ARTIST: Far East Movement
ALBUM: Free Wired
LABEL: Cherrytree Records/Interscope Records
RELEASE DATE: October 9, 2011
East Meets West
Photo by Meeno
Written by Katie J. Norris
Two years ago I found myself in a circle of L.A. DJ’s, all 12 of them and myself sitting in folding chairs in an empty, spacious garage, trying to stay cool in the intense July heat. In the comfort of this supportive group of music lovers, egos were non-existent as each club and radio DJ played a new track through the perfect speakers of the DJ station at the head of the room; each taking turns sharing a track of a new artist they were working with or a new remix they created. It was a no pressure scenario, but everyone was respectful to the order of events in this tradition. Though it seemed like a laid back summer BBQ with hot dogs and burgers waiting on the grill outside, I knew I was privileged to be there and I soaked it all in. One group in particular stood out from the little crowd, and then welcomed everyone in. FM, or Far East Movement, stood next to the DJ station introducing a new song they had created with a new artist they liked. The song they played and their demeanor presenting it were completely genuine. They love what they do in every part of their being – it was made clear. FM (Far East Movement) consists of Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif, and DJ Verman. They proved to be kind-hearted, passionate guys who are great at creating and who are always excited to work with anyone who likes to make good music.
“Girls On The Dance Floor (feat. The Stereotypes)” is the first song on their new album Free Wired. It’s a great pace setter for the fun-loving party theme that the FM boys ascribe to. The song already has over 5 million hits on YouTube and reached 27th on the Latin Billboard charts during its original release. It’s a hot, driving club song with a sick beat and fantastic production. “Like a G6 (feat. The Cataracs & Dev)” is track number 2. I’m not sure if there’s still anyone who doesn’t know and love this Billboard #1 megahit. It’s the refreshing, hypnotic, dark-beat mixed with the smooth, alluring vocal performance that makes this such a unique, daring smash. “Rocketeer (feat. Ryan Tedder of One Republic)” follows as a slower, love-song jam with a melodic pulse that keeps you moving on the dance floor, and usually singing along, too.
Snoop Dogg makes his trademark appearance in “If I Was You (OMG),” dropping his bad boy lyrics into FM’s party movement. “She Owns The Night (feat. Mohombi)” and “So What?” are great follow up tracks and keep the club moving and grooving. “Don’t Look Now (feat. Keri Hilson)” twists things into a slightly different direction with the depth of a sweet story that starts as a club fling and turns into a sexy love song. Not to mention how Keri’s vocal performance blended with the almost-whispered rap flow makes for an intriguing, sultry combo. “Fighting for Air (feat. Frankmusik)” is one of my favorite tracks. With stellar production and a great, articulate rap that keeps with the quality of FM’s style, it also happens to have one of the catchiest melodies I’ve ever heard. “White Flag (feat. Kayla Kali)” and “2gether (FM + Roger Sanchez)” finish up this play-all-the-way-through album, keeping the celebration in full affect until the last note leaving us begging for more.