Beats News

The Seventh instalment from Encrypted Audio is none other than London based Samba (Sam Bartlett).

Samba delivers finely crafted, raw and edgy music exploring the boundaries of the bass music genre. With Encrypted as his home Sam has crafted his sound into a genre changing format. Samba's output often delves deep into the fundamentals of stripped-back rhythm, with skittering off-kilter musical elements and bass that rattles the back of your skull.

Samba is a rapidly rising star in the expanding universe of new-talent and one to keep an eye on.

Sadist the lead track has seen plays from Scene favourites such as Mala, Truth, N:Type & Hatcha. The melodic hook and powerful drum work see this track as a key in nearly all sets.

Light Leak is a show case of all things distorted, with a driving top line and sub bass. Supported by Sam's love of gritty distortion, this track is an introduction to the future.

36's could of easily demanded a single 12 of its own but with the amount of work coming from Sam it had to fit onto this release. With an energy and flow reminiscent of Jungle/Drum & Bass from the Mid 90's.

Originally premiered by Mistajam on his BBC Radio 1 show back in May this one finally surfaces for an official release via J:Kenzo's Artikal Music UK. Big tune and one that threats to crossover from the niche Dubstep circles.

Addison Groove is back under his Headhunter guise - Rebooting his Transistor label for a duo of trademark dubstep cuts in that inimitable style that we have been missing since his landmark releases on Tempa back in the late 00's. Dank, rolling technoid mutations at 140 are the order of the day here, effortlessly combining the darkside sound palette and modulated bass that defined his earlier output with lush chord stabs stretching out into the distance. Driving percussion and immaculate production levels keep things steaming ahead throughout the duration - Following on directly from that golden era Tempa sound that we are so fond of. On the B side is Ina, cut from the same cloth as the A side but with a hint of his Addison Groove alias creeping in, if you checked his 'Go La La' record under that name last year you'll know what we mean. That crafty percussion is swiftly backed up by rough edged, elasticated bass and some more glowing chord stabs.

Zomby's new album is his most focussed to date. His ultra-modern music has a unique character, and 'Ultra' really displays his ability to create varied and detailed mutations. On 'Ultra' he warps discordant Eski grime ('Burst', 'Freeze', 'Yeti'), creates dreamlike blooms on 'Her' and 'Thaw', and builds crystalline music box takes on house and 2step on 'Glass' and 'I'. Zomby also collaborates on the album with Darkstar, Rezzett, Banshee, Burial and HKE. These all throw up unpredictable fusions and immaculate fissions.

Very Limited !

LAS returns to Innamind with two straight up heads-down beasts "Gunfam" and "This Morning", highly anticipated and not to be slept on under any circumstances!

Joining the ZamZam ranks with # 43, Versa (AKA Michael Nickless AKA Michael Versa) is well known to sound system music addicts from a string of wicked releases beginning in 2009, most recently a pair of highly sought after plates on the mighty System label. Versa's productions are known for extremely powerful basslines, a deeply dubwise production sensibility and masterful sound design.

A Midsummer Night's Dub' is a truly blissful 130 stepper, let by an unforgettable, filigreed melody threading Occident and Orient. Washed out yet insistent hi hats and claps locked with a deeply melodic bassline drive the riddim, augmented by beautifully delayed guitar licks and mixing prowess reminiscent of classic Dub Syndicate updated for the modern sound system dance.

Versa is joined by frequent sparring partner Rowl on the B side, Trimorphic,' an extraordinarily deep and emotive journey into 140 space. Powered by a tight staccato kick and equally clipped sub line, the tune revels in deep pads with a pedigree in the best of classic dub techno. Accented by fluttering percussion, gorgeous synth washes and restrained, masterful dubbing, Trimorphic" is a journey for those who like to plumb the depths unchained from convention - real Sounds from The Well.

Compa is back on MEDi with what's shaping up to be his best work yet

ILL_K is no stranger to the underground bass music scene with releases on top labels such as Paradise Lost, Alphacut and NORD label showcasing a wide range of styles from downtempo to jungle with his signature precision sound. Here he makes a welcome return to Foundation Audio with 2 tracks that showcase ILL_Ks skill and versatility as a producer.

'Distortion Dub' is a 140bpm monster with layers of distortion oozing over the heaviest of subs - hard as nails and guaranteed to shake the system!

Flip side 'Draht' is a 170bpm half time dubwise steppa that will appeal to anyone into the dubbier side of the music spectrum. Essential listening.

With his debut 12" release on DEEP MEDi & his 'Decade of Weight' album, 2016 has been a strong year for Bukez Finezt so far. In his own words: "Holy Moly - life goal right there"

This tune has been on dubplate for quite some time. Something of a UK Garage anthem on the underground, Jodo Kast is an alter-ego of J:Kenzo the prominent Dubstep producer/DJ and to celebrate the launch of this release he has also relaunched his ShadowTrak label in order to reboot that imprint to cater for his garage productions.

Current UK steppers production; in beuatiful silk-screened Zam Zam sleeve

South African born, New York living Brendon Moeller, man of a thousand guises - including Beat Pharmacy, Echologist and Mono Blanco - is a prolific producer known especially for his hard yet dubwise brand of techno. Founder of the prolific Steadfast label, Moeller has releases on a number of excellent imprints including Echocord andSoul People. For ZamZam, Beat Pharmacy indulged his deep love of heady dubwise, crafting two totally unique and uncompromisingly experimental tracks that provide a window into a singular creative soul.
Moeller says, 'Beach Dub and Bowling Dub were both recorded in early 2014 in my own studio... At the time I was coming down from 5 years of nonstop techno production and touring, and was feeling a huge urge to record some spaced out dub - so I did. Both tracks were recorded using hardware and software combined.'Beach Dub is firmly rooted in the history of dub techno in which Moeller has been such a key figure for many years. Unlike most dub techno, however, it leads with the bass and atmosphere, lush texture and melody washing in at steady intervals, waves and tides that carry the riddim rather than the other way around. Bowling Dub creates a cavernous sound world rich in reverb and sparkling detail that reaches into hip hop/electro-dub territory with huge bass, skittering drums and pinballing percussion pointing the way to an as-yet-unnamed genre of dubwise whose time is ripe.

ZamZam is proud to present a massive and mighty steppers tune from Ariel Tagar, better known to the worlds of reggae and electronic music as Kalbata.

Instantly addictive, "Brimstone & Lightning" is a collaboration between Kalbata and a veteran yet little-known Jamaican producer called Leon Electronics. Kalbata'slegendary reggae obsession led him to seek Leon out with the intention of rereleasing an obscure tune of his from the 80's. After months of searching, Kalbata managed to track Leon down in Kingston Jamaica and met with him while recording his celebrated 'Congo Beat The Drum' LP. Going through the tapes at Boris Gardiner's studio, the pair stumbled on this unfinished tune. Leon dismissed it, but Kalbata became obsessed with the rough gem, so Leon gave him his blessings to finish, cut and release it. Started in Jamaica in 1990 and finished in Tel Aviv last year, the 100% analog mix is like a message from the future to the past brought forth in the miracle of the present - a pounding steppers whose kick, bass & space dynamics have to be heard to be believed.
Voiced on the original tape from 1990, the identity of the vocalist remains a mystery, forgotten even by Leon Electronics. But he lives again in this scorcher of a tune, at 160 bpm one of the most relentless yet buoyant steppers you will ever hear.

Boka Records is proud to launch the BOKA ARTILLERY series which is firmly focused on pushing the deep, heavier side of Dubstep and introducing exciting new UK producers. All finished copy 12's will be limited to 300 copies and are hand-stamped by the label.Vol.3 [BOKA038PT3] features the double team of Killa & Instinct with their tracks 'Elude' and 'Elements' who successfully take the deep sound to new dimensions with their tribal, hypnotic production style reminding us of early DMZ beats, an outfit who are set to ramp up in 2012 and build on their support from the likes of Tunnidge, J:Kenzo, Distance & Cyrus.
Vol.1 [Killawatt & Ipman] is OUT NOW / Vol.2 [Compa] is OUT NOW.

REPRESSED !!
Never afraid to write music from the heart rather than trying to fit a mould Synkro & Indigo bring a refreshing and inspirational sound to the table and Exit Records are proud to provide an outlet for their work. Their dedicated followers have eagerly awaited guidance, and there's good reason. Awash with lush atmospheres and vocals it's a track that manages to touch the listener's soul and becomes more addictive the more it's listened to. Delayed snare rolls and fills create an ocean of space for the ambience to develop into a warm and cosey blanket of pure bliss. Reflection contains the same emotion triggering qualities as the A side and is the perfect partner. A little more drum based than its accomplice but just as soothing, it takes you through a workout of intricate beat edits and mixes distant classical vocals with subtle chord progressions.

GourmetBeats 002 features three selections from Sepia: Music Box, Harp Song, and Glisten VIP. The 12' vinyl release features Music Box and Harp Song. The digital release features Music Box, Harp Song, and includes Glisten VIP as an exclusive digital bonus track.

Theo Bennett, whose production name is Sepia, is a 25 year-old self-taught producer and DJ from London, United Kingdom. Sepia grew up from the free party and rave scene on the Isle of Wight. At 17 years old, he moved to Brighton for university, where he found his sound — creating a discography ranging from grime, dub, reggae, hip hop, r&b, drum & bass, and footwork. Additionally, Sepia maintained DJ residencies at several well-respected nights, such as: Subsplash, Supercharged, and Vagabondz. The inspiration behind Sepia's music is his late mother, Julie Bennett, who passed away in 2006 when Sepia forged his musical journey. Currently, Sepia lives in Bristol, United Kingdom — a musical hotbed of varied tempos, textures, and talent. Fusing deep sub-bass frequencies with polyrhythmic percussion, Sepia champions his exclusive brand of sound system music with a focus on melancholy melodies, harmonies, and instrumentation. Theo is an established artist on line-ups across the United Kingdom and continues to build his musical legacy in the months and years to come.

With each release, GourmetBeats gives money to a charity or organization of the artist's choice. Theo's chosen charity is The Earl Mountbatten Hospice, on the Isle of Wight. This facility cared for Theo's mother until her passing in 2006. Learn more about the Earl Mountbatten Hospice

Airhead first appeared on R&S with the wonderful 'Lightmeters' track on the IOTDXI compilation, and now steps up with this stunning debut single for the label.
For a producer with only two singles to his name, he is already a master of building breathtaking music, full of tension, space and originality.
The two tracks on this single utilise his skills as both an instrumentalist and producer and don't conform to sit comfortably in just one genre, but mix his love of atmospheric guitar and classic electronica.
This is just the beginning for the relationship with Airhead and R&S, as he prepares his debut album for the label.

Brooklyn's Dub-Stuy announces a new release series inspired by the tradition of Jamaican dancehall riddims and their enduring popularity. Taking a cue from Greensleeves' rhythm album series, Dub-Stuy's riddim series reimagines classic dancehall anthems with a bass music twist and a worldwide line-up of vocalists.

The first in this new series is an update to King Jammy's 1986 Punanny riddim by Brooklyn-based DJ Madd, who adds a double-time swing, pulsing 808 kicks and some serious sub bass pressure to the original while keeping the unforgettable hook intact. Taking turns to vocal the riddim is a cast of four MCs: Turbulence, Kingston's rudeboy-turned-rasta whose breakout single Notorious still rings loud today, Mikey General, the British-born singer whose beautiful tenor is a fixture of conscious reggae music, Miss Red, the young Israeli female MC taking the European scene by storm, and Kurry Stain, an upcoming lyricist from Kingston who has been working with JA Productions. Each MC brings their own distinct style to the track, giving us four versions of a timeless classic.

Punanny 2016 is released as a 2x7' pack - perfect for the vinyl fans and collectors - and in digital formats with colourful artwork that celebrates the legacy of this classic. A summer anthem ready to burn up the dance from Kingston to Tokyo!

ARtroniks - Torodial / Shifted' is due to release on the 1st of April 2016, catalogued as DUPLOC012.
duploc has been putting out dubstep since April 2015 and to celebrate one year of digitally-released music, the Belgian platform stepped up its game and decided to release its first vinyl record. Founder Pieter Grauwels emphasises that it's not his ambition to simply be an average digital label and combines that spirit with the aim to provide his artists with a physical format as well. However it's definitely not evident to release a dubstep vinyl in Belgium, it's been four years since a Belgian label did so. releasing a 12 vinyl featuring two highly-anticipated dubplates from none other than resident ARtroniks.

The Ghent-based ARtroniks was featured earlier onwith appearances onDUPLOC005 and DUPLOC009. Now it's time to welcome back Belgium's dubstep frontman with his own proper vinyl. ARtroniks is a well-respected resident in and around Ghent for quite a few events. Though internationally he's not passing by unnoticed, as the 23-years-old is strongly supported by DJ N-Type and J:Kenzo on their Rinse FM shows. Above all he was the first Belgian who had an episode on GetDarkerTV. Catalogued and titled as DUPLOC012, Torodial and Shifted will be exclusively available on vinyl for two months. A limited edition of 300 copies will be available via all the relevant vinyl stores from the 1st of April 2016. 100% Belgian brewed dubstep.

Made up of Tom Bellamy (ex-Cooper Temple Clause), Paul Mullen (ex-YourCodeNameIs:Milo/Young Legionnaire), Eddy TM (DJ/new music radio and club guru) and Dean Pearson with years of history across a huge range musical landscapes, Losers are the rarest of species, a band with no safety net and no conformist formula to follow. Their previous material has crossed over a huge range of styles and genres with their earlier dance driven material developing all the way into the more rock driven and poignant emotive output of their previous album. Now, Losers are back with another more developed new outlook, as a new band, and more importantly, with their new album 'How To Ruin Other People's Futures'.

Losers' previous album '...and so we shall never part' was received with critical acclaim across a huge range of publications spanning from electronic all the way through to the rock press. The album also saw multiple tracks synced to the likes of the London 2012 Olympics, Game Of Thrones, CSI, Michael Bay's Black Sails, Xbox title Far Cry 3 and more. Achieving acclaim across the industry '...and so we shall never part' has also earned plaudits from the likes of Zane Low and Rob Da Bank alongside Gary Numan and the legendary Sisters Of Mercy, who both handpicked the band to tour with them in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

For long-time Losers fans 'How To Ruin Other People's Futures' will be seen as a rapid evolution to the bands top form. The new album is a free falling head first descent into the bands new dark, brooding and emotionally brutal sound. Crushing electronics reminiscent of HEALTH collide with instrumental and vocal dynamics and intensity that call to mind the sounds of early-Nine Inch Nails, whilst the lyrics are far more visceral and caustic than before. On tracks such as 'Chainsaw' and 'This Is A War' Losers exhibit their newly found raw power and abrasive edge, at times calling to mind the electronic punk edge of early-Prodigy albums. The lyrics are contemplative and full of ferocity, however they also induce feelings of transfiguring uplift. 'How To Ruin Other People's Futures' is the culmination of what Losers have been working towards over the past four years, harking back to the more guitar driven, melodic work of their second album, and even the more dance driven sound of their earlier incarnation, whilst eagerly succumbing to their darker and heavier sensibilities.

Made up of Tom Bellamy (ex-Cooper Temple Clause), Paul Mullen (ex-YourCodeNameIs:Milo/Young Legionnaire), Eddy TM (DJ/new music radio and club guru) and Dean Pearson with years of history across a huge range musical landscapes, Losers are the rarest of species, a band with no safety net and no conformist formula to follow. Their previous material has crossed over a huge range of styles and genres with their earlier dance driven material developing all the way into the more rock driven and poignant emotive output of their previous album. Now, Losers are back with another more developed new outlook, as a new band, and more importantly, with their new album 'How To Ruin Other People's Futures'.

Losers' previous album '...and so we shall never part' was received with critical acclaim across a huge range of publications spanning from electronic all the way through to the rock press. The album also saw multiple tracks synced to the likes of the London 2012 Olympics, Game Of Thrones, CSI, Michael Bay's Black Sails, Xbox title Far Cry 3 and more. Achieving acclaim across the industry '...and so we shall never part' has also earned plaudits from the likes of Zane Low and Rob Da Bank alongside Gary Numan and the legendary Sisters Of Mercy, who both handpicked the band to tour with them in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

For long-time Losers fans 'How To Ruin Other People's Futures' will be seen as a rapid evolution to the bands top form. The new album is a free falling head first descent into the bands new dark, brooding and emotionally brutal sound. Crushing electronics reminiscent of HEALTH collide with instrumental and vocal dynamics and intensity that call to mind the sounds of early-Nine Inch Nails, whilst the lyrics are far more visceral and caustic than before. On tracks such as 'Chainsaw' and 'This Is A War' Losers exhibit their newly found raw power and abrasive edge, at times calling to mind the electronic punk edge of early-Prodigy albums. The lyrics are contemplative and full of ferocity, however they also induce feelings of transfiguring uplift. 'How To Ruin Other People's Futures' is the culmination of what Losers have been working towards over the past four years, harking back to the more guitar driven, melodic work of their second album, and even the more dance driven sound of their earlier incarnation, whilst eagerly succumbing to their darker and heavier sensibilities.

2X 180 gram vinyl with download code. 'TheSoundYouNeed Vol. 2' wraps up the brand's multi-genre explorations thus far and lives up to its name with forward-thinking groove clarity.
Dedicated to exploring the finest music of our time, TheSoundYouNeed represents the most exciting departures dance music has taken this decade: Future Bass, Deep House, Future Garage, Chillwave and beyond... TheSoundYouNeed celebrates, supports and reflects the current rude health of electronic music in every possible direction. 'TheSoundYouNeed Vol. 2' wraps up the brand's multi-genre explorations thus far and lives up to its name with forward-thinking groove clarity.

Established at the end of 2012 in Lyon, France, TheSoundYouNeed was one of the first audio-visual music blogs of its kind on YouTube. In three years the brand has recruited over three million loyal subscribers worldwide and close to a billion views.

'TheSoundYouNeed Vol. 2' doesn't just represent the brand's taste and remit, but also shows us just how creative and exciting electronic music can be when it's curated in the right way.

ZamZam is very pleased to welcome Compa to the family! With his sparse, tight & driving signature dubwise sound, his first 7' for ZamZam is a serious scorcher, the latest in a growing catalog of crucial releases on labels including Boka Records, Lion Charge and Deep Medi Musik. Compa's increasingly intense touring schedule is winning over crowds from Australia to Asia, and support is steady from luminaries including Mary Anne Hobbs, Gilles Peterson, Toddla T, the legend David Rodigan, Joe Nice, and of course Deep Medi boss Mala amongst many others.

Shaka's Truth' is a lean beast of stop/start riddim dynamics and meditative synth melodics. A massive oscillating bassline pumps in unison with the pounding kick, while a disembodied voice of wisdom intones on the nature of truth, and the importance of trusting the inner voice. Atha Dub' is a missive from deep space, marrying a shimmering melody to laser volleys and distorted echo trails. A melodic 808 bass doubles the merciless, staccato kick drum, while distorted snares are overtaken by reverb, and tape delay spools out only to be reeled back from the intergalactic abyss. Two 140 stormers for the system and the headphones alike.

Mastered & cut by the one & only Lewis at Stardelta UK.

ZamZam 40 is a milestone... as such we wanted to commemorate this chapter by coming full circle to where we began as a label - with another stunning Henry & Louis release from the vaults - this time featuring none other than reggae royalty Johnny Clarke.

Henry & Louis (AKA Jack Lundie and Andy Scholes) is a Bristol institution and UK sound system mainstay, birthed in 1988. The duo's 2Kings label, founded in 1990, is also a cornerstone of the 'Bristol sound', with releases including How Can A Man Be Happy' mixed at the legendary Smith & Mighty studio in St Paul's, Jah Jah NeverFail I' (first released on ZamZam's progenitor BSI Records), and many others, forming part of the city's musical iconography. Pinch, RSD, Prince Jammo, Sledgehead and other close friends round out the label's stable, and Andy Scholes DJs globally representing the 2Kings family.

A heavily edited version of Love and Understanding' was released on the seminal Time Will Tell LP (first on BSI, then 2Kings). This new ZamZam 7' is the first time the full vocal and full dub version have been heard in all their glory. The original lyric was penned by Andy Scholes and released on a 2Kings 12' - Johnny Clarke took hold of the words and laid down a magesterial version when Andy and Jack travelled to Jamaica in 1996. Recorded in a single take at 'Chunky's Studio,' Sherlock Crescent, Kingston 20 - what a moment that must have been.

The skeletal riddim and deeply melodic bassline form the perfect bedrock for his sublime performance. digi-percussion, clipped horns and subtle guitar plucks complete a truly revelatory tune. The dub version is a hallucinogenic ride that simply has to be heard to be believed. Stripped raw to the core of 4/4 kick, heavily reverbed snare and knocking percussion, the flavor borders on industrial - distorted and atmospheric, thick with tape hiss and impossibly long echoes - utterly unique and uncompromising. It is shocking

When will all this stupidness end And live in togetherness' pleads the mighty Big Youth. Stop killing the innocent ones.' We are proud to present this incredibly timely tune from the legend Twilight Circus, just the musical medicine the world needs in these days of division and strife.

"Why Can't We Be Friends" is a rockstone riddim with a driving heartbeat pulse and deep atmosphere reminiscent of Rhythm & Sound's classic Burial Mix releases. Fully organic in its sonics and construction, it nevertheless manages to recall the golden age of dub techno and late-night warehouse sessions. The dub version dives even deeper, bringing the hi-hats into crystal focus, letting the toms and rimshots rock, the skanks dub and invert, with occasional test-tones bubbling up as the riddim drives forward, ever forward...

Twilight Circus is the dub & reggae project of multi-instrumentalist Ryan Moore, former bassist and drummer of the Legendary Pink Dots. Originally focused completely on instrumental dub albums and singles, Twilight Circus moved increasingly into working with voices - in addition to Big Youth, Moore has worked with a roll call of seminal roots vocalists including Michael Rose, Ranking Joe, Cornell Campbell, Fred Locks and Luciano. The Twilight Circus discography is truly massive, spanning dozens of LPs and singles, and remixes galore. This new single is a crucial addition to an already stellar career in sound system music.

Moore recalls the extraordinary events around the session with Big Youth:
...the vocals with Big Youth we did at Steven Stanley Studio in Kingston JA, during sessions which later got derailed due to the arrival of hurricane Dennis in 2005! I will never forget talking with Bongo Herman in the studio parking lot & the wind went still, then started from the opposite direction - that was the point the storm announced itself.

The eye miraculously veered off at the last moment so JA was spared destruction, but it was a crazy time as people realized what was on the way & started boarding up, panic-buying supplies... I too got provisions, water, candles etc to survive on my own in the hotel... as it turned out torrential rains & floods hit, but no devastating winds..."

Masterpiece of Footwork...Rashad never die !