Amtrak

ELECTRONIC/ DIRTY
Artist: Amtrak
Album: Dirty Dancing
Track: “Mmm Cake”, “Fit to Hit”
Street date: September 22, 2009
Label: Audio Reconnaissance


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Indianapolis-based label and distributor Audio Reconnaissance is sending out its head recruit, Amtrak, to scout out the electronic scene this fall with Amtrak’s LP, Dirty Dancing. Amtrak is the relatively new project of Morehead, Kentucky DJ, Caleb Cornett (Amtrak began in 2005). Amtrak’s debut EP in 2007, “In Transit”, generated national attention, leading him to gigs with artists such as The Ben Ishmael Revival, The Glitch Clique, and Surreal Estate. One blogger who attended Amtrak’s performances at the Indiana Electronic & Experimental Music Exposition in March wrote, “his late-night vibe was refined and lush.”

Dirty Dancing is smart and trendy, able to provide the perfect setting for anything from posh clubs and lounges to smaller get togethers. Of course, an hour-long ride on Amtrak would be appropriate as well… har har.

Check out “Mmm Cake” and “Fit to Hit." One is delicious and the other can beat up your annoying neighbors.

^ Poser Amtrak

The real Amtrak says: Mmm... cake!

Other notables at Audio Reconnaissance include Dreadnots, Old Ovelus, Twilight Sentinels, Smear, and the Glick Clique.

Slip On Your Shades... Roy Davis Jr. Makes You Feel Cool

Artist: Roy Davis Jr.
Album: God Life Music
Track: “What Cha Gonna Do? feat. Erin Martin”
Street date: July 20, 2009
Label: nice+smooth ultramedia

He’s probably one of the only DJs out there right now who incorporates soul into electronic music seamlessly. It’s not like he doesn’t have the experience to know what works; this guy started DJing when he was 12, 13 years old, and it was all up from there. In the 1980s, he started his own production company, Phuture. In 1998, he recorded hit single “Gabriel” with Peven Everett, which sold over 250,000 copies. As a producer, he has garnered quite the reputation as well; everyone from Warner Brothers, Sony, to MCA has been knocking on his door for Billboard hits (for Mary J. Blige, Seal, Patti LaBelle, Eric Benet/Faith Evans, etc.). Oh, and he DJs in places you and I only dream about visiting, like Dubai. Jealousy!

On his album God Life Music, Davis channels the ultimate house, cool R&B feel in a soulful, spiritual direction. Not only is his music highly suitable for posh clubs and lounges, it is also cathartic. You know it’s good when you can’t even describe it (absolutely no references to illegal substances here!). Go on, as your close dealer friend would say. Try it out for yourself.

For more RDJ goodness, check out his MySpace page.

Other notables at nice+smooth ultramedia: Kinder Atom, SolaZul

Food for Ears: DJ Food as Stage Four's 1st Electronic Podcast Feature!

Electronic
Artist: DJ Food
Album: One Man’s Weird is Another Man’s World
Track: “The Illectrik Hoax ft. Natural Self”
Street date: July 7, 2009
Label: Ninja Tune

To all our electronic music aficionados and anyone in search of something truly original, have we got something for you to snack on: DJ Food! The DJ Food project was created close to 20 years ago and has included a number of DJs and producers over the years. DJ Food hasn’t put out new music for 8 years. Currently, DJ Food is comprised of sole performer Strictly Kev.

One Man’s Weird is Another Man’s World is appropriately titled and reflects just how wide of a spectrum the album covers: the tracks range from an ethereal, outer space feel with a textbook recording on energy waves to tracks that are clearly influenced by African tribal music—very creative, experimental production. “The Illectrik Hoax ft. Natural Self” is driven by rhythms and beats; it also features spoken word dialogue that are layered over the tracks, which is unexpected but pleasant. Contributing artists on the album include Ken Nordine, Nathaniel Pearn (aka Natural Self, one half of The Broken Keys), Bundy K Brown, The Dragons and Dr. Rubberfunk.

DJ Food is signed under Ninja Tune and distributed by IRIS Distribution. Check out his MySpace!

Other notables at Ninja Tune: Daedelus, King Cannibal, Mr. Scruff

The Beginning Of...

Memo from the Surgeon General

Prescription of Stage Four powered by BlinkerActive to be administered in weekly doses to listeners with the following symptoms:

1. Unexplained urges to escape the monotony of mainstream music
2. Desire to impress all those surrounding listeners with his or her impeccable taste and exclusive access to the best alt/rock or electronica
3. Desire to make fun of people while they make fools of themselves and to win truly random/ridiculous prizes with each podcast release
4. Uncontrollable tendency to indulge in freshest sounds around.

Side effects include an overall sense of euphoria and urgency, sex appeal, and a greater appreciation for addiction to the best new music out there, hands down. Welcome to the Insanity! Greetings to all of our listeners! Pat yourself on the back—you’re making history. This is Stage Four’s very first podcast, powered by Iris! Stage Four will be regularly combing through millions of tracks (that’s an exaggeration) that come our way (fate) for the best alt/rock and electronica—all 100% certified indie, delivered straight to your headphones. Each podcast will highlight an artist yours truly believes to be strongly buzz-worthy. And who knows? Maybe you too will discover that this—steady eye contact here, don’t break away—is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.