Hi! I'm Lee. Welcome to my blog. Here we talk music: news, reviews, interviews, tips, tutorials and more. I'm also working on the upcoming podcast Influenced as a guest, writer and researcher alongside music aficionado Mark Williams and friends. Watch this space! I have been a lover of music for as long as I can remember, an amateur lyricist for 25 years, a music writer for 15 years and a hobbyist musician and blogger for almost 10 years. My tastes range from jazz to house to hip hop and I love helping artists from all genres develop their sound. My music, videos, reviews and interviews have been featured in a variety of magazines and websites, including: B-Boy Tech Report Gimme That Beat Humanhuman Audio Skills Dream House Beats Where Did the Road Go Beat Tape Co-Op Push Power Promo Drum Magazine You can find my music on Bandcamp: Monkey Mind Sounds AKA LeeTNB And you can find me on Facebook: The New Beatmaker page Lee's personal page
PODCAST: A playlist featuring new releases from walkingshoe and Van Hunt, your submissions and many more!
This month, 'Soundcloud Sessions' celebrates releases including walkingshoe's 'The Future Will Kill You' and Van Hunt's 'The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets', and rounds up some of the very best of recent reader submissions, in a 'Your Beats' special.
Wow, it feels like forever since the last installment of 'Soundcloud Sessions', a winning mix of hip hop, jazz, future, house, folk, and whatever else has floated The New Beatmaker's boat in recent weeks (play catchup here).
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Episode Nine celebrates the sophomore release from walkingshoe, 'The Future Will Kill You' (TFWKY) by beginning and ending this month's selection with the opening and closing tracks from the project. |
And how the boat has been well and truly floated since the last installment!
'Soundcloud Sessions' Episode Nine, Part One
Featuring walkingshoe, Lanzo, Phashara, Ackryte and many more:
'Soundcloud Sessions' Episode Nine, Part Two
Featuring more stellar artists, including Mike Regal, Cor Stidak and Ryan Spendlove, plus more from walkingshoe:
Here's just some of the stellar artists and projects represented in this month's sessions:
Walkingshoe: 'The Future Will Kill You' (TFWKY)
In celebration of The New Beatmaker favourite walkingshoe's sophomore project 'The Future Will Kill You' (TFWKY) being released to very well-deserved acclaim, this month's session takes the unusual step of beginning and ending with the beginning and ending cuts off the project.
Mixing psychedelic folk and twisted string and piano samples, massive drums, and an array of dazzling MC appearances, 'TFWKY' is to 'Blastphemy' what The Empire Strikes Back' is to 'Star War's...and is a strong contender for album of the year.
Mixing psychedelic folk and twisted string and piano samples, massive drums, and an array of dazzling MC appearances, this is to 'blastphemy' what 'The Empire Strikes Back' is to 'Star War's: bigger, darker and providing plenty of poignant food for thought. 'TFWKY' will appeal to fans of Flying Lotus, El-P and Lapalux and is a strong contender for album of the year.
Another of Chicago's seemingly endless pool of beatmaking talent and a fellow favourite of the site, Lanzo has been keeping himself busy as ever!
Lanzo: '4000dB'
Released just before the turn of the year, but with so much replay power that it bangs out in The New Beatmaker office like a new release, his '4000dB' has the Chicagoan's signature mix of wonky drums, lush jazz samples, clever filtering and, thanks to his knack of selecting poignant vocal snippets, humour and sly social commentary - often at the same time.
'4000dB' has the Lanzo's signature mix of wonky drums, lush jazz samples, clever filtering and, thanks to his knack of selecting poignant vocal snippets, humour and sly social commentary.
Sidenotes: '4000dB' was recorded entirely on an AKAI GX-4000DB 7" reel tape at 7 1/2. All tracks produced by Lanzo. Feat. Morbidly-o-Beats, Ian Ewing, Spellwrks, Deadxbeat, hEaDbAnD.
'4000dB' was one of The New Beatmaker's favourite projects of 2014, for more check here.
Check out our exclusive interview with Lanzo too, here.
Featuring absolute bangers from The New Beatmaker favourites Phashara aka Corry Banks, Upright, Es-K, The Passion Hi-Fi, Time Travelling Toaster and many more, BBoy Tech Report's '...(B.R.E.A.M.) Vol. 1' is a must-have for any beat head and is one of the projects of the year thus far. In celebration of this event, Phashara is featured on part one.
BBoy Tech Report's '...(B.R.E.A.M.) Vol. 1' is a must-have for any beat head and is one of the projects of the year thus far.
Be sure to swing by bboytechreport.com to show your love to one of The New Beatmaker's favourite sites and to congratulate them on this fine project: www.bboytechreport.com.
Whilst you're at it, be sure to check out some guest posts that yours truly had the pleasure of writing for the site, too:
http://www.bboytechreport.com/author/the-new-beat-maker/
Žiga Murko: 'Green room' and 'Purple room'
Producer, trumpeter and beatmaker Žiga Murko is releasing quality project after quality project at a prodigious rate and so, in recognition, this month we've featured two tracks from him: one from last year's 'Green room' and one from this year's 'Purple room'.
'Green room' rightfully earned it's place as one of The New Beatmaker's favourite projects of 2014, (for more check here).
From the spacey gloom-bap introduction and ‘bizout’, to the the world weary but very funky ‘economics’ and ‘Very Refreshing’; from the spiritually charged jazz-hop of ‘Peace was Happening’ and ‘daydream’; to the closing moments of the macabre ‘Mansion (epilogue)’ and outro 'Blowing Up!', here is a project that very much has it's own character.
'Green room' is filled with hard drums and eerie samples, mixed with energetic but never overplayed trumpet; and a standout selection of MC's whose performances fit the vibe of the project perfectly. Very refreshing indeed.
Hard drums and eerie samples mixed with energetic but never overplayed trumpet; and a standout selection of MC's whose performances fit the vibe perfectly.
Of his more recent release, 'Purple room' Žiga says: 'This tape was inspired by horror film music, gloomy jazz, 90's hiphop, screwed up soul, Miro and drums/sample processing with MPC 2000, Sp 404 & Sp 202, Yamaha MT3X/Fostex X-14 Multitrack cassette tape recorder, Panasonic FS88 VHS recorder. I'm playing also some trombone and a Roland D-50.'
This is haunt-hop at it's finest. The gloomy, downright harrowing vibes get deeper and darker on this release. Just a word of advice, don’t listen to it late at night, by yourself – you have been warned!
This is haunt-hop at it's finest. The gloomy, downright harrowing vibes get deeper and darker on this release. Just a word of advice, don’t listen to it late at night, by yourself – you have been warned!
Next up, another friend of the site is represented: shout out to Milwaukee's AR Wesley, whose ''92 Drug Flow' was another of The New Beatmaker's favourite projects of 2014.
AR Wesley: ''92 Drug Flow'
Featuring stellar production by Mike Regal (who also features in part two with some quotable bars to boot), ''92 Drug Flow' is a bittersweet journey filled with lush RnB and jazz samples, big drums and plenty of deft lyricism from one of The New Beatmaker's favourite MC's.
A bittersweet journey filled with lush RnB and jazz samples, big drums and plenty of deft lyricism from one of The New Beatmaker's favourite MC's.
Here is a lyricist who, as I've said before, is equally adept at detailing the pressures of life on the streets as he is speaking on relationships or, pardon my french, just spitting some of that ol' fly shit. ''92 Drug Flow' is further proof that AR and his peoples from 'The M.E.A.L.' are on the up and up. Go with the flow.
Sidenote: 'Jazzmine', from ''92 Drug Flow', was one of The New Beatmaker's top 14 tracks of 2014.
Jay Bishop: 'Cassette 3'
Fellow The New Beatmaker favourite Jay Bishop comes correct with the third installment of his always satisfying 'Cassette' series.
Jay remains faithful to his signature sound of knocking drums, fluid basslines, and beautiful melodies...the super-soulful 'Take Awhile' rounds off part one of 'Soundcloud Sessions' in lovely fashion.
Jay remains faithful to his signature sound of knocking drums, fluid basslines, and beautiful melodies. Longtime favourites featured on the tape include 'Sport Of Kings', whilst the super-soulful 'Take Awhile' rounds off part one of this session in lovely fashion.
Oh, and be sure to check out his 'Late Pass' series here, too.
Lion: 'Disquiet LP'
First featured on 'Soundcloud Sessions' Six (listen here), Lion's uncanny knack for blending a near overwhelming wall of sound with haunting melodies and intricate drum programming made for an instantly addictive mix.
Lion's uncanny knack for blending a near overwhelming wall of sound with haunting melodies and intricate drum programming made for an instantly addictive mix.
His brand new 'Disquiet LP', out on DustyINTL is an essential listen and one of the best releases of 2015 thus far.
Van Hunt: 'The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets'
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Funk lovers rejoice! A new Van Hunt album is here! Be sure to cop 'The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets' at vanhunt.com and check out an interview with the man himself, written by The New Beatmaker, in our archives section here. |
A new Van Hunt project is always cause for celebration and so it was only right to kick off Part Two with the latest single funk-filled single from Van the Man.
A new Van Hunt project is always cause for celebration and so it was only right to kick off Part Two with the latest funk-filled single from Van the Man.
Be sure to cop his brand new long-player, 'The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets' from vanhunt.com and check out a feature / interview written by yours truly where we discussed influences, the problem with American radio and playing live, here.
'Your Beats' Special bumper round-up
Some of the best reader submissions from the past few months
As well as plenty of artists that have become regular fixtures over the past installments, there are also some great people being featured for the first time. What makes it even more exciting is the below all submitted music over the past few months. You can bet that this won't be the last time they pop up on the site. Amongst those new to the 'Soundcloud Sessions' this time around are:
Phriam: 'Scars To Prove It'
Chicago is in the house yet again, with comrade of Sev Seveer and labelmate of M Slago, Phriam, in fine form on 'Scars to Prove it'. From the melodic music box, rugged drums and considerate keys of the introduction, through to the cheeky chiptune outro, 'Scars to Prove it' is a sublime slice of sonic storytelling: epic and atmospheric, evoking intrigue, heartbreak, suspense and more.
'Scars to Prove it' is a sublime slice of sonic storytelling: epic and atmospheric , evoking intrigue, heartbreak, suspense and more.
NO FUTURE: 'Pardon my French'
Portugal's NO FUTURE is a fine example of the exciting 'f*ck a genre' ethos that many young producers / beatmakers / musicians embrace these days.
Portugal's NO FUTURE is a fine example of the exciting 'f*ck a genre' ethos that many young producers / beatmakers / musicians embrace these days.
From the sparse '003ERA', to the 90’s house turned chilltrap of 'bad habit' etc…and the spacey 'no god here', NO FUTURE shows himself to be a diverse talent, with a bright future ahead of him.
Check out his NSFW 'Pardon My French' on bandcamp here for more.
Matt Black: ''Peace To Mateo''
From the epic ‘Normal Blood’ to the space brother stylings of ‘The Strangers’ and beyond, this album sounds like a twisted dream full of Twilight Zone episodes brought to life by hip hop, footwork and electronica influence.
Sidenote: Matt Black is a Detroit producer and label head of Young Heavy Souls Records.
“Peace To Mateo” is his debut production album, drawing inspiration from boom-bap, electronica, dance and trip-hop.
From the epic ‘Normal Blood’ to the space brother stylings of ‘The Strangers’ and beyond, this album sounds like a twisted dream full of Twilight Zone episodes brought to life by hip hop, footwork and electronica influence.
''Peace To Mateo'' sounds like a twisted dream full of Twilight Zone episodes brought to life by hip hop, footwork and electronica influence.
Sidenote: Matt Black is a Detroit producer and label head of Young Heavy Souls Records.
“Peace To Mateo” is his debut production album, drawing inspiration from boom-bap, electronica, dance and trip-hop.
Don D: 'Windsor smith'
With lazy jazz horns and dubby drums, ‘Guru’sRevenge’ kicks of Windsor smith in a nice downbeat vibe that recalls the Jazzmattaz projects of its namesake, whilst the sparse and spacey ‘People’ keeps this near melancholic vibe up nicely. Good work, Don.
‘Guru’s Revenge’ kicks of Windsor smith in a nice downbeat vibe that recalls the Jazzmattaz projects of its namesake...Good work, Don.
Sidenote, from Lunatick Records: 'Windsor Smith is the brand new instrumental album from producer and emcee Don D. As one third of hip-hop group and production team "The Northern Lights", Don has produced for and featured alongside some of underground hip-hop's biggest talents, such as Dooley-O, Left Leberra and more.'
4di: 'Pulver'
With an experimental and diverse sound that mixes trap, electro, chiptune, early 00's club hip hop and more, 'Pulver' by Berlin's 4di was another of 2014's most rewarding projects.
'Cabbage' starts off as a sparse trap heater before a tasteful set of Blacktronica / Neo-Soul style keys add an extra emotional dimension.
Elsewhere, the irrepressible 'Maneuver' sounds like a early to mid-era Neptunes banger that wouldn't sound out of place on a Clipse / Bustah Rhymes album if slowed down by a few bpm.
The hypnotic beat of 'Tribal Area' blesses part one. A shamanistic sounding affair...suggesting that 4di is able to excel in whichever style he sees fit.
An artist who is equally diverse as he is a constantly engaging listen, it's the relentless, hypnotic beat of 'Tribal Area' that blesses part one. A shamanistic sounding affair, 'Tribal Area' - along with the more housey tracks on his soundcloud page - suggests that 4di is able to excel in whichever musical style he sees fit.
Sidenote: for more on 4di, his creative process and 'Pulver', check out this excellent feature by CDR Berlin here.
Here's the Playlist in full. Over two hours of music for your listening pleasure.
Part One:
The New Beatmaker — 'Interfearance' Teaser
Ft. Phashara / Corry Banks (Created as a demo for The Spitfire Audio eDNA 01 Earth review, here).
Walkingshoe - Nora ft. yUThe New Beatmaker — 'Interfearance' Teaser
Ft. Phashara / Corry Banks (Created as a demo for The Spitfire Audio eDNA 01 Earth review, here).
snk∆ — J'Von/snk∆ - HLL
MICK JENKINS — 11
Lanzo — alien_bubba
不明 FUMEI — 狂気
Phashara — Kwest06
Ackryte— the only up side
Orion - Atomic Drop
Don D - ThingCalled
Amir 'Sa'id' Said - "Vienna With Love" (Prod. by DJ Pas)
Evil Alex 'Snack Wrap' Interlude
Sotightwitit — The ill Vibe
Javi.Santiago — Onyou
S U N J E T — Yo Grand Architect
Mt. Wolf - Life Size Ghosts (Catching Flies Rmx)
Daedelus - Onward(Mono/Poly Remix)
RoyShyftE — Laser space jungle
4di — 4di - Tribal Area
Moduloktopus — MelodEYEZ
Malice & Mario Sweet - Superstar (Twenty9 Rmx)
Omar - Dancing (K15 Remix)
Fieldfare — Lone Wolf
Jay Bishop — Take Awhile
Top to bottom: Moduloktopus, Amir 'Sa'id' Said, Fieldfare, Jay Bishop: providing epic future / tribal beats, headnodding hip hop, tender folk and smooth grooves, respectively, on part one. Van Hunt, LION, Žiga Murko and Tracy Cruz provide funk and soul,
a post hip hop wall of sound, gloombap / haunt hop and
sensual soul, respectively, on part two.

Part Two
Sev Seveer 'Danica' Interlude
Van Hunt — Old Hat
MikeRegal — Lil Sumn (Rough)
Cool Tay — Rapper Wife ft. AR Wesley & L.R.
COR STIDAK — Knowledge Me
Just Blaze — Inhuman Nature
GYREFUNK/Devaun Bantu -GALAXY RIDE
T-Funk - Jam Slow
LION - Still Awake, Still Dreaming (Disquiet LP)
Wh!te Matter — Wh!te Scenery
L▲nguⓘd — Languid - Distant
Phraim — Lesson in Lo-key
CASHBY Δ — Pitfalls
Ma7Hu — Ma7Hu - No Ye
Phashara aka Corry Banks 'ITs Good'
P H I L O - where.are.you
Mishigami - Polar Vortex
GRiMM Doza $ Žiga Murko - Secret Chiefs
NO FUTURE - Money 1973Kris van Huystee — dedication
SLICΣßΣRG — geezus (God Forgive Me)
Skeptika - TheRazorsEdge
Matt Black Music — Alter The Present (feat. Nortroniks)
Kristian Persson Elements — Let It Go
Ryan Spendlove — Fall Blind Demo Mix
Jacob McCaslin — Take A Stand
Tracy Cruz — Love's Galaxy
Walkingshoe - The Last One
Phashara aka Corry Banks Outro
As usual, big love to all those who are featured and enjoying the sessions; with an extra special set of thanks to everyone who submitted music, and a big shout out as ever going out to Phashara / Corry Banks (bboytechreport.com), Evil Alex and Sev Seveer for the drops.
Until next month, enjoy.
'Soundcloud Sessions' is a back-to-back collection of future beats, hip hop, jazz and more.

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