Techno News

Limited 200 pressing - handmade covers with beautiful risograph printed artwork

David Webb’s hypnotic and raw Elevate 12” from 1994 reveals an overlooked region in Detroit’s seemingly-endless musical landscape, linking the narcotic minimalism of Theo Parrish’s Ugly Edits with the uninhibited, spontaneous, and jazzy jamming found on J Dilla beat-tapes.

Raised in the musically fertile and adventurous atmosphere of Detroit, Webb got his start as a mobile DJ while in high school during the late 70’s. Captivated by the local boom of soul, funk and disco, he’d frequent the social clubs, soaking up sounds. His earliest experiments in mixing led him to form a DJ crew with his pal Paul Johnson. Paul enlisted a friend, Jeff Mills, pre-Underground Resistance, to join the trio and they called themselves Frequency Sounds. The three would play underground parties and college events for Michigan State students. Throughout the 80’s, Webb and his friends would play at the local clubs around town, like 431 East (now called Saint Andrews), where he played alongside Ken Collier and other Detroit legends. Each week he found new sounds at his local record shop Buy Rite Records on West 7 Mile, where he’d dig for Italo, New Wave, Disco and House, buying 12”s from labels like Prelude, Trax and Beggars’ Banquet on sight.

Webb’s earliest experiments with producing his own sounds started when he bought an Echoplex and ASR-X Drum Machine. During his sets he’d add live effects & rhythm to his favourite songs. This led to building a mini home studio where initially he would record all his songs overdubbing on two tape decks. Two of his earliest experiments, Elevate and Who Am I? Were self-released as a small- run promo 12” that he would hand out to his friends and local DJs. Webb quickly sold out and gave away the pressing, and he would often hear it played by DJs around town, but over time it drifted in the margins, as an obscure footnote in the history of Detroit Techno. Mixed Signals is proud to bring this important record back into circulation, seducing a whole new generation of DJs and dancers with Webb’s dark and silky pleasures.

The wait is over, Mojuba is very proud to present the sixth episode by Jouem called Resonance On The Edge in his long running Episodes series. This release adds three new offerings to the story, each reflecting further facets to the unique Jouem sound. Ranging from moody delay and reverb drenched immersive driving rhythms of opener Ancient Ruins via the shimmering laidbackness of ‚Tauran’ to the epic string-ladden closing of the 12“ called Long Bright Dark. All in all a much needed new piece to join the musical and visual puzzle to continue this remarkable journey by Sven Weisemann under his Jouem moniker. Listen, dance, love and enjoy!

Sudd WAX is a vinyl only label of Sudd Records.
Stk Ensemble presents a 7th release named Deep Emotions.

Population One 313 power pack.. Beware!

Limited sampler for the upcoming Simulation album.

A Sagittariun joins Craigie Knowes for a 3-track lunar rove on his label debut 'Live From The Sea Of Tranquility'. Beats, bumps and textures melding conventional dance music aesthetics with modern and firmly-UK flair. The EP showcases a lifetime of effortless genre-straddling as Harris turns his hand to a wide spectrum of instruments, sounds and formats at will. The artwork for this record is also hiding more than a few hidden messages for Apollo/space exploration buffs, following in the tradition of almost all previous 12" releases on Craigie Knowes. Credit is also paid to Andrew Weatherall as he helped guide and tutor A Sagittariun's production over the years - R.I.P Lord Sabre.

After two compilations and a split EP, Oscillate Tracks present their first solo EP. Having played dynamic DJ performances at Oscillate events as well as releasing top-notch productions on Livity Sound and Man Band, Toma Kami seemed the perfect fit. With 3 tracks of percussive body music, sharp rhythms and precise arrangements which build to hard-drum energies as well as a confidently layered and commanding remix from atmospheric techno icon Forest Drive
West, this EP packs a patient yet satisfying punch.

With Nvelope (Eintakt / Diametral) and Narcotic303 (DeepTakt / DimbiDeep Music) two great dub techno artists sum up their energy for leading the 4th episode of the Turmfalke vinyl series into great soundscapes between dub techno and Detroit techno, including two great acid based remixes from Matthias Springer. Truly an unique and versatile release on this label series so far.

Argentinian duo Dying & Barakat return to Knotweed with a wonderful 4-tracker to warm up your winter. They keep developing their unique sound, blending the darker shades of techno with the warmer sides of house, always with a perceptible happiness oozing from each track.

Victor Kiktenko aka Module One's EP for Anna Wall's imprint The Bricks is inspired by the disciplines of Detroit. A sound shaped by luminaries like Mike Huckaby, Rick Wade and Kyle Hall, Victor has spent the last nine years refining his own unique approach to this style of house music.

Residing in the industrial city of Novocherkassk in the South of Russia, it wasn't until the summer of 2018 that he relocated to Berlin - and it was a liberating decision. 'With the growing power of the Police structures, the parties and festivals were often shut down the last minute which gave absolutely no way to plan our careers and I remember having up to 4 jobs at the same time to survive. Russia is a pretty poor country...the majority of people working extra hard and having several jobs. Berlin wasn't only an inspiration, but also a very logical and pragmatic move.' 'The One I Believe' was made during his time at home as he awaited the German visa process.

The four track EP displays the various forms of Module One's production; from the dub-techno sounds of 'Morning Dub' to playful electro kicks on 'Liquid Forms'. Chicago's Tyree Cooper has given 'The One I Believe' a classic rework adding his trademark drum machines and a subtle 303 acid line that compliments the original.

Early Support:

Jus-Ed - 'Dope EP! I will be playing this...and Tyree Cooper killed it!' 5/5

Laurent Garnier - 'Lovely release - will play' 4/5

Jacques Renault - 'Excellent dreamy EP all around, OGs and killer drum workout from Tyree...' 4/5

We are going deep below the sea level for this release on Pulse Drift. Down there, musical treasures of rare quality can be encountered and brought to you through this excellent 5-track EP! Greek artist kon001 delivers an aquatic storm of underwater Electro and Techno in best Detroit tradition. Yet he puts his very own ingredients to the essence, mixing up submerged soul and marine funk, sci-fi concepts and greek mythology. Catch a deep breath and follow on this musical dive!

"Thoughts towards change, evolution, learning from mistakes. Take advantage of the time that we have ahead of us as an opportunity for development, to be who we want to be and not necessarily who we were yesterday. Having absolute control over our subconscious and unconscious mind will allow us to achieve success."

2020 Repress!

After two self released EPs, Eterna joins the Modern Obscure Music family. In another musical life, Eterna is a drummer and a sound engineer. Here the Barcelona based artist presents a varied EP that features beautiful melodies backed by distinctive instrumentation and percussive arrangements. Remix duties fall to the wonderful LA based experimentalist DNTEL, aka Jimmy Tamborello. Regatta features choppy textured beats, a bold keyed melody and a smooth bassline groove. The “Jimmy Tamborello” Remix from DNTEL is composed of competing parts that fit together surprisingly well. A menacing bass, powerful stop start beats and spacey synths meet on this remix. 277 is the deepest cut, with emotional strings, almost steel drum sounding keys and layered percussion. A Day In The Life rounds off the EP with walking paced sturdy beats, modulating synths and a springy bassline. This is a truly versatile EP from Eterna.

uplifting, perfectly crafted big room Techno anthems + UK Bass related bonus cut

12" (180g) with color jacket. Spiral Deluxe is a band led by Jeff Mills. Initially formed for the performances in Japan (Tokyo/Kobe) and released "Kobe Sessions" EP (AX070) last year, they gathered again in October 2016 for European tour, when they named themselves as Spiral Deluxe. The upcoming record is live recordings from that tour and will be our 2nd series of "Axis Audiophile Series" with HD sound. Spiral Deluxe is a band led by Jeff Mills. Initially formed for the performances in Japan (Tokyo/Kobe) and released 'Kobe Sessions' EP (AX070) last year, they gathered again in October 2016 for European tour, when they named themselves as Spiral Deluxe. The upcoming record is live recordings from that tour and will be our 2nd series of 'Axis Audiophile Series' with HD sound.

200 copies only! Very strong 5 track dub & Detroit influenced techno compilation.

Warning! This record contains traces of acid and spaced out tripping techno!
Classic unpredictable SW. goodness straight outta SUED: Detroit hitek soul & UK broken beat vibes meet subtle swinging & warm sounding lo-fi house. Artist Info: - SW. is one of the heads behind SUED records - his album from 2017 got voted by Rolling Stone Magazine to the top 20 electronic music albums of the year - this year he is releasing also on Kimochi and a famous label from Salzburg - his past remixes were on Kimochi, Acid Test, Klasse Wrecks, Bright Sounds, and Kalahari Oyster Kult

The start of a new series

TRO, no compromise quality elecTRO and techno, mastered by 6-BIT DEEP in Copenhagen and pressed on 180g heavyweight vinyl. P returns from TRO-1 for a solo electro venture. Strictly limited to 202 copies. No Repress.

Unknown collective Lost Trax return for a third EP on Delsin following two previous outings since 2017. Also releasing on the likes of Tabernacle and Frustrated Funk, they deal in emotional music that comes direct from the heart and heads straight for the dance floor. 'De Laye' is a quick and slick, deep and dubby techno cut with plenty of room for the twisted bassline and busy, bristling drums. 'Surface Treated' trips you out with sci-fi sounds and electro influences that recall classic Detroit as they surge into the future and 'Interstate' then gets perfectly dreamy and far sighted, with thoughtful chords and keys drifting up top about tight, punchy drums. This most serene and sublime EP ends on 'Still', a crisp electro cut with icy keys and plenty of machine made drum funk. It makes for a most stylish and timeless collection overall.

From the minds of Direct Beat and Detroit Bass Classics, comes the first initial compilation of electro/techno heat... "Electro In The Key Of Detroit: Volume 1"...Proven dance floor dope & record crate staples that provide the hungry ears of masses the groove to move: World-Wide. 'DJ K1's "Erase The Time" (featured on Detroit's WGPR TV "New Dance Show" in the 1990s) rocked the airwaves and global clubs with its signature thumping style laced beneath alien-like melody and repetitive vocal structure. 'Posatronix' mutant-rhythm mantra, "Pure Techno Sound" pulls the weight of Detroit's street dance roots down to the origin of how to boogie in space. A sure-fire stepper that also shared popularity on TV dance show platforms from Techno City. 'Blaktony's tempo-pushing "Holla Holla" , direct from the documentary soundtrack: "AUX88: Portrait Of An Electronic Band" dvd box set (a radio Dj/mix show favorite) sees the light of day on this wax collectable, giving praise to Motor City footwork culture. Also included in this monster EP is the rare 'AUX88' voyage entitled: "Phantom Power"...a gem and collector's choice. Crafted exclusively for the laid-back option away from the party or to enjoy accompanying a night's drive. This collection of re-issued jams and new explorations 'IS' the must-have for the electro/techno & bass aficionado...See it as either a DJ's weapon of choice, or the gift from vault

mourad Sliti Aka Dj Mourad Is A Long Standing Veteran, Since 2010 On The Minimalsoul Roster. His 2015 tacotac' 12 Amplified His Deep, Diverse & Funky Mediterranean Production Style.

Hailing From Tunisia, He Was Heavily Influenced By The Sounds Of Detroit. He Brought These Influences To Boras, A Small City Not Far From Gothenburg In Sweden, One Of Europe's Cradles For Electro Music.

Electro Is De Facto The Main Stylistic Focus In This new Moon' Ep, But The Peculiarity Of Mourad's Work Goes To Show How Boundaryless
The Genre Is, As Well As How He's Able To Contribute In A Very Personal Way. This Is Clear Already By Listening To The Ep's Opener la Lune': A Triumph Of Multiple Synth Layers, Forged Into An Electro Frame, With A Slight Uk Taste, And A Fistful Of Acidic Resonance.

The Track Gets Then A Commando Rework By Detroiter And Direct Beat Associate Will Webb, Perfect To Rock Dancefloors.
On The Flipside, Mourad's Ode To Goddess Selene Continues With A Very Sensual And Soothing Track, new Moon', Which Includes An Even More Pronounced Level Of Syncopation, Another Feature In Mourad's Production Way.

The Release Closes With The Dreamy Techno Tenderness That ten Of Pentacles' Is. In 1909 The First Tarot Deck Featuring A Suit Of Pentacles Was Published, But The Pentacle Or Pentagram Has Been A Magical Figure Throughout The 15th Century And After, And In One Of The Most Famous Grimoires Of The Period - The key Of Solomon' - There Were Multiple Pentacles, Including Some Linked To The Moon.

Indeed The Feeling That We Get From This Swirling Of Chords, Claps, Cymbals, Bass Drum And So On Is That Of An Advice:
Play Your Cards With Honesty And Courage, The Powers Of The Moon And The Stars Will Be With You If It's Meant To Be.'

Erell Ranson signs his debut EP on Subconscious Algorithms with four techno tracks showing his own vision of the deep side of techno, largely influenced by Detroit, B12 and much more.

Clear Vinyl Repress!

Taken from a mysterious Acetate cut by Derrick May in 1987 this release was originally penned for KMS offshoot Pheerce Citi.

Both these sides were later released - 'The Darkside' = as 'A Relic' (by Longer Than Long ago) and 'Tic Tic Tic' was later released on the limited edition compilation as Music Institute 20th Anniversary as 'Untitled'.

Both tracks are however, very hard to get on vinyl and have now been re issued as loud 45rpm pressings in Pheerce Citi artwork and remastered for 2014.

300 copies of this release were released in different artwork at Phonica Records as part of RSD 2014 which sold out in a week...

BAR05 by Italian MinimalRome affiliate Teslasonic. Stunning Electro cuts including a mesmerizing remix by Rotterdam favourites Animistic Beliefs.

Nicole has returned to Drumcode all guns blazing with her new 'Bittersweet EP'. The A-side 'I Know Where I've Been', is a deep rolling techno machine that uses a constant building percussion loop that eventually explodes into some serious funky signature Moudaber techno! 'Bittersweet' is a techno belter that uses a hypnotic synth rhythm that will take the listener into another world. The repetitive claps induce a flurry of energy and excitement whilst supported by the crisp highs.

Leipzig's Salomo - who caught attention with his contribution to the labels previous compilation is now releasing his full solo LP via VARY. 12 tracker that provides an organic transition from house to ambient - suitable for club play, your next pool party or as a birthday gift to your mother in law. Conscious of it's inspirations, the record is a slight nod in the direction of contemporary electronic music from London, Vancouver and Detroit that still strikes with integrity & originality.

Taken from a mysterious Acetate cut by Derrick May in 1987 this release was originally penned for KMS offshoot Pheerce Citi.

Both these sides were later released - 'The Darkside' = as 'A Relic' (by Longer Than Long ago) and 'Tic Tic Tic' was later released on the limited edition compilation as Music Institute 20th Anniversary as 'Untitled'.

Both tracks are however, very hard to get on vinyl and have now been re issued as loud 45rpm pressings in Pheerce Citi artwork and remastered for 2014.

300 copies of this release were released in different artwork at Phonica Records as part of RSD 2014 which sold out in a week...

Legendary Detroit Techno collective, Scan 7's 'Burdens Down' release from 2017 was a true testament to their brilliant ability to merge the soulful house textures with the analogue mechanics. The addition of Maurice Jackson's outstanding vocal stylings topped off the original with a perfect human element. Following the global success of the original version, Elypsia Records has enlisted some of the scene's top tastemakers to deliver a remix package worthy of the original, featuring that same calculated combination of soul and steel.

Leaders of the Parisian underground, DJ Deep & Roman Poncet, provide the first remix which is all about building incredible tension. A tightly squeezed kick drum, short synth chops and cleverly placed vocal samples drive the groove. As the track grows, additional hats and synths arrive, leading up to a quick break before all the floor-rocking energy bursts free. Big!

Dutch Techno legend Orlando Voorn steps up next for his first of two remixes, this one leaning towards a very House-centric shuffle with warm, friendly key stabs and the full use of Maurice's vocals. A truly joyful work of dance music magic here, with a relentless rhythmic drive keeping the party happening at full force.

Underground Resistance's very own Mark Flash takes the remix responsibilities for the B1 with his gorgeous synth-saturated rework of the original. An energetic and stomping kick drum powers perfectly alongside future-facing melodies which shine brightly on top of the tune. This one is guaranteed to serve as an earworm for days after the party has ended.

Rounding out the EP is the 2nd remix from Orlando Voorn, this time peering into the underground with a stripped back jackin' track utilizing a looped key melody on top of carefully placed vocal samples and claps. Some unexpected synths appear at the second half of the tune, putting a bit of new-age funk into the party stomper.

Stone cold killers from London's elusive Forest Drive West

Repress

aril brikha seems to be on a roll. with “dance of a trillion stars” he just recently released a laid back ambient album full of melodic slow-motion enthusiasm.

now, shortly after, the berlin based producer drops “prisma” – a record for dancers, that is more on the deeper side of the dance floor.

“five to six years ago i decided to take a break from releasing on my own label art of vengeance in order to see if i had it in me to make a new album. so, i found myself having this initial break that was intended to be six months but went on for almost five years!

during this time, i made a lot of music that i kept coming back to but i never managed to finalise it. after the release i did with sebastian mullaert, mule musiq kept asking me for more music but i just found myself not capable to look at this body of work of almost 50 tracks and choose what to finish.

as i was not able to make decisions, i asked mule to listen to 25 tracks of the 50 and tell me what they liked. the result was the “dance of a trillion stars” album early this year.

once we finished the ambient album, only dance tracks were left of whom some are featured on “prisma”. instead of having your usual "album" story arc featuring ambient intros mixed with dance tracks, we choose to release two separate albums.”

aril brikha confesses about the secrets behind his newly hectic release schedule that made him publish two albums within half a year.

since the late 1990's his music melds techno and house that seduces club music enthusiasts around the world. influenced by different kinds of electronic music - from depeche mode and jean-michel jarre to robert hood and underground resistance – his music dances between straight up club tracks and deep unwound moving arrangements.

he already released ep’s on labels like kompakt, poker flat, his own label art of vengeance as well as an album for derrick may’s transmat imprint and a long-player for legendary peacefrog records.

after two mesmerizing ep’s for mule musiq in 2016 and early 2019, and the ambient album “dance of a trillion stars” earlier this year, he now releases an all dance track album loaded with eight arrangements, that he produced during night time on his old hardware equipment which he started using again after years of them being tucked away in his stockholm basement.

“i always make music to listen to. it is never intended for a dance floor. i guess i'm not much of a dj-tool producer, i'm more a "music" producer.”, he confesses about his work.

his new tunes, who seduce with warm chords and pleasant melodies, tell a different story. they are all propelling, while staying somehow calm and avoid average party hysteria. precisely produced tracks between house and techno, that favour the warm soul of dance music.

underneath the grooves each track rolls out some ambient vibes and veils of trance, dancing to delicate hi-hat shuffles and starry chords.

“my 90's stuff was very detroit influenced, not in the hard techno meaning but more towards the soulful part of it. my 2000 productions were very melodic driven and i was trying to see how far i can push a "trance" sound without making trance music.

the newer stuff is probably mix of both.” aril brikha says about “prisma” and its power to unite different generic zones into one charmingly warm dance journey. together with his predecessor “dance of a trillion stars” it introduces a touching insight into a producer’s soul, that did not get lost in his very own creation of melodic electronic sci-fi dance-not-dance music.

Mojuba sub label a.r.t.less is very pleased to welcome DJ Ion for Portal Kvest EP. Although this is his debut DJ Ion is no stranger to the scene, being active in the community of art and electronic music in Berlin in recent years and probably best known for the party series KRACH together with his friend ADLAS of Answer Code Request, this very promising talent is bringing the heat with this fresh stepping four tracker. Being emotionally inspired by 90s Techno originating in Detroit and the UK and combing these influences with undeniable captivating musical currents like Drum n Bass, IDM, Dub and Breaks is DJ Ion's trade. He is creating a unique melange of sounds that feels right at home on modern dance floors while carrying enough creative weight and relevance to keep you entertained in your living room equally. As always let the music do the talking!

Pure functional techno tracks on Ben Klocks label. Limited as always..

Original soft boy Larry shoots out lemon water on SH006 and welcomes a side of Cocktail Party Effect remix gobble. The Kauz EP sounds rushed but some sonic aesthetics have been considered. Particularly where 'bleak' and 'digital' are married with 'uplifting' and 'personal' themes. All considered, swinging fists and other beaters are present in the form of drums that help take the edge off. Cocktail's Party Effect doesn't hurt too much until you stick it up really loud but don't lose yourself - you are just another human after all.

Yellow Vinyl

Second release of the Lost Canvas Series by Mystic & Quantum. London-based analogue whizz and deft ambient-scaper Timothy J. Fairplay has developed an unmatched knack for building evocatively spacious sci-fi scenery. Artwork by Fred Gambino (Guardians of the Galaxy, Cartoon Network LA, Warner Bros) Yellow Vinyl.

We’re extremely excited to have Scott Featherstone’s Beyond A Void project for our second release in our Secret Sun series.
After Ballet Mechanique opened the vault of his DAT archive, we now have Scott to continue on the same path, unearthing long forgotten cuts from his early days of production.
In compiling this release we wanted to showcase how Scott’s music can stand the test of time and trends, after having already aged so well hidden away for more than 25 years.

Dutch techno duo D&S - or Dennis & Stephan to their parents - hail from Rotterdam and have a penchant for the classic sounds of Detroit. Their previous releases on SK Black, Orbis Records, Indigo Aera's AEX compilations, ARTS and Girada Unlimited have earned them support from the likes of Adam Beyer, Marco Bailey and Ilario Alicante, and this tasty new EP for Abstract Reasoning looks set to find similar favour.

The pitter-patter of classic drum machine hi-hats drive the title track along with swooping, filtered pads and gentle licks of acid, the track gradually evolving into a veritable bubble bath of 303 goodness and gated synth swells. Incidence continues the theme, with gentle cymbal rides splashing over continually evolving acid blips and bleeps while mystical waves of chord melody envelope your senses in a foggy haze.

The second half of the EP flips the script beautiful with two broken beat tracks that show they have a real prowess for melody as well as rhythm. Lost In Sequence's thumping kicks are punctuated by the rolling tribal percussive elements and looming, sorrowful pads. Intricate rhythms and beautiful use of reverb and other FX create a dreamy atmosphere throughout. Partisan sees a morphing, resonant synth motif pulse over another pleasingly thick kick rhythm, and swirling, ethereal layers of atmosphere. All in all it's a superb release that has something for the dancefloor as well as the home stereo.

Classic 430 West compilation from 1995.... "Detroit Techno City"!
Originally spread over 2 samplers it contained some of the Burrell Bros (under several guises) best work - all featured here. The original releases also contained tracks from Alien FM (Aux 88) and Unknown Force, however, the rights to these tracks have now gone back to the original artists.
Still you have 5 absolutely killer golden age Detroit techno tracks to chose from!