ATG Album Spotlight: The Sound of Rhythm & Culture

Title: The Sound Of Rhythm & Culture

Genre: Down Tempo

Label: Rhythm & Culture Music / ESL Music / Fontana

Release Date: Sept. 7th, 2010

DC based Rhythm & Culture Music recently released The Sounds of Rhythm Culture a 14 track compilation inspired by our culturally rich and musically diverse Nations capital. If you have ever visited Washington, DC you know exactly what I mean. The sights, sounds, food, people all represent what is unique and cool about the world we live in. Imagine the sounds of the islands infused with the middle east yea it's that cool!

The tracks have an air of sophistication while keeping it funky and would translate well in a club or mixer at your home. What I enjoy most is it takes you on a journey around the world without a passport, luggage or sunscreen.

According to the label, their goal was to harness sounds from around the world and challenge conceptions of what is considered dance music. Mission accomplished but I wouldn't expect anything less from the label's creator Farid Nouriad, Co founder Eighteenth Street Lounge and resident DJ and legendary DJ Thomas Blondet. Other artists on the mix include Second Sky, Nickodemous and Zeb all known for their distinct mix of sounds that run the musical and cultural landscape.

To listen, check out their website or iTunes and let me know your thoughts you won't be disappointed! There's also talk about a remix album so stay tuned. Check out one of my favorite tracks from the album, Havana 2am by Thomas Blondet.

The LDub Experience Episode 16: Voyager Golden Part 1&2

New mix from the LDub Experience: Voyager Golden Part 1 & 2! Long over due but sure to make you move. Tracks by Sirus, Nuspirit Helsinki, George Loops, Ron Trent, Miguel Migs and more. I created two mixes for a special reason click the title link to find out why!

ATG Artist Spotlight: Brother Aten

Check out my recent interview with the very talented and introspective writer/producer Brother Aten. His DnB track, Exploring Saturn without Wings was featured on The LDub Experience Episode 9: I Gotchu and I couldn't wait to learn more about him.

Brother Aten's music is thought provoking with an organic sensibility. He has a gift for creating music that draws you in and keeps you. A true star on the rise, Brother Aten holds down this month's ATG artist spotlight.

Name: Chris Mcwayne aka Brother Aten
Email: brotheraten@gmail.com
Current City/hometown: From the East Coast currently living in Greensboro, NC
Philosophy towards life: At the end of your life will you have satisfied the dreams of the person that lived it or will you accept the defeat of the one who sees its end.

ATG: Who is Brother Aten? BA: I am a electronic music producer that focuses mostly within the range of Drum and Bass, Brokenbeats, and Dubstep.  The name Brother Aten refers to the sun personified as a Brother to myself.  The origin of this concept comes from a graphic novel I began writing a year ago (2009).

ATG: What people, places and or things inspired you to pursue music as a career?
BA: When it comes to the world I try to see myself as an alchemist taking in the things I receive from outside and transforming them into something new.  Music is one of the avenues I release my tribute to what has inspired me.  I pursue music only because I want my sound and thoughts heard so that maybe they can inspire someone else.

ATG: Describe the Brother Aten sound?

BA: My sound is very dreamy and dark.  Hard stepping drums slice through haunting elements to create a symbol of how I feel inside.

ATG: Upcoming projects?

BA: I will be releasing a full length album in the near feature not sure when but soon. I am also teaming up with another great producer by the name of STLLR on some amazing projects.

ATG: 3 things you can't live without?

BA: At this stage in life I must sadly admit that they I can't live without chicken fried rice, a computer and my portable hard drive.

ATG: Favorite place on earth?

BA: Belize...almost 10 years strong it is still my image of perfection.

ATG: If readers want to learn more about you and hear your music where should they go?

BA: I am on soundcloud. www.soundcloud.com/brotheraten

The Roots new album, How I Got Over in stores 6/22

Check out the official video for The Roots' "Dear God 2.0" from their forthcoming How I Got Over album out in stores Tuesday, June 22nd. 

Over at the Roots hub okayplayer.com fans are hyped about the new release one stating, "Unparalleled in their ability to translate complex message through their work, The Roots have chosen a director who has very subtly done the same.  Can't wait until tomorrow."

I've been looking forward to this album as well be on the look out for the review coming soon!

ATG Track of the week: Bright Lights

It's been a while since I've had an All Things Golden track of the week. Mainly because I haven't come a across a song that really made me say woow (if you know of some please share) a song I wanted to play 100 times in a row that put a smile on my face and had me dancing all over my living room. That all changed when I heard Bright Lights by DJ Die & Interface featuring William Cartwright.


Released in May of this year on Clear Skyz records, Bright Lights is a melodic, smooth and sophisticated track but has the energy and edge known to drum and bass. William Cartwright’s vocals are crisp and inviting taking this track from damn to dayum!

Two versions were released: Rockers mix & Rollers mix. Rockers is electric true DnB, Rollers is chilled with full lyrics. I'm feeling both of them and that's why Bright Lights is the ATG track of the week. Check out each version below and let me know which one you like.

Rockers Mix


Rollers Mix

The LDub Experience Episode 15: State of Flux

Noun 1. state of flux - a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) preceding the establishment of a new direction or action. Hello World! We've all been in a state of flux, this mix represents the space in between. The space between uncertainty and possibilty, despair and rebirth, not knowing the outcome but knowing it's gonna be ok. Click here vibe out and let me know what you think.

DJ Johnnie Davis keeps it real Part 2

Check out part two of my interview with Jersey's own DJ Johnnie Davis. Davis talks memorable gigs, his contribution to the house music scene in Charlotte and what TV show he cannot stop watching!

New Mix: The LDub Experience Episode 14 Rejoice

Hello World! Hot off the press this mix is strictly for the dance floor so get ready to groove. No wall flowers here! It's time to celebrate our blessings and rejoice. Click here and let the experience begin!

Mix listing:
1. Praful-Says Kabir (Kareem Raihani remix)
2. Osunlade- Tarzan (Yoruba Soul mix)
3. Robbie Rivera-Feel This
4. Late Night Alumni- Finally Found (Max Vangeli remix)
5. Kaskade & Deadmau5- I remember (Caspa remix)
6. Domu- Taking flight
7. Atjazz- Strike
Enjoy!

DJ Johnnie Davis keeps it real

Charlotte House Music Examiner (CHME) Interview with DJ Johnnie Davis Part 1

Check out my recent interview with one of Charlotte's most talented house DJ's Johnnie Davis. Davis had a lot to say about the Charlotte house music scene, his role in it, and hopes for the future of house music in the U.S. This is a two part article part 2 coming soon! Click the article's title or here to read more.

Bill Maher's new rule on House music

Over the past few years house music has unjustly received a bad rap. We could create a laundry list of stereo types, assumptions, and negative comments most of which comes from people who've never given the music a chance or believe what others have told them. The newest example of such unfounded criticism aired April 30th when HBO's Bill Maher gave his "new rule" on house music.

Now, I like Bill Maher his show is funny at times and presents an interesting view of current events. I just wish he'd reconsider his stance on house music and learn to groove with the rest of us. I also think he's been listening to techno and confusing the two (in that case I don't blame him) lol.

Check out the video and share your thoughts.