Saint Audio

Essentials: “Say Things” – Graves & Coolights

I find myself more fascinated than annoyed by Graves’ and Coolights’ mutation of Brownstone’s 1995 R&B hit “If You Love Me”. It’s similar to the enjoyment I experience watching Tim Burton turn Christmas into something dark without losing its playfulness. Graves and Coolights take a sample that expects smooth and soulful melodies and instead throw it in environment of… [continued]
Essentials: “Falling (Krs. Remix)” – Kes

In this remix of the Trinidad and Tobago band Kes’ “Fallin”, Krs. trades off some of the original’s festive energy and positivity for a bit more variety, and in the end creates a great dance track. The pitched vocals, vibrato-filled bass, quick snare rolls and (somewhat generic) house piano chords all accessorise Kes’ soca melodies and beats… [continued]
ICYMI: “Nightdrive” – Rebel Westerns

With all the hallmarks of a summer indie-banger set to inspire sunglasses-on, windows-down drives down the coast, Edinburgh pop outfit Rebel Westerns have delivered the sunniest of goods on their latest single “Nightdrive”. Following on from the bands last release, the infectious “Trouble”, “Nightdrive” glitches into life with shimmering synths underpinned by strong bass punches… [continued]
PressPlay Mixes #017: JR Nelson

April’s guest mix comes from the DC based producer JR Nelson. With his contemplative sound heavy in indie and alternative influences, JR’s bringing something refreshing and raw to the Soundcloud game. Read on for our chat, and listen to the mix below. Hey JR! We love your latest mix for us. What kind of vibe were… [continued]
Prince Has Died

He was 57, and found at home this morning. The report comes from TMZ and has since been confirmed by multiple sources. Don’t really have the words right now. [continued]
Essentials: “Aurora” – RL Grime

First things first: let’s retire the term “festival trap” when talking about RL Grime. The Los Angeles based WeDidIt affiliate is so much more than cacophonously heavy 808s with an acidic, screeching synth thrown on top of whatever rap hit was big six months ago. Sure, “Aurora” could be classified as “trap music”, but it’s… [continued]
Chicago is America’s Festival City in 2016

Don’t let the proclamation in the headline deceive you: there are gobs, literal dozens, of great American music festivals outside of Chicago. In the same breath, there is also no denying that with seven major-billing music festivals, and at least a half dozen smaller options, Chicago has in 2016 ascended to a top-ranked spot as a… [continued]
Essentials: “Feel It Now” – Gold Dash

I had been taking a little bit of a break from blogging while sorting my way through a stupid-busy spring, when this tune hit my inbox — and I can’t pass up talking about it for just a moment. “Feel It Now” is upbeat and sounds warm enough to bask in its glow. Rich with texture and… [continued]
Step Into Spring With Michael Mason’s Minimix

April may be the cruelest month, but our breezy minimix from Michael Mason will make you enjoy every bit of spring’s sporadic weather. A 20 minute stroll through airy synths and blossoming vocals, the NYC producer and founder of More Creativity Records sprinkles some of his effervescent originals amongst a slew of fan favourites like Kero Kero Bonito,… [continued]
Essentials: “Change for the World” – Charles Bradley

After decades of influence from the masterful Otis Redding and James Brown, the sound of funky soul music has taken a step back for subdued, modern R&B stars like Frank Ocean or Majid Jordan to take the current spotlight. Luckily, we can always count on Charles Bradley to bring back a healthy dose of socially conscious, horn-blaring, solo-screeching… [continued]