Fear.FM Harder

Must Have: Free Releases

Today, I decided it was time for a change, time for something new.
There are more than enough awesome releases in the passed few weeks, much more than I could possibly handle in reviewing, so I thought it'd be nice to review something else: Free Releases.

Generally, Free releases tend to be even better than the tracks being released and there are always different reasons for an artist to do it. Either the track has been used in DJ sets as a "DJ Tool" (ie: Something the DJ has made "for fun" with possibly copyrighted material, which can't be released), or the artist doesn't have a label that wants to release it.

Usually, artists release their tracks for "free" once they reach a certain milestone on their Twitter and/or Facebook accounts: "After 5000 Likes, I'll release <insert track here>".
This method has received a lot of criticism from the online community, but I don't understand (completely) why.
Firstly, most people don't understand that it usually takes someone a good few months to make something worthy. This work should be rewarded, even if it's just by having x-amount of likes. You pay money for "real" releases, why not pay "Likes" or "Follows" for free releases?

Today, I'll take 3 of my favorite free releases and place them under "my not so critical" microscope. Of course, there are a lot more free releases out there but again, it would be impossible for me to review them all. Let's go!

Neilio & Sound Rusherz - Better Off Alone (Neilio's Mix)

Neilio is an (ex) Fear.FM resident. Unfortunately he's not with us anymore because he wants to concentrate on his productions. I can't blame him as he's given us a multitude of pretty great tracks such as "And God Said", "True Beauty" and only recently he released his new track "Captivating" on the Monstercat Media label.
Neilio is known for his uplifting melodies and pretty decent sound design. If you've ever seen his youtube video where he shows us his studio (a laptop and a pair of headphones... yep, that's it!) then you really have to applaud him for creating such great tracks using only a minimum on gear.

Now, back to the track. Neilio and the Sound Rusherz have created a remix of "Alice DJ - Better of Alone". By itself, the original is a pillar in dance music and I'm sure everyone has already heard (and loved) the original. Both Neilio and the Sound Rusherz have turned "Better off Alone" into a very recognizable Hardstyle track. I'd say, the only negative point in this release would have to be the kicks which seem to have been pitched too high. However, they do fit the track quite well. But, you can't help but smile while listening to this beauty. It's very uplifting and I'm sure it would do well live, even amongst the non Hardstyle party crowd.

Download it here

Social Media
Facebook Neilio
Twitter Neilio

Facebook Sound Rusherz
Twitter Sound Rusherz




The Vision & Sound Freakerz - Coming Home

As you may have already noticed, Free releases are "usually" based off of existing tracks (in any genre), which make them quite popular for anyone because the tracks are very accessible and recognizable. The Vision and Sound Freakerz have decided to base their "bootleg" off of: "Diddy - Dirty Money - Coming Home ft. Skylar Grey", which again, by itself is such a great RnB/pop track.
I can't help but be a fan of The Vision. He always gives us something uplifting with great melodies and I really think he's underrated as an artist.
The intro is very energetic with some LFO'd sounds and a pretty hard (but not Raw hard) kick. The track breaks off into a nice vocal (from the original track) which then builds up into a very energetic and uplifting climax. The melody is recognizable from the original but has of course been given a Hardstyle twist.
This is one for the collection and in my opinion, this is a great free release.

Download (WAV)
Download (MP3)

Social Media
Facebook The Vision
Twitter The Vision

Facebook Sound Freakerz
Twitter Sound Freakerz




Dr Dre - Forgot About Dre (Psyko Punkz DJ-TOOL)

After the above uplifting tracks, it's time to turn the notch up a little and get our fists clenched and punching to the beats of the Psyko Punkz.
They've taken the classic rap track "Dr Dre - Forgot about Dre", ripped out some Eminem vocals and have popped in a few slamming kicks to make this pretty cool DJ Tool.
If you've been to any parties recently and have witnessed a set by the Psyko Punkz, you're bound to have heard this and scream "OMG.. this is great!". Fists in the air, teeth clenched and feet stomping the planks.
I've heard a few remarks about this being another rip of Eminem vocals, but you've got to admit, Eminem has a great voice and is "violent" enough for some Hardstyle mayhem.
Psyko Punkz have supplied us with some more crunchy and very typical kicks which fit the track well. I wouldn't say this is a track to listen to all the time, but it is one that will do great live and this should be in every DJ's CD collection to whip out when the crowd yearns for some fun but Raw sounds. I guess it's time to sit and wait, cause I'm hoping these guys decide to one day give us their take on "K's Choice - Not An Addict".

Download (WAV)
Download (MP3)

Social Media
Facebook
Twitter




So, there you have it. My personal top 3 Free Releases. I hope you all enjoy them as much as I have and of course, why not give all these artists' Social media pages a visit and support them by clicking "Like" or following them on Twitter.

Leave your comments about this review and these releases in the comments BELOW!