Electronic Directory

ecdr podcast 25 – spirit catcher

Kazuumi — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:45:36 +0000

In celebration of our third anniversary, Belgian wonder-duo Spirit Catcher provide a mix of deep house and techno for this week’s podcast.

Spirit Catcher are in fact two: Belgian engineer Jean Vanesse and keyboard player Thomas Sohet are both consistent with what they do, they’ve built a reputation through their dynamic live performances and superb productions. More recently Spirit Catcher have been releasing more groove-based techno and house cuts on 2020 Vision and Systematic Recordings, and have even compiled their debut mix CD for NRK.

Electronic Directory caught up with Spirit Catcher to ask a few questions about the mix.

Interview with Jean Vanesse and Thomas Sohet by Kazuumi Ishii

What have you guys been up to recently ?

The main plan for this year is to finish a second album. So we are actively working on it right now. It took a while before we could have our mind really focused on it. We firstly needed to work on some ep’s like "Secret Stranger" on Rebirth and "Sedona" on Systematic to make some explorations into new music ways. We also worked on a new version of our live show, involving the changes we operated in our sound lately.

Where and how was the mix made ?

After re-organizing and dusting off our records collection we were inspired to make this Deep House to Deep Techno mix. We were remembering how Fabrice Lig addicted us to Deep Techno with all his great productions and enthusiasm. We were buying almost everything from John Tejada, Kanzleramt, Titonton/Residual, Morgan Geist… Shame that this style has so suffer since the Minimal tsunami blew up Germany and then hits the rest of the world :-(

You guys are touring the US, Canada and Mexico in May. How do you guys prepare differently for a tour of America than you guys would normally ?

We don’t make big differences if we travel in US than anywhere else. We try to be flexible as much as possible to be able to react to the crowd we have in front of us. We worked our new live in that way and that’s the same way of thinking if we go to Asia, Europe or America. And of course we organise our packs of equipments differently to avoid any problems at the security check and custom to make things easier for everybody.

Do you have any plans to release another album ?

Yessss :-))

Download Electronic Directory 25 Spirit Catcher Podcast

Direct download here or Subscribe to the podcast

Tracklisting

No tracklist available.

Download older podcasts below

www.myspace.com/spiritcatcher1

ican’s esteban adame lays it down

Kazuumi — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:00:57 +0000

Here’s a rare DJ mix from LA-based producer Esteban Adame (part of the Ican hi-tech latin supergroup), an hour of bumping, bouncing and smiling goodness for your listening pleasure.

Download: ~~2010 Mix – Esteban Adame (available for limited time)~~ This Esteban Adame mix has been archived and is currently available at http://soundcloud.com/estebanadame/phoenix-mix

Tracklist to follow shortly.

In case you missed his mix for us, grab it here: http://fairtilizer.com/track/edp10_esteban-adame

aux 88 interview

Kazuumi — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:30:03 +0000

Aux 88 are set to release a new EP entitled "Black Tokyo" in February.

Aux 88 have always remained true to their roots of the music, having forged a particularly distinctive and original musical style, thus managing to avoid being identified with any particular scene. Deeply rooted yet always futuristic, their sound is as relevant today as it has ever been — it displays a confidence and maturity few contemporary techno producers can match — there is no doubt that Aux 88 have defined themselves as two of the key players in the development of electronic music as we know it today.

Electronic Directory caught up with Keith Tucker and Tommy Hamilton to find out about the project, the plans for Puzzlebox Records.

Interview with Keith Tucker and Tommy Hamilton by Kazuumi Ishii

How did the idea for the Black Tokyo project come about ?

The project has been kicked about for about 4 years.

The mental transformation from Aux 88 to Mad Scientist set events into motion that converted the mad scientist mental circuitry in to two unique entities.

Using smaller more adaptable nano circuitry to create new electronic synthesis from the original Aux Voice and mind. Black Tokyo are visionist, scientist, and mental programmers on the teachings of Electronic sound. Black Tokyo have assembled some of the world’s most advanced Technology and software to create new devices of electronic sounds. Aux 88 have been under surveillance for years by others who have sought to learn if the two Aux 88 Members are indeed the same entities the mad scientist or are have they indeed transformed into Black Tokyo. The two men have ventured into their 4/4 techno world Black Tokyo.

You guys have reemerged as Arashi Hoshino and Shin Muramatsu. Where did these characters come from and why ?

The character names where picked from from various Japanese films we grew up watching some names are actors from various films and TV shows like Ultraman.

Is there a concept behind the project at all ?

The concept is new 4/4 techno and electro from the the high fashion and business world of Aux 88 enterprises……more news to come.

Why now for 4/4 ? What has influenced you this time around ?

We have always did 4/4 music under various other alter ego’s Optic Nerve, Alien FM. We are gearing up to bringing a hi energy visual live act that moves a event like when we play electro venues. We have always been able to play 4/4 and electro where ever we play.

Can you explain a little bit about the title ?

Black Tokyo :::: is our new entrepreneur, hi tech, hi fashion alter ego and business alter ego… Lots of suprises to come

What else have you guys got on the horizon for 2010 ?

There will be 2 to 3 12"s of the Black Tokyo entity and a full length CD… Also Aux 88 Mad Scientist remix 12"s full tour to follow Black Tokyo

Puzzlebox will release Aux 88’s "Black Tokyo" this February

Tracklisting

A1. Dragon Fly
A2. Groove Theory
B1. Black Rain
B2. Tokyo Drive

Puzzlebox’s DJ Xed pulls together an Aux 88 megamix

~~Download the mix here~~. This Aux 88 Megamix has been archived and is currently not available.

Tracklisting

01. Aux 88 – Mad Scientist Intro [Puzzlebox Records]
02. Aux 88 – Voice Modulation [Puzzlebox Records]
03. Aux 88 – Time Portal [Puzzlebox Records]
04. Aux 88 – Detroit Non Stop [Submerge Recordings]
05. Aux 88 – Alias [Puzzlebox Records]
06. Aux 88 – K-1 Theme [Submerge Recordings]
07. Aux 88 – Control Panels [Puzzlebox Records]
08. Aux 88 – Annihilating The Rhythm [Puzzlebox Records]
09. Aux 88 – We Are The Future [Submerge Recordings]
10. Aux 88 – Exsterterestrial Time Travelers [Puzzlebox Records]
11. Aux 88 – Electronic Robots [Puzzlebox Records]
12. Aux 88 – Mad Scientist [Puzzlebox Records]
13. Aux 88 – Alien Bounce [Puzzlebox Records]
14. Aux 88 – Rated A-U-X [Submerge Recordings]
15. Aux 88 – Lost In Outer Space [Submerge Recordings]
16. Aux 88 – Parallel Universe [Puzzlebox Records]
17. Aux 88 – Interstellar Flight Theme [Puzzlebox Records]
18. Aux 88 – Space Satellites [Puzzlebox Records]
19. Aux 88 – We Make Beats [Submerge Recordings]
20. Aux 88 – My A.U.X. Mind (2005) [Submerge Recordings]
21. Aux 88 – E-Theory [Puzzlebox Records]
22. Aux 88 – Free Fall [Puzzlebox Records]
23. Aux 88 – Mad Scientist Outro [Puzzlebox Records]

selection – january 2010

Kazuumi — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:00:41 +0000

DJ 3000 – Galactic Caravan The Remixes [Motech]

DJ 3000 gets the remix treatment from his friends and Motech players on this double disc set. The first package is an exploration of modern electronic grooves, which will reward home and club listeners–standouts include the moody Mr De remix of Seven Tribes Of Hoti, Esteban Adame’s graceful revision of Her Smile and a more subtle version of Shawn Rudiman’s Her Smile. The second package wins with stellar displays from Alexander Robotnick, Mark Flash and DJ Bone. Robotnick makes it big with his synth driven electroid sound, Flash goes a mammoth synth led workout and Bone does his epic ABM thang to Meloudic Landscapes.

Tracklisting:

Disc 1
- 01. Heritage (Deviant remix)
- 02. Seven Tribes Of Hoti (Mr De remix)
- 03. Her Smile (Esteban Adame remix)
- 04. Darjeeling Sun (Gary Martin remix)
- 05. Heritage (Nomadico aka DJ Dex remix)
- 06. Midnight Express (Ben Sims remix)
- 07. Coat Of Arms (Orlando Voorn remix)
- 08. Memory Almost Full (T.Linder remix)
- 09. Emotional Sequence (DJ Compufunk remix)
- 10. Penny For Your Thoughts (Dan Curtin remix)
- 11. Her Smile (Shawn Rudiman remix)
- 12. Memory Almost Full (O.N.O. remix)
Disc 2
- 01. Flamuri I Popullit (J.A.K.A.M Deep remix)
- 02. Darjeeling Sun (Rennie Foster remix)
- 03. Meridian (Mark Broom remix)
- 04. Coat Of Arms (Alexander Robotnick remix)
- 05. Her Smile (Mark Flash remix)
- 06. Flamuri I Popullit (Buscemi remix)
- 07. Darjeeling Sun (Matt Chester remix)
- 08. Meloudic Landscapes (DJ Bone remix)
- 09. Coat Of Arms (Subotika remix)
- 10. Yarewehear (Antennasia remix)
- 11. Memory Almost Full (Shawn Snell remix)

Related Links:

Fabrice Lig & Titonton Duvanté – That Connection [Fine Art Recordings]

Belgian techno prince Fabrice Lig teams up with Titonton Duvante for a subtle but deadly musical journey on London-based Fine Art. The original mix sees Duvanté weave Lig’s tones in between scintillating synths and delightful key work. Beanfield supply a gorgeous jazzied remix, where heavenward reaching strings do all the work.

Tracklisting:

A. That Connection
B. That Connection (Beanfield remix)

Get "That Connection" here:

Buy Ten from Juno Records for £6.80

Related Links:

Matt Chester – Outrider [11th Hour]

Whereas "Die For A Reason" is as subtle as he comes, "Outrider" is the sort of full on dancefloor assault that Matt Chester is expert at producing. Intergalactic synths, a scary bassline and tough beats do the work on the murderous effort.

Tracklisting:

01. Ghostwritten
02. Salination Plant
03. Reverse Evolution
04. Outrider

Get "Outrider" here:

Buy in MP3 format from Juno Download for £3.23

Related Links:

Sidearms – Humantics [Logos Recordings]

After the amazing original album, Humantics is back, remixed by Vince Watson. Armed with a magical bassline, melodious keys and glorious strings, Watson has created a trademark mix.

Tracklisting:

01. Humantics (Vince Watson remix)

Related Links:

Spirit Catcher – Sedona EP [Systematic]

Exponents of a deeper brand of future disco, Spirit Catcher bring their exquisite grooves Systematic. Sedona is a pleasurable tech-discoid winner, with heartfelt chords, slick percussion and sweet keys.

Tracklisting:

A1/01. Sedona
B1/02. Future Fools
B2/03. Forever And A Day

Get "Outrider" here:

Related Links:

ecdr podcast 24 – dj 3000

Kazuumi — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:15:00 +0000

Motech head honcho, DJ 3000, provides a bouncy mix to start off 2010.

Franki Juncaj, DJ 3000, is one of the most consistently booked DJs in the Submerge camp. Originally from Hamtramck, Michigan and currently based in Maastricht, he’s been circling the globe. In his spare time, he likes to run Motech Records, releasing the likes of DJ Dex, Gerald Mitchell, Gary Martin and Fabrice Lig. Release-wise, Juncaj has mixed three compilations for Electrofunk’s Somewhere In Detroit mix series, Submerge and Explicit Musick’s Ekspozicija, and there have been three studio albums, the last of which, the traditional Detroit sound, Red Planet-influenced "Galactic Caravan", hit stores in 2009.

Electronic Directory caught up with Franki Juncaj to ask him about the mix and what he’s got coming up later this year.

Interview with DJ 3000 by Kazuumi Ishii

What have you been up to recently ?

I just been busy with some remixes for Counterpart, Jack De Marseille and DJ Compufunk and I did a remix for DJ Bone that is dropping very soon, besides that just always making music and also I am in the middle of rebuilding my studio so thats real exciting ! Motech label stuff always keeps me busy of course with planning projects and trying to makes shit happen.

Where and how was the mix made ?

I did this mix at home the good old fashion way with two turntables, CDJ and a mixer recorded live. I also do the mixes live because you get that raw mixing and emotion I think and if you were to hear me play in the club this mix shows it the same way. Why both doing a mix if its not live unless your doing genres of music that is hard to mix live jazz mixed with other stuff ok that fine but live mixes is the only way.

Can you tell us a little about the mix ?

The week during the mix I had finished two other mixes for other websites, one for a crew in Dublin and one for a crew in France so when I decided to do this one I wanted to mix it a little different than the other two. The first two were more straight techno tunes and more uptempo so for the Electronic Directory mix I decided to keep it a bit slower and more funky tech house kinda sound and I did mix this on sunday so maybe thats why the mix turned out the way it did ? Its hard for me to describe my mixes but this one just has a overall funky groove to it I think and I used some records that are limited edition and some tunes that are unreleased on Motech and UR and some others that will be released soon. I think people will like this mix I had fun doing it…

The Galactic Caravan Remixes album has been out in Japan for a month now (and will be available internationally in February) – how has the feedback been ?

The feedback has been great so far ! I was touring Japan in December and it was great and the 2 CD set is fucking crazy in my opinion lots of killer artist and sounds on it. I think the impact will be greater as each 12-inch is released with the remixes because the CD only reaches certain consumers and records are a whole other consumer so overall is great.

So, did you select the remixers yourself ?

This was real easy, I had given Ben Sims the album and he really like the Midnight Express track so I asked him to remix it and he was happy to do it and other friends emailed me and asked to remix other songs so I figured I may as well ask all my friends and people who I respect to remixes tunes they like from the Galactic Caravan original album and in the end 23 songs on 2 CDs so its huge project. The project would have been bigger but some people just didnt have the time so I could have imagined what could have happened but its ok 23 is allot so the double CD set is plenty of music for people to enjoy and the vinyl releases will be even better !

What else is on the horizon for Motech ?

I have a new project coming out in March called "Broken Research" Vol.2 its more of down tempo project, nothing dance floor at all only slower music. The projects just Motech artist and friends that make other styles other than uptempo dance songs and I wanted to show people that the label if more than just Ethnic Detroit style dance label. Vol.1 wasnt exactly the way I wanted it to turn out but Vol.2 is exactly the way I envisioned it so I think people will be impressed, I know I am !

Other than that I am planning to release all the remixes from the album as well as my other artist on Motech but its not easy these days to sell vinyl but I keep pushing because vinyl is the key to everything "it makes the world go round" ! I plan on releasing a mix CD too for 2010 on Motech featuring Motech songs as well as songs from friends from around the world, I also have some new artist to debut that will surprise people with there sound but hey motech as never been a one trick pony !!

Motech loves to bring out remixes of DJ 3000’s Galactic Caravan

Tracklisting

Disc 1
- 01. Heritage (Deviant remix)
- 02. Seven Tribes Of Hoti (Mr De remix)
- 03. Her Smile (Esteban Adame remix)
- 04. Darjeeling Sun (Gary Martin remix)
- 05. Heritage (Nomadico aka DJ Dex remix)
- 06. Midnight Express (Ben Sims remix)
- 07. Coat Of Arms (Orlando Voorn remix)
- 08. Memory Almost Full (T.Linder remix)
- 09. Emotional Sequence (DJ Compufunk remix)
- 10. Penny For Your Thoughts (Dan Curtin remix)
- 11. Her Smile (Shawn Rudiman remix)
- 12. Memory Almost Full (O.N.O. remix)
Disc 2
- 01. Flamuri I Popullit (J.A.K.A.M Deep remix)
- 02. Darjeeling Sun (Rennie Foster remix)
- 03. Meridian (Mark Broom remix)
- 04. Coat Of Arms (Alexander Robotnick remix)
- 05. Her Smile (Mark Flash remix)
- 06. Flamuri I Popullit (Buscemi remix)
- 07. Darjeeling Sun (Matt Chester remix)
- 08. Meloudic Landscapes (DJ Bone remix)
- 09. Coat Of Arms (Subotika remix)
- 10. Yarewehear (Antennasia remix)
- 11. Memory Almost Full (Shawn Snell remix)

Download Electronic Directory 24 DJ 3000 Podcast

Direct download here or Subscribe to the podcast

Tracklisting

01. SIS – Holly Bolly [Cécille Records]
02. Gerlad Mitchell – Strong Hold [Still Music *unreleased]
03. DJ 3000 – Coat of Arms (Orlando Voorn remix) [Motech]
04. Joel Mull – Passing Through [Truesoul Records]
05. Mark Flash – Conquistador [UR *unreleased]
06. Steve Mac – After Sundown (Anton Pieete remix) [Tronic]
07. Spirit Catcher – Beezy Operator (Dub mix) [OM]
08. Kruse & Nurnberg – Grap Someone (Varoslav remix) [Je' Taime Records]
10. Gegenheimer & Jenius – Basic Shape [Moodmusic]
11. Gideon – Chicago Summer [Southern Comfort]
12. Lee van Dowski – La Cocina del Cabron [Cadenza]
13. Warren Fellow & Michel Steinbach – Cosmic [Signaletik]
14. Chymera – Sumatra (Deetron remix) [Figure]
15. DJ 3000 – Flamuri i Popullit (Buscemi remix) [Motech]
16. DJ 3000 – Darjeeling Sun [Motech]
17. Gerald Mitchell – Gjeloshaj 1862 feat. Diametric [Motech]

Download older podcasts below

subject detroit store sale now on

Kazuumi — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:45:00 +0000

The Subject Detroit Store Sale is now on ! Just enter Discount Code "SD2010" and receive 50% OFF your order (including 320kbp MP3 downloads). Bargain ! http://www.subjectdetroit.com/loudbabycartx/home.php

thank you 2009

Kazuumi — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:45:22 +0000

Electronic Directory just wanted to thank all of the DJs, producers and labels associated with this site. We’d also like to express special thanks to:

Fabrice Lig, Jean Vanesse, Thomas Sohet, Maxime Firket, Bastien Braconnier, DJ Bone, Ahnne Araza at Subject Detroit/Real Booking Artist Agency, Aaron-Carl, DJ Nasty, Trish Van Eynde, Klaina, Jamie Behan, Dimitri Pike, Santiago Salazar, Esteban Adame, Cliff Thomas, Niko Marks, Alton Miller, Abdul Qadim Haqq, Thomas Fisher at Sect Records, Luka Baumann, Vince Watson, Graham Wilson and Ross McMillan, Matt and Paul from Edge of Infinity, Mick Welch, Samuel James, Brendan Gregoriy, Erell Ranson, Florian Muller, Charles Roder at Groove Media Group, Chris Lamb at Soma Records, Gamall Awad at Backspin Promotions, and everyone else who has supported us.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

compuphonic launches union match music

Kazuumi — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:00:23 +0000

Belgian producer Compuphonic has just launched his own label, Union Match Music.

Maxime Firket, aka Compuphonic, has made a name for himself with his colourful sets and his powerful releases including "Emotion EP" on Turbo Recordings, he now makes his firsty foray into the realm of house with his own label, Union Match Music. The first release comes courtesy of Fabrice Lig, Spirit Catcher, Kolombo, Ante Perry and Compuphonic himself, and it’s already been caned by illustrious DJs like Laurent Garnier and Charles Webster.

Electronic Directory caught up with Maxime Firket and Bastien Braconnier to find out more about the new Union Match imprint.

Interview with Maxime Firket and Bastien Braconnier by Kazuumi Ishii

Why are you calling the label Union Match Music ?

Originally, Union Match is a Swedish (formerly Belgian) brand of matches. We chose this name for a few raisons. First, it reminds of Belgium’s motto: "L’Union fait la force", in French. Which means in English something like "United we stand" or "Unity is strength". This motto fits perfectly with the spirit of the label: we want to bind a team made of close producer friends who respect each other and are willing to work with one another. Plus, it’s also a very positive way to face the record and economic crisis. Faced to that crisis, Union Match’s artists stand united. All UM artists are great producers; by making them collaborate we create some sort of increase in value. Thanks to those collabs the work of each other is sublimated into something bigger. Thus, if "Union" refers to Belgium’s motto, "Match" refers to the collaboration aspect, which is essential. Union Match Music is about collaborations. You can see it as the Belgian answer to the record crisis.

From house to techno and everything in between, with outputs ranging from funky and upbeat to deep and ethereal, your label relishes eclecticism in any form.

There are several words to describe Union Match’s spirit. Two of them are essential: eclecticism and quality; quality because the productions must be impeccable; eclecticism because we want something colorful. We don’t want to be restricted to one form. If club music is about dancing, Union Match is about dancing and feeling. Making people dance is pretty easy. The overused "kick, snare, kick, snare" combo automatically makes people want to move their heads. It’s a reflex, it’s almost tribal. Creating deep emotions is another story. It’s more complex kick + snare is not enough. The artist has to be in a particular state of mind. Union Match Music is in part a matter of emotions. You can almost tell the artist’s state of mind, if he is happy, in a good mood or depressed just by listening to his compositions. We’re looking for producers who run that way. Starting from there we’re not looking for a specific style. The big demarcations – like techno, house, electro – tend to make no sense anymore. Our arms are wide open to any tracks that make us feel something, gives us thrill. Sometimes it’s simply joy. Sometimes it’s gloom. Pictures have to come to our mind. Union Match’s sound is like looking through the window while the plane pierces the clouds to reach the bride blue sky. Sometimes it’s more like a parachute jump. Dancing and feeling. That combination is pretty hard to reach. We are proud to sign artists that are capable of making killer tracks and emotional music. All mixed with quality. It’s Union Match’s contribution to house music. From the powerful emotional Compuphonic’s "Sequoia" to the perfectly-produced electro storm "Placid Corporation" by Spirit Catcher (Deadline mix), that’s Union Match’s definition of eclecticism.

How is the house scene in Belgium ?

Belgium’s House scene is very much alive. Belgium has never been really a pioneer as far as House music is concerned. Still, that little country has always been passionate about this kind of music. In the late 90’s and in the early 00’s, I was very much inspired by House producers like Swirl-People, Koenie (and his "Wally’s Groove World" label) and Charles Schillings. Nowadays, artists such as Maxim Lany and Red-D are doing a very interesting job. And of course all the Union Match’s artists ! Belgium is probably no pioneer but it’s a source of highly quality producers !

What do you have planned after the first release ?

The first 12" "four tracks" vinyl has just been released on December 14th and the digital "10 tracks" release will be out on January 1st. Our next step ? Remixes, parties, radio shows, etc. For now, we’re putting all our energy into the first release. We have already received many interesting tracks and are still looking for more. That’s all we can tell for now but we keep you posted !

Get "Union Match 1" here:

Buy Twelve from Juno Records for £6.95

www.unionmatchmusic.be

vince watson label launches – vince watson interview

Kazuumi — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:00:18 +0000

The veteran Scottish DJ/producer Vince Watson is set to launch his new Everysoul imprint with his sixth studio album.

Vince Watson really needs no introduction. He’s had more than a decade of releases, including five albums, on a host of big and small labels. More recently he’s put out his second Planet E EP and he’s also has taken control of his music by relaunching his Bio imprint.

Electronic Directory caught up with Vince Watson to find out about his new Everysoul label, his forthcoming album and what he’s up to at the moment.

Interview with Vince Watson by Kazuumi Ishii

Where are you at musically and mentally in 2009 ?

Musically I’m focusing now on getting the music I’ve been making for 18 months out to labels and most importantly the people who support me. I’ve not been as prolific in the last 18 months for many reasons, but I’ve been producing like crazy :-) Mentally I’m going even more nuts than usual :-) I’m relocating to Amsterdam so my studio and records are packed away at the moment, but the main thin on my mind is feeding some musicianship into the world we have become of mindless unsoulful music. There’s way to much diluting of quality thanks to digital formats allowing most people to set up a label and release music…which is fine in principle, but a lot of artists just use preset sounds from plug-ins. The end result, copycat tracks and a lot of music sounding sooo similar that it’s getting hard to really find something different or daring. Most labels now also do not take risks, instead they sit comfortable releasing the same stuff over and over again. It’s not a general rule so there is still a lot to get excited about, but man, you gotta look for it !!

I hear that you’ve decided to restart your Bio imprint after a hiatus of 4 years. What made you decide to restart the label ?

Simple answer is that I want to get all my music out there, and not relying on other labels. I’ve got so much music that people have not heard yet, some of it I play live, and I’m always getting questions, reactions about it all…so the time has come to start again. Initially it will only be digital though, moving to vinyl when I am in the right position to do it. All the previous material will be available on vinyl to order through a new webstore I am setting up for all my music. I’m really looking forward to it…and judging by the initial reaction, so are many people so the time feels right. There’s 3 releases ready to go, one featuring a Funk D’Void remix.

You’re also set to launch your new label called "Everysoul", right ? Can you tell us a little bit about the new label ? Why is the label called Everysoul ? What does that mean for you ? I know there was an album planned for FCommunications, entitled Everysoul Needs A Guide.

It’s about soul and all its guises. I think it’s really important to remind ourselves of the music’s qualities, sometimes we get lost and the quality goes down. I really respect artists like Glenn Underground, Cinematic Orchestra or soundtrack producer Cliff Martinez so that should give you an insight into where I’m going with this label…so that should give House, Jazz, Broken-beats….I’ve always had desires to have this kind of label since my Alola/Ibadan days, but I’ve never been able to until now. I’m very much looking forward to getting this music out there. I have 3 releases ready to go, including my 6th studio album.

"Spectrum" was the codename for the album, but the album is called "Every Soul Needs A Guide". Fcom do not exist anymore so the album fell through and I was very disappointed, as was Laurent as he absolutely loves the finished album. Real shame for them, really positive for me! I changed the album massively since the original idea, so its basically a whole new project.

That brings me onto the next question. You just released your second single, "My Desire", on Planet E, a fantastic epic interpretation of Carl Craig/69 "Desire". How did you come up with the idea for that remix ? Was there any particular thing you were trying to do with that ?

"Desire" was such a beautiful track (except for those portmento bits that are sore in your ears haha)… I definitely did not want to remix it. It started life as an interpretation of Carl’s track, which I was going to send him, along with a version of "Icon" to Derrick May, which isn’t finished yet ! The more I worked on it the more I started to really like it, but it wasn’t until I played the piano piece that it made me think I had something really special. I sent it to Carl, and he loved it. I’ve been using more and more organic sounding instruments in my music so it seemed nice to fit "Qualia" on the flipside, they went well together. I’m very very pleased that "My Desire" did not sound like a remix, it sounded like me, but it had influences all over it from "Desire".

Speaking of your Alola/Ibadan days, it’s now been ten years since the release of "Mystical Rhythm". What is the story behind that classic track ?

It’s called that because when I made it I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry, it’s very melancholic and gives you different moods and emotions in different parts of the track. Even back then I was trying to bridge soulful sounds into club music.

How do you explain the persistent motivation for a fusion of electronic and jazz, which isn’t really anything new ?

It’s timeless music. 99% of the new music we see and hear getting released now has a shelf life, mostly as it sounds so similar….not enough is standing out enough to be different or original enough. What I’m fusing isn’t new of course, but it has so much more scope to be energetic, expressive and above all else musical, which is what it should be all about. Listening to tracky minimal club music for hours and hours can become tedious. When I’m playing live I play as much musicality as possible.

I recently heard a live recording of your set from Shanghai. I was blown away by the intensity and the depth and of course the beauty that is in that set. You are very musical. So, guys like the Cinematic Orchestra and Carl Craig had performed live shows with live musicians. Are there plans to play in a band/group with musicians ?

Absolutely ! It’s always been a target of mines from very early on. I’m actually planning to have an orchestra recreate my music fully. I know Jeff Mills did it on Blue Potential, but to me that was art as such, I’m looking at scoring my music properly to make it sound really like the real thing. I will work with collaborators on future projects, session musicians etc, but I’m not ready for that yet. It will come though…

When you play live shows like that, who will be in charge of what in that orchestra ? You nomally play live using Ableton and a TR-909, but, will you be performing live with synthesizers ? Jeff Mills played a drum machine, with a 24ch mixer, two CD players plus a DJ mixer… No laptops involved.

NOOO !!! I don’t intend to use any electronic instruments at all whatsoever….I’m talking about an Orchestra only ! I won’t be doing anything other than writing the score for it, and directing it. I’ll leave the conducting to a professional :-) I actually have no interest I’m making my music the way Mills has, it doesn’t really work for me. The Kindred Spirits Orchestra did a version of Strings of Life during 5 Days Off…but it could have been sooo much better if they had just kept it to organic instruments instead of using drum machines. I like to think that the soundscapes in my music are perfect for scoring, taking away the percussion and working on the melodies and various parts.

Going back to the new label, tell us a little more about your studio album. How did you approach the album ? What it’s sounding like ?

The album originated as my Fcom album, but sadly Fcom went down, so I was left with an unfinished project. In the end I changed it drastically and it’s almost a new album, focusing on Lounge/Jazz/Broken-beats/Ambient and Classical pieces. There is no dancefloor music on this. It’s a very special project for me, a real challenge creatively to make this a full project, and it was a long hard struggle at times, and at other times it was exhilarating…It’s the most comprehensive collection of musical pieces I’ve ever put together and I really pushed myself further than before. I’m delighted with the mastered album and I’m really looking forward to giving this to the world in the new year.

Will you be putting out other artists’ material or just your own productions ?

I’m very much open for music from other artists. I am keeping my policy of Quality over Quantity so I’m not going to be releasing music every 2 weeks…I have so much music to release, so a lot of it will be my own also.

What else is coming up for you in the next few months ?

I’m going through a phase of remix requests for some reason…I usually do just 2 or 3 remixes a year, but I’ve done 5 in the last 6 months and have 4 in my inbox waiting to finish. Aside from relaunching Bio and launching Everysoul, I’ve also got another Planet E single in production. Finally I’ll also be following up ‘The eMotion Sequence’ on Delsin with a new album. I’m also about to finish the next shows on Red Bull Music Acadamy Radio.

Finally, what 1 thing would make your life better now ?

More promotors and club owners taking more risks with music they are hosting and not just playing safe with the current hyped up names. If I cant get that, then I’ll say a 6 month residency in Tokyo again…… :-)

The new Vince Watson single, "A Very Different World", OUT NOW

Vince Watson serves up two simply beautiful, vaguely epic deep techno tracks. Funk D’Void supplies a couple of gorgeous "A Very Different World" mixes.

Tracklisting:

01. A Very Different World (Original mix)
02. Otherworldy
03. A Very Different World (Funk D’Void Epic remix)
04. A Very Different World (Funk D’Void remix 2)
05. A Very Different World (Funk D’Void Radio edit)

Get "A Very Different World" here:

www.vincewatson.co.uk

selection – december 2009

Kazuumi — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:53 +0000

Five records I’ve been hammering for a while now, they never leave my record box.

DJ Bone – The Music Remixes [Subject Detroit]

DJ Bone’s Music, a music speech that produces as many questions as it does answers, gets the once-over from a number of fellow producers and the winning remixes are provided by Samuel L Session, Aaron-Carl and DJ Bone himself. DJ Bone’s remix shows the strength and depth of what he does, while Samuel L Session delivers an ace dancefloor banger and Aaron-Carl supplies a masterful mix with measured percussion, levitating synths and spirit-lifting strings.

Tracklisting:

A1. DJ Bone remix
A2. Trench’s Still Here & Buckwild remix
B1. Samuel L Session remix
B2. DJ 3000 Motech remix
C1. Rennie Foster’s No Lights, No Flights remix
C2. Santiago Salazar’s Seldom Seen remix
D1. Aaron-Carl remix
D2. Stephen Brown Just Soul edit
DJ Nasty’s Blaxploitaqtion remix
Mister X remix

Related Links:

Jolka – The Jolka Experience [Sect]

Croatian techno producer Luka Baumann has been serving up experimental beats since 2004 and here he shows his deeper side with this lovely effort on Sect Records. Inception takes its strength from a solid bassline and steady beats and lush chords while Arcus does the business courtesy of dubbed out chords. Covection is a brilliant chord driven workout and Dreamful produces an all over warm feeling, courtesy of sweet synths and a pulsing bassline.

Tracklisting:

A1. Inception
A2. Arcus
B1. Convection
B2. Dreamful

Get "The Jolka Experience" here:

Related Links:

Niko Marks – Voice Box Detroit [Subject Detroit]

Niko Marks drops an EP of swinging, soulful house efforts that hit home. The opener, "I Can’t Stop", is a hearty vocal house gem, while "All About Love" is an explosive winner. "Bring Back The Soul" is all evocative vocals and smart beats and "Technology" hits with groovy synth work and abrupt vocal samples.

Tracklisting:

A1. I Can’t Stop
A2. All About Love
B1. Bring Back The Soul
B2. Technology

Get "Voice Box Detroit" here:

Buy Twelve from Juno Records for £5.95

Related Links:

Various – Union Sampler 1 [Union Match Music]

Compuphonic branches out on his own here, launching his Union Match imprint with this EP, which features maximal house, disco and techno grooves. Highlights include Fabrice Lig’s freaked out "My UFO" and booty shaking "Innerblaster", Compuphonic’s beautiful "Sequoïa" and Compuphonic & Spirit Catcher’s delightful "Aftertaste".

Tracklisting:

01. Fabrice Lig – Innerblaster
02. Kolombo & Ante Perry – Crazy
03/B2. Compuphonic – Sequoïa
04. Spirit Catcher & Compuphonic – Cleaver
05/A2. Fabrice Lig – My UFO (Unknown Fucking Oscillator)
06. Compuphonic – Placid Corporation (Spirit Catcher Deadline Mix)
07/A1. Compuphonic & Spirit Catcher – After Taste
08/B1. Ante Perry & Kolombo – Baby
09. Compuphonic – Placid Corporation
10. Ante Perry & Kolombo – Let’s Go

Get "Union Sampler 1" here:

Buy Twelve from Juno Records for £6.80

Related Links:

www.unionmatchmusic.be

Various – W.A.R.M.T.H. presents Preservation: Past, Present & Future [Wallshaker Music]

Aaron-Carl’s WARMTH network brings a 14-track outing that marks the Preservation event in Detroit. Cuts of note include the intense "4 Types Of People", a sweet number entitled "Karen’s Groove", an oscillating string and bass driven "Intergalactic Funk" and Terrence Parker’s blissful "Hiding in Your Love". All in all, this is yet another fine display of Detroit techno and house music, which shows why the Motor City remains a well-respected electronic music powerhouse.

Tracklisting:

01. Aaron-Carl – W.A.R.M.T.H. Intro (feat. DJ Mourad & Jevon Justin)
02. Alton Miller – Seasons
03. Los Hermanos – De Las Cenizas
04. DJ Bone – Cultural Variance
05. Myles Serge – A Moment In Time
06. Scan 7 feat. Aaron-Carl- 4 Types Of People
07. Orlando Voorn – Face
08. Detroit People Mover – Dropping Things (Interlude)
09. Santiago Salazar – Your Club Went Hollywood
10. Trench – Karen’s Groove
11. DJ Nasty – Intergalactic Funk
12. Scan 7 – Tenacity
13. Terrence Parker feat. Coco Street – Hiding In Your Love (The Marvelous Light Vocal mix)
14. Gary Martin – Waiting On A Third Chance

Get "W.A.R.M.T.H. presents Preservation: Past, Present & Future" here:

Related Links:

Not to mention……

Chymera – The Rumours Of My Demise [Komplex De Deep]
Jeff Mills – Sleeper Wakes [Axis/Third-Ear]
Spirit Catcher feat. Ilija Rudman – Secret Stranger EP [Rebirth]
Taho – Crystal Love [Lumina]
Vince Watson – A Very Different World [Bio Music]