I could have done without the male stripper in a thong, but The Stepkids brought forth a funky track courtesy of the always magnificent Stones Throw Records. Featuring some questionable dancing and a trombone, this very much feels Mayer Hawthorne-esque circa his A Strange Arrangement days with the same label. If there is one thing besides the untraditional hip hop they cultivate over there, they sure seem to know how to make soulful music competing with the likes of the biggest mainstream acts. 

The Stepkids will release their album, Troubadour, on September 10, although the track is available on iTunes now. They also have some big shows coming up, including EDC this week and a free show in Brooklyn in August. 

• The Stepkids Home Page 
• The Stepkids on Twitter
• The Stepkids on Facebook

The summertime is made for those songs that you can play loud in the sun, and Sourface has dropped another smooth remix for the season. This time around, the UK-born producer provides a silky instrumental to Little Brother's "Welcome To Durham". In typical Sourface fashion, he's flipped the sample of Tony Wilson's "Lay Next To You" and created a whole new style and vibe for this track. Currently residing in Toronto, Sourface continues to make dope instrumentals and remixes to add to his previous ones of artists such as Jay Z and Nas that have seen him gain major underground recognition. Keep your eyes and ears locked onto Earmilk for any new music from Sourface.

• Sourface on Soundcloud
• Sourface on Twitter
• Sourface on Facebook

Tiësto is a superstar whose taste we have watched ebb and flow throughout his career. Currently at the crossroads of club hits, festival jumpers and mainstream radio, the Dutch producer has come a long way from his start in the early heyday of trance. Those who follow Tij have looked forward to his hand-picked annual compilation series CLUB LIFE, which unlike many dance music albums is an unmixed assortment that features a combination of greatest hits from the past year and new exclusive tracks. This year’s edition, CLUB LIFE Vol 3: Stockholm, seeks to embody the city it represents (as Miami and Vegas did), and serve as a marker of the trends we’ve seen and the anthems will see for the rest of the year. Like Tiësto’s current style and the dance music community as a whole, this album feels like it’s standing at an intersection deciding which direction to take: Mainstream? Electro? Trance? CLUB LIFE Vol 3: Stockholm offers us them all, leaving the listener to decide what route to take.

Tiësto unveiled multiple singles ahead of schedule. While many of his tracks on the compilation may be familiar to fans, including remixes of mega-hits “Clarity,” “Sweet Nothing,” and “I Love It,” these new releases are all original collaborations. Now the productions are out today on multiple platforms as both singles and on the album.

As the leadoff track from the compilation, “Paradise” teams up with Revealed Recordings whiz kid Dyro. With surging electro arpeggios, the track breaks down into a lyricless guitar riff that eventually evolves into a tried and tested Tiësto formula of big-room happy melodies.

The first single off the compilation entitled "Take Me" features the vocals of indie electronic singer-songwriter Kyler England, and is probably the most reminiscent of what was successful on the previous edition of Club Life Miami. England's vocals on "Take Me" have the most depth on the album and also have the most seamless pairing with the instrumental breaks, allowing this to really sound like one full well-done composition. 

One of the impressive qualities about the CLUB LIFE series is the faith it gives to new talent. Any compilation with such great exposure could potentially catapult a young artist into stardom, and serves as a place where greats like Tiesto can put their support behind artists. One of the standout tracks on Stockholm is a collaboration between Tij and a young Colombian producer named Moska. Using his seemingly innate sense for trance and electro house, Moska helped to remix an absolute classic with its original producer which is a huge honor. The new take on "Century" is different, and doesn't go too far to take away the good elements from the original.

On “Shocker” with DJ Punish, listeners are given an original that fits the vibe to many of Tiësto’s 2013 finales: an anthemic build that drops into a flurry of electro bleeps, with a synth melody reminiscent of Quintino's still relevant 2011 hit “Epic”.

On “Back To The Acid”, Tiësto teams up with fellow Dutch producer MOTI, dropping an acid-influenced bassline groove. The track spirals downward before a repeating vocal sample eventually pulls back the bouncy rhythm – a nice experiment from a seasoned vet.

Compilation records are always an interesting artist study. Whether you enjoy this album or not, it's safe to say this is a snapshot of musical history with Tiësto's signature on it.

 Full Tracklisting:

1. Tiësto & Dyro – Paradise
2. Tiësto – Take Me ft. Kyler England
3. Baggi Begovic – Compromise ft. Tab
4. Hardwell – Apollo ft. Amba Shepherd (Hardwell’s Club Life Edit)
5. Tiësto, Mark Alston, Baggi Begovic, & Jason Taylor – Love and Run ft. Teddy Geiger 
6. Zedd ft. Foxes – Clarity (Tiësto Remix)
7. Calvin Harris – Sweet Nothing ft. Florence Welch (Tiësto and Ken Loi Re-Remix)
8. Icona Pop – I Love It (Tiësto’s Club Life Remix)
9. Passion Pit – Carried Away (Tiësto Remix)
10. Moguai – Champs
11. Alesso vs. OneRepublic – If I Lose Myself
12. Pelari - Cango
13. Tiësto & Calvin Harris – Century (Tiësto & Moska Remix)
14. Tiësto & DJ Punish – Shocker
15. Tiësto & MOTi – Back To The Acid
16. Tiësto, Quintino & Alvaro – United (Tiësto & Blasterjaxx Remix)

CLUB LIFE Vol. 3: Stockholm

Tiesto, Various Artists

• Musical Freedom
• 06/18/2013

• Beatport
• Facebook
• Soundcloud

After releasing his second LP, Reunion, two months ago, Allure a.k.a. Lorris Piasco comes back to enliven this summer by launching an unofficial remix of Justin Timberlake's "Strawberry Bubblegum". Whereas Justin Timberlake just launched his new album, The 20/20 Experience, it's nice to discover the way Lorris transports us through this remix of one title of Timberlake's new opus. 

The "Little Prince" of French electro brilliantly revisits the song with his own funky electro touch, keeping the funky-pop soul of the original. According to Lorris, "Strawberry Bubblegum", one of his favorite tracks from Timberlake album, gives him the opportunity to reconnect more with summer ambiance, and he will take inspiration of that ambiance for his future music productions.

Stream and download Allure's "Strawberry Bubblegum" remix:

And only for you dear EARMILK fans, here is an exclusive download of "Insomnia", an original track by Allure extracted from his second album Reunion!

• Buy Reunion on iTunes
• Allure Official Website

Upcoming Allure Gigs:

07/07 @ POUPET FESTIVAL (Saint-Malo-du-Bois)

14/07 @ COTE MER (Hyères)

For nearly a year now the talented young Irish producer, known as Bear//Face, has been creating stunning electronic music fabricated between the sounds of downtempo and trap music. Every song seems to flow vibrantly in and out of itself. There is no question why he's creating a swift following on soundcloud already.

After mass praise for his original track "Taste My Sad," as well as a plethora of remixes from massive artists including Justin Timberlake, Jeremih, and A$AP Rocky; Bear//Face again takes a stab at one already majestically produced track "The Duo" by Atu that features Sango. Bear//Face remixes "The Duo" into what can only be described as a hip hop producer's 5AM dreamscape. This is deep, night music with a heavy hip hop vibe that'll keep you pressing play over and over.

• Bear//Face on Soundcloud
• Bear//Face on Twitter
• Bear//Face on Facebook
• Bear//Face on Bandcamp

I'm not usually one for the more "poppy" side of music—I mean, yes I like Hot Chip, and CHVRCHES or MSMR, and I do have a sweet spot for Katy Perry (although that may be for reasons other than her music), but...

I guess long story short I'm not a fan of Pop music. It makes me cringe more often than not, if I'm allowed to be bluntly honest, and perhaps it's this disposition that makes it so impressive to me that I enjoyed ILIA DARLIN's song "We Do What We Like" so much. As with any "poppy" song, I'm not in it for the lyrics, and as with any song of this ilk, there aren't many lyrics to pull from. But I am in it for the subtle joy I get in dancing stupidly to music, and this song is perfect for that.

It's the type of music that grabs you with it's catchiness and rewards your attention with crisp vocals that sound like an odd combo of Pat Benatar, Madonna and Ke$ha, which is refreshing considering how well that vocal cocktail nestles in with the song's theatrics. It's a jolly tune, all in all, and the video is odd enough for me to respect its DIY aesthetic. Keep an eye on this chick in the future.

Escapade Music Festival has been a mainstay of Canada Day weekend in Ottawa since 2010. It’s first year featured Deadmau5 and was set in the downtown core where nearly a million people gather every year to celebrate. It’s gotten bigger and bigger every year  and last year expanded to a two day festival at the Ottawa Baseball Stadium that featured heavyweights such as Avicii, Dada Life, Afrojack, Alesso, and Eric Prydz among others.

Escapade 2013 is set to be it’s bigger year yet. Expanding for the first time to three days it’s 4th edition will take place on the RA Center grounds. Set on the Rideau River, with 40 acres of property and close to public transportation this setting allows Escapade to go bigger with production, sound and Ottawa’s favorite part of Canada Day: Fireworks. Enter below to win a pair of VIP passes to days 1 & 2 as well as GA passes to day 3.

• BUY TICKETS HERE

Escapade has always attempted to please a wide spectrum of electronic music fans and this year is no different. It’s main stage veterans include Tiesto, Steve Angello, Bingo Players, Deniz Koyu and Benny Benassi to name just a few.

Beefing up the trance lineup this year the artists include Group Therapy creators Above & Beyond, Arty, Markus Schulz, Ferry Corsten and Ben Gold.

The greatest improvement in my eyes this year has been their underground artists Steve Lawler, Umek, Sebastian Leger, Chus + Cellabos and anchored by Toolroom Records chief Mark Knight who will be playing a special extended set. 

The lineup is rounded out by a healthy bass music lineup led by Rusko and Krewella, up and comers like Toronto’s hottest export Charlie Darker, and local legends Ariyan + Etienne Ozborne.

If 2012 has taught us anything it is that Escapade is an extremely well managed festival. Last year there was little to no lineup issues, easy access to bars, and the sound and stage production impressed us all. Escapade’s slogan has historically been Bigger, Better and Louder; with three days, a new venue, and a strong well rounded lineup we are sure they will live up to exactly that.

• Escapade Music Festival
• Escapade Music Festival on Facebook
• Escapade Music Festival on Twitter

Gary Caos is on his way to becoming a house music superstar. With humble beginnings built in the business side of the music industry, the eccentric Italian producer has been frequently churning out funky tunes that pay homage to the roots of today’s dance music. This week he’s released an EP entitled Music & Lights that samples vocals from the similarly-named hit single from 1980s band Imagination. With a sexy bassline and catchy vocals and deeper bass rubbing remixes from Gramaphonedzie and Bad Taste, the EP is a perfect find for the summertime.

Music & Lights

Gary Caos, Gramaphonedzie, Bad Taste

• Guesthouse Music

• Beatport
• Gary Caos on Facebook
• Gary Caos on Soundcloud
• Gramaphonedzie on Soundcloud
• Bad Taste on Soundcloud

“Kickdrum, bassline, hi-hats”. Three words that Detroit bred producer Ryan Elliott uses in biographies to define himself in artistic matters. Serving as a resident DJ at the legendary Berghain/Panorama Club, it comes to no surprise that his most recent imprint comes under the club’s own record label — Ostgut Ton. Stepmode EP, the two-track masterpiece designed for long term club play, offers a harmonious release with a hypnotizing edge that displays a continental fuse between Elliott’s distinctive Detroit roots and UK funk.  

The A-side features the title track “Stepmode” that starts with tormenting force and signature basslines set to intensify the tone as the beat goes on. Serving as a showcase of Elliott’s love for minimal straightforwardness in his production, the airy vocal chopping implemented becomes an addictive enchantment delving into an elated tech-house atmosphere. 

The B-side, “Stillsteppin”, gives a contrasting effect from the previous tune. Evoking a profound intensity that sinks deep into the listener’s subconscious, the dark groove adorned with vaporous strings helps heighten the listening experience into an unforgettable techno groove you just can’t deny!

Already set to play his staple sets at Berghain this summer, if you cannot make it out to Berlin try catching him at Cocoon’s parties in the UK for July as well as in Holland’s Into the Woods festival in September.  

Ryan Elliott

Stepmode [EP]

• Ostgut Ton
• 2013-06-17

• Buy on Juno
• Ryan Elliott on Facebook
• Ostgut Ton on Facebook

Love Thy Brother's new remix of British soul singer John Newman's "Love Me Again" could not come at a better time: this is that perfect groove for sun, sand and long hot nights.  The two brothers mix disco and French house with vintage production that luxuriates in the sounds of summer. Big uplifting piano chords, a funky bassline, live guitar riffs and Newman's incredible vocals combine to create a full-out dance track that keeps its human element intact. If you're feeling the groovier tracks off the Daft Punk album then this one is for you.  The remix drops June 30th on Island Records and you can pre-order here.  

• Love Thy Brother on Facebook
• Love Thy Brother on Soundcloud
• John Newman on Facebook

Let's face it. We all have a soft spot for those good-feeling anthems. There is something about their uplifting nature that just keeps us yearning for more. Representing Seattle, Washington, The Soundmen is a duo who are slowly but surely snowballing their way to the top. Behind the mask are Justin Jamison and Scott Durday, two friends who have a passion for producing and remixing. They are relatively new, but they are not deterred from the challenge.

The Soundmen have released a plethora of remixes of rising indie bands and artists. They aren't at the magnitude of RAC, but they are definitely not pushovers. Their remixing skill is undeniable, landing them in the top 10 in Hypem popular charts multiple times. Their first major break was back in 2009, when they dropped a Lil Wayne and Grizzly Bear remix EP. The EP's success erupted into colossal proportions, not to mention that they have recently signed a contract with Warner Bros.

Some of their remix victims include Carousel, Panic City, Alison Valentine, and Foster The People. The Soundmen aren't all balls into the remixing game: they have their fair share in the collaboration and production scene as well. Their latest heater was the tune "It's On Tonight", featuring the soulful Jackson Breit.

This is a double-header. In addition to an interview, they have given us the opportunity to first set loose their latest remix. This time, they tinker with "Waves" by Blondfire. For those who don't know, Blondfire is an indie pop band based in Los Angeles.  They have an odd, quirky, uplifting persona, which is probably one reason why The Soundmen chose them in the first place. Hit the stream below. 

We also recently had a chance to sit down with Scott Durday of The Soundmen to reveal the unknown to the rest of the public. It's windows down and volume up from here on out.

EARMILK: How did The Soundmen come to be? 

Scott Durday: I was going to college at University of Washington and was doing some local rap production, and Justin was doing the same thing. We were introduced by a mutual friend and we just clicked. But when we started we really only did rap production. We didn't get into other genres until 2010. Before that we had produced tracks for G Dep, Murda Mook, Ron Browz, Geoligic from Blue Scholars, Poison Pen, Babs from Making The Band, Jae Millz, a ton of rappers. So our roots and where we cut our teeth was all in rap. 

EM: So you guys were already neck deep since the beginning?

SD: Pretty much, but in 2009 we just really started experimenting and created a Lil Wayne and Grizzly Bear remix EP called Veckaflyest, which blew up. Rolling Stone wrote about it, and we realized that combining our rap sensibilities with a more electronic and indie approach really connected with people. 

EM: Was The Soundmen a side project or was it something that you guys planned on pursuing for the long term?

SD: It’s just always been our production team name. Kind of a play on words since we both grew up on the Puget Sound in Washington.

EM: What were you guys doing before The Soundmen?

SD: Well, before 2010, which was really when we refocused what we were doing in a new way instead of just being rap producers, I was living and working in New York, and Justin had actually just finished audio engineering school. We were both sort of just figuring out how to keep producing but not wanting to deal with simply being beatmakers. I was DJing all over NY as well. 

EM: That actually brings me to my next question. I understand that you are currently in New York and Justin is on the West Coast. How do you guys plan, collaborate, and produce?

SD: We've been producing cross-coastal since 2009, actually. We used to use Skype, now we use Google Video chat and basically just run virtual sessions. I'll be making some drums and chopping up samples, J will be playing keys, and we just work together via video chat. So he can be playing something and I will hear it right then and be able to collaborate live, or vice versa, and then we just email bits and pieces back and forth until the track, remix or song is constructed.

EM: That must be pretty tedious.

SD: Honestly, we don't even notice it. With the internet speeds now, it's pretty seamless and often times we will both work separately on things and then connect when it’s time to put the two together.

EM: Most of your time as The Soundmen has been devoted to remixing and occasionally collaborating and producing with other artists, while you guys have only put out one original so far. Is there a reason for a lack of originals?

SD: We really were testing the waters with our solo originals last year with "Funny Feeling", and it was really successful. The reaction from our listeners was great, and we realized it really made sense to take production that we were making for other artists and really focus on using it for ourselves. This year we have an EP coming in the fall of all originals. Each track is a collaboration with an artist, many of whom we have remixed. We've got songs finished with Avan Lava, Brett, Panic City, Rai Knight, and a few more guests soon to be named!

EM: I know you guys love remixing. How do you feel about RAC and what they have done and become?

SD: We love RAC. I think both RAC and Classixx have been huge influences on us, as they really bring actual musicianship to remixing and production. It’s not about a drop, or just something designed for a DJ to play they completely re-image a song, and that's the approach we always take. You can still listen to production and remixes from The Soundmen from 2010 and it doesn't sound dated because we didn't jump on the current remixing or production sound at the time.

EM: You've mentioned prior to this interview that you guys are currently exploring different sounds. What sounds exactly?

SD: We've really just been focusing on almost resurfacing a lot of the techniques we employed in our rap production and blending it with our electronic approach. Incorporating dusty breaks, obvious sampling, but then blending it with our lush synths, then crafting great pop songs around them. You can hear the techniques in a lot of the remixes we've done this year, for Brett and Betty Who specifically.

EM: Would you consider this a way in finding The Soundmen's "sound/identity"? Or would you say you guys have found it already?

SD: Definitely, I think in the last year we've really narrowed down our sound. It’s lush, it’s summery, it’s big, it’s meant to be repeated in your headphones. Our goal is to make music that makes you feel good.

EM: Which artists do you want to collaborate with the most in the future?

SD: Both Justin and I are huge Friendly Fires fans, and Ed Macfarlane has one of the best voices in music, so definitely him.

EM: 2013 has been phenomenal for music so far compared to last year. What is your favorite album that was released this year? And Random Access Memories is not a choice...

SD: Easy, Atu's Pictures on Silence.

EM: And what makes it your favorite?

SD: I think in today's electronic world, unique and original approaches are exceedingly rare, and his approach to sampling was incredible. Taking some of our favorite 90s R&B hits and just creating these lush soundscapes with them. Also Jessie Ware's new album, she is another person that we both love and want to collaborate with.

EM: Well, that about all I have to throw at you. Any last remarks or announcements to close this bad boy up?

SD: The identity is something I think about all the time, and our manager has really really helped since last year in working with us to craft it. Because we like to produce so many different times of music that it is challenging to keep us from going to all over the place. Both Justin and I are pretty ADD.

There you have it, folks. A small inside look into something big. The duo is always on the prowl and always in the thick of things. Whether it's remixes, collaborations, or originals, you're bound to stumble across them in one way or another. Be sure to be on the look out for another 100% original song in the very near future and a release of all of their remixes to date.

• The Soundmen on Facebook
• The Soundmen on Twitter
• The Soundmen on SoundCloud

Production duo Thugli put out a new track a few days ago, titled "Listen Up". Upon first listen, I'm reminded of the movie "Drum Line" and the huge college bands in the south and their mind-blowing technique and amazing sound. This track is sure to have the same awe-inspiring effect on people up during this summer's festivals.

The kicks and drums are my favorite part, due to the attention they demand, and with a song title like "Listen Up", it makes perfect sense. The voice sampled seems to be Toronto native Kardinal Offishall, who has made a career out of getting people hyped up during live performances in Toronto through out the years. After an action packed weekend at NXNE, I ran into the guys, who told me they were ready to hit the road and are looking forward to playing their music for fans and new listeners through out the summer. Stream "Listen up" below and check Thugli out live in a city near you.

• Thugli on Soundcloud
• Thugli on Facebook
• Thugli on Twitter

Philly native Starkey always has a knack for creating fresh and innovative remixes and originals. This past Memorial Day, he released  a knock-down drag-out banger, "Nucleus VIP". Now we are graced with an exclusive premiere of a sultry futuristic video for his latest single "Space". If David Lynch and Darren Aronofsky got together to recreate 2001:  A Space Odyssey, this music video would without a doubt be a scene included in the movie. We follow the protagonist, Elena Barbour, during her daily routine and get a glimpse into what future pleasure machines will look like, and ladies, they look awesome! This gritty and aggressive beat is indicative of old UK grime, with a modern spin to it. You can hear "Space" on The Inter-Mission EP out now on Starkey's own label Seclusiasis, which is available for download on iTunes or Beatport. So without further ado, HAL, please play the Starkey video.

• Starkey Home Page
• Starkey on Twitter
• Starkey on Facebook
• Starkey on Soundcloud

It has been almost two years since indie darlings Shabazz Palaces released their Sub Pop debut, Black Up. The psychedelic, experimental project received rave reviews from critics and made quite a splash around the blogosphere. Now, with the music fully digested, one of the album's most potent tracks, “An Echo From The Hosts That Profess Infinitum”, gets a visual filled with scenic views and barbed wire fences. The eerie slow motion black and white scenes fit perfectly with the chilling vocal sample and borderline anti-establishment content. Check out the video below, and buy Black Up on Amazon.

A producer dubbed DJ Venum who dons the classic "Jason" mask has been plotting his 3rd evil EP against the world of bass music. Rumored to have been a well established producer before accepting the world of secrecy behind the mask, his recently released Prestige Worldwide EP on Top Billin conveys a message of signature UK ghetto house but nods to trap and Baltimore club. A lot of EPs that have been geared towards the dance floor could be considered unlistenable when not played in a club setting. Venum's attention to detail and the grooviness of this EP makes good for getting lost to the tunes in the club or leisurely in your own head.

DJ Venum

Prestige Worldwide EP

• Top Billin
• 5/8/2013

• Buy the EP
• DJ Venum on Soundcloud

Breaking onto the scene in 2011, the LA based quintet Y LUV, have been making a splash with their danceable synth rock. With three EP’s under their belt and tour credits alongside some pretty impressive names including The Crystal Method, Tokyo Police Club, Penguin Prison, The Knocks, and Robert DeLong, the synth-pop outfit have only one goal in mind - to make people feel good. Lead vocalist and guitar player Freddie Janney remarks, “I think our sound is based around our love of music's ability to unify people and bring people together to all take the same ride. We have big dreams and optimism for our lives and so we try to write big songs that can lift people up and fill up a field with good vibes.”

Today we have their unreleased single “Just Enough.” The single comes hot off the heels of their junior EP Take the Ride, which dropped May 28^th. “Just Enough” was written and produced in collaboration with Chris Cester of JET. With a warm melody and feel good vibe provided by Janney’s vocals the track is the perfect tune for your summertime collection. Be sure to check out the single and their full EP over on their Soundcloud page.

•  Y Luv on Soundcloud
• Y Luv on Facebook 
• Y Luv on Twitter

One of the marks of a true artist is his or her ability to adapt to change without losing any heart. That's what the German brotherly duo Dirk and Marco Duderstadt, also known as Inpetto have been able to accomplish. Seeing through phases in 90's trance, disco and Euro-house, the guys have picked up some great habits in their production style that make them just plain fun to listen to. Such is the case with "Girls & Boys," a play on a familiar lyric from the British band Blur's 1994 hit of the same name. While the vocals are playful, the synths and rock-infused tone of the production is just as sprightly. Inpetto's signature touch adds the finishing touch of whimsy here, making "Girls & Boys" a great summer anthem.

Inpetto

Girls & Boys

• DOORN

• Beatport
• Facebook
• Soundcloud

Has there ever been a wonder of what a John Talabot song would be like without all of the smoke and mirrors of the many mystical layers he works into his solo material? Well, the remix that he released with vocalist Pional for their collaborative track "Destiny" off of 2012's critically acclaimed ƒin should act as a vibe-filled example.

The best way to think of the "Dubtool Version" of "Destiny" would be a streamlined edit of the experimental and psychedelic original. Where the original glistens with heavy melodic textures, the edit relies solely on the heavy bass beat and reaching vocals for structure. Peeling back layers to bring out the subtle elements of a song exemplifies a maturing artist, as simplicity often detracts from the flow, but Talbot and Pional have reworked their song off of ƒIN that took the most time to create into a minimalist's dream.

As with any Talabot release or remix the listener is rewarded through repeat listens. Pick up the free download.

• John Talabot on Facebook
• John Talabot on Twitter
• Pional on Facebook
• Pional on Twitter

These are the mashes that are worth hearing, so stop your searching and instead settle down at your computer... turn up your speakers... and get ready for that sweet nectar that only EARMILK can give ya. Let's GO!

Last week, we had B.I.M.A, a 11-track mashup album that focused on Bon Iver samples. This week, the major mashup album we're featuring is from the talented duo known as The White Panda. Releasing a new album just this past week, titled Bearly Legal, they've recreated their identifiable style of pairing 2-3 samples from section to section resulting in a catchy, summer-vibing, 5th full length album. Consisting of 33 tracks totaling just under 55 minutes of non-stop music, The White Panda continue to solidify their mainstay presence among college-age students. While the transitions from track to track aren't the smoothest I've heard, there are still some bona-fide hits littered within the album including personal favorites "Sexual Rollin'", "Firefly", "A Night Out Flying", and "Cooler Than Latch". As an added bonus, The White Panda has given us their glory-filled rendition of Rihanna paired over Game of Thrones' epic theme song as the first full-length single from Bearly Legal.

Next up, come the individual tracks. We got some fresh names in this list as I tried to expand my database of artists...leading me to come across Johnny Mashit, Flashard, DJ Rick Lee and others. Johnny Mashit integrates Alt-J's impressive "Breezeblocks" with Coldplay's easily recognizable "Fix You" resulting in a lovely re-interpretation of Coldplay's sleepy original. Alt-J's drumwork really seems to carry Chris Martin's vocals at just the right pace before it settles down into a measured tempo. Definitely grab this track for your collection.

DJ Rick Lee, on the other hand, takes us back in time with a variety of samples that seem to have no cohesive nature just looking at the sample list. However, once the Bee Gees "Stayin' Alive" instrumental starts to reverberate while Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust" is playing, one knows that the track is going to be interesting. And not to disappoint, Lee greets us with the likes of Will Smith, 2 In A Room, and Mike G & Sven...an eclectic selection but they flow well. So if you're looking for a multi-mash that will (pleasantly) surprise you, look no further. If you're looking for a more modern multi-mash, then take a listen to AG128ET's "Let The Good Times Roll" as it is filled with more radio-friendly artists. Structured right, and with a keen detail to making the vocals flow better from verse to verse/artist to artist, AG128ET created a successful mash.

Finally, the last 2 tracks that I want to highlight is from the aforementioned Flashard, and Rhythm Scholar's "Don't Stop The Party". Flashard takes Iyaz's "Replay", you know that 2010 infectious summer track, and lays its vocals over Ed Sheeran's "The A-Team". The result is a far cry from the more personal and intimate feel of Sheeran's original, but Iyaz surprisingly doesn't detract from this sound too much. There is an uptick in the emotion as Iyaz's vocals are more simplistic and more poppy, but "The Replay Team" was enjoyable. Likewise, Rhythm Scholar takes radio-friendly (and music killer?) Pitbull and puts him on top of a plethora of funky sounding tracks. Thankfully, Rhythm Scholar is educated enough to know to keep Pitbull in a more supporting role (he even put out a remix with no Pitbull) as the focal point of the mashup seems to be the fluidity of the instrumental samples.

Hit up the comments below with your feedback and with any additional artists that you think I may have missed/are worth listening to. And let me know what you think EARMILK should do for Mashup Monday's upcoming 100th edition!

Think of Chlöe Howl as a bubble that is on the verge of bursting. Her infectious voice and unique sex appeal have freed up space in a market that is flooded with look-alikes and sound-alikes. As it turns out, her breakout single has just received a proper reintroduction in the form of a music video. But wait, wasn't there a music video for "No Strings" that surfaced a few months ago?

What the original video for "No Strings" lacked in substance the retake mades up for in providing a story and showcasing Howl's vivacious flair. It is only natural to celebrate her debut single being released on Columbia in August with the support of an upbeat video.  Howl had this to say of the single, “I guess people don’t expect 18 year olds to own up and say: Oh hey guys! Yeah I drink alcohol and fool around....I don’t see the point in pretending this kind of stuff isn’t going on and acting as though everything’s like GleeI’m my age so I’m gonna talk about how gross it is to be my age."

• Chlöe Howl on Facebook
• Chlöe Howl on Twitter
• Columbia Records' Official Site