Through innovative visuals and meaningful lyrics, The Brocks, stand out in a sea of dream chasers in the electronic music realm. First, a couple of adverts, then a collaboration with superstar DJ Kaskade would lead them to quite the breakout year. This summer is when we came to know about the Utah natives with their stunning video for ‘Going Nowhere.’ The band is closing out the year with a brand new single, ‘HLYWD’, and a clear path to a bright 2017. We got a chance to catch up with The Brocks just to find out what makes them tick, and what they have in store for their faithful listeners in the future.

You might need to make an early mark on your Bands To Watch list…

EQ: First of all, the readers of EQ Music Blog have just gotten to know you with your single “Going Nowhere” this summer. Can you tell us a little bit about how you guys came together?

The Brocks: Dane and Grant grew up writing and playing music together in Oregon, and that continues to be the foundation of The Brocks’ sound. After moving to Utah for college, they wanted to add people to form a band. After going through a lot of different members, two of them stuck (Christian and Morgan). The band started recording an album at the studio where Ryan works and he eventually joined the group.

EQ: Provo, Utah. it seems like to the untrained eye that would be a very unlikely hot bed for any form of popular music, yet has produced many popular acts such as Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons and even rockers The Used. How do you feel the Utah music scene influenced the music you produce today?

The Brocks: It’s always surprising to find so much talent in a relatively small town. But something about keeping it small keeps Provo a great place to start a band. There is a thriving music scene, a great music venue, and experienced producers/studio engineers that all work together to get bands ready for what’s out there.

EQ: Many people have given the advice that one should never work with family, though Dane and Grant being brothers breaks that rule. What has been the dynamic having siblings around? Is there any rivalry backstage?

The Brocks: Hahaha no on-stage fights so far. There really isn’t much friction between the Brock brothers.

EQ: Comparing your two most recent singles “Going Nowhere” and “HLYWD” there is a bit of a versatility that you guys have. You make us dance with one single, you make us think with another. Where do you find your core inspiration in writing? Is there a subject that really stands out to you that is core to the Brocks sound?

The Brocks: The lyrics of ‘Going Nowhere’ are a lot deeper and darker than the sound would lead you to believe, which we really like.  The production of ‘HLYWD’ definitely fits the nostalgic feel of the lyrics, though. Our origins are kind of in the folk and post-rock realms, which might sound weird because we are so electronic, but we want to bring the lyricism and nostalgia from those genres to ours.

EQ: Enough of the background stuff now, let’s get to the fun stuff! We can’t help but notice that you guys have been hammering out some great songs with superstar DJ Kaskade. How in the world did that come together? What kind of things have you learned from him that you can take with you in your future?

The Brocks: He was working on the score for “Under the Electric Sky” when he heard a demo of our track ‘Summer Nights’. He asked us if we’d want to collaborate on it and of course we said yes. After finishing that track we showed him a few more demos and he agreed to come onboard to co-produce the album. He’s helped us take the time to make sure we are getting it exactly right instead of rushing to push a song out just because we are stoked about it. You always want to put your best foot forward

EQ: Speaking of production, one can assume that you guys might be working on an album. What can you tell us about that? Where do you feel like it’s going sonically? Can we expect it anytime soon?

The Brocks: It sounds a lot like what we have released so far but has songs that dive deeper into both the indie-rock world and the electronic world. We’re really excited to show everyone what we’ve been working on.

EQ: In the latest single “HLYWD” you take us on a journey on how Hollywood fills our heads with the desires of the unattainable. How do you feel we can break that sad truth? What advice would you give our readers on how to accept their own uniqueness and not be swayed by Hollywood ideals?

The Brocks: Probably just create more and consume less. It really doesn’t matter what it is, getting out and making something yourself instead of sitting and consuming what other people make is really important.

EQ: The video for “Going Nowhere” is one of the most visually stunning pieces we’ve seen out of an indie band or artist in a while.  What can you tell us about how that concept came together? Can we expect any more videos out of the band soon?

The Brocks: Thanks! We worked with our good friend Nick Rush on the concept and he really took it and ran with it. We wanted something that was cool visually but also added another layer of meaning to the song.  He is a fantastic director and we are working with him again on the video for ‘HLYWD’.

EQ: with these two latest singles, it seems like The Brocks put on one heck of a show. Can we expect any touring plans in the future? If so, when and where?

The Brocks: We’re planning on touring a lot more this coming Summer. Right now we’re really trying to get our songs out there in preparation for that. We’ve actually already put a lot of hard work into our live show and we’re excited to get back out there.

EQ: A lot of your music has an underlying message that many can connect with. What do you feel is the ultimate meaning, feeling, or thought you want the listeners to get out of The Brocks music and why?

The Brocks: I don’t know if there is some sprawling underlying message for all of our music. Hopefully listening to it provides people with some kind of release that they can’t find anywhere else. It definitely does that for us.

The post EQ Music Interview: The Brocks appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Ladies and gents, I hate to be the one to say it…The holiday season is finally here. Now, don’t look at me with that long face! I haven’t even started my shopping either so, I get it. There are so many great things that come with the season, the time with family, the love shared with friends, the delicious food, and the presents. Speaking of gifts, our favourite Russian superstar Sergey Lazarev has given us a treat for the eyes to get this season started off right with his latest video ‘Perfect World.’

It’s been quite an exciting year for the Lazerboy’s musical endeavors. The video for ‘Perfect World’ is no exception to the 2016 trend. Since the release of the video for ‘In My Lonely Life’, Sergey has been expressing more of a playful side in his visual art. In his perfect world, Sergey becomes a Dr. Frankenstein of sorts by creating his perfect woman. From the bones to the skin the woman of his imagination begins to form right in front of our eyes. Her insides are that of the average red-blooded woman, too.  Though, just because she is his creation doesn’t mean he can be inappropriate with her…

It isn’t until the end you realize that Sergey not only is a bit of a mad scientist. He is acting as a 21^st-century god by creating Eve.  We can tell Adam is quite pleased with Sergey’s work. The use of technology as means of creation is just a new twist on a classic story.

We can certainly assume with this single not being on his latest album, The Best, we can bet that there is much more from Sergey coming in the new year.

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The post Watch “Perfect World” by Sergey Lazarev appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

I’ve said it a million times before, covers are a tricky craft. You don’t really want to cover a song verbatim because there’s no sense of unique artistry. Yet, you don’t want to toss away the intent and theming behind the original. I’ll be the first to admit, there are some songs that I could declare untouchable, but today I’m eating crow on a true classic. Phil Collins’ ‘Sussudio’ is a track that has stood the test of time. To be redone is almost unthinkable. Until Canada’s Paper Lions got their hands on it…

When you take hold of a proper 80’s song, don’t remove the elements that made it what we remember. Enhance it. For Paper Lions, they took care of a classic Phil Collins track and made it even more 80s. How is that possible you may ask? Add more electronic elements. The synthesized melody is a lot more playful than the original. It’s very subtle but it adds a dash of something special that wasn’t there before. The horns and guitar are just as you remembered them before because that was a core driver of the original melody. The outro is the real unique spot that shows how Paper Lions made it their own. No vocals, just pure musicianship. During the song, you become engulfed by the classic horns, the synths, the guitar and the famous Collins drums. You’re transported back to 1985 when the album No Jacket Required dropped.  Then, each element starts to fade out. First goes the vocals, the horns, the drums, then finally the guitar exits on a hollow echo that leaves you wanting more.

I’ve been very critical of covers before, because of the lack of personality some artists tend to throw in the mix. With this single in particular, I noticed something I hadn’t before. The need for the younger generation to know of the songs that came before it. The songwriters like Phil Collins aren’t “mainstream” like they used to be. It’s going to take young talented musicians like Paper Lions to educate the young generation on what it was like when top 40 actually wrote their music. (You know exactly what I mean)

If you dig it as much as we do. You can download ‘Sussudio’ for free on Soundcloud!

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The post Listen to “Sussudio” by Paper Lions appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

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How in the world has November come so quickly? Last time I checked, we were enjoying the summer heat, now we’re all bundling up in our winter wear. We shouldn’t let the chilly weather get us down because when it comes to great music, take off those scarves and jackets because we have a brand new This Beat Is Poptronik playlist to warm you right up.

This month’s playlist features:

Ghost by Sleeping Wolf
WTF (Pop Culture) by Lovestarrs
Meteorite by Years & Years
You Won’t Know Where You Stand by Aquilo
Control by Operators
We Don’t Wanna Dance by Jane
The Great Escape by Noréll
I Wanna Shake You Out Of It by Young Kato
I Ain’t Missing You by Aston Merrygold ft. LDN NOISE
13^th Floor by Bravestation
Kaleidoscope by Fenech-Soler
That’s So Us by Allie X
Body Moves by DNCE
Are You Ready by Prides
One Bad Night by Hayley Kiyoko
Last Day Of Summer by Mickolai
Beast by Tungevaag & Raaban ft. Isac Elliot
Perfect Illusion by Lady Gaga
Never Ever by Röyksopp ft. Susanne Sundfør
Perth by Avec Sans
My Love Is Gone by SAFIA
Brightside by Icona Pop
Miss You by James Hersey
City Boy by Nic Billington
Sunsets by Nick Pes
Shotgun by Rebecca & Fiona

It’s hard to believe that we only have one more This Beat Is Poptronik Playlist for 2016! So follow EQ Music on Spotify and stay tuned to see who may just make that list, right here on EQ Music Blog.

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The post “This Beat Is Poptronik – November 16” Now streaming on Spotify appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

When you look at a piece of physical art by some of the greatest who ever laid paint to canvas. It’s safe to say, that they could have done nothing else to make it better. I mean, imagine Venus de Milo with arms! It just wouldn’t be that perfection we have seen for hundreds of years. Though, when it comes to music, it’s a bit of a moldable form.  When one takes a song and remixes what one may think as perfect, it takes on a brand new life as a new piece of art. A couple months ago, we took a look at the latest from Rilan ft. Naz Tokio entitled ‘Blindfolds.’ Now, we add a brand new element of Kennedy Jones to have a fresh take on an already amazing track.

Kennedy Jones really takes ‘Blindfolds’ on a rollercoaster ride. There is a lot of play with the tempo that will have your pulse pick up to running full marathon pace in the first verse, then the track takes a sudden turn into a chill dance vibe.  Then, it picks right up again. You never know when the rollercoaster that Kennedy set up will drop you. You’re on the edge of your toes listening to this one (because you won’t be sitting when this one hits your ears). The highlight of this version is that the original meaning of the track is not lost in the mix, which some remixes can do with over chopping a verse. This remix is all the electronic pop vibe (synths and all) we have come to know and love out of the song, just with a soft touch around the edges.

If you enjoyed the original version, you’re going to love the Kennedy Jones Remix!

Blindfolds by Rilan featuring Naz Tokio the Remixes EP is out 4/11 featuring remixes by Strange Talk, French Horn Rebellion, Jeremiah Red, and JINCO

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Born in the states and living it up in London. Up and comer synth-pop songstress Ariana and The Rose is making waves on both sides of the Atlantic. She’s got tons of new music and surprises coming this November. So we took a moment to catch up with Ariana to get the real story behind Ariana and The Rose.

EQ: Tell us a little bit about your writing process.

Ariana: I write songs in so many different ways now. I really enjoy co-writing, often I’ll do a session with another songwriter or a producer I’m working with and we create the sounds and melodies at the same time. I’m really inspired by sounds and how your mood can be influenced by them. That’s where I start most often. In some cases, the band will come in and lay down parts over tracks that have already been started, like a drum beat or bass line and then I’ll flush out the melody and lyrics with the groove in place.

I have ongoing notes in my phone and pages of notebooks filled with lyrics that read more like poems and paragraphs than song lyrics. I go back through all of that once I have a melody and mood and see what fits and then build the idea out from there.

And then there’s just sitting down at a piano and writing the chords and melody at the same time, that always feels the best, to just sit down with nothing and an hour or so later have created a snapshot of a feeling.

EQ: You’re originally from New York but now living in London. Do you think your sound evolves differently from both places? Or does it inspire you in different ways?

Ariana: Yes, a hundred percent. My taste and writing style have definitely changed since moving and spending more time writing in London. I’ll always be a chatty New Yorker, so that’s present in all of my writing but just going out and seeing other bands and musicians changes how you write for yourself. I’ll see a band live and be really inspired by their live setup and how they’re making their music and think “wow, I’ve got to incorporate that aspect into what I’m doing the next time I write.” I travel a lot, so I’d say on the whole I’m just really inspired by cities and the people you meet, it’s a constantly changing perspective on the world, which in turn changes how you write and what you want to write about.

EQ: Which city do you prefer?

Ariana: I basically live on a plane, so right now I’m spending most of my time on Virgin Atlantic!

Seriously, both places are amazing in different ways. I think at the end of the day New York is home but London has definitely been where I’ve found myself as an artist.  I’ve found a kind of rhythm living between both places.

EQ: Tell us about Light and Space.

Ariana: Light and Space is an immersive event that combines theater, a live music gig and a party. It’s an idea that I’ve had brewing for a couple years now and we finally did our first event this past May! We created a flow for everyone attending, throughout the night they are asked to engage more and more either with actors or secret rooms we’ve set up for people to explore and stumble upon and then finally within a disco we’ve created for the live music. The ethos of the party pulls from the freedom of the late 70s disco scene and the Ariana and the Rose aesthetic of futurism and cosmos. The whole space was covered in 360 projections and we had a station set up so people could get covered in glittered in they wanted too. The event is about giving people a space to feel a bit of magic – transformative????

EQ: Who would be your dream collaboration?

Ariana: I have so many! I’d love to collaborate with Dev Hynes/Blood Orange. He’s such an amazing artist and producer. Everything he does has so much soul but feels really fresh and forward thinking with the way he uses electronic instruments. I would love go into the studio with him.

EQ: From that, what is your biggest influence?

Ariana: I’m influenced by so many different mediums rather than one specific thing but overall I always come back to theater and art.  I love people watching and I pull stories from things, people and friends I observe. I just love stories and storytelling and that manifests in so many different ways. I’m really inspired by live theater, whether it’s a straight ahead West End or Broadway show, an immersive piece or something that veers more into performance art. I always feel the most inspired after seeing a show. There’s just an immediate energy with seeing live performers, which feels very similar to a concert.

Musically, I’m drawn to artists that have a similar ethos to that, people like Kate Bush and David Bowie. I love artists that are all around performers. It all stems from making good music but there’s something really exciting about the platform that comes with having a microphone and getting to create a larger statement with the visuals that go along with it.

EQ: What do you have planned for the future? More music? Touring?

Ariana: Always more music. I’m releasing a new single this fall and an EP at the beginning of next year. We’ll be doing another Light + Space event to go along with the EP and playing some shows in London and New York. I’m very excited to continue sharing what we’ve been doing with everyone.

Ariana and The Rose’s new single ‘Supercool’ comes out 4 November.

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The post EQ Music Interview: Ariana and The Rose appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

A couple weeks ago, we got a glimpse of Act As If with the remix of ‘All The Girls’ . Since then, these guys are picking up quite the attention across the web. With a genre crossing sound and purely a purely unique concept ep in ‘Lovers Online’ leading the charge, we caught up with Act As If’s lead vocalist Peter Verdell to get a little more of the story behind the band and their latest EP.

EQ: Since you guys are new to our EQ readers; we have to start out with the basics. Can you tell us a little about how Act As If came about? What really inspired the sound you produce?

PETER: Our band started about 6 years ago; I had been playing drums in local bands but always had an interest in writing & singing so I decided to self-record a bunch of songs. They turned out a lot better than I expected, so I made them into an album called Act As If “There’s A Light.” That became the jumping off point for me. Our sound (and talent) has evolved a lot since then. I think our new EP took a lot of cues from The Cure and maybe some Vampire Weekend.

EQ: It’s been about a year and a half since your last full release of the Steady Album. How do you feel your new sound has either matured or evolved since that album? What kind of surprises can we expect this go ‘round?

PETER: I think the biggest surprise–and a big stretch for me–is there aren’t any slow songs. That’s my default setting, but there aren’t any downers on this EP. In a way, that feels like maturity. I think our confidence has increased, and definitely mine has, to the point where we didn’t spend 100 hours in the studio getting everything perfect and autotuned or whatever, to feel like the songs were well represented. We probably spent 30 hours total in the studio. And this is our favorite stuff yet.

EQ: For Lovers Online, you take a bit of an unorthodox approach in theme. It is open that you took a look at Peter’s online dating experiences as the driving theme. What in the world inspired using that experience in particular? How do you feel about the final product of the EP theme wise?

PETER: All my friends are married or in relationships, so I’ve been a bit of a lone wolf in the dating game…and it can become kind of all-consuming…in good ways and bad ways. Writing about it came really naturally, and I love that the EP has a theme to it.

EQ: Continuing on the writing process, how did the rest of the guys in the band feel when you came up with such personal songs? How do you think this will affect your song writing in the future?

PETER: When I first sent them demos they were a bit surprised at the direction–both lyrically and sonically–but it wasn’t in a bad way. I think they were like, “Ok…this is a bit of a new direction…but hell yeah.”

EQ: We have to talk about this remix of ‘All The Girls’ done by AJ of the band Saint Motel. How in the world did this collaboration come about? How do you feel when someone else takes a hold of your song and flips it like AJ has done?

PETER: I love this remix so much; it’s so different than anything I would’ve ever come up with. I met AJ a few years ago at “It’s a School Night” in LA, and we live 6 blocks away from each other downtown so we became quick friends. We’ve sent some demos back and forth over the years, but this is the first time we’ve collaborated on anything. I’m so impressed by the Saint Motel stuff, and he definitely killed it with this remix.

EQ: For the final track on the EP ‘I Will Keep You’ seems to be the “sweetest” track of them all. What story was the driving story behind this song? Does this mean there is a happy ending to Lovers Online?

PETER: I think it’s the sweetest of the 5 songs as well. There’s no real life “I lived happily ever” kind of thing, but I did write that about a girl that I was really into, and I still love the song even though it didn’t work out. I love the lyric “time is always taking something”…so what the hell are we waiting for? Sort of a song about courage.

EQ: We know you’re no stranger to the music video game. Can we expect any videos upcoming off this EP? Any little secret you can let us in on?

PETER: I’ve been chatting with a couple directors about a couple different songs, and I’m hoping to do videos for “All the Girls” and “Not Falling.” It’s always a challenge but also so much fun; I’m hoping we can make it happen soon.

EQ: Since a little bit of the sound has transformed into something as you say is “more commercially viable.” How do you feel this evolution may affect your live shows? Speaking of live shows could we expect any touring to come out in conjunction with the release of Lovers Online? If so, when?

PETER: Maybe an obvious element that we’ve added back in, at least for the time being, is some light backing tracks. We used to play with them a few years ago, but then we decided it was super lame that everybody was doing it; now we’re playing around with them again. It’s nice to be able to replicate some of the synth sounds without adding another person into the mix of things. I really, really want to tour, but nothing is lined up at this point.

EQ: Peter, you’ve said that this EP is the first time you’ve shed the pressure of “we need to have a hit and make it huge.” What do you think really caused that clearing moment for you? What advice would you give your readers in order to eliminate that possible heavy pressure in their lives?

PETER: I’ve seen so many friends get signed and then dropped without netting any money. I’ve seen a few friends who have gotten signed and had a high enough level of success where they are still making their sole living from music. Whatever ends up being Act As If’s story…I’ve realized that I need to make music first and foremost for myself. It’s the only way I can stay sane. It’s not like I’m cured of caring what people think; I still want people (lots of people, actually) to like and relate-to and buy our music. But I’ve realized that I need to take care of my art, and not put the pressure on my art to take care of me. (I’d recommend any interested musician to read “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert)

EQ: so online dating? Is it worth it or is it just a great source of inspiration for the songwriters of the world? What is the greatest lesson you want us to get out of your experience?

PETER: If nothing else, it will jump-start some adventure and risk-taking into your life. But I do think it becomes a vicious cycle; it’s easy to forget about a good date you had when 10 new messages or matches come in the next day. I think a lot of people get stuck perpetually online dating. “Lovers Online” focuses on the fun and adventure of it…maybe the next EP will be a different story.

“Lovers Online” is currently available on iTunes worldwide.

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The post EQ Music Interview: Act As If appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

When you think of a blemish, you think of a scuffed piece of furniture? What about a pimple on your perfect complexion? Overall, the vision of blemishes isn’t all that great. What if I told you, there are good blemishes out in the world? Better yet, a GREAT sounding blemish! Out of LA comes The Blemish; a sonic collision between singer-songwriter-producers Bo Haan and Emin Karimi, bound to bring life to your ear drums with their latest single ‘Gorgeous.’

Classic, smooth electronica has not been done like this in a long time.  We all know what it’s like when all you can hear is the beat and no actual lyrics in the song. You don’t have to worry about that. The boys of The Blemish have relied on a very gentle, yet, upbeat synth melody to drive the track in lieu of a heavy bass beat.  Without the aggressiveness, you get to hear the whole vocal power of Bo Haan… not many guys who can produce their own music have a pleasant voice. (we’re not naming names.)  But, Bo’s voice is GORGEOUS! It feels like a 1990’s throwback. There was care taken to hear every element of the song. From the melody to the lyrics, you’re instantly thrown into a lively mood where there is nothing in the world that can stop you from tearing up the dance floor.

See, we told you there is a good blemish that exists.

On 14 October, The Blemish will be releasing their debut album. If they keep producing ‘Gorgeous’ tunes like this, you know this won’t be the last time you hear about it!

The post Listen to “Gorgeous” by The Blemish appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

There are few things that make us here at EQ jump with more joy than a brand new, shiny pop track. Don’t get it twisted, when it comes to pop we are all about it. Then, there is our Russian dream boy Sergey Lazarev. The pop gods tend to shine a bright light upon us when he releases a new song. Guess what? The world has turned shined that beautiful light upon us once again… Sergey has released a new song!  Take a listen to ‘идеальны мир’ (Perfect World).

I know, I know. It’s another one we need to file in the “I wish this song was in English” category. Yet, with the help of our friends over at The Official Sergey Lazarev American Fan Club we were able to obtain an English translation. (Check it out below)

As we have said a million times before, Sergey is just a pop maestro. With, ‘Perfect World’ there are many great pop elements that come into play. The intro is an instant reminder of a classic rock track like ‘Winds of Change’ by Scorpions. By using that gentle guitar pluck there is an elevation of the meaning of the song: The world may be imperfect but we have the power to change it.  Then, we’re introduced to an electronic element. That sound then takes it to a place where it isn’t as dark and allows a freeing dance vibe to take over.  Instantly the song becomes classic Sergey.

With the translation of ‘Perfect World’ in front of us, this may be one of the most thought -provoking lyrical contents that we have seen Sergey sing in a while. It’s quite refreshing that we don’t have to wait until something tragic happens for an artist to send a message that we all can learn from. We look forward to a possible English version of the track. When we all can understand a song that has the power to lift us up.

Lyrics:

In the perfectly wrong world

Of strong women and sensitive men

The shadows of the best hopes got frozen/suspended

On the buttons/keys 911

Sometimes want so much to straighten the life

To be a rod for oneself and for us.

Not to be afraid, that the time is pointless

Not to be shy of cut off phrases.

Light in the eyes, there in the distance,

Zone of risk, we are clear/clean.

And we burn as sparks.

Refrain x2 :

My reality lights up like hundred of bonfires.

imperfect – perfect world.

I correct, as I can, God will excuse.

My perfect world.

We try to feel right

Rain of rocks from the fields we’ll collect.

Sadly we’re melting like wax without fire.

But we are desperately believing and waiting.

If only we were forgiven our joys.

Since we won’t forgive ourselves.

In the perfectly thought through world.

Of sensitive women and strong men.

Light in the eyes, there in the distance,

Zone of risk, we are clear/clean.

And we burn as sparks.

Refrain x4 :

My reality lights up like hundred of bonfires.

imperfect – perfect world.

I correct, as I can, God will excuse.

My perfect world.

The post We Wish This Song was in English: “Perfect World” by Sergey Lazarev appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Photo: Shabnam Ferdowski

Now, Act As If is no stranger to the classic pop sound with their latest EP Lovers Online. with a very guitar melody leading the way, it feels like they fit in a lineup with artists like Walk The Moon and Panic at The Disco. They can make you dance, but they’re just not quite hitting that full blown electronic fed pop that will really get the party started. With a few button pushes, AJ Jackson of Saint Motel has turned the single ‘All The Girls’ on its head.

‘All The Girls’ has its roots in lead singer, Peter Verdell’s adventures in online dating. In particular, you’re met with a strong selling point of online dating; someone for everyone. Yet, with the original version being lead with that full on alternative pop rock sound; the emotion remains somber and panic driven as dreams of finding the perfect mate and the fight to get them reigns over the track.  Now, with a couple of tweaks a proper remix can throw those emotions out the window.

There are times where I can be very critical of remixes. In some tracks that have been remixed, the DJ will barely touch the melody of the song. When it happens, it’s as you’re listening to the same original track. No new emotion or vibe. Then, when a remix is done well… that’s when you get something magical. Taking a classic dance sound (ala Moby), a pinch of synths, and a bit of vocal manipulation the song breathes a brand new emotion. An emotion that is ready for the party that may lie ahead. It’s almost like you absorb an excitement for the chase that is appearing on the computer screen.

From an intro to a concept ep, to a full blown dance extravaganza. Act As If’s ‘All The Girls’ (AJ of Saint Motel Remix) is the pinnacle of when a remix is done right.

The post Listen to “All The Girls” by Act As If appeared first on EQ Music Blog.