In my Eva Langoria voice, “This is my NEW favourite!” We have been eagerly waiting for new music from Thundercat and this one meets our expectations. He has pushed the envelope and upped his game in sophistication. “Heartbreaks & Setbacks” sounds unlike what he has released before. The vocals are a pure delight, giving the track a sensitivity as his signature bass and drums carry the song. The track has only been on Brainfeeder‘s Soundcloud for two days, and already amassed 55K plays (we attributed to 20 of those plays!).

With his sophomore album,  Apocalypse scheduled to release in July 2013 on Brainfeeder, he holds a tighter reign on the production, where Flying Lotus sits in as executive producer. We are sure to experience another fusion of sounds which incorporate electronic and live instrumentation. Check out the stream below.

Thundercat – US Tour Dates

April 16 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echoplex
April 21 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Ballroom *
April 23 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Heaven Stage) *
April 24 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel *
April 25 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club *
April 26 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer *
May 1 – New York, NY – Brooklyn Masonic Temple (Red Bull Music Academy)
May 5 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5 (Red Bull Music Academy) +
May 6 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5 (Red Bull Music Academy) +
May 12 – Boston, MA – Paradise *
May 13 – Montreal, QC @ Metropolis *
May 15 – Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy *
May 16 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Cleveland *
May 17 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom *
May 18 – Chicago, IL @ Metro *
May 19 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue *
May 22 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo *
May 23 – Vancouver, BC @ Vouge Theater *
May 24 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater *
May 25 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater *

* with Flying Lotus & Teebs
+ with Flying Lotus & Ultraísta

Philadelphia native and Ego Free Music Group artist, Realysm, for the past year has been going hard in making a mark with his sound. Teaming with incredible talents from Shade Cobain, Hezekiah, Mir Swain, and on this particular track, Flying Lotus. “Not What Eyes Expecting” talks about the togetherness you feel in a relationship, where everything blends perfectly but there is also that fear and apprehension which alternatively brings on your worst fear. The production, supplied by Flying Lotus counters Realysm‘s flow, giving the track a dynamic aesthetic. Check it out “NotWhatEyesExpecting” and also take a trip to his Soundcloud page – some really dope tracks on there.

In anticipation of forthcoming album from Flying Lotus, director Kahlil Joseph, known for his arresting imagery and partnerships with some of music’s most avant guarde, has put together a fantastic visual piece set against FlyLo’s music. Using the theme of resurrection, a theme Joseph  first explored in Cubic Zirconia‘s video “Black & Blue,” where the use of dance symbolizes life. In the context of “Until the Quiet Comes,” the dance is a form of rejoice, as if in death lies true joy.  So powerful. So thought-provoking. An amazing piece of art.

If you are unfamiliar with Kahlil Joseph’s work, check out Shafiq Husayn‘s “Cheeba” featuring Bilal and Shabazz Palaces‘s “Belhaven Meridian.” He’s super talented.

Songs in the short from Until the Quiet Comes: “See Thru to U” featuring Erykah Badu; “Hunger” and “Getting There” by Niki Randa

Here’s another artist in the “highly anticipated” category this year — Flying Lotus, with the release of his forthcoming album Until The Quiet Comes on Warp Records. He has been non-stop with the flow of music, whether it be working with various hip hop artists or his half brain, Thundercat. The first listen from the album is “See Thru to U” featuring Erykah Badu, a fusion of all sorts – African drums, jazz, with Thundercat’s bass and key sequencing give the track an underlying current, as Badu sings in lullaby, making the entire track sensual. Until The Quiet Comes is scheduled to release October 1st. Check it out below.

“[The] thing is, you’ve been hearing him for years and probably didn’t even know it… [Thundercat] is the other half of my brain in the studio,” says Flying Lotus of his musical partner Thundercat. This man is awesome; his beats are eclectic, masculine, and simply are the future. Starting out as a bassist and now has evolved into a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and rapper. Versatility at its best! Below is a free download of Shenanigans Pt. 1, which is mixed by Flying Lotus, a 30-minute sojourn through the depths of Thundercat. Bring on part 2! His debut album, The Golden Age of Apocalypse (check out “Daylight” below) is scheduled to drop Aug. 30th on Brainfeeder.

Shenanigans Pt. 1 (Download)

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“Daylight” from The Golden Age of Apocalypse

Thanks to Brainfeeder and RCRDLBL for the free downloads.

Have you ever heard a song that stops you in your tracks? “Place in My Heart” does just that, where its astral and expansive textures seep into your soul and fondles, ever so slightly with sounds reminiscent of Radiohead (Kid A, particularly). Multi-instrumentalist and producer, Taylor McFerrin, recently signed to Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label, an excellent fit for him; for now his talents have the support to be truly set free. “Place In My Heart” features the vocals of Philadelphia-based multi-instrumentalist, Ryat, whose voice is like a somewhat sedated Björk — which works perfectly on this track.  The hauntingly beautiful video directed by Simon Benjamin, emphasizes Ryat‘s hook, “You say love, keep on trying. I say love, keep on trying,” as one of the characters falls from love and the other tries to bring it back and go to it. Powerful.

Check out the video below. Also visit Taylor’s Soundcloud page to hear what he’s been up to. “Place In My Heart” will be released March 1st. We are definitely looking forward to Taylor’s forthcoming release on Brainfeeder.

Airtight’s Revenge is the album that keeps on giving. “Levels” is the third video from its release and Bilal goes further with another other worldly concept video by having the quintessential experimental producer Flying Lotus (a.k.a Steve Ellison) make his directorial debut for the song. Clearly, Flying Lotus was inspired by the world created in his own video for “Mmmhmm” which was directed Special Problems, (check it out HERE), where he continues with concepts of mythical gods and goddesses, in the form of cameo appearances from Erykah Badu and Shafiq Husayn (producer of the track) that leave viewers subjugated. Very cool video to watch.

The tune “Levels” was created by Bilal, Shafiq and KenBts, where they collectively call it the “Levels Experience.” Now available as an EP on iTunes containing interpretations from Flying Lotus and  Sonnyman plus the album version and instrumental version. The free download, in courtesy of Plug Research is KenBts remix of the tune, where he calls it an “an ambitious exploration of sound, space, and emotion; an aviary craft bursting into the embers of a maiden flight.” You can hear it below, and purchase the EP on iTunes.

Definitely among the group of quintessential digital producers who are raising the bar, Flying Lotus can never been accused of being a bum! He never stops working. Just four months ago, he hit us with the reverent Cosmogramma, and within two months of its release, Warp Records shared “Camera Day,” which was a peek into what FlyLo was working on for the EP Pattern+Grid World.

Pattern+Grid World‘s most noticeable factor is that it’s a lot more staid in production than his previous works, notwithstanding his stellar innovative arrangements. I would even go as far as to say, Pattern+Grid+World is a sexy composition. Each instrumental comes with sounds of tremor, whether it be through the keyboards or pulsating drums. There’s even a mode of femininity to some of the tunes like, “Kill Your Co-Workers” and “Time Vampires,” but then the titles mask their sensitivity. My only real criticism of the Pattern+Grid World is its brevity; we wanted MORE!

Check out my favs from the Pattern+Grid World EP and let me know what you think. You can purchase the EP from Bleep.com; vinyl purchases come with a limited edition poster.

Clay

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Time Vampires

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It’s clear that Flying Lotus does not stop working. After releasing his second album, Cosmogramma through Warp Records in May earlier this year, he is now set to release on September 21st, a seven-track EP entitled Pattern+Grid World, which is sure to be another journey through spacial sounds. Completely enjoy looking at the trippy art for the EP’s cover.

Check out “Camera Day” below;  it’s definitely one of his smoother productions, but still contains his signature grit and futuristic chaotic sounds. Looking forward to hearing the full EP.

Flying Lotus is currently on tour. See dates below and check him out if he’s in your town.

August 18 – London, England – ICA
August 20 – Biddinghuizen, Netherlands – Lowlands Festival
August 21 – Hasselt, Belgium – Pukkelpop Festival
September 02 – Montreal, Quebec – Studio Just for Laughs
September 03 – Toronto, Ontario – Phoenix Theatre
September 04 – New York, NY – Electric Zoo Festival
September 05 – Chicago, IL – North Coast Music Festival
September 10 – Newport, England – Isle of Wight Bestival
September 22 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Commodore Ballroom
September 23 – Seattle, WA – Decibel Festival
September 24 – San Francisco, CA – Mezzanine

Flying Lotus – “MmmmHmmm”
Back in May, FlyLo released his second album on Warp Records. His music is so floaty and experimental that you’d expect nothing less than visual euphoria for his music videos. “MmmmHmmm” is just that. Get lost in this one.

K-os – “Zambony”
Last year, I had K-os‘s Yes! album on serious repeat. Still baffles me why this man is not a HUGE star! “Zambony,” shot in movie style, with the opening line of a woman yelling, “Nobody knows what you’re doing?!” The twists and turns of this video leave you asking the same question. It’s all disconnected. Maybe that was the goal, but it’s shot well to keep your attention. Check it out below.

Here’s the second single from Andreya Triana‘s forthcoming album, “Lost Where I Belong,” which is scheduled to release next month, July 29, on Ninja Tune Records. Definitely looking forward to this release, which features Bonobo on production with the perfect blend of Andreya‘s voice and songwriting.

Visit the Ninja Tune website to get a free download of Andreya Triana’s “Lost Where I Belong” (the Flying Lotus Preview Edit).

What’s so great about Flying Lotus, is that he constantly looks for new ways of expression through sound. C O S M O G R A M M A is FlyLo (Steven Ellison) pushing himself to new heights, showing the slew of like-minded producers, that his style is unparalleled.

C O S M O G R A M M A, his second album on Warp Records, the perfect home for this experimental producer who hails from California. With collaborations from former Suicidal Tendencies bassist Stephen “Thundercat” Bruno, Rebekah Raff, Dorian Concept, Ravi Coltrane, Laura Darlington, and Radiohead‘s Thom Yorke, the experience is not only of sound, but also an arresting of your senses.

Listen to a couple of cuts off the album below. “Dance of the Pseudo Nymph” is a radical spin on David Sancious‘ “Just As I Thought,” which was recently revamped by Bembe Segue for her “Sense of Humor” and Erykah Badu‘s “Agitation.” It’s refreshing to hear the tune interpreted FlyLo style.

Warp has an exclusive free download of three tunes that do not appear on C O S M O G R A M M A – “Ancestors,” “Quakes,” and “Photo Shoot (Gucci Mane Remix).” You can get your download from the following link!

“Dance of the Pseudo Nymph”

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“Computer Face/Pure Being”

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Check out Clash‘s interview with FlyLo. C O S M O G R A M M A hit stores today and can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.

I apologise profusely for not showing any love to Andreya Triana, who has been working tirelessly creating some amazing music! If you’re unfamiliar or didn’t make the connection, Andreya Triana is the owner of the dreamy female vocals on Flying Lotus‘s “Tea Leaf Dancers.” Her solo album is scheduled to release spring of this year (more eargasms!), and will be produced by musical partner Bonobo, the UK DJ/producer primarily known for his downtempo electronic sounds. Bonobo‘s new album, Black Sands is scheduled to release March 29th and features Andreya on a track called “Eyesdown” (check out the sample below). We’re going to hear a lot from this UK native this year. Click through to Andreya’s Myspace page for tour dates; the tour is pretty extensive. I’m pleased to see she’ll be doing two April dates in my city.

“Eyesdown” feat. Andreya Triana from Black Sands by Bonobo

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Video for “Lost Where I Belong”