quête:1 of 100

Like the parent label, Optimo Trax will release music by new artists and excavate forgotten classics.
Optimo Trax is an offshoot label of Optimo Music for tracks aimed at DJs/dancefloors. Yes, we know there are too many record labels already, but we felt an overriding desire to start another one as so much music that didn't seem quite right for Optimo Music (i.e. music that was specifically designed for dancing) kept coming our way. Like the parent label, Optimo Trax will release music by new artists and excavate forgotten classics.


Michele Mininni is from Southern Italy where he says people are not interested in his type of music so he was forced to reach out to Glasgow where it turns out some people most defintely are. Citing his influences as kraut, post rock, new wave and electronic amongst others, this is his debut release and most accomplished it is too. Lowering the tempo somewhat compared with previous OT releases, Tupolev Love is a sub 100bpm cosmic trancer while Telekomdisko raises the tempo and heads off into sun drenched space territory. The EP is completed by Michele's fellow countrymen, Boot & Tax's great acid-inflected remix of Tupolev Love.

Freestyle Records is immensely proud to announce the release of this new single from new signing Kalbata & Mixmonster - Prisoner In Love, which is taken from the forthcoming stunning album Congo Beat The Drum.


Kalbata & Mixmonster went into their home studio ago in Tel Aviv, Israel with the purpose of recording a 100% analogue dub album in the spirit of the late King Tubby and the early dancehall era of the late 70's and early 80's. A 16-track tape machine and an old analogue mixing desk were their main instruments, with musicians playing live all throughout the album.


A year after recording the instrumental backing tracks, they travelled to Kingston, Jamaica and started tracking down their favourite singers and deejays from days gone by. The stunning and totally authentic results evoke the heyday of Jamaican music - and on 'Prisoner In Love' legendary vocalist Little John, regarded by some as the first dancehall vocalist, hits just the right feel on this mellow, down tempo number. His voice floats alongside the ethereal piano and on the money drum patterns and deep bass lines perfectly.


On the flip - special guest Kutiman drives the CRB organ on this instrumental version excursion of Prisoner In Love - proper old school JA style!

The third in the Modular Techno series from live analogue artist and Freerotation organiser Steevio.
After 15 years of producing techno live on hardware, in 2009 Steevio began building a dedicated machine on which he could totally improvise an entire techno performance from a blank canvas that far surpassed anything he could do with his previous setup of drum machines and synthesizers. Steevio's modular is 100% analogue; there is no computer involved, there are no memories to save sounds or sequencing patterns, and everything is improvised in real time..
Volumes 1 and 2 of the series were just a taster of what was to come, and were the early experimentations on Steevio's newly built machine. Steevio records everything he does, especially during the intense practice sessions for live gigs. All the music in the series are out-takes from these practice sessions, and the tracks from Volume 3 and the forthcoming Volume 4 all come from a three day period in practice for a recent live gig at Delete, Bournemouth, UK.
Volume 3 continues from where Volume 2 left off but delivered with more confidence and a deeper more hypnotic feel. Steevio continues to develop his skills and fine tunes his unique instrument in this dedicated 'for life' project.

NO VINYLE OF ANY MANU CHAO ALBUM HAS BEEN AVAILABLE ON SALE FOR AGES. ALL STUDIO & LIVE ALBUMS ARE BACK ON DOUBLE VINYL GATEFOLD FEAT. THE CD

Experimental music from Anna Bolenna, Idroschalo Music leader. Electro live sets with an A side of dub House and a B side for experimental hard techno delirium... Creation no recreation ! ENJOY ! LIMITED TO 100 copies I think.

Continuing further into the music of 1970s East Africa, Soundway present a limited edition 10" of raw, bluesy garage-funk-rock from Jimmy Mawi.
Jimmy Mawi was a Madagascan guitarist based in Nairobi in the mid 1970s. He cut only three 45s for EMI East Africa on their Pathe imprint that have virtually disappeared from sight in the nearly 40 years since they were recorded. Soundway reproduce four of the best tracks here on a super limited edition 10". Fuzz guitars, raspy vocals and metronomic drumming combine for an exhaustive afro-rock workout.


Earlier this year Soundway released their compilation Kenya Special: Selected East African Recordings from the 1970s & '80s. Accompanied by a limited re-mix 12' these releases represent Soundway's first releases from the East African country and follows from their much acclaimed African 'Special' series that to date has focused on the highlife and afrobeat output from 1970s Nigeria and Ghana.

17 years after first releasing a cassette EP from label boss Marsel van der Wielen under his Peel Seamus guise, Delsin is soon to hit the landmark category number of 100.
Truth is, taking into account choice re-issues and specials such as the recent house series, there have already been scores more than 100 releases. Nevertheless, in that time the Dutch label has become synonymous with a wide range of timeless sounds from house to techno to dub to electronica, nurturing and championing some of the most respect names in the scene.

To mark the occasion, the label is to release five new various artist EPs (100 copies will be special, limited and coloured vinyl exclusively available through the Delsin web shop with a collector's box) that will be compiled onto one special CD compilation come the final release.

'After many different life cycles, with this compilation I try to go back to the core of Delsin, to showcase more otherworldly/dreamy/soulful but still raw techno sounds from a selection of key artists who best represent the label,' says Marsel. 'The tracks are all individual offerings but are tied together with the common themes of the label, and as a compilation will paint a nice overall picture that is not shy of moving away from the dancefloor side of things.'

Across the five EPs you can expect tracks from newbies and old favourites alike, including Sawlin and Delta Funktionen, John Beltran and Bleak, Redshape and Convextion and plenty more. The first - like all of them - features three tracks, one each from Gerry Read, Unbroken Dub and Claro Intelecto.

MCDE proudly presents the debut works of 22 year-old Canadian, Michael Gracioppo. Featuring a remix from Fred P (Mule / Underground Quality)..very limited edition.
The label's first 10-inch is headed by My So-Called Friends-the Montrealers deeply personal ode to an over-indulgent past lover.

The fluid drum work and violent bass line sit alongside the words of a punkesque inspired vocal sample. My So-Called Friends tells the story of a sincere and vulnerable young woman facing an inner battle between excessiveness and self-restraint. These drugs they are making me so sad I can't stop taking them.

A2 is a testament of Gracioppo's focus on maintaining a balance between songwriting and sound design.
Sailing unpredictably back and forth in tempo, A2 has been left untitled so as not to taint the piece.

Enlisted on remix duties, the always excellent Fred P flawlessly Reshapes Gracioppo's A1 into a hymn suited for the early morning comedowns.
Fred Ps vibrant pads resonate up and down in frequency and wrap the wavering vocal in warmth and comfort.

Debut longplay release from heralded Irish producer Mano Le Tough
who is one of this year's international DJ shooting stars according
to Resident Advisor's top 100 list.

Repress!

FORMAT: DOUBLE 180 GRAM HEAVY WEIGHT VIRGIN VINYL PRESSINGS INCLUDES MIX CD AND HIGH QUALITY COVER ART PRINT
LIMITED EDITION 1000 COPIES WORLDWIDE

This classic late night tales release is now finally available on heavy weight double vinyl, released back in 2010 this edition has gone on to become one of the most successful albums in the series 12 year history, cut using the unique 'half speed' mastering technique's and pressed on virgin 180 gram vinyl this is the ultimate audiophile format, each beautifully pressed disc is housed in a special anti static inner sleeve and comes with a special 30cm cover art print and the package also includes the original CD mixed disc and 12 page booklet.
CD UNMIXED TRACKS (FULL REMASTERED VERSIONS)

portland producer strategy is back with two unique house stuff.his wide range unique music is released from 100% silk, kranky and endless flight.
a side, "luna" is very unique sound which is difficult to categorise.but if we say, it's like detroit techno remix of synth pop...
b side, "the saga" is his trade mark dubby house sound but bit more gorgeous and uplifting.

Drumcode mark their landmark 100th release with a two-track EP that comes directly from the heart of the label's operation. Just as with the label's first release sixteen years ago, Adam Beyer positions himself at the controls, unleashing the shimmering 'The Color Out Of Space' with its euphoric melody riding on the back of nagging chords and booming kick. A product of Beyer's studio collaboration with Ida Engberg, 'Lovecraft' takes its place on the b-side, cutting a trippy journey through distinctive chord patterns and undulating melodies that bounce around in the mix, underpinned by a heads-down groove.

RAWAX IS PROUD TO WELCOME MR. K-ALEXI SHELBY TO THE FAMILY!
Mr. K Alexi Shelby
Like a moth drawn to a flame, there is something utterly infectious about the music of Mr.K Alexi Shelby, better known as K-Alexi one of the founding fathers of house music direct from his home city of Chicago. Since the late 1980s, he has pioneered the true house sound, leading to a DH and production career spanning over 20 years, including collaborations with artists ranging from The Pet Shop Boys to Derrick May and from Larry Heard and Felix da Housecat to Will Smith, as well as gigs across the globe.
An impressionable young teenager, Mr.K Alexi Shelby developed friendships with Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy whilst attending seminal venues like The Warehouse and The Music Box in the mid 1980s. Being here at this embryonic stage of dance music culture, there were no rules or precedents, so K Alexi drew on a rich musical heritage that had seen him grow up in the 70s and 80s listening to Stevie Wonder, Prince, Curtis Mayfield and David Huff. Those roots continue to influence his music to this day.
It was under the moniker Risque III that Essence Of A Dream was released in 1987, firmly establishing the name of Mr.K Alexi Shelby amongst the most prominent of all house producers at the time. Moreover, those early tracks are still recognized to be the quintessential Chicago house sound. The rumbling and dark bass, smooth strings, incredible percussion and the spoken word poetic and erotic lyrical flow became the trademark for classic Chicago house and the template for everything else that followed. To reiterate, there was no template before this. This was the beginning.
This initial success has lead to Mr.K Alexi Shelby working with the leading names across the electronic music world and beyond. Collaborations and remixes for Chicago peers like Mike Dunn, Mr. Lee and Marshall Jefferson merely served as the springboard for Alexi to work with the best in the electronic scene, from Derrick May to Paul Johnson ,Ron Trent Dave Angel to Felix ad House Kat. Furthermore, his talents have also lead to him working with The Pet Shop Boys and Will Smith.
On top of this, his tracks have appeared on compilations by artists varying from Laurent Garnier to DJ Hell, who used It's Me 2010 contribution to the Body Language series for Get Physical Music. Produced under the Club M.C.M. moniker, the 1991 EP It's Me/Club M.C.M. has been a frequent selection for compilations for 20 years and is rightly regarded as a true underground techno classic.

LIMITED EDITION : first 1000 will be numbered & limited transparent blue vinyl !
Home to E.L.O.'s world hit 'Mr. Blue Sky', Out Of The Blue is a multi-Platinum selling double album by the iconic pop rock band from Birmingham. Renowned for Jeff Lynn's elaborate productions and arrangements, Electric Light Orchestra proved they were able to expand on their success formula of Beatlesque classic rock songs. The album yielded classic E.L.O. songs such as 'Turn To Stone', 'Sweet Talkin' Woman' and 'Wild West Hero', all becoming hits in the UK. A nine-month tour followed its release in 1977 that set new visual standards for stadium rock acts, incorporating a giant space ship, fog machines and laser displays. Music On Vinyl celebrates the European rerelease of Out Of The Blue with a limited run of 1.000 on transparent blue vinyl.

The new Wheel and Deal production partnership between N-Type and Surge, releasing their 1st EP: September Sun.A: September Sun ft Pyxis - After the success of Surges first single with Pyxis (Leech), she once again delivers her signature vocal style, this time laid down on the fresh and original collaboration between Wheel and Deal label head N-Type and rising star Surge. The combination of production styles has built a fresh take on the dubstep sound. This featured in N-Types mini mix for Mistajams Radio 1 show earlier this year, with continuous radio support from Hatcha at Kiss 100, Mistajam, Walsh (Biscuit Factory Records) and N-Types Rinse FM show, every Tuesday 9-11pm. B: Mega-Tron - Featuring live guitar from Jonny Boltano, showcasing a different side to the duos production skills. Rolling rock style drums and build ups drop into a continuously transforming bassline. As the the track develops, the influx of the orchestra ends the track dramatically. Being battered by Hatcha at Kiss 100, Soap Dodgers, Laxx, Walsh, N-Type & Surge. This also featured in N-Types mini mix for Mistajams Radio 1 show earlier this year.C: Triangles - Old school Jungle/DnB, dub and techno influences rain through in this track. Dark & atmospheric, this could easily be a soundtrack of horror film proportions. The Bass is thick and punchy with the eerie sample 'Dark Triangles!' slicing through the darkness. Support from Mistajam, Hatcha, Soap Dodgers, Walsh, N-Type & Surge. D: Zombie Apocalypse - This one is more on the jump up side, proving the diversity in N-Type & Surge's production style. As the zombies approach, tension builds to the drop with the dramatic sample 'This is the End'. The bass is weighty and growling, like a blood thirsty monster. The second drop steps up the pace with a staggered, automated bass rinse out.

For their first release of 2012 Modern Love deliver the second album from Suum Cuique, the analogue noise/experimental project from Miles Whittaker, one half of Demdike Stare.

SLEEP D's BACON EP is the next offering from Sydney's excellent DEATH STROBE imprint

SLEEP D are a couple of young cats from Melbourne, the production duo are sure to be an integral part of the deep house explosion coming from their city, spearheaded by the likes of Tornado Wallace, Fantastic Man and the Melbourne Deepcast crew.

The record has a range of flavours all tied together by a fundamental warmth and soulfulness.
The title track flows and floats in a dreamlike state, whilst simultaneously nailing the groove from beat one.
Bubbles vs The Cat takes it up a notch, entering the club realm with rich bass and tight rhythms.
Their remix of Chet Faker's Love & Feeling is certain to give any dance floor a collective orgasm, oozing an erotic strangeness as it heaves and thrusts away, while Ischa has a tickle of Techno thrown into the mix and, despite its druggy sedation, has a hidden energy for dancing feet.

s one of the most successful artists in contemporary Techno Music Hendrik Weber aka Pantha Du Prince presents his new studio project together with Workshop's Stephan Abry: URSPRUNG.

After several studio sessions in the cold and charming winter of the Swiss Alps, Abry and Weber were driven deeper and deeper into some microcosm of sound to almost cut the edge to the myth. Influenced by Krautrock, the Ambient Music of Harold Budd and early Brian Eno, Avantgarde, and the minimalistic guitar sound of Durutti Collumn the URSPRUNG project can't resist to make the guitar a main source. coming together with highly futuristic sounds as we know from the researches of Pantha Du Prince. A truly unconventional structure of slowly growing beats hold this universe which came from the cold mountains together.

Kenneth Christiansen & Dennis Bøg presents Pattern Repeat part 6.
This time Pattern Repeat gets a little more harder and darker on PR00/6.
The A side is a moody dark track with deep hypnotic almost nightmare kind of groove, with a old school kind of atmosphere.
The B side gets hard straight from the beginning of the track with a pounding almost industrial kick drum, that builds from a minimal groove that really will kill the PA system in the club.
Pattern Repeat has stepped up, and shows the harder and deeper side of the Copenhagen Techno scene.

Big Strick is back at it and this time he brings Generation Next the first artist from the 7 Days camp to emerge from the city streets of the D. Only 16 this young man is shaping up to be one of the premier producers in the Biz!! He is the Future!!