Free Music Archive - dublab Blog

dublab's Favorite Sprout Sessions of 2011

2012-01-11T08:36:19-05:00

WHOOSH. Another year of incredible recordings out the window! Our Sprout Sessions last year were all so out of this world it was actually a (kind of awkward) chore to choose the 'best'. Rest assured knowing that these are at least SOME of the most incredible live moments we captured last year.

We're super excited for 2012 and the musical adventures it will bring. We'll be busy with organizing concerts and broadcasts around the world, and are even more psyched to share them with you and the amazing folks here at the FMA. 2012 is sure to be a much livelier year for us as our tiny organization continues to grow and grow. Thanks for tuning in to our part of spectrum - and happy new year!

James Pants, Daedelus, & more throw down CC-BY beats for DUBLAB's Proton Drive

2011-11-29T16:22:24-05:00

Bonus Beat Blast is an original Creative Commons beat/rhythm library from dublab’s international family of music makers, compiled exclusively for their Proton Drive.

Not only does it feature over 70 tracks by the likes of Asura, Daedelus, Kidkanevil & DZA, Raleigh Moncrief and many more, but the entire collection is licensed under a Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 license which gives you the freedom to share and remix the work even for commercial purposes as long as you credit the original source.

The full Beat Blast, including lossless FLAC files, is currently available only by donating to dublab -- a non-profit audio source and a very good cause! But since they are CC licensed, they're sure to be distributed far and wide, and dublab is encouraging you to share the myriad creations that these beats inspire.

As a teaser, check out this beat below from James Pants, one of several JP contributions to the Bonus Beat Blast. James Pants' Stones Throw releases are top favorites, taking what WFMU's Liz B calls "a freeform approach to dance music." And if you crave more rap beats, James Pants recently posted JP Failed Rap Beats #1: 2004-2008 + 1 from 2001 on his top-notch tumblr.

Swahili Blonde - Live dublab "Sprout Session" (07.09.10)

2011-05-03T15:57:44-04:00

dublab was grateful to host Swahili Blonde for a live “sprout session.” The studio was bursting with incredible players as Nicole Turley (ex-WEAVE drummer and vocalist) sat at the helm. Her steady gaze led Swahili Blonde through a set of hissing post punk, pre-apocalyptic sounds. This is slow-simmered high style music surfing on acid washed waves. Enjoy the spray blasted forth by Swahili Blonde.

Baths - Live dublab "Sprout Session" (04.23.10)

2011-04-17T16:50:29-04:00

By now you’ve probably heard the roaring buzz enveloping young L.A. beat-maker and song-smith Will Wiesenfeld, a.k.a. Baths. If not, you are in for an aquatic treat of epic proportions from this lad, who recently unleashed a massive wave of joyful melodies and sturdy, Low End Theory-approved beats into the hearts of music-lovers all across the land with his debut LP, Cerulean, on Anticon Records. Weisenfeld stopped by the dublab studio to radiate his essence in this dublab “sprout session” exclusively for your ears.

dublab x FMA: Best of 2010

2010-12-20T17:53:00-05:00

dublab had such an amazing year! In addition to turning 11-years-young, we expanded our echo with live broadcasts from London, Japan, Belgium & beyond! Additionally, we recorded so many incredible international artists in 2010, we had no choice but to assemble a list of our favorites. We also thought it'd be a great idea to debut a BRAND NEW set from one of our favorite far-out crooners, Brogan Bentley. We know these super-inspiring Sprout Sessions (3 hours of them!) will keep you turned-on for days!

Huge thanks to our fantastic friends over at the FMA (we're looking at you Jason!) for being so supportive and allowing us to share some of these far-out files with all of you. We're looking forward to bringing you way more audio action in 2011, and hope your ears are as excited as we are!

Thanks again for tuning in - & HAPPY 2011!

ITALIC INDIAN – LIVE DUBLAB “SPROUT SESSION” (05.21.10)

2010-08-17T09:19:12-04:00

Imagine escaping from a sarcophagus. You’re making your way out of a hidden tomb, and finally catching a glimpse of daylight gleaming through a crack in the wall. You’re pushing with all of your weight to move the door which has kept you hidden for thousands of years; your atrophied muscles aren’t much use. Your dusty lungs take in one last gaping breath, and you push one last push with all your might. The door moves just enough so that you can squeeze through. Now you’re fearing for your life because the sun is much brighter than you imagined. You quickly retreat back into your tomb and find an elevator door that reads “Hell.” You start your journey down the elevator shaft. You witness scenes of lifeless bodies floating in purgatory; breathless souls staring at you wide-eyed, sleepless, lifeless, and Godless. You see your destination as bats fly up at you like Mongolian warriors, shredding your mummified arms with their razor sharp wings. They pluck out your eyes and replace them with Christmas lights. Now put this image into sound. You have Italic Indian. Blowing our minds with sonic journeys, story-telling and scenery that our minds dare not wander on their own…

Silk Flowers - Live on DUBLAB (02.26.09)

2010-07-21T08:22:32-04:00

These Silk Flowers, hand delivered from New York City, grow on you. You might as well just put this live session on repeat, because silky seeds are being sowed in your brain as soon as you push play. Several listens later, the odd and enigmatic shades of gray which first confronted you bloom into a prismatic synth world populated by kaleidoscopic colors, unique song structures, and haunting, strangely poignant vocals. Remember — although not of the natural world, life-like Silk Flowers never die.

Courtesy of Post Present Medium.

http://www.myspace.com/silkflowersnyc
http://silksilkflowers.blogspot.com/
http://www.postpresentmedium.com/

Julianna Barwick - Live on dublab (11.17.09)

2010-07-13T13:58:03-04:00

Has this world’s maddening pace got you feeling down and out? Is your soul in need of nurturing? We felt like that too, until this serene “sprout session” wherein Juilianna Barwick flooded our studio with such a heavenly chorus that, for a fleeting 36 minutes, we left this world completely. We floated in the air as all of our hopes and dreams melted into layer after layer of vocal loops cascading down like beautiful, healing waves. We sat on clouds. We cleansed our minds and souls completely. Now it’s your turn. Inspiring, angelic and reassuringly human, this one woman choir will make time stop all around around you. For more Julianna Barwick, check out her latest EP “Florine” on Florid Recordings.

The Books - Live on dublab (11.23.09)

2010-07-11T21:51:19-04:00

Collage visionaries the Books are one of our favorite high-thinking/feeling bands. They were kind enough to stop by dublab again to share some of their conceptual magic with the world. As the finale for our 10th Anniversary Proton Drive they created an absolutely mind-blurring mix of wide sound sources. Once your ears have had a few decades to fully absorb this offering be sure to check out their dublab “Found Sound” session from a few years back.

THE PRESENT - LIVE ON DUBLAB (06.14.09)

2010-07-06T14:57:40-04:00

This very special sprout session will hypnotize you. Disregard the future and abandon the past, for here The Present will be your only focus. Erase your mind and allow these drones to guide your eyes from left to right… when we snap our fingers, you will awaken into a world of tropical thumping and circus reverie. Your body is now weightless, hang 10 on these sound waves while you float in and out of time and space. Enjoy wandering through this new dimension of sound – and don’t forget to come down!

Javelin - Live on dublab (11.06.09)

2010-07-06T21:44:33-04:00

Javelin are cruising on cosmic soundwaves into a future so bright and beautiful that as the full spectrum blast of their awesome rays burn your eyes you’ll ignore the sting and your being will buzz with the bliss of radiant transformation. This is disco rewritten as funk rewritten as calypso rewritten as dub rewritten as drop-top-pop rewritten as the best party jamz you’ve never heard but can’t help but loving on first listen. We trust you’ll dig this infectious dublab “sprout session” recorded live during the dublab Proton Drive. Be sure to wrap your ears around Javelin’s album No Mas out now on Luaka Bop.

Stellar Om Source - Live on dublab (03.31.10)

2010-07-05T12:37:11-04:00

Stellar Om Source flashed into the dublab universe on a wave of bright light. She came to unlock deep signals. With electric keys she translated cosmic codes from deep, unknown universes. Stellar Om Source channeled these dark matter messages and unfolded them into billion star brilliance. Tune into this transmission. These waves flow through you to find you.

Toro y Moi - live on dublab (03.11.10)

2010-07-02T16:41:30-04:00

Toro y Moi has the feeling of your favorite sweater tossed on as you rush excited from your home into a crisp winter adventure. The warmth of the cloth and million tiny sparks hug and dazzle you with electric comfort.

Scratch that…Toro y Moi is the sound of a choir of angels singing forms of cottony clouds into a sky scattered with floating bongo drums and brilliant dreams. You and those angels are all riding skateboards to a potluck hosted by a being of pure light down the block. While everyone else is outside getting drunk on the sky porch that being will show you an obscure film that will change your creative life forever.

Scratch that…Toro y Moi is the moment you realize that sitting outside the club listening to a Smiths tape in your car is one million times more joyful than being inside with the all the sweat and posturing. The two however need each other because this realization was only made possible by the boom of the bass through the brick wall. Its vibration spinning the wheels of your mind into motion and your body into bliss.

Final scratch…Toro y Moi is Chaz Bundick who is making warm and beautiful music in many forms and blessed dublab with this live set sure to fill your ears with happiness and be permanently filed onto the “classics” shelf of your heart.

FOL CHEN - LIVE ON DUBLAB 02.26.09

2010-06-30T18:36:28-04:00

When the mysterious and intentionally obscure Fol Chen materialized in the dublab studio and left behind nearly twenty minutes of skewed pop perfection, we didn’t ask any questions. We just sat back and reveled in the happy-making melodies, skewed lyrics, and supremely danceable songs that helped this band cruise onto the roster of Asthmatic Kitty and delight all those they’ve come into contact with. After our initial mesmerized moments, we devised an elaborate plan to capture the elusive Fol Chen in action. However, when we flashed our nets they were already gone. At least we’re left with these wonderful sound memories.

GANGI - LIVE ON DUBLAB 02.08.10

2010-06-30T18:36:01-04:00

"Gangi" is like a bright ray of sunshine breaking through charcoal clouds on a rainy day. With their meditative riffs mixed with their thundering drum sounds, their eclectic style truly mimics the beautiful and drastic changes of the weather. Their content is amazing from beginning to end, leaving the listener on the edge of their seat in suspense of epic proportions; completely appropriate for "Gangi's" epic sounds. From their singing style to their lucrative drumming techniques, it's safe to say that versatility comes with ease for this duo.

Sun Araw - Live on DUBLAB 02.02.10

2010-10-07T21:17:29-04:00

L.A. based Cameron Stallones nee Sun Araw has been popping up all over dublab these days, so naturally the man eventually wound up in our studio for a far-out “sprout session.” This cool cat delivered on everything that the tuned-in and keen kids have come to expect from him: a sweltering riverboat cruise into waters of warmer dimensions. Not content to rest on his laurels even after ripping through arrays of mind-expanding explorations, this vigilant visionary blasted off in his futuristic cruiser to complete his next opus, the awesomely ambitious x2 LP “On Patrol,” available now on Not Not Fun.

ASURA - LIVE ON DUBLAB 01.29.10

2010-06-29T17:34:19-04:00

Asura is an ambassador from the universe of beautiful fuzz and melody. He has brought greetings from this land in the form of brilliant soundwaves. These messages paint a picture of a world that shines with delicate rays and bold love. Asura’s elegant transmissions are warm and familiar like the sky above your home but filled with forms that keep ears electrified with exploratory urges.

Asura was joined on this voyage by the voice of sound navigator Ana Caravelle. She floats in to gracefully guide us to new, glowing angles. Soak in these sights and bask in the bright light. After you’re entranced by this initial contact you can continue your discovery of Asura’s world by visiting the welcome center at nonprojects.net.

Lucky Dragons “OPEN WIDE” Proton Drive Theme Song

2010-05-18T12:44:45-04:00

Our amazing friends Lucky Dragons have created this “Open Wide” Proton Drive theme to activate your positive action! Get tangled in these jungle sounds and tune into dublab all week long for incredible sessions from labrat djs and our extended family of music pioneers.

We will be sharing electrifying sounds to inspire your support Monday-Friday: 8am-8pm and during our 24 hour "No Sleep Session" Marathon Broadcast starting May 24th at 12pm and ending May 25th at 12pm PST. (All times GMT -7)

We're celebrating over ten years of future roots radio transmissions and creative art action. The Proton Drive is a bi-annual affair that provides over 40% of our operating budget. These funds allow us to bring infinite streams of amazing music to the world. You can help these vibrations shine bright by spreading the word and giving a generous PROTON GRANT today!

matthewdavid, Golden Hits, and Julia Holter Live at Sea & Space Explorations

2010-10-09T17:12:11-04:00

dublab / Leaving Records / Human Ear Music / Discotheque Records present…SHIMMER.

dublab drone dreamers Golden Hits, matthewdavid and Julia Holter gathered at the incredible Sea and Space Explorations in Eagle Rock, CA for an aquatic audio performance. Toss your umbrella aside and join in on the dreamy drips and drops.

This creative evening happened under Reclamation Project’s newest installation, “Aquarium.” Visitors climb a ten foot staircase to feed reclaimed water into a plumbing system consisting of hundreds of used plastic bottles filled with sand, charcoal, gravel, and rocks suspended from the ceiling by the strength of hundreds of plastic bags. With the power of gravity, the water snakes and zigzags through this aqueduct/filtration system and empties purified into a modular pyramidal garden composed of food-producing, carnivorous, and water plants. And this is only the beginning of AQUARIUM. Fore more info please click HERE.

Visual projections were created by Jesselisa Moretti, Diego Herrera and Golden Hits. Please view the videos below!

Golden Hits live @ Sea and Space Explorations from James Tamborello on Vimeo.

JULIA HOLTER//Ritual Music from Leaving Records on Vimeo.

Golden Hits - Cassedits

2010-10-09T17:12:11-04:00

Golden Hits is a newly minted sound family formed by dublab drone dreamers Ben Knight (the Tyde), frosty (Adventure Time), Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel), Katie Byron (LA Building Club) and Nanny Cantaloupe (Brainsucking Peanunanners). Together they create spontaneous soundscapes to elevate ears in unique environments.

Please enjoy this ethereal mix of washed-out drones and glistening tinkles from Golden Hits' upcoming release Cassedits. You can hear more Golden Hits on their blog: http://goldenhits.tumblr.com