Beats News

Truth & Youngsta to release new album under the Shadow People' moniker.

Shadow People is a new project fresh from the studios of award-winning New Zealand production duo Truth ( Best Electronic Artist' - 2017 New Zealand Music Awards, Best Album' & Best EP' - 2017 Dubstep Awards) and world renowned DJ Youngsta. Over 3 years in the making, the self-titled Shadow People' is a meticulously produced, bass-heavy peek into a post-apocalyptic landscape populated by people living in the shadows.

Shadow People features collaborations with producers Taso (Teklife) and Cimm, as well as vocal features from Animai, Spikey Tee, Ace Boogie, Lelijveld, Rosa Ward and Melanie Antonides. Sonically setting itself apart from other Truth productions, such as their 2017 album Wilderness of Mirrors', this release sheds layers to expose a more stripped back offering. Shadow People' also represents the first full-length LP to be released on Deep, Dark & Dangerous, the label which won Label of the Year' at the 2017 Dubstep Awards.


Shadow People Bio:

From the catastrophic aftermath of an alchemical experiment executed far from the reaches of hazy light in downtown Los Angeles, Shadow People emerged from the smoking ruins like cockroaches during nuclear winter. Testing sonic limitations in this new world, their transmissions began to create hope within an unstable reality, providing sanctuary for all who listened. Now, like their decaying surroundings, the Shadow People channel the dramatic, minimal and morose into lucid creation. No longer subjugated by the shackles of classification that plagued their world, they embrace mutation and forging paths untrodden.

12 whitelabel, limited to 250 hand stamped and numbered copies

The 2nd drop on Through My Speakers comes straight from NGHT DRPS' dubby chambers. Showcasing his musical roots and influences, it blends earthy grooves and heavy drums with his signature deep and trippy vibes. From killing it on FACTMAGs 'Against the Clock' producer series - collecting almost half a million plays and making it into the all-time top ten of 'Against the Clock' - to remixing Moderat's 2016 'Eating Hooks", we are very happy to announce NGHT DRPS' debut EP on Through My Speakers. Vital Sales Points: - already played by dBrigde, Plastician, Toddla T, Sarah Farina, Kabuki, Scratcha DVA, Zed Bias, Moderat and more - Releases on tba - airplay on Rinse FM, NTS, BBC Radio 1 & 6,

Well Rounded return in 2018 with a special limited 10" release combining sound-system slaying remixes of 2 of our previously released bangers.

On the A side HEADLAND adds density, tough edges and heft to NUMBer's 'Æther'.
All elements from the original have been recast into rougher and heavier forms. The crushing result sounds as if the spacey bounce of the original has gained serious weight, been infected with a sonic virus and had various parts mutated to create maximum carnage in the cranium.

On the AA side TETRAD works fresh discipline, supple subbass and driving drums into his '666' remix of HEADLAND's 'Local' creating a rock-solid soundbed for the wild and wayward original parts to ride across. This superb refit maintains the madness of the original but adds additional sharpness and focus for increased degrees of dancefloor annihilation.

New 2 Track 12" release from Lamont for Swamp 81 sublabel, 81. Mastered at TenEightSeven

* Making his debut on Subaltern with SUBALT014 is Estonian producer Bisweed, famous for his trippy and intricate sound design and original take on bass music. A psychotropic journey into the weald, this is a typically dark and surreal release from the well-established Subaltern imprint.

* Shelter
Sinister sounds welcome the listener to the journey as we enter the weald. Dark synths lead into weighty bass-lines, embedded in driving percussive elements and a spine-chilling atmosphere. Tasteful orchestral elements accompany before reaching a climax of tribal percussion and pure bass. Bisweed's musical sensibility and dance-floor know-how blend symbiotically to create this heavy yet soulful bass music masterpiece.

* Swamp
Going deeper, haunting textures guide the listener into a pulsating implosion of low frequencies, which is bound to shake up the dance as well as your expectations of a quiet night in. Rumbling and chopping wobbles complete a captivating piece of sound system music. Tread lightly so you don't sink in too deep - the swamp might just consume you.

* Dolmen feat. Mentha
Like stepping into a clearing, Dolmen lightens the mood - but only ever so slightly. Chanting voices hail the listener, as wide planes of sound unfold into a bass-heavy yet deep stepper. Subtly and slowly, Bisweed is masterfully transitioning into a soothing and melodic vibe, featuring label head honcho Mentha on Guitar.

Limited pressing. Custom outer sleeve.
Following the aftershock of Crucial Recordings mighty first compilation release, Crucial EP Vol 1 (CRUCIAL014), the progressive dubstep label fails to spare any mercy by swiftly unveiling yet another resounding collection, Samba's Malignant Remixes (CRUCIAL015). Just over a year after Samba's boundary shattering debut release with Crucial, Malignant EP (CRUCIAL009), the label revisits his forward-facing EP with a fresh perspective on its title track, receiving remix treatment from the likes of scene heavyweights Bukez Finezt and label head Sleeper accompanied by a re-release of the original and a VIP version of Malignant's b-side track, Un.'

Welding releases from Encrypted Audio, Division Recordings and System Music while dipping his creative hand into side projects with fellow scene trailblazers Content, Sepia, Chokez, Rygby and Koma, Samba carries with him a highly inventive, genre molding sound of his own, a sound that aligns perfectly with the trailblazing, bass heavy mission of the Crucial Recordings imprint. It's no wonder the prolific label took a double take at his Malignant EP one year after its release. Keeping intact the original's low end rupturing, head bobbing, hip-hop swagger, both Bukez Finezt and Sleeper deployed their own unique sonic looking glasses to rebuild their respective Malignant' remixes. While Bukez's treatment boasts heavy lurking staying power, Sleeper issues a heavy dose of percussive prowess for his high octane version of the track, both equally infectious, mouth watering and expertly executed renditions. The entire release comes to a climax with its final track, Samba's Un (VIP)' which flips the original's contagious melody on its heads with added creep factor and maximum sub bass pressure.

Dark, dread-infused and ready to test even the toughest of sound
systems, here Compa delivers three twisted, distorted and deadly
electronic experiments.

Removing all but the most crucial elements, Compa combines crushing sub-bass with skeletal percussion and chilling atmospheres to show yet again through his signature sound how less is always more.

Compa has received DJ support from the likes of Mala, Toddla T, Chase & Status, Mary-Anne Hobbs, Youngsta, MistaJam, David Rodigan, Shades (Alix Perez and Eprom) Hatcha, Om Unit and Plastician among others.

* Manchester's Walton returns to Tectonic following last year's explorations in grime flavoured house/techno offshoots on the killer 'Bulldoze EP'. This time Walton leads with a dance floor crushing anthem that cruises a cool line between grime and tribal dubstep. Featuring a looping Riko Dan sample, 'Gunman' sets a stone cold tone from the offset, hi-hats setting up the groove before a grime flavoured melody cuts in preparing you for the drop. When the bass and drums come crashing in they bounce off each other to produce a disorientating tribal rhythm that will set the dance floor alight!

* Flip for a slower, more gentle mood with 'Caught In A Trip'. Rolling at 126bpm, 'Caught In A Trip' builds around a developing melody played on a glockenspiel-esque instrument, backed with tribal percussion and a driving kick pattern. Ethereal in mood throughout, this one provides a lighter moment for the dance floor.

Following the release of Synkro AKA Joe McBride collection of his formative early works earlier this year, Apollo Recordings is proud to present a brand new EP that draws on the rich heritage of library music. Despite having come up during the dubstep era McBride's music has always resisted easy classification - 'Hand In Hand' sees him shift his musical focus in a yet more cinematic direction. McBride explains : "The record was inspired and influenced by my love of electronic 80's UK library records like the Chappell AV series, Bruton, Soundstage & De Wolfe Music library. There's a lot of synth work that carries on from my album using my trusted Juno-6 / SH101 / JX8P combo with the addition of drum samples via an old akai S2800 I purchased recently. Most sounds I've made from scratch on hardware based on sounds used in the library records I mentioned above along with a few cheeky samples." Synkro's signature expansive atmospherics are still very much present, but now they have been burnished by soaring synth pads and pulsing drum tracks that call to mind the haunted melancholy of John Carpenter or contemporary such as Legowelt or Andy Stott. Rhythmically 'Hand In Hand' sees McBride moving somewhat away from his usual off kilter programming inspired by 2-step and garage, embracing the steady pulse of 4:4 which turns out to be an effortless fit.

MEDi close 2017 with Gantz's Dying on Acid EP.
Following collaborations with El Mahdy Jnr on the Spry Sinister 12, Commodo & Kahn on the Volume 1 LP & Commmodo for Buckwild / Free Focus......his latest EP sees Gantz working with Elif Dikeç, Dedw8 & spoken word artist Rider Shafique to deliver yet another unique and intersting record.

Hot on the heels of the label's gqom scorcher, this compelling cabinet of oddities bundles together four different artists, both familiars and newcomers. Blank Mind founder Sam Purcell kicks off, with some orchestral music flanged to giddy abstraction, heralding the return of Alan Johnson, to test its weighty dynamism in freer, surreal mutations. On the flip, a two-drum-kit jam blazes with propulsive yet disintegrating energy. And, to close, the recording debut of Variete, put down on a Scandinavian Christmas Eve morning: a gently purposeful, reflective ascent.

Hyped new signing to DJ Madd's Roots & Future label is Itoa, who comes alive with his debut full EP on the label having being previously recruited to remix some of Madd's own material.

The result is a fresh approach within the Dancehall/Dubstep framework with a bit of footwork inspiration thrown in the mix. Certainly an artist to keep a keen eye on.

A bit of an emotional moment for us - this much needed repress of one of our very favourite slabs of vinyl that have passed through these doors over the years. Exploring the very outer limits of dancehall and techy D&B, both sides writhe and snarl at 90bpm, beating you over the head with pressure cooked kick drums, drop forged snares and, those ugly, ugly mentasms. Upon it's original release, it was a challenging and very rewarding record - one that had DJs scratching their heads, dancers demanding wheelups and, more recently - more than a few emails from people asking if there were any copies left stashed away. Both side's disregard for genres and conventions mean this plate sounds just as fresh now as it did upon it's original release date - arguably it's better stationed for tactical deployment now than it was back in 2013 - The current crop of stripped back dancehall (and halftime D&B that has been undoubtedly informed by it) are in rude health and prime for disruption with this record. That said, regardless of which styles you play - this is one of those wildcard riddims that can be used at peak time to wreak havoc on any dancefloor. Blacklabel, sticker sealed pressure, with a yellow paper insert of the original artwork. One of those records you'll pull off the shelf in years to come, no doubt about it. Edition of 300, with insert and stickered centre labels.

Originally released on Pinch's Tectonic label in 2010, Jack Sparrow's Circadian' was regarded as one of Dubstep's more experimental albums. With acclaimed reviews from Mixmag (4/5) and Resident Advisor (4.5/5).
Navy Cut releases Shoal' & Dune' from Circadian via Tectonic for the first time on vinyl. The tracks have been remastered and treated to full sleeve artwork.
Navy Cut LTD001 is limited to 300 copies and introduces a new branch to the label offering limited vinyl releases from Jack Sparrow and Author.

Thank you for the support in 2017 and looking forward to a stacked schedule for Navy Cut in 2018!

Warehouse find !

first come first serve

Having grown up with his father and grandfather both being musicians, and after beginning to play the drums at the age of 3 years, it seemed to be in the cards, that Sune Vosbein-Jensen aka Gaze ill would end up making music. In 2000, his interest for electronic music production started growing after years of playing the drums within the genres of rock, fusion, jazz, and funk, and experimenting with almost any instrument. Since then Gaze has had a fair handful of releases out in both digital- and vinyl format. The clue's in his name - Gaze ill really is sick.

Stepping up for release number 47 on Boka Records is Foundation Audio's Chad Dubz, coming correct with a supremely well rounded 4 track EP.

Welcoming Sibla to the label for Episode 5 where he presents 3 sound system bangers, unleashing our most dancefloor focused release to date.

Italy's Donato Dozzy constructs nearly an hour of dense ambient fog & early morning techno for his mesmeric debut album 'K'. Initially only available as a limited edition cassette tape - that completely vanished within 48 hours of release - all 9 tracks are finally available on this luxury 2x12" vinyl package with professionally printed full colour silk screen artwork on a heavy stock chipboard jacket.

Introducing a new label, with a direction, we proudly present Dispatch Blueprints, returning for the second release with Kid Drama and the one and only Skeptical.

Bringing the deeper sound to the forefront, it made natural sense to welcome back label stalwart Skeptical, whose sub centered sound has remained an inspiration since his Dispatch debut in 2010 and subsequent output on labels like Exit, R&S and Soul:R.

When combined with the eclecticism of Kid Drama, it makes for a stunning fusion, developing the Blueprints foundation and delving further into the lower frequencies.

Setting the path for our new imprint in the best way, with some of our very favourite artists, we are proud to showcase both Skeptical & Kid Drama on Dispatch Blueprints.

Liondub proudly presents the debut release from Reggae Roast badman Adam Prescott. The Technique vinyl release features 4
tracks of heavyweight Reggae infused Dubstep pressure with a modern feel yet a classic, timeless sound. Expect deep, dubby
passages inspired by Tubbys and Scientist with classic Japanese samurai samplings coupled with in your fac, modern drum hits and gut wrenching sub bass. This one is for the history books and will surely garner support from fans and supporters of the original dubstep masters who created the genre.

We are proud to present our second release by Beat Pharmacy AKA Brendon Moeller AKA Echologist, a singular voice in contemporary electronic, techno, and sound system musics in his various guises. Beat Pharmacy tunes begin life as live hardware jams where reverb, echo and delay rule the day, and rugged textures rub against digital processing.

In Density,' bass, kick and heavily reverbed piano skanks anchor an instantly enveloping soundworld of deepest dubwise ambience. From around hidden corners emerge the hiss of distant pistons and valves, sentient machinery working in complex relationships. Wobbles, wubs and sweeps communicate across cavernous spaces, as strange rhythmic elements sputter and spatter, tangling and massing in double-time to the point of rupture, only to resolve into crystalline moments of suspension into gorgeous, neck-snapping drops. Simply mesmerizing, and heavy in the dance. Everything to Gain' is spun from the same heavy metals, with a sparser feel, processed voice, and a buzzing, repeating alarm figure that sounds like a submarine warning that the dive is getting too deep, too dangerous...

Music that is moving, powerful, evocative and kinetic, slotting beautifully into 140 sets while defying easy categorization or description, always following vision over fashion. This is why we love Beat Pharmacy.

Mastered by Lewis at StarDelta