I AM A LASER!

Skingraft Runway Show Spring 2010

Double You — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:20:04 +0000

Held on October 13th 2009, during Los Angeles Fashion Week at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, fashion warriors Jonny Cota and Katie Kay debuted Skingraft’s Spring 2010 line. Music in the video (see post) is super rad too! Post image by shootmepleasephoto.com

Vision No.1 :: Kraddy

Double You — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:40:59 +0000

The arts are not always about the final gesture delivered in public at a performance, showcase, or spread about the net to share. Often they are a journey made up of many impulses, inspirations, and the occasional personal transformation thrown in for good measure. We here at I AM A LASER are very proud to share this journey with you of the West Coast’s most notable characters; from musicians, to visual artists, to performers and fashion designers –especially now in beautifully shot hi-def film experiences! Welcome to very first episode of: I AM A LASER :: Vision

Vision No. 1 takes place with producer and crowd-slayer Matthew “Kraddy” Kratz in his Venice California lair. We spend the afternoon with him delving into what it is to be a pioneer when no ones looking and just doing it for the thrill. That’s how histories are made, Son! Pass it on!

[See post to watch Flash video]

See Vision No.1 :: Kraddy in full screen by clicking the “full screen” icon in the player above or watch in Theater Mode. Big ups to R/D for helping out with the intro special effects sounds and to Mateo for making these videos so dope -from filming, to editing, to motion graphics! The next level has now arrived.

If you’re not familiar with Kraddy as a music producer and smooth live performer, take a listen to his original Sound Cloud tracks, some of which you can peep right here:
Kraddy: Westside Manifesto Mix Summer 09

Club Nokia November 12th

Double You — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:23:50 +0000

I AM A LASER, in conjunction with The Service Company (Destroy LA), is going LIVE with a new monthly event held in downtown Los Angeles at Club Nokia’s Mezzanine Bar every second Thursday! These nights will be happening in conjunction with the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk event.

The intent of these live events is to merge several West Coast scenes into one experience seamlessly -the unified culture of cutting edge exploration and expression that they all are. Every month we will combine various amounts of bass heavy glitch, dubstep, electro, urban hip hop, indie, and gypsy for your pleasure -along with live art painting and who knows what else. Our first one kicks off November 12th. Peep the “deets” below and come to the show!

Performing LIVE November 12th:

Take aka Sweatson Klank

Take aka Sweatson Klank has long been at the center of an ever growing scene of talented musicians/producer/djs in the Los Angeles area who have blurred the lines of Hip Hop and Electronic Music. A movement that the world is now tuned in to with ever growing interest.

Take has been championed on various influential radio programs by the likes of Marry Anne Hobbs, Benji B, and Giles Peterson, Carlos Nino, and Garth Trinidad. He has performed at the some of the most highly regarded nights around the world such as Low End Theory, Sonar Music Festival, and The Loud Minority amongst others. Take has shared the stage with the likes of Flying Lotus, Daedelus, Ras G, Glitch Mob, Samiyam, Nosaj Thing, Kode 9, Gas Lamp Killer, Busdriver, Mos Def, Prefuse 73, Mike Slott, Hudson Mohawke and many others.

Take: Myspace
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r/d

R/D is a Sound Designer, Music Producer, DJ and Label owner. He gained notoriety in the late 90’s as the Founder of the Experimental Liquor Museum (E.L.M.); a Los Angeles based collective of DJ’s that spear-headed the local experimental music scene with their renowned underground electro parties. RD has released music on 1320 Records (US), TouchinÕ Bass (UK), Colony Productions (UK) and his own label; The Designed Disorder (US). Although he is best known for his unique brand of glitched-out electro, in recent years his sound has slowed in tempo, morphing into futuristic funk with an all-out hip-hop core, devastating sub-lines and tweaked melodies that combine to rock crowds and tickle brains.

R/D: Myspace
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MC SoulEye

Just Added! MC SoulEye will be rockin the mic and makin your head spin with his lyrical flow. It’s like a super multi vitamin to an already awesome meal!

Souleye: Myspace
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LC aka Mr. NumberOnederful

LC, the creator and curator of LA underground art scene shops ThinkSpace Gallery and Cannibal Flower, brings you the fresh party time mix you deserve! LC has been passionately spinning vinyl since 82’. Specializing in remixes, mash ups and covers. But what creates LC’s sound is the hip hip, lounge, reggae, trip hop, dance and some pop music mixed together to harmonize this DJ’s acoustic signature. A sound that has made him a vital piece of the musical group Bitter:Sweet, as featured on 89.9fm KCRW. LC spreads his vibe and sound around to various events around LA such as, Cannibal Flower, Nic’s Martini Lounge, and the Mar Vista Farmers Market every second and third Saturday of the month. But his creative spirit doesn’t end there. Out from behind the DJ booth, LC is a collage artist and also a co-owner and curator of Thinkspace Gallery and Cannibal Flower.

Download mixes, contact, and book him at lcroskeyart.com.

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Live Artwork

As a continuation of the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk we will have John Park of Cannibal Flower and artist Hans Haveron doing live painting throughout the evening.
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Club Nokia Location & Parking

Entrance to I AM A LASER @ Club Nokia is free before 10PM, $10 after and is 21+. Club Nokia is located in downtown Los Angeles at 800 W. Olympic Street; enter on Figueroa Street across from the Holiday Inn, and click here for parking information.

New Album: Jogger -This Great Pressure

Double You — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:33:21 +0000

I saw this turbo duo last Friday night in a small shack called the Hyperion Tavern in Los Angeles and promptly took a wet bath in their wall of sound. Let’s just say if you’ve been wanting something different, something with drive, sonic exploration and melody -this is it! Don’t let the soothing neo-Americana melodies throw you off, this is a “next level” our West Coast has needed; classic song writing with the cutting edge sound we all love. Welcome Jogger to the fold!

Their experimental indie-rocktronic sound is sometimes dangerous, sometimes poignant, and sometimes funny, but always captivating. This American duo consists of Amir Yaghmai on violin and guitar, and Jonathan Larroquette on laptop and controllers, with the vocal duties divided between them. Recently chosen as one of URB’s “Next 100″ artists to watch.

Today (10/27/09), Jogger’s first full-length album, entitled “This Great Pressure,” will be the first release on Magical Properties, Alfred “Daedelus” Darlington’s new imprint and digitally distributed by Alpha Pup Records. Swoop this treasure up now! Itunes. Amazon.com. Bleep.com

Jogger: Napping Captain
[See post to listen to audio -yes thatz right! -go to http://iamalaser.com]

Jogger: Master and Student
[See post to listen to audio -yes thatz right! -go to http://iamalaser.com]

Also, if you happen to be around in Los Angeles on Wednesday (10/28/09), world renowned weekly Low End Theory will be hosting the official Jogger record release party. Good times!

New Mimosa Music and Mixes

Double You — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:18:10 +0000

Mimosa’s been busy over on his Soundcloud account. This past week he’s kindly uploaded four new tracks for you to absorb and one free mini mix to download right now. Here you go:

CrunkSteppers Guide into the PsyPhy MiNi MiX :: Track List:
1. MiM0SA – On The Line
2. MiM0SA – Delirium
3. MiM0SA – I’m in Love With a Stripper (ReMix)
4. MiM0SA – Werk Me (feat Missy Eliot)
5. MiM0SA – When I’m Alone (Bigger Than Hip Hop)

Marty Party vs Mimosa :: The Perfect Flaw

Mimosa :: iN The Trap

Mimosa :: California Rude Boy

Mimosa :: 53 – Sidecar T0MMY n’ Tigran MiM0SA

I AM A LASER Merch!

Double You — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:08:43 +0000

We partnered with Zazzle.com to bring you our first round of I AM A LASER merchandise. What makes Zazzle a smart choice for us and the planet (I know, I said planet!) is that each item is only made when you demand it! No overstock, no whack-ness. Also, all print products, as used in the buttons we have, are made with 100% Ancient Forest Friendly recycled paper. As time goes on, more merch will be designed -and if you have an idea, say like a dope I AM A LASER style image, and we like it, let’s make it happen and we’ll share the profits.

Your support goes a long long way in helping us cover and document this amazing burst of west coast life and culture. If you can spare the dough (or even if you can’t, we’ll still continue to be your best friend!) drink up, sport a rockin button, or don a retro 80’s cap. BTW: sexy shots of bass loving girls wearing this hat are totally encouraged!!! -send us a picture!

Of Porcelain: A Southern Summer’s Breeze

Double You — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:56:44 +0000

Self described as “Music for the Hopeless Romantic” the Glitch Mob’s Josh Mayer, aka Ooah, has provided the celestial landscape with a new album release under the project name Of Porcelain. The release, A Southern Summer’s Breeze was posted a week ago on Bandcamp, which allows you to name your own price for the album. There is no minimum to pay (though we suggest support our dear artists how ever you can!) and it comes in a slew of audio formats.

It’s deep, introspective and a high quality glitchy breeze. The liner notes read: “All original piano and guitar sequenced with programmed beats and sounds.” –but there is much more to it than that. Give A Southern Summer’s Breeze a listen in the player below.

Synth Frontiers: TONTO

Double You — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:12:07 +0000

Music history is important. No matter what you create, it has a lineage -especially in the last 100 years as art and technology have become one and the same. So if you wanna move it forward, know your roots. In the early 1970’s the synthesizer was, now more than ever, making its way into main stream music production. One such group, TONTO’s Expanding Head Band, started collaborating with a young Motown singer songwriter named Stevie Wonder. The main instrument used was a synthesizer known as TONTO; an acronym for “The Original New Timbral Orchestra,” the world’s first (and still the largest) multitimbral polyphonic analog synthesizer. The end result produced four albums (known as Stevie’s classic period) that went on to collect fourteen Grammy awards. Get your jean jacket and suspenders on and witness some of this ground breaking work in the embedded YouTube video below.

Siren’s Got Heat

Double You — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:05:03 +0000

Loving what Bay Area producer Siren has recently been unleashing live and across the net. Here’s a slew of current Soundcloud tacks he’s posted and a clip from this past weekend’s 2AM Audio Showcase. Check! (see post for clips)

Siren :: Summertime In Oakland

Siren :: “Let Your Love Grow” by Modeselektor. (Remixxx)

Siren :: Ex-tasy

4-Trak Cassette: Issue One

Double You — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:14:49 +0000

The following tracks are posted here for you to be awash in musical glory and health. After sampling our first installment of “4 Trak Cassette” promptly, physically or virtually, go out and buy these albums now. Don’t cheat –this is music worth paying for!

Track One: Washed out – New theory
[See post to listen to audio -yes thatz right! -go to http://iamalaser.com] Holy Jesus! (do I say that a lot?) Washed Out will frilling pummel you with its chilled out cassette tape oasis in the sky melodies. Yes, I did say all that! Every song on his newest album Life of Leisure is pure sunshine. It’s impossible to have a favorite from this album –they’re all my favorite. I’m tempted to just post the whole dang disc!
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Track Two: Deastro – Toxic Crusaders
[See post to listen to audio -yes thatz right! -go to http://iamalaser.com]
Pretty much to the same degree that you must buy everything that Washed Out makes, the same goes for Deastro. I am astounded at the composition, the lyrics, the vibe and how great I feel after aurally ingesting what is a powerful display of expression before the maker himself; bold, raw, and unapologetic. Burst like a supernova with this one. From the album Moondagger.
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Track Three: The XX – Shelter
[See post to listen to audio -yes thatz right! -go to http://iamalaser.com]
Currently on the musical “hype-o-sphere” is the band known as XX. I’m not totally sold as I have heard over the years a number of bands that have nailed the lament filled simplicity of a single guitar in a large echo chamber accompanied by a huge bong hit to underscore how “important” the depth of all this is. But listen for yourself. I did and I do like this track “Shelter.” Maybe you will too. From the album xx.
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Track Four: Ghostland Observatory – Sad Sad City
[See post to listen to audio -yes thatz right! -go to http://iamalaser.com]
What! You think we can live in a disposable society forever? These “4 Trak Cassette” posts are about pulling out the goodies too. Ghostland Observatory is still the road sign to the future – that beautiful fusion of dance and sexy rock. Get your hands on the air, start dancing on the couch, and thrust your hips from side to side. From the album Delete.Delete.I.Eat.Meat…
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Muti Music Gives Good Bass!

Double You — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:47:13 +0000

Got a welcome slew of newly released tracks delivered to me this weekend from SF’s Muti Music. Here’s Ooah, Kether, Beats Antique, Great Scott, and Nanda for your Monday aural stimulus package! Pass it along, tastes great!

Ooah – Foolish Science by Muti

Kether – Day 2 by Muti

Beats Antique – Oriental uno – feat. Fanfara Kalashniko by Muti

Great Scott – Phoenix Funk by Muti

Nanda – pLUG IN by Muti

Post image by http://dralaimages.com/

Radio Caroline: A Pioneer History Lesson

Double You — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:57:56 +0000

Living in the 21st century we can easily be complacent about the technological and media access we have in our life. Access that at one time for other people and cultures, were hard won experiences. For those who brought about the changes we have today, we term Pioneers –the spirit of doing what you know you must. It’s a vibe that drives you at a deep emotional and instinctual core. It’s something you, or a group of you, came to do, express, and explore together. No change that you bring goes unnoticed, from large to small. Though sometimes, the pioneering spirit changes the lives of millions of people forever and sets the stage for a culture’s next iteration.

One such set of cultural pioneers in the early 1960’s took the ordinary radio, filled with its government run programming of classic content, and provided a generation of eager youth with the sounds they needed to drive the soundtrack of their vibrant lives. This is the story of Radio Caroline, the sailing vessel and crew who may not have invented the term “Pirate Radio” but for all time are the ones who best lived the life for over three decades; literally by retro fitting several tanker ships with fully functioning radio studios and broadcasting towers and sailed the seas of international waters to transmit, what they termed “Loving Awareness.”

Nowadays, we don’t give a second thought about radio. It’s been completely swamped, other than public options like KCRW, by Clear Channel enema fluid (true). But there was a time when it was cutting-edge technology and a society forming medium. Even decades after its arrival, radio continued to change the game of what we were exposed to and when. Most notably, from the time of the late 50’s to the early 60’s, Rock-N-Roll was still highly considered to be a passing “fad” by the powers that be; from government to media broadcasting. This was especially true back then for the radio listeners of Great Britain. There was no way to hear the youth music you could buy at the record shops on the radio other than intermittent late night government run broadcasts –all dominated by major record labels (of which there were only two in Britain at that time).

The year is 1964. Enter Ronan O’Rahilly, the son of an Irish shipping magnate and what would become the legacy of Radio Caroline. The rest of the story I will leave to our 21st century broadcast medium -the Youtube Playlist I put together and embedded above. It’s a four part series filmed in the mid to late 1970’s for London Weekend Television. Enjoy and reflect my sweet evolutionaries.

Symbiosis 09 Festival Reflections

Double You — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:13:33 +0000

Symbiosis Gathering 2009 from jdsvids on Vimeo.

Two weeks to the day of Symbiosis 09: I’m so very thankful for attending one of the jewels in the crown of the West Coast outdoor summer festival circuit. From the boundary pushing eco-architecture of The Do Lab’s Lake Stage, to Shrine and company’s Temple-rific Forest Stage, to the homie hug-fest continually occurring in the wee hours of Om Shan Tea Temple area; what an enchanting and transformative weekend it was. I woke up early every morning to refreshing lake side swims followed by lounging amongst graceful swaths of scantily clad 21st century neo-tribal herds. It was like a National Geographic living special for bass loving pioneers.

But what really matters: What Symbiosis underlined in a beautiful display for me, was the sum total of all of us; that the event was made for us, by us. From the food, to the clothing, to the art, to the music, to the infrastructure itself (aside from the cabins and Nature Herself) we forged it with our collective loving, conscious infusing, hands –and it was good, real good.

This is a powerful observation for me. One that seemed to be really unmistakable, though it’s been brewing for years. We are so close to being a 100% home grown experience. This presence, this display, is a powerful beginning for a culture that may eventually live its lifestyle permanently and sustainably off of the grid of the big machine; if that is indeed the goal or not. Either way, hats off to everyone who attended and participated, even if it was to take a deep breath in and say, “Ah, this is good!”

Special thanks to all the warriors who opened gates, spread smiles, and kept their hearts raw and ever communicating –you are my heros. Keep kickin’ up the dust and I look forward till when we can do it again!

New Album: Bassnectar – Cozza Frenzy

Double You — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:58:24 +0000

From one of the most tireless producers in the West Coast dream (i’ve watched him go ballistic for over 11 years now -what!), Here it is -Bassnectar’s newest album – Cozza Frenzy: 15 tracks of full sonic sandwich meltdowns! Get the digital version now or pre order the physical CD.

You might notice on the track listing a song titled: I AM A LASER feat Double You. Sound familiar? Well it’s true, Bassnectar and I AM A LASER have co-produced a track together -even more reason to eat this new album up! (More to come about this song soon….!)

What we’re also excited about is the COZZA FRENZY DJ TOOLS COLLECTION 1 -Come on producers, mash it up now!

Peep the free Cozza Frenzy single: [See post to listen to audio -yes thatz right! -go to http://iamalaser.com] Download direct here>>>

Bassnectar’s own label Amorphous Music teams up with Child’s Play Records to unleash Cozza Frenzy, an amalgamation of sound that combines dubstep, electro, hip hop, and all styles of dirty digital bass-heavy music and smashes it all into a collision of wobbling, intense basslines, and hypnotic hide-and-seek adventures. A work 3 years in the making, this rich and eclectic collection of 15 songs features collaborations with artists such as Fever Ray, Zumbi of Zion I, Mr. Projectile, and Capital J.

New Music EP: Irma Vep – The Remixes

Double You — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:45:27 +0000

What’s One song with Ten moody, crunked out, glitch dub remixes by your favorite West Coast Toasties? Why that would be “Irma Vep” by the illustrious team of ill.gates & meesha feat Masia One. See the official video for the song here.

Out now on Muti Music. Available exclusively on Beatport from Aug 31st – Sept.28th and everywhere after that.

Tracklisting:
01. Vocal mix (Masia One Myspace)
02. Ana Sia remix (artist Myspace)
03. Dr. Woogie remix (artist Myspace)
04. Sub Swara remix (artist Myspace)
05. An-ten-nae remix (artist Myspace)
06. Sharps remix (artist Myspace)
07. Heyoka remix (artist Myspace)
08. Trillbass remix (artist Myspace)
09. Instrumental mix (ill.gates Myspace)
10. Acapella

From the Muti Music Press Release:

The hit track ‘Irma Vep feat. Masia One’ produced by ill.gates & meesha is coming out again, and this time we got some remixes done by some of the most dynamic emerging talent from Canada and USA in the dubstep and ‘glitch-hop’ scenes providing a good variety of vocal and instrumental mixes, many of which are already seeing huge support. This EP is being released along with a great new video of the original tune done by the video production team and artists at Tokyo based www.lightrhythmvisuals.com .

In the past year, ill.gates (also known as The Phat Conductor), has remixed Si Begg on Noodles, Eprom on Addictech Recordings, Sub Swara on Low Motion Recordings co-produced and remixed DJ Dan with Robb G and released a highly acclaimed artist album ‘Autopirate’. Meesha was first featured on ‘Autopirate’ and has since made a mark for himself in dubstep, one of his tracks was recently included on Starkey’s mix album, Starkbass, out on the Lo Dubs label.

Masia One is one of the most dynamic women in Hip Hop today, fostering a community of B-Girls and promoting independent Hip Hop in Toronto and abroad, you will be hearing a lot more from her on Muti Music.

Siren: What A Life + Spawn

Double You — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:24:13 +0000

Big ups to the Do Lab as they bait the trap and moisten the palette trough their Twitter for this year’s Burning Man collaboration camp, Simpler Times, with culture pioneers El Circo. One of their latest endorsements is SF heavy slayer Siren. Absorb his track “What A Life” here and or click to download.

What A Life by Siren Music

Siren also emerged with a full album this past July titled: Spawn on the never ending cutting edgeness Muti Music digital label. Available for immediate download through Addictech…. um right now.

Album Description:
“Live drums, heavy synths, groove and energy are the foundation that Brandan Hale AKA Siren builds on. Hailing from Oregon and now settled in San Francisco, Siren is another new west coast find that has been making his distinctive mark on midtempo breakbeats and dubstep.

With a background of metal influences and playing piano, saxaphone, drums in punk, ska and metal bands, Siren brings both melody and unforgiving edge to his productions. Already making headway with touring the ‘bass’ scenes of the US west, ‘Spawn’ is clearly the first of many releases to come. Expect bass that hits you in the gut, raw and pounding lead riffs and some epic instrumental accompaniments, truly made for ‘large’ environments or the most urban of basements.”

-MUTI MUSIC

Video: ill.gates & meesha feat. Masia One -Irma Vep

Double You — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:18:45 +0000

Muti Music just posted on their YouTube Channel the ill.gates & meesha track “Irma Vep” featuring Masia One. Smooth and nice ya’all!

Video Notes:
ill.gates & meesha feat. Masia One – Irma Vep Available on Muti Music
video production by www.lightrhythmvisuals.com
Released with remixes by: An-ten-nae, Ana Sia, Dr. Woogie, Heyoka, Sharps, Sub Swara and Trillbass also included on the ill.gates album ‘Autopirate‘

Stream: MartyParty –Understand Me

Double You — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:34:55 +0000

Must be something to do with Burning Man -cause today everyone seems to be busting an audio nut on me. Well, grab your coat cause MartyParty is about to rain down on you with his latest cut streamed on SoundCloud titled: Understand Me

Understand Me by MartyParty

Stream: Kraddy – Westside Manifesto Mix!

Double You — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:55:47 +0000

So hot out the oven, I got mits! Once you have properly applied the necessary lubrication to grapple this one – head on over immediately to Kraddy’s website, sign up for his mailing list, and then receive a link for exclusive access to download the mp3 file of this juicy crunk mix. So… what are you doing later tonight?

Kraddy – Westside Manifesto Mix – Summer ‘09 by kraddy

We’re In High School

Double You — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:17:22 +0000

No rest for the wicked over at Run Riot Records. Got two remixes by (artist to muthuh fking watch -or just listen to) Graintable and Wunderlite of the track: “We’re In High School” from recording artist Gouseion’s last EP titled More Friends For The Fire. According to the Riot, Gouseion has a new album coming out soon.

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Listen here sparkle pony:

We’re In High School: Graintable Remix

[See post to listen to audio -yes thatz right! -go to http://iamalaser.com]

Download Direct (Right Click & Save Link As): We’re In High School: Graintable Remix

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We’re In High School: Wunderlite Remix

[See post to listen to audio -yes thatz right! -go to http://iamalaser.com]

Download Direct (Right Click & Save Link As): We’re In High School: Wunderlite Remix

From Run Riot Records: The burning shard blitz preview of the new Gouseion album hit the runriot offices this weekend; words will fail yr selector, slow grinding the impossible and POV myth porn come to mind, in shivery, expansive heaves.

In a concentrated effort to keep my consciousness from popping like day-glo champagne, i’m opening the vaults to ease de presha, leaking out the seals in a turbid hiss we got you on two exclu remixes from his last orbital outing, executed, and by that i mean straight up killed on the cut by next-up runriot fams Graintable and Wunderlite.