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This Top Ten is primarily tracks and EPs that shine a little bit more in the sunlight and some of them came out this past month

Sven Weisemann – Shove EP – A.r.t.less – Sven’s went on quite a tear in 2008 in terms of the limitless quality of his remixes and tracks.  For 2009 he took some different directions with his own 7″ releases and this very excellent release on boutique vinyl fetishist label a.r.t.less. Websites selling the disc list it as ambient while others call it left field, this reviewer says if you find yourself awake on an early Sunday morning this music will aid any of those great moments of reflection.

STL – Walk With Me – Something – Another breakout from 2008 his latest smallville release is the type of epic 12 minute song working so well among the steel tinged deep house from Omar S, Kyle Hall and the entire Sistrum team.  His follow up on his own label, Something, is equally as strong though on a subtler level making it suitable for the sunshine BBQ.
Anton Zap – Mon 16-46 – Uzuri -  Like Stephen Laubner (STL), Anton Zap is developing a very distinct brand of electronic music most easily defined as deep house.  This  track is arguably the highlight of his Uzuri release and with the light synths and loping beat it is perfect for a summer deep house session.

Keith Worthy – Lost in Sound – Aesthetic Audio – Gorgeous deep, dubby and timeless, this track, probably intentionally, would like to be Keith’s Psychotic Photosynthesis.  Keith certainly succeeds in the amount of ground covered shifting from hi hat tapping Detroit house to deep dub inflected almost Basic Channel rhythm.  By tracks end there appear accents of rhythm reverbed out giving the title an appropriate descriptor.  Not quite the document which Omar S achieved it will be one to be remembered when Keith’s great tracks are compiled and analyzed.

Luke Hess – Son Beams – Echochord - Luke’s “Light in the Dark” achieves the remarkable feat of an album consistent, deep, passionate and brimmed with thoughtful expression while at the same time functional for any DJ bag.  The feat is almost a necessity in today’s music market however Luke Hess’s deep feeling for the music is the result of ten years of reverent dedication to Convextion, MVO, Basic Channel, Intrusion, Maurizio now purveying his own brand of dub techno.  “Son Beams” with its dub techno foundation and Detroit high hat flourishes and accents is a definite album highlight.

Kiki – Good Voodoo – Bpitch Control – Before this song came about Kiki was probably a typical Berlin citizen complete with this laptop set, world renowned techno friends like Ellen Allien, and a social schedule which began sometime at 2AM.  While the same is true now Kiki’s foray into the deep and soulful side of Detroit techno is a marvel.  Using a smokey understated vocal by Ms. Chela Simone who turns into one of Kiki’s tools as much as the synth stab.  Whether intentional or not all the parts work perfectly together.  The visionquest remix highlights the groove a bit more but any song working from this palette couldn’t sound bad.

Anthea and Celler – House Nation – Cecille – Cecille Records probably experiences its biggest boost in sales as DJs gear up for summer.  Their bright style of deep minimal house beg for inclusion in the open air set.  Its latest offering from London’s road tested tech house auteur Anthea brings a little more muscle to the plate.  The digital only House Nation is her EPs highlight and will make any hazy mid July sway a little bit more vigorous with its solid, muscular rhythm.

Huner & Lauhaus – Truckin -  Thirtyonetwenty -  This track just glides in and after about 90 seconds hits a very pleasant bounce which should move any club’s  straw in mouth wallflower.  What is curious is the source material and whether it comes straight off a disco number or is an original vocal. Regardless, the result is stunning and worthy of attention (if not solely for the pink vinyl)

Rondenion – Storm – Rush Hour - Rondenion is arguably Japan’s biggest Moodymann fan.  With releases on Aesthetic Audio and Still Music, Rondenion makes ardent effort to represent the music he loves so dearly.  Storm, arguably the best, uses all of the Moodymann tricks to great effect. Swirling keys pattern, barely audible African American chants and great jazzy changes.  Whereas the two other tracks here remain straight ahead the volume, phase and intensity changes make this track the winner of the bunch.

Chez Damier – Sometimes I Feel – Time Vision (Mojuba) – If you said the words Chez Damier and Mojuba with a release date, most house music fans would approach you with a check book and FedEx envelope.  This release meets and exceeds that typically buy on sight greatness of Mojuba.  Luring you in with a reissue of Chez classic “Why?” the real gem is the above mentioned track.  If you thought Good Voodoo was infectious try getting this chorus out of your head.

Minus Tour Kick-Off at The Electric Cabaret

- Adam B. Ross

Probably a week before the Richie Hawtin Minus Event last Thursday at Muse, 88 and its faithful, loyal friends began to glow.  Sure, a world renowned DJ is something follower’s of 88 now come to expect but minus artists offer something truly special.  For one, minus and 88 share very closely linked goals that link technology, forward thinking and music.  Second, the stop would begin the minus USA bus tour and be among a handful of US dates. Third, the minimal era of techno was in full stride as 88 began and to think of its father and still leader appearing under 88’s sole sponsorship is a true achievement.

So around 2100, when the curtin went up and Ambivalent began a thoroughly intriguing set, 88’s members were excitedly shuffling around greeting familiar faces.  Graham, often times the energy source for 88 events, offered a particularly wide grin as he illustrated the best spot on the dance floor to absorb Muse’s brand new sound system.  Dave, the vision behind 88’s mission, confirmed a few guests and gave an excited leap as he explained the night’s main attraction would arrive in a black suburban much the same as the city’s other diplomats and dignitaries.  Lauren, the ace promoting arm and party girl of 88 crew, excitedly told guests of surprises in store for the special night.

As  2330 rolled around Lauren and Graham appeared with the first of the nights special touches for 88’s friends of the night.  It was a plastic mask with a white bar across the forehead.  Even if gimmicky, the act brought many of the attendees together in the special way only Richie’s performances can.  Richie, by his name and that of his Plastikman moniker, can bring together fans of electronic music across every genre.  Last Thursday was no exception.  Aligning Minds, the laptop left field artists from DC/Baltimore, Conduktor, a tech house DJ from Rockville, DJ Associate, an emerging deep house DJ from Annapolis, Sylvana Kiss, a Brooklyn based music lover and 88 friend, were among the beautiful, old and young attendees, all to bear witness to techno’s great and ever changing pioneer.

By zero hour, Richie made his way to Muse’s newly designed and 18 inch higher DJ booth in particularly high spirits.  After some deep and hearty laughs with the lighting guy and his entourage of the extremely hip, he turned on the magic, laser like focus that composed Plastikman’s first album in under 3 days.  The difficulty in current analysis of Richie is that this same focus and effort which devastated audiences from 1999-2006 is now elsewhere.  Over the course of the night a video camera focused on his Hawtin family issue Allen & Heather X:one 92 CTRL mixer showed barely any movement.  Twitter showed a summery set list culling from Ibiza ready continental minimal house as well his own ready stable of artists remixing his clients.  In addition, recent endeavors into environmental concerns as well as a fashion line all seem to indicate Richie would like to enjoy his beautiful, enviable existence more than change how people listen to music (again).

For all the judgments and criticisms, the simple fact is he absolutely rocked the crowd for 120 minutes of seamless transition and effortlessly well executed dance music.  And for any non believers (who decided they would pay money to not have a good time) he closed out the night with a special transition of Billie Jean and Spastik.  Everyone who had seen him in the dozens of times was shocked.  True entertainment does not have a better forum than the interaction of a DJ with his dancers.  Last Thursday, the 88 audience (most of which are experts in dance music) made the vibe perfect and carved out a perfect moment etched in 88’s now very bright future.

A photographic recap of the night by Graham Meyer and Andy Fundenadu:

We’re stoked to bring back friend and mate Ryan Elliot, this Thursday at The Electric Cabaret. To get everyone even more excited, here’s Ryan’s set from DEMF ‘09. It showcases why he’s one of the best in the business.

Enjoy! Ryan Elliott at DEMF 2009

Track List:

1. COH – Inside – Raster Noton
2. Adam Marshall – Rose Mountain – Cynosure
3. Levon Vincent – Solemn Days – Deconstruct
4. Ahmet Sisman – Esraj – Less iz More
5. Luciano & Guy Gerber – Arcenciel – Cadenza
6. Mofo – Mofo 1 (Side B) – Mofo
7. Martinez – Blue Lagoon (Dubbin Da Beats) – Moon Harbor
8. Mush – Test 66 (Chez Damier rmx.) – Night Vision
9. Slam – Positive Education (D’Julz Dub) -  Soma
10. Slam – Positive Education (D’Julz rmx.) -  Soma
11. Reboot-  Ronson – Cocoon
12. Pitto – Feelin (Dub) – Rejected
13. Mulder – 4 Sure – Bla Bla
14. Matt Tolfrey & Inxec – Bring It – Unreleased
15. Audion – Stoplight – Spectral Sound
16. Octave One – Blackwater – 430 West
17. DJ Q – Cheat – NRK
18. 76-79 – 57 Hertz – Comfortable Records
19. Shed – Well Done – Soloaction
20. Fabio Giannelli – Growing – Supplemental Facts
21. JC Freaks – Dub Praise (The Revenge Mix) – Phonica
22. Dyed Soundorom – I Care – Freak n’ Chic
23. DJ Wild – Ahora – Soweso
24. Norm Talley – The Journey – Third Ear
25. Anonym – Detroit Huis – Sushitech
26. The Astec Mystic – The Jaguar (Elliott’s 2009 Edit) – Unreleased

Our PNW sisters and brothers have announced the preliminary line-up to this years Decibel festival. When we ran into DB Founder Sean Horton in Detroit and Montreal we chatted quite a bit and he informed us that this year’s festival was going to revolve heavily around dubstep. More bass for your face! We hope lots of folks from DC will make the trip this year to Seattle, for another great North American festival.

Alex Under, Alter Ego, Benga, Caspa, Daedelus, Mad Professor, Martyn, Monolake, Move D, Voodeux, The Wighnomy Brothers and more!

June 27, 2009, 11:13 AM

originally posted on: www.altsounds.com

MINUS USA BUS TOUR

The second Minus Bus Tour hits the road on 26 June, taking in 11 North American
cities in 11 days. Together with Barem and Ambivalent, Richie Hawtin will be
handing out state-of-the-art audio beatings at venues stretching from Washington
DC to New York, through Canada and on to Chicago, with a potent mixture of
digital Djing and Live performance.

But it’s not just about the music, there are other significant aspects to the tour -
most notably Richie will be using the Twitter DJ application he pioneered at this
years’ Time Warp in Germany. Utilizing feeds from an updated version of Traktor’s
standard broadcasting technology this revolutionary software allows for
instantaneous broadcasting of all tracks played during a DJ set by sending 60
second updates to a designated Twitter account. Anyone following the Twitter
group will get a unique insight into how he’s constructing the atmosphere and
dynamics of a set, track by track and in real time. The track information is freely
accessible from any Twitter configured personal mobile device (even from the
dance floor) and archived online on the Twitter page. You can be part of the
experience, wherever you are by contacting rhawtin on Twitter
(www.twitter.com/rhawtin)

Then there’s the bus itself. Being on the road and eating up the miles on such an
extensive tour demands a sense of responsibility, which is why Minus has a
commitment to sustainable touring and operations. Together with environmental
logistics firm Restorative Events, Minus is operating the tour using the highest blend
of bio diesel available. This will save at least 3500 lbs of Carbon Emissions as well
as reduce Particulate Matter, Carbon Monoxide, and Sulphur. It’s just one more
aspect of the label’s commitment to environmentalism along with participation in
the Flight Emissions Offset program and ongoing initiatives to reduce
packaging/waste.

Make sure you hitch a ride at one of these locations:
25.06.09 Muse/ Washington, DC – Richie Hawtin w/ Barem & Ambivalent
26.06.09 Love/ New York, NY – Richie Hawtin – extended Set
27.06.09 Love/ New York, NY – Richie Hawtin w/ Barem & Ambivalent
28.06.09 Piknic Electronic/ Montreal, Canada – Richie Hawtin w/ Barem & Ambivalent
29.06.09 Dagobert/ Quebec City, Canada – Richie Hawtin w/ Barem & Ambivalent
30.06.09 Guvernment/ Toronto, Canada – Richie Hawtin
01.07.09 Boom Boom Room/ Windsor, Canada – Richie Hawtin w/ Barem & Ambivalent
02.07.09 Summerfest/ Milwaukee, MI – Richie Hawtin w/ Barem & Ambivalent
03.07.09 Metropolis/ Cleveland, OH – Richie Hawtin w/ Barem & Ambivalent
04.07.09 1014/ St, Louis, MO – Richie Hawtin w/ Barem & Ambivalent
05.07.09 Smart Bar/ Chicago, IL- Richie Hawtin w/ Barem & Ambivalent

Not sure how we missed this, but we sure will miss Andy. Thank god his music and legacy lives on and touched so many of us ….

- 88

From our friends at ITM.

daverh

Seeing The Orb in all their glory just last year at the Global Gathering festival, they’re still firmly impanted in our memories. As such, it was distressing today to hear the news that Andy Hughes – producer for electronic pioneers The Orb as well as Basement Jaxx – had passed away. Whilst such sad news was at first difficult to believe genuine, it has since been confirmed with a formal statement from The Orb’s agency in the United States, WME Entertainment.

ELECTRONIC MUSIC ENGINEER/PRODUCER GENIUS
ANDY HUGHES OF THE ORB SADLY PASSES AWAY ON FRIDAY 12TH JUNE 2009

Andy Hughes, electronic music producer/DJ who was born 11th November 1965 and, and who lived and grew up in Harrow, Middlesex, tragically passed away on Friday 12th June 2009 after a short illness.

Andy was a genius who gave so much inspiration and passion to all with his incredible work. He was loved by many aficionados of the trance/ambient genre, but will be especially remembered for his work with Alex Paterson and The Orb, most notably the album Orblivion and single Toxygene, which reached number 4 in the UK charts in 1997. Together with his musical partners Alex Patterson and former members Kris Weston, Simon Phillips and Thomas Fehlmann together with Nick Burton of Westworld fame, Andy created electronic and ambient/techno/house/dub masterpieces. These took him across the globe where he played to masses of fans in countries including the USA, Japan and Canada as well as a sell out concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1998.

In 2000 he started producing music on his own and more recently produced music for artists such as Kovak and Basement Jaxx at their neighbouring studios in Brixton, London.

Andy was an incredibly doting and loving father who always made time for his children Gabriel and Circe and their father’s passing will leave a chasm in both their lives…

At just 44 years of age, Andy Hughes’ death is a tragic one, and his contributions and advancements to electronic music won’t be quickly forgotten.

Andy Hughes on Wikipedia and MySpace

Props to Jay Haze.
We like seeing this kind of action in our community and support it as much as possible. While our minds and bodies are often swirling amidst the sounds and energy of clubs and parties, it’s crucial to remember that we’re part of a larger framework and society. Well done Jay, Sneak, Loco Dice and Tiga. Wwe hope that more DJs join you in your cause or find another way to dedicate their time, talent and fame to raising awareness about injustice in the world.

JAY HAZE PLANS BENEFIT FOR THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO AND INVITES OTHER DJS TO GET ON BOARD FOR THE CAUSE.

Jay Haze, the DJ/producer behind the house and techno labels TuningSpork and Contexterrior, has had a lasting relationship with Fabric, playing there on a regular basis. When the London-based nightclub asked him to provide the next installment of their mix series, he was eager to take part, but even more so to use the exposure to generate awareness for a bigger cause: confronting the ongoing political and social turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Continuing the country’s history of instability and wars, and despite a peace agreement in 2006, the DRC’s east remains overwhelmed by rebel fighting, sexual violence, starvation and disease. Jay will donate 100% of his profits from the Fabric CD sales to Merlin, an organization providing relief in the DRC and in other conflicted countries. Not only that – Jay will also donate 50% of all his DJ fees from September through the end of 2009 toward other groups who provide health care, medicine, treatment for rape victims and access to clean water for the country’s citizens.
Furthermore, Jay has recruited his DJ buddies to join the cause, asking them to donate half their DJ fee from any one of their gigs this year toward the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Loco Dice, DJ Sneak and Tiga have already agreed, and Jay’s goal is to increase the list exponentially.
Jay wants to bring consciousness into the global electronic music scene, to prove that the nightlife industry can be about social justice as much as artistic expression and hedonism.
If you know an Artist who maybe likes to be part of this Action don’t hesitate to contact us!

We are happy about every single mail or telephone call!

info@artistalife.com
Fon: +49 (0) 211 416 88 00

For your pre-X (http://www.xculture.tv/) listening, I’ve linked a short (~20 min) mix of my favorite Mux Mool tunes for you to groove wit.  Come out Saturday to hear the man himself performing at X. 

The mix can be downloaded here.  Enjoy.   

Dave Bloom

I’m on a Boat

- Adam B. Ross

One month hence and reviews still come in about how well this year’s Movement Festival in Detroit ran. Improvements were many and included the abolition of drink tickets and the end of the seamless segway between artists leaving pause for cheer and the ever welcome saying “Thank You Detroit”. As crucial as any element, this year featured expert and arguably improved sound (even if not in an expert space like the underground at Hart Plaza). Most unique to this year’s sound setup was the booth just behind the massage area which featured cabs, towers, subs, horns, daybeds, coffee tables, and a friendly 250 pound former linebacker to explain it all. With the flip of his mane and as a father might about his state champion son, the linebacker explained his ISP patent pending True 4-way High Definition Line Array™ (HDL™) Series including the new HDL4212. Sounds intimidating but with even the slightest lean after a firm handshake and he would grant you a listen. Quickly from a toolbelt appeared a remote control and in a flash about 1500 watts were permeating one’s thoughts. Luckily the system at the time was synched to the festival and Osunlade’s expert edit of Lil Louis’ French Kiss. The time was 1730.

Forward to 0030 and about four hundred people are lined up outside of the Detroit Princess all with wildly speculative rumors on their lips. One such tale speculated Richie would spin a vinyl only. I smiled, nodded, politely admired the craft and kept my eyes peeled for a skinny figure being escorted by several large men and a very expensive overcoat draped over his head. (http://richly.hawtin.jp/). Though no such body came forth that night, the linebacker was boarding complete with his sea faring (ass-kicking) leather wristbands and his hair expertly pulled back (dude could probably save a raver or two from drowning in an instant). As I finally climbed aboard via my economy passenger ticket I understood why the Princess was ideal for proms and formal events. Tin roofs, long wooden bars, old timey exhaust pipes, very humorous and good natured bathroom attendants all maybe justified the inflated entry price. And then the sound began. That same ISP patent pending True 4-way High Definition Line Array™ (HDL™) Series including the new HDL4212 was pumping some intense waves across the Detroit River. The other greatly applauded amenity was the many padded chairs which were greatly appreciated after a day interviewing, dancing, shoveling fries and commiscerating amongst DC’s techno truebloods.

A quick sampling among the floors confirmed every artist was present and accounted for and appeared in good spirits. Carl Craig was playing his trademark ethereal, spacey detroit tech house, crazy larry was playing a capable warmup set to a smiling Luciano and Loco Dice and Dixon was using traktor to manipulate popular European house behind his innervisions/fabric/!K7 compatriots. As the night progressed each floor really began to take on its own distinctive character. The top floor became the true Detroit techno experience vis a vis the classic (now current) Detroit edged house of MK Kinchen and Scotty Deep. Those who remained there used the two’s distinctive facial features to describe their otherworldly and transcendant sound that built up on them all night. In other words, two aliens took a human form and used beats to convey an intergalactic message. The second floor became the jungle where bodies writhed and moved in every direction (not too mention the temperature rose to summer rave levels). Luciano and Loco Dice took the atmosphere to generate fist pumping latin rhythms. As bodies lay in many directions each seemed often too still and glassy eyed not to be in a different frame of mind all together. The bottom floor became the DJ hangout and the techno nerd haven. I took my well worn spot next to the booth watching the record labels spin and taking notes. There among me were Heidi, Jamie Jones and Cassy each there to examine a critical mass musician’s individually. Each did so with their own brand of tacit approval: Jamie Jones it was the head nod and shoulder dip of his leather jacket; Cassy gave the bright eyed curious smile and Heidi flare her shock of blonde hair all the more peaking with Kiki’s “Good Voodoo”. As for the musicians, Dixon was first up and with his Easter Island head stare surveyed the crowd with each transition. To his chagrin few bodies entered during his set and by and large this floor filled only for the first moments of Henrik Schwarz manic forward lunging during his live set. Those who stayed were treated to a scene which could only happen on a special night with the right phone calls from the right numbers in Berlin. Henrik, Kristian, Frank and Dixon trading records so casually over five hours was what I paid for and it left a deep satisfaction. To the artists, by about 0330 it was about having fun. In fact, by nights end Dixon was spinning corndogs on the turntables and Kristian had chocolate smeared all over his face. As the relaxation and casual atmosphere set in the awesome records came in quick succession. First, “Feelin You” remix by Henrik, then Big Fun segued soon into Blind by Hercules and Love Affair. As such the crowd, or lack thereof, was treated to a host of special songs in a very intimate setting.

The intimate setting really was the drawing point for all three floors and the party itself. Loco and Luciano rarely play for less than well……. http://www.residentadvisor.net/photos/2008/es080712monegr/100-df_thumb.jpg many people. As a result, the party was sure to sell out. Nonetheless, with the the steep cover, the fire code and the laundry list of regulations bound to “anchor” a boat party the result was going to be short of legendary because the spontaneous elements could not be present. Organization was principal to the party’s ultimate success. Clarity of sound, professional (read: sober) artists, and lots of dancing area ensured those who came for music would not be disappointed. Anyone on board expecting a balls crazy rave over international waters probably expected more. The organizers of EDM events, in particular Crazy Larry, do like the spontaneity that ensures word of mouth fervor for the next year (see generally Old Miami). Even if no clear magic happened the party had “saturation” in the form of ten world renowned artists playing at once leaving anyone aboard with a real dilemma. Saturation we hasten to add is a good problem and one we hope will draw as many DC citizens as next year even if a boat party is not on the menu.