Existential Funk on Spotify

Life Remixed on Spotify

This was intentionally simple.  ”Reactor” had an existing electro influence in the form of the synth.  That was about the only part that stayed in the remix, but I liked the way that the stripped down drums and the synth turned this remix into a more “raw” version.

Karl D – Reactor(Remix)(Right click and choose Save As to download)

For the uninitiated, this is a remix of an old favorite of mine.   The pace is changed dramatically in this version, and adds some “dancefloor heat” that the original could not be farther from.

Karl D  - Dante’s Revenge(Right click and choose Save As to download)

I think he was right, and the same can be said about breakbeat. Fads come and go, but house and breaks are the pillars that hold up electronic music.

Simple ideas are typically the ones that don’t need changing. The way electronic music has survived over the years is by keeping to the basics.

The first movement of this mix represents a modern interpretation of electro – an exciting set of mid-tempo, aggressive house. You’ll notice a couple of remixes in this half especially that were created just for this mix(and will be released on this site for general download soon).
Halfway through, this mix switches gears, going into breaks territory. The tracks in this set all are quite modern from a production standpoint, but all owe a great deal to the original electro-breaks sound of the 1980s that gave birth to modern electronic music culture.

This is SHOCKED.

1st Movement:  Electro House

1. (0:00)      Karl D – Dante’s Revenge
2. (02:25)    Karl D – Logic Bomb
3. (05:05)    Karl D – Reactor(Remix)
4. (06:41)     Karl D – Shocking
5. (10:57)     Robyn – Dancing on My Own

2nd Movement:  Electro Breaks

6.  (15:34)     Karl D – 4_07(from random beats, vol. 4)
7. (17:58)     Karl D – So Many Different People
8. (20:23)     Karl D – 3_11(from random beats, vol. 3)
9. (24:14)      Above and Beyond – Indonesia
10. (26:38)     Karl D – Typhoon

Karl D – Shocked(Right click and choose Save As to download)

Like all of the previous posts, I’m using this space to highlight some of my own influences – which have come in the form of individual tracks as well as mixes from standout DJs on podcasts and promotional mixes around the web that I’ve listened to through the year.

Please enjoy this selection of mixes and tracks from these hardworking artists, and if possible, support them any way you can.  These lists are in no particular order.

Top 5 Tracks:

1. Eric Prydz – Every Day - Without a doubt, my most favorite release of the year.  I could write several pages about why I think it’s the best house track to be released in years, but let me leave it at this:  House works best when it’s kept simple.
2. Masamune – Knockin – I believe this just showed up in my Soundcloud feed one day, as part of a greater compilation called Heavy Electronic Music vol. 1.  Although not a major release, I liked the subtlety of this track and found “Knockin” to be a profound dubstep release this year.
3. Wideboys – Addicted to the Bass(Tantrum Desire mix) - This track was my first exposure to Tantrum Desire, although I was surprised to find out this artist had been around for a while.  Along with other releases, this track put him in good standing to replace the Pendulum-sized hole in my heart.
4. Doctor P & Elite Force – Watch Out(Revamp) - Elite Force released a great follow up to his novel RVMPD albums this year, called RVMPD2.  The whole album had several songs I liked, but “Watch Out” stood out for me.  The original lacked a sense of pace that Elite Force managed to really nail down in this version.
5. Alex Clare – Too Close (Theory’s Room To Breathe Dub) - The original was a big hit that many people might be familiar with; frankly I didn’t care for it.  However, this, like most any musical problem, was fixed with an injection of laid-back dub reggae.

Top 5 Mixes:

1. Autechre – Live at Flex 1996 - Obviously, this was not a mix released this year.  However, I found it notable for two reasons:  One, I have been exposed to very little Autechre over the years and found it to be a good introduction to their body of work; and two, I was able to give this mix my full attention for the duration of the  set, and I can describe it only as hallucinogenic.
2. Super 8 and Tab – Data Transmission Podcast 208 - These two represent a new wave of big-room trance.  Joining Above and Beyond’s Anjunabeats label surely gave these guys the recognition they deserve.  I’m a big fan of their “SuperTab Radio” podcast, but the mix they did for Data Transmission early this year was what caught my attention.
3. Bad Boy Bill – Behind The Decks Radio Show 12 - As one of Bad Boy Bill’s biggest fans, I was so happy when he started this new podcast series.  Podcast mixes like these are such a great way for artists to modernize and connect more directly with fans.  There’s not a single one of this series that I haven’t liked – but this one sounded the most like a “classic Bad Boy Bill” mix with a fast pace, tight scratching, and a mix of old and new sounds.
4. Resident Advisor RA.326 – Apparat - Sounds like lo-fi electro and 80′s pop without the vocals.  Incredibly dreamy, laid-back, and pleasant.
5. UFO! – Radio UFO! Momba Mix – UFO! has always been one of my favorite drum and bass artists for the diverse perspective he brought to the table.  He’s been a major player in the “Moombahton” scene for a while now, and this mix brought forth some of the elements that are familiar to the D&B UFO! fan, like his signature use of film samples.

I like how it turned out – much “housier” than anticipated.  Sort of like slow Dutch house.

Karl D – Reactor(Download – Right click and select “Save As”)

Essentially, “Ghost” and “Logic Bomb” were two stems grown from the same idea.  Initially, they could have been the parts of the same track, but they each evolved into it’s own thing – “Logic Bomb” taking on a much more aggressive, thick sound, and “Ghost” exaggerating the more minimal and quiet elements I wanted to include.

Did you already catch the short-but-thrilling breakdown in the middle of this track when this debuted in Pattern Recognition? 

Karl D – Ghost(Download – Right click and select “Save As”)

If you listened to the mix, you may have identified “Logic Bomb” as something of a high point.

The track was intended as something of a peak time throwdown – I think it turned into something different along the way, and I’m glad for it.  Stylistically, many of the instruments are heavy with grit, and the measured pace on the drum track help this stand out.  I think this still has the “big room” feel I was looking for, without being too obvious or cliché .

Karl D – Logic Bomb(Download – Right click and select “Save As”)

The tracks presented in this mix are something of a departure from my own comfort zone – I’ve used an array of unconventional techniques to craft the sounds within this mix.  By letting go of my own expectations, I was able to learn from the experience and craft something that even surprised me.  The mix also helped spawn two new tracks, which I am debuting here(“Logic Bomb” and “Ghost”).  Both tracks will be available for individual download in the coming weeks.

Which filters will you allow to shape your existence?  Will you let go of your assumptions to develop new experiences?  This is Pattern Recognition. 

1. (0:00) Karl D – 3_03(From random beats, vol. 3) + Simian Mobile Disco – Nerve Salad
2. (1:10) (untitled)
3. (3:28) Karl D – Trackdown + My Nu Leng – Waltaknocks
4. (07:03) Karl D – Hex
5. (11:08) (untitled)
6. (13:20) Karl D – Logic Bomb
7. (15:38) Karl D – 4_06(From random beats, vol. 4)
8. (17:40) Karl D – 1_10(From random beats, vol. 1)
9. (18:57) Karl D – Ghost
10. (22:33) Karl D – Mirror-world(Exclusive)

Karl D – Pattern Recognition(Download – Right click and select “Save As”)

Karl D – Typhoon

Night terrors can be terrifying, vivid and yet fleeting.  The tracks compiled for this mix all fit that description as well.  Some of the tracks(the untitled ones) are less fully-formed compositions, and more of a coagulation of electronic elements.  These will never be released singularly – they will only be available as part of this mix.

You will be terrified.  You will be thrilled.  When it’s over, you will have no idea what happened.  This is Night Terrors. 

1. (0:00) (untitled)
2. (1:30) (untitled)
3. (4:10) (untitled)
4. (6:00) Karl D – Aeon
5. (10:00) Karl D – 3_07(From random beats, vol. 3)
6. (12:00) (untitled)
7. (14:25) Karl D – Turbulence
8. (17:21) Karl D – Momentary(Dark Breaks Mix)
9. (20:26) Karl D – Hiding in Plain Sight

Karl D Presents – Night Terrors(Download – Right click and select “Save As”)

“That’s What Tomorrow’s For” is a fitting end to this project.  Stylistically, it is representative of the entire release – modern, minimal, and diverse.  This track also recalls elements of Red Time, like its heavy use of electric piano and a feel that can be described as somewhat distant.

I hope you’ve enjoyed life.remixed – you can now download the whole release in a ZIP file in the Downloads section, along with all the other releases.  This includes all 10 of the songs, as well as the cover art for the album.

life.remixed will probably be my last LP release – but to say I’m done making music could not be further from the truth.  I’m already hard at work at the next project, which I hope to have ready for you soon.

Karl D – That’s What Tomorrow’s For

“Can we solve this problem with MORE freedom instead of less?”

-Penn Jillette

Legal eagles who frequent the Legal page on this site(there may not be many of you) may have noticed a change recently:   The copyright which applied to all content has been changed to a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike license.

This change includes all current and future releases, as well as retroactively for all the previously released EPs, and the random beats series. 

Because of this, you are now free to share or modify the content, as long as you attribute the original work to Karl D, and share your content with the same or similar license.  You don’t even have to ask for consent – but I’d love to hear about it on the contact page!

In fact, I’d been planning this change for a while, but it seemed like an appropriate time given the discussion of copyright online.

I hope you continue to enjoy listening – and enjoy your freedom.

The future of the internet.

randombeats.com is not blacking out for the day, but stands in solidarity with those that do.

PIPA/SOPA is legislation intended to protect copyrights.  Instead, it keeps the rich and powerful…rich and powerful, while damaging the right of citizens to speak freely on the internet.  Besides that, many tech experts agree that the methods that would be used to enforce the legislation could damage the way the Internet works.  Simply put, the legislation is dangerous to an American’s right to free speech as well as our Internet infrastructure.

If passed, the idea of “Fair Use” would essentially be non-existent on the internet.

Most of the content on this site is original – but as designed, SOPA/PIPA would allow randombeats.com(and other sites like it) to be effectively taken down(or “go dark”) at the mere suggestion of copyright infringement.

Read more about the issue here:  http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/01/websites-dark-in-revolt/

Follow the money:  http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-h3261/money

Like last year’s post, I’m using this space to highlight some of my own influences – which have come in the form of individual tracks as well as mixes from standout DJs on podcasts and promotional mixes around the web.

Please enjoy this selection of mixes and tracks from these hardworking artists, and if possible, support them any way you can.  These lists are in no particular order.

Top 5 Tracks:

1. DJ Fresh – Louder(Doctor P & Flux Pavillion remix) - I’m not normally into the super-heavy dubs like this, but with people making videos like this with this track, how could you not fall in love?  The original mix is a killer as well.  Respect is due to Sian from Kosheen providing the vocals on this one.




2. Run DMT – Baraka’s Theme – Anybody who knows me knows I’m a HUGE Mortal Kombat nut.  So when I found out there was an electronica album coming out inspired by Mortal Kombat(curated by JFK of MSTRKRFT), I was all ears.  “Baraka’s Theme” was my favorite cut from this album, due mostly to the slow, deliberate pace and thunderous sounds.
3. Trent Reznor and Karen O. – Immigrant Song(Led Zeppelin Cover) – This cover has a nice big sound, and definitely made me sit up straight in my chair when I heard it the first time in the trailer for “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo“.  Like many NIN/Trent productions, this sneaks up on you in the most delightful way.
4. Magnetic Man – The Bug  – British readers may note that this technically came out last year, but we here in the States didn’t get the message about this one until the spring of 2011.  I really liked this moody cut from the first and only(so far) dubstep super-group.
5. Katy B – Katy on a Mission – I picked up Katy B’s album late this year, and was very glad I did.  The album was produced mostly by DJ Zinc, which gives the young Katy some serious credibility.  This particular track was produced by Benga and quickly found a place as my favorite from this disc.

Top 5 Mixes:

1. XLR8R Podcast 200 – Richie Hawtin vs. Plastikman – How precisely does one get in a DJ battle with themselves?  And how does one go about remixing a live DJ set?  These seem to be the questions that Richie Hawtin is providing the answer to in the form of this XLR8R podcast.  Apparently, this is “Plastikman remix” of a Hawtin live set(and yes, they are the same guy).  At a minimum, this is a challenging mix that seems to gravitate even more toward the chilled-out spectrum than most of this minimal master’s work.
2. Resident Advisor RA.270 – Tokimonsta – I had been a little familiar with the artist’s body of work, but when I first learned Tokimonsta’s identity, it was much like when Neo met Trinity in the first Matrix film:  I always thought she was a guy.  Rather, she is a very female L.A. based DJ with a demonstrated understanding of hip hop.  Moody underground beats, Toki’s own tracks, and a whirlpool of dubby effects make this mix a very notable contribution to trip-hop this year.
3. Stereo MC’s – Spring Selection Mixtape – I love a mix that won’t commit to one genre or another.  Few DJs can reliably pull this off, but the Stereo MC’s have successfully made a true “mixtape” out of this mix:  Its diverse selection includes hip hop, dubstep, old-school electro, rare groove, post-punk, house, and classic rock…and yet nothing seems out of place.  This is a great mix to start your day with, or provide the perfect soundtrack to a late-night party.
4. Barcode Recordings Filthcast 033 featuring Eye-D and Hidden – Like your drum and bass hard, techy, and fast, a la Dieselboy or Counterstrike?  This mix is for you.  Only Eye-D and Hidden’s own tracks are on display here, and they represent some of the best that hardcore drum and bass has to offer this year.
5. Knife Party – Live at Space in Ibiza - Knife Party is Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen(both of Pendulum fame)’s side project, demonstrating some tech-house and dubstep chops.  This mix showcases many of their own tunes, and their remixes of other big house tunes.  Echoes of Pendulum-esque sounds can be heard throughout many of the selections in this mix.