Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Hotline: Listen Up: Felix Cartal's 'Popular Music'

From Hotline: The first time Boston caught some Felix Cartal action was nothing short of overwhelming.

The Vancouver-based electro DJ/producer was part of MSTRKRFT’s 2008 “Fist of God” tour, which landed hard on the Sweat dance floor at Estate with the help of fellow banger-heavyweights LA Riots and Congorock. We’re still kinda sore and hung over from it, and it went down 15 months ago.

Fast forward to the now, and Cartel is back with the Dim Mak Records release of his debut album “Popular Music.” From the sound of the eponymous first single, this is some epic shazz -- "Popular Music" is a fuzzed-out, raved-up dirty-disco anthem that crushes instantly. The album drops digitally Feb. 23, but the Hotline Faithful can listen to the track here in advance:

LISTEN :::: Felix Cartal’s ‘Popular Music” :::
LISTEN :::: Felix Cartal’s ‘Popular Music” :::
LISTEN :::: Felix Cartal’s ‘Popular Music” :::
LISTEN :::: Felix Cartal’s ‘Popular Music” :::
LISTEN :::: Felix Cartal’s ‘Popular Music” :::


Some Felix Cartal background, provided by Girlie Action Media:

“I never liked music until I heard my own.”
– Felix Cartal


That’s one hell of statement. To be absolutely clear, Felix Cartal was joking when he said it. But listening to his debut LP, “Popular Music,” it’s hard not to wonder if he wasn’t just a little bit serious. Packed from start to finish with some truly dirty dance tracks, Popular Music is Felix’s definitive statement — a defense of heavy beats, distorted melodies, and epic buildups and breakdowns. And starting in February, Felix will be touring North America as a part of his Popular Music Tour.

Cartal is also joined [on “Popular Music”] by a number of special guests on the record. Johnny Whitney of The Blood Brothers and Jaguar Love collaborates Cartal on "Volcano," adding his unmistakable vocals over Felix’s crunchy melodies. Todd Fink from The Faint lends his talent to "Why Wait," and Austrian newcomers Beta Bow guest on "I Believe In," Felix’s four-on-the-floor stomp.

Although a relative newcomer to the dance scene, Felix has already made quite the name for himself. Building a reputation off a stellar batch of early tracks, Felix has become one of the most sought after remixers, cutting tracks for artists like MSTRKRFT, Acid Kids, and Moving Units — not to mention his work with the pop icons like of Ashlee Simpson and Britney Spears. It’s no wonder that before he even had an EP under his belt, Felix was scoring opening spots for Justice and Busy P and getting picked up by Undocumented Management (LA Riots, The Bloody Beetroots, MSTRKRFT).

Cartal’s Dim Mak debut, “The Skeleton EP,” was heralded by the blogs and lauded by the press when it came out in May 2009. Starting on Feb. 11, Felix will bring his music on the road.

Popular Music Tour Dates:
Feb 11: Victoria – Vertigo
Feb 12: Vancouver – Gossip Night Club
Feb 18: Calgary – Habitat
Feb 20: Edmonton – Edmonton Events Center
Feb 23: Toronto – Tattoo
Feb 25: Waterloo – Element
Feb 26: Guelph – Opus
Feb 27: Montreal – Le Belmont
Mar 03: Salt Lake City – W Lounge
Mar 05: Saint Louis – Sol
Mar 06: Chicago – Smart Bar
Mar 11: Long Beach – V20 Nightclub
Mar 12: Hollywood – Avalon Hollywood
Mar 13: San Diego – Voyeur
Mar 17: Houston – The Mink
Apr 01: Denver – Beta

Let's hope Boston gets some love on the second leg...

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