Two years is a long time. It’s an especially long time if you spend it waiting for new original music from some or your favorite musical artists. New York disco duo Holy Ghost!, made up of Nicholas Millhiser and Alexander Frankel, understand this, and feel bad for keeping fans waiting. The last (and only) non-remixed material the group released was an iTunes Single of the Week, entitled “Hold On,” in 2007. As a result, the apologetic DFA-signed pair is releasing its next song free via GreenLabelSounds.com on June 24. I sat down with the guys and talked about touring around Europe, transitioning from Hip Hop to disco, and how technology is changing the world of DJing.
LA hip-hop fashionista’s U-N-I are the latest too cool act to drop a free single on Green Label Sound, the digital label powered by a certain green and sticky substance (no, not the green and sticky). “Land of the Kings” is built on an unusually high-tempo beat—all quarter note snares and zero groove. That is until the Casio-esque breakdown. U-N-I do a great job riding the beat that would throw off most MCs of an older era.
GLS also announced their release schedule for the rest of 2009, which include high-profile acts like Chromeo as well as fast rising stars Amazing Baby, Holy Ghost! and Solid Gold.
“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” seems to be the operative adage in Green Label Sound’s philosophy. In this modern age of file sharing and ADD-style consumption of music thanks to the almighty blogosphere, we live in a culture dominated and dictated by “the single” (this really goes without saying). As record companies and album sales feel the heat, Green Label got with the program; backed by Mountain Dew (yes, Mountain Dew), GLS showcases independent artists through releasing exclusive tracks for a free download. After the success of working with dance duo Matt and Kim and The Cool Kids, Flosstradamus got the fateful tap on the shoulder to release an original collaboration track, a first for both the label and the Chicago DJ duo.
NC’s hottest producer, 9th Wonder, has produced tracks for the gamut of hip hop royalty, from Erykah Badu to Nas, and Mary J. Blige to Jay-Z. Now he’s talking a turn with the up and coming Cool Kids to remix their single, “Delivery Man.” It blazes with 9th Wonder’s hallmark soul inflections. Take a listen here, then download the single courtesy of Green Label Sound, or check this link.
Leave A Comment!