RAC – This Song (ft. Rostam)

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Fresh off the high of a Grammy win for Best Remixed Recording of Bob Moses’ “Tearing Me Up,” remix maestro RAC, aka Andre Allen Anjos has released the first single off his forthcoming new album. CCP has supported Anjos’ original beats–such as the cheekily called single “Cheap Sunglasses” before–and the new one, “This Song” featuring Rostam, formerly of Vampire Weekend is equally sportive. Kaleidoscopic synths dance around Rostam’s delectable vocals with élan on the effervescent new effort.

Speaking on the significance of the track, Anjos says: “‘This Song’ is special to me because it falls around the 10 year anniversary of starting RAC in my dorm room. It’s been quite the ride and I never thought I’d be where I am today.”

It’s fair to say that Anjos has come a long way since those days, in no small part due to his innovative approach to remixes and diligent hard work. The follow up to his debut Strangers (2014), RAC’s sophomore effort is slated to release this summer via Counter Records.

RMX Roundup: Empress Of + ABRA / ON AN ON + RAC / Delaire + Delorean

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Semi last-minute edition of Remix Roundup this weekend, because why not. Empress Of produced one of our favorite records this past year, and now her tourmate, ABRA the darkwave duchess has reworked her single “Standard.” While the original is excellent in its own right, ABRA’s edit adds a frenetic, skittering element with a characteristic dark-pop edge that fans of Empress Of are sure to appreciate.

Next is the recent RAC remix of Minneapolis’ trio ON AND ON‘s early 2015 track “Drifting.” Elevated by RAC’s graceful electronic beats, André Anjos twists the track into a fuller, more dynamic recast using the original acoustic-leaning cut as a framework. Notable is Nate Eiesland’s vocals, which even when while yowling “I gotta get out” during the chorus still sound exquisite.

And last but not least is a reinterpretation of a song by newcomer Delaire from purveyors of dreamy electronic music, Delorean. As usual, the Spanish quartet made an outstanding choice by borrowing the beautiful debut track, “Belief” from the UK chanteuse and bringing it into the limelight with their stunning, diffuse and synth-injected rendition.

RMX ROUNDUP: swim good + Star Slinger / filous + RAC / CHVRCHES + Four Tet

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A lot of end-of-summer remixes have surfaced as of late, which means it’s time for another Remix Roundup. To start, we wanted to share the Star Slinger rendition of swim good‘s “Since U Asked.” The original was a nostalgic gem of a track, and the UK producer takes it to the next level with his stellar upbeat spin. While leaving Merival‘s vocals at the forefront, Star Slinger shakes up the tempo and brings out the beat, ensuring the danceability factor. Stream below.

Next is the new mix of filous‘ first original track, “How Hard I Try” by prolific Portland producer RAC. The original track, by rising Austrian artist and music prodigy filous (the french word for “Rascal”) features vocals from James Hershey and has an inherently tropical tone. RAC takes it in a different direction with a more muted approach to the synths and haunting echoey instrumentation, which is apt given the subject matter.

In related news, RAC is actually going on tour with filous, Big Data and Pink Feathers this fall so be sure to check out their tour dates. For those in the District, they’ll be at DC’s 9:30 Club November 10 so get your tickets now!

Last but not least, we’re loving the fresh Four Tet take on the new CHVRCHES single “Leave A Trace.” CHVRCHES — everyone’s favorite Scottish synthpop outfit — caused a stir on the internet with the announcement of their sophomore album, Every Open Eye, due out September 25 on Glassnote Records. The English electronic artist strips down the poppiness of the original and instead supplies an underlying tension, building the track around the hook: “I know I need to feel relief.” It’s a masterful case of the production mimicking the message of the song, as only Four Tet is capable. Listen below.

 

RMX ROUNDUP: The Drums + RAC / Sam Feldt + EDX / José González + Dino Soccio

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Kicking off this installment of Remix Roundup is a new one from RAC‘s repertoire, a remix of The Drums “Kiss Me Again.” RAC takes the surfy original (from the Brooklyn duo’s latest album Encyclopedia) to new levels with layered synths and a drum machine, giving it an overall ’80s feel. Regarding the selection, RAC said, “The Drums have been somewhat of an obsession of mine. When the opportunity came up to do a remix, I had to do it.” Pick up a free download of this jubilant mix on Soundcloud.

Speaking of the ’80s, if you’re a product of the era with a predilection for ’90s pop, you’ll most likely recognize this next one. Veteran Swiss-based producer EDX has done a retake of Sam Feldt‘s cover of the 1993 classic, “Show Me Love” by Robin S. We loved the original summery reimagination from Dutch producer Sam Feldt, and EDX elevates the tropical house track to a dance-floor ready jam. Sam Feldt’s version will be out June 1 via Spinnin’ Records.

Last but not least, we lead you out with this hauntingly eloquent rework of José González‘ single, “Let It Carry You” from LA producer/DJ Dino Soccio. Soccio manages to retain the airy organic feel of the original (that won accolades from the man González himself), while simultaneously adding a chillwavey nu-disco backdrop. Let this resplendent edit carry you to transcendence just after the four-minute mark.

Pink Feathers – The Feeling’s Gone (ft. SPEAK)

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Last week, Portland’s Pink Feathers (aka Liz Anjos) saw the release of her debut EP, Invisible Lines. Produced by Andre Anjos of RAC (you read that right — the duo are a pair), the EP is a four-song collection confected of synthy, sugary pop. The standout track has to be the duet “The Feeling’s Gone” with Austin newcomers (and new Poetry fave), SPEAK. Troupe Gammage’s tenor serves as a nice counterbalance to Liz’s candied vocals, particularly in the coda. Stream below.

RMX ROUNDUP: Anna of the North + The Chainsmokers / RAC + Two Friends. / Goldroom + backstroke.

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Welcome to another Remix Roundup, in which we bring you the latest and greatest electronic offerings the web currently has to offer.

First up is the new jam from The Chainsmokers, who’ve remixed “Sway” from the new Norwegian pop artist Anna of the North. Speeding up the tempo and keeping Anna’s vocals at the forefront, The Chainsmokers’ rendition heightens the best elements of the original in what is a slightly new turn for the NY-based producers (the same ones who brought you “#Selfie“). Timely enough, they happen to be spinning at DC’s Echostage TONIGHT, so if you need a place to get your ‘dance party’ on, get your tickets now and prepare by picking up a free download of “Sway” on Soundcloud.

 

Next is the new remix of RAC’s “Cheap Sunglasses” from Two Friends, aka the LA-based producers Matt and Eli. Owing to the fact that they loved the oh-so-summery original (as did we), they put their progressive house spin on the RAC track while maintaining the essence of the RAC prototype. This is the best remix effort of the track we’ve heard so far (and there have been a few), so definitely worth a listen if you too dig the orig. Stream below and purchase on iTunes.

 

And for the third and final selection, we’re loving the below rework of Goldroom‘s “Embrace” from DC’s own backstroke. Adding some synth-washed layers and blissed-out harmonies, backstroke’s captivating reinterpretation distinguishes the up-and-coming producer from his peers — making those of us in the district proud to claim him.

RAC – Cheap Sunglasses (ft. Matthew Koma)

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RAC has just released Part II of his debut album, Strangers — Part I of which was dropped last month. The renowned Portland-based remixer, born André Allen Anjos has outdone himself with this release, which features all new material he co-wrote and produced himself. Perhaps that’s why the track “Cheap Sunglasses” is featured as iTunes Single of the Week — meaning it’s available for free download for a limited time. So pick it up today and start prepping your summer playlist now.

The album also features a number of collaborations, including our favorite with new indie group SPEAK who recently supported RAC on tour. Listen to the collab “I Should’ve Guessed” below and grab the full LP on iTunes here.

MS MR – Fantasy

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In honor of the electropop duo MS MR playing in DC this Sunday, I thought I’d post a couple of their tracks hitherto undocumented on PIAECC before.

The first track, “Fantasy,” is from their debut album Secondhand Rapture; and the second is an RAC remix of their single off the same album, “Think of You.” I’m obsessed with both so check them out.