Buscar:no artists

It has been bubbling for almost four years now inside the walls of a basement in the small-town idyll of Salzburg. Word gets around about ecstatic nights in an intimate atmosphere in the Heizkeller location of the cultural association FREAKADELLE. The monthly events held by the club culture collective, which formed in 2011, have long since become known beyond city and state borders, and so, national as well as international guest artists would frequently pay visits to Mozart town in the last years. Following the club members' wish to maintain relations to the artists beyond the fleeting transience of a night in the club, this release aims at strengthening and cementing these interpersonal ties. The compilation includes tracks by Hüseyin Evirgen aka MAGNA PIA (Cassegrain), Institut fuer Zukunft resident PERM, techno pioneer PATRICK PULSINGER and Pop theorist Didi Neidhart aka LOW PROFILER.
Limited hand-stamped 12'' edition. Comes in five different versions of screen printed sleeves.

100 copies only. Comes on yellow transparent vinyl. Mastered by Helmut Erler at Dubplates & Mastering, Berlin.

The next releases on Eotrax will round off a busy 2018 for the label and set out an exciting proposition for a future way of working and releasing music. In what will be an ongoing, curated collaboration series artists will be invited to make work together for the label, without restrictions on genre, style or aesthetics. An open environment of collaboration and experimentation which will then be released by the label.

To launch this series label head Eomac teams up with four different artists over four slabs of vinyl, to be released sequentially over four months. The collaborations are improvised and composed, wild and emotive, unexpected and expected and all of them resulting in music that would never have been made by either artist individually.

The final installment comes from the UK via Berlin sonic renegade Kamikaze Space Programme and Eomac. What started as an attempt to synthesise the heaviest reese bass possible turned into a session of futuristic, noisy soundscapes. 'Environment 1' takes inspiration from grime, dub, noise, jungle and techno to create a track that sounds like all of the above and none of the above. The more experimental 'Environment 2' on the flip utilises the very same sounds and processes but moves into abstract terrain with a dense, noisy take on feedback and drone.

With records already out from Paula Temple, Sean Carpio and Demian Licht this final collaboration is the one that started the whole concept and as such is a fitting close to a diverse and colourful series.

The circus has been in town for years, now it's time to move on. But before we say goodbye, clear the ring please for one last demonstration of Bremen dancefloor madness. A fire ring of tracks by all acrobats and clowns from Drowned Records is ready to infest the record bags of deejays worldwide one very last time. Thank you for your support, it has been a great time.

The Brothers Jonathan And Ferdinand Bockelmann Aka Glaskin ... The kellerkinder' Who Are Taking Care Of The schall Im Schilf' & back To The Woods Festival' Form Together The Duo Glaskin. In Recent Months, A Lot Has Happened To Them, They Have E.g. With Esacpe Velocity Released Her Debut Ep And Another 2 More On Hotflush. tymewriter' Is Carried By A Broken Beat Over Which Gloomy Surfaces Overlap. Just Fat !!

Simon D And Pluto Produce Together As Preset. With club Sub' They Deliver A Dirty Techno-breakbeat Board That Does Not Look The Same. Techno Smasher !!

Blitz Resident & Lighthouse Festival Booker Leo Küchler Aka vince' Made His Vinyl Debut With namechanger'. He Does Justice To His Style As A Dj With This Housig-playful Number In Each Case.

Phillip Von Bergmann Is Rote Sonne Resident And Firmly In The Circle Of Friends Of Ilian Tape, Maurice Paloni Runs The Label Alden. The Result Of Their Collaboration Is A Breaker Club Track, Perfect For Building Tension.

Anders Trentemøller's career is a travel-heavy one, with his touring schedule taking him pretty much all over the world. But it's his home port that's inspired his latest project, the sprawling, stunning compilation mix 'Harbour Boat Trips Vol. 02: Copenhagen'. Clocking in at just over an hour long, the compilation sees Trentemøller curate and craft sixteen songs into a heavy, hazy mix that ranges from shoegaze to electronica, featuring both familiar and celebrated artists like A Place to Bury Strangers (with a new Trentemøller remix) and Slowdive to more obscure finds, as well as Trentemøller's own tracks and remixes, most notably a brand new Trentemøller cover of Neil Young's classic 'Transformer Man'. The mix sees him pick up a thread he left off earlier in his career. In 2009 he put together 'Harbour Boat Trips - 01: Copenhagen', a compilation mix comprised of his favourite music, both Danish and international, from across four decades, loosely inspired by the motion and movement of Copenhagen's busy harbour. Closing in on a decade later, we're getting the second edition, with 'Harbour Boat Trips - 02' arriving this November.

The California-born, London-based producer Rrose is well known for taking dancefloor techno into the uncharted depths of experimentalism and psychedelia while also paying homage to artists of the 20th century avant-garde such as Marcel Duchamp, James Tenney, and Eliane Radigue.

"Beware of Shells" (the first solo Rrose release of 2018) is a diverse five track EP that goes to extremes of both aggression and tranquility while remaining strangely cohesive. The EP opens with machine gun bass drums that slowly disintegrate into a swirl of undulating tones and ghostly resonances. Next comes "Incisors" - the most solidly dancefloor track of the EP - which establishes a primal, skeletal rhythmic base upon which snake-like analog synth lines interweave in unpredictable ways. "The Swelling" follows with a short, sparse study in feedback, bent into uneasy melodic patterns. Side B opens with a previously unreleased 2013 remix of the Los Angeles band Deathday, and is perhaps Rrose's most overtly "industrial" track to date, with buzzing, dissonant synth tones that sound somewhere between a foghorn and a distorted guitar. The EP finishes on a contemplative note with "Pecking Order," a microtonal, ritualistic affair conjuring the spirit of Wendy Carlos's little-known masterpiece "Beauty in the Beast."

* For our eleventh release we are excited to be working with five artists who are all new to the label.

* Rendered open proceedings on side A with a nod to COIL in their psychedelically propulsive workout Analstairface.
End Train follows, steering his machines with tactile precision between acerbic acid lines and cavernous synths, crashing through a brutal onslaught of splintered beats that finally open into space.

* Side B starts with the claustrophobic tension of WarinD's Still Left In There, featuring Huren's disembodied snarl, tearing at the relentless machine funk. This is followed by the insistent, martial urgency of Distant's Hydrargyra, scaling vast heights of immaculate sonic architecture to an emotional pinnacle that is finally resolved in the EBM drenched romanticism of Lapse of Reason's Go Away.

MAYAK continues to celebrate it's anniversary release by inviting to great artists to make remix to original track of Noah Skelton. Chritopher Ledger pushed original version to the bar and remade beat to make it as dreamy and trippy as possible. For b-side we welcome Mannheim duo Sedee, who made groovy and a bit crazy remix for the afterhours.

Top-compilation Des Londoner Labels Houndstooth, Das 26 Künstler Um Einen Musikalischen Beitrag, Angelehnt An Das Apokalyptisch-klaustrophobische Gedicht "the Hollow Men" Von T.s. Eliot Von 1925, Bat. Die Tracks Erschienen Bereits Anfang 2018 In Digitaler Form, Seitdem Wird Nach Einem Physischen Tonträger Gefragt, Der Jetzt Einen Zusätzlichen, Exklusiven Bonustrack Enthält. Stilistisch Erinnern Die Werke An Electronic Listening-acts Der 1990er (artificial Intelligence, Future Sound Of London, Global Communication). Dark Music For Dark Times. "a Work Of Pure Desolation, An Echo From A Point Of No Return." - Pitchfork

Top-compilation Des Londoner Labels Houndstooth, Das 26 Künstler Um Einen Musikalischen Beitrag, Angelehnt An Das Apokalyptisch-klaustrophobische Gedicht "the Hollow Men" Von T.s. Eliot Von 1925, Bat. Die Tracks Erschienen Bereits Anfang 2018 In Digitaler Form, Seitdem Wird Nach Einem Physischen Tonträger Gefragt, Der Jetzt Einen Zusätzlichen, Exklusiven Bonustrack Enthält. Stilistisch Erinnern Die Werke An Electronic Listening-acts Der 1990er (artificial Intelligence, Future Sound Of London, Global Communication). Dark Music For Dark Times. "a Work Of Pure Desolation, An Echo From A Point Of No Return." - Pitchfork

The godfather of acid house, DJ Pierre, is back - bringing four heavyweight Chicago cuts to the fore, two of which, 'Pinball Machine' & 'The Spirit' are unreleased, exclusives.

'Sexy Aquarian' showcases Pierre's unique style putting his trademark spin on this classic vocal, combining it with a bumping bass and dizzying acid lines, to trigger old memories whilst giving you something new for your mind, your body and your soul.

Next up 'Pinball Machine' goes in heavy on the percussion - filling those speakers with a barrage of weighty toms, crisp hats and crunched up snares. The frenzied synth line bounces around relentlessly, pinging off the sides of your brain like a sonic arcade.

Take to the flip for a lesson in how to take jackin' house to another level. 'Whats Mine is Mine' delves beyond the beat, mixing sassy vocals and spiritual organ stabs, with a touch of swing reminiscent of an era long gone.

Closing out the EP, 'The Spirit' utilises another treasured vocal layering it behind punchy drum programming, a rumbling bass and atmospheric touches that add an ethereal tinge to the track.

DJ Feedback:

The Black Madonna - We Still Believe / Liaison Artists - Excellent!

Eli Escobar - OH yes.

PBR Streetgang - 20/20 Vision - classic

Andy Caldwell - Nettraxx / Cr2 Records - Ooh so so sublime. Good shit here!

Tony Humphries - The Zanzibar / New York - Nice peak time banger.

Danny Howard - BBC Radio 1 / Nothing Else Matters - Aceeeee. Wicked vocal!!! Love the vibe

* The third of the Death To Digital EPs drops hard. This one, like the first two, aims to provide a selection of distinct and varied old skool tunes, from producers with very different approaches and sounds, but very similar attitudes. Wislov just gets better with every release, and his track The Time Is Out is certain to put a smile on your face. Meanwhile, KF label stalwart Dj Deluxe FINALLY gets his KF Radio anthem 'Glorious' released, and what a wicked tune it is. Apparently the sample has something to do with wrestling, but dont let that put you off, its glorious all the same! Recent KF signee Abyss displays his rare talent for touching that sweet spot between drum and bass and jungle, that era of The Invisible Man and LTJ Bukem, when the atmosphere, bass and breaks were where it was at. Many attempt this style, but Abyss has it perfected, and Falling is like a 95 classic you have never heard until now. And of course, Shoreman, hot off his Deep Waters EP, shines super strong with Growing Stronger.

One year after his debut, the label Hidden Tapes is proud and pleased to present CMBM 'cosmic microwave background radiation' by Dark Division, a 2×12' inch gatefold in stores on 12 November: a techno experimental project that range from ambient dimensions to more dark and industrial techno. The release features 8 new tracks including 2 astonishing remixes.

In this new release Dark Division reaches a more abstract dimension with emerging cosmical and spacial feelings, swirling and deep sounds obtained with dark pads, disruptive deep basses, with ever present echoes and focused distortions: the entire projects sound pleasant and challenging.
It's a small journey, lasting 8 tracks, that envision a unique point of view on the scientific theory about multi-universes. His primary and essential sounds blend with other rhythmic elements. The result are rich dynamics and a unique metric structure. It takes multiple listenings to discover a complex blend of sonic fluxes.

On each record there's a remix: the first one features PRG-M, and the second features Matter. Both artists enhance Dark Division's music making this double vinyl an extremely interesting release...

Over the course of their last two release, Love Notes has brought back the two artists that made their first release such an instant classic; first, Casey Tucker, and now; Simoncino, whose remix of Tucker's Affirmative Action helped to launch Love Notes onto our collective radar. Simoncino herein does what he does oh-so-well, his unwavering nod (and maybe even slight obsession) to that which came before him permeating all three tracks here. Love Note impressively shows no signs of slowing down; three years after their inception, Nathaniel Jat's imprint is closing in quickly on the 20 release milestone without even a momentary dip in quality.

Verbos Electronics, Xaoc Devices, Noise Engineering, Metasonix, Folktek and Trogotronic might not be familiar names to many but modular enthusiasts will surely pounce. Moto Music, home for experimental and alternative dance music, turns its head towards the tiny island of Malta for a new project titled Parallaks; a project formed by duo Owen Jay (Gauss/Metrolux) & Ed Blank and themed around the concept of Nuclear Power Plants. While both artists have been involved in modular synthesis since the late 90's, they recently teamed up with the scope of performing a few live gigs at their locals events and the live recording from 'Klang@Liquid Club' caught the attention of Moto Music which lead to a debut EP of pure, raw & crunchy deep techno with Detroit & Chicago influences.

Replaced That Bass is a collaboration for a heavy rotation on 180g vinyl only! David and Marcus pleased to get Jaw from DOP kissing their track Replaced with his unique voice, get crowned by the timeless Norman Weber's Back To The Roots Mix. The other side is draped by That Bass from youANDme feat. Gjaezon which was released on Rejected (digital), yet. Enliven got the chance to decorate it with their special remix. So catch your copy because it is limited!

It has been a good year for Idle Hands. The label reached its 50th release with a release from Livity Sound's Pev and November saw the release of Parris' latest 12' featuring a KMOS remix.
For the labels final vinyl release of 2018 it is the turn of Stockholm's Pistol Pete. Idle Hands boss Chris Farrell has long been a fan of this artists work. He may not have put much out over the years but each release has found a welcome home at the Bristol record shop from which the label operates.
On this release we find three club focused House tracks, each exuding a warmth one would hope for in these cold winter monts. 'Orphan' opens the set with crunchy, swinging drums and the deft use of a sample. 'Lundagatan' continues things apace with some concentrated drum programming and a chopped up soul sample. 'Esqpads' rounds things off with a warm Deep House feel and grooving bassline.

Eglo Records are proud to present the second official solo album by the forward facing producer and vocalist Steve Spacek. The album, entitled 'Natural Sci-Fi' originally began production in 2005, shortly after the release of the now classic 'Spaceshift' album (which included the J-Dilla collaboration 'Dollar'), but was never completed. Over the last few years Steve has added a some tweaks and changes - including a new song and guests vocalists Oddisee and Natalie Slade - eventually finalising the project and readying it for its release in 2018. The album continues the post Spaceshift vibration of Steve's signature production style and effortless vocal delivery. Swinging spaciuosly from past to present, packed with soul, sounding as fresh and relevant today as it did when it began back in 2005.
Since the albums inception Steve has released projects with Mark Pritchard as one half of Africa Hitech on Warp, an instrumental LP as Black Pocket for his brother D-Bridge's Exit Records and a concept LP as Beat Spacek for Ninja Tune. Following a string of EP releases for Eglo over the last two years we are thrilled to finally be able to bring to you a full length release from one of the UK's most unique and talented artists.

2017 Was Born Our Independent Label Undergroove Records Specialit Of Eclectic House Music But Also The Release Of Our First Vinyl Ug001 - Cosmic Ground (various Artists). All This Novelty Is For Us The Outcome Of Years Of Work And The Result Of A Commun Passion For Electronic Music.

Hardcore dancefloor, superbly shaped and bloody efficient stuff. Defenitly a loud sounding pearl !

The name Hugo Mari might not ring a bell just yet, but we've got a feeling this is about to change real soon. He's released a handful of EP's under his former alias Books on Omena and XVI including his own edit series on the latter label (check out his killer track 'in the groove or his jazzy deep house collaboration with Zodiac called 'Feel it in my Bones'). Considering he's also remixed well known artists like afrobeat legend Dele Sosimi and grime master Trim, you might share our view of this amazingly talented and versatile producer. His 'Change ur ways' EP for Heist is soulful, jazzy, deep and energetic with three varied originals and a classic soulful house remix by man of the moment, NDATL label head Kai Alcé.

'Get Loose' features the silky-smooth vocals of Zodiac, some lovely solo work on the Rhodes and a 'free jazz' vibe on the horns. There's a constant funk bassline looping throughout the track to keep the energy going while the loose arrangement as well as the drum programming give the track that care-free feeling of a never-ending live jam. With that, 'Get Loose' is a great club track that crosses the boundaries between funk, jazz and house.

The title track still has that jazzy feeling but moves towards a quirkier territory with some 'Frits Wentink' style harmonization, detuned piano's and loosely chopped samples. There's a definite gospel feel to the track, thanks to the choice in vocal chops, which is complemented perfectly by a filtered disco bassline. The percussion layer and rhythmic elements are full of energy without ever crossing the line where of subtlety that makes this track so catchy.

On the flip, there's 'Feel ur senses', the most straightforward deep house track of the release, that gets its mood from an ongoing tremolo on the Rhodes pads. Space bleeps, bells, a hidden arp and 'reverbed-out' hits give the track an almost balaeric sound that will certainly put a smile on your face.

The B side is complemented with a vocal and instrumental remix of 'Get Loose' by Kai Alcé, who has been throwing out one killer tune after the other, remixing Volcov's Isoul8 project (one of our favorites of the year), as well as kicking out releases on his own NDATL label. Kai goes for a full-on soulful house vibe, giving his own chord progression center stage along with a set of rimshots. He chooses to leave the horns out, and instead work the vocal, Rhodes, and cowbells from the original to great effect, adding a little solo work of his own on a bell-like piano where he freestyles happily throughout the track and copies the vocal for added harmonies.
The instrumental version is perfect for those moments where you're done with all the vocals and just want a tight soulful groove.

We couldn't be happier with this release so play it loud and get loose!

Yours Sincerely,

Maarten & Lars

Moodmusic is ready for release number 200! After more than twenty years of output and dedication the label is now more than proud to offer the next release underlining the history of Moodmusic. For catno. Mood200 we gathered together three outstanding artists who follow up their first release under the name MKS. We are talking about none other than label boss Sasse himself, Sandrino and Langenberg. After the great success of the first MKS release it was only a matter of time till the three producers come back with some more black gold. The main track 'II' is coming on vinyl. Onesided for your pleasure.

Budabeats Records celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2018, on this occasion label bosses Dj Gandharva & Von Yodi picked 11 previously unheard tracks from artists of the Budabeats family and created a compilation that perfectly represents the imprint's musical approach: no restrictions in terms of genre or style, the only thing that matters is the quality of the music.

Shades Of Budabeats features African- influenced jazz and funk (Dokkerman & the Turkeying Fellaz, The Mabon Dawud Republic), head-nodding hip-hop beats (Abase, Tom Caruana), straight dancefloor friendly pieces (BeTe aka Suhov, Umoja, M.W.D, Chilum Trio & Auto Reverse) and also, laidback grooves (Freakin' Disco & Crookram).

All kinds of good vibes that will feed your soul and make your body move !

The body never lies. Every dance is a graph of the heart. Nothing is more revealing than movement.

These are the words of Martha Graham, one of the greatest American dancers and choreographers of the 20th century. Massimiliano Pagliara might as well have them tattooed on his chest, close to his heart, being an accomplished dancer, too. He has studied contemporary dance in Milan and Berlin, and went on to dedicate his life to transforming experience into movement, be it musical, physical, or spiritual. Massimilano's message is clear: Don't stand still. Don't keep looking back. Know where you are coming from, but don't remain petrified by the past. Take a chance at Endless Change, instead. Move on! Just like Massimilano did.

Stemming from Lecce province, an area at the south-eastern-most tip of Italy, Massimilano has been based in Berlin for several years where he's been one of the main forces behind recombining the city's hardboiled techno scene with an often overlooked sensibility for the soft and the tender. Call it underground disco passion. Massimilano's last and sophomore album, With One Another, released in 2014, was about celebrating the joy of human encounters and in parts seemed like a big get-together with like-minded artists and friends (among them nd_baumecker, Lee Douglas, and Credit 00). The record quickly hit the number one spot in Groove magazine's album chart - and its creator hit the road.

Besides his busy DJ schedule and far from the usual club circuit routines, Massimilano dedicated himself to intense travelling and exploring the world anew. 'I felt like I have lived more than ever,' he states. 'Getting to discover all these beautiful places around the world and meeting so many lovely interesting people, has inspired me in many different ways. I feel enriched.'

The result of these experiences is Feel Live, Massimiliano's third full-length endeavour. It was recorded in several intimate, sometimes improvised studio settings between Los Angeles, Portland, and Massimiliano's homebase in Berlin as well as at airports and on intercontinental flights high up in the sky. Featuring vocals by Private Agenda, Peaking Lights, Kim Anh and instrumental contributions by Fort Romeau, Tim K, and Jules Etienne, Feel Live is Massimilano's most playful and imaginative work to date. It's as emotional as sensual, as vibrant as the first ray of light after a thunderstorm has cleared the air.

Is it awkward or odd to call this record jazzy Presumptuous to pinpoint its spacial, almost orchestral qualities Unfair on the ruling Cosmic powers to highlight its aspirations of founding a new land of Balearic Harmonia and getting down at a huge fertility rite with electro enthusiasts and house lovers Not one bit. Feel Live is pure grandeur and elegance. It feels like an eternal movement.

Martha Graham has dedicated her whole life to dancing. 'It's permitting life to use you in a very intense way,' she said. 'Sometimes it is not pleasant. Sometimes it is fearful. But nevertheless it is inevitable.' Massimilano couldn't agree more. His advice when facing the inevitable: 'Live what you are feeling, feel what you are experiencing, good or bad, it is an experience.'

Ever since Onom Agemo & The Disco Jumpers broke the dreaded curse of the difficult second album by releasing "Liquid Love", a cocktail so spicy and delectable that it could warm the cockles of the grumpiest man alive's heart, even in the most Arctic conditions, everybody wondered how the Onom crew could top that one. But now you have an opportunity to whip out your "Magic Polaroid" as proof that this wasn't an impossible Project. Never before has the band so successfully captured their full-on live sound as they do here, thanks to three days of recording frenzy at Daniel Nentwig and Sebastian Maschat's Butterama studio, a haven of analog hardware hidden in a remote part of Berlin's Neukölln district. The exploding kaleidoscope of styles that make up this album, perfectly reflected by the stunning cover artwork from Nick Henderson and photography by Christoph Rothmeier, means that they can no longer be confined to their early description as an "Afro-Funk Quintet" or merely described as a lively tribute to the artists which have influenced them: their sound is 100 per cent pure uncut Onom Agemo, even though every track feels like a new beginning. The presence of a charismatic in-house vocalist who brought her own lyrics along has also boosted their confidence considerably and provided a further knock-out punch to their onstage performances.
And no one will be disappointed as soon as the first bars of "The Trumpets Of Denmark" stomp on stage like a boisterous fanfare, with Johannes Schleiermacher's impressive wall of sound production making the musicians sound like a much bigger band than what their line-up suggests (with Maria Schneider from Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra adding some extra percussive clout) and just the right amount of dizzying cross-rhythms to steer it away from potential bombast. When Onom Agemo's powerhouse vocalist Natalie Greffel starts chanting what at first sounds like a string of Onomatopoeia, it soon becomes clear that she's laying down her manifesto for a nostalgic Space-Age yet to come, with a few key words serving as Mantra (Focus, patience, tears and creation): an invitation to drive off the Information Superhighway and its endless litany of polite noises, to redirect our gaze inside ourselves and learn to understand and sometimes question how others perceive us.

Boum Boum Boum! 25 years of KOMPAKT. When a record label still thrives after a quarter of a century thanks to a focus of what was expected to be a short lived music phenomenon called TECHNO, then it stands to prove two things; that it techno has taken its place amongst serious, multilayered musical genres like rock'n'roll, pop and folk music. And that KOMPAKT has never been only for techno, but KOMPAKT stands as a broad-minded, genre-defying entity that has set out to cross-pollinate all kinds of musical inventions within the realm of electronic music. Through its course, KOMPAKT has sent 'Around The World', all kinds of sub-genres, concept series and crossover adventures based on the non- negotiable 4/4 beat. And back again.

Without a doubt, the 100% kickdrum-free POP AMBIENT series is the most endearing and enduring concept that I have had the pleasure to curate. From the start, I felt there was a strong need to add a certain pop- elegance - ensouled by discourse as much as hedonism - to a sound that was recognized as 'Chill Out' music that could be heard in seedy techno club back rooms and forgotten festival areas. Over the years, I like to imagine that POP AMBIENT has crystallized into a highly recognizable trademark sound and a multi-facetted musical universe of its own.

So once again, I had the pleasure to put together this year's edition by plowing through an ocean of sonic jewelry that had been submitted from all over the world by new and old friends. The task was clear: for this special edition, I must create a homogenous listening experience that would both appeal to our trusting followers, to continue our tradition while integrating new micro facets , variations and influences from neighboring musical universes as possible. Obligatory while being innovative. Conspirative while being cosmopolitan. Albeit the headline 'Ambient' might sound a little too humble for a compilation that encompasses aspects of neo classic, atonal music and the most beautiful aural kitsch imaginable, it still helps as a necessary means of orientation in the best possible sense. Same goes for another dear tradition: Veronika Unland's abstract-floral cover design that keeps on pleasing our sore eyes year after year.

Although each and every POP AMBIENT edition doesn't shy away from diving into the relevant question of 'What is contemporary discourse music' - in the end it all boils down to that elevated moment where all theory dissolves into ambient air, into a higher state of cosmic bliss. POP AMBIENT is sacral music for non-believers.

Wolfgang Voigt Cologne, October 2018

Bum Bum Bum. 25 Jahre KOMPAKT. Wenn ein Musiklabel, das seine inhaltliche Ausrichtung im Wesentlichen auf den anfangs als schnelllebig und vor allem kurzlebig apostrophierten - hype' Techno setzt, nach 25 Jahren in jeder Beziehung immer noch voll im Saft steht, dann zeigt das zwei Dinge: Das erstens mittlerweile jeder bemerkt haben du¨rfte, dass Techno eben kein kurzftristiger hype ist, sondern vielmehr ein vielschichtiges, ernstzunehmendes Genre, das sich ebenso wie Rock'n'Roll oder Schlager fest in der Musikgeschichte etabliert hat.

Und zweitens, dass KOMPAKT nie nur ein reines Technolabel war und ist, sondern ein nach vielen Seiten aufgeschlossenes Experimentierfeld, das sich von Anfang an der Grenzu¨berschreitung und dem musikalischen Erfindungsreichtum verschrieben hat. U¨ber die Jahre wurden unter dem KOMPAKT-Signet etliche Subgenres, Konzeptreihen und Crossoverwagnisse auf Basis der unverhandelbaren geraden Bassdrum - around the world' und wieder zuru¨ck geschickt.

Eine der wohl scho¨nsten und nachhaltigsten Konzeptreihen du¨rfte wohl die bassdrumfreie POP AMBIENT-Serie sein, die ich als KOMPAKT-- Altvorderer' nach wie vor die ja¨hrliche Freude habe, zu kompilieren. Dabei hat sich u¨ber die Jahre aus dem anfa¨nglichen Bedu¨rfnis der seit den fru¨hen 90er Jahren in den sogenannten - Chilloutrooms ' grossra¨umiger Technoclubs, - Lounges' und - Muzakkneipen' entstandenen - Entspannungsmusik' etwas entgegenzusetzen, eine eher von Pop-Eleganz, Diskurs und Hedonismus beseelte, eigene Spielart ambienter Musik, eine vielschichtige programmatische Musik mit hohem Widererkennungswert entwickelt.

So hatte ich auch im Jubila¨umsjahr einmal mehr die Qual der Wahl, aus den aus aller Welt kommenden, grossartigen Klangpreziosen guter alter sowie neuer Freunde die subjektiv besten zu einem homogenen Ho¨rerlebnis zusammenzufu¨hren. Dabei ist mir immer sehr wichtig, einerseits den Erwartungen der treuen Ho¨rerschaft im Bezug auf Traditionsverpflichtung gerecht zu werden und andererseits auch immer mo¨glichst viele Mikrofacetten, Varianten und Einflu¨sse angrenzender Stile und Universen aufzugreifen. Innovativ und verbindlich. Konspirativ und weltoffen. Auch wenn der U¨berbegriff Ambient, fu¨r eine Kompilation die sowohl Aspekte von Neuer Klassik, Atonalita¨t und Kunstmusik mit den allerscho¨nsten Seelenkitschklangwelten zu vereinen sucht, zu eng gefasst ist, so hilft er doch bei der notwendigen Orientierung im besten Sinne. Ebenso wie die Tradition gewordenen, wunderscho¨n abstrakt-floralen Kunstblumenwelten der von Veronika Unland gestalteten Cover, die ein ums andere Jahr auch die Augen in Verzu¨ckung versetzten.

Auch wenn jede Kompilation sich aufs Neue an den relevanten Fragen zeitgema¨sser Diskursmusik abarbeitet, so ist der erhabene Moment am Ende doch der, in dem sich alles zu Gunsten eines - ho¨heren, kosmischen' Ho¨rerlebnisses, im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes in ambiente Luft auflo¨st.

POP AMBIENT ist die sakrale Musik der Ungla¨ubigen.

Wolfgang Voigt / September 2018

Late November will see Tact Recordings vinyl only sub-label Tactics return with 'Vol.4', a various artists package featuring Jor-El aka Joel Alter, Imugem Orihasam and Benjamin Brunn.

Tactics was launched in late 2017 by co-founders of the imprint Yard One with their 'Vol.2' EP, following on from the 'Vol.1' various artists EP released on the main imprint Tact Recordings back in 2012. Since its inception last year and it's two releases so far from founders Yard One and Fletcher, the label has garnered the attention of DJ's like Varhat, Roger Gerressen, Raresh, Malin Genie and Andrey Pushkarev to name a few. Here though we see the imprint welcome some of it's favourite artists from over the year onto the roster, namely Echocord artist Jor-El aka Joel Alter, Ilian Tape's Imumgem Orihasam and Smallville regular Benjamin Brunn. Leading on the package is Sweden's Jor-El with 'Remember Tomorrow', a gritty dance floor workout fuelled by dusty drums, fluttering stab sequences and sweeping synth strings before Japanese producer Imugem Orihasam edges into dub territory with a cinematic two minute soundscape opening the composition before weighty drums, swirling pads and dubbed out metallic chimes dynamically unfold throughout.

Hamburg's Benjamin Brunn then closes the package with 'ResoPlanet', as always delivering smooth, understated electronic music via wandering ethereal pads, resonant bleeps and bumpy, off-kilter 808 drums.

This is the second release from the Parisian label Aperçu, which has uncovered European producers for this compilation featuring 4 titles.The story of this compilation came about gradually, with one thing leading to another as the artists involved met up all over Europe and their musical affinities became apparent. Two years after their EP Stara Zagora,Metshka and Roman Delore are issuing the second release of their label, Aperçu, promoting three producers well deserving of attention. Ben Kaczor, the resident DJ at the legendary, intimate Elysia Club in Basel, Switzerland has his own label, KCZ, and is an adept of dark, sharp-edged sounds such as in 'Navel,' which plays out like a hypnotic, melancholy adieu but with well-defined kicks.Temiri, a native of southern France having spent time in Berlin, now lives in Switzerland as well. With the Swiss mountains and Geneva's rave parties shaping his sensibility, he created 'Love Intentions' - a soft gift to the world. HiromaKeo, a Lisbon-based French producer, champions a wide-ranging, contemporary approach to electronic music. After three years spent comanaging the collective and label ESITU (between Lille and Brussels), he has started a new project in Portugal: Vilamar. In 'SonheiContigo' we find his signature precision and the Japanese influences he likes.
Last but not least, Metshkaand Roman Delorecontinue to appear at parties and events in Paris and to work on hybrid events through their Pauza collective. At the crossroads of techno, ambient and experimental music, here they give us 'Ocre,' a work of slow violence.

Strut announce the signing of one of the best of the UK's new generation of soulful genre-fluid artists, Nubiyan Twist, with a superb new single, 'Tell It To Me Slowly', released on 16th November. Voiced by the band's saxophonist Nick Richards, the song is an instant soul-jazz winner, with lyrics speaking about inner turmoil and a search for the truth. On the flip, 'Sugar Cane' features the unmistakeable vocals of Nubiya Brandon singing of harsh life lessons over an increasingly chaotic groove. The tracks are taken from the band's forthcoming album, 'Jungle Run' which effortlessly weaves together elements of jazz, soul, hip hop, African styles, Latin, dub, hip hop and electronics in a flow of thought-provoking and life-affirming music. The single and album mark another important chapter for a band that has been consistently developing and evolving their sound since their formation in 2015 at Leeds College Of Music. Nubiyan Twist's 'Tell It To Me Slowly' b/w 'Sugar Cane' is released on 7' single, digital and streaming on 16th November. The band also head out for a series of European dates from next month:

L B6 | Bob B Soxx & The Blue Jeans - Here Comes Santa Claus

LP,180, 2018 REISSUE - REMASTERED FROM ORIGINAL TAPES, CAREFULLY REPRODUCED ORIGINAL ART

The 'vivid contemporary sounds for a fresh visual image' make up the now canonised Synthesis from Alan Hawkshaw and Brian Bennett. These two greats go deeper than usual on this collection, and the end result is a synth concept record of sorts. Released in 1974, it's an essential companion piece to
their Synthesizer and Percussion LP, released on Themes International Music in the same year.
Like most of our favourite library records, Synthesis has that gloriously funky, 'weird electronic music' vibe without ever being inaccessible. With the awesome ARP Odyssey at the fore, Hawkshaw and Bennett have created a blissed-out soundscape that, whilst laid back in all the right places, somehow remains heavy on the funk. It's a sort of throbbing, proto-G Funk sound and you can fnd it on many of these low-lit basement workouts.
Take the ice-cool 'Alto Glide'. It's a sunset-funk highlight with an electro-fute refrain that conjures those dreamier Dre / DJ Quick instrumentals from '91 to '92.
Stereolab, Koushik (again) and all those Ghost Box artists were clearly listening very closely in the years since. The equally relaxed 'Mermaid' glides efortlessly with soft, shimmering piano, understated percussion and kaleidoscopic synths.
It's a really beautiful piece.With these two soft-focus closing tracks allowing the LP to foat away over the horizon, the preceding ten tracks have a more insistent, neck-snapping rhythm
section to back the synth overload. Highlights include the head-nod funk of 'Getting It Together' and the synth break in 'The Executive', which informed classic video game soundtracks.
For once Be With really is stuck for words to describe just how good this record is.
Best just to listen. As with all ten re-issues, the audio for Synthesis comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. We've taken the same care with the sleeves, handing the reproduction duties over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM's brand identity.

LP,180, 2018 REISSUE - REMASTERED FROM ORIGINAL TAPES, CAREFULLY REPRODUCED ORIGINAL ART

Alan Hawkshaw (piano/Hammond) and Shadow's drummer Brian Bennett are responsible for some of the slickest, funkiest and most sought-after library records ever made in the UK, particularly ones recorded on the legendary KPM label. Their work has now become the go-to place for sampling in music today.
Artists such as Dilla, Nas, and the xx, right through to the billion selling Kanye & Drake have taken Hawkshaw's and Bennett's immaculate beat-driven soundscapes for their own usage.
Their new album, in full, iconic KPM cover is a return to the laidback jazz-funk that helped Alan and Brian demonstrate their library chops. The album is classic Hawkshaw/Bennett. It swings, it grooves, moves and thrills with a fair these two have perfected over years.
Standout tracks such as "Hole In One", "In The Clouds", "Interchange", "Oasis", "On The Nile" and "Corcovado" are no mere excursions in nostalgia, for they carrylots of deft studio work that many a producer would give their right arm for.
Hawkshaw's arrangements allow the drums, guitar, bass, strings, Hammond, fute and brass to swirl elegantly around the 12 original tracks; a masterclass in recording.
Cut by Pete Norman, housed in a beautifully designed Richard Robinson sleeve and pressed at 180g by Record Industry in Holland, this release has been aforded the care and attention it rightly deserves. Essential.

SVET(Light in Russian) was established to release dubby-influenced music from a vast pool of artists, with whom MAYAK has connected during past four years. Our first release is a various artist compilation from unique musicians across the globe.

While the A-side(from veterans) is quite moody and not that straightforward, B-side (from newcomers) is ready to rock dancefloors without any concerns.

A collection of Jamaican doo wop & R&B records taken from the late 50s and early 60s. These records represent a period in which soundsystems were just starting to dominate the island, with Duke Reid and Sir Coxsone stepping up their rivalry by beginning to make and release their own records rather than rely on US imports for use in their dances. Many of these records are definitely more-or-less imitations of the American records, as the uniquely Jamaican ska sound was yet to take hold - however many of the future stars of ska, rocksteady and reggae were beginning to cut their teeth in the industry on these records, incl. Jimmy Cliff, Derrick Harriott, Alton Ellis and more, and they provide a unique view into the fledgling independent record industry culture in Jamaica that would prove to be unbelievably proflific and unparalleled for an island of it's size.

'Snakedressed' is the fourth studio album by most active Dirk Ivens's incarnation. It was released in 1997 by Daft Records and had once again the collaboration of Ivan Iusco of Minus Habens Records and Nightmare Lodge fame. A well produced and arranged work with the usual noise infused, yet dance oriented tracks full of harsh bass lines overlayed with intricately woven and noisy synth patches. An album that catapulted Dive as a cult act and one of the strongest influences for lot of artists. For the first time available on vinyl record with all original tracks plus some extras from 1996 including songs from the split EP's with Kirlian Camera and Controlled Bleeding and a couple of tracks from the compilation '2/3' (Hands Productions).

The seventh volume of Drumcode's annual A-Sides compilation hits with no less than 10 debuts for the label, with Charlotte de Witte, ANNA, B.Traits and Scuba's SCB project, among the collection of topline artists to release their maiden productions on the imprint.

Over two decades into its lifespan, Drumcode keeps evolving and excelling, pushing techno forward while remaining wholly respectful of its roots. This reputation for progression was further fuelled this summer with its inaugural festival at the NDSM Docklands in Amsterdam, featuring a long list of heavyweights including Nicole Moudaber, Joseph Capriati, Amelie Lens and Ida Engberg, among others.

As ever, the A-Sides compilation provides a timely opportunity to showcase the full range of its sonic repertoire, with Adam Beyer scrupulously selecting unreleased tracks that have taken prime position in his sets over recent months.

Formidable duo Dense & Pika kick off part 5 with their powerful composition 'Lemur' renowned for their standout studio output they consistently conjure up a unique take on their distinct sound. Tastemaker's favourite Jel Ford makes a welcome return to the fold as he ushers in techno rhythms with bustling breaks with his track 'Nightshade'.

On the B side resident DJ of the infamous GZG parties in Holland, Man With No Shadow supplies his rave infused twisted cut 'Manilla', where his warped bass combines with shattering breaks & heavy weight drums.

Lastly, Locomatica & Blaukoma present 'Unfold' a brooding techno workout with crisp drum programming that features a euphoric vocal bursting with emotion. Set to cement these two producers as acts to keep your eye on in the near future.

Ukrainian label Muscut celebrates its anniversary - Muscut X (10) Test Pressign II - is the tenth record in a row. The first release was published in 2012 on 7 inches and was called simply Test Pressing. Like six years ago, the current vinyl is a compilation of Muscut's 'residents', as well as new friends of the label. Test Pressing II is 12 inches on which there are exactly ten tracks. Both sides are significantly different in color of mood. Party A starts with dub-drone sketches of key figures of the Odessa underground - Wildstyle Crew and Bryozone. Then we hear the mantra-like M2 - the work of the creative union of Nicola Ratti, Mads Emil Nielsen together with Nikolaenko. The Canadian sound-artist Mark Templeton continues the line of rhythmic textures crowned with unhurried percussion - it is in all senses of Soft Education at number four. The first part is completed by an exquisite curtsy from the Andrew Pekler label frequenter called Underwater Nocturne as a soundtrack for the perfect tea ceremony.

The second side confidently sets a completely different compilation rhythm from the very start - the tribal tribal dance from the Berlin project Native Instrument instantly introduces into a trance. It is followed by a warm, enveloping minimal synth track from the Ukrainian trio Nisantashi Primary School. The middle of the second side is decorated with the pensive house-ballad of St. Petersburg producer Fadeev known as AEM Rhythm Cascade. Another Russian settled next to him - Muscovite Oleg Buyanov, aka OL, with a massive broken dub Nutmeg. The final composition consists of burning afrosint motifs from luminary Odessan Vakula.

Bastard Jazz is proud to present the next installment of our long running Tempo Dreams compilation series. As with previous volumes of the compilation, we've tapped an established artist that we're big fans of to shine a light on their personal favorite producers, and compile an album up of all unreleased music from emerging & underrated young talent. And with Volume 5, we're happy to welcome in the Los Angeles based but globetrotting selection of Free The Robots.

Rooted in Santa Ana, CA, Chris Alfaro aka Free the Robots has spent over a decade taking his craft to audiences around the globe. Known as one of the pioneering artists to come out of LA's infamous beat movement, the energy and technical skill behind his live performances have landed him among the greats, sharing stages with Dj Shadow, Prefuse 73, Flying Lotus, to Afrika Bambaataa. Crafting stories to tell with his ever-evolving solo project Free the Robots, he has always had the ability to jump in and out of other worlds inspiring a unique signature sound that hints at jazz, psych, electronic, and hip hop, while remaining un-genre-fiable.

Staying almost permanently on the road, Chris has come across an array of artists and scenes around the world. Different tours and temporary living situations have landed him in the middle of both the DIY underground and more mainstream clubs and stages. Some artists he's connected with have either kept it proudly local or breached international borders. Underrated, unknown, or already on the brink; these are just a few of the people that have crossed paths with Free The Robots. He's chosen these songs as a representation of some of the vibes that inspire his music: Jazz, Psychedelia, Dirtwave, Beats, and a little bit of Future Funk make up Volume 5 of his Tempo Dreams series.

As with all previous volumes, the compiler has produced a track exclusively for the album, which Chris delivers in the bass heavy, South East Asian vibes of "Nasi Goreng" (also available on a limited edition 7" with another unreleased FTR track). Other producers included on the album include Mophono, Never Ending Echo, Kuromoji, RSI-MSK, The Breathing Effect, Cazal Organism, Lefto, Chubby Boss, Caliph8, TITLE, Nois IV, The Heavy Twelves, Mu. and Markey Funk.

Composer, Synthesist And Producer Matt Robertson Is Set To Release His New Album 'entology' Via Tape Club Records On 16th November 2018. It Follows His Warmly Received 2016 Album 'in Echelon', Described By Mojo As "nils Frahm's Modern Classical Meets Jon Hopkins' Grainy Techno", "an Album Of Symphonic Electronica And Leftfield Techno Thats Cinematic In Scale" In Mixmag And "magnificent Wild Sound" By The Line Of Best Fit.

As Musical Director For Björk, Cinematic Orchestra And Anohni As Well As Working With Lamb, Emiliana Torrini And Bat For Lashes, Matt Has A Wealth Of Experience Collaborating With Some Of The Most Exciting Artists In The World. Working With A Collection Of Vintage, Modern And Diy Synths, And Combining Electronic Music Production With Classical Composition And Cinematic Soundscapes - Artists, Producers And Film Composers Alike Seek His Enveloping And Distinct Sound.

"i Love The Idea That Not So Very Long Ago, The Idea That A Species Could Become Extinct At All Was Laughed At. In The 17th Century, Fossils Were Believed To Be From Mythical Creatures Like Dragons. In 1796, George Cuvier Presented The Idea That A Species Could Have Existed And Now No Longer Existed, And He Was Laughed At By Scientists. Darwin Then Suggested That Evolution Did Not Need Catastrophic Events To Explain Extinction - More That It Was Due To Perpetual Competition In An Overcrowded World.

I'm Adopting The Word "entology" To Be An Awareness Of Our Current Period Of Geological Time Being An Extinction Period, Where An Extinction Period Is Defined As A Time When A Significant Proportion Of Species Die In A Geologically Insignificant Amount Of Time. I Was Trying To Imagine The Obvious Desolate Spaces Of A Post Apocalyptic World, But Also The Slightly More Opaque Vision Of The Fact That So Many Things Are Becoming Extinct Around Us Without Us Noticing, Or Even Being Aware Of Their Existence In The First Place.

The Idea Is Of Desolation But, Because Of The Awareness, Also Of Hope."

- Matt Robertson

Skin Town's unexpected return with their new album 'Country' finds the duo upping the already high bar set on their striking dark pop gem debut 'The Room' with a dauntless artistic statement that trades clever posturing for vulnerability. Yielding their prowess with more restraint, Skin Town's 'Country' hits harder and cuts deeper - doubling down on their narcotic cocktail of strong R&B hooks, spacious bewitching productions, and marked sense of melody that puts vocalist Grace Hall and multi-instrumentalist Nick Turco in a class of their own.

Many saw that potential on their debut with support from Dazed, Interview, The FADER, KCRW, as well as artists like Tinashe shouting out Skin Town. Lamenting on the duo's unmistakable chemistry, Pitchfork says, "Turco's synthscapes are huge and scene-stealing, while Hall's husky voice strikes a glorious medium between Abel Tesfaye and Sade." Their latest is even more potent, a particular strain of sad dance music that feels timeless and raw.

'Country' refines Skin Town's minimal framework of tethering hip-hop/R&B rhythms to Hall's smoky, precise phrasing exploring richer atmospheres and darker concerns. Written and recorded over 3 years, the album touches upon depression, loss, hedonism, poverty, rebellion, sex work, empowerment, and love's contradictions. The album's completion was sidetracked many times with Hall suffering a string of life-threatening mysterious immune system ailments, as a result there is a lot of pain and joy in this record, made with literal blood and tears.

The opener "Bad" signals at this departure from their upbeat predecessor stripping away the beats, relying on the interplay between Turco's ringing chords, the enveloping synthwork and Hall's melancholic, rhythmic intonations. "Mute" brings back the drums, couched in a slinking hip-hop beat and a creeping synth lead. Throughout the record, Turco's productions glean from an eclectic, disparate mix: melodic Amiga tracker music, Metro Boomin', New Age, The-Dream while Hall seems ever more comfortable exploring syncopation and half-rap/half-sung excursions. This is inventive, uncanny pop music where Enya, Offset, Zola Jesus, and Future inhabit the same space.

Skin Town's unerwartete Rückkehr mit ihrem neuen Album "Country' hebt die sowieso schon recht hohe Messlatte ihres markanten Dark-Pop-Juwelen-Debüts "The Room' noch ein wenig höher. Skin Town's - Country" schlägt härter zu und schneidet tiefer - und verdoppelt ihren narkotischen Cocktail aus starken R&B-Hooks, einer großzügigen, betörenden Produktion und einem ausgeprägten Sinn für Melodie. Das ist erfinderische, unheimliche Popmusik, bei der Enya, Offset, Zola Jesus und Future im selben Raum leben.

Viele sahen dieses Potenzial bei ihrem Debüt und so gab es reichlich support von Dazed, Interview, The FADER, KCRW sowie Künstlern wie Tinashe. Pitchfork hob die unverwechselbare Chemie des Duos vor und sagte: "Turcos Synth-Landschaften sind riesig und szenenraubend, während Halls heisere Stimme eine Klasse für sich ist, angesiedelt zwischen Abel Tesfaye und Sade.'

Country' verfeinert den minimalen Rahmen von Skin Town, Hip-Hop/R&B-Rhythmen mit Hall's rauchigen, präzisen Vocals, die weitere Atmosphären und dunklere Anliegen erforschen. Das Album behandelt verschiedenste Felder von Depressionen, Verlust, Hedonismus, Armut, Rebellion, Sexarbeit, Empowerment bis zu den Widersprüchen der Liebe. Die Fertigstellung des Albums wurde mehrmals aufgeschoben, wobei Hall eine Reihe von lebensbedrohlichen, mysteriösen Immunsystem-Krankheiten erlitt, was dazu führte, dass viel Schmerz und Freude auf dieser Platte zu finden sind, die sprichwörtlich mit Blut und Tränen gemacht wurde.