18
May
12

Laura Jones interview

By gregfenton Leave a Comment
Categories: Interviews
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What first attracted you to music? Which artists / songs are your earliest influences?
 
I started playing many musical instruments from an early age as well as vocal training in my teens so I was surrounded by a lot of music when I was growing up. The majority of this was classical but there was the odd bit of jazz and contemporary too. 
I took a liking to pretty much every genre of my music going in my early to late teens, indie, trance, hip-hop and garage and it wasn’t until going to Ibiza in my early twenties that the penny dropped with electronic music. 
I decided I wanted to become a DJ in the summer of 2005 while spending a season out there for the first time. I went to DC10 almost every week and became inspired by watching DJs like Tania Vulcano, Clive Henry and Dan Ghenacia. I was 22 and had just graduated from University and had never tried it before but my gut instinct told me it was the right thing to do
 
 How did your relationships with Leftroom and Visionquest come about?
 
I actually met Tolfrey the same summer in 2005. We met one Monday at DC10 through a mutual friend. We became good friends over time and when finishing my first few tracks in 2010, he was one of the first people I sent them to. I met Seth at WMC in Miami in 2007 and later that year warmed up for him and Ryan at Mint club in Leeds. I’ve since met Lee and Shaun and we’ve all become good friends. During DEMF in 2010, Matt played the boys the first few tracks I’d sent him, they really liked ‘Live A Little’, decided in the October that they were going to sign it and it got released the following summer.
 
Tell us about the process for selecting the tracks for your new mix compilation: Leftroom Presents… Laura Jones?
 
I knew I didn’t want to do a straight-up club mix so opted for something a little deeper. With liking so many different types of tracks, pin-pointing the angle to take with it was a little tricky but just picked tracks I liked and hoped that a good selection would come back to me having been agreed by the labels involved. I commissioned three exclusive remixers which was the fun part – Matt Tolfrey & Russo, Gavin Herlihy and Ryan Crosson. They were able to choose their own track to remix from Leftroom’s back-catalogue and then I very much left them to their own devices. I picked the three I did as I knew I could trust them all to deliver which they did so it all worked out perfectly in the end.
 
How did you go about producing music – any favourite piece of software / hardware that you like to use?
 
I currently share a studio with my boyfriend Gavin Herlihy. We have a desktop iMac with Mackie HR 824 monitors, a 72-key keyboard, Maschine, a Roland Gaia synth and a Korg Electribe. My main DAW is Logic and the main plug-ins I use are Native Instrument’s Kontakt and Spectrasonic’s Trillian and Omnisphere for its collection of hardware synth samples
I’ve used primarily soft-synths to create my tracks thus far as we didn’t have any hardware at the time. We’ve only just started to invest in hardware this year so the aim is to build up the hardware collection and continue learning the ropes.

 
 
How you describe your sound in terms of DJ’ing? What do you prefer to dj with?
 
I love and play a real variety of music in my sets. I tend to keep things pretty moody but melodic at the same time. I play anything from stripped back Deep House and right through to techno. I even play the dubbier, more breaks-style music if the mood suits. Ultimately it doesn’t really bother me what genre something belongs to, if it’s good and it’s right in the moment I’ll play it. I also think it can really work in your favour if what you play is relatively diverse as one thing I’ve noticed when touring round Europe and the rest of the world is that every country seems to be at a very different stage in the evolution of underground dance music so it helps to be able to tailor the sound on the night.
Right now, I am playing with Traktor Scratch as I don’t have the best vision and it’s easier for me to see the computer screen than it is text on a CD or vinyl sleeve. I only started using it a couple of months ago and am using CD at the moment but will be moving to vinyl pretty soon and actually I think longer term, once I have a tour manager in tow (and someone to carry the bags), I’ll most probably go back to vinyl. Ha!
 
What are the positives and negatives affecting dance music in 2012?
 
The main negative affecting dance music in 2012 is the fact that the underground scene is losing its identity a little. I remember when I started collecting vinyl, I couldn’t get enough of searching for tracks I’d heard out in the clubs and it wouldn’t be that difficult to find and the quality would be next-level. Now, you try and look for something and you have to wade through reams of noise to find it. I think now that it’s easier for people to start labels and put out music digitally, it’s diluting the quality of the music. 
More and more DJs are becoming involved in the commercial side of things at the expense of what they believe in order to make more money. Some club-owners seem to be doing the same. I recently played at a new club in Europe, amazing sound, great vibe but tarnished slightly by the fact the owner can’t decide whether to keep it underground or go commercial. I really think people should stick to their guns regardless of the money that’s involved but guess I’m not a club owner in the current economic climate.
 
I think the main positive would have to be the continued comeback of vinyl. I’ve been living in Leeds since coming to uni here in 2001 and I’ve been witness to the best underground record stores in the city gradually closing down one by one with exception of one or two who sell a wider range of genres as well as tickets for events. In the last month, one has opened again in Leeds selling only underground dance music and it seems to be a roaring success thus far. It’s called Waxwerks and is adjoined by a new club space called The Garage, which is also the best underground clubbing experience Leeds has seen in a good while.

 
Who do you like to listen to outside of house music?
 
I’m finding very little time for alternative listening at the moment but when I have the time, I love a lot of different music, old and new. I’m really in to electronica and downbeat stuff. I still love hip-hop, garage and the more stripped back musical dubstep like Burial and Consequence. Early influences who I still like to listen to are bands like Radiohead and the Rolling Stones. I love Arthur Russell, Prince and Stevie Wonder too, they’re all big big inspirations of mine. And I guess more recently, artists such as Blood Orange, Jamie Woon and Junip.

‘Leftroom Presents… Laura Jones’ is released mid-June on Leftroom with an accompanying vinyl sampler appearing at the same time…

https://www.facebook.com/laurajonesmusic

http://soundcloud.com/laurajones

http://twitter.com/#!/laura___jones

http://www.leftroom.com/

 

 

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16
May
12

reviews:49

By gregfenton Leave a Comment
Categories: Magazine Sixty reviews
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Tone Of Arc
Shaking The Baby/ No Pushers
No.19 Music

And so the story continues with Tone Of Arc and this deliciously funky production that combines effortless cool with heavy-duty electronics. Providing a taster of what’s in store from his forthcoming album for the label Derrick Boyd’s distinctive ‘live’ style incorporates all that’s hot at this very moment: creatively treated voices saying something alongside irresistibly dark-bass notes, with imaginative arrangements of percussion and sound. No Pushers, then expands those boundaries by delving further and deeper with sumptuous keys and almost jazzy Rhodes that feel comfortably warm, while reverberating vocals remain tastefully soulful. Outstanding.

release: May 21

http://soundcloud.com/no19music/tone-of-arc-shaking-the-sky

http://soundcloud.com/no19music/tone-of-arc-no-pushers

 

Aidan Lavelle
Tinnitus EP
RebelLION

Not in any way to make light of Tinnitus but this does sound good. The title track sizzles with sparkling sythns which offset the deep beats and bass perfectly, and it’s those very notes that give the production such a unique feel. You could say, hypnotic and even apply the words trance inducing…
Stronger, feels moodier and again plays challenging keys off against throbbing rhythms, ending up seemingly sinister with its unsettling, insistent vocal edits driving the distraction. Play It, almost lightens the mood with funkier feeling drums and bass, though also retains its playful sense of experimentation and probing, nearly ambient, sounds.

http://www.beatport.com/#release/tinnitus/908124

http://www.aidanlavelle.com/

http://www.crosstownrebels.com/

 

Tristesse Contemporaine
Tristesse Contemporaine
Dirty / Pschent

An excellent debut album from, Tristesse Contemporaine whose electrifying take on new-wave is all at once dangerously exciting, yet always deeply emotional. Love the way the words play with the late seventies inspired guitar sounds on some tracks and the tension these arrangements inspire. For starters can’t get enough of the beginning number, Empty Hearts which is a case in point with its Hook styled bassline, Magazine beats and icy cool vocals sounding so in-vogue it hurts. But, it’s certainly not all about historical reference points as the album plays very much like today with spoken words rapping over irresistible rhythms and uniquely, contemporary electronics. Try the video to I Didn’t Know below and you’ll get a piece of the action…

release:  May 21

http://www.tristessecontemporaine.com/

https://www.facebook.com/tristessecontemporaine

http://www.d-i-r-t-y.com/

 

Various Artists
Paper Cuts #1
Paper Recordings

Desperately trying to avoid the cliché but there actually is: something for everyone on here. That is if your mind is open to touches of everything from Balearic to Latin, to House and Disco, plus with most shades coloured in-between you could also pretty much use that other cliché: essential. Music like the Mudds Width and Comfort remix of Key boy ‘Viva Blue’ makes you pray for summer days to materialise sooner rather than later (U.K) while Flash Atkins, Crazy P and Neil Diablo will have you gravitating towards the nearest dancefloor. But that’s probably to undersell the sum total of the twenty two tracks which are offered here on what is essentially a first-rate compilation.

release: May 21

http://recordlabelservices.com/

http://soundcloud.com/paperecordings

 

Bill Withers
Just As I Am
bbr

Bill Withers debut album from 1971 gets a timely reissue care of bbr and a record that contains not only Harlem and Ain’t No Sunshine, but also Grandma’s Hands can really only be regarded as a classic. If you were lucky enough to catch BBC 4’s recent excellent documentary: Still Bill then this album is all the more profound as his experienced wit and wisdom can benefit us all. Produced by Booker T. Jones this still sounds incredible today and there are a couple of great covers to witness too, namely Let It Be and Everybody’s Talkin’. But don’t miss out on the exquisitely mournful Hope She’ll Be Happier and or the blues/ rock inflected Better Off Dead either – indeed don’t go missing out on any of it!

http://www.billwithers.com/

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/

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11
May
12

reviews:48

By gregfenton Leave a Comment
Categories: Magazine Sixty reviews
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Amirali
In Time
Crosstown Rebels

Even if Amirali played the opening: The Harmonious Song and then left the building you would still be stunned by the collective beauty of the notes spread across the Rhodes. Thankfully the long player continues to revolve developing its journeys through hypnosis that somehow fits the month of May perfectly – at least from where I’m sitting. The playing is never less than outstanding, as is the production, while this collision of ideas appeals to heartwarming melancholy as much as it invigorates the spirit on tracks like the imaginary, Just An Illusion. Love the way expectations are then thrown to the wind as Painting On A Canvas follows on proudly down- tempo while tastefully placing art back where it belongs in music. In fact each track provides its own unique surprise spiraling in directions from the dancefloor to the horizontal with Amirali’s mesmerizing vocals adapting perfectly throughout. And it all sounds so easy… 9

release: May 14

https://www.facebook.com/AmiraliOfficial

www.crosstownrebels.com

 

Hurt Russell
Queensbridge Jams EP Vol 1
ILFONX Records

This excellent EP from Belfast based Ilfonx  Records opens with the ridiculously good, Soul Kestrel which sounds like choice Jazz and Deep House rolled into an excitable experiment that pays off big time. Love the way all the disparate elements work for position, and that they almost don’t quite sit at ease with each other – that’s Jazz for you – but I highly rate this production for that very reason. And just to prove the diversity, I Can t Go On slows right down to cope with its unfeasibly funky bassline and infectious chopped-up vocals. The equally impressive, Piano Saved My Life finishes off by deepening the mood with sassy percussion and booming beats. Next please. 9

release: May 11

http://soundcloud.com/ilfonx_records

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ILFONX/320674211284715

 

Climbers
Laws Of Attraction EP
Culprit

Guess you could say that the opening track, Go With The Flow has it all: crisp, pulsating beats; haunting, energising synths: lots of cool fx and vocal; plus last but never least, a killer bassline. So, yes I love this, and strongly suspect you will too. Climbers aka Jay Blakk and Kiko Deal then proceed to explore more in the way deeply invigorating music with the next three productions, which all develop similar bass infused rhythms over the course of the release – the choice is then yours.  8

release: May 14

http://soundcloud.com/climbers/cp23-climbers-go-with-the-flow

 

Cromby
That Girl EP
Extended Play

Second excellent release out of Belfast this week and city stalwarts Extended Play once again do themselves proud. That Girl, opens with fierce, pulsating electro-beats and then gets nasty with classic heavy-duty stabs that are destined to be played out LOUD, but if that doesn’t seem like enough by the time the full vocal hits this is so obviously peak-time business. Feed Those Hoes, turns up the heat further with explosive Detroit bass lines played against crisp hats and percussion, but while I can’t say the Rap works for me the instrumental is original House heaven. Bubba and T-Bone’s tasty FTH remix thinks along similar lines by stripping back the vocal and adding shimmering electronics to the equation, proving to be yet another notable version from the duo. 8

http://www.beatport.com/#release/cromby-that-girl-ep/910060

http://soundcloud.com/cromby/that-girl

 

Issac Christopher
Shake That EP
Madhouse Records 

Three new tracks from Issac Christopher which get back to Madhouse basics and aim straight for the dancefloor. The aptly titled Shake That kicks off with booming beats, shake that body vocals, and brutal basslines all playing like they were made for each other. Been Thru The House, keeps the relentless tempo but adds funkier percussion and imaginative electronics, while I Need You is the deeper of the three with warmer vibes and retro piano all feeling like summertime. 7

 http://bit.ly/Kg4SqS 

http://www.facebook.com/madhouse.records 

 

DJ W!ld
Dirty
Cabin Fever

More thought provoking music as DJ W!ild sets upon us with his second album opening with sound effects warning: please mind the gap between the train and the platform. Dirty then proceeds to play between ambient sequences that lull you into security such as Apres La Plage, and then pulverize you with heavy-duty Kicks on the likes of Voyage (complete with sampled spiritual guidance). If dirty refers to anything in particular then the one thing that’s consistently so throughout are those trademark and edgy beats – although perhaps the answer also lies within the title tracks’ explicit voice over too, with imaginative samples appearing consistently throughout giving the album warmth and colour. Eventually it all reaches an acid drenched climax on Remember and the album contains more than its fair share of dancefloor gems e.g. the hypnotic bassline driven, In Love. 8

http://www.beatport.com/#release/d!rty/904664

http://www.facebook.com/wildthedj

http://www.youtube.com/wildonvidz

 

Session Victim
The Haunted House Of House
Delusions Of Grandeur

Don’t be fooled by the Vincent Price styled title or indeed by the name of the first track, Dark Sienna – which just so happens to be one of the better Disco sampling records I’ve heard in a while – into thinking this is something sinister. What rapidly strikes you here is the liberal use of cut-up which gives it all a reassuringly familiar feel, that of course and the inherent joyous qualities of those time-scales that are best executed on Zoinks and said title track. Despite the possible limitations that very reliance may suggest the album wisely plays with intriguing moods and tempo working particularly on Bison. However, the up-tempo numbers suit best with the funk fuelled, Good Intentions proving to be a particular favourite with many. While this isn’t challenging or pushing at boundaries in the way the above albums could be said to do, its none the less always welcome at parties.  7

release Date: May 14 (Vinyl/CD) / June 11 (Digital)

http://soundcloud.com/sessionvictim

http://soundcloud.com/delusionsofgrandeur

 

Jazzanova
Funkhaus Sessions
Sonar Kollektiv

And so to the ever reliable soulful-funkiness of Jazzanova who are now captured ‘live’ with this selection of old and new music recorded as played in their studio. Great organic feel to the album which grooves and leans in the right direction all along. The musicianship is exactly of the standard we’ve learnt to love but then how could you really go wrong with titles such as Jazz-Funk epic, Theme From Belle Et Fou and I Human. Slow burners such as No Use and the beautiful lyrics and piano of Little Bird vie for attention along with the more dance floor orientated material but quality is, as always, rest assured. 9

release: May 15

http://www.sonarkollektiv.com/

http://www.facebook.com/jazzanova

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02
May
12

reviews:47

By gregfenton Leave a Comment
Categories: Magazine Sixty reviews
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Jimmy Edgar
Majenta 
Hotflush Recordings

Following on from XXX Jimmy Edgar begins Majenta with a bang, and then keeps on banging. From the opening Kraftwerk referencing, Too Shy you’re immediately captured by the sheer funkiness of it all but with the arrival of Punk attitude declaring itself: This One’s For The Children, all hell breaks loose. Tempos continue to lift and drop as the machine-funk proceeds to probe different moods and agendas, feeling sometimes dangerously sleazy, sometimes joyus and uplifting. The one thing that is patently apparent is that this simply gets better with each consecutive listen. And so to highlight the diversity the warmth generated by R&B flavoured, Touch Yr Body and Hrt Real Good is equally offset by the cosmic discotheque of Heartkey. While the albums finale: In Deep draws together such a far reaching set of musical ideas that they are probably too long to list here, but which combine – like everything else – to feel very much like, Jimmy Edgar. 8

release: May 7

http://jimmyedgar.com

http://www.hotflushrecordings.com/

 

Geddes presents Mulletover: The Story So Far 2004-2012
Murmur

You could say: hotly anticipated, but then that would be somewhat of an understatement. And even if you haven’t made it to London’s premier installation, then the story so far plays like the best excuse to indulge yourself in Geddes first rate selection of deeply involving music. Featuring productions that expand the possibilities from Maya Jane Coles stunning, Dubchild through to Delusions Of Grandeur’s quietly immense, Don’t Sleep the party never seems to end. That realization of course also comes care off Okain’s very sublime, Scream and via the Murk classic, If You Really Love Someone. The journey through the timeline smoothly twists together the lows and highs of everything worthwhile, yet feels every bit about the here and now. 9

release: May 7

http://www.mulletover.co.uk/

http://www.murmurrecords.com/

 

 

Deniz Kurtel & The Marcy All-Stars
The Way We Live – The singles
Wolf + Lamb

Just ahead of the June release of, The Way We Live album alongside The Marcy All-Stars comes this stunning set of three singles. Worked in collaboration, with firstly, Tanner Ross on the very divine, I Knew This Would Happen featuring Pillow Talk, which sequences together gorgeously haunting pads and expertly played bass along with Jazzy attitudes and heavenly treated voices to produce what is simply sublime music. The Jazzy notation follows on, The Beat Drops with Tanner Ross again and Jules Born developing a Saxophone theme across pulsating electro-beats and moody vocals. Leaving, Thunder Clap complete with thunderous fx and Voices Of Black to deliver P-Funk inspired funkiness to entice you further into the cosmos. 9

release: May 7

http://www.wolflambmusic.com/

 

 

Mirko Loko
Featuring
Visionquest

Featuring features two tracks: Harder (with Jaw) and Timeline (with Francesco Tristano). The former works Jaw’s detuned vocal over bubbling synthesisers and consequently feels tastefully sinister yet bizarrely funky.  Reaching almost twelve minutes long the arrangement delivers aural surprises along the way, not least of all the way the bassline climaxes the into a fizzy contortion. Timeless, is almost conventional in comparison, although while acclaimed pianist Francesco Tristano challenges you with abrupt, improvised notes it never-the-less makes sense via the engaging technological rhythm section and its familiarizing repetition. 7

release: May 7

http://www.vquest.tv/

 

 

Anthea
Lonber Attract EP
Air London

You get the feeling that you don’t know where this is going to end up – which I like – as the opening title track unnerves you with its brooding beats and dark electronics, despite LK’s unsettling voice telling you to conversely relax in the process. Never less than interesting this creative production always holds your attention even right down to the very ending at almost eleven minutes. What Where, continues in a similar vein though rewards you funkier percussion and bass, with the tINI remix of Lonber Attract sounding excellent with imaginative drum programming and further carefully- crafted hypnotic atmospheres.  8

release: May 9

http://soundcloud.com/anthea-marie

http://soundcloud.com/tinidesolat 

http://www.airlondonmusic.com/

 

Nikola Gala
Only
Rekids

Nikola Gala’s relentless production doesn’t indulge much in the way of subtlties but does dive headlong into pulverizing beats coupled with classic House stabs and vocal edits for quality measure. Indeed, the kick drum is soo harsh it makes everything else seem like light relief - which I guess of course is the whole point – with the resulting experience being uplifting almost despite itself. Ryan Elliot plays with an altogether different beat and indulges in mood enhancing pads and funky hi-hat fuelled percussion to provide a sassy alternative. 7

release: May 7

http://soundcloud.com/rekids/nikola-gala-only-original-mix

http://www.rekids.com/

http://ghostly.com/artists/ryan-elliott

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27
Apr
12

Initials interview (with David Elkabas and Ste Roberts)

By gregfenton Leave a Comment
Categories: Interviews
Tags: , , , , , , ,

How did the three of you get together to set up Initials? How does the label differ from Hypercolour?

D: I was working on label management for Hypercolour with Alex and Ste already and we all enjoyed working with each other so this was a logical step.

S: Yep as Dave says.  Hypercolour is me, Alex and Jamie.  Jamie started his own little projects, so me and Alex decided to get a little baby on the go, approached Dave and away we go.
 
Tell us about your second release Jay Bliss ‘The Art Of Doing Nothing EP’?

D: For me the kind of record we want to be releasing and what Initals is all about.

S: Jay Bliss is an old artist I have worked with in the past, and has become a good friend.  On Skype one evening he decided to send me a draw dropping demo where pretty much every track hit the spot.  One thing led to another, we snapped them up and decided to go all out with a Romanian vibe, and who better to approach then Pedro!  So far it has been smashing the vinyl stores.  Sold out at the distributers so all in all… HAPPY DAYS.


 
What’s coming up from Hypercolour?

S: Just to throw a few out there… Groove Armada, Mosca, George Fitzgerald, Alex Jones with Larry Heard remixes, etc… You get the jist.
 
What club nights are you currently running?

D: Label Events mainly but there are rumours of Initials parties this summer.

S: Yep, keep your eyes peeled for some up and coming Initails parties.  Hypercolour parties are already in full swing.  I also have a club night in my neck of the woods, Leeds called Lowbrow.
 
What advice would you give someone thinking of starting their own label?

D: Call me

S: Call Dave :)


 
What would you say are the positive/ negative aspects of Dance music in 2012?

D: Positive: there is still exiting music being created and the scene keeps throwing new bits in to the mix just when you think it’s getting a little monotonous, there’s a real reverence for House music form the past so the longevity of what we do seems to be cemented. Negative: the word/phrase EDM just sounds so awful – like a disorder for some kind.

S: Positive… Hypercolour, Glass Table, Losing Suki, Hype_Ltd & Initials.  Negative… Well, haha… Na I can’t say!
 
Not only has the tempo changed in House but songs/vocals are prevalent once again. Why do you think this has happened now?

D: For me House music came from disco, Soul & funk and for years the vocal was the most powerful part of house music, It’s hard to think of house music becoming what it did with the voices of Robert Owens, Barbara Tucker, Michael Watford and many more. Vocals in house are nothing new but there are lots of “new ears” out there who will find it like we did all over again.

S: Well my personal analysis is music is on a merry-go-round.  Good music will work all the way through, but realistically it always comes back round, but with a modern take of it!  This is how old and new work, it will always work! Hot tip, keep hold of all your music, because before you know it you will be dusting off the cobwebs, and reaping the glory.
  
Outside of House which artists/music has inspired you?

D :Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morison, Qunicy Jones
S: Bez… The lad had technique.

http://soundcloud.com/initials-1

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Initials/277052469028075

http://www.juno.co.uk/products/the-art-of-doing-nothing-ep/452400-01/

 

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25
Apr
12

reviews:46

By gregfenton Leave a Comment
Categories: Magazine Sixty reviews
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Jamie Jones
feat. Art Department
Our Time In Liberty
Crosstown Rebels

What else needs to be said of Jamie Jones meteoric rise? Nothing, apart from that you need to listen to this. Powered by dark, brooding stabs this pulls no punches whatsoever combining not only a sense of urgency via Kenny Glasgow’s hot vocal: I Know It’s The time, but also by a devastating succession of deep, pulsating beats and rumbling basslines which make it feel never less than anthemic. In one word then: HUGE. Russ Yallop continues the prediction by running the classic chord progression over yet more outstanding atmospheres, which only serve to enhance the experience still further. In other words: equally HUGE. 9

release: April 30

http://soundcloud.com/jamie-jones

http://soundcloud.com/russ-yallop

http://www.crosstownrebels.com/

 

Dog Days
Dog Days EP
Gruuv Records

Great release from Audiojacks’ Gruuv Records however I’ll try to spare you the references as the first track is called, 92. Of course it’s time related but who cares – that much – as this has a funky JB snare break sounding irresistible over fuzzy pads and timely voices. Uplifting, and yet very tastefully deep. Pol_On provides the Edit with an impressive alternative take on the bass plus thumping toms coupled with inspired cinematic strings, and with such an unhinged arrangement this can really only be described as excellent. Next is the fiery, Mia which lifts the tempo and atmosphere while hitting more 90’s notes in the course of refocusing your memory to youthful times – see jealous. Rodriguez Jr. provides exemplary remixes that only heighten the dancefloor appeal with excellent percussion fuelled by big-time keys and MK styled vocals. Perfect. 9

release: May 1

http://soundcloud.com/gruuv/sets/gruuv-016-ep-dog-days-pol_on/

http://www.facebook.com/gruuv

 

Jay Bliss
The Art Of Doing Nothing
Initials

Alex Jones and Ste Roberts (also of Hypercolour) along with Dave Elkabas have formed the Initials imprint and the deceptive, The Art Of Doing Nothing is their second release. Jay Bliss, having previously released on Bang Bang and Dynamic, gets straight down to business with low-slung bass and old school sensibilities pitted against moody organ and an edgy vocal loop. An easy formula for sure but one that works a treat – the bassline is extremely hypnotic. Second track, X continues the text with deeper tones and evolving keys feel just that bit more poignant. Petre Inspirescu then reinterprets X over the course of fourteen minutes and astonishingly there is never a dull moment in all of its electronic sequence. Added to the digital release is bonus, Atonement which isn’t as sombre as it suggests and certainly re invigorates you with pulsating rhythms and excitable keys. 8

release: April 26

http://soundcloud.com/initials-1/sets/initials002-jay-bliss-the-art/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Initials/277052469028075

 

Dan Ghenacia & Shonky
Close To The Edge
Apollonia

The labels second release from two of its talking heads’ is somewhat of a killer combining energised dancefloor sensibilities with breezy melodic appeal. It’s all about the drums, the bass and the voice here, and this cool combination of all three feels instantly infectious along with a hefty sprinkling of funky guitar – indeed, you can just picture the smiling faces on the dancefloor. The Mole then turns it all upside down with a feverish remix transforming the elements into something moodier, darker but no less intoxicating. 8

release:  April 30

http://www.lola-ed.com/artists/dan-ghenacia

http://www.lola-ed.com/artists/shonky

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20
Apr
12

Paul Hardy (Baker Street Recordings) interview

By gregfenton Leave a Comment
Categories: Interviews
Tags: , , , ,

What inspired you to start Baker Street Recordings, and how would you describe running a label to someone else thinking of starting one?

It was the combination of wanting to release our own music and for me the business, A&R side. That part of the music industry was really interesting to me. Running a label is a labour of love, you have to love the music and throw yourself into the industry. Money is tight and you have to have a keen ear for the music. If you’re looking to start a label and be successful look to put all your spare cash into it and don’t over release, take your time, treat each EP with the attention it needs, the work only starts once its released.

Your new compilation celebrates the 5th Anniversary of the label in two parts. What process decided the tracks to go on each one?

It took a lot of debating and thinking about to choose which tracks would work well for the remix album.  In the end we drafted a shortlist and let some of the producers decide.  We are really happy with how the album has turned out, there have been a couple of tracks from the release that have become favorites and been played by quite a number of people, but they have all been really well received!

The tracks on part two are really a collection of our most popular.  We have noticed that from starting the promo for this release it has kick started a second life into some of our bigger previous releases, such as the Timewriter remix of ‘Insomniac Oasis’ and Yousef’s ‘Don’t Touch Me’ mix.

You initially released music on vinyl before moving to digital and are now planning to release on vinyl once again. Why is that important to you?

One of the overriding factors is the lack of support that some download sites are giving to smaller labels.  That combined with the thousands of releases that come out each week means your releases just get lost.  Some download sites are getting things right for the underground market; Traxsource for example seems to understand the problem.  The move to vinyl means that we can release in a less flooded marketplace.  We are also looking at just selling all our release direct from our site, cutting out all the extra costs and getting the label back to that personal feel that people really like. Big Risk Though.

How would you describe your process of producing music? Any favorite piece of software or instrument?

Pro Tools is our production software of choice.  We also run Ableton alongside this.  What seems to work really well for us is to have the bones of the track laid out in Pro Tools, and any extra sounds and bits that need creating are done in Ableton, and then put into a network file so we can access it from any of the studio Macs.  The process of having two people in the studio producing one track has really helped to fuel creativity.

The only VST that we stick to religiously is Spectrasonic’s Trillian for basses, there is no competition in my opinion especially for an analogue sound if you can’t afford the hardware.  Hardware wise we mix down through an Allen & Heath Zed-R16 and TL Audio valve compressors.

The label has a very distinctive sound, how would you best describe it?

I’d like to just say House, but that’s means so many things nowadays, so Deep house with a influence of Jack from Chicago and Tech from Detroit.

Tell us about your forthcoming plans for Baker Street nights?

We have some pretty exciting plans for Baker Street nights.  The general idea will be to have DJ’s and live musicians combining on stage.  There are such a high number of nights around at the moment that we want to create an experience that stands out from the rest of these nights.  This element of live music as well as DJ’s will help to make the nights more memorable, and when the event is fully branded up with Baker Street and everyone is wearing old school Sherlock tweed it should be a great atmosphere.  Also if we ever get any nice weather again there are rumors of a barge party!!

What do you listen to when you’re not at Baker Street?

There is a new artist coming through called Rohit who creates the most stunning electronic music with an Indian influence, one to watch for the future. In the office we listen to everything from Elvis, The Beatles to Black Sabbath and everything in between.

http://www.bakerstreetrecordings.com/

http://soundcloud.com/bakerstreetrecordings

https://www.facebook.com/bakerstreetrec

http://twitter.com/#!/bakerstreetrec

 

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19
Apr
12

reviews:45

By gregfenton Leave a Comment
Categories: Magazine Sixty reviews
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Alexis Raphael
Into the Light
Hot Creations

Love this. The capitals’ Alexis Raphael captures the invigorating sounds and feel of contemporary House music perfectly with this inspired production. Tempered by strident beats and deliciously dark sounding synths the arrangement sets you up for its fall into bassline nirvana, with a timely nod to early nineties vocal samples’ and a twist of infectious Disco toms into the bargain.  Hot Natured then proceed to deepen the bass and add edgy attitude to their sublimely powerful remix, as second track I Know feels almost church-like in comparison: with heavenly Organ cumulating in a succession of hypnotic handclaps and cheeky selection of yet more classic vocal lines… 9

release: April 23

http://soundcloud.com/alexisraphael/a1-into-the-light

https://www.facebook.com/djalexisraphael

https://www.facebook.com/HotCreationsLabel

 

Cesar Coronado
Crazy Position EP
Flumo Recordings

Cesar Coronado’s debut for the relocated Flumo label sees splashing 909 hats play off against nagging vocal snippets and cool fuzzy chords. Meanwhile, the impressive Atapy Remix gets funky with its Bass while playing pounding synthetic drums as it evolves into a creative collection of electronic notes and pads. However, it’s down to Ed Maddams Soul Dub to transform the mood of it all by breaking up the beats and adding excellent Jazzy tones to a particularly stinking sequence of events. Hats off, this is good. The Way I Feel About You replays another classic vocal from the 90’s over a suitably fashionable b-line to compliment it all stylishly. 8

release: April 24

http://soundcloud.com/kahua-music/sets/flr033

http://www.flumo.com/

 

Joss Moog
That old Feeling
Robsoul Recordings

Have to say I made the mistake of underestimating this when I first heard it. But, much to my delight it’s all you could hope for and more from Parisian Joss Moog, whose distinctive selection of influences hits all the right buttons. Slinky bass and infectiously funky percussion effortlessly work their way into your consciousness as Motown inspired voices and moody chords do all the rest. That Old Feeling:  simple and yet totally effective. As indeed is, Xtra Bass which again plays a collection of beats and breaks as smooth dancefloor filler. The much perkier, That’s What UR follows by adding Disco flavour and the 70’s party-time inflections of Blue Paradise complete. 8

release: April 20

http://www.facebook.com/jossmoogmusic

https://www.facebook.com/robsoulrecordings

 

Manuel Tur
Swans Reflecting Elephants
Freerange

You will be well familiar with Manuel Tur reading Magazine Sixty so it’s a definite pleasure to be introducing you to his new, and second, album for Freerange. Both label and artist espouse certain qualities when it comes to the music they release and thought-provoking tracks such as new single, High Needs Low are a perfect case in point. From heavy-duty deepness to more spacious atmospheres the curiously titled album (via Salvador Dali) never fails but to thrill you with its exploration of ideas about sound and their possibilities. That may sound a touch pretentious but on songs like, Maybe Next Lifetime featuring BlakKat you can get the general idea.  The cinematic collages continue through the uncertain repetition of, Mirrors and on the eerily perfect, Just Love with Elina Monova – whose probing use of vocals lifts the music above and beyond. 8

release: April 23

http://soundcloud.com/manueltur/swans-reflecting-elephants-preview

http://www.freerangerecords.co.uk

Album Launch Party May 4 at Junction Room (London)

http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?348667

 

Various Artists
Baker Street 5th Anniversary
Baker Street Recordings

Superlative Leeds based label Baker Street celebrates its five years in existence with this collection of choice moments from its past, complimented by a selection of new remixes pointing towards the future.  Split over two CD’s, with the initial featuring the new versions, let’s start with the second as it opens with Matthias Vogt’s killer remix Paul Hardy’s Swirl  – which just so happens to be a favourite from last year. All the labels stalwarts are present here from Moodymanc to Jay Shepheard and Baker Street’s distinctive twist on American House music plays out fluently flitting between moods and instrumentation. The remix CD then comes care off the likes of Murray Richardson, Martijn and also includes the spectacular Lo Tech Remix of Lie To Me, so you know what quality to expect. 8

release: April 23

Free Album Mix http://soundcloud.com/bakerstreetrecordings/5th-anniversary-mixed-by-paul

http://www.bakerstreetrecordings.com/

 

Kellerkind
Basement Story
Sirion Records

Opening with the breezy, Jazz Cafe the album develops its theme with titles like the succinctly funky standout cut, Disco On The Dancefloor and cruises through everything from deeper to techy territory with ease. Although, it’s not always as straight forward as that may sound due to the colourful use of styles which are playfully incorporated into the mix: a hint of Jazz here, a touch of Ska there.  But that’s precisely what makes Basement Story quite so enjoyable. The album also includes a couple of bonus remixes and ends on the down-tempo orchestration of, The Black Cat Gismo for the sheer hell of it. 7

release: April 24

http://soundcloud.com/kellerkind/preview-album-kellerkind

http://www.sirion-records.ch/

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14
Apr
12

reviews:44

By gregfenton Leave a Comment
Categories: Magazine Sixty reviews
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Towards Green
Last Page EP
Buzzin Fly Records

I did think of Durutti Column when I first heard Rivero Brito’s sensitively plucked guitar streaming through stereo and that’s of course a most welcoming experience. But, it’s also equally refreshing not to plant thoughts in your mind as this EP conjures up all sorts of people you could reference, despite the music having a life very much of its own. After experiencing the rather beautiful title track, the even more so, Keep Your Eyes Closed defies logic with uber-cool Double Bass and fizzy electronics blending together impressively with thought-enhancing arrangements and subtleties. The Arkist Remix adds beats, though cleverly doesn’t lose the charm, on an excellent version that can only come highly recommended. The Live Take of Last Page then finishes off with what must have put a rather large smile on Ben Watts face… 9

release: April 16

http://www.buzzinfly.com

 

Boris Dlugosch
Keep Pushing
Peppermint Jam

Fresh remixes of Boris Dlugosch’s biggie from the mid nineties sees Inaya Day’s vocals revitalised once again, and this time round over equally contemporary versions. Firstly from the excellent Joel Alter who swings delicious bass off hissing hi-hats and funky organ, while utilising snippets of appropriate voice to deliver more typically irresistible grooves. The Coyu Kitty-Push remix gives the drums much more of a tribal flavour and uses more melody, all of which eventually reaches the joyous chorus line. 8

release: April 18

http://soundcloud.com/peppermint-jam-records/sets/boris-dlugosch-keep-pushin-1/

http://www.peppermint-jam.com

 

 

Hot Since 82
Hurt You EP
Moda Black

This new instalment from Moda Music begins life with another notable Leeds artist, Hot Since 82. Hurt You, fuels the senses with an infectious bassline, tripped-out voices and insistent hi-hats which punctuate the production throughout – you couldn’t really ask for a better start from the label. Second track, Sundown compliments the picture with darker notation and funkier percussion being offset by semi- melodic vocal snippets and dark, brooding synth chords which all feel suitably lush. 8

release: April 16

http://www.thisismoda.com

https://www.facebook.com/hotsince82

 

Guy Gerber
The Mirror Game
Visionquest

Sounding enviously similar to The Cure circa 1980 with its evocative, gothic overtones and that uniquely, haunting bass-guitar sound, this even manages to transcend that very possibility via heavenly treated voices and shimmering electronic percussion. A truly excellent piece of music to refresh the soul – or at least words to that effect. One Day In May, proceeds with a stunning chord progression that deifies simplicity and is again aided by a surreal collection of voices and sounds so tempting that you can almost taste them. The Snake Pit Dub of the title track ends by tweaking the elements into yet more ethereal beauty as a special bonus for the digital package. 9

release: April 16

http://www.vquest.tv/

 

Kate Simko & Matt Tolfrey
The Same Page EP
Leftroom

Leftroom’s Matt Tolfrey teams up with Chicago’s Kate Simko to produce this devastating collection of one, two, three tracks. Opening with, Take It Easy which blurs the lines between Jazz, House and Electro – which if you ask me sounds like the perfect idea – by playing cool guitar alongside big fuzzy chords and electro-funk bass, this also boasts a clever arrangement that is never less than electrifying. Synthetic sounds continue to flow with, Lazy B coming complete with refreshingly funky percussion, leaving No Shame to develop the Chicago theme further into the ethos. 9

release: April 16

http://soundcloud.com/leftroom/sets/kate-simko-matt-tolfrey-same/

http://www.leftroom.com

 

 

Voices Of Black
Atom Bomb
Double Standard

Dropping the tempo but never easing up on the mood comes this latest from the creative hands belonging to Voices Of Black. It’s hard not to admire the audacity of their spirit as these laid back vocals tease a sense of drama from the quietly addictive, head-nodding rhythms, and it’s even harder not to nod likewise. Remixes are from the even more down-tempo Taner Ross, who furthers the tension still to highlight the vocals’ charm, and No Regualr Play feat. John Camp Remix who pick up the pace again giving the song some House pizzazz via the detuned voices and funky arpeggios. 8

release: April 23

http://soundcloud.com/voicesofblack/01-atom-bomb

http://voicesofblack.net

http://www.doublestandardrecords.com

 

The White Lamp
It’s You
Futureboogie Recordings

Proving once again the strength of contemporary music, The White Lamp show the way the way forward with their combination of irresistibly cool grooves and knowing vocals. I guess the clue is in the labels’ name: Futureboogie. The drive of It’s You lies within the pulsating basslines and a vocal delivery which places tension against melody, and is nothing but completely enticing. Ron Basejam aka Jim Baron from Crazy P supplies the remix with typical panache and comes up funky as ever with a selection of deliciously soulful chords, leaving the Eats Everything and Christophe Acid Ouse remix to do that very thing in equal style. 8

release: April 16

http://www.futureboogie.com

http://www.myspace.com/ronbasejam

http://soundcloud.com/christophe1

 

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10
Apr
12

Kris Menace: interview & new album review

By gregfenton Leave a Comment
Categories: Interviews
Tags: , , ,

Who inspired you to first get into producing music?

I grew up surrounded by music lovers. My father was a record collector for Soul, Disco, R n B, my mum loves classic and my sister was into electronical music around the time it all started… whenever I listened to music as a kid I knew that this is what I have to do…
I first went in a professional studio when I was around 13 or 14 years old. My first studio partner became one of my best friends over the years and also founded Work It Baby with me. He´s not into music anymore, but we are still very, very good friends.

Can you describe the process of creating your new album, Electric Horizon? How did you go about creating your favourite sounds?

Whenever I do music I just play around and do what I like. Sometimes I start with a beat, sometimes I have a melody which stuck in my head. My whole thinking is based around melodies so it’s easy for me to complete a composition. With the melody I already know what kind of sound it should have and as I know my studio and synths quite well, I´m very fast in searching for what I already have in my mind. 

You collaborated with Ninja Tunes’ Hexstatic on your current singles, Falling Star & eFeel. Tell us about that how that came about?

I’ve always been a huge fan of Hexstatic since they released their first album. I always wanted to work on their track “Space Invaders” and was able to do this with Hexstatic for mine and their 2009 albums. My ex-manager was the flat mate of Robin from Hexstatic and so the contact was made quickly. When I finished “Falling Star” I immediately e-mailed Hexstatic and Robin was really up for doing the video´s to the singles. We also worked together on a live show which took part a few weeks ago in Barcelona Razzmatazz.

You have remixed everyone from Lana Del Rey to Depeche Mode. Do you have any favourites and why?

I don’t have favourites but of course I’m very happy that I’m able to remix such great artists. I really love to collaborate and to remix other people, even though, I recently stepped back a bit from remixing thru the fact that I want to concentrate more on my own music now.

How would you describe your sound and which artists have influenced you?

I think whenever I listen to a song, if I like it or not, I take something out of it. So I’m influenced by everything I ever heard, ever saw, ever tasted. That’s your personality. You are who you are because you experienced what you experienced. So my sound has everything really.
I personally can’t even describe sometimes what I’m doing there… if it’s Techno or Disco or House or whatever… I just don’t care and do what I like…

What can we expect to hear next from your labels: Compuphonic and Work It Baby in 2012?

The Lana Del Ray remix will be soon out on Work It Baby. My album “Electric Horizon” will be out in April together with some single releases like “We Are” feat the Kiki Twins. After the summer I’m gonna release a vocal album which I just finished and where I teamed up with a lot of amazing vocalists… I also started some band projects… I’m really looking forward to all the releases in 2012…

 

Kris Menace
Electric Horizon
Compuphonic

All you have to do is hit the play button and Electric Horizon will take care of the rest. The review could almost end there. Indeed in ways the album feels like one endless cosmic track, but if you’re tuned into European electronic music deriving from the lines of Giorgio Moroder then this album will excite you in ways you doubted possible in 2012. Of course, that’s not in any way to limit the power and scope of this beautifully crafted music which also touches upon many contemporary bases in its process. The opening single, Falling Star will explain everything to you in plain English, although it actually took until track 5 before even noticing the complete absence of vocals – which says something about the music’s capability in itself. If you loved Kris Menace’s first album then this is even better, by far. 9

http://www.junodownload.com/products/electric-horizon/1932878-02/

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/electric-horizon/id510986358

http://www.krismenace.com/

http://soundcloud.com/krismenace

https://www.facebook.com/krismenace

https://twitter.com/#!/krismenace

 

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