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  • New release: Introducing Joey Ripps' "The Son of 1,000 Pardons", hip-hop done well

    1 feb 2011, 16:49

    In the early 80s, while in my teens, I first heard hip-hop music and it was for me... there was simply something about it that spoke to me. It was the future. It was exciting and fresh. A musical genre in its infancy that was finding its way... learning who it was. It grew up over the years... it evolved... still learning about itself. It had a chance to sell out and took it. It embraced the good times and seemed to forget about the important things in life. Eventually it was even used and manipulated by its corporate bosses.

    Thankfully hip-hop's always had a double life. While the mainstream world thought it was one thing, it managed to keep a connection to the underground and was actually another thing. Unbeknownst to all but true heads, it continued to evolve. Today it exists in the form of the many independent EMCEEs, DJs and producers that continue to embrace it and push it and pull it and prod it and mold it and shape it into new forms that explore its past and its future. To the uninitiated, hip-hop is dead... it's "gangsta"... it's "jiggy"... it's about rims... it's about hoes & bitches... it's uncreative... it's stupid... it's an embarrassment. Not true... well... only partially true... it is those things and so much more.

    It's south... it's north... it's east... it's west... it's everything in between. It's malleable and that's what makes it so incredible! When done well... it's a thing of beauty. Down in Richmond, VA, there's a crew called Just Plain Sounds. It's a crew of talented producers, DJs and EMCEEs who are doing it well... making it beautiful. Real music for real souls to feel and connect with. The cast of creators involved in this Joey Ripps album are mostly from RVA, part of the JPS crew who are making good things happen down there. There's also 13adluck who makes an appearance on "My Block To Your Block" making the team Luck & Ripps a reality once again.

    So I guess what I'm saying is that "Son Of 1,000 Pardons" is hip-hop done well. It's that stuff that isn't trying to "keep it real"... only trying to keep it honest.

    Thanks once again to JPS for the honest music. Thanks to Joey Ripps, Just Plain Ant, 13adluck, Bliss-One, DJ Harrison, Draztiq, Gordy Micheal, Ohbliv, Rowan & Sleaze... it's an honor. Hey 13aluck & Sleaze... see y'all later this year on your blocSonic releases!

    Of course, as always, thank you! Thanks for listening & downloading. Keep the music moving... spread the word... share it... blog it... podcast it... oh and if you're in radio... support Creative Commons artistry... broadcast it!

    Grab "Son Of 1,000 Pardons" here!

    Peace
    Mike Gregoire
    Founder/Curator blocSonic.com


    Cover of Joey Ripps - Son Of 1,000 Pardons
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  • New release: Welcome back to blocSonic... JOEY RIPPS!

    18 jan 2011, 13:53

    Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Joey Ripps is part of the multi-talented Just Plain Sounds crew. Depending on how much you follow blocSonic, there's a chance that you're familiar with JPS. If you aren't, let me tell you that they're quite simply the most prolific and talented hip-hop squad in the US. JPS and blocSonic go way back to 2008 when we first featured the work of Just Plain Ant. Yup... I thought you might recognize that name. Ripps is also no stranger to blocSonic. Back in 2009 we released his and 13adluck's (aka Luck & Ripps) release "The Catastrophic Connection", a terrific collection of joints that bridges hip-hop classic and current. Well Ripps is back and preparing another memorable album for blocSonic listeners to enjoy, "Son of 1000 Pardons" which is due to drop on February 1st. What you have here is the first single from the album. It features two tasty cuts... "For The Minute" featuring Bliss-one, also based out of Richmond and production by Ohbliv and Just Plain Ant; "With Me" featuring production by Rowan aka Mark Herbkersman, the man behind blocSonic's own Friends or Whatever.

    Thanks once again for downloading and making blocSonic part of your regular online travels! Stick with us, we've got much in the works! 2011 is going to be another incredible one for blocSonic listeners! Please enjoy and spread the word... remember to share it... blog it... podcast it... oh and if you're in radio... support Creative Commons artistry... broadcast it!

    Grab "For The Minute" here!

    Peace
    Mike Gregoire
    Founder/Curator blocSonic.com

    Cover of Joey Ripps - For The Minute
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  • New release: Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011. Ladies & gents... netBloc Vol. 31!

    28 dec 2010, 14:15

    2010 has been an incredible year for blocSonic. We've had Boots Riley on ETHX' "Boom to Bloom" and Chuck D on Just Plain Ant's "Rumble, Young Man, Rumble". We've released our first indie and pop albums with Friends or Whatever's self-titled debut, Garmisch's self-titled blocSonic debut and Liam Stewart's "Sixteen Words". We've re-released three netaudio albums with exclusive bonus content - CM aka Creative's "The Classic Material Completion Package XE", Tha Silent Partner's "Tha Complete Platters Sessions XE" and Just Plain Ant's "Songs About Something XE". Including this one, we've released five more netBloc compilations packed with a wide array of netaudio gems from all over the world! On top of that, we brought the maxi-single to the world of netlabels and netaudio with our 12 maxBloc promotional singles! We're serious about bringing a certain amount of professionalism to the world of netlabels and we're glad to see a host of other netlabels stepping their game up and doing so also. While the mainstream is sleeping, let's all continue to work together and make this netlabel/netaudio scene an enviable source of amazing music!

    Although it's been an amazing year, it's time that we say goodbye to 2010 and say hello to 2011! For blocSonic it's looking to be another great one! Here's a quick look at our packed schedule:

    • Jan. 25th - Joey Ripps (hip-hop)
    • Feb. 22nd - netBloc Vol. 32
    • Mar. 15th - Jeremy Macachor (experimental)
    • Apr. 5th - netBloc Vol. 33
    • Apr. 26th - Mach FoX (electro-punk)
    • May 31st - Sobria Ebrietas (experimental)
    • Jun. 28th - netBloc Vol. 34
    • Jul. 26th - Just Plain Ant (hip-hop)
    • Aug. 2nd - netBloc Vol. 35
    • Aug. 30th - Sleaze (hip-hop)
    • Sep. 27th - netBloc Vol. 36
    • Oct. 25th - 13adluck (hip-hop)
    • Nov. 22nd - netBloc Vol. 37
    • Dec. 20th - netBloc Vol. 38


    Not listed here are the 14 scheduled promotional maxBloc maxi-singles and the as yet un-finalized special releases that we're working on (eg. Xtended Editions and other special releases). Though, do keep an eye out for special announcements of a new Tha Silent Partner project and a Garmisch Xtended Edition!

    Thanks to all netBloc participants... you all helped start what we've been building since 2007. Thanks to current and future blocSonic fam - Just Plain Ant, Formula, Luck & Ripps (Joey Ripps & 13adluck), CM aka Creative, ETHX, Friends or Whatever, Garmisch, Liam Stewart, Jeremy Macachor, Mach FoX, Sobria Ebrietas & Sleaze; I definitely couldn't have taken blocSonic to the next level without you! There's more to do and you're all welcome to continue to be a part of it!

    Finally, most of all, thanks to everyone who regularly makes blocSonic releases a priority and to everyone who is just discovering us now... you've helped make what we do worthwhile. We've got more in store for you, so we hope you'll continue to listen to the art we all make available to you. Of course, all we ask is that you keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it... broadcast it!

    Grab "netBloc Vol. 31: Goodbye, Hello" here!

    Peace
    Mike Gregoire
    Founder/Curator blocSonic.com

    Cover of netBloc Vol. 31: Goodbye, Hello
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  • New release: Introducing Liam Stewart's "Sooner"

    14 dec 2010, 13:46

    For this second and final single promoting Liam's incredible album "Sixteen Words" we continue our dedication to the maxi-single format with another seven exclusives! Among them are two previously unreleased songs which only add to the terrific body of work he's released through blocSonic, four great remixes of "Sooner" by Crookram, Tha Silent Partner, Sleaze & myself (ok, I'll let you judge the quality of my remix... perhaps not great to you) and finally a fresh remix of "Bird Of Prey" by netBloc regular Tab!

    Thanks again for downloading! Please enjoy and spread the word... remember to share it... blog it... podcast it... oh and if you're in radio... support Creative Commons artistry... broadcast it!

    Grab "Sooner" here.

    Peace<br />
    Mike Gregoire<br />
    Founder/Curator blocSonic.com

    Cover of Liam Stewart's "Sooner"
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  • New release: Introducing Liam Stewart's "Sixteen Words"

    30 nov 2010, 16:44

    Since first deciding to release original albums here, I intended blocSonic to release an eclectic range of music and with each new original, I think we're reinforcing that intention. Since the beginning I've been amazed at the caliber of artists that have either approached us or agreed to release through us. Liam Stewart is yet another in an amazing roster of artists that are showing listeners that the world of netaudio is not something to ignore. With his incredible "Sixteen Words", you're presented another album that will make some wonder how on Earth is it that it wasn't released by a traditional label. That's the state of the music industry... labels are only releasing &quot;marketable&quot; products that they can shove into a pre-packaged formulaic box. If artists want to create ART and speak THEIR voice, then there's no room for them. So artists are forced (I feel, for the better of music and artistry in general) to forge their own paths. Liam's path has led him to blocSonic and I am grateful for the opportunity.

    Liam's sound is one that is pop of a British flavor... you may call it Britpop or leftfield pop or some other quick and neat genre label, but the reality of it is more complex than that. "Sixteen Words" contains many characteristics... pop, rock, electronic & synth-pop. At times it may remind you of Pink Floyd or Roger Waters, Tears For Fears or some current indie-artist that you may dig. Whatever it sounds like to you, what I'm quite sure you'll find is that this is memorable music that's going to stick with you for years to come. It isn't plastic music made for the masses, it's contemplative music crafted for music lovers who crave albums that aren't trying to fit in.

    I hope that with the help of this engaging album, you'll regard Liam Stewart as an artist you'll be eager to hear more from.

    Thanks for downloading and for listening. Spread the word... share it... blog it... podcast it... oh and if you're in radio... support Creative Commons artistry... broadcast it!

    Grab "Sixteen Words" here.

    Peace<br />
    Mike Gregoire<br />
    Founder/Curator blocSonic.com

    Cover of Liam Stewart's "Sixteen Words"
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  • New release: Introducing Liam Stewart and the first single, Bird Of Prey

    16 nov 2010, 13:49

    "Bird Of Prey" is your first taste of what Liam Stewart and blocSonic have in store for you with the release of the album "Sixteen Words" on November 30th. If you dig indie-pop music packed with lush melodies, moody vocals and a rock edge then you definitely need to check the album when it drops! Liam's sound lies somewhere between Tears for Fears, Pink Floyd & 90s brit-pop... a sound that's been forged from years of music-making that dates back to the 80s post punk outfit, Creatures of Habit. This is seriously infectious pop music... not to be missed!

    As with all of our previous maxBloc singles, "Bird Of Prey" is packed with non-album exclusives - a previously unreleased demo called "Coals" and a diverse collection of remixes. Remixes from blocSonic regulars - Tha Silent Partner, dustmotes & mGee - as well as a couple new names - Bobby James and Lyndon Scarfe. Also included is another taste of the forthcoming album via cyberneticnoisefly's video for the title track "Sixteen Words"... be sure to check it.

    Thanks again for downloading & listening! Remember... keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it.

    Grab it here!

    Peace
    Mike Gregoire
    Founder/Curator blocSonic.com


    Cover of Liam Stewart's "Bird Of Prey"
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  • New release: Setting the mood with netBloc Volume 30: aldartea

    2 nov 2010, 13:23

    Love of music is what the netBloc series is about. It's not about hatred of the mainstream music industry, even though it may seem so sometimes (no matter how much I am against everything that the music industry represents these days). The fact of the matter is that there are artists, worldwide, who aren't being heard because they don't fit into some generic compartment that the current music industry has deemed economically viable. The industry has completely lost sight of the art. As with most American industries, it's only guiding force is now the bottom line. Certainly, netBloc Vol. 30 artist Single Bullet Theory can attest to the fact that this tunnel vision isn't a new phenomenon, yet it seems to have gotten much worse. I get it... business is BUSINESS, but what American corporate culture seems to have forgotten is the balance between business and creativity. Without the creativity and art of the product, the soul of it is gone. Yet, the soul hasn't actually gone from music, sure it's been forced out of the mainstream, but it still exists. It can be heard on hundreds, if not thousands of netlabels. It can be heard on portal sites such as freemusicarchive.org, jamendo.com and clearbits.net. It can be heard on numerous blogs and podcasts that devote themselves to promoting truly independent music. It can be heard directly on the countless number of independent artists' websites. With all of this art bombarding us from all directions, it's difficult to keep up with it all or to even begin digging into it to find the bits that please your soul. The netBloc series is my humble attempt to shine some light on music that truly deserves to be heard by as many people as possible.

    'Aldartea', a Basque word meaning 'mood', seems a succinct way to describe this collection of netaudio that, as is always the blocSonic way, has been compiled with care to ensure the listening experience is more than what a thrown together compilation of tracks would provide. It's always a thrill to see how completely different genres and styles can be juxtaposed and still retain a certain mood. While the music listening experience is a completely subjective thing, I do hope that with every netBloc release, I guide at least a few of you to appreciating new styles of music through the juxtapositions found in each and every one. I also hope that, through them, you discover new favorite artists. Artists that you continue to support long after their netBloc appearance.

    Thanks again to all of the participating artists and labels and thanks to you for taking a moment to download and listen! Please... keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it.

    Grab netBloc Vol. 30: aldartea here!

    Peace
    Mike Gregoire
    Founder/Curator blocSonic.com

    Tracklist
    01 - Fabrizio Paterlini - Veloma
    02 - Fabrizio Paterlini & March Rosetta - Forever Blue
    03 - Bosques de mi Mente - El transcurrir de las horas
    04 - Innocent Bandits - Madman’s Cackle
    05 - Blue Swerver - Tasky
    06 - Monokle & Galun - Air Krispella
    07 - Single Bullet Theory - Das Madchen
    08 - The Pop Winds - Feel It
    09 - Traveling in Stereo - No Bother
    10 - Mr. Bitterness - Lost
    11 - Just Plain Ant - Don’t Look Back (Featuring Note)
    12 - Liam Stewart - Bird Of Prey


    Cover of "netBloc Vol. 30: aldartea"
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  • Album preview! Check my future release…

    18 sep 2010, 03:05

    Listen and download the preview of the currently untitled future release by yours truly aka mGee!

    http://soundcloud.com/mgee-1/sets/untitled-album-preview

    Enjoy!

    Peace
    mGee
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  • New release: With the final Garmisch maxi-single the exclusives keep coming

    14 sep 2010, 14:19

    If you haven't figured it out by now, each original blocSonic album release is promoted via two maxi-single releases. With each single, we draw you in with very tasty exclusives. Garmisch's "Facing the Sea" is no different. In fact, this one comes packed with six! On it you'll find a previously unreleased Garmisch gem "Requiem for Wolf" as well as a variety of remixes by Dustmotes, Tha Silent Partner, Zengineers & mGee.

    Thanks to the remixers involved, you rock!

    Thank you once again to you for continuing to visit and download our releases, you rock even more! Remember... keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it!

    Download "Facing the Sea" here.

    Peace
    Mike Gregoire
    Founder/Curator blocSonic.com

    Cover of Garmisch's "Facing the Sea"
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  • New release: Enjoy 10 tracks of gorgeous Swedish electropop. Enjoy Garmisch!

    31 aug 2010, 13:50

    If you missed the release of the maxi-single "Glimmer" a couple weeks ago, you may have missed a bit of the background about this great band. Based out of Malmo, Sweden, they've been together for about six years now. In that time, they've released a couple incredible EPs on the Swedish netlabel Go, Jukebox! and performed live, on and off, in the Malmo region. From the beginning, they've put together a mixture of influences and ideas, however, they're still trying to find their intended style; they have no intensions of ever really doing so. There's five of them in the band, mostly good people - Stefan Bodetoft, Charlotte Fagerlund, Charlotte Lundgren, Birgitta Persson & Patrik Svensson. Their influences are as far-ranging as Curtis Mayfield, Pink Floyd, D'Angelo, Massive Attack, Gary Numan, The Stooges, Portishead, Emmylou Harris & Wu-Tang Clan.

    If you're at all familiar with Swedish pop music, you'll no doubt already know that it's quite infectious. Garmisch is no different. Well over a year in the making, the self-titled "Garmisch" album captures much of what made both of their previous EPs so special and manages to add to that more polished production and mastering. If you're familiar with Garmisch' previous work, you're guaranteed to thoroughly enjoy it. If you're new to Garmisch, this is the perfect place to introduce yourself to their sound.

    Thanks for taking a moment to visit blocSonic.com and check out the album! "Garmisch" can be downloaded here. As always... keep the music moving... share it... blog it... podcast it! Now... satisfy that sweet tooth with some electrically-charged pop goodness!


    Peace
    Mike Gregoire
    Founder/Curator blocSonic.com

    Cover of Garmisch's self-titled debut album
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