Beats News

Denmark's RDG follows his 2014 TUBA NYC EP with the 12" single Solutions. The A-side fuses the deliberate, dramatic, and impressive lyrics from L.A.'s Ill Chill with bone chilling sub bass modulations and huge cavernous beats.

The tone gets even darker on the B-side with Reverse Blank, a pulsing, stabby warehouse-shattering dropper. Cold mid frequency stabs masterfully drenched in reverb ring out alongside stacked drum hits. Gaze Ill gets the co-production credit with Cessman jumping on the buttons to finish this one off.

Trojan Audio's inaugural release features Bristol's Ollie 303, backed with a remix by Tempa's AxH.
The original version of 'Glastonbury South East' marks Ollie 303's first 12' release. His refreshing take on the current dubstep sound fits Trojan Audio's vision and shares common grounds. Moody growls, throbbing bass galore and ghost-like ambiances blur the reality of listeners' perception. This grimy affaire reveals the producer's aggressive stance and ability to translate real-life experiences into matured music content. Loud volumes and a proper sound system are recommended.
AxH's re-work adds even more body to the underlying foundation of the original cut. A steady hi-hat and reinterpreted synth guide listeners through a realm of sinister frequencies, all converging to form an intriguing flipside to Trojan Audio's first outing. The American producer who got picked up by the legendary Tempa Records proves he is the right man for the job. He incorporates his inventive take on bass music, delivering a ground-shifting dubstep track supported by many valid heads.

Reminiscent of early jungle/DNB & designed to deliver a vicious stream of audio output at high volume. Original Chicago junglist, Danny The Wildchild, throws down a bass heavy half time version that to disrupt regular system functions.

Biome's latest release, which forms part of On The Edge's View from The Edge project, sees the Manchester-based producer return to 140 BPM across three atmospheric and sub-heavy tracks.

a1 'Turn' takes influence from the rolling techno-inspired sound pioneered by Martyn, Appleblim and Ramadanman in 2007, but updates this formula for 2016 - adding heady atmospherics, razor-sharp drum programming and the kind of vocal samples that have become synonymous with this label.

b1 'Remembrance' is a more introspective and low-slung affair, building tension throughout its five and a half minute duration. In the hands of right DJ this is the kind of track that would sound just as effective when played in a dark London basement as it would amongst a set of more European house- and techno-based sounds.

Lastly we have 'Niagra' on the b2. Aimed directly at the dancefloor, 'Niagra' ends this EP with a bang - incorporating powerful sub bass with 94' era breaks and modern day juke and footwork influences during its mid-section. This track is a certified peak time weapon, sure to result in frenzied dance floor action.

Pressed up on fresh white 12' vinyl, this EP will be released in conjunction with a digital-only mix from Biome, which showcases the sounds of On The Edge - past, present and future.

Head-turning debut from classically-trained, Boston-based Kaan Erbay a.k.a Insha featuring ten tracks of pure tension/relief informed by reconstituted club music and video game scores, highly recommended if you're into Arca, Burial, Actress, RabitEmerging from right under Type's nose, Dysplazia by Boston, MA's Insha debuts a remarkably absorbing push-and-pull narration of sci fi sonics and collapsed R&B haunted by the ghosts of British dance music; forming a mid-air collision of sawn-off soundtrack noumena and tumultuous grooves that diffuse Burial's worn down soul by way of Arca's lacerating dynamics with a unique sleight of hand. At an aerially severed yet intimately involving perspective, the founder of Boston's DRAW collective subsumes himself with cybernetic assimilation into the ten tracks of Dysplazia, offering an oneiric representation of the physical body simulated thru decontextualised rap samples and a twisted backbone of encrypted 2-step rhythms.In a synaesthetic, metaphorical sense reflected in Dysplazia's cover art - which uncannily recalls the analogue-to-digital phase shift of Cybotron's Enter sleeve design - this record is about transcending physical and virtual spaces; about locating and inhabiting the ambiguous interzones which lie between and outside of taxonomic conventions. It models these processes of transformation with a keen sense of narrative, navigating mutable circuit boards of grey goo with a beguiling sense of melancholy and elusive glimmers of hope.Panicked intercom chatter and hyperprismic harmonies light up the gravelly torque of Breaking Point at the album's turbulent intro, giving way to a captivatingly tortuous series of flashpoints and perilous junctures that flare up as quickly as they move back into the ever-looming murk, most memorably in the tangled 3D coordinates of Ima, Physique, and the woodblock 'n scimitar punctuated dynamics of Coming Down, which perhaps most undeniably nod to Burial and Arca, whilst the amorphous, melancholic ending of Reason leaves the session perfectly unresolved and open to a sequel.Dysplazia is a startlingly astute debut record from Insha, providing Type's freshest insight since Clams Casino's Instrumentals back in 2011.

After These Hidden Hands re-surfaced earlier this year with the collaborative single These Moments Dismantled featuring Lucrecia Dalt, Tommy Four Seven and Alain Paul a.k.a. Shards are set to release Vicarious Memories, their second full length LP, on August 8th 2016. Vicarious Memories builds substantially upon the sound forged with their debut album and brings a considerable new level of detail, complexity, and musicality, which ranges from flowing mellifluous grooves, somber drones, to the outright bizarre and unexpected. Although loosely an instrumental electronic album, the album makes extensive use of guitar and vocals and features prominent guest vocal contributions from underground Berlin based musicians Julia Kotowski and Ale Hop. The album's preceding single, SZ31X71, a track which features on the LP is out July 11th, featuring a remix by revered Tri Angle artist, Roly Porter. Vicarious Memories will be released via the group's own imprint, Hidden Hundred available both digitally and as a 12 vinyl LP featuring gatefold cover art by Norwegian illustrator Anders Røkkum. Vital Sales Points: - Upcoming press: The Quietus, Thump, I-D Magazine, XLR8R, Future Music, Boiler Room, Mixmag, Resident Advisor, Ransom Note, Tsugi, Rockerilla & more - These Hidden Hands play Berlin Atonal, August 2016

It's no exaggeration to say that J:Kenzo is one of the leading lights of underground bass music today. As a producer for labels as diverse, venerable, and crucial as Tempa, Metalheadz, and Exit Records he makes much of the music defining the moment from drum & bass to steppers. He also shapes our listening and dancing through the careful curation of his own Artikal Music UK and Lion Charge imprints, to say nothing of his monthly Rinse FM show and non-stop global touring. Needless to say we were extremely pleased when he approached us with two tunes tailor-made for ZamZam.Without" is a 140 workout, at once minimalist, muscular, meditative and sinister. A deep skanking pad and synthetic percussion set the stage for the leaden kick and steady hi hat pulse calling all dancers. Rockers' drum fill and test tone sprinkle dubwise flavor as the haunting melodics waft through, as hypnotic as smoke trails in a cloudy studio. Without' is perfectly crafted in every respect.

The flip side Within' is another expertly honed journey into deep 140 waters, heavy on the atmospherics that recall wide open vistas and treacherous seas. Synth and bass work as one, surfacing and diving to both anchor and propel a massive riddim both heady and totally physical. The hi hat is again steady with punctuating snares & claps, huge chasms of space open up leaving the listener stunned at the depths within.

1x each customer!

Sounds of the Sir !!
Sir Spyro on the production featuring Teddy Bruckshot, Lady Chann + Killa P on vocals.

A staple since its first edition in 2010, UKF's yearly UKF Dubstep compilation is back for 2016, featuring some of this year's most essential tracks from dubstep and beyond.

Representing the full spectrum of influences of the genre, this year's album boasts hits from European bass music powerhouses Noisia, Flux Pavilion, Feed Me or Eptic as well as a string of some of the most prolific US artists like Datsik, Jauz & Snails - all having made dubstep history throughout the years. In addition to the heavier sounds, UKF Dubstep 2016 also showcases the influence of grime on current productions, with tracks from Shm and Foreign Beggars x Asa x Sorrow.

Melodic dubstep fans will be delighted to find Koven's Telling Me on the album alongside Bare Noize's huge come-back release: vocal single Elemental, a collaboration with producer friend AFK featuring vocalist Anna Yvette. Last but not least, the album features throwbacks to the sound that kicked off UKF and dubstep in 2010, with Myro's Playa and Cookie Monsta's Soundboy, both echoing the wobbly sound that grew dubstep into the worldwide phenomenon it still is today.

This year's edition is the best UKF Dubstep album yet, confirming the strength and vitality of a genre that's as relevant as ever, supported by its cult following.

We are extremely happy to forward the first vinyl release from Cheyne Taylor Bush AKA Tetrad, a member of LA's B-Side collective. From the moment we heard these tunes we knew we wanted to get behind them, and behind Tetrad. It is extremely rare for us to hear music from a young, as-yet unsigned producer that immediately strikes us as this fresh, original, mature, and self-aware.

Awaken Dub' is a 140 power stepper driven by a shimmering melodica figure, delicate guitar plucks, insistent photon torpedo snares and pure 4/4 bass and kick forward motion. Awaken Dub' was inspired by Tetrad's return to dub-inspired music' after an absence, and the personal awakenings this return brought him.

Turn 1' is among the best 'proper' dubstep plates we've heard in ages, that perfect combination of eyes-down deep hypnosis for the mind and massive body-blow to the corporeal form. All about movement, Turn 1' is among a set of tunes that got their start on the bus and train, inspired by the bustling motion and feel' of urban transport. From the rocking, lurching drums to the deceptively simple single-note bassline that won't let go, sweeping you away like a wobbling lava flow, to the reverb-soaked voice that is Turn 1"s calling card, this one will focus the dancefloor as few tunes can do.

Mastered and cut by the one Lewis at Star Delta Mastering in Devon.

Brand new Innamind Recordings release from loyal crew member Mikael. Two prime slices of bass heavy music designed for the sound-system.

* Joining the Subaltern camp for his debut release on the label is arcane beat maestro Ago, member of the infamous Numa Crew from Italy.Backlash': 'Backlash' opens the release with an eerie western atmosphere and spacey bells, before emerging into a tsunami wave of bass that should only be unleashed with extreme caution. Foundation shaking.Trust Inc.' Pulling the listener into a subversive mindstate is 'Trust Inc.', with vibes and a hypnotic rhythm carried by pumping subs and executed with clinical precision. Bound to shake up every dance - eyes down, gunfingers up.Opium Riddim': Rounding off the record is the dreamy 'Opium Riddim', letting the mind wander off into the void. Melancholic vibes creep through pads and percussive lines, moving in trippy and spaced out realms.

Dublin born A/V duo CLU release four track 'Mood' EP, set for release through Gobstopper Records on 18th November 2016. Dublin born musician Sean Cooley and visual artist Kevin Freeney formed CLU in 2011 as a way to play music and showcase artwork simultaneously to their friends in venues and galleries across the city. Growing up in the 1990s, they witnessed the birth of mass produced 3D computer animations and the conceptual god complexes that came with the Internet. These two very apparent influences made them immerse themselves in the ever intertwining mediums of sound and vision, giving CLU a very unique approach to their live AV shows. Influences of trance, R&B, videogame and film scores, grime and industrial permeate Cooley's productions, which bubble with multitudes of synths and maintain a focus on bass driven twists. Visually, Freeney engages in a surrealist depth that skips on the brink between digital film and generative animations. This connection between the two forms a symbiotic chemistry that aims to bridge the gap between the white cubed galleries of visual art and the dark basements of electronic music to create soaring galactic oddities.

22 tracks mixed by Score 5. This mix is completely exclusive to the third CD.

* After some steady digital releases from the Croatian Untied Audio, the label has decided to step up its game with the darker sound of dubstep on 12' vinyl. Reamz, currently located in Carterton, yet again joins forces with his lyricist Flipz MC to bring forth two murder jams - and features a striking remix affaire by Chestplate-signee Leon Switch.

* Reamz brings forth 'Distant Horizon', a jam that contains a fierce synth line, angry roars and tasty bass licks. With vocal support from his partner-in-crime Flipz MC, the stallion takes his unlit sound towards total oblivion. Without a warning, this EP opener grows into harmful frequencies that play an important role in establishing a powerful A-side of this first Untied record. * The legendary Leon Switch breaks down Reamz' evil formula, reinventing it with the help of looping growls, a hypnotic hi-hat craze and intelligent automation levels. While pushing the grids of distortion and bass weight into a darkened remix excellently, the London-based producer is ready to hit heads with stone. Simply an essential remix for every vinyl collector and dubstep fan out there.
* An anthemic introduction readies listeners for impact, Flipz MC and Reamz loosen up a closing tongue twister that really contains various flavours. Dusk blackens the distinct dub feel that rules the bottom-end of 'The Hitman', while the rusty wobbles remind 'the heads' of the classic dungeon sound that ruled the sound a few years back. The magnitude of the mammoth second drop will simply overwhelm you!

Bassweight from Sleeper's Crucial Recordings label, an imprint that has been one of the more prolific dubstep labels on the scene since its inception. Samba is an artist who recently had his debut on the Encrypted Audio label and his since impressed Sleeper with a sound that fits perfectly for his label, beats with a kind of half-time Hip-Hop swagger but with the supreme bass that you'd expect from Crucial.

Radikal Guru returns to the trusted Moonshine Recordings to deliver his third album, which highlights his refreshing take on the beloved, dub sound of 2016. A selected few of the cuts involve exciting collaborations, not to be missed.The dub master Radikal Guru returns to the trusted Moonshine Recordings to deliver his third album, which highlights his refreshing take on the beloved, dub sound of 2016. A selected few of the cuts involve exciting collaborations that are not to be missed. Similar to King Yoof's recent album endeavour called 'Homage To The King', Radikal Guru exerts his speciality in various tempo ranges with the 'Dub Mentalist' LP. The result is just as exciting as his existing back catalogue, all mastered to meet the requirements of the true Moonshine vibration. The polish producer once again shows appreciation to both the dancefloor fans and the more meditating listeners. Fusing his compelling sound in dub, reggae and dubstep with timeless, old school samples makes every release a reminiscing journey. The amount of dread and energy will most definitely spark a riot across the globe.Radikal Guru executes his mix-up of dub by incorporating a dose of happiness and psychedelics. The effects take over the mixes in wild fashion, delays spin off the tasty spring reverberation tails, delivering a comfortable setting. Radikal's horns, including the trumpet, saxophone and trombone joined the Radikal Guru's live melodica to complement each other in rhythm and sound. The collaborations featuring Moonshine familiars Jay Spaker, Echo Ranks, Solo Banton, Violinbwoy and Earl 16 bless the righteous sound waves, as the bassweight, immersive vocals and tight arrangements speak for themselves. Whether it is the bass weight, vocal parts or simply the rhythms, you know exactly when Radikal Guru's music is being played on a true sound system. The contribution of the polish dub genius, to the healing of the nations and to global dub culture trembles, as he immediately reveals why his 'Dub Mentalist' LP forms an important chapter in our history of Moonshine Recordings material.

NZ based artist Akcept joins up with AMIT's AMAR label for a journey into Dub/Reggae inspired Bass music. Akcept is an artist who is just on the cusp of breaking through having been picked up by Truth's Deep Dark & Dangerous label for their recent compilation and about to appear on NZ's very own Averted Vision label. A solid producer who's making his mark with this release.

You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge'. If you've attended any dubstep night in the past twelve months, chances are you've heard this classic sample resonate in the room. Gaining support from the likes of Mala, Pinch, J: Kenzo, N-Type, Sleeper and Tunnidge, to mention but a few, Street Knowledge' has been one of those dubplates that still echoes in memories of past nights. The tune finally gets a release on Chestplate, District's usual home, alongside two heavy numbers that sit well in both District's and Chestplate's discography.

Opener Drowsy' is an aggressive assault that doesn't wait long to bring in its distorted leads and manic growls, splattered over layers of trappy hi-hats and round kick drums. Following this destabilizing outburst, Street Knowledge' almost sounds soothing: though each percussive sound seems chiselled to mount heaviness, the track is a dive into a world of minimal subfrequencies that ascend and descend, leaning itself towards introspection just as much as it can cause damage on a dancefloor.

It isn't hard to get why these tunes have been doing the rounds: finely crafted and surrounding the listener in their atmosphere, they make up for another great release to add up to Chestplate's canon.

Finally repressed!
Limited Exclusive Record Store Day Release on Nicolas Jaar´s Clown and Sunset Label.

Intriguing Coverversion of the Leonard Cohen Classic by Just Friends who are Nicolas Jaar and Sasha Spielberg.

B Side features no less touching versions of said song by Julia Holter and Shlomo. Epic.

Electronic music producer and DJ Greg Sanders AKA Distance returns with his third long player 'Dynamis', set for release through Tectonic Recordings on 21st October.

* Alongside recording 'Dynamis' over the past four years, Distance has been writing and producing for other artists including Riz MC, Jeb Loy Nichols and Jon More of Coldcut. Working with these artists helped open his mind to other styles of music and led to him veering away from his 140bpm roots. The productions of A$AP Ferg, Drake, Schoolboy Q and earlier Arca and FKA Twigs were a big influence, alongside the soundtracks of Hans Zimmer and Cliff Martinez.

* "I get inspiration from everywhere and deliberately try to ignore what is happening in the scene I'm most involved in. 'Dynamis' is influenced a lot by film scores, I have geeked out massively to create great dynamics in all of the tracks, sounds are heavily automated and processed to really give the music life."

* Even the structure of the tracks ditches the typical DJ friendly layouts and is programmed in an order that best helps to deliver the story. Some of the tracks give a subtle nod to this way of thinking - 'Sink or Swim', 'Paradigm', 'Instruction to Survive'.

* "I wanted to portray my willingness to progress and that I totally embrace the positives and negatives of change. If you stay stationary within any artform you will surely fail. I named a track "Fear Change" because most people would rather do anything other than change."

* As producer, DJ and label owner of Chestplate Records, Distance has been instigating change in music since emerging in 2003. Gathering early support from the legendary John Peel and going on to be part of the utterly seminal Dubstep Warz show on Radio 1 presented by Mary Anne Hobbs, he was a regular at seminal raves FWD, DMZ, Exodus and SUB:DUB and hosted on Rinse FM 2003-2012. With 12" releases on Tectonic and Hotflush; his first two albums 'My Demons' (2007) and 'Repercussions' (2008) were released through the respected label Planet Mu.

* "I feel very privileged to have released two albums on Planet Mu and they are still referenced by many as key albums in dubstep's history. Tectonic has been releasing my music for almost a decade, so it felt right me producing an album for the label. Pinch is a good friend and one of the few people who's opinion I trust."

* 'Dynamis' is the first Distance album to feature vocalists; helping to portray emotions, tell a story and aid the overall narrative of the album.

* "It was great recording them. When recording 'Badman' with Killa P I got him to stand as far away from the mic as possible and shout the lyric across the studio, as though he was shouting at someone across the street. We were cracking up at the time. I then used these recordings to create multiple layers and textures to his vocal, this gave the impression of there being a huge crowd of people chanting the chorus. Beezy was also a great artist to work with. We were done recording in about 20 minutes, he's so professional and knows exactly how to deliver the vocals the way I need them."

* The album's title is an ancient word: the original Greek meaning "heart, drive, power" and in English "the state of that which is not yet fully realized".

* "I always want my music to take you somewhere. Because I am experimenting more in sound design and tempo, I thought 'Dynamis' was perfect. In a sense I was trying to create something new. At the beginning of the process it hadn't yet been realised. Maybe only once it has been released and heard by the public it will be."

Osiris Music UK presents a new imprint: Ruff Cut. It
has been created as an outlet for records of all
genres from the Osiris roster that are without a
home, but very much deserve one.
Each record will be a 10" cut, hand stamped white
label in a paper bag.
The first release is delivered by an Osiris Music UK
stalwart, Killawatt. He comes correct with two heavy
dubwise cuts that will be bring serious energy,
weight and feel good vibes to any dance....

Hessle Audio's 18th release sees Bristol based Peverelist make his debut on the label!

In a short time, North Londoner Randomer has built up a small but heavy hitting catalogue of work - releasing 'Brunk' (on Hessle Audio's 116 & Rising compilation), the acid tinged 'Obtuse' and most recently his dance mania-on-steroids EP for Numbers, 'Real Talk'.' His debut for Hemlock Recordings see's him taking things even further back to basics, dropping two heavyweight trax of pure beats and bassline indulgence. a. Scruff Box's beats roll heavy but with a crafty, garage skip in their step, giving no clues to the obese bass riff that soon rudely exposes itself, tearing through the track roll by roll. aa. Get Yourself Together More of those trademark, overweight beats with one giant, elasticated bassline. For those who like them large and lovely.

Following their sold-out debut ffrom Sully and Sam Binga, Irish label Rua Sounds returns with TMSV delivering on his hotly-tipped rep with a double-A on Rua Sound, cut loud for the dance. This double-A oozes with references from hip-hop, jungle, dubstep, grime and dub. Fission Chips shimmers and grooves with half-time swagger on one side, Sound System on the flip goes deep and dubbed out, with off kilter drum programming and monstrous sub weight to test foundations.
Strong support from Sam Binga, Sully, Jaydrop, Law, Cryptikz, Ilk, Jonezy

After Foamplate's recent successes in the foggy basements of the UK, as a dubstep DJ / producer, and having received the opportunity to release dubs on accredited record labels such as V.I.V.E.K's System Music, Sleeper's Crucial Recordings & Donga's Well Rounded Records, the London based musician believes it's time for a new course of action inside his music career. The producer, known for his dark, dubby dubstep, is ready to take on the challenge of operating his self-established wax & digital outline entitled Plantpower Records. It will turn his music and that of like-minded musicians into physical records: music that should be played on a real sound system. 'PLANTPOWER001' echoes a selection of two militant cuts that holds the fundamental frequencies of Foamplate's interpretation of sound system music. His first 12-inch record on the label resembles his notorious, loosened take on the system sound, which exhales hypnotic FX treatment and the lowest pitched bass notes.

12 with download codes A1. Sleepless (Original Mix) A2. Sleepless (Shlohmo Remix) B1. Sleepless (Midland Dub) Flume is a 20 year old beatmaker from Sydney. He got his first taste for producing at age 13 from the most unlikely of places - a music production program he found in a cereal box. Sleepless is Flume's debut single and has enough lush pads, chopped and chipmunked vocals, saw synths and awesome percussion to impress any fan of Hudson Mohawke, Flying Lotus, Seekae or Space Dimension Controller.