9 January 2018
This week we're getting back to our roots with Madison Mars' interstellar journey 'Atom'!
This track oozes cinematic brilliance, from the trancey string lead to the gritty vocal bass, everything about Atom screams soundtrack. Picture this: you're about to go up against your nemesis (your boss, your annoying neighbour, your in-laws ...) and you need to get the adrenaline pumping: Atom will surely see you to Victory. It's dark in all the right places (highlighting our internal dichotomy, which is a big theme over here), with enough punch and power to push you through the inevitable fight scene and all of it's ups and downs.
Madison was one of the very first producers I started listening to when I got into future house, along with our old pal Tchami, and I've always been captivated by his subtle twists on sound design that lend to his unique sound. The world 'average' isn't in Madison's vocab: everything he releases is testament to the amount of work you know went into it, which isn't surprising since he's one of the hardest working producers out there!
So get ready to take another journey into the unknown, and take a break from the world for 3 transcendent minutes!
You can learn more about Madison Mars here:
You can learn more about deadmau5 here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Song of Cedric – The Blue Wave Pavilion
2 January 2018
There are two forces in this world that no hero, regardless of how powerful they are, can defeat - Time, and Death.
It's easy to forget this when we're all wrapped up in the business of Saving the World!, especially when our current endeavours behave as though they're matters of life or death. But eventually, Time will age us, and Death will take us, and it won't matter how many cars are on the drive or numbers are in the account.
We've discussed the importance of a hero accepting Death before, but Time deserves our attention too since it's Time who will ultimately take us to meet the shadowy customer himself (or herself!). It's something that Cedric, the titular character in this week's saga, contemplates a lot, since Time has already taken his sidekick on to the next plane, and now our hero has to take on the world alone. It's a reminder to value what we have when we have it, and to not take life for granted.
This week's track is a special one for this playlist. Not only is it our first real dive into the world of indie rock since we touched base with Kasabian a few weeks ago, but it's also the first time I've introduced one of my own musical projects into the Save the World! family. At the helm is my brother, guiding us through a swirling soundscape littered with crisp guitar lines and layers of ethereal goodness, driven along by punchy drums and a bass player doing his best. James really captures the emotion of the song with each vocal layer, mixing sadness, regret, and a hint of triumph as the song reaches it's spiralling crescendo and fades out on a bittersweet note. It packs a lot of punch and it's definitely one of my favourite songs to play live!
So there you have it, a little slice of the world your humble narrator inhabits. Enjoy it, and enjoy your life x
You can learn more about The Blue Wave Pavilion here:
You can learn more about deadmau5 here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Strobe – Michael Woods 2014 Remix – deadmau5, Michael Woods
18 December 2017
Remixing deadmau5 takes some serious courage. Not only does Joel have incredibly high standards when it comes to people messing with his music, but he's also not afraid to tell them - often in the bluntest way possible.
So you can imagine the stakes involved when it comes to tackling Strobe, which is arguably one of the most well-loved deadmau5 tracks out there (it's certainly one of my favourites). With that being said, Michael Woods certainly deserves a place on this playlist for his sheer bravery alone, never mind the fact that he did an incredibly tasteful job reworking an absolute EDM classic.
Michael gets it so right in fact, that Joel will often play Michael's versions of his tracks instead of his own, and that has to be the highest compliment that can be paid to a remixer!
Strobe is one of those tracks that makes you believe that anything is possible, and it delivers this message without the need for any words. It's ethereal, uplifting, powerful and melancholic all at the same time, and it conjures emotions that probably couldn't ever be conveyed in any other way. Think of the penultimate scene in your favourite superhero drama; the protagonist has managed to Save the World!, albeit at great cost and through huge sacrifice, and the film is coming to an end. Strobe could almost certainly be playing in the background. It conjures images of finality with just a hint of loose ends to be tied up, and in doing so it adopts subtle ominous overtones. It's as cinematic as dance music gets, and that is not a formula you wanna be fucking with.
Michael takes the original track and keeps all the fundamental pieces in place, but paints his characteristic trancey vibes over the top seamlessly. The Strobe adventure takes a new direction, whilst still ending at the same destination. In fact, I actually prefer his grittier, saturated approach to the original drop; there was an incredible amount of power lying just underneath that filter cutoff!
This week's track is a reminder to team up with other heroes, even if they usually work alone (as usual, points for guessing the reference. It's always from the same film anyway), since new and interesting results can arise from reworking classics that are commonly considered untouchable.
You can learn more about Michael Woods here:
You can learn more about deadmau5 here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Mirage – Platon Emil & Stefan Nixdorf feat. Landry Cantrell & Kristen Hicks
12 December 2017
What's the point in Saving the World! if the world isn't worth saving? I think we all have days where we think everything is so completely fucked up that to try and change anything is pointless.
Well this week I'm giving you an incredible gift, one to remind you how much good stuff there is to get involved in on this big ol' stupid piece of rock we call Earth. 'Mirage', the collaborative work of four incredibly talented characters, is a captivating listening experience that brings to mind visions of expansive vistas, vast, open landscapes, and breathtaking panoramas. The use of instrumentation is tastefully exotic, and both vocal performances are executed flawlessly. It's the perfect reminder of all the beauty that sits in the world just waiting to be experienced.
Lyrically, 'Mirage' ties in wonderfully with the idea that sometimes we feel like we're wasting time, chasing illusions, running after nothing more than a mirage. But there's a subtle beauty in this idea, because sometimes it's worth chasing an ideal instead of settling for a reality that's unfulfilling and y'know, boring.
So maybe the world we want to save isn't anything other than a dream. But I'd take that over not trying at all!
Have a great week kids x
You can learn more about Platon Emil here:
You can learn more about Stefan Nixdorf here:
You can learn more about Landry Cantrell here:
You can learn more about Kristen Hicks here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Afterlife – Tchami (feat. Stacy Barthe)
5 December 2017
Sometimes the most superhuman thing we can do is acknowledge our mortality.
All heroes know that there's a very good chance they can be defeated, and what comes next? Where do we go in the Afterlife? It's important that we make peace with this fact if we're to stay brave in the face of Danger; if we don't, we might find ourselves succumbing to the Great Unknown.
Tchami's future house piledriver of a track asks this very question. Right from the opening swell, it's clear we're going on a spiritual journey, and boy what a journey it is. Guided by Stacy's creamy vocal, we're taken through a dreamy soundscape filled with moving pads and sonic curiosities, before melting into a drop that's understated yet incredibly powerful.
I've had this track on my personal playlists ever since I heard it last year and it's never lost it's appeal to me. It's just an incredibly cohesive track; the vibe is one of uncertainty with an anxious undertone, and it fits the lyrical theme perfectly. Too often we hear lyrics that are so clearly removed from the tone of the music and it's not only lazy, it also ruins the immersiveness of the music. Tchami won't stand for it!
So galvanise your spirituality, make peace with your fate, and head toward Victory safe in the understanding of your Afterlife!
You can learn more about Tchami here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Never Give Up – Sergio T. feat. Dim Gerrard
28 November 2017
We've talked a lot about the importance of perseverance in this business of saving the world. A wise chimp once said, 'we only fail when we give in trying.' As long as we never give up and never surrender, we can only succeed, even if we're walking on two left feet all the time!
I felt it twas time to inject some EDM back into this playlist, and what better way to do it than with Sergio T's summer nostalgia kit? It's incredibly well produced, the vocals are perfect, and it oozes all of the positivity we need to get us through the darker winter nights (at least until Christmas hits, which I'm actually looking forward to this year since it's my first festive period where I won't have to work!)
Lyrically, 'Never Give Up' documents an every day struggle that I'm sure we've all been through, that of having to deal with reminders of an ex partner continuing to haunt us long after they've gone. It's another ode to the sidekick, letting us know that even when it feels like we're at rock bottom, there's always a reliable team behind us to keep us going toward, you guessed it - Victory!
We've been exploring some darker vibes lately, so it's nice to come back to something equally as powerful in it's positivity. Indulge yourself today and have a little dance, Sergio will thank you for it and, more importantly, you'll thank yourself!
You can learn more about Sergio T. here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Bloodline – S.O.S
21 November 2017
A hero should be the voice of unity. If the true evils of the world are intolerance and prejudice, then it's our job as superheroes to battle against them in whatever way we can.
S.O.S has answered this call to arms with elegance. 'Bloodline' is a reminder that despite our superficial differences, in opinion or in attitude, ultimately we all came from the same place. Saving the World! often isn't really about battling supernatural threats and narrowly averting major cataclysmic events. It's about challenging damaging mentalities and confronting the darkness woven into our being to rise above it as better humans. Super Humans.
Sonically, I feel like 'Bloodline' really taps into the duality of human nature. Down-tempo drums, deep pulsing synths and chilling piano melodies soften in the wake of S.O.S's soothing voice, reminding us that things don't have to be so bleak; that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. It's an incredibly well produced track with plenty of subtleties going on low in the mix - treats for the repeat listener (and the headphone listener, the TRUE appreciators of music!)
Take the message from 'Bloodline' and use it to do something great today. 'If we all just take a little time,' we could find ourselves one step closer to Victory!
You can learn more about S.O.S here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Dreamlife – Morning Fatty
14 November 2017
Even heroes need a day off.
I mean come on, it gets tiring saving the world every. single. day. Sometimes we'd rather not whack on our supersuit (as usual, points for the reference), and just kick our feet up and watch some bad telly instead. And that's perfectly within our right! No one's paying us to be heroes - the world owes us some down time!
'Dreamlife' is the epitome of this sense of relaxing our responsibilities for the time-being. As Andrew tells us in the chorus, he wants to do big things, just not right now, if that's all the same to you. Being a hero can wait - Game of Thrones is on and it's the one where... Well, I won't spoil it for you. But it's the one. Yeah, that episode...
I think my favourite thing about this track is that it really lives up to it's name sonically; luscious pads, laidback grooves, groovin bass. This stuff really matters; don't call your song 'Chillout Melody #2' if you're gonna open with blastbeats and a death growl (I don't know if anyone's actually doing this but if you are, stop.)
The choruses are a real jam as well. There's some trap vibes easing their way in, underpinning a damn catchy lead synth (in my head now for the rest of the year, thanks) and an incredibly powerful vocal hook.
So take a day off, chill out, and let the world save itself for a bit. And make sure 'Dreamlife' is your soundtrack to this endeavour, you'll thank me for it later
Morning Fatty are taking on the world and you definitely want to get involved before they go stratospheric and you've missed your chance!
You can learn more about Morning Fatty here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Bow – Kasabian
8 November 2017
The best heroes are aware of two very important facts in life.
The first is that, in order to truly defeat evil, you have to be unpredictable. Life doesn't move in straight lines, and neither should you. We make our best decisions when they come from an unexpected place, because despite all of the wonders of our evolution, we're complete idiots when it comes to deciding what's best to do for ourselves. That's the curse of being rational.
By placing evil on a linear continuum, we force it onto a straight line. And that makes it damn easy to defeat when we hit it side-on. Accept the fact that you're completely fucking clueless about what's around the corner, and use that knowledge to your advantage. Play the future at it's own game. Be the curveball.
The second thing the truly successful heroes know is when it's time to throw in the towel. Perseverance is an incredible trait to possess, but true wisdom comes from knowing when to persevere, and when to take a knee. There's no use taking a juggernaut to the noggin if it'll absolutely definitely kill you. Don't be an idiot. Play the long game.
Alright so by this point you're probably wondering what the fuck this has to do with, like, anything. Well let me fill you in kiddo. This week's song is one that I feel embodies both of these qualities perfectly. In terms of genre, Kasabian are quite the fresh kettle of fish when you consider the other songs on the playlist; 1 point to unpredictability. Lyrically, the song is a journey into accepting that it's time to take a bow, call it quits, move on with your life. 1 point to wisdom.
And let's face it, it's a very synthy track and it should sit nicely amongst it's playlist buddies. Kasabian are an incredibly versatile band and they serve as an interesting crossroads for allowing me to branch out and create a playlist that isn't just blunt force trauma to the genre-skull!
If this is your first experience with Kasabian, I think you're in for a treat (which, incidentally, is the name of another song off this album, and as the name suggests, it's quite the treat!)
You can learn more about Kasabian here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Never Be Like You – Flume, kai
2 November 2017
Subscribe to this playlistSometimes we heroes forget that at the end of the day, we’re only human. We make mistakes. Flume and kai know this, and they want you to know it to. Maybe you fucked up today—you didn’t Save the World! Maybe you even destroyed a one. That’s okay. You’re only human, and yes, you make mistakes.
Let ‘Never Be Like You’ be the reminder that you needed that it’s okay to drop the ball once in a while, get your cape caught in a few engine exhausts (maximum points to anyone who gets this reference), and cause a few global catastrophes. Every story has it’s ups and downs, and when we’re hit with the downs, it might seem like there aren’t any ups at all. When this happens, don’t beat yourself up. Understand that as humans, we have limitations. We can’t be heroic 24/7—we’d burn out.
Flume never fails to astound me with his production prowess. He’s a vibe-builder, a groove-warper, and an all-around musical genius. If this is your first encounter with Flume, let this introduction serve as a portal into the worlds he can create, and I promise you, once you set foot into his universe, you might never return. And that is a very good thing.
You can learn more about Flume here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Lean On – Major Lazer ft. MO & DJ Snake
2 November 2017
Subscribe to this playlistBeing the full-time superheroes that we are, we often need reminding that we don’t have to do all this on our own. As this track perfectly surmises, ‘we all need someone to lean on.’ This track is a loving tribute to all the sidekicks in our lives, the ones who make our endeavours possible, the ones who stick by us through thick and thin. Without them we are mere mortals; together, we can Save the World!
Lean On has been at the top of my playlists ever since it was released. It holds a special power to it, there’s an emotionality to it that I can’t really describe. It’s exotic and it’s sad but it’s also raw and uplifting. It does exactly what a song should do; that is, embody some way of feeling that can’t properly be done with words. It’s a timeless classic that serves as testament to the production powerhouses responsible for its creation.
You can learn more about Major Lazer here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
The Only Way Is Up – Martin Garrix & Tiësto
2 November 2017
Subscribe to this playlistThere’s no rush quite like the one when Victory! is in sight. In these moments, the world is ours, we have full control, and nothing can get in our way. In other words, the Only Way Is Up!
Our soundtrack needs to reflect this. Martin & Tiësto join forces to create what in my opinion is possibly one of the most uplifting tracks ever written. The melodic choices they made in producing this song are truly sublime; this track isn’t just positive, it’s the embodiment of euphoria. It reminds you that every success is yours for the taking if you keep heading in the right direction – Up!
And if you feel like Victory! is out of your grasp at the moment, don’t worry. Martin & Tiësto are here to remind you that no matter how much the odds seem stacked against you, that life is really trying to piss on you, there’s only one way you’re coming out of your slump – and that way is Up!
You can learn more about Martin Garrix here:
You can learn more about Tiësto here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.