Hey Champ - Dominoes

Hey Champ are back with the the new tune "Dominoes". It was actually written as one of the next songs after "Cold Dust Girl" but not released until now, or more correct, it will be released April 22.



Hey Champ will also be on tour in the US with French Horn Rebellion in May. Check your hometown and dates here.

Exclusive interview: Lovesport

We're happy that we got to get to know the NY-based duo of Lovesport this summer. We could hear great music in only a few tracks and we believe these guys will hit it off, really really soon. The label that picks them up should be happy to get these talents in their roster. We're are also glad that we got the chance to get to know them a little better so our readers will get to know them better too.

Hello Lovesport! How are things over in NYC?

BEN: Getting colder, how's Sverige?

Sverige (Sweden) is starting to prepare for the long cold winter. But this summer we got the joy to get to know you guys and it was a great pleasure. You sent us your fine track "Chase" and it was pure love. How was the response from people when you got the track out?

BEN: The response was stronger than we expected. We sent it out as a shot in the dark but blogs like yours really helped propel it to people that we never though we would reach.

Since you are such a new act to our readers, who are you really? We know that you are Ben and Julian, living in NYC and that you are doing awesome music together, but we want to know more… 

JULIAN: Let's just keep it on a need to know basis. We gave you our pictures is that not enough? Just kidding, that wouldn't make for a good interview would it? Our favorite restaurant is Super Taste. If you want to find out what inspires us go try some of their hand pulled beef noodles.
BEN: Julian can't grow facial hair.
JULIAN: Ben is an asshole.

We have only heard two tracks by you so far, your own track "Chase" and the remix of Lo-Fi-Fnk's "Boom". But we can already hear your quality in your music. What kind of music do you get your inspiration from?
JULIAN: Other than authentic cheap chinese cuisine, we draw influence from all over. Every time we set out to make music we go through a ritual we call "inspiration information".
BEN: Yea, we are both a little different in our tastes and so we each bring songs to the table, new or old, that we are loving at the moment. We make a point to listen to them for a little while before we start working on anything to get the juices flowing.
JULIAN: It could range from Fleetwood Mac or New Edition to Holy Ghost! (especially when Michael McDonald sings backup) or the new Junior Boys.

Your remix of "Boom" was meant to be on Lo-Fi-Fnk's official release, and now it won't be. How come that happened to that great remix?

BEN: Well I am sure you guys understand the music business, dealing with a lot of artists. For reasons that we don't fully understand it didn't make it on the single despite the boys from Lo-Fi-Fnk loving it. So it goes...

But now you got your new remix for Hey Champ's "Too Hot" ready and you're giving it away exclusively here at Tracasseur. Tell us a little about the remix and how it was made?

BEN: I know Pete from the band and I asked to remix one of their tracks, so he sent us "Too Hot". As soon as we heard it, we knew it was going to be a challenge because we liked the original so much.
JULIAN: Yea, rather than try to up the energy of the track, we decided to slow it down to give it a new feel. Of course it wouldn't be complete without some cheesy DX7 electric piano.

Do you have any new tracks or projects in the pipeline?

BEN: Yes! We are finishing up a track we made in the chase sessions and another with our own vocals so stay tuned for that.

If an artist or band phoned you up and asked you to do a remix for their next release, who would you wanted that to be?
JULIAN: Jadakiss.
BEN: Flight Facilities. Love what they are doing.

How do you often produce your tracks, together in the studio or in some other way?

BEN: We always make them together. We are waiting for that awesome new technology that would allow us to make them via some sort telepathy but that hasn't been invented yet.
JULIAN: We actually tried collaborating the old fashioned way, over the internet, but it never had the same spark.

When we wrote about you back in July you were still unsigned, how is the status now then?

BEN: That has not changed.

What's next for you guys?
JULIAN: We are currently working on more vocal tracks. Trying to highlight a pop sensibility without losing our dance roots. Building a cohesive EP to shop around.

That's it for today guys, we thank you for the interview and of course for the exclusive track. Take care!

BEN: Thank You! Anything for you guys.
JULIAN: Almost anything...

Hey Champ - Too Hot (Lovesport Remix) (320 kbps)
[Tracasseur exclusive]

Chicago love between Hey Champ and Gemini Club

Things are happening in Chicago. Perhaps the new mid-80s are about to happen, or has it already happened?! With acts like Hey Champ, Gemini Club, Only Children, and Midnight Conspiracy the scene of indie dance is about to burst in Chicago.

The indie-electro trio of Gemini Club are about to release their debut single "Ghost" in mid-November with a bunch of great remixers along their side. Above mentioned names are the Chicago remixers to be along and besides that Golden Bug (FR) and Barretso (AU) are in. It will be a great release for sure.

Gemini Club - Ghost (Hey Champ Remix)

As great Hey Champ remixes "Ghost" for the release, Gemini Club wanted to give their love back, so they remixed already classic "Cold Dust Girl". And how they did it! 8 minute long with a high-energy breakdown. Don't miss this one!

Hey Champ - Cold Dust Girl (Gemini Club Remix)

Preorder Hey Champ's debut album

Hey, you can now preorder Rockford's pride Hey Champ's debut album "Star" exclusively via their site. The official release is set to July 13. When you make the preorder you will receive half the record right away and the other half will automatically be emailed to you on July 13.

Hey Champ, the three-piece band that we wrote about in April when they released their single "Neverest". Now you can grab it here for free and check out the video with a Kurt Russell look-alike.



Hey Champ - Neverest

If you haven't heard about Hey Champ before, maybe you been away in outer space, but anyway, you should take a good listen to them because they're pretty good. I think the album are going to be great, maybe one of the best albums of 2010?! Here are five tracks as a sample from "Star", these are also the tracks you will get as the first half.

If you want more with Hey Champ, here are some older remixes they've made.

Yeasayer - Sunrise (Hey Champ Remix)

The Sounds - Beatbox (Hey Champ Remix)

Moneypenny - Say No (Hey Champ Remix)

Priors - What You Need (Hey Champ Remix)

New single from Hey Champ

Hey Champ are the third greatest thing to come out of Rockford, Illinois. They are actually also three guys in the band. However, "Neverest" isn't the third single, but only the second one coming from their full-length debut album "Stars" set to be released July 13 on Townie Records.

My colleague Arnie speaks about Hey Champ as Rockford's Cut Copy and put them on his Best of 2009 list with their remix of French Horn Rebellion vs Database. And it was during 2009 it really hit off for Hey Champ due to their super track "Cold Dust Girl". Now they are looking for a busy 2010 where they are booked on several big festivals worldwide. 2010 will be the year of Hey Champ!

Listen to "Neverest" and "Cold Dust Girl" and pick them up for free from their website!

If you wonder what the other two great things to come out of Rockford are? I can tell you it's the rock legends Cheap Trick, and (allegedly) the older brother from the TV hit "Blossom."

Hey Champ - Neverest (Raw Man Remix)

Hey Champ - Face Control (Removed by request)

Arnie Becker's best of 2009

So, I've tried to sum up the music year of 2009 in 15 tracks, and man oh man was that hard. Women giving birth often think that is hard. Luke Skywalker probably thought hitting that shaft on the Death Star with those torpedoes was hard. But none of that compares to having to weed down a 50 or 60 tracks long shortlist to just 15.

In the end people like Baxter, Chromeo, Neon Workout, Cassian, Lebatman, Beaumont, PH Groove, FM Attack, and Pelifics along with bigshots like Bag Raiders, Midnight Juggernauts, Lifelike and Fred Falke (and all the others I've forgot to mention) were axed. But I'll stop bitching and get right to it.

#15. Severin - The Edge of a Sunday (Breakbot Remix)
Breakbot had a huge year in 2008, but there came a couple of gems this year too. I chose the Severin remix, even if the Yuksek one also was a favourite and also could have made the list. With an album coming out in 2010, expect to hear more from France's funkiest.

Severin - The Edge of a Sunday (Breakbot Remix)


#14. Edwin Van Cleef - OvertakenEdwin van Cleef was another one who spit out excellent tracks on almost a weekly basis in late 2008 and early 2009. After some label troubles he finally released "Overtaken" on his own label this fall. Despite releasing a bunch of great remixes this was my favourite Cleef track of the year. It's just filled with such energy!

Edwin Van Cleef - Overtaken


#13. GRUM - Runaway (Calling In Sick Remix)
From Leeds to Leeds and to Van Cleef's roommate GRUM. There's a place that should have some decent music at the afterparties... Both of them manage to transform their sound beyond the trash electro à la Justice they both had come to master into something new, while not losing a bit of their star quality. GRUM made so many great remixes this year, with Friendly Fire's "Skeleton Boy" narrowly missing my chart. His own "Runaway" release was epic as well with the great original accompanied with just as great remixes. Calling in Sick's was my favourite though.

GRUM - Runaway (Calling In Sick Remix)


#12. Elke - Blue Dream Lover (Youth Remix)Elke is one of those Australian bands that really makes you realize that the success of other Australian bands like Cut Copy, Midnight Juggernauts, Empire of the Sun and The Presets isn't just a fluke or an undeserved hype. The music scene down under really seems to be next to infinite with great bands a dime a dozen. The incredible thing is that the electro scene seems equally big with electro DJs and producers also a dime a dozen. That's two dimes a dozen! Brisbane-based Youth's nu disco odyssey is both beautiful and danceable.

Elke - Blue Dream Lover (Youth Remix)


#11. French Horn Rebellion vs. Database - Beaches and Friends (Hey Champ Remix)
The Brazilian maximalism from São Paulo's Database made up a big part of the soundtrack to the spring. Their energetic disco edits were on high rotation and the Phyllis Hyman edit could have made the list. One track that did is Hey Champ's remix of their collaboration with French Horn Rebellion. Rockford's Cut Copy, who combines making great pop tunes with their band while making awesomely funky house remixes, continues to be one of the most underrated acts in the music world. Such a great bassline on this one.

French Horn Rebellion vs. Database - Beaches and Friends (Hey Champ Remix)


#10. Friendly Fires - Jump In The Pool (Thin White Duke Remix)I haven't listened to that much indie rock the last couple of years, but when I rarely do one of my favourite bands are indie dancers Friendly Fires. Their self-titled debut from 2008 included so many great singles which in turn resulted in even more great remixes (I've already mentioned GRUM's "Skeleton Boy"). Stuart Price aka Les Rythmes Digitales made a string of great remixes under his Thin White Duke guise. The "Jump in the Pool" remix was a match made in heaven.

Friendly Fires - Jump In The Pool (Thin White Duke Remix)


#9. Holy Ghost! - I Will Come Back (Classixx Acapulco Nights Version)
Classixx had a great year with their hit "I'll Get You" and countless terrific remixes. Their blend of ultra-cool nu disco and lo-fi house was a big influence on the sound of 2009. Their remix of Brooklyn funksters Holy Ghost! took the cake though.

Holy Ghost! - I Will Come Back (Classixx Acapulco Nights Version)


#8. Visitor - Los Feeling (Monsieur Adi Remix)
Visitor's "Los Feeling" was one of the most blogged and most remixed tracks. Fear of Tigers, Flashmen, Gentlemen Thieves, Digitalfoxglove and Wonder, Flashworx and Freak You were among those who gave it a shot and did it well. Monsieur Adi came out on top though.

Visitor - Los Feeling (Monsieur Adi Remix)


#7. Paul - I Feel Change
Paul haven't got the attention he deserves yet, despite being posted on Valérie. He stood out as one of the major renewers of the French touch scene, combining the house sound of Lifelike with more of pop music. He released a string of great tracks so picking out a favourite was hard, but given that we hadn't posted it for some reason, I chose "I Feel Change".

Paul - I Feel Change


#6. Miami Horror - Sometimes
Miami Horror reinforced his standing as one of the greatest stars of Aussie electro. Fewer remixes this year than in previous years but some great releases on his own. Like the "Bravado" EP and of course one of the most epic singles of the year, "Sometimes".

Miami Horror - Sometimes


#5. kamp! - Breaking A Ghost's Heart (ODahl Remix)
ODahl was one of our finds of the year, even if I was tipped off by a friend in Poland. His remix of Empire of the Sun's "Walking on a Dream" was a big favourite, and was close to making the list. In the end the remix of Polish band kamp! was marginally better. Something I know Olle agrees with since he's told me he thinks this is the best track he's ever done.

kamp! - Breaking A Ghost's Heart (ODahl Remix)


#4. Digitalfoxglove feat. Freak You - Beasts and Flowers
The collaboration between On The Fruit's Digitalfoxglove and Freak You resulted in one of the best intros of all time. Digitalfoxglove was one of all producers who moved away from the trashy electro sound to something else. In his case that gave him more room for his great sense for melodies and harmonies. Add Freak You's funky bass and you end up with this dancefloor stormer.

Digitalfoxglove feat. Freak You - Beasts and Flowers


#3. Coeur De Pirate - Comme Des Enfants (Le Matos Andy Carmichael Remix)
Le Matos was really one of the biggest favourites for all of us in the spring. They just had (and still have) such a unique fuse of beautiful pop melodies and pumping techno. They made a bunch of awesome remixes and tracks of their own (especially in the first part of the year), but when adding the delicate voice of Coeur de Pirate we got a track that was loved by everyone, no matter if you liked club music or not.

Coeur De Pirate - Comme Des Enfants (Le Matos Andy Carmichael Remix)


#2. Tesla Boy - Spirit Of The Night
Tesla Boy must have made one of the more meteoric rises to stardom in 2009. I was on to them by word of mouth from our eastern European connection and was immediately hooked on their blend of 80s sounding electro pop and new wave. Then they were posted by Valérie and the rest is history. The promo EP (that we daringly posted) contained five tracks that were such great pop tunes all of them, so the favourite was a close call. But in the end "Spirit of the Night" narrowly edged out "Runaway Man". Now we're all looking forward to the album which will be out early 2010.




#1. Fear of Tigers - I Can Make The Pain Disappear
Fear of Tigers really affirmed himself as one of the greatest and most innovative producers in electronic music right now. He made a couple of my all time favourite tracks in 2008 (the remix of Pnau's "With You forever" is still my top track on Last.fm), and yet the release of his debut album this fall blew my mind. He combines music from all over the place into such a unique sound. From the eighties and nineties to the naughties, from electro and house to indie, his music transcends all genres. From a whole album full of perfect tens the opening track was the eleven.

Fear of Tigers - I Can Make The Pain Disappear


RAR: Arnie Becker's best of 2009 (All the tracks, including awesome artwork)

Friday night is disco night...

...so here are a couple of tracks that'll give you a tingling sensation in your legs.

First up, I have to post one more Fear of Tigers track since this is currently my favourite track from an awesome album.

Fear of Tigers - I Can Make The Pain Disappear

As you know, we love ODahl. We hadn't posted this for some reason.

ODahl - Your Arms Around Me

We also love Paul who we wrote about in August. I hope someday we'll dj together.

Paul - Someday…Together! (Link fixed!)

Passion Pit are great, but Hey Champ are greater.

Passion Pit - Little Secrets (Hey Champ Remix)

I remember last spring it seemed Le Matos was about the only thing I listened to. Great that they're back with this remix of We Have Band.

We Have Band - Honey Trap (Le Matos Remix)

Justin Faust is coming to Sweden and Gothenburg on February 6. Hope he makes the trip up to Stockholm as well. Here's a remix of Nightriders.

Nightriders - Take My Hand (Justin Faust Deep Mix)