blocSonic Netlabel

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Flex Vector - Spellbound

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by blocSonic 1 week ago

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Flex Vector - Spellbound

When you think of Maine, you think of forests... you think of lakes... you think of beaches... you think of the Atlantic... you think of lobstah... you think of "vacationland". You probably don't think of its music scene. Our musical exports to the rest of the country and the world are few and far between. Perhaps because of that... or in spite of it... the scene is quite diverse... country, folk, hip-hop, jazz, punk, rock, metal... you name it... someone's creating it.

This new release by Portland's own Flex Vector is a tour de force of Breakbeat, Drum N Bass, Hip-Hop, Dubstep, IDM, Glitch and Ambient sounds that collide, merge and meld into a big and sometimes thunderous treat for the ears. That's right... ELECTRONIC's made here. Time to download and listen.

Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! If you're in radio... support independent music and broadcast it!

The complete album is available for free download here: http://blocsonic.com/releases/show/spellbound

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

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Vpopolam - Gryaznyj albom

Are you ready to rock? I hope you are because today I'm excited to release the powerful debut EP, "Gryaznyj albom"/"The Dirty Album", by the Russian band Vpopolam. They call their sound "anti-glamorous chanson-core", a blend of funk, rock & grooves. At times the sound is reminiscent of Red Hot Chili Peppers and at other times, the sound's hard to pin down. There's one thing about it that's very easy to pin down... these guys know how to make absolutely infectious music. I forewarn you, get ready to add "Gryaznyj albom" to heavy rotation!

With this release, I'm fulfilling one of the goals that I set for blocSonic when I first committed to releasing original music. I never envisioned blocSonic as only a "hip-hop" label or even a strictly English language label; I've long wanted to release music of many genres regardless of where the artists hale from and what language they perform in. I feel that the American mainstream goes out of its way to restrict the majority of it's music to English language acts which helps mold American mainstream music listeners into a rather narrow-minded audience. While listeners in the rest of the world somehow manage to enjoy music with lyrics they don't understand, Americans continue to live in their bubble, only listening to Jay-Z, Rihanna, Coldplay and whatever other English act is being spoon-fed to them. At least that's the way it's long been and how it would continue if the mainstream music industry had its way. Though, the internet exists and some of us are adventurous listeners and we explore. Good music is good music, regardless of where it was created. If you're visiting blocSonic to listen to new music, then I know you are an adventurous listener. Go ahead, download now. Thanks again for listening.

Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! If you're in radio... support independent music and broadcast it!

The complete album is available for free download here: http://blocsonic.com/releases/show/gryaznyj-albom

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

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LOWdown - dumpTRUCK XE

Back in '99-2000, I began frequenting Public Enemy's Enemyboard, a forum that PE fans have long frequented to shoot the breeze about anything under the sun... whether it be the latest Public Enemy release, the current political climate or merely to flame each other about how wack their musical tastes are (I kid). It's a diverse group of people with strong opinions and one in which its members have formed strong bonds. It was on that same forum that I connected with Chuck D and subsequently began designing for his label SLAMjamz and Public Enemy. Also on that forum is where a group of guys came to know each other and eventually form the world's first virtual rap squad... The Impossebulls. Among the group's members are long time friends Tirade and Public Enemy producer/Film Maker C-Doc (The Warhammer), who make up the core of LOWdown. Also in that group you'll find DJ President Ike, whose turntable wizardry you'll find laced throughout dumpTRUCK and Marcus J Gilligan, who makes a resonating appearance on "Ten Years Coming (Ninety-Four Drums of Death)".

Over the years, as I've built blocSonic, the two worlds haven't crossed much. I haven't promoted blocSonic all that much over at the Enemyboard and the Enemyboard hasn't entered into the equation at blocSonic. I was lucky enough to get Chuck D to make an appearance on Just Plain Ant's album "Rumble, Young Man, Rumble" and ILLUS (also an Enemyboard alumnus) has been featured on a couple netBlocs, though that's been it... until 2011 when C-Doc expressed interest in releasing music here! He first made an appearance on Garmisch' "The EPs XE", with his "No Shine Remixx" of their track "Glimmer". Now that connection grows with this XE re-release of LOWdown's "dumpTRUCK EP".

LOWdown is unapologetically early 90s boom bap Hip-Hop, through and through. LOWdown is THUMPIN' beats, it's EMCEEING, it's humor, it's big THUMPIN' beats... oh wait, did I already say that? This Xtended Edition contains the complete original EP along with a host of bonus gems from the LOWdown archives!

The complete album is available for free download here: http://blocsonic.com/releases/show/dumptruck-xe

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

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Tab - AfterThought

It's a pleasure for me to once again welcome Tab to blocSonic! If you've been listening to our netBloc series for a while, you're probably quite familiar with the talented New Jersey artist who's been featured on that compilation series a number of times. We finally get to deliver to you his new album, "AfterThought". The album is a collection that pushes, pulls & tweaks the genre of hip-hop. Whether you're a hip-hop head ready to nod your head to some dope beats or you're a fan of soulful sounds and want to feel the music flow through you, "AfterThought" has what you need.

Thanks again for downloading and listening. Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! If you're in radio... support independent music and broadcast it!

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Just Plain Ant - Knowon

Hello. Welcome back again. It's good of you to stop by. Though of course you would, right? It's that time again. The time for you to let Just Plain Ant take you on another sonic journey. With "Knowon", Ant's managed to cook up a fine mixture of introspection, soulful yet funky beats and a healthy dose of visceral textures. Sit back... let the rhythms take you.

I thank you again for coming to listen and download. It's always a thrill to set great new music loose on the world! Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! If you're in radio... support independent music and broadcast it!

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sumgii - Daddy McFree EP

Ladies & gents... LDZ has entered the building... well, at least one member of the incredible London hip-hop crew, sumgii, has... and he arrives stomping! Five tracks of hip-hop, digitally glitched up on that analog retro tip! Authentic analog synthed-out soundscapes meet bass-lines meets glitched up drums meets CLASSIC sample-based hip-hop. "Daddy McFree EP" is quite simply... THAT stuff.

A big up to sumgii for bringing the no1z3. Big up to you for not sleeping. Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! If you're in radio... support independent music and broadcast it!

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CM aka Creative - In The Meantime EP

It's been about two years since we've been able to release something by Maryland-based EMCEE CM aka Creative. Well he's back with the EP "In The Meantime" that's meant to tide you over until his next full-length which he's currently working on. Meantime comes packed with nine great tracks which feature that CM vibe you've come to expect - seven of which are new, two are bonus throwbacks from the archives and none of which are love songs. It may be Valentine's Day, but this is real independent hip-hop!

Thanks again for checking what we've cooked for you! Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! If you're in radio... support independent music and broadcast it!

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MUTE - UNkilling Time

It's hard to believe that January is almost done and it's already that time for us to wrap up MUTE month. It seems like it went way too quickly! No worries though, we end it with a tremendous new EP produced by UNknown (Formula). At times dark and other times introspective, yet all the while "UNkilling Time" is absorbing. As with all of what you heard by MUTE this month, this is music for the discriminating listener. Don't say I didn't warn you if you're unable to stop listening.

I can't thank Tha Silent Partner and UNknown enough for the amount of work they put in to make MUTE month go off without a hitch! I sure hope that this isn't the last we hear from MUTE here at blocSonic!

Once more, I thank YOU too! I sincerely hope you enjoyed MUTE month as much as I have. It's always a pleasure to be able to share great music. Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! If you're in radio... support independent music and broadcast it!

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MUTE - Pavement Politics, Vol. 2 (Sidestreets & Alleys)

What's good y'all? I hope you've been enjoying the releases that we've been dropping on you this month. Here we go again with another one! With "Pavement Politics, Vol. 2 (Sidestreets & Alleys)", MUTE month returns with a fury. Five years in the making, Tha Silent Partner and UNknown (Formula) return with the proper follow up to their 2007 release "Pavement Politics, Vol. 1" (http://www.blocsonic.com/releases/show/pavement-politics-xe), which you got to enjoy last week in all its remastered glory! Take another journey with MUTE... let the beats and rhythms move you. Word.

Thank you once again for your downloading & listening! Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! If you're in radio... support independent music and broadcast it!

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MUTE - Pavement Politics XE

If you've been following what we do for long enough, you might have first heard MUTE's "Is It Too Late For US All" when it made an appearance on "netBloc Vol. 15: this album won't eat your gas money" back in mid-2008. A little over a year later, we brought you the great release by one half of MUTE... UNknown aka Formula's "The Overcast Project" and then a little under another year, the other half of MUTE... Tha Silent Partner made his blocSonic release debut with "Tha Complete Platters Sessions XE" and it's two singles "P Pulsar" and "Starksy". As you see, MUTE has long been part of the blocSonic story and with MUTE month the connection grows. After what has been a long gestation period, I'm very happy to present to you this remastered re-release of what I consider to be a netaudio classic! I hope you enjoy it and the bonus disc of previously unreleased goodies from the "Pavement Politics, Vol. 1" sessions.

Thanks once again for your interest in the art we present to you. Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! If you're in radio... support independent music and broadcast it!

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MUTE - 10 A.M.

Did you know that on January 16th, blocSonic will be 5 years old? Can you believe that it's already been five years since we first released our premiere netBloc volume? To commemorate this, we've made January 2012, MUTE month and we're packing the month with free releases!

So who is MUTE, you ask? MUTE is a project by Tha Silent Partner and Unknown (aka Formula). A project begun back in 2007 when they released their incredible collection "Pavement Politics, Vol. 1". There's never been a follow up release, but now they're back in a big way! First with this one, "10 A.M.", then an Xtended Edition re-release of Pavement Politics with a 2nd disc of bonus material on January 17th, next will be the proper follow-up to "Pavement Politics" on January 24th and finally on January 31st will be "UNkilling Time"!

If that's not enough for you, in the midst of all the MUTE, on the 27th, we've got the 37th volume of our netBloc series!

Thanks again for listening! We hope you enjoy the tasty audio bits we've got for you. Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it!

Grab your free copy! http://blocsonic.com/releases/show/10-am

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BADLUCK - Renaissance 2011

From day one, blocSonic has been about shining the light on the best of what the world of netaudio has to offer... BADLUCK's Renaissance 2011 is no different. It's some of that real & raw NYC, boom-bap hip-hop!

BADLUCK made his blocSonic debut back in 2009 as one half of Luck & Ripps. Back then, with their great release The Catastrophic Connection (http://blocsonic.com/releases/show/the-catastrophic-connection - Produced by Uh-Oh Productions, then known as Catastrophe), you were introduced to their fusion of the classic boom-bap sound with a modern edge. Consider Renaissance 2011 a continuation of that aesthetic with a bit of a rawer vibe.

This is straight up NEW YORK hip-hop for true heads. Don't sleep.

Thanks again for downloading and listening! Remember... everything we release is cool to share! Always keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! If you're in radio... support independent music and broadcast it!

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Tha Silent Partner - Tha Complete Platters Sessions XE

Get ready for this funky & soulful 3CD / 68 track Xtended Edition release!

To understand what the Platters Sessions are all about, here's a bit of background. Back in 2007, TSP began releasing a series of "Platters" releases via Jamendo and under his label, Me, Life & Music. The Platters series were an exploration of vinyl samples based on particular themes. The first installment, "Platters Act. 1 (Lounge Music And Exotica)" featured lush orchestration and smooth rhythms. Then in 2008, the second installment, "Platters Act. 2 (The Untouchables)", went sort of unreleased (more about that in the official XE liner-notes). It featured an episode of the TV show "The Untouchables" infused into a sonic world of funky hip-hop beats and jazzy melodies. Finally, in 2009, TSP dropped the third and final act of the series "Platters Act. 3 (Tape Deck)", a sort of beat tape, but with a completely unique TSP vibe.

For the first time, "Tha Complete Platters Sessions XE" collects all 3 acts together along with a bonus disc of outtakes from the period, making for an incredible 3CD set of sonic treats!

The free download will be available at http://blocsonic.com in 4 high-quality audio formats — Lossless FLAC, OGG, 320kbs MP3 & 192kbs MP3! Be sure to download the complete album art and the PDF booklet containing EXTENSIVE liner-notes.

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Just Plain Ant - Songs About Something XE

We set things off in 2007 with our premiere release, netBloc Vol. 1: The Opening Salvo. Even at that early stage, I knew that I wanted blocSonic to be a bit more than your standard netlabel. I didnt want blocSonic to be completely self-serving it was to be a promotional vehicle for netlabels, artists and the netaudio culture. However, what I didnt know was if artists and netlabels were going to be supportive of the compilation idea and send me lossless versions of their music to be included. Happily my worries were for naught. Everyone involved has been extremely supportive over the years and my positive experience with the netBloc series got me thinking about original releases. Our first original release was back in February 2009, Just Plain Ants Dig Deep. Well here we are nearly a year later and Ive got another premiere release for you to enjoy and its the talented Just Plain Ant bringing it once again!

So what is the Xtended Edition (XE) series? Before answering that question, let me start by explaining why the XE series. In the first 3 years of putting together the netBloc series, Ive seen netlabels come and go. Some of those netlabels whove gone inactive had some very talented artists among their rosters and those artists releases have languished since the apparent demise of their labels. That got me thinking about re-releases and what form a re-release would take on blocSonic. I began to think about the many ways that the mainstream music industry have handled it. One particular re-release format that Ive liked (when Universal has done it with classic albums) is the Deluxe Edition series. Universals series usually consists of the first disc being the original release and a second disc containing perviously unreleased material demos, outtakes & alternate versions. Well our XE series is quite similar, though in the future wont be limited to two discs. Each release in this series will feature the originally released album and at least one other disc containing demos, outtakes, alternate versions & remixes. Where we stray from the Deluxe Edition model is that each of ours will also feature completely new album art. As with all our releases, each is made available in three high-quality audio formats — FLAC, 320kbs MP3 & 192kbs MP3.

After deciding to go forward with our own special format of re-releases it was time to approach the artists. Among the releases that got me thinking about re-releases in the first place was Just Plain Ants Fly. An excellent release he released via Jamendo that I felt was worth more shine. Unfortunately that was not to be. As happens often, artists sometimes grow weary of early releases that they feel no longer represent their sound to the fullest. I could respect that. However, Ant was interested in seeing his terrific Just Plain Sounds release Songs About Something re-released in this format. At first I was hesitant, only because my original plan was to resurrect releases from netlabels whove shut down. That hesitation didnt last long though. I quickly adapted the plan to include releases of living and breathing netlabels. However way you look at it, the goal of the Xtended Edition series is to bring more exposure to releases.

With the release of Songs About Something XE the evolution of blocSonic continues. This edition of Just Plain Ants foray into the world of trip-hop and downtempo delivers over two hours of soulful, chilled beats! Disc one is the original album in its entirety and disc two is packed with new Just Plain Ant songs and remixes by RVA (Richmond, Virginia) talents such as Annu, Oh.Bliv, Sleaze and Rowan. So, thanks again for downloading and listening. I hope you enjoy this premiere XE release, there are more on the way! As always, if you dig this release spread it around share with friends share with strangers share it with anyone.

http://blocsonic.com/releases/show/songs-about-something-xe

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Friends or Whatever - Friends or Whatever

blocSonic is quite proud to present to you the self-titled debut by Richmond, Virginia artist Friends or Whatever. With its fusion of shimmering electronica and a raw rock vibe, FoW proves to be a very engaging listen. At times quiet and contemplative... at other times beat-driven and laced with distorted guitar and melancholic vocals. All the while a bit challenging to put your finger on and yet it's quickly familiar. It's that very enigmatic nature that's sure to pull you in.

On a side note, I just wanted to give a shout out to Just Plain Sounds. When I first heard early versions of some of the FoW music, I had not known that it was originally set for a JPS release. After approaching Mark Herbkersman (aka Friends or Whatever) about a blocSonic release, I found out. I have to give props to Anthony Gillison aka Just Plain Ant who was gracious enough to allow us the pleasure. So thank you once again Ant!!!

Thank YOU for downloading and listening, I hope you'll enjoy it every bit as much as I do. Remember... as always... share it... podcast it... blog it.

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ETHX - Boom To Bloom

This fantastic release has been in the works since ETHX first contacted blocSonic back in May. In it youll find a few high-profile peeps hes managed to connect with folks like Boots Riley who you may know from The Coup, Zumbi from Zion-I and Myron Glasper whos sung background vocals for everyone from MC Lyte to Blackalicious to Lyrics Born. Among the names you may know, youll also find incredibly talented MCs and vocalists who you may not know. One of those talented MCs is Nate Mezmer whos presence plays an integral part in making this collection feel like more than just a producer's showcase. Once again, blocSonic brings you real hip-hop with a touch of R&B this fresh sound comes to you straight out of Northern California.

I want to say thanks to ETHX for approaching blocSonic in the first place and his guests for being part of whats become Boom To Bloom. Welcome to the blocSonic fam!

We hope you enjoy this release and it gets heavy rotation in all your portable devices, CD players and computers. If you dig it, dont forget to spread the word share it with anyone and everyone you can.

http://blocsonic.com/releases/show/boom-to-bloom

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CM aka Creative - Classic Material Vol. 3: UI Radio

2009 release, CM aka Creative release "Classic Material Vol. 3: UI Radio". The complete album is available for free download here: http://blocsonic.com/releases/show/classic-material-vol-3-ui-radio

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

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Luck & Ripps - The Catastrophic Connection

Back in February, Joey Ripps approached me about releasing one of his projects through blocSonic. One of the projects, a collaboration with 13aDLucK produced by Catastrophe, turned out to be quite a strong set. After hearing the drafts Ripps sent, blocSonic was officially down for a release! What youre about to listen to is a fantastic collection of raw, NYC style, boom-bap hip-hop. Its packed with smooth soul-drenched beats, classic B-Boy braggadocio and introspective rhymes. Luck & Ripps vocal styles are both quite compatible, so their collaboration on this project feels natural and unforced. Catastrophes production throughout serves as the perfect bed for their verses to rest. Once again, we feel that we, blocSonic, have dropped another solid contribution to the world of independent hip-hop. Check it out and remember share this with everyone you connect with. Thanks goes out to Luck, Ripps and Catastrophe for being part of the blocSonic fam. Thanks also to you for taking the time to download!

http://blocsonic.com/releases/show/the-catastrophic-connection

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Formula - The Overcast Project

Ladies and gents, allow me to introduce to you the latest member of the blocSonic family, Formula. A producer extraordinaire hailing from London. This here is his premiere solo release and our second original. If youve been following our netBloc series for a while, youve most-likely heard Is It Too Late For Us All? from the collaborative project that he was part of (along with Bostons own Tha Silent Partner), MUTE. It was featured on netBloc Vol. 15: this album wont eat your gas money. Welcome him back with what Im quite confident youll think is one fantastic release. Hip-Hop on another plain from another perspective but real boom bap hip-hop none-the-less. From the introduction Ebony Shards to X Man, theres not a boring or weak moment to be found.

To me The Overcast Project feels like the perfect follow-up to Just Plain Ants Dig Deep. Formula seems to share a similar desire to expand the definition of hip-hop. With Formula at its core and a talented group of musicians and emcees, Overcast gels into a superbly cohesive unit (much like Ants release before it). There IS a Formula sound and each of the guest musicians and emcees lend their distinctive touches in such a way as to make the unit stronger.

Sit back and get ready for the journey the sky may be overcast, but no rain is in the forecast so enjoy the journey!

Thanks to Formula for allowing blocSonic to handle the release of this gem!

As always, thanks to you for visiting blocSonic and listening to our releases remember share this with friends, enemies, parents, siblings, politicians, zombies and aliens oh and the rain gods

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Just Plain Ant - Dig Deep

Its always exciting when I come across an artist who delivers an album that can be enjoyed from beginning to end. Its even more enjoyable when that artist is completely independent. Theres something to be said for music independence in these days of packaged and repackaged mainstream music product. Independent music isnt held back by labels and expectations to fit a certain mold.

When I first heard Ants Fly, I was very impressed by the fact that it had that classic hip-hop vibe that only a few netaudio hip-hop releases have. That vibe is present even while a modern undercurrent is heard throughout, so what you end up with is a modern hip-hop album that hasnt forgotten the lessons of the pioneers and innovators.

After absorbing Fly, I was eager for more. Around that same time I announced that blocSonic was considering original releases and that we were inviting artists to approach us about releasing their material. Ant was the first artist to do so and a perfect fit at that. Since our dedication to quality over quantity was being carried over to our original releases, Ant was indeed the best artist we could have hoped for to help us impress that attitude on our premier release.

So here you have it Dig Deep, a shining example of what the independent music world has to offer. It's also an authentic and innovative hip-hop album that refuses to be boxed in by quick and simple comparisons. With this album, Ant has brought together a terrific bunch of co-producers, vocalists and emcees that have all added their own touch in such a way that doesnt make this producer-driven album feel like a compilation. Conceptually, theres no doubt that this album is a whole.

Thanks to Just Plain Ant for his interest in having blocSonic release Dig Deep. Also, thanks to Sleaze, EENJ, Jay Slim, Alex Murphy, Elijah, Joey Ripps, Brad Oblivion, Caitlin Meissner and Yarrow Lutz for being a part of this fantastic album. Finally, thanks to Christine Lockerby for her fantastic photographic work.

Thanks for downloading! Enjoy the album! Burn copies of it give copies to friends give them to strangers