Hidden Gem: Xylo (Bingo Players Remix) – Patric La Funk
German born Patric La Funk released the techy progressive house track Xylo back in 2009. The original is a more clubby, chilled-out track than this particular remix by the Bingo Players. While they still use the xylophone in full effect throughout the buildup and breakdown, the drop on this one comes out of nowhere to make this a standout production in the Bingo Players catalogue.
Hidden Gem: People Boots (Original Mix) – GTA
Miami based duo, GTA, consists of producers Van Toth & JWLS. Two guys who ended up meeting each other through social media sites, Soundcloud and Facebook. Largely influenced by hip hop and techy-house sounds, they have come out with a number of songs that have been supported by the likes of Afrojack, Diplo, Laidback Luke, and Steve Angello.
You’ve probably heard their collaboration with Henrix & Digital Lab called Hit It. If you haven’t, listen to it now.
GTA’s latest release on Chris Lake’s Rising Music label, People Boots, is a bass heavy banger meant for the late night/early morning crowd. Prepare your subwoofers for this one.
Buy on Beatport
Hidden Gem: Jeopardy (Original Mix) – Sultan & Ned Shepard
We first heard Jeopardy in Deep Dish’s (Sharam & Dubfire) set at WMC’s 2008 Essential Mix. It’s a Prydz-like emotionally driven progressive masterpiece put together by Canadian duo, Sultan & Ned Shepard. About half way through the melodic piano breakdown kicks in and the cool, soulful voice of Kuba Oms takes this tune to another level. It is the definition of after party music and deserves a lot more plays.
Hidden Gem: Crunch (Original Mix) – MAKJ
Mackenzie Johnson, better known as MAKJ, has been in the game since age 15. With huge support from the likes of Hardwell, Tiesto, and Robbie Rivera, this now 22 year old is generating some buzz on the scene. He started off dabbling in edits, bootlegs, and remixes, but has since moved on to original productions. His most recent release being a remix to Nari & Milani’s Unbelievable with the help of house music legend, Robbie Rivera.
The week’s Hidden Gem is his original production that goes by the name of Crunch. It’s a tech-house tune with an underground vibe, full of deep bass and percussion. Wait for the drop and be ready to move.
facebook.com/MAKJOfficial
twitter.com/DJMAKJ
soundcloud.com/djmakj
Hidden Gem: The Nothing (Original Mix) – Hatiras, Nom De Strip
Celebrating their 50th release, Hatrax Records gives us The Nothing by rising stars Hatiras and Nom De Strip. It’s a tech-electro speaker melter with an awesome build up and an even better drop; the crowd won’t know what hit them. Fedde Le Grand has been playing it in his sets recently but other than him, you’re most likely only going to hear the underground DJs spin this one.
The crazy Scotsman, Nom De Strip, has been putting out some big tunes recently and we think he’s one to keep an eye/ear on. Be sure to check out his Deadmau5 supported remix to Steve Angello’s Rave N’ Roll, we love it.
Hidden Gem: Madagascar (Richard Durand Remix) – Art of Trance
It was during Mark Oliver’s closing set at the Guvernment where we first heard this one. 5 am: As the beat from the previous song faded in the background the high pitched ping-pong ball like noise began to echo through the building, confusing the minds of the sweaty, unsuspecting crowd. Richard Durand’s remix of Madagascar is full of surprises and is definitely no ordinary trance tune. It belongs in a genre we’d call tech-trance and is unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.
We’re crowning it the absolute king of afterhours songs.