Mixtape: Mainstream VS. Independent [HOUSE]

By Teddy Pendergrass.

I come across so much music. I’m not a self-described hipster who hates anything mainstream. But I do notice that a lot of indie labeled stuff is shitting on what the media is forcing us to watch and listen to. This article addresses a variety of tracks to see which side is better in the club genre House, Mainstream or Independent? Let’s let a few random small fan base soundcloud discoveries, count as something “Independent”. And we’ll let some recent top ranking Beatport House tracks represent the “Mainstream”. Here’s our commentary on the topic, and chime-in with your thoughts in the comments section below!

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INDEPENDENT
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John Monkman has 208 followers on Twitter. So I’m putting him on the indie side. The funk intro is great in “Follow Me.” The vocals are smooth and classy. The waves surely hook you in. Liz Cass is a good choice for singer. The bass waves are groovy. “Heeewwwwhuhuhuuuuuu” is so tingling. I like “Follow Me” but it’s missing something that says SUPER STAR. If Monkman doesn’t sell out, some more money/shine could bring this title to fruition.

Blondish is mentioned a lot by Pete Tong. They’re semi-mainstream I guess. “Distant Lover” has a nice trance, Egyptian groove. It’s missing that special something to take it to the next level though. Blondish for sure knows that vocals are back in. However Thomas Gandey’s singing goes in circles rather than a straight line. Instead, I’d prefer to be kept off-guard with the lyrics and/or switch-up the beat somewhere in these 7+ minutes. 

This track is so stunning… at first. The track should have just been 3 minutes long and then ended. Contrary to popular belief, good House is not just all about a hot beat and vocals. You have to make every minute have key differences that necessitate the songs length. Finnebassen is quasi mainstream, he should know better than to be this repetitive.

Enzo Saccone’s 2013 Deep House Set

This is literally the best mix that I have heard since DJ Tiesto’s In Search of Sunrise 7: Asia, which is extremely mainstream. And Enzo Saccone is the most “underground” artist on this list! While his artwork is so, “yeah, I did this myself,” the music is so “yeah, I did this myself and awesomely at that.” Saccone is actually taking risks. It’s so unique and refreshing. The best type of music exudes said qualities.

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MAINSTREAM
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Criminal Vibes – Song 2 (Club Mix)

Is a memorable sample what makes this track win? I’ll defer to you – the readers. Does it really have anything special to it? Echoes? Waves of synth? For me, it’s boring.

Gary Caos – Soul Power ’74 (Sax Power 2K13)

Another sample that sounds familiar. But where is the innovation? I like this more than “Song 2” but I still am getting my yawn-on. Build-ups are not supposed to feel like a task for the listener. It’s supposed to be the hook before the hook. I’ll pass.

My Digital Enemy – My Lips (My Digital Enemy Remix)

This is the third best  release currently rated on Beatport. The top tracks all have the same primary characteristic: trendy sample. Get some exciting stuff if you’re going to sample guys. It’s a turn off otherwise, for me at least.

Raw Silk – Do It To The Music (Federico Scavo Remix)

Ok, this sample is more engaging. “Do It To The Music” is definitely the best track, on the Beatport list, that I’m referring to. The track has the quality master feel. Nevertheless this track has no replay value for me. The song is too repetitive and not sexy enough. I hate saxophone use in club music. The fact that Enzo Saccone can pull it off, and this guy on Ultra Records can’t, is mind-boggling.

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CONCLUSION
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While some lack the expensive tools, many independent artists seem to have the real passion and drive. Both independent and mainstream house scenes seem to be failing at gaining my full on support. But I’m picky. I base the win completely on Enzo Saccone. He not only made me listen along for 40 minutes (so rare), but he used a sax right, which I thought was impossible.  Keep an eye on this one.

Reviewed by b3