Countdown Day 6 - This Time Around

Hey guys, what's up? Today, I'm bringing you a track from the Sanctuary EP. You know, the one by KOAN Sound and Asa? In case you don't know, this EP features half stunning chill music and half more intense tunes. Hell, This Time Around was the intro song to Going Quantum's first ever Chill mix. If that still doesn't ring a bell, then listen to This Time Around here, and then go listen to the rest of the EP. It's well worth your time, I guarantee it.



KOAN Sound
Facebook! facebook.com/koansound
Twitter! twitter.com/koansound
Soundcloud! soundcloud.com/koan-sound
Website! koansound.com

Asa
Facebook! facebook.com/asamusicofficial
Twitter! twitter.com/asabristol
Soundcloud! soundcloud.com/asamusicofficial

TopEchelon(Me)
Twitter! twitter.com/topechelonedm

Countdown Day 5 - Blow ExXxplode

Happy Throwback Thursday! I've got an old(er) track from Arion. For all you Monsterkittens out there, you know Arion as a Launch Week artist, and the producer of Internet Rebellion, a song protesting SOPA. Well, today, I've got another release from him, Blow ExXxplode. I remember refusing to listen to this song because of how I interpreted the lyrics. How silly a decision! This electro tune is easily one of my favorites, and I wish more of you guys knew about it. Anyway, enjoy this track from Monstercat's second (ancient!) album, and stay tuned for more. :)


BANG!!!

Arion unfortunately does not seem to be producing (so far as I can tell). I wish he was. :/

Follow Me on Twitter! twitter.com/topechelonedm

Countdown Day 4: Let Me Out

Woop woooooop!

It's Hump Day! It's also December 4th, which means it's time to hear our fourth release of the month. Today's track comes from Mr Fijiwiji, with Let Me Out. You will notice that the genre is listed as EDM, which for Monstercat means that it's not one of their main genres. But that's great! We love diversity! This sounds like a song I could annoy fellow drivers with, while enjoying myself immensely. It is also one that blows me away whenever I listen to it with headphones. I find myself seeking wifi whenever I want to listen to this song. I think that's a good sign, don't you? So, without further ado, I present the track of the century (or at least of the previous week). Enjoy, and stay tuned for more!


Let Me In!

Mr Fijiwiji
Follow him! http://twitter.com/mrfijiwiji
Like him! http://facebook.com/mrfijiwiji
Listen to him! http://soundcloud.com/mrfijiwiji
Watch him! http://youtube.com/mrfijiwiji

TopEchelon (me)
Follow Me! https://twitter.com/TopEchelonEDM

Countdown Day 3: Secret Weapon EP

On this Tuesday, I have a special treat for you. Not only do I have a song, I have an entire EP! That's right, Fractal & Au5's Secret Weapon EP just dropped yesterday on Monstercat, and I'm glad it did. I don't know about you, but I have been waiting for this EP's release ever since I found out about it (like, three days ago...). These producers have four songs for you from all across the board, ranging  from Progressive House to Dubstep. Monstercat is making this a week to remember, as at least three, potentially all four, of the songs from the EP will be released in succession. What do you think about that? Every song is available on Soundcloud as well, if you don't want to wait for the awesome audio spectrum. So go check it out, and make this Tuesday more interesting!


My girlfriend says Hi.

Track List
1. (Drumstep) Blue
2. (House) Dreaming
3. (Dubstep) Secret Weapon
4. (Electro House) Smoke


Fractal
That Twitter Thing! http://twitter.com/officialfractal
Facebuck! http://facebook.com/fractalmusic

Au5
More Twitter! http://twitter.com/Au5music 
Faaaacebook! http://facebook.com/TheAu5

TopEchelon
Tweeeeter! https://twitter.com/TopEchelonEDM

[Short] edmSpotlight Compilation Vol. 3

If you guys follow EDM seriously, then you've undoubtedly heard of edmDistrict. You've also likely heard of the, wait for it, FREE music they share every so often through edmSpotlight. Well, after an agonizing wait, and a few teasers, Volume 3 has been released. That's right, 20 more songs that you can download and play to your heart's content. The theme for this volume, however, is trap (from Trap City), dubstep (from Underground Dubstep), and funk (from Funky Panda). All you need to do is head over to edmSpotlight's Facebook page (linked below), click the link in the nav bar, like a few pages (namely, the featured label's pages), and enter your email. I don't know why they need your email, seeing as they've never emailed me. Ever. But, oh well.

Go here:  https://www.facebook.com/edmSpotlight
Lazy? https://www.facebook.com/edmSpotlight/app_121509864600845

Christmas Countdown Day 2: Smokestack - Aylius

On the second day of Christmas, TopEchelon gave you...a free song from Aylius! His just-released tune, Smokestack, is available for free on the edmSpotlight Compilation Vol. 3, released yesterday. Upon first listen, I wasn't truly impressed until a third of the way through the song. But that changed when I listened to it again...and again...and again. The lyrics (oh the lyrics!) wonderfully acentuated the song, and made each listen much better. They have meaning, which I absolutely love. But enough of my raving on about the merits of this song, check it out for yourself! With it, you get 19 other tracks from dubstep, trap, and funk. Worth every second of download time, and then some.


Masterful!

Get the songs! www.facebook.com/edmSpotlight/app_121509864600845
Follow the producer! twitter.com/OfficialAylius 
Like the producer! facebook.com/Aylius
Buy some Aylius Merch! aylius.spreadshirt.com

Countdown to Christmas - Day 1

That's right, it's December, which means Christmas is right around the proverbial corner. How should we celebrate? By sharing some of my favorite EDM with you, of course! Each day of the week will contain a different song, from a different genre, and Saturdays will have a special treat in store! What will it be? You'll have to wait and see! To start off, I present to you White City, by Day One.

Get the joke?!?
I love how chill this song is, and find it to be one of the better songs out there. I wish I saw more of Day One, since they consistently deliver music of the highest quality.
So that's today's (short) post, stay tuned for more songs in the Countdown to Christmas!

Ravage Records, Incoming

Hey guys! Today, I bring you an exclusive interview with Gonzalo and Noah, the two masterminds behind the soon-to-be-launched Ravage Records! I would tell you all about Ravage, but I think they can explain it better than I can!

TopEchelon: So, to start off, what exactly is Ravage Records?

Noah: We are an all inclusive label. What this means is, we don't really fret over genres, as genres limit the listener. If it's good, we release it. Our artists are as diverse culturally as they are musically. We have artists from across the globe, from Russia, to Peru, to Canada and a lot more. Some specialize in DnB, whereas others are House, Dubstep, Glitch Hop, or even Hardstyle producers! Quality is our primary concern, as well as promotion and artist development.

TE: So it sounds like you've already got some artists lined up!

Noah: Oh yes! Music makes the label, not vice versa.

TE: That's very true! Sounds like a great start! So, currently, what are your primary goals?

Noah: Well currently, artist development. Your label can look as sick as it wants, but without good music, you aren't getting anywhere. Also, hype as we aren't officially launched.

TE: And is there a set time that Ravage will launch?

Noah: January 1^st.

Gonzalo: 2014.

TE: So it's right around the corner. Any special plans to celebrate the label's launch?

Noah: We have something in the works. :)

TE: Ah, I see, a surprise! Could we have any hints, or is it that secret?

Noah: You’ll see.

TE: Gotcha. So, what is going to set you apart from other labels already in existence?

Noah: Fan involvement. Most labels don't give back to their fans enough. We strive to be as fan-friendly and approachable as possible.

TE: I love that! And I know your fans will too. But, I must ask, how do you plan on accomplishing that?

Noah: I have a lot of spare time. If you have a question for us, I will personally answer it through DM or in a reply.

TE: Makes sense to me. Now, running a label is a lot of hard work, so what drives you to do this?

Noah: This industry has done so much for me. A year and a half ago, I felt pretty lost, I didn't really feel particularly passionate about anything. But then, Varien. Cloak & Dagger. The first Dubstep song I'd heard besides Bangarang came out. It blew me away, and I became obsessed with Music. So Mavent and I met in a plug.dj room about 8 months ago. Then, I had the idea for Redefine Records (our former name) and asked Mavent if he'd be a part of it. He said yes, and about a month later we changed the name to Ravage.

TE: Your passion for music was fueled much the same as mine, only a little before me. In particular, are there any artists or songs that you feel strongly about?

Noah: In general?

TE: Yep. It’d be nice to get to know the men behind the label. :)

Noah: I am a DnB junkie personally; Feint blows me away every time I hear his music. There's so much soul, and passion put into every song, and I think it's easy to see the amount of effort he puts into every song. Rezonate also. His music speaks to me on a level I don't entirely understand, and the Phoenix has brought me to tears. He supports us also. He's a really chill guy, which is rare among producers.

TE: I like to see that kind of label-producer relationship. It's something special. So, winding down, where do you see yourself and Ravage in the future? What are your hopes?

Noah: Well, our plan is to rule the world. In all seriousness, I think we have some SERIOUS talent on board, and we'll be dominating the Beatport Top 100 soon enough.

TE: Such enthusiasm and ambition! You'll need it to succeed, which I'm sure you will!

Noah: Thank you. :)

TE: Well, thank you for taking time out to talk with me, and put up with my questions! Is there anything you would like to add? Anything at all.

Noah: Not really man. I think we've said what we wanted to say.

TE: Then I wish you the best of luck with your launch! I'll be watching out for your releases!

Noah: :)

Gonzalo: :)

Listen! https://soundcloud.com/ravagerecords 

Like! https://www.facebook.com/RavageRecordsEDM 

Listen some more! http://www.youtube.com/user/ravagerecords

Follow! https://twitter.com/RavageRecords

Yell angrily! ravagerecords@gmail.com

Previous Post: Elemental Beauty

Elemental Beauty

First impressions make a huge difference in just about everything, especially with music. The first song you hear from an artist can make or break your view of them, and your first exposure to an entire genre can have much the same effect. To introduce me to EDM and, specifically, Monstercat, my friend had me listen to this song:


Wise choice, my friend.

When I first heard this song, I was entranced. I had to hear more! I know I wouldn't have been as eager, however, if I had listened to any Stephen Walking song. His music is very different from what I would have liked several months ago, and might have pushed me away from the entire genre.

Pizza Planet video refuses to show itself and stay there. Sorry :(

This is nothing against Walking, I just wouldn't have seen the merit of such a song. Times have changed for me. Now, Pizza Planet is in my current Top 10. It took me months to open myself to genres like Glitch Hop.

But I digress.

Fact is, if you are to be introduced to an artist or genre, a lot of beauty equates to a good impression. The better made the song is, the more skill that is evident, the more likely you will take off your headphones smiling, eager to hear more. Or, more appropriately, to find similar songs. Fortunately, most genres have some gems, songs that excite the mind in amazing ways.


Get the joke?

If I had to choose one song to classify as beautiful, I might seriously consider Elements from Fractal's Elements EP. Already, this song is undoubtedly my favorite ever. Period. Elements is a track to be reckoned with, of that Fractal has ensured. Fractal's skill in producing is evident in this track, and I am very excited to hear what he has in store. I won't rant on about the merit of this song because, quite frankly, you probably don't care. :P

But, be mindful, that song is the exception, NOT the rule! That track is truly special, a diamond among rubies (as concerns newbie appeal). Even though, to me, some of the most well produced music I've heard is of the Dubstep variety, you are better off showing off some Chillout or, better yet, good House tunes. I find that those genres appeal greatly to the uninitiated. However, beauty is objective; what determines beauty is your own mind.


Loud + This Song + Headphones = Awesome

To me, beauty can be contrived from a "complete" sounding song. In addition, the songs have a smoother feel; they don't jump around. Below, I have listed several beautiful songs, attempting to sample every main genre. Do you share my views?

Beautiful Songs
(House) Motionless (feat. Seri) - Project 46
(Dubstep) Elements - Fractal
(Drum and Bass) Timberwolf - Muzzy
(Chillout) Hysteria - Mr Fijiwiji & Direct
(House) Ultraviolet (feat. Holly Drummond) - Eminence
(Chillout) The Mentalist - Mr Fijiwiji
(Trance) Wuxia - Mitchell Claxton
(House) Collide - Hellberg & Deutgen vs Splitbreed
(House) Changes (feat. Holly Drummond) - Eminence & RedMoon
(Electro) Truth - Tristam
(Nu Disco) Tonight (feat. Holly Drummond) - TwoThirds
(Chillout) This Time Around - KOAN Sound & Asa
(Drumstep) From The Dust - Rogue

Elements EP - Fractal (OUT NOW)
1. Elements
2. Cosm

Next Post: Ravage Records Interview
Previous Post: Monstercat 015 - Outlook

Monstercat 015 - Outlook + Get it FREE

[UPDATE]
Comment below about which song from Outlook you like best, and why, and one person will earn a FREE album code!


Two days ago, the record label Monstercat released their 15th album, Outlook. This album features 30 songs from the producers, as well as two hour-long guest mixes (one is actually slightly shorter, but who cares?) if you buy the entire album for $9.99. In Outlook, we see the latest from Mitchel Claxton, with his trance single Wuxia, a big room track, and an apparently controversial bounce tune named Bleed (see my previous post). And, of course, let's not forget Through The Dark, from Rogue's latest Earth EP, released recently as well. The content on this album makes it well worth the buy. You can now even gift the album to a friend with your purchase! Merry Early Christmas guys. :)

Reflection Album Mix 

Visionary Album Mix

TrackList
(Drumstep) From The Dust - Rogue
(Dubstep) Feel Alive (Direct Remix) [Feat. Charlotte Haining] - Insan3Lik3
(Drum and Bass) Timeless (Feat. Veela) - Rameses B
(Glitch Hop) Back and Forth - Haywyre
(Electro) Iceladen - Favright
(Electro) Collide (Astronaut & Barely Alive Remix) - Hellberg & Deutgen vs. Splitbreed
(EDM/Chillout) Sentient - Mr. Fijiwiji & Tülpa
(House) Motionless (Feat. Seri) - Project 46
(Electro) Through The Dark - Rogue
(House) Air - Hellberg, Teqq, and Taylr Renee
(Electro) Act III - 7 Minutes Dead
(Drumstep) To The Stars - Braken
(Drum and Bass) Timberwolf - Muzzy
(Drum and Bass) Homebound - Feint
(Trance) Wuxia - Mitchell Claxton
(Glitch Hop) Pizza Planet - Stephen Walking
(Electro/Big Room) What You Waiting For - Chris Ramos & MC Flipside
(EDM/Bounce) Bleed - Timmy Trumpet and SCNDL
(Nu Disco) Automagic - Televisor
(Dubstep) Scorpion Pit (VIP Mix) - Protostar
(Dubstep) Elements - Fractal
(Drum and Bass) Breathe - TwoThirds
(House) Changes (Feat. Holly Drummond) - Eminence & RedMoon
(Electro) Old Skool (Nitro Fun Remix) - Televisor
(Drumstep) Duality - Fractal
(Electro) Green Storm - Favright
(Dubstep) Drop That Child - Droptek & Tut Tut Child
(Dubstep) Lonely (Feat. Bijou) - Rezonate
(Electro) Native - Soulero
(Dubstep) Feel Alive (Feat. Charlotte Haining) - Insan3Lik3

At the time of posting, Outlook has reached #2 on the Google Play store for Dance music, and has climbed into the Top 10 for several countries on iTunes.

Buy the album!
iTunes: monster.cat/1dgCwjx
Bandcamp: monster.cat/IfQHqo
Amazon: monster.cat/1dZuojR
Google Play:  monster.cat/188HEUU

The Start of Something...

Hey guys (whoever reads this, that is), what's up?

I'm just your average Joe with a passion for EDM, and all things related. I even took a crack at making it myself; I haven't tried since. Oh well. That experience has fostered in me a sense of respect for every producer out in the world. They do a hard job, and for many it is their job. That's the source of one of my newest pet peeves: Insults against artists. Take the song Bleed - Timmy Trumpet & SCNDL.

 

I've seen a whole lot of Backlash from the Monstercat community, claiming that this is outside of what Monstercat supports, or that the song is bad in some way. One of my best friends, to my considerable surprise, said he disliked the song because it was too "simple". This is nothing against him, but I think that saying something is bad because it's simple is considerably short-minded. One of the reasons I love this song is because of its simplicity. If you can craft a song that one can dance to in some way, and it's simple, then my hat comes off for you. A song need not possess a dozen different sounds all assailing my ears at once. Granted, some of the songs I love are extraordinarily complex. But using simplicity to your advantage should be praised, not ridiculed.

And to those that say this is outside of what Monstercat should promote, allow me to prove you wrong.

1. What gives you the right to say what should or should not go on a record label? I may not agree with what goes on, but I support it nonetheless.
2. Monstercat gave this reply, "We are committed to being a diverse label that showcases new artists and sounds. We don't expect you to love every track we release but we do ask you to at least be open minded. Cheers!"

And yet you have the gall to say what does or does not belong? This is arrogance in one of it's simplest forms; you think your opinion is superior to everyone else. Granted, I don't see this a lot, which is comforting.