For Japan

After the devastation in Japan, hundreds of artists, labels and individuals came together to support and raise money for the relief effort. It’s humbling to see things like this happen, especially when it’s artists that I have come to love and respect for other reasons, and who then go the extra step to help those unfortunate enough to be affected by such disasters.

Several compilations have stood out for me, number one being the momentous effort from Keith Kenniff (aka Helios) and his wife, Hollie. Their compilation, ‘For Nihon’, is probably the best line up ever.  It’d be hard to talk about this compilation in its entirety because of the crazy amount of artists, so here’s just a few words which will hopefully help paint the picture. I’ve also included a few other great compilations set up specifically for Japan’s relief efforts.

For Nihon
The artists involved and the quality of the music is second to none. Ulrich brings in the shoegaze for this instrumental approach to Ulrich’s sound with more emphasis on the guitars. Rhian Sheehan and ambient veteran Biosphere contributes with a typically stripped back but hugely engrossing ambient number.Jon Hopkins treats us to one of his more ambient/soundtrack styled productions, but still manages to give it an edge.

You can purchase the compilation over on the Unseen website for a donation of $20, with all proceeds going towards the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.  Check here for the full tracklist.

A Collection Box 
If you enjoyed aus’ and Ametsub’s contributions to ‘For Nihon’, then you can also download their dedicated EP set up to support the Japanese Red Cross. They’ve put together a six track release which comes straight from the heart of three of Japan’s best loved experimental producers. Only Light To Clear Away
Compiled between June 2010 and January 2011 ‘Only Light To Clear Away’ is now committed to donating all proceeds to the Japanese Red Cross.  Specta Ciera has contributed, and we’re also lucky enough to see tracks from Loscil and Sons of Magdalene.

aKido

My first thoughts upon hearing Akido’s Gamechanger, was how fresh it sounded. Still, I can’t quite pitch it up against anything similar. It’s electronica, with percussion as sharp as an electronic Caribou, chord changes as addictive as Gold Panda, the playfulness of Hess Is More and Moderat’s heavy rolling dub-step. And to top it off, aKido emits an accessible sound across them all, which will appeal to plenty.

If you listen and think I’m totally off the mark, I probably am. There’s quite a few elements going into these tracks, all of which creep in and out as you would expect from such a varied, yet honed and well produced electronica album.

The upbeat pings and weaving voices of Turnaround, the playful popness of Radium Girls, the looped vocals in Epoch (Get High), the atmospheric dubstep grooves of Carrousel, and gentle guitar & synth combo of title track, Gamechanger. There’s something in here for everyone.

Download the album for free on his website.

CoLD SToRAGE

Tim Wright is, strangely enough, not very well known.  If you haven't heard of him before you might recognize him as the creator of soundtracks for the "Wipeout" series of games.  Namely the original Wipeout, and Wipeout 2097.  He also recently created the soundtrack for the retro-styled game "Gravity Crash".  His upbeat, techno style fits perfectly with these games and a lot of his music is very catchy though simple.


Have a listen to his best track, Onyx.
CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx by Midboss


He just released a new album this year titled  "6E 61 32", including some nice ep's and tunes late last year.  Check them out on his bandcamp.

Baths

An original artist indeed, Will Wiesenfeld strings together electronic music with semblance of glitch and ambient. It works really well for the most part, although some of the synths he uses are just plain annoying.

This song is just so catchy, Id be surprised if you only played it once.  Make sure you listen till 00:25 where the actual music starts, the opening is rather strange and noisy.

He only has a single full release to date as well as a small EP, so if you like this song check out Cerulean, as well as his myspace.

Phantasma/Goldmund

Phantasma is a japanese electro artist.  She loves to use piano in a lot of her works and she uses many different styles in each of her songs.  This is probably my favorite of hers.

Glaciate by Midboss

She doesnt have a lot of music, but its all free so check it out.


And if you really like the piano stuff I've been posting recently Goldmund is another artist you should give a look.  Very nice original piano works.

Goldmund - Ba by Midboss

Aus

Aus is an experimental video score, ambient breaks and sound artist from Tokyo, Japan.  Timid in his ways and gentle in his productions, his surreal recordings and hypnotic piano create a world of wonder.

Aus - Halo by Midboss

Eskmo

Responsible for one of the most original releases of 2010 with his self titled album, Eskmo has just released an ambient remix EP, featuring several of his tracks, “chopped, sliced, washed and stretched beyond beyond, then washed again with warmth”.  Album highlights such as Cloudlight and Siblings get the trusted distortion technique to magnificent effect.

Name your price and grab the EP from his site.

http://www.eskmo.com/music/ambient-p-stretch-ep/

Flying Lotus

Awesome.  But wierd.

But awesome.

Ronald Jenkees

A very unique style of IDM.  Ronald Jenkees is a fairly new artist that managed to create a sound not everyone has heard before, really nice electronic works and instrumental pieces.



Ronald Jenkees - Guitar Sound by geometronic

Tomáš Dvořák

Today a very interesting composition from a really awesome, quirky game.  Tomas Dvorak makes some really unique electronic music.  He also composed the entire soundtrack of Mechanarium, which is a great game.


06 Mr Handagote by F1x

Linus Loves

I found this guy only today.  He hasn't made a whole lot of music but Its really quite catchy.

A few tracks were less than exciting, but most of the CD is fantastic.  Check him out!


Buy "Stage Invader" here: http://www.discogs.com/Linus-Loves-Stage-Invader/release/701189