichês and is inspired by the musical craft of old soul legends. Definitely be sure to give this gem a listen, and be sure to follow and support Nicky Night Time here!

Beat Club- Body Heat (Exclusive Premiere)

Sydney based Electro-funk band, Beat Club, made their debut with the track, "Body Heat." The track features spectacular 80's inspired vocals, and an even fresher Nu Disco beat.  The electro duo is comprised of Grand Nero (Vocals/ Guitars/ Drum Programming) and Boy Lord (Vocals/ Keyboards/ Percussion). Be sure to check them out on SoundCloud!

Miles To Go- Disco Unchained's July Indie Mixtape

This month's indie-mix contains some of the greatest tracks, from some of the coolest artists we've encountered within the last few weeks. The tape is essentially a stylized, retro recollection of the most beautiful indie/indie pop tracks of the month (with homage to some older acts ofcourse, our mixtapes always have nods to the classics). Sit back, relax, and take a spiritual, chill-inspired journey with la creme de la creme of modern, independent music! Be sure to download and share the tape! Support the artists we've featured on this! 

Follow us on soundcloud here!

Tracklisting:

Intro

Rush Midnight-  You & I

Knightlife/Cutters-  I want you

Night Moves-  Colored Emotions

All We Are-  Feel Safe

Mitzi-  Morning Light

Mullaha-  Fly

The Hasbeens-  Make the World Go Away

Alle Farben - She Moves (Far Away) Feat. Graham Candy (Lakechild Remix)

Over the past two months, the relatively new German duo Lakechild have been putting out some quality House with tracks such as Diskostrand being the standout. Their latest effort, a remix of She Moves, continues this. It does not only continue this but it opens up a whole new display of their talent. A soft summery track which is sure to please both the Deep House and Disco crowds.

Night Drive - Where I End And You Begin (Radiohead Cover)

Night Drive recently covered Radiohead and the results were as expected. Night Drive's cover features quality vocals and an incredible dark synth/80's inspired undertone. It manages to do all this, without compromising on the quality of the original. It keeps the same feeling that attracted millions, when it initially came out.  All I can say is that you can't afford to miss this one. You've never heard Radiohead like this. 

Gulf- Prime

What sounds like something straight off Tame Impala's Inner Speaker, is actually the Liverpool based Gulf with his latest single Prime. A song that perfectly manages to encompass the 60's feel, Prime is an absolute delight, and a definite must hear for any psychedelic rock fan.

Close 2 U ft. Joy- Young Franco

A track that beautifully infuses elements from Nu-Disco, Electro and House music. Produced by a 19 year old DJ in Brisbane, Australia. The song's funky bass-line and stellar vocals create a dangerous combination that would please the ears of even the pickiest listeners. The track is available for free download on Soundcloud, now!

Follow the artist HERE! 

Pompeya- Night

Slowed down vocals and an entrancing backing track make Night by Pompeya a song that all you indie fans out there will surely appreciate. Featured on their latest EP,  "Night" the mix will keep you listening, with its kicking drums and uplifting guitar riffs. The EP is set to be released on June 17th, 2014 and will be available for download through No Shame recordings.

Follow the band HERE!

alt J- Left Hand Free- Exclusive Premiere!

Another pristine production from an artist who has made his way to the top of the indie charts more than once. "Left Hand Free" is the latest track by alt-J an English Indie-rock band that formed in Leeds, England in 2007. The song encompasses many elements of rock, indie and even at times post-punk influences. The song was released by Infectious Music and is available for pre-order on Itunes and Double Vinyl now!

Follow the band HERE!

Soft Science- Cousin Matt

A flat out gem, Soft Science by Cousin Matt is a bluesy acoustic masterpiece that cannot be overlooked. It's superb vocals and beat make it a catchy tune for anyone, whether your cup of tea is indie, rock or even synth wave.  The band is composed of two artists who live in different cities (Brooklyn, NY and Atlanta, GA), however, the beat and the vocals co-exist together in perfect harmony. 

Check out the band HERE! 

YesYou - Frivolous Life featuring Marcus Azon

A track that features splendid vocals, great lyrics, and a catchy indie backing track. YesYou have infused many elements of rock, indie, folk and electronic music to create a masterpiece in itself.  The duo released their debut track, "Hold on" in 2011. Since their debut, the band has had success amongst the indie crowd, with many tracks including, "So much to give" and "Even when."

FOLLOW THE BAND HERE!

Sound Palace- Hold on

Sound Palace, an underground band from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida made their debut earlier this year with the track, "Hold on." The track features a great synth-line, as well as mesmerizing vocals, a kicking 80's drum set and chimes. With elements of other artists including, M83, and Cape Lion, the mix is a great example of synth-pop at it's best. 

Kristine -The Deepest Blue- Miami Nights RMX

Kristine's latest realease "The Deepest Blue" has definitely been a hit amongst the synthwave community. She's already been remixed by Bestrack, Dance With the Dead, and Miami Nights 1984. Of all these remixes, however, props have to be given to Miami Nights. Their edit transcends the beauty of the original track, in a very spiritual and tranquil fashion. Words can't do this remix enough justice, check it out below!