Deezer Blog UK

Last week we announced the launch of “Open Deezer”, the opening of Deezer’s API to developers worldwide. Since then the ideas have been flooding in. Today we introduce you to the “Wallzr” app. Your computer screens, phones, Facebook and Twitter profiles can now be reflections of your music tastes via your Deezer profile. Use “Wallzr” to create screen backgrounds that are colourful music mosaics reflecting your Deezer tastes!

To check it out go to www.wallzr.com

Enjoy!

Mick Douwma aka Sub Focus' rise to become one of UK electronic music's hottest talents has been impressive. Having been called in to remix the likes of Deadmau5, Empire of the Sun and Dizzee Rascal, his 2009 eponymous debut album on Ram Records (one of the UK's premier D'n'B labels) spawned no fewer than 4 top 10 Dance Chart hits, including one track which made the Official Top 40.

He recently co-wrote and produced the track 'Kickstarts' for Example, which peaked at number 3 in the charts, and he has also transferred his debut album into a stunning live show, playing festivals throughout the world, joining Pendulum on tour, and in 2010 wowing the crowds at Glastonbury.

Check out recent tracks 'Falling Down' and 'Out The Blue' on Deezer, and check out the playlist of his favourite tunes below.

There's a full album of new mind-bending cuts to come later this year, so keep 'em peeled for Sub Focus this year.

Deezer Picks: Sub Focus:

Jessie Ware - 'Running' 
"Love this, Disclosure remix is highly recomended too."

Alex Clare - 'Up All Night' 
"Really into this song, good to see this guy getting some well deserved success"

The Maccabees - 'Given To The Wild' (Intro) 
"Drove through the Big Sur in California recently and this album was the perfect soundtrack."

College - 'A Real Hero'
"From the Drive Soundtrack, love the simplicity of this."

Grimes - 'Be A Body'
"Really love the vocal work on her stuff, very unusual and almost sampled sounding."

Madeon - 'Icarus'
"Was on tour with him in Australia recently, 17 years old and a very talented kid."

Double 99 - 'RIP Groove'
"Recently been playing this again in my dj sets- its an old garage classic."

M83  - 'Midnight City'
"Been a fan of this guy for a while, amazing track."

FOR WORLDWIDE DEVELOPERS TO ENHANCE THE MUSIC EXPERIENCE

Yesterday Deezer announced “OPEN DEEZER”, the easiest and broadest Application Programming Interface (API) access for developers to create innovative music streaming services, across all platforms, worldwide.

Deezer is eager to share, not only access to 15 million tracks and their metadata, but also to its user data and its full music streaming technology: no downloads required, ready-to-use plugins, and cross-platform compatibility. All platforms will be addressed via three Software Development Kits (SDKs): for Android, iOS and Web apps in JavaScript.

Daniel Marhely, Founder and CTO of Deezer, said: “The Deezer Team has constantly been looking to stay ahead technologically: making the product browser-based rather than client-based, going straight for HTML5 and being first to market with streaming apps for Blackberry, iPhone, iPad and Sonos. But we know we don’t have a monopoly on great ideas, and we are thrilled to enable developers worldwide to innovate with us. There is still so much we can create to enhance people’s music experience”.

 The access to OPEN DEEZER has already been made available to Deezer’s early partners, including social networks (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, last.fm), mobile telephone services (Orange, Belgacom and T-Mobile), high-end hi-fi systems manufacturers (e.g. Sonos, Logitech), automotive industry manufacturers (e.g. Nissan, Parrot). Independent developers have already started developing apps on the API such as the mixing desk.

To share its success, Deezer will reward developers with £9.99* for any new subscribers coming from their applications. (*One month Premium+ subscription).

In order to gather together the most talented developers worldwide, Deezer launches the first “Deezer Hackathon” Battles in Paris and Berlin.

 Developers with great ideas and the skills to execute them will have a weekend to make fundamental changes in the way people interact with Music. The Deezer Hackathons will take place in Paris on May 25th – 27th, and Berlin on July 6th – 8th.

The best project will be selected by a world-class committee and rewarded for their contribution to the enhancement of the music experience.

The winners will have the chance to win a limited edition “Nissan JUKE DEEZER” car.

 Axel Dauchez, CEO of Deezer, said: “There are no longer any geographical limits or technological barriers for innovation in Music”.

More info on "Open Deezer":

 http://developers.deezer.com/

http://www.facebook.com/deezerDevs

The follow up to 2010's debut, 'Twin Hand Movement', psychedelic freak folksters Lower Dens are back with their second effort 'Nootropics', which is available on Deezer UK from April 30 (Ireland: April 27).

Before listening to 'Nootropics;' (we recommend you do), have a listen below to playlists of the songs that inspired Jan and her cohort Geoff Graham when making the record.

Jana's picks:

"Radioactivity" – Kraftwerk
The track I listened to most from the album I listened to most while working on Nootropics. Perfect synthetic sounds, such simple and elegant composition, and emotional distance that relays the gravity of the subject matter, that which is unstoppable.

"Sound & Vision" - David Bowie
I am, perhaps unsurprisingly, a bit of a Bowie obsessive, and this is just the latest track of his that occupies a place in my mind almost daily. The drums sound amazing, everything sounds amazing, there is a protracted intro that lets all the characteristics announce themselves slowly and fully, and it is buoyant and light and ecstatic and easy. All octaves-Bowie. A perfect song from a perfect record in my opinion.

"Silver Soul" - Beach House
Undoubtedly I am biased, but this song has floored me since the first time I heard it. I consider it amongst their greatest strengths that Beach House can turn reverie into something reverential, and this song is my favourite example of that.

"Harmonia"- Cass McCombs
Every day, every single day on our tours in Europe, I started my day listening to this song, and every day it took on a new meaning. one of those songs that can make you appreciate the things in life that you love, while also allowing separation from those things to be just fine, just the way things are sometimes.

“Toremore” - Asa Chang & Junray
A completely satisfying, bewildering puzzle of a song, a collage that is at least part star trek next generation sounds. Utterly mindboggling pairing of precision twin rhythms between instruments that just shouldn't be capable of that - the voice and the tabla.

"New Age" – Chrome
A band whose textures I endlessly admire and in some small ways also emulate, brave weirdos who pull off many effective vocal manipulations here over a great and steady beat.

"Surf Solar"- Fuck Buttons
I was real late to this train, having loved their older work but just generally not keeping up so well with the avalanche of current releases. Once this electronic universe, science-fiction banger made its way into my headphones though, it stayed for a long time.

"Ladytron" - Roxy Music
This is absolutely my favourite era in pop music, and it has something to do with the eccentric bravura of bands like Roxy Music. This song has become my favourite over time -  in part because I really love to watch the Old Grey Whistle Test videos, marvel at these beautiful and strange birds of paradise and wonder what it was like to take Quaaludes.

"In Another Time" - Sade
Sometimes when this comes on, I think I’m gonna hear Doris Duke and some other fantastic RnB matriarch. And then I do. And it’s Sade. I also am a little struck by the mothering nature of this song - it’s a weird and interesting role.

"Every Tongue Shall Tell" - Horace Andy
His high-pitched voice somehow perfectly conveys the mortally heavy message of what is also a honey-laden track.

"Focus on Sanity" - Ornette Coleman
A favourite intro to start, and then can't listen to it without imagining a wet city street, shifty eyes, high-heels clicking on Crete. Sounds just wonderfully desperate and determined simultaneously. I am already in chills by the time a barely audible "wooh" at 2:09 sucks me completely in.

Geoff's picks:
 

“Mysteries of Love” - Julee Cruise
This whole album contends for a mention, but I pick this track because of the inevitable goose bumps it always produces.

“Great High Mountain” - Ralph Stanley
Any Ralph Stanley track is good, but here I'm talking about the ending track from the 2002 album ‘Ralph Stanley’, which is equal parts Appalachians and Himalayas.

“Banjoreno” - Dixieland Jug Blowers
What weird corner of culture produced this twisted anomaly, and how do we get back there?

“Something Against You” - The Pixies
There is a certain kind of something big that this track squeezes into a primal diamond.

“Sunday Morning”- Velvet Underground
How did they blend such conflict into a seamless vision?

“Strugglin'” - Tricky
A moving painting, a sonic poem, a movie.

“Hog Callin’ Blues” - Charles Mingus
Gives me the chills without fail.

“Star of Bethlehem! - Neil Young
This song describes lifetimes with a complete economy of words and sounds.

CUTTING EDGE MUSIC SELECTED BY EXPERTS.

WELCOME TO ARTROCKER + DEEZER.

We already have over 15 million tracks for your perusal and editorial recommendations from real music lovers, and from today we're delighted to announce our latest partners in our quest to bring you the best new hand-picked selections.

From today, you'll be able to check out Artrocker Jukebox Radio, which will allow you to listen to the freshest and hottest new jams - all lovingly curated by Artrocker’s formidable team of music journalists.

As part of our new love-in, Artrocker's readers will be given the opportunity to listen to over 100 reviewed albums and singles each month on Artrocker’s website and digital/iPad editions through an embedded Deezer player. Artrocker’s highly-respected music reviews will also be published on Deezer.com.

Discover more of the music you love with Artrocker and Deezer.

Be part of our new adventure in music by listening to the Artrocker Jukebox Radio on our radio channels page and apps for free or via Artrocker.tv.

Released in cinemas this week, Oscar-winning director Kevin MacDonald ('Touching The Void', 'The Last King of Scotland') brings Bob Marley's spirit alive in 'Marley', a two and a half hour film that critics are calling the definitive story of the reggae legend's life.

Mixing interviews, rare photographs, concert broadcasts and previously unseen footage of key locations in Marley's story, the film pulls no punches when it comes to the less feted aspects of his character, namely his adultry and role as a father to his 11 children by seven women.

An unflinchinly honest and straightforward portrayal of Marley, told in depth by the people who were present throughout his short life, the film justifies his cultural importance rather than futher hyping him as a mythical figure.

All of the stories told in 'Marley', of course, converge with the music, used to powerful effect in the film. Below you'll find a playlist of just some of the songs featured:

Listen to the official soundtrack from 'Marley' here on Deezer.
For more clips and trailers see the official Bob Marley site.

x
Deezer Editorial Team

Attention to all Deezer and Deezer-Orange subscribers! Now there are even more of you to share your love for music. To thank you all, we have organised an unforgettable red carpet trip to the opening of Cannes Film Festival… 

On the menu: a trip for 2 people with the Cannes special welcome "la montée des marches", film premiere, gastronomic dining and a night in a luxurious hotel.... sound tempting? 

It’s easy to enter: just tell us, in the comment section of this post, what song reminds you of Cannes and the cinema.

The winner will be drawn on the 27^th April: their name will be announced on Facebook and on the Deezer blog.

Good luck and hopefully we'll see you soon (perhaps on the promenade)!

The Deezer Team

Read the full terms and conditions. 

Deezer is proud to present its new Radio channel page. Rock, Metal, Electro, World or Classical Music fans...as always there is something for every taste! 

Browse through our different music genres or discover your favourite artists' world of music. Here is a summary of the changes we have made:

You can now access the themed radio channels at the left of your screen

Each one has their own style!

Find all of our themed radio channels under 13 genres in one click. Also, discover the selections made by our media partners and festivals via their radio channels (Jazz FM, Drowned In Sound...)

Discover our artist suggestions

For each themed radio channel you can find hundreds of recommended artists and access Radio channels linked to their style.

New! Your favourite artists help you discover other similar artists...

You can now launch a radio channel using your favourite artists. This lets you discover their musical world and sharpen your experience!

Search bar

The search bar is accessible in the navigation bar to the left of the screen. You can launch an artist-based radio channel by searching and selecting the name of the artist.

All yours to enjoy!

The Deezer app is now available on the Blackberry Playbook tablet. 

You can now discover more of the music you love with Deezer on the Playbook. The features include:

• Access to your favourite albums and playlists.
• Recommendations by genre. Each week keep up-to-date by viewing our editorial selections throughout the different genres.
• Radio Channels
• Offline Mode, which allows you to access your favourite albums and playlists without an Internet connection.

The application is available from Appworld or by typing m.deezer.com into your browser.

Have you tried Deezer Premium+? Get a free trial subscription with Facebook here. 

REMINDER the app in discovery (free) mode allows you to listen to 30 second clips of music on demand, but Radio Channels are available for unlimited listening. The Deezer Premium+ offer allows access to all features without limits.

We are pleased to announce the introduction of 'Offline Mode' for Deezer Premium+ subscribers, thanks to HTML5 technology.

At Deezer, we have always believed that a good music service must be accessible from any computer, without using any software downloads. With the new HTML5 technology, even ‘Offline Mode’ can be accessed via your web browser.

Now, if you are a Deezer Premium+ subscriber, you can download all your favourite albums and playlists to your computer, and access them without being connected to the internet. There is no limitation but your computer's capacity, download all the tracks you love.

Enjoy all your music anytime, anywhere (plane, tube, bus...) all via your browser. This new feature is a continuation of the service already available on the Deezer mobile application. 

Find out how you can use 'Offline Mode' here.

Not a Deezer Premium+ subscriber? Get a free trial with Facebook here.