Beats News

Four bass heavy, dancefloor ready tracks by Roel Funcken!
Again, Roel Funcken proves to be a master of technoid, bass heavy and intelligent dance music that defies any genre. His latest EP for Eat Concrete titled 'Fes Bace' is a beast, a collection of perhaps his finest, probably his most effective work to date. It shows a man on a mission, reinventing himself constantly after his much acclaimed solo debut 'Vade'. On 'Fes Bace' Roel has taken his sound to a whole new level, delivering four tracks of uncompromising quality and diversity that could easily destroy any dancefloor.

The latest EP from the notorious man of mystery, forthcoming on vinyl in October. ARP 101 has become something of a mythical character, lurking in the shadows with his astral blend of gangsta boogie and synth heavy electronica.

New single to be taken from Shadow's The Less You Know the Better album, released as an EP including remixes by Silkie, Kev Willow and Calyx & Tee Bee Remix)

The next level to big boy stardom. Moody electronic underground beats on the James Blake tip

June Miller probably the most diverse and unpredicatable duo in drum and bass, step up with their debut EP. 'Give up the ghost' takes you on a mysterious musical journey combining their trademark beautifully organic sounds crafted from 140 to 170 beats per minute

***Limited to 500 copies***

With the release of his eagerly anticipated album 'The Politics of Envy' fast approaching (due March 26th), Mark Stewart has announced his first single 'Autonomia' a no-holds-barred collision with long-time fans Primal Scream.

It has been remixed by two heavyweight champions of the underground, Pinch and JD Twitch. Pinch loads up on dark and brooding, with a stripped and dubby Shackleton-esque interpretation, while Twitch opts for a warped and slo-mo, acid-licked stomp. Both offering, deliciously moody interpretations of the first single from the upcoming Mark Stewart album 'The Politics of Envy'.



'Autonomia', a dense agit-protest superfunk monster with sirens and Bobby Gillespie's frenetic 'keeping the dream alive' call-and-response chant with Stewart who explains the story behind the song - 'I'd written this song about a guy called Carlo Giuliani, who was killed at the G8 demonstrations in Genoa, this kind of autonomist bloke. At that point, it was kind of like a protest song ... afterwards I started getting on with Bobby, who was interested in politics and I asked Adrian [Sherwood] about doing it. It's important that people hear about the story, it's the message and the atmosphere as much as anything.'



Stewart's scathing political barbs with the Pop Group and beyond, heavily informed Primal Scream's ferociously politicised Xtmntr and other works. With the intensity of Stewart's latest body of work back to red alert, this apocalyptic collaboration, made possible by the two camps' lengthy associations with Adrian Sherwood, has been further honed into a heat-seeking radio edit.

The first official 12" on Push & Run lands on November 14th and it comes from the fast ascending talent that is Pedestrian. Working the angles in the depths of the low end spectrum, this young DJ/producer already has releases for two globally-respected purveyors of experimental bass music - Goldie's legendary Metalheadz imprint and Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings - under his belt. Following in the footsteps of Dillinja, Photek, J Majikand Source Direct - true innovators in the evolution of UK bass music - Pedestrian contributed a richly textured, shuffling UKG dub to Commix's 'Re:Call To Mind' project on Metalheadz. Then Gilles P's all-seeing eye picked up 'HeiPoa' for the sixth chapter in his much loved Brownswood Bubblers series, which resulted in an invite to DJ at the Boiler Room and a tight, bright excursion across the bass spectrum going b2b with his friend Gang Colours.

Since the formation of PNAU Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes have grown to become one of Australia's most loved electronic acts. Having already released three critically acclaimed albums over in Australia it is with great excitement that PNAU announce the release of their new single 'Unite Us' for Ministry of Sound

The one and only studio rocker Tony Thorpe - aka Moody Boyz, illustrious low end manipulator of some 30 years acclaim - teams up with three of the most exciting and original UK producers in Si Begg, Nuphlo and Pempi, to present the first release from his monumental Globe Stepping project, taking world music atmospheres and giving them a sideways twist to create a new flavoured selection of dancefloor killers and chill-out epics. All sounds on the five part series of Globe Stepping albums are sourced from original archive audio held in the cavernous vaults of the decades-old Boosey & Hawkes publishing company, known today as Imagem Production Music. Imagem have founded the 2NX label as a bespoke outlet for these new recordings, which draw deep from ethnocentric pools including African, Indian, Eurasian and South American, and a run of club-tooled beat-working versions will be released on limited 12' pressings outside of the full length CD and download output. First up, veteran Si Begg joins Tony on lead track 'Kongotronic', a rolling UK-bass-meets-funky number with bright synth stabs and distant African vocals. Next Nuphlo - declared 'genius' by BBC Radio 1's Bobby Friction - jumps on board to bring the desert storm to 'Dusty Path', where oud and flute textures float over furious percussion, with the most atmospheric drop you'll hear in these early days of 2012. Finally, Mixmag 'one to watch' and BBC 1Xtra favourite Pempi brings a more mellow edge to the Thorpe sound on 'Chai Garden', with its arcing melodies, skippy beats and a deep, punchy bass. Tony Thorpe is the ideal pilot for this project, with a huge knowledge and understanding of rhythm that has spawned such recent CV highpoints as his curation of the seminal Dub Step Chronicles event for Massive Attack's Meltdown Festival, and being the catalytic element in On-U Sound's Lee Scratch Perry dubstep remix collection. Combining his long-established progressive sound with an ethnic soundboard, this is a record worthy of a place in any serious musicologists collection. Massive release, no question.

If you are in to dreamy piano sounds and poppy vocal cuts this is one to check out. Beautiful drifting melodies combined with 90's pop like vocals and rolling beats. The singers on this release know how to catch your attention. Especially the track on the flip ''Put me Down'' has potential to become a true Radio anthem.

Scuba is the production and DJ alias of Paul Rose, the curator of Hotflush Recordings, a label, which having released some of the most important tracks of the formative period of dubstep, has grown into a leading player in the wider world of electronic music. A celebrated and influential DJ, Scuba was voted #25 in Resident Advisor's 2011 poll of the world's Top 100 DJs and has also been nominated for several categories in DJ Magazine's Best of British 2011 Awards. Earlier this year Scuba released his 'Adrenalin' EP, picking up radio plays from Zane Lowe, Annie Mac, Rob Da Bank as well as Mistajam, illustrating how his sound has mutated into previously unexplored areas. Alongside 'Adrenalin, Scuba also released his addition to K7!'s DJ Kicks series which has made notable appearances on several 'Best of 2011 lists. On the 27th February, Scuba will release his third album through Hotflush. Entitled 'Personality' and featuring 11 brand new tracks, it takes in a wealth of genres across contemporary dance music, proving once again Scuba's place at the cutting edge of the electronic music scene. Preceding his LP will be 'The Hope'; pushing on from the tense atmospherics of previous Scuba material, the single fizzes with claustrophobic bass pressure and menacing narration. Backed by an exclusive non-album cut 'Flash Addict', 'The Hope' will proceed the album on the 6th February. Originally from London, Scuba relocated to Berlin in 2007, and released his debut album, 'A Mutual Antipathy' in 2008. The stylistic synergy of the album cemented his position as one of the most forward-thinking producers to emerge from the London bass scene. In the same year, Scuba founded the massively successful SUB:STANCE night at the legendary Berlin club Berghain. SUB:STANCE has since launched in New York with a look to expanding further in 2012. Scuba's second album, 'Triangulation', was released on Hotflush in early 2010, joining the likes of Mount Kimbie, Sepalcure, Joy Orbison, Untold, Sigha and George Fitzgerald on its enviable roster. With 'Personality' due for imminent release and plans for a live show in the works, Paul Rose's constantly developing world seems set to keep on turning in 2012.

2 Scuba - Underbelly
3 Scuba - The Hope
4 Scuba - Dsy Chn
5 Scuba - July
6 Scuba - Action
7 Scuba - Cognitive Dissonance
8 Scuba - Gekko
9 Scuba - NE1BUTU
10 Scuba - Tulips
11 Scuba - If U Want

Audio Phreaks are proud to present an astonishing new EP from their exciting new signing, Diesel! Diesel has been locked away in the Studio perfecting his sound to a very high production level and you can instantly hear this boy has been putting in the hours since his earlier recordings. His productions are just insane and are certainly not for those who are looking out for an easy listen. Basslines and beats collide with some very imaginative arrangements that make up a truly unique and distinct sound that only can be associated with the rising young talent that is Diesel. 'Chew Your Brains' Featuring scratching from Captain Crunch is a 100BPM roller with more wobble than a jelly on a train!  Then Durty Phresh (Formally Mr Vermin) is on remix duties and gives it a 140BPM twist that is sounding very fresh indeedy! It's got that Thugstep swagger that Durty Phesh executes so well and gives the tune a totally different flavour. 'Play that Funky Bassline' is a new style of Dubstep that seems to be flying around at the moment that infuses Dubstep with some Funky flavours of the past. 'Make the beat Bite' is the last track on this incredible EP that features Brotherhood of Filth and MC Maksim. Another 100BPM recording with a proper edgy, Grimy influence that is immaculately produced.

Limited edition heavyweight 180g 12 vinyl.
Once again, another heavy release from the french upcoming label ClekClekBoom Recordings. This one is a pop/club influenced 2 tracks produced by Ministre X, the franco-brazilian deejay and co-founder of the label. A very sensual femalish EP with two lovely guest singers: Sana and Romy. The first track 'Calling Me' featuring the fresh and lovely Sana is full of delicate and suave soul vibes mixed up with sophisticated club beat. The second track 'Just To Please Ya' featuring Mademoiselle Romy., takes us to a darker side of emotions, with subtle vocals and down tempo instrumental full of slow and heavy sub-bass. This 2 track EP will take you to the sensitive side of this eclectic label. Grab it asap!

Having had one of his most successful years to date during 2011, releasing the immense 'Falling' on Island Records, dubstep stalwart DJ Distance kicks off 2012 on his own beloved Chestplate imprint to assert his grip on the scene he's played such a large part in shaping since its inception. Heading up CHST016 is longtime sparring partner and Chestplate affiliate Tunnidge, who as ever gets ready to drop some seriously dangerous aural artillery on us. Get ready, speaker's gonna shake!'Aftershock' rolls out hard! A seemingly short intro of eerie pads and blip fx give way to one hell of a barrage of bass that'll have you wincing with pleasure as it rattles your ribcage and forces you to submit. Raw, analogue sounding, distorted but punching dubstep that takes no prisoners. Essential dance floor dynamite.Flipping over and Tunnidge is joined by Distance on 'Blame', a deep brooding slab of bass music that won't fail to move you. Cinematic soundscapes abound as it kicks off, setting the scene perfectly. Whispered vocals, industrial palettes of percussion and a sinister seeping riff make for a drop into a classy piece of rootsy dubstep that sits perfectly on a label that always stays true to the cause. One for the soldiers.

This is a collection of DJ Distance's finest remixes loudly cut for extra vinyl pleasure a limited edition release.

GoldFFinch kick of 2012 for Saigon
Recordings with a highly anticipated release, 2
dancefloor smashers entitled 'Funky Steppa' and
'Groove Panda' originally brought to the surface via
Loefah's Swamp81 RinseFM shows and since
championed by Boddika in the majority of his DJ
sets and online charts. Having already had releases
on Numbers, Airflex and 877 Records these Belgian
based producers are set for a great year ahead.
This is EP1 of 2, the second part will be released in
March and features the tracks 'Tip Of The Dog' and
'Outer Twigs'.
Video of Boddika smashing Funky Steppa live: http:
//www.youtube.com/watchv=10X5YEYDtTM
Support elsewhere from 2562, Blackdown, Addison
Groove, Mary Anne Hobbs, Bunzer0 etc...

Hemlock are proud to introduce the debut for Brighton boy Guy Andrews. Two tracks of brilliantly unpredictable, percussive wizardry with more twists than a season of the Killing. 'Shades' combines of precision drum edits, killer 808 booms and woodblock percussion that will bring a tear of nostalgia to the eye of the Blue Note & Metalheadz vets and a smile to the face of the most discerning new dancefloors. 'Textures' on the flip kills it with an arrangement that just keeps you guessing. Perfectly poised between light & dark, delicate & heavy, and taking you seamlessly from locked 4/4 to dubbed out techno via all-out percussive funk and back before you know it.

Brand new beats from London's main man Kromestar on the original gangsta label Southside Dubstars. Hold on to your hard-hats this plate is heavyweight!

Nice Up's first release of 2012 comes from none other than the legendary Monkey Mafia aka Jon Carter. One of the DJs and producers at the heart of the Big Beat explosion of the mid '90s, Carter's musical history reaches much further back. It is of course his antics at the seminal Heavenly Social alongside fellow residents The Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim that Carter is perhaps best known for. Starting his recording career on Wall Of Sound, he soon decamped to Heavenly and started making dancehall influenced beats under the Monkey Mafia name. Remixes soon came flooding in and the project quickly developed into a live band with the album 'Shoot The Boss' providing a blueprint for generations to come, with its heavy dub influences, razor sharp breakbeats and a creative depth to the dance. Despite his bulging global DJ diary, becoming a pub landlord and urban fox hunting, Jon still found time to indulge his love of reggae and dancehall and has recently revived his erstwhile moniker (with many thanks to the Dub Pistols' Barry Ashworth for tempting Jon back into the studio). Featuring longtime collaborator Doug'e Reuben, 'Royal Ascot' is a dark and dirty electro-bashment banger, that has already gained a lot of love from Rob Da Bank, Mary Anne Hobbs and Eddy Temple Morris . With a bouncy reggae rework from Bristol's rising star Mr Benn on the b-side as well as an exclusive acapella and full colour picture sleeve into the bargain, every one is a winner!

Anthem alert!! 2011 is geared to being a big year for Stinkahbell and 'Something In Your Eyes' is the tune that will blow them up. One of the biggest tunes going right now a infectious vocal hook massive vocal track thats won over the support of the likes of Mistajam & Annie Mac. Sin City Recordings are proud to release this alongside GTS.

Following the huge success of xxxy's summer anthem 'Open Your Eyes', Orca Recordings is back to deliver its highly anticipated fifth instalment; which sees Canadian born artist XI return to the label for his third release on the label.With his new outing on Orca, XI's musical style has evolved considerably to incorporate a whole new set of influences and ideas. This bold move coincides with his imminent arrival in Berlin, which leads us to proudly announce that the productions set for release in the Orca series are 'Immunity' and 'Squeeze'.'Immunity' sees XI venture into new sonic territory, dropping the bpm to a tempo usually applied to house & techno, but this track keeps all the swing and swagger of the finest UK garage record. This combined with XI's trademark palette of sonic textures, vocal edits and a nod to the haziest of west coast hip-hop has created a deeply original composition with a unique vibe.On the flip, 'Squeeze' is another experiment into this freshly styled structure that XI has created, but with the dance floor more in mind. The introduction breeds tension as the drums roll from side to side, before a patterned vocal stab is brought in to focus the main body of the composition.Both of these productions are a clear indication of XI's creative flair and taste for new sounds. Allowing this to develop has been the primary focus of Orca and this ethos is now starting to pay dividends to all fans of the Orca Recordings catalogue.

AM/TM are San Francisco pro bros Anthony Mansfield and Tal M Klein.

Who's Afraid Of Monty Luke is a VERY SERIOUS song Anthony and Tal wrote about their friend Monty Luke who left San Francisco and moved to Detroit so he could live closer to his techno friends and run A&R at planet-E communications for someone named Carl Craig who AM/TM think may be related to Carl Cox because they have the same first name. It's a song about house music, or possibly this old house, and it might be a tribute to Bob Villa whose last name actually means house in Latin.

LD's sound is his own. Drawing on his roots, you can hear the drum pan sounds of Jamaica resonating throughout, flashes of Soca drums, subtle tribal nuances, and the ghost of Jungle reverberating in the warm, pulsating sub bass. It seems now is the time for LD to make the transition from behind the scenes and into the limelight.

Pixelord, aka Alexey Devyanin, a Moscow based producer has gained international recognition for his sound, which is the perfect cocktail of synth driven alternative bleeps and bass heavy beats.

Funkystepz return to Hyperdub, their debut 12' 'Fuller' / 'Hurricane Riddim' having detonated dancefloors earlier this year. It's rare to find an act who's name describes so functionally what their intention is and how they are going to get there, and their ruff but complex productions and DJ sets are incredible at raising energy and getting bodies moving in a way that so much modern dancefloor music just doesn't. These three tracks are straight up dancefloor destroyers, almost overloaded with energy. 'Trouble' is exactly that; with martial stomping kick drums, whistles, a tough, infectious melody line, and chords like a skidding car, this tune is built to bounce to. 'Dirty Dutch' has structure that breaks down and breaks up again, playing question and answer between a twilight zone style melody, a wiggly, scratched in test-tone, a grime-styled violin melody, and rapid-fire drums and claps. 'John Wayne' is so bow-legged that it almost falls over, made of loose, galloping drums with a backward drunken melody and skippy snares, a hilarious repetition of the words 'John Wayne', a rollin sub, and a spacey breakdown. It's really fun, strangely surreal and massively compelling on the dancefloor.

Dubstep For Deep Heads are proud to present a stunning new record from one of Dubstep's biggest names, Kromestar! 2 tracks that are just mind blowing! "Boookey" on the A side has Kromestar's beats flying all over the place with basslines and futuristic samples neatly slotted in between. Then "Alone" on the flip takes it low. Dark and gritty and seriously weighty!

So in October last year Granholme finally became a reality with the release of Graphic's Wiping The Eye EP. As the first release on a label no one had heard of it was both humbling (people were actually willing to listen) and reassuring (after being obsessed with the tracks from early on) to see the support from a bunch of people. A large and sincere thank you for that. You might have spotted the shift in sound of the last track, a well received remix by Zoltan that was later given away on XLR8R (& is now on our soundcloud page). We're finally ready to release GHM-002, a 3 track Zoltan EP with Graphics returning the favour with an extra promo only remix. It's a change in tone from our first release flying it's floor filling ambitions with pride, and for that we are thankful. 'Pluton' opens the EP with a relentless crack and percussive chatter quickly joined by diva glitches and gyroscope bass stirring, before said low end rotations and hi hats resolve themselves into motorik syncopation, periodically cooling down before bursting back into life. Flipside 'When I'm' further ups the raver uniting stakes with crunching ST-esque kicks & snares and chiming vocals building into plunging breakdowns, all sucked down by a heaving space where the low end should be. Digi-only track 'You Don't' brings the EP to a close with a further refinement of 'Pluton's helicopter bass, adding hammering acid flecked psychosis to the party. There's also a vaguely recognizable vocal buried in there that might have kept the track from vinyl inclusion, but we wouldn't know about that.Finally there's Graphics aforementioned rework of 'When I'm', due to be released as a free promo download in the coming month. More in tune with the post-rave dawn crawl home, Graphics slashes the tempo while the vocal is twisted into an unintelligible taunt and isolated kicks & stomach cramp synths coalesce into a uniquely dead eyed shuffle. Confirmed DJ & Radio support so far from; Jackmaster (Numbers / Rinse), Scratcha (HyperDub / Rinse), Roska (Rinse), Shox (Rinse), xxxy (Orca/TenThousandYen), Presk (Ten Thousand Yen / AudioCulture - used 'When I'm' on his Fact mix just before Xmas).

*** repressed !! ***
To keep building the anticipation for her forthcoming second LP, '21,' Adele has released a remix of the album's smashing first single, 'Rolling in the Deep.'
The track was remixed by fellow Brit Jamie XX, who holds hefty credentials as part of the XX.

It's been a while that the IM:Ltd camp has been lurking on the deep dubstep side of things (and we mean 'DUB'step, not that electro wobbla stuff your little sister is talking about).