Above The Plug News

Two rare mid 90?s gems back to back from Berlin label Above the plug, After hours is the stand out track from Hi tech Criminals 1997 Self released extremely Rare Rise Up EP. Still getting played on various radio stations and Dance floors across the world, On the flip is another rare track Back to coney from the 1994 Journeyman release, Cut at Abbey road studios, the track was a dance floor favourite and contained a cheeky warriors film sample, Journeyman later became Hi tech Criminal after another Journeyman popped up, both tracks have been remastered by Analogcut mastering Berlin

HMC returns with 3 killer tracks for Reflector 03!

Acid Trac #1 & #3 were originally released in 1996 on the Dirty Acid Tracks label these go for big money on Discogs (if you can find a copy) a no-mercy acid assault built for peak-hour damage.

As an added bonus we have Cum On which was the flip side of Phreakin’ released in 1995.

Limited pressing act fast!

2 classic HMC cuts taken from the 1992 Science Funktion & 1995 Southern Cross EP’s respectively, focussing on HMC’s deeper house style, an essential release for collectors and DJs alike.

Both tracks will cost yo

2026 Repress

The classic I-f tracks. Including Secret Desire, Playstation#2 and the new and never released ''You and yours-us and ours''...

Three years after the release of Volume 1, Innershades returns to home turf with a second entry in his Heritage series. The New Beat territory that its predecessor tackled serves as the starting point for the A-side of Volume 2 as well. The glistening arpeggios and choir patches on "Mind State", alongside the unyielding kicks, alarm-like synth lines and plodding tempo of "System Breakdown," reaffirm how the genre's hallmarks smoothly align with the artist's own inclinations. The B-side draws from the broad spectrum of styles that emerged a bit later, in the beginning of the nineties, when it seemed the dance floor would move unimpeded between and bridge genres, its boundaries often not as firmly established. "Fuse Memory" nudges the pace forward, driven by the 909 and a staple hypnotic lead. When the drums come to a halt, a 303 emerges to flesh out the break. "Rhythm Composer" continues in a similar early techno vein, but pulls the track into outer space via its formant-heavy leads and Detroit-tinged sci-fi sweeps. On ALT023 Innershades appears in fine fettle, providing another batch of up-front club tracks that approach history as motion rather than memory, translating the past into forward momentum.

2024 Repress !

"Looking back in hindsight to the activity and accomplishments of Axis is with much pride - to witness the relationship between the music and listener evolving to this point. The Director's Cut reissue project is about manicuring detail. It?s about a rare opportunity to enhance what we've done so that the relationship strengthens for the long term'' - Jeff Mills

Joe Davies back on Smallville, providing his skills to double the magic on the fly!

Soundscapes that will tickle your sweetspots. straight-but-quirky, far-out but still to the point – Joe is a master of his craft. His highly-acclaimed 2023 longplayer „Shields In Full Sunlight“ is still on the plates of oh-so-many heads out there, same for us. We are truly happy to present his latest vision of a cloudy night- all with Wonderful Tempo.

Comes with a stunning full cover artwork from Stefan Marx.

Finally available as a complete 12" vinyl release: all versions of the classic "Make a Move on Me" by Dave Lee aka Joey Montenegro. Originally released in 2005 as a definitive vocal house anthem, the Disco Master dropped a fresh new disco version in 2023 that sounds absolutely brilliant for the current nu-disco dancefloors. An absolute essential!

"Over the past three decades, Philipp Lauer has produced an incredible body of work, deploying a myriad of aliases, both as a solo artist and as a part of collaborative projects. From his hardware-steeped Frankfurt studio Pyramide 2, he has built this catalogue through original material and remix commissions, taking on the full spectrum of electronic music while retaining an unmistakable signature. He combines a hands-on approach to rhythm and composition with a DIY MO and a love of big hooks. The level of expertise at hand seems to facilitate a playfulness that subtly permeates all layers of his work. He's a pop melody natural who just so happens to love fiddling with synthesizers, drum machines, and effects an equal amount. All of these qualities are exemplified on "Embalmed In Martino": Lauer's four-track ode to the Belgian Martino sauce, a spicy tomato-based condiment, and arguably the essential ingredient to top off the namesake raw meat sandwich. On "Embalmed", which makes use of instrumentation that would fit right in on an early eighties Manchester cut, and "Martino", where a sturdy, electroclash flavored arp bass provides the stamina, a slew of big and small riffs easily work their way in, thirsting for our ears. On the other side, "Transactional" combines Miami basslines and similarly electro-fundamental twinkling synth work with a flanger-laced 4/4 beat, while "Don't You Know" features soaring synthwave patterns and the only vocal samples on the EP. Both sport rich arrangements as well, right down to the cowbell overdubs. Lauer's often lauded for his "summery sound". In this light ALT026 lands right on time - yet we might disagree here, as it's suited for all seasons, and all terrains, both the shiny festival grounds and the dim-lit club floors."

FUNKSOULSEX is the debut album by London-based Liv East and the culmination of years spent refining a sound entirely her own. Blending R&B, funk, neo-soul and contemporary electronic influences, the album explores love, desire, intimacy, lust and connection in the modern age through smoky grooves, sensual vocals and vintage-inspired production. Featuring production from Brighton duo AMIcity and incorporating vintage equipment & textures, FUNKSOULSEX bridges timeless influences with a fresh, forward-thinking perspective, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and unmistakably modern.

Repress

Frankfurt’s fast rising Ludwig A.F. Röhrscheid makes mind massaging music that enters realms from afar. Here he debuts on UTTU with 4 fantasy house jams for your mind, your body & your soul.

Luis Ripa is already making big waves, with a number of his tracks receiving support from someof the most respected DJs in the underground house music scene. As part of Amsterdam’s Naked collective, he is one of the most promising talents carrying theflag for raw, stripped-back grooves and drum aesthetics. Pisco Slap EP marks his debut on Salty Nuts and showcases his ability to create energy and atmosphere without overproducing. Elegant yet edgy drum programming, combined with innovative sample chops, adds a special essence to his outstanding grooves. The title track, Pisco Slap, is already gaining support from some of the biggest names in the scene and has already caused serious damage on dancefloors worldwide. Accompanied by two more high-end grooves, A10 and Hippie Joint, the release is completed on the flip side by Fabe’s twist on Pisco Slap - a deeper stomper that delivers the well-known signature groove Fabe is known for.

Luz Retina Edits - One shot, exemplary reworks from Tiago...

A clean sweep of undeniably funky industrial, Balearic-Goth anthems, reimagined for enhanced, 21st century dystopian escapism.

VERY limited !

LN015 presents two new cuts from Watts' ADAT archive. On the A-side, "Wall Shaker" is a timeless anthemic track built to rock dancefloors. True Midwest grit, original sound design, and a thumping mixdown drive this track. Play it nice and loud and it's guaranteed to shake the walls. On the B-side, "All In One" provides a 9-minute journey of chords, rhythms, and deep sub frequencies. Pressed at 45 rpm, these cuts are crafted carefully to compete on any system.

Going Good pres. Emerging from the moors of the post-industrial North, Miles J Paralysis arrives on his freshly minted Crying Outcast imprint.

Desert Island Broadcast, the new album from Mirror People—the project of Portuguese musician and producer Rui Maia—is out September 26 on vinyl and across all digital platforms. The release is accompanied by the single Any Color U Like, following the earlier teaser track Million Questions, unveiled on May 9.

Described by Maia as “a radio transmission from a desert island—an imaginary space where different styles and references meet and coexist,” the record completes a trilogy begun with Voyager (2015) and Heartbeats Etc. (2022). “I wanted to create an album that felt both familiar and unexpected, like a lost signal reaching the right listener at the right time. It’s a celebration of music as companionship, even in isolated places,” says Maia.

Written between 2022 and 2025, Desert Island Broadcast features longtime collaborators and special guests, including vocalist Rö (Maria do Rosário), percussionist Ryoko Imai, saxophonist João Cabrita, and backing vocalists Ana Vieira and Isa Gomes.

With a career that has resonated both in Portugal and abroad, Mirror People continues to assert its relevance in the independent scene, delivering captivating songwriting and meticulous production.

Mirror People is the alter ego of musician, producer, and DJ Rui Maia, also known as the keyboardist of X-Wife. Conceived as a collaborative project with artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, Mirror People explores the intersections of disco, funk, and electronic music.

DJ support from Dan Tyler (Idjut Boys), Eric Duncan, Justin Strauss, Severino (Horse Meat Disco), and PBR Streetgang.

High-energy disco, Balearic, and synth-funk weapons backed by an elite DJ vanguard. This release delivers dancefloor-tested versatility, moving seamlessly from sun-drenched daytime grooves to late-night afterparty anthems. Motor Mouth Drum Ensemble present their Highballs At The Beach Club EP on Creative Use. Kicking things off on the A side is “Singapore Ray” A cheeky mid-tempo Asian disco-pop stepper, a neck dancer’s dream! Over on the flip “Night-Mine” a Dramatic low & slow balearo-funk to launch your ships to. Rounding off the EP “Fool You For Real” which is a Icy digital synth funk built to halt your after-party waffle.

DJ Support – The usual Suspects

Moxy Edits sneaks two tracks past the velvet rope—no guest list required, bass-heavy, floor-ready, summer certified.

180 GR returns with the third and final chapter of Music & Territory from N-Zino, continuing his exploration of groove, rhythm, and deep-rooted dancefloor music through a record balancing organic textures with timeless club sensibilities. The 180 GR Classic Mix of Your X leans towards the label's signature dancefloor language: stripped-back, hypnotic, and groove-driven, built around rolling rhythms and functional energy. In contrast, the 180 GR Organic Mix opens the arrangement into warmer and more textured territories, emphasizing musicality, movement, and a more immersive atmosphere. On remix duties, Trinidadian Deep delivers his signature spiritual approach -- deep, meditative, and richly textured -- stretching the source material into immersive territories built for late-night moments. Meanwhile, Nico Lahs brings his unmistakable blend of raw groove, jazz-infused house aesthetics, and driving rhythm sections, injecting extra energy while preserving the emotional core of the originals.

Adventures for curious minds – new label Braintickle launches with Conversations in Dreams, a four-track EP from Amsterdam based duo Naone & denial. Naone opens the A side with “Midnight Caller” – a low-end driven cut with tight percussion and sharp hats, peppered with undulating gurgles and mutating synths. A2 is a deeper affair, carried by growling bass, choppy beats and wiggy, tripped-out samples. On the flip, denial serves up the rolling, bleeping and tribal-infused “Avoid the Voices”, where glitched-out sci-fi vocals meet tumbling drums. Finally, the shadowy, stripped-back echoes of “Silent Smoke” close out this classy, multifaceted package.

SUNANDBASS Recordings proudly presents its next release, welcoming rising artist Napes with a brand new single: Hit The Corner / Clamber. This release marks the exciting introduction of a new artist joining the SUNANDBASS Recordings roster, signalling a bright future for both the label and its evolving sound. With previous releases on Shall Not Fade and Alix Perez’s 1985 Music, Napes is a promising name within the modern jungle scene. This release is a clear statement of his pushing boundaries combining grime influences and old school jungle, giving us his fresh sounds and melody-led drum and bass music, reaching new horizons while staying rooted in foundations. On the A-side, Hit The Corner showcases acid-tinged synths that meet a UK grime edge, driven by energetic beats and rolling breaks. In 6:20, Napes lets us travel through all the facets of a SUNANDBASS Recordings journey, with his ever-changing arrangement that evolves from heavy, club-focused energy into a euphoric jungle-inspired middle section, before concluding with driving arpeggiated synths. On the B-side, Clamber offers a deep, darker contrast. Between the atmospheric strings set intro which is dropping into a heavy, bass-driven groove, easily imagined shaking the dancefloor during an Ambra Night indoor session. The track reveals a more introspective side of Napes, blending refined sound selection with classic, weighty basslines built for the dancefloor. We’re honoured to welcome Napes to the SUNANDBASS Recordings family, an artist whose sound reflects our love for all corners of the genre while paying homage to the music that brings us together in Sardinia year after year. SUNANDBASS Recordings continues to push the boundaries of drum & bass, fostering connection through music that transcends borders, unites listeners, and celebrates rhythm, movement, and culture.

Causa, the latest release from Stuttgart-based label PREDAWN Records, presents a compelling blend of classic techno textures, intricate rhythms, and experimental soundscapes. The EP delves into the natural principles of motion, force, and matter. The tracks offer a unique exploration of organic forms: “Continuation” exemplifies motion with its almost melodic texture and well-defined rhythms. “Äthenae” represents matter, characterized by intricate rhythms and sophisticated sound design. The minimalist and focused track “Vis” embodies force within the framework. Pianeti’s reinterpretation of “Vis” serves as the perfect counterbalance to the original, featuring more complex rhythms and richer textures that beautifully complete the essence of the EP.

Ohm & Octal Industries made their mark on this label with their Northwest Passages album back in 2023, and now they return with more heavy but equally serene dub tech excursions. 'Blizzard' has none of the frenzy of that weather type but does have gentle synth winds swirling around the rooted drums. 'Fly Boy' is a delicate dub with the most subtle pads and effects marbling the airwaves, while 'Goodbye Sunshine' has more forward intent and beautifully hits that glide over the minimal drums. 'Jah Rule' then dials into a heads-down and more warehouse-ready dub techno sound built from the sort of perfect loops that could play for days and never get annoying.

Three releases in, Ottagone has established themselves as one of the more dependable forces in contemporary techno production. Selected III builds on the momentum of its predecessors, delivering six precisely crafted, groove-oriented tracks alongside two exclusive vinyl cuts making their first appearance here. Purposeful, cohesive, and as rhythmically compelling as the series has come to promise.

P.E.A.R.L. returns to Falling Ethics with a focused four-track EP built around hypnotic repetition, detailed textures and driving groove. Exploring deeper and more atmospheric territories while maintaining a strong dancefloor sensibility, the record showcases his refined approach to contemporary techno. A cohesive addition to the catalogue and another statement from the label's founder.

Parissior, moving between EBM, dark disco, indie dance and electronic music while blending analog and digital production.

The album brings together tracks that originally didn’t belong to previous EPs but eventually formed a coherent narrative exploring themes such as digital identity, illusion, authenticity and human imperfection.

From the sense of social pursuit in “The Chase”, to reflections on artificial validation in “True Connection” and “Smoke and Mirrors”, the record balances introspection with dancefloor energy.

The album also includes “Sintes Guarros” featuring Size M, and two additional digital-only tracks, expanding the project beyond the physical format.

Human Control ultimately works as a sonic map connecting machines, emotion and underground culture.

PAWSA & Adventures of Stevie V’s ‘Dirty Cash (Money Talks)’ Extended Mix marks an exciting evolution of the iconic dance track.

With PAWSA’s innovative production skills and Adventures of Stevie V’s timeless vocals, this release captivates both longtime devotees of the original and a new audience discovering its energetic essence.

On the flip is the classic Sold Out 12 Inch Mix had additional production, and the mix was done by David Morales.

Peer Du is the next artist to be released on the ever-versatile Zenit Ltd.

This EP fully reflects the spirit of the label, unfolding through a wide range of moods and textures. Side A opens with “Spezial,” the title track of the release: a melancholic yet hopeful piece suspended somewhere between electro and trance, and one that is hard not to be moved by. The A-side closes with another version of the same track, deeper in tone, yet still as dreamy and ethereal as the original. Side B shifts gear and atmosphere, reaching further into the night. “DYT” is an insistent breakkatone cut with moments of lift and openness, as if stretching toward the sky. The mood remains recognisably Peer’s, but there is also a clear change in intention. DYT reworks a minimal electro break, drawing its roots from the late 1990s. The release closes with “Rabotnik,” where all the uncertainty of the night takes shape. An intense and multifaceted release, rich in nuance and hard to walk away from untouched.

Sublunar is proud to present the new EP from Georgian talent Pierce.

Already affiliated with labels such as Token Records and WSNWG, and following his contribution to Veil Of Echoes II, Pierce returns with a release that further defines his voice, establishing him as one of the most eclectic and distinctive emerging artists in the scene.
The EP opens with Luminous, driven by a solid groove and a uniquely recognisable vocal, before moving into Sentimento, a direct and powerful cut built around raw, gritty synth work. Cassiopeia follows, darker in tone, carrying a sense of melancholic tension that sets it apart. On the flip side, Gunslinger delivers high-impact energy with a driving groove, while Twisted Fantasy explores a more chaotic and textural approach, shaped by distorted elements and unpredictable arrangements. Delira continues the journey with hypnotic vocals and an intense, immersive groove.

With this release, Pierce firmly positions himself as one of the most compelling emerging voices in the current techno landscape.

For catalog number 19 Rødhåd teams up with Munich based artist Polygonia. In 2025 these tracks were recorded over multiple sessions at the WSNWG studio in Berlin. The result is MAUVIER a four track EP showcasing the fusion of the two creative minds.

Written & Produced by Polygonia and Rødhåd at WSNWG Studio Berlin.
Mastered by Conor Dalton at Calyx Mastering in Berlin

a a1 MAUVIER 01 250120
b a2 MAUVIER 02 [250331.1]
[c] b1 MAUVIER 03 [250331.2]
[250401]

2026 Repress

The Universe evolution led to the emergence of life and we can only guess what forms of it can exist in the depths of Space. Maybe in the future a Moonrover will be launched to other planets and satellites. And this is only a small part of the huge research capacity of humankind. Using this capacity to the full we hope to find answers to the questions on the origin and existence of life.

2026 Repress

Time in the context of the cosmos is not merely a measure of change but a profound mystery permeating all aspects of existence. It is both present and elusive, like the light of a distant star we see but can no longer touch at its source. The cosmos poses a fundamental question: what is time? Is it the stream in which we exist or an illusion crafted by our perception? The grandeur of the Universe reveals the extraordinary malleability of time. Gravity can slow its flow, while velocity can stretch it to infinity. At the event horizon of a black hole, time can nearly halt, transforming a moment into an eternity. This teaches us that time is not a universal truth but a phenomenon dependent on conditions and perspective

Consistent funk operator Ralo is back with a brace of tunes that will shake your bones loose. First up is 'Broken Way', a magnificently jumbled rhythm made from languid bass and kicks, peppered with organic percussion and heated through with soft synths. It's atmospheric and real, like the overheard soundtrack to a party happening in your kitchen. 'Djembe' then brings out some brassy horns to take things to the next level. They jump out of the low-slung drums and add jazz, soul and colour that cannot be ignored. Gledd and Monsieur Van Pratt step up on the flip with cultured reworks that turn things up to 11.

Thirty years. That is how long it has been since 1996, when European electronic music was
overwhelmed and reshaped by a wave of melody, melancholy, and rhythm. At the center of that
big bang was Roberto Concina, known ar1s1cally as Robert Miles—a visionary capable of bringing
Dream Trance to the global stage. Today, to celebrate three decades of pure sonic magic, "Fable"
returns to the turntable in a splendid celebratory reissue that stands as a well-deserved act of love
for an ar1st who passed away far too soon.
If Children was the programma1c manifesto of that era, Fable was its emo1onal evolu1on—the
track that proved dance music could touch in1mate and cinema1c chords. Listening to it today,
remastered for vinyl, is an experience that goes way beyond a simple nostalgia trip. This 30th-anniversary reissue splits into two versions to sa1sfy both purist DJs and avid collectors,
offering two excep1onal vinyl op1ons:

 The Standard Edi3on (Black Vinyl): Perfect for audiophiles and DJs who want to spin this
track in their sets without the fear of wearing out a museum piece. The warmth of the
black groove enhances the dynamics of the famous piano line and the depth of the
enveloping bass.

 The Limited Edi3on (Transparent Blue Vinyl - Limited & Numbered): The true crown jewel
of this release. Visually stunning, the transparent blue vinyl seems to evoke the dreamlike,
liquid, and suspended atmosphere of the track itself. The fact that it is a limited, handnumbered edi1on instantly makes it a grail for collectors worldwide.

Thirty years. That is how long it has been since 1996, when European electronic music was
overwhelmed and reshaped by a wave of melody, melancholy, and rhythm. At the center of that
big bang was Roberto Concina, known ar1s1cally as Robert Miles—a visionary capable of bringing
Dream Trance to the global stage. Today, to celebrate three decades of pure sonic magic, "Fable"
returns to the turntable in a splendid celebratory reissue that stands as a well-deserved act of love
for an ar1st who passed away far too soon.
If Children was the programma1c manifesto of that era, Fable was its emo1onal evolu1on—the
track that proved dance music could touch in1mate and cinema1c chords. Listening to it today,
remastered for vinyl, is an experience that goes way beyond a simple nostalgia trip. This 30th-anniversary reissue splits into two versions to sa1sfy both purist DJs and avid collectors,
offering two excep1onal vinyl op1ons:

 The Standard Edi3on (Black Vinyl): Perfect for audiophiles and DJs who want to spin this
track in their sets without the fear of wearing out a museum piece. The warmth of the
black groove enhances the dynamics of the famous piano line and the depth of the
enveloping bass.

 The Limited Edi3on (Transparent Blue Vinyl - Limited & Numbered): The true crown jewel
of this release. Visually stunning, the transparent blue vinyl seems to evoke the dreamlike,
liquid, and suspended atmosphere of the track itself. The fact that it is a limited, handnumbered edi1on instantly makes it a grail for collectors worldwide.

he all-time house music legend Roger Sanchez drops his brand new studio album ‘Spectrum’ - his first in twenty years. Previewed by three high-energy bangers - ‘Grinnin’ (with Fedde LeGrand), ‘Come My Way’ and ‘Temptation’ (with Low Steppa, featuring Ragdoll) - the record features the new focus track ‘How Do We Say Goodbye’, a collab with Karen Harding.

The globally celebrated and Grammy-winning DJ, producer and label head has been working on the album for years, much of it during his time in Shoreditch which has informed its euphoric UK summer sonic influences. But its diverse tracks reflect a spectrum of sounds, from pulsating club tracks to dancefloor fillers, through to more emotional moments and atmospheric elements. Lyrically it’s also the result of translating his personal experiences into song.

Roger says, “I’ve been working on this for the past six years, so it’s definitely a labour of love. During that time I got the chance to travel around the world and work with some amazing vocalists and songwriters to help me bring this project to life. I’ve got flavours from the UK, Spain, the US - all of this is part of the spectrum for. This project is about music and frequencies and light: so everything from the light to the soulful to the club-ready infrared, the emotionally-weighted ultraviolet. That’s what ‘Spectrum’ is all about for me.”

The new focus track ‘How Do We Say Goodbye’ was created with the topline extraordinaire and always in-demand collaborator Karen Harding, whose all-star credits include work with MNEK, Armand Van Helden, Rudimental, Wilkinson and many more. It’s a massive highlight of the album, with Karen’s soaring vocal class bringing both an irresistible hook and a touching sense of nostalgia, while Roger’s dynamic production ascends from a trance-like ambience into an electrifying drop.

Beyond the singles, ‘Spectrum’ also features a diverse array of other talents spanning multiple genres and nationalities. These include Melanic C, Kele Le Roc, Chico Castillo, Kelli-Leigh, Carnao Beats, Donae’O and more. It’s a guestlist which lives up to the anticipation for the record.

‘SPECTRUM’ is available as a special 3LP limited-edition pressed on red transparent vinyl.

Chunkers 010 – Running Hot – Hot Tracks Vol 1. EP

For the tenth release on Chunkers, Running Hot brings the heat. Hot Tracks Vol. 1 channels a range of peak-time energies from day to night across four insatiable house tracks: all killer, no filler. Those already familiar will know that Running Hot has practically developed his own subgenre at this stage: a classic, finely honed sound that draws from every corner of the house music archive while remaining contemporary, fresh, and 100% playable. This release is no different.

‘Feel The Rhythm’ is a peak-time tribal affair, irresistibly percussive with a sickening New York feel. This is the kind of track that turns a dancefloor feral when dropped at the right moment, its vocal pizazz and hammering toms providing just the right amount of tension and release to flip a room upside down.

Veering into warehouse territory, ‘Trip’ is a stripped-back stomper that nods to the anthemic sound of London club Trade in the ’90s. Expertly tuned stabs, vocals, and shifting percussion keep the energy locked in from start to finish without ever becoming too much.
On the B-side, ‘Bumpin’ brings the sunshine and once again demonstrates that if something isn’t broken, there’s no need to fix it. Running Hot’s winning formula is employed to its fullest here: a well-rounded house groove layered with vibrant chords, lush strings, and smouldering vocal hooks that evoke golden beaches and open fields, perfect for daytime dancefloor moments.

Rounding off the EP in classy fashion, ‘Amor’ fuses UK hard house tropes with lush synths, a boisterous bassline, earworm vocals, and unrelenting grooves, creating a track that feels equally at home at a daytime do or deep into late-night territory.

Hot Tracks Vol. 1, Running Hot and Chunkers: a pairing that does not miss.

Early DJ Support: Massimiliano Pagliara, Paranoid London, Logan Fisher, Terry Farley, James Holroyd, Rocky (X Press 2), Francois K, Marcel Vogel, Sean Johnston, Austin Ato, Ron Basejam, Richard Rogers, Oliver Dollar, Crazy P and many more

Creating an international name for itself over the past decade as a sample pack label, Samples From Mars made its inevitable venture into the music world originally as a home for founder Teddy Stuart’s work. Long before making samples, Stuart garnered credits working as a grammy-nominated recording engineer in the hip hop world, and DJing / producing with Justin Strauss as A/JUS/TED, for labels such as DFA, Domino Records and Southern Fried Records. Now the label is set to release a variety of genres - house, disco, techno, ambient, all with a vintage tinge and a focus on high quality, analog production.

Enter Salt Queen. Visual artist and musician Magali van Caloen together with Samples From Mars founder, Teddy Stuart. Based in New York, the duo combine hardware dance aesthetics with dry, salty takes on familiar club moments into music that sits somewhere between funny, raw and unpredictable.

Salt Queen’s debut ‘ARE U OK’ is an acid-laced, deadpan spoken word track with an opening line that snaps any room to attention. A disorienting club encounter unfolds over Italo-inflected 808s and a relentless 303 bassline. There are no chords and no melodies - just a skeletal groove and an intimate voice circling the dancefloor. Drifting between concern and provocation, the vocal runs through cliché club conversations before destabilizing completely into a siren-laden crash out. The ‘Freak Nasty Club Mix’ ditches the plot and lets the hardware breathe, with a thick SH-101 bassline anchoring the first half before a sudden switch into an unrelenting acid pattern that refuses to settle. Two versions of the same wild night out.