The Pacific Northwest is home to a variety of different musical styles. We are lucky to have a vast amount of local talent, which also spans multiple genres. Several PNW locals have become recognizable names in the industry over the last few years, like Odesza and Electric Mantis to name a few. Well, another local duo has had an expansive year in 2016, with much to look forward to in 2017.
Seattle duo BL3R has been busy since our interview with them in 2015. Jon Ney and Phil Chang initially developed their interest in hip-hop, but started sharing tracks and styles with one another while away at different out of state universities. They began their DJing career as BL3R at house parties in the heart of Washington’s farm country: Ellensburg. The duo began taking over Trinity Saturday’s at Trinity Nightclub, after winning two Beatport remix contests for tyDi’s Live This Lie (feat. Carmen Keigens) and Gareth Emery’s Eye of the Storm. The only other DJ to ever win two Beatport remix contests is now a common name on festival lineups, Zedd.
Since then, BL3R has developed their own clothing line. The clothing line initially began a trial with long black sleeve shirts, but plans to fully launch this year after their second label release. The duo wrapped up their year with a NYE Philippines tour, which gave them the opportunity to play in Cebu, Manilla, and Boracay Island. 2017 is about to be a momentous year for them, with several new major label releases, as well as a collaboration with Gareth Emery in the works.
“We are on a whole new path here and excited to have the local support!”
BL3R’s first release of 2017 is a remix of Disco Fries and Shanahan’s Is It Over (feat. Shy Martin). The track releases today, January 13th, through Enhanced Music. In this track, the duo moves away from their usual big room sound. BL3R described this track as a way to “rebrand”, and it definitely has a variety of new techniques. The track has a blend of liquid progressive, to pair with the uplifting lyrics. When you get to the chorus, it transitions to a melodic, future-progressive sounding chord progression. It resonates with that pretty bass sound (which we love) that raises similarities to artists, such as Illenium and Seven Lions.
https://soundcloud.com/bl3rmusic/disco-fries-and-shanahan-is-it-over-ft-shy-martin-bl3r-remix
What do you think of BL3R’s latest remix? What are some of your favorite tracks by local artists in the PNW right now? Share your responses in the comments below! You can also buy the track or listen on Spotify here.
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
