Free podcast mix/episode: Download now (Duration: 1:10:15 — 60.5MB)
ROBOSAPIENS (Deadfamous Records, UK)
Born in 2004, marrying skills and tastes from different musical backgrounds to push for a common cause, Robosapiens have moved with the landscape around them, evolving through technology and pressing their sound forward, never following, but forging their own path. Not content with sitting still, Robosapiens have a desire to transcend genres, to produce music to an ethos, not to a trend…music for an altered consciousness, for an adrenaline overdose.
The combination of a drum ‘n’ bass graduate and a techno survivor, Robosapiens uncovered a mutual interest in breaks that has lead to some memorable gigs and studio successes. The Robo/Sapiens – Jamie Flukes and Steve Kyte – met while DJing breaks at parties around Bristol, a club scene both knew well from years of service in the city.
Jamie had previously earned his stripes as a resident for Drive By, Bristol’s leading drum ‘n’ bass night, as well as gigs for other promoters including Bulletproof in Cardiff and Pink Lime in Bristol. Jamie has pushed the Robosapiens sound abroad with regular visits to Japan playing Tokyo’s prestigous WOMB.
Formerly one half of techno outfit Pranksterz, Steve is no stranger to the studio or club environment and has DJ’d throughout the UK and Europe, not to mention releases on major dance music compilations and countless releases on his own numerous labels.
Robosapiens journey so far has seen them travel the world, taking their sound from the studio and impregnating it into people first-hand. Their appeal has been far-reaching, leading to remixes for many labels, name-checks from producers as a major influence, and a set for Annie Nightingale on Radio 1 played again on her Christmas show, and called her best mix of the year. Their music draws on their former styles, adding a tech edge to rolling breaks with some deep tracks and some upbeat ones – all capable of igniting dancefloors.
Keep up to date on Robosapiens’ live performances at their websites below and the Jungo Road calendar.
Stream the mix and support the musicians by purchasing the tracks and hearing them played live! You can also download this full podcast mix above.
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FIORD – GET UP JUDE(BECKERS RMX)- EVAPOUR8
SIC – WE ARE NOT ALONE(ROBOSAPIENS RMX) – AUX CDR
INFUSION – DOGTOWN(BECKERS DNOX RMX)-OMNIS
MARC D PULSE – PS YOU ROCK(SPEKTRE RMX) – SK SUPREME RECORDS
UMEK – SLAP – 1605
ROBOSAPIENS – THE 9 – DEADFAMOUS
ROBOSAPIENS – BODIES – DEADFAMOUS
FUSSYBOY – JONNI(ROBOSAPIENS RMX)- LOT49 CDR
UMEK – DEMENTIA (ALEX DI STEPHANO AND DYNA RMX) – HELL YEAH
MOTEM – SCANNERS(AUDIOPHASE RMX)- CDR
SLEVEN – DEMENTIA -CRESCENT RECORDINGS
DEPECHE MODE – HOLE TO FEED(POPOF VOCAL RMX)- MUTE
ROBOSAPIENS – NEW WORLD ORDER(KULTAR COLUMBO RMX) – DEADFAMOUS CDR
Free podcast mix/episode: Download now (Duration: 55:15 — 62.8MB)
Ming (Hood Famous Records, NYC)
With a musical and business insight that transcends everyday definitions of trend and genre, Aaron Albano, a.k.a Ming, is an inspired, talented, and hard-hitting producer, songwriter, and performer known from London to Los Angeles. Thirteen years of touring and production experience has given Ming uncontested credibility as an enduring source for fresh and distinctive sounds.
In 1996, Ming opened the record label and recording studio Madhattan Studios in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City with former partner FS. Over the course of ten years, the legendary break beat duo Ming+FS played over 1000 shows in the United States and abroad, opening for acts such as Sting, Run DMC and Moby, released four albums and a series of EP’s, and countless 12 inches and remixes. During his tenure with Ming+FS, Ming earned the reputation as an innovative talent, racking up writing, producing, and remixing credits for artists such as P. Diddy, Suzanne Vega, and Toby Lightman.
Ming’s business acumen led him to expand his career to commercial music. He mastered the nuances of licensing and film scoring through years of creating content for television and film, eventually leading to musical credits including syndicated shows such as CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, Sex In The City, Showtime’s Weeds, BBC America’s series Dinner Take All (title score and cues), and the BBC/TLC series Travel Spies (title score and cues). Ming+FS’s music also found an audience with the gaming community when Sony enlisted the group to provide tracks for their PlayStation games Wipeout Pure and Tourist Trophy. EA Sports has also used original tracks from Ming+FS in their game NBA Ballers.
Ming’s work at Madhattan Studios firmly established him as a pioneer and a true professional; a music person of the first order. In 2006, seeking to add to his success in the music industry, Ming left his accomplished group and label to open his production company, Hood Famous Music (HFM).
HFM fills an industry gap: a full service production house that develops emerging artists who match Ming’s intense drive and unique musical vision. Some standout projects include the metal band Bazaar Royale, Hip Hop and R&B maestro Michael Lynche, and NYC’s electro-rock outfit 33hz. Ming has found kindred spirits in 33Hz and recently joined the group as the guitarist and continues to write and produce material for the group’s forthcoming second album and will hit the road with the boys upon its release.
Under HFM, Ming has created a large catalog of varied and distinctive music licensed mostly by popular companies to help define their brand. MTV, a regular client of HFM, recognizes Ming’s distinctive style as part of their own ethos, relying on him for exclusive tracks for shows such as The Real World, Cribs, Becoming, and Beauty at the Beach. Rockstar Games, currently the hottest gaming company, placed Ming’s mix of 33hz’s “I Feel Alive” in the top selling game Midnight Club LA.
With the success of HFM, Ming is extending his brand with Habitat Music, a new venture providing original music for the advertising community as well as film and television. The creation of Habitat is a testament to Ming’s innate work ethic and drive to always challenge himself: “What’s propelled me to stay in music has been the endless creative freedom – learning different musical styles, instruments, and even businesses.” He continues, “If you want to be a successful music producer, you have to challenge yourself to to stay current and keep your ear to the ground.”
Aaron “Ming” Albano has seen serious success in an industry where few even make it out of the starting gate. He declares, “I’ve been an artist and a label owner. I know what it means to make a record. I know what it is to grind something out for 10 years, and I know what it is to stay true your own vision.” He concludes, “Music has been the thread that holds everything together in my life. I’m always trying to push myself to do something innovative. Sharing that creative moment with someone; struggling over a song and then breaking through – these are the eureka moments. When you push hard enough, great things happen.”
Stream the mix and support the musicians by purchasing the tracks and hearing them played live! You can also download this full podcast mix above.
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Delphic – Doubt (Riton Rerub)
Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce – Telephone (Ming vs Chad North Remix)
Neelix – Disco Decay (Felguk Mix)
Lee Coombs & Uberzone – Right Now
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Moon Hits the Mirrorball
Jewlez – Spacer Women
30 Seconds to Mars – Kings and Queens (Chad North Mix)
Classix – I’m On It
Rogue Element – Panic (King Roc Remix)
Stuffa – A Million Secrets (Stuffa Club Mix)
Stonewash & Fagault – Violet (Lazy Rich Remix)
Sawgood – Ctrl Ur Brain (Calvertron’s Jedi Mind Trick Mix)
Influence has been damaging dance floors with his versatile array of breaks since 1998. His distinguished style combines long precise mixes, cross fader control with bass driven breaks. In 2004 Influence & Jay Vigor created Strategik, a crew dedicated to producing underground, renegade and all around proper events in Northern California. Strategik produced over 30 events in the past year and shows no signs of slowing down yet.
Now-a-days when you hear Influence damaging dance floors, it will be to adifferent beat, consisting of dirty electro house, breaks and sometimes everything else. Guaranteed to satisfy any urge to get down and dance!
01/29/10 – Strategik presents: AQUARIUS (birthday celebrations) @ Shine
02/05/10 – Stakk The Decks presents: Promance @ Shine
02/05/10 – Rocko Dynamite & Dubalicious present: Fight Night round 2 @
Underground
02/12/10 – Brass Cowboys present: Match Maker Mashup @ Paradise Lounge
02/14/10 – Strategik presents: “Love Affair” (a Valentines Day marathon
brunch) @ The Triple Crown
02/20/10 – Strategik presents: “Dance” (a Amy Gregg assisted production &
fundraiser) @ Project One
03/26/10 – Rebel Bass Collective @ Mighty
05/29/10 – Strategik 2yr Anniversary @ TBA
Stream the mix and support the musicians by purchasing the tracks and hearing them played live! You can also download this full podcast mix above.
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1. Trick & Kubic – Ocean Of Sadness – Swing Records
2. Kerfunk Vs Adonis – Rockin Down The House (Micky Slim rmx) – Simply Recordings
3. Sander Kleinenberg – The Fruit (Ivan Gough & Grant Smillie mix) – EQ Records
4. Felguk – Guess What – Plasmapool
5. The Beatpusherz – Last Days Of Disco – Plasma.Digital
6. Dominik De Leon vs. Burhan G – Everything Changes (Luke Chable rmx) -PinkStar
7. Oliver Koletzki feat. Fran – Hypnotized (Beat Haus rmx) – Stil Vor Talent
8. Robb G – 12 Inch Therapy (Hirshee rmx) – Promo Records
9. Cold Blank – Breakdown (Dirtyloud rmx) – Burn The Fire
10. Alex Mind – Sick – Big Fish Recordings
11. Stanton Warriors – Still Here feat. Eska – Punks
12. The Rogue Element – He’s So Hot Right Now – Functional
13. Butter Party – Flipperbaby (Projectiles rmx) – High Grade Recordings
14. BSD – You Must Find Strength – iBreaks
15. Retroid – Everyday Hero (Left/Right rmx) – Ego Shot Recordings
On the heels of a very successful remix for 30 Seconds to Mars, Chad North teamed up with SF/NYC legend Ming (of Ming + FS) to to remix Lady Gaga’s latest single “Telephone” feat. Beyonce.
Determined not to let pop dictate his take on the Vh1 superstar, Chad turned in a decidedly dark and twisted, electro-house demo – which Ming expertly crafted into a big-room clubby monster. Compared to Ming’s other remix (which is being released by Gaga) this version – the not-so-Abercrombie-and Fitch-friendly mix – is more suited for Jungo Road listeners – and is now available as a free high-quality mp3 download from either Ming or Chad’s Soundcloud page.
Free podcast mix/episode: Download now (Duration: 1:16:03 — 70.4MB)
Decompression '09 - photo by Devin Sezgen
RAYDEUS (GuerillaBass, Stirty, JungoRoad.com – San Francisco)
JungoRoad.com is proud to welcome Darin Eriksen (aka Raydeus, his DJ handle) as our newest official contributor. As a mover and shaker in the San Francisco underground dance music scene, he brings a distinctly West Coast point of view to the proceedings. To mark the occasion, we’re featuring his newest mix as this week’s exclusive download.
In what city, region/state, and country do you currently reside?
Nation of San Francisco, recently moved to The Mission district.
When did you or your family notice your interest in music?
Probably when they heard loud rock music coming from the basement of the house. My family was very Christian and conservative. So, if anything sounded in any way “Satanic”, I got yelled at and the record would be taken away. That all changed when I was in college; my music collection grew.
When did you get interested or exposed to electronic dance music?
What do you like (or moves you most) in any type of music?
There are so many intangibles, but #1 would have to be inventiveness. I love hearing new ideas in music; shit I have never heard anyone do before, and yet it sounds so good it’s as if it always existed. Like the first time I ever heard The Pixies. Their music was so brilliant, different, and amazing, you knew it would have an impact on everything that came after it.
What do you like (or moves you most) in electronic dance music?
Well, like I said, bass is really important. Deep bass and a solid groove are sometimes enough on their own. But what takes a track to the next level is a great hook. “Born Slippy” has that instantly recognizable synth line that, whenever played, people lose their shit.
When did you start DJing?
Around 2002 or so, I bought decks and started playing dub & downtempo. I didn’t have a name yet. I worked my way up to spinning progressive house after about a year and, then, I got caught up in the big breaks wave that took hold around 2004. Finally, I started getting some bookings, started a crew, started throwing parties, and named myself Raydeus.
What do you like about DJing?
Having a good excuse to spend truckloads of money on a glorified hobby! Really, being able to justify the huge amount of time I spend listening to music, and lots of money buying music. Also, that the communities rise up around the music you’re playing, and that the act of DJing is for the sole purpose of making people happy. That’s why I do it… it’s certainly not about the money.
Are you associated with any record labels or crews?
Until recently I was affiliated with Pronoia, a crew I started with my friends Pieter Rizen and Damien Jones back in ’04 with a fundraiser to help get enough voters registered to vote Bush out of office. The idea was that Pronoia would only do events that were charitable, hence the idea of “others conspiring to benefit you.” That crew name is now retired as of this year, after five years full of memorable parties. I’ve now joined two other crews in SF, GuerillaBass and Stirty. And, of course, JungoRoad.com. Here’s to new horizons!
For what types of music genres or styles are you known?
I think most people got to know my breakbeat side and I became known for playing really super hard, dirty breaks. Then, that sound evolved to incorporate electro house and tech funk.
For what types of music genres or styles do you want to be known?
I still play the banging, grindy stuff. But, I have realized pouring on 100% full throttle dirty bass is not the answer to keeping the dancefloor enthralled. You have to dose it just right, and hold a really solid groove, to get your grip on people. I have developed a more groovy, deep, minimal tech side, to balance out the harder side, that has been getting very good reaction.
What are other DJs and music producers that you admire?
Lee Burridge – My favorite when it comes to techno & deep tech. I have been taking more cues from his DJing than anyone else lately.
Lee Coombs played my single favorite set I heard this past year (at Opel Productions’ post LovEvolution party). Another true master of holding a groove. I hadn’t danced that hard for a while.
Krafty Kuts – The man is a genius producer (in the form of dope original tracks and remixes) and DJ. No one brings the heavy funk like Krafty.
What the best venue (in your judgment) you played at in the world?
Burning Man, at a big sound camp like Opulent Temple or a dope art car like the Neuroweapon. Or, really any outdoor venue, especially at night. There’s nothing better than rocking out in the open air with a sea of bouncing freaks and blinky lights in front of you.
Speaking of Burning Man, did you experience whatever it was you were looking forward to this year?
I would say so! I counted 10 times that I got to DJ in 7 days I was out there. The Duck Pond ruled!
Play individual tracks and then click on the links below to purchase! Mix notes: This was recorded old-school style with a Pioneer DJM-700 mixer and two CDJ-800s without use of “Master Tempo” function.
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Fort Knox Five comes with rep’ across multiple genres. They tell us that they’re really not into classifying them. That’s ok with us; the tunes they create are solid. This week, Fort Knox Five (FK5) and Jungo Road have several treats for you. Two hot FK5 preview remixes given away for free here on Jungo Road first worldwide! An interview with FK5. Finally, a hour long mix by FK5 which Jungo Road is known for serving up.
First, the free tunes and a thank you from us here at Jungo Road to Fort Knox Five for this exclusive preview. The first tune is a Kraak and Smaak remix of FK5’s What Make ya Dance (Fort Knox Recordings, release in early 2010). This will be a full single with multiple remixes, instrumental versions plus the original. The second is a FK5 remix of Kraak and Smaak’s Ain’t Gonna Take It (Jalapeno Records UK, release tbd). Finally, we have an hour long mix from the guys.
Fort Knox Five – What Make ya Dance (Kraak & Smaak’s Dutch Oven remix)
Kraak & Smaak – Ain’t Gonna Take It (Fort Knox Five’s Red Light Remint)
Free podcast mix/episode: Download now (Duration: 1:01:33 — 140.5MB)
I’ve been long time fan of FK5. When I heard they were coming to New York City on tour, I snapped up a ticket and headed to Brooklyn. The guys played both what I anticipated to hear and what I didn’t expect. And, that made a great performance. The guys agreed to do two interviews with us; one we captured on video which we will post later this month here on Jungo Road. Read on for the other interview with them, our streaming player and the tracklisting from their mix.
Who are the people that make up Fort Knox Five?
Sid Barcelona, Jon Horvath, Rob Myers and Steve Raskin.
Where are you guys living?
We all currently reside in Washington, DC. JonH bounces back and forth Between DC & BC (British Columbia). His wife is from Squamish, BC; a cozy little town at the foot of the mountains.
Its plainly obvious that you all have music in your blood. How far back does it go?
Steve, Rob and Sid all had the obligatory piano lessons as children. JonH was forced into the violin at a young age. Rob was also a band geek playing clarinet and sax until he settled on the guitar at the age of 13.
Any other bands in your past?
Sure. Sid, Steve and Rob were in a band as youths called Citizen Atom. Sid sang, Steve played bass and Rob played guitar. In the heyday of the DC indie-punk scene in the ‘90s, Steve played guitar in a band called Edsel and Rob sang and played guitar in a band called Mud. Both bands were helped by local independent record label Dischord Records (Minor Threat, Fugazi); starting a relationship that lasts to this day. Dischord distributed FK5’s debut album Radio Free DC. Rob still gigs a lot playing guitar with DC Soul-Reggae stalwarts, See-I; and guitar and sitar with Thievery Corporation.
Fort Knox Five has a unique talent for blending the sounds of old-skool funk and hip-hop with current day thick, chunky basslines. As a DJ, I know I can always rely on their music to pick up the vibe on the dancefloor. They are masters at appealing to a wide audience by weaving recognizable elements of old-skool, familiar grooves and adding a dirty/sexy edge. I’ve found that even the most reserved club goers tend to gravitate to the dancefloor when I throw down FK5 tracks in a set. Their sound is fun, funky and by far some of my fave party music. —Melyss
When did you all get interested in electronic dance music?
When Steve was recording the album Techniques of Speed Hypnosis with his band Edsel in the mid ‘90s, they went to the UK to work with producer Angeli Dutt (My Bloody Valentine, Oasis) dropping Steve smack in the middle of the Liverpool electronic scene which revolved around the legendary club Cream. He drank the Kool-Aid so to speak and came back as a club music convert. Before we knew it, we were going to all the raves in the DC area like Buzz, Fever, Bassrush and Snowball where we met JonH.
What do you like about electronic dance music?
Phat beats!
What kind of music are you into and how does that affect the music you create?
We love all genres and forms of music. It is really important for us to incorporate live instrumentation into our music. Whether it be live guitar, horns, sitar, bass, or drums, this is what really moves us. Generally, we use a lot of electronic beats; but most of the other stuff is played live. That is how we get our organic feel to the music. Groove, melody, and spirit transcend all genres. We are also really into hip hop, reggae, punk rock, funk, soul, breaks, and dub.
When did you start producing music?
Steve and Sid started producing proto-electronica tracks back when Sid was running the computer lab at the Rhode Island School of Design. JonH teamed up with Steve in the late ’90s to start a project called JonH & Raskal. They made electro-funk and house tunes.
What was the first release you all considered a success?
Scorpio Rising by our alter-ego, Thunderball, was the first time we saw an album of ours really move people. Thunderball is a project of Sid, Steve and Rob on ESL Music. As for FK5, it all really started with the first releases, but The Brazilian Hipster has definitely been our most successful single to date.
And what about your first full length album?
That would be Radio Free DC. You know, it may have taken us five years to finish, but we’re still really proud of how it came out; and frightened by how long the process can take! So we bucked the trend by putting out The New Gold Standard 2 as quickly as possible. Guess what? We’re really proud of that one, too! There’s a lesson in there somewhere. We’re just not sure what it is.
In getting to know you a bit better, I see such passion in what you all create. Tell us about how you make it happen.
Since we run our own label – with the help of our label manager, Andy Cerutti – we’ve had to figure out how to meld the creative process with the business side. We do all of it ourselves, from the music production and performance to the graphic design, motion graphics and web programming and maintenance. It’s a ridiculous amount of tasks to cover, but, we’ve never had to sacrifice any artistic integrity.
What I was at your performance in Brooklyn, you had a lot happening on stage. What do you use when you produce and perform your music?
We are ProTools based studio. We do use Ableton Live for sketching. For DJing, we primarily use Serato. We’ve added VJing with Modul8 and VDMX. We believe that incorporating the live visual element into the DJ sets has been really exciting. It really makes the DJ set more of an actual performance.
What are some of the amazing venues you’ve performed at?
We have played several amazing and truly unique venues over the past several years. Ones that really stick out amongst the rest are Fabric (London), La Paloma (Barcelona), and The Expo Center (Hong Kong). There are several amazing venues in San Francisco, too. We have played a bunch. Ghostship @ Treasure Island in SF is fantastic. We have also played at MightySF and 1015 Folsom, which are also awesome venues.
The past few years, we have been participating in Burning Man (Nevada), Shambhala Music Festival (Salmo, BC), and Earthdance (Laytonville, CA); all great. Burning Man is a really fantastic experience. There are so many good memories. Oh… JonH met his wife at Burning Man in 2007. That has got to be his highlight!
What do you want to be known for now – as it relates to music styles? And where are you going?
We want to be known for rejecting genre-fication and accepting all types, forms and traditions of music and exploring them. That and creating dance floor bombs! Where are we going? Breaking down the genres even more; mixing elements from fidget to flamenco.
What are some other music producers and DJs that you admire?
The Nextmen, Nick Thayer, A.Skillz, Neighbor, Deekline, Sub Swara, Neighbour, Mat the Alien, Smalltown DJs, Wicked Lester, All Good Funk Alliance, QDUP Foundation and Bassnectar to name a few.
You create and contribute into some amazing music collaborations. What are some of the ones that you are excited about now?
We are really excited about our newest release, The New Gold Standard 2. It features tracks by all of the bands that we affectionately refer to as the “Fort Knox Family”.
Nappy Riddem, featuring long-time FK5 collaborators Rex Riddem, Mustafa Akbar & Hash Vyas
See-I featuring DC sibling-legends Rootz and Zeebo as well as Rob and Saxophonist Frank “The Sax Pusher Mitchell” – all of whom play in the Thievery live band;
Empresarios featuring Javier Miranda of See-I and Thievery Corp;
The indie-pop sounds of Speedy Consuela, the “Steve Raskin Family Band” with his wife Miss Johnna M – of Thunderball fame –, his sister Joyce, and brother-in-law Matt White
Liftoff which showcases the “Wayward Messiah” himself, Steven Albert.
We’re also excited by our most recent collaborations with hip-hop godfather Afrika Bambaataa:Shift, on the new record; and Zulu, We Don’t Stop Yawl for EA Sports NBA LIVE 10.
Thanks FK5 for your time, your tunes and for your creative talent!
Keep up to date on Fort Knox Five’s live performances at their websites below and the Jungo Road calendar.
ROBOSAPIENS (Deadfamous Records, UK)
| Posted in annie nightingale, breakbeat, breaks, dead famous, dj mix, robosapiens, tech funk
INFLUENCE (
. Rob still gigs a lot playing guitar with DC Soul-Reggae stalwarts, 
.
with his band Edsel in the mid ‘90s, they went to the UK to work with producer Angeli Dutt (My Bloody Valentine, Oasis) dropping Steve smack in the middle of the Liverpool electronic scene which revolved around the legendary club 
by our alter-ego, Thunderball, was the first time we saw an album of ours really move people. Thunderball is a project of Sid, Steve and Rob on 
has definitely been our most successful single to date.
as quickly as possible. Guess what? We’re really proud of that one, too! There’s a lesson in there somewhere. We’re just not sure what it is.
, featuring long-time FK5 collaborators 
which showcases the “Wayward Messiah” himself, Steven Albert.
Shift, on the new record; and Zulu, We Don’t Stop Yawl for EA Sports NBA LIVE 10.
[unreleased]
[Low Motion Records]
[Funk Weapons]
(Fort Knox Five Edit) [unreleased]
[Super Hi-Fi]
(Fort Knox Five Remix)
[ESL Music]
(Stanton Warriors Remix) [unreleased]
[D Style Recordings]
Plus Thunder (Crookers Edit) [Mad Decent]
[Dim Mak]
feat. Ms Dynamite & Andy Cato (Club Mix) [Sanctuary Records Fontana]
