Tag Archives: Outlook

LBR061 | Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union – Glitter 2011 Part 2 (Out Now)

Time for another of my favourite progressive house packages of 2011 – Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union‘s ‘Glitter 2011 Part 2′, which is out today on Lowbit Records with a monster roster of remixes.

First up is Ben Coda, fast becoming one of the biggest hitters in the progressive and tech-house scenes and is a big favourite with Lowbit fans…and no wonder! Giving ‘Glitter’ a thrilling techy makeover, his remix strikes a beautiful balance between dramatically driving drums and growling bassline and light, airy layers of synth melodies that echo the uplifting nature of the original.

Steve Haines brings out the best elements of the original in his remix while simultaneously creating a really fresh take on the track. Banging out a seriously deep and dark bassline accompanied by squelchy stabs, Steve contrasts these with airy pads and sweepingly uplifting strings to make his remix a driving dancefloor bomb.

Outlook is a young UK progressive house producer who is fast putting himself on the map and was a well-deserved runner up in the ‘Glitter’ remix competition. His take on ‘Glitter’ is trademark uplifting Outlook, with absolutely lush chord progressions and spine-tinglingly warm pad work making this an outstanding part of the package.

Aussie producer inSilico meanwhile came third in the remix competition and is another talent well worth watching out for. Taking ‘Glitter’ down a more techy road, he injects it with a throbbing bassline and rippling, rhythmic layers of squelchy synths to give it a whole new hypnotic twist that again will work fantastically well on the dancefloor.

Well done Lowbit for saving the best for last with both ‘Glitter’ remix packages – Part 1 is climbing up the Beatport charts as we speak and had a big featured banner on Beatport last week too, further proof as if it were needed that this is essential listening!

Buy ‘Glitter 2011 Part 2′ on Beatport.

 

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LBR061 | Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union – Glitter 2011 Part 2 (Preview)

LBR061 Glitter Remixes Part 2 artwork

After last week’s sneak peek at Bastards of Funk & Sonic UnionGlitter 2011 Part 1, it’s time for a full reveal of the second set in this outstanding remix package, coming soon on Lowbit Records.

Ben Coda is fast becoming one of the biggest hitters in the progressive and tech-house scenes and is a big favourite with Lowbit fans…and no wonder! Giving ‘Glitter’ a thrilling techy makeover, his remix strikes a beautiful balance between dramatically driving drums and growling bassline and light, airy layers of synth melodies that echo the uplifting nature of the original.

Steve Haines brings out the best elements of the original in his remix while simultaneously creating a really fresh take on the track. Banging out a seriously deep and dark bassline accompanied by squelchy stabs, Steve contrasts these with airy pads and sweepingly uplifting strings to make his remix a driving dancefloor bomb.

Outlook is a young UK progressive house producer who is fast putting himself on the map and was a well-deserved runner up in the ‘Glitter’ remix competition. His take on ‘Glitter’ is trademark uplifting Outlook, with absolutely lush chord progressions and spine-tinglingly warm pad work making this an outstanding part of the package.

Aussie producer inSilico meanwhile came third in the remix competition and is another talent well worth watching out for. Taking ‘Glitter’ down a more techy road, he injects it with a throbbing bassline and rippling, rhythmic layers of squelchy synths to give it a whole new hypnotic twist that again will work fantastically well on the dancefloor.

‘Glitter 2011 Part 2′ is coming out on Lowbit Records on 19th December, and basically the truth is this simple: that if you’re a fan of progressive house, this is an absolute must-have. Get on it…

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LBR060 | Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union – Glitter 2011 Part 1 (Preview)

Glitter 2011 Part 1

Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union‘s ‘Glitter‘ has become an iconic track in the pantheon of progressive house since its release in 2009. It was featured on the Global Underground 2009 compilation, has had over 10,000 views on YouTube and the mighty PROFF has declared it one of his favourite tracks of all time and one that he still plays out – as evidenced by his inclusion of ‘Glitter’ in his Kazantip set earlier this year.

And with its instantly recognisable drums, deep driving bassline, soaringly sweeping strings and THAT twinkling topline melody which combine to thrill your blood and send a shiver of anticipation down your spine, it’s no wonder. Now, two and half years after its original release, ‘Glitter’ is given new life with not one but TWO new remix packages on Lowbit Records, following the label’s remix competition for the track earlier this year.

Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union’s own 2011 take on their all-time classic is kicks off with the instantly driving drums and that standout lead chord of the original – but don’t be fooled into thinking that this is just another clone of its predecessor, because this version of ‘Glitter’ has morphed into an edgier, fiercer echo of its original self. With a new electro edge, a subtly interwoven, more melancholic take on the original melody and a bittersweet bite, this beast is an enticingly bad-boy relative of its more wholesome, innocent cousin, who invites you to the dark side because they have more fun there.

Next up is the mighty Soundprank, aka Canadian prodigy Colin Fisher, who is at last making his eagerly anticipated debut on Lowbit with a remix that can only be described as a masterclass in melody, atmosphere and emotion. The original elements of ‘Glitter’ take a back seat here as Soundprank makes the track totally his own, though intimately inspired by the original’s energy. Starting off in very deep, melodic territory, you’re lured in by hypnotic chords and intense layers of suspense and atmosphere, before a truly madly deeply INTENSE breakdown full of power synths coupled with the skilfully woven in drums of the original ensures that once heard, this remix will never be forgotten.

Polish powerhouse Kobana meanwhile has created a stunningly powerful remix that hooks you in with majestic, shimmering, summery waves of melody underlaid with the deep, deep bassline of the original and contrasted with the twist of a vocal stab. Thus does Kobana create an epically dramatic build-up that segues smoothly into a beatifully warm, uplifting, emotive rework that instils a nostalgia for summer sunshine and leaves you longing to hear more.

Last but not least it’s the turn of the winner of the remix competition, D Eye. He gets straight down to business with his remix, which grabs your attention right away with its energetic drums and bassline, punctuated by percussive flourishes and squelchy rhythmic chords. Gradually he filters in the original bassline and topline melody just before the breakdown, but successfully manages to make them his own by building the track back up to a peak-time dancefloor demon with enough energy to power the National Grid while at the same time retaining subtle flashes of the original’s summery disposition.

‘Glitter 2011 Part 1′ is coming on Lowbit Records on 12th December, followed by Part 2 a week later with remixes from Ben Coda, Steve Haines, Outlook and InSilico. So basically, two of the biggest packages of the entire year – Lowbit have most definitely saved the best for last!!! :)

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Outlook – Scream (Free Download)

Recently I tipped Outlook, aka young up and coming British progressive producer Tom Newman, as my ‘one to watch’ out of the winners of Lowbit Records‘ ‘Glitter’ remix competition.

And he’s just given away a free download of his latest production, ‘Scream’, so get on it! Seriously summery and uplifting with an infectious vocal hook, it’s the perfect match for the gloriously sunny weather we’re having in the UK this weekend. Download, sit back and turn UP…

Outlook – Scream by Outlook

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Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union ‘Glitter’ remix competition – results

Decision time – the winners of the Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union ‘Glitter’ remix competition run by Lowbit Records have been announced! A lot of new talent was discovered, and having sat with Sonic Union throughout the decision-making process I know what a tough call it was, but in the end the winners were:

1) D-Eye
2) Outlook
3) inSilico

All worthy winners indeed, and exciting times for all 3 lie ahead no doubt. But my favourite out of the 3 was definitely the remix created by Outlook, aka up and coming British producer Tom Newman. A superbly uplifting, emotive track, its intense and intricate layers of melody and summery vibes wash over you to tug at your heartstrings and make them soar!

Bastards Of Funk & Sonic Union – Glitter (Outlook Remix) by Outlook

Another great example of Outlook’s work is his recent ‘Stay Here’/Among The Stars’ EP on Macarize. With its piano-laden hooks, warm pads and uplifting synths, it again demonstrates Tom’s great ear for a moving melody. This was one of the most beautiful releases I’ve heard in a very long time, and I can’t wait to hear what Outlook comes up with next.

MRIZE021 | Outlook – Stay Here / Among The Stars (Original Mixes) by Macarize

The other entry I really loved was by Melodic Source aka Paul Soaring. It kept the uplifting energy of the original and imbued it with a really infectious and driving dancefloor groove. Good work Mr Source – I want to hear more…

Bastards Of Funk & Sonic Union – Glitter (Melodic Source Remix) by Paul Soaring

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