Z Records News

NO COVER!

Three standout tracks from Dave Lee's 2023 album Metamorphosis - which he dropped under his AC Soul Symphony alias - now get pulled apart and reworked by the one and only Dub-disco king Ray Mang. First comes 'It's Got To Be Love' with its super funky and bubbly bass and lush string elegance, then he flips 'Tradewinds' into a deeper, still lush and lavish instrumental disco gem that is seductive and warm for the winter months. Last but not least, 'K-Jee' brings an infectious groove to the dance floor with a little more percussive energy and upbeat bounce - but again swooning strings are the icing on the cake. All three of these are classy and sophisticated reworks from the one and only Mang.

A great mixture of jazz, funk, afrobeat and house on new album by Italian outfit Asakaira for Quattro Bambole. "Asakaira is the name of a place that does not exist, an "invisible city" that is the backdrop to the meeting of four musicians. Michele Vassallo (sax and efx), Giuseppe Desiderio (bass), Francesco Fasanaro (percussion) and Giuseppe Limpido (drums) who together have already gone through various experiences to immerse themselves in an imaginary space, of the border! So, they exploit this nature to transcend the limit, throwing caution to the wind with carefree abandon, but not before carefully noting the history and legacy of jazz, hip-hop and afrobeat. Asakaira' s sound is psychedelic, fluid, constantly evolving: afrobeat & jazz punk alternate with funk, electronic music of Mediterranean culture. An absolutely "stateless" sound, while maintaining its own timbre and stylistic coherence to make it recognizable. The choice of not having a harmonic instrument present in the lineup gives ample space to electronic effects and the groove, creating a sort of modern ritual. The eponymous debut album, released by Quattro Bambole Records, consists of seven tracks, in which the ability to reinterpret their native sounds with polysemic rhythms emerges in a work where layered drums and percussions intertwine with effected saxophones and psychedelic bass lines. A path that moves between songs with a more "ethereal" ancestry, such as the opening track "Night Tales", an acoustic groove that rests on the use of the handpan, an idiophone instrument that gives the song a psychedelic vibration and like "Chatting With You" where a soft and extended overlapping of multiple musical meters emerges, between neo soul, jazz and hip-hop."

Just in time for sunny days and festival season, Copenhagen-based artist B From E delivers this summer’s anthem with "Energia Positiva," accompanied by an equally seminal remix from Baldo on the B side.

Overflowing with infectious positivity, side A dynamically surges through energetic waves, all underscored by oldschool trance elements.

On the B side, Baldo brings his vitalizing soundscape, perfectly complementing the essence of "Energia Positiva." Treated with the same care and significance as the original mix, Baldo’s remix crafts a sound uniquely tailored for the impending summer season.

The clinically sharp artwork by Luca Loza, aka Planet Luke, adds an extra layer of allure, captivating listeners in a tangible three-dimensional experience.

Good and smoked out rasta vibes from the new album by Dreadsquad and friends !

Jah vibes with a pinch of Ska feels, nice one guys !

Good and smoked out rasta vibes from the new album by Dreadsquad and friends !

Jah vibes with a pinch of Ska feels, nice one guys !

Good and smoked out rasta vibes from the new album by Dreadsquad and friends !

Jah vibes with a pinch of Ska feels, nice one guys !

EMEX is the latest project from Modular Expansion, marking the reunion of George Apergis and Alex Retsis after eight years. Together, they've developed EMEX Live in an entirely new dimension. This release features two techno tracks with a classic old-school flavor, recorded during the EMEX Live performance at the Phygital Audiovisual event. Phygital, an immersive experience curated by Modular Expansion, was supported by the Greek Ministry of Culture and the National Opera. Held at the Castle of Rio, the event showcased live audiovisual performances that blended digital and physical instruments.

In its first release on vinyl, Art Imagination brings this 180-gram disc in transparent blue with four new tracks, three of them signed by the Brazilian Fabiano Pit and an incredible remix by the German Beatamines. The tracks have an organic sound and beautiful melodies.
The cover art is signed by the artist, Luis de Souza, in a painting in oil and acrylic on canvas

"A Place For Love" is a captivating electronic house music endeavor, expertly crafted by the synergistic partnership of San Proper and Figi, hailing from the vibrant city of Amsterdam. The project boasts an impressive roster of guest contributors, including Tom Trago, Seth Troxler, and the esteemed label heads of Guti & David Gtronic, each imbuing the compositions with their signature style. The project exudes a funky, charming, and inviting energy, inviting listeners to fully embrace their individuality and lose themselves in the hypnotic beats. Whether it be the electrifying dubby techno, the shimmering and ethereal twists, or the razor-sharp edges injected into the club-ready tracks, "A Place For Love" offers a diverse array of auditory delights. It is truly a sanctuary for those seeking to indulge in the boundless beauty of electronic music and the euphoria of self-expression.

"A Place For Love" is a captivating electronic house music endeavor, expertly crafted by the synergistic partnership of San Proper and Figi, hailing from the vibrant city of Amsterdam. The project boasts an impressive roster of guest contributors, including Tom Trago, Seth Troxler, and the esteemed label heads of Guti & David Gtronic, each imbuing the compositions with their signature style. The project exudes a funky, charming, and inviting energy, inviting listeners to fully embrace their individuality and lose themselves in the hypnotic beats. Whether it be the electrifying dubby techno, the shimmering and ethereal twists, or the razor-sharp edges injected into the club-ready tracks, "A Place For Love" offers a diverse array of auditory delights. It is truly a sanctuary for those seeking to indulge in the boundless beauty of electronic music and the euphoria of self-

The enigmatic French producer KafkaCtrl is responsible for 'The Lost Intruder', the new release from Madrid's beloved electro label Distrito 91.

The EP is composed by five analogue bombs, perfectly structured in a synthetic storytelling that opens with the instrumental 'Hidden Light', followed by 'Cell Echoes' and its electro discharge of haunting synth lines. These are followed by 'Tokyo Combat' and 'Morphing Blood', which strike the perfect balance between depth and intensity, while the closure is reserved for the superb 4x4 electro performance that is 'It Escaped'.

A dark tale in the form of killer vinyl to give you goosebumps while dancing.

Remastered Re-issue!

Marvin Dash, Germany's best kept House Music secret. Real House Music headz have been following his versatile productions between Detroit House and Minimal Techno since the mid 90's. Back then many didn't know Marvin is really Ronald Reuter, hailing from the middle of Germany, Thuringia.

About 30 years ago Ronald and his buddy Jens Kuhn aka Lowtec teamed up for music production on their own terms in the vibrant House, Techno scene of East Germany. This scene was pure DIY: Parties somewhere out in the country, heartfelt, down-to-earth people and raw underground tunes from analogue machines. Their productions were way ahead of their times, but found a cult following by and by...

There's many great Marvin Dash records, but his main piece of work remains „Model Turned programmer“ on C-Rock's Stir15. Deep as hell, iconic soundscapes, 100% pure!

We are continuing our record series with the fourth edition and are proudly welcoming Matthias Schildger to the family. Together with Rupert Hartick, the two Dudes joined forces for a powerful EP, delivering a curation of four beautiful tracks in different flavours and moods for the floor.

Expect two catchy pieces by Matthias under two of his well known aliases, as well as two decent works by Rupert.

Tune in and get yourself a copy!

Houseworx welcomes Muanda. We're happy to to present his next artist ep after great releases on
Housewax, Hardworksoftdring, La Pena and Pressure Traxx. First 300 Copies will come on marbled
vinyl - save yours on time!

The onus of proof regarding deepness is a rather peculiar one. Even if one presses all the right buttons, quotes the correct sources and applies the textbook techniques, often something seems to be amiss. The elusive producer Mute never had that problem. Blessed with a a sound of his own, that seems to stem from within and can be called deep house without the genre’s strait-laced demeanor, his aesthetic includes a distinct feel for boogie and disco tropes. Case in point: Lost. Placed as a B2 it is the secret start of Direct Cuts II and more
prominent on this new edition of a classic Running Back record. Molded into an extended disco version by Gerd Janson with unused parts of the original recording session, it something like a curveball deep house disco song, according to the motto: you and me, we can be like a whole universe! Hard to resist and even harder not to like if you have the slightest interest in Prelude records, Diana Ross songs or Tee Scott mix techniques. Basics, Vibes and Driver’s License push further into the world and musical mindset of Mute.
Originally released in 2006 as the the fourth outing of the label and the second (and his last one to date) of the elusive artist, it is still as remarkable as on its first release. Carefully rescued from the original DAT tapes, all re-edited by Gerd Janson and remastered by Lopazz, it’s available again in a clear and present portraiture of its original intent. Early adopters like Danny Krivit and the Idjut Boys can’t be wrong.

Daydream is really happy to welcome back the one and only Noah Skelton, 4 years after his last appearance on the label, with a new timeless classic. Anabiosis EP is the perfect synthesis of Noah and Daydream universes with 4 classy tunes full of deep dreamy sounds and ethereal dubby vibe.

Parti-Pillz is back as Anthea shares four commanding cuts from promising talent Paddy Lee. The UK-based producer is quickly cementing himself as one to watch and the “Four Sides” EP gives a certain nod of approval of exactly that.

Gliding between spaced out tech-house, with a futuristic acid twist, and refined underground sounds, Paddy seems not shy of experimenting with an array of textures and vibes at this early point of his journey, teeing things up for a bright year ahead. Highly anticipated tracks in combination with the animated Northern energy of the prodigy himself make this an essential EP for your bag this Summer. Get yourself this Parti-Pillz that leaves you wanting more and more!

Fed with Childhood Intelligence / Lowmoneymusiclove from his crib, Paul Tellimerg, also known as Dj Immortal, made his debuts in Berlin at the famous Club der Visionare with always surprising live performances drifting from electro and breakbeat to techno and deep house…

He then released his first music experiments on System Error with a 4 track EP “Alpha Synthesis”, which received great attention.

Back in Paris, Paul became an active member of the Claclaclac gang known for throwing some of the best raves of the capital.

Time Bandits is the affirmation of his style, a voyage through time, dimensions, genres, where he extracts pieces of music to create unique compositions, as well as a tribute to the Monty Pythons délirant movie featuring time traveling dwarfs looters and Sean Connery.

EAT MORE HOUSE welcomes David Platzdasch & Holger Dix to the artist family! We are happy to present you soon the "Facet EP".
This deep house beauty will be out early August 2021. Highly recommended!

The first edition of Era Specific Noise is both an ode to the early 2000s and the debut of a new alias by label founder Richardson. Having spent the better part of his recent memory scouring record stores and consuming more VG+ dance music than is medically recommended, this 12-inch marks a personal shift towards character-filled production without limitation.

Armed with a growing appreciation for the originality and love poured into old-school techno, ESPN001 is the first glimpse into Richardson's fast-growing stockpile of musical weaponry.

We kick things off with "Introductions", the first of two upbeat, vocal-laden pieces of DJ-friendly dance music that make up the A side. A new hardware-focused approach produces whirling, stabbing chords and a groovy baseline to meet the eponymous sample of this track. Up next, "Coming In Hot" which does just that - presenting a cohesion of warm, groovy techno littered with dubby synths and a throwback feel.

On the flip side is a pair of fresh takes reminiscent of the more functional sound of the era - the timeless, loopy techno that powers dancefloors worldwide. There’s nothing quite like finding a hidden gem on the B side! Robotic vocal loopings and a galloping low-end form “Notch”, a warehouse tune completed by a warmer feeling send-off littered with floating pads and a classic Reese bass. Closing out the release is “Synthetic Scream”, a synthesiser in anguish showcasing an almost mournful interpretation of the 909 era, complete with fast, driving percussion and classic break hits.

Welcome to Era Specific Noise - New school old school.

The second part in Shan’s warehouse series delivers more of the same – but that’s definitely a great thing, if the dish has a great taste. Like it’s successful predecessor, the tracks don’t re-invent the wheel, but cater to all the nameless spaces and places that made raving in defiant and derelict places fun. There is house that sounds like techno (Elevate) and vice versa. Seasoned with break beats (89 Swing or the Future Sound of London-esque Euphony) or breaks for love (Uplift My Spirit) and even dub sirens, it is almost impossible not to find something to suit the customer’s environment. The main focus of attention might be the jack of all trades called Phantazia. Wouldn’t have sounded out of place at the entertainment series of the same name, it melts proto hardcore harmonics with Soul II Soul type of strings and immediate call for „the action“. And as we all know, that always speaks louder than words.

Amsterdam-based keyboardist, producer, arranger and DJ Soul Supreme reached out to NYC drummer Jay Mumford in 2021 to lay the down groove on his re-imagining of Q-Tip and J-Dilla's "Let's Ride". That paved the way for future collaborations: a cover of A Tribe Called Quest's "Award Tour (We Gettin' Down)" and two tunes on Soul Supreme's Poetic Justice LP. But when the pair began doing brief covers of their favorite funk, jazz and hip-hop tunes on Instagram just for fun, followers of both musicians - and often, the covered artists themselves - began to take note. Two of those 20+ covers were particularly well-received, and the duo decided to answer the peoples' call for a 7" release with the songs pushed to their full potential. Similar to "Award Tour" and "Let's Ride", a hip-hop classic and a fan favorite are pushed to their full potential here. This installment goes coast to coast and explores Digable Planets' "9th Wonder" (the "East" side) and People Under the Stairs' (PUTS) "Crown Ones" (the "West" side).

The iconic synth intro of "9th Wonder" makes way for Jay's thunderous ode to a slowed down Clyde Stubblefield groove. Sure to be a favorite with DJs, Jay eventually detours into a syncopated New Orleans funk break, before getting back to the groove for Soul Supreme's funky wah wah clavinet work. Throughout, the arrangement expands beyond both that of the original and all of its DNA. The addition of cascading horns (featuring a trumpet solo by Lourens van der Zwaag) and a second, more aggressive break from Jay bring it back full circle, completing a modern update of a classic that manages to pay homage to '70s jazz-funk, breakbeats and '90s hip-hop - all while staying both modern and raw.

Diehard PUTS fans will recognize Soul Supreme's catchy Rhodes line as soon as the needle drops, but Jay's heavy funk groove quickly separates it from the original and takes it from hip-hop cover to heavy funk tune. Soul Supreme's Rhodes solo pushes it far beyond the confines of instrumental funk as the groove intensifies, while his chops as an arranger are on full display: his horn parts - featuring van der Zwaag, trombonist Olav Schloorlemmer and Job Chajes' Contra-Alto Clarinet that channels The Headhunters - counter his synth melodies in a discussion that completes the record as a heavy slice of uncut jazz-funk.

INCL. DESTRICT & DENIS KAZNACHEEV REMIXES

The Chromophore volume 2 is finally here. Slowly cooked during the past years and well rounded, following the formula of the first one: family members plus a couple of legends. Slow Life reprazent!

Is this release the last volume of the edits-saga?? ….It seems to be. Four bangers as usual courtesy from the boss FrescoEdits himself plus a fantastic edit from Rogue D and one from secret Italian pioneers “Kings of groove” . Super-smart sampling stuff for the most eclectic dancefloors!

Marazion is a new colourful various LP inspired by the infamous Ballacid channel.

This LP contains 12 warm acid techno and electro tracks by upcoming artists all over the world.

“Worldwide Heavy Industries Vol.1: A Bold New Vinyl Release from Flux Musical Art and Brutal Forms

Flux Musical Art and Brutal Forms have teamed up to release Worldwide Heavy Industries Vol.1, a groundbreaking vinyl that promises to push the boundaries of industrial and rhythmic music. This limited edition release, available in just 300 copies, offers an immersive exploration of mechanized soundscapes and futuristic themes.

An Industrial Sonic Journey

The album presents a compelling journey through industrial rhythms and dystopian landscapes, with each track showcasing a unique interpretation of the genre. On side A, Dominik Müller opens with “Too Many Posers,” delivering an intricate and immersive soundscape characterized by his signature depth and complexity. Following this, Ryuji Takeuchi’s “In Your Mind” introduces innovative rhythmic structures, adding a fresh and dynamic dimension to the release.

The B-side features a powerful collaboration: 6SISS and Hypnoskull’s “Losss” combines intense rhythms with a raw, industrial edge, creating a track that is both abrasive and compelling. Low Order’s “Taste My Venom” delves into the darker and more experimental aspects of industrial music, bringing a raw, experimental touch. Closing the release is Skumring’s “Corpse-Ridden,” which blends precise rhythms with expansive sound design, offering a rich atmospheric quality that reflects his role as co-founder of Brutal Forms.

With only 300 copies available, this limited edition vinyl is a coveted collector’s item. Each record features bespoke artwork that complements the album’s industrial theme. Distributed by Ready Made Distribution, *Worldwide Heavy Industries Vol.1* is set to reach a global audience of dedicated collectors and fans.

This release is more than just a vinyl; it’s a journey into a futuristic world through the lens of industrial music. For further details on track listings and purchasing options, visit Flux Webzine or the official websites of Flux Musical Art and Brutal Forms. Dive into this cutting-edge release and experience the forefront of industrial music with Worldwide Heavy Industries Vol.1.

Repress from the XTRX wanted tracks... The record where XTRX change his name into M.Rêve.

Label founder Mark Gavrikow presents Body2Body, his debut release, delivering a powerful tribute to the energy of the dancefloor.

The A-side is a driving mix of UK influences and the hard,
percussive sounds of the classic CLR Schranz era. Drum-heavy and full of energy, it's perfect for peak-time sets.
The B-side reveals a different side: more housey, dubby, and infused with warm chords, deep grooves, and hypnotic acid, offering the perfect balance between functionality and depth.

This beautiful splatter vinyl, color-matched to the inner sleeve, comes in a tie-dye cover with a large HFM logo. This special edition is strictly limited to 200 copies.

NO COVER!

Great collaborations make the music outstanding! Guy Mantzur and Tamir Regev have produced some inspiring tracks together in the past, but nothing as powerful as their new two-track material. The sixth release of the label Moments brings the cutting-edge perspective to the art form. The opening song features Kamila, famous for singing the classic Children With No Name by Guy and Khen. Her powerful voice and charismatic performance once again make a significant difference!

Guy and Tamir deliver the promise and poise to evolve the genre and simultaneously maintain its roots. Together, they blended sentimental lyrics, memorable hooks, and just enough dance floor-ready sauciness to get listeners spontaneously dancing along.

Guy and Tamir's out-of-the-box approach is even more impactful on the second track. Synthetic melody lines, smooth baselines, and sassy rhythm sections create an exotic atmosphere with a dose of calypso.

Although rooted in organic house and melodic techno, the label Moments has stamped its watermark across the full range of underground dance music, winning the hearts of fans across the globe. Check it out!

Versatile, floor-focused house bangers.

Back in 2018, Argentinian producer Fernando Pulichino released ‘Search of Indigo’ on Leng, a shuffling slab of colourful, Balearic-adjacent dub disco featuring his own distinctive lead vocals and backing vocals from Luca Gasparini. Six years on, the track returns renewed and refreshed thanks to a string of new floor-friendly reworks by LTJ Xperience and Pulichino himself. Fernando kicks off the EP with his ‘AM Mix’, an inspired re-invention that re-frames the song as a hard-wired, acid-fired chugger – all restless, razor-sharp TB-303 lines, low-slung bass guitar and sparkling piano riffs. On the digital version of the EP Pulichino has also offered up his ‘PM Mix’, a deliciously Balearic disco dub rich in colourful synth sounds, elastic bass, flanged guitars and sun-bright piano licks. It's LTJ Xperience’s trio of remixes that lie at the heart of the EP though. The Italian producer, real name Luca Trevisi, initially made his name as a downtempo and nu-jazz producer before perfecting a trademark style of chugging, slow-motion hedonism that draws influence from both deep house and nu-disco. His main Remix foregrounds many of these trademark elements, in the process delivering a bongo-rich chugger laden with delayheavy bass guitar sounds, head-nodding drums, heady guitar loops and echoing vocal snippets. On the Dirty Mix, Trevisi reaches for tight, short TB-303 ‘acid’ loops, a more sparse and heavy rhythm track offering a more heads-down, dubbed-out affair that should delight those who love late night and early morning hypnotism with flashes of wide-eyed sonic bliss. Then, to round things off, Trevisi delivers a heady, atmospheric and spaced-out Dub full of jazz guitar licks, bubbling electronics, vocal snippets and effects-laden bass. It’s a winning combination.

Roman Flügel returns to Phantasy with his second release of 2024 on Erol Alkan’s beloved London label, ‘No Solutions EP’. Following on from ‘Hotel Kathargo / Energies’, which garnered a summer of support from a typically diverse array of DJs including Gerd Janson, Jamie Jones and Saoirse, ‘No Solutions’ expands Flügel’s contributions to Phantasy into a triple track delight, another generous expression of his lifelong immersion in electronic music culture.

Transporting the zeitgeist of future-facing, eighties pop production onto modern dance floors, the title track ‘No Solutions’ is a fizzy, escalating ode to some of Flügel’s very earliest musical influences. Playfully channeling the wide-eyed electronics pioneered by The Human League or Soft Cell, it accelerates into a contemporary funhouse of wild oscillations and dreamy melodies.

‘Sapphire’ shifts this sound palette forward, a steady acid-not-acid bubbler that maintains maximum intrigue and pressure, occasionally breaking through its hazy clouds with pillowy breakdowns and a sense of space-age whimsy. Flügel takes the same palette in a different, more exacting direction on ‘Dragged’, spinning a creeping, Krautrock-esque groove that pays homage to the steady, lifting pulse of German kosmische traditions. Lift off!

Declassified Records is back with its 6th release - 2 more tracks crafted by the label owner himself SP:MC. Staying true to the original ideology of his imprint, SP:MC once again aims to fuse & contort his influences from the Drum & Bass & Dubstep scenes into the 2-step / UKG framework. The A side ‘XL Bully’ is definitely the more up front & hard hitting of the two tracks - drawing inspiration from the palette of Digital & Spirit, Total Science & Rufige Kru’s previous works. The flipside ‘Core Memories’ is a deeper cut leaning towards a more Detroit feel - you can undoubtably hear a nod to the late great Marcus Intalex & ST Files here. Declassified continues the forge its own path forwards, already becoming recognised as a ‘buy on sight’ label for UK bass music fans.

Embarking on a 50 minutes journey through the ethereal, TRANSCEND by Moonglade Sound is a meticulously curated double-sided compilation, mixed and compiled by Kirill Matveev, that unveils a realm of sonic exploration.
Featuring a diverse lineup of artists—such as Cousin, Dub Tribe Sound System, Vision of 1994, Nice Girl, Molez, CosineVi, Gyu, VTL One, 99HP, and Angus Mills—the album highlights the allure of the rare and the extraordinary.
Each track radiates a subtle, enigmatic charm, intricately blending avant-garde nuances with deeply resonant soundscapes. The selections are masterfully restrained, yet rich in emotional depth, offering serene moments of reflection alongside vibrant, soul-stirring beats. TRANSCEND delivers an immersive listening experience, bridging the tangible and the transcendent.
This release transcends the boundaries of a traditional compilation; it stands as a musical gem, crafted for discerning collectors who value the exceptional. A true treasure for those looking to elevate their record collection, it serves as a timeless homage to the art of sound.

Established in 2013, Falling Ethics celebrates its 11th anniversary with a limited double vinyl compilation featuring exclusive tracks from Oscar Mulero, Temudo, BLANKA, Not A Headliner & more. Be sure to check it out!

In the years since their formation, WhoMadeWho have established themselves as one of the most important underground bands of their generation. The Danish group, consisting of Tomas Høffding, Tomas Barfod and Jeppe Kjellberg, has an exceptional sense of emotional depth, heartbreaking melodies and brilliant songwriting, boasting an expansive discography currently spanning a total of six albums and a plethora of EPs, singles and remixes released on labels such as Kompakt, Innervisions and Life & Death. On the road, they are internationally renowned for their professionalism and outstanding live performances and have become regular fixtures at some of the world’s most notable musical festivals, including Roskilde, Sonar, Melt! and Burning Man to name just a few.
The in-demand Scandinavian outfit now confirm details of their upcoming long player, UUUU. Set for worldwide release on Friday, May 27, via long standing German record label Embassy One, UUUU is the seventh full-length studio album from WhoMadeWho. A beautifully crafted record featuring thirteen original productions.

Ferreck Dawn & GUZ team up to unleash this party-time banger on Sydney-based Club Sweat. Considered as two of dance music's biggest names, both Ferreck Dawn and GUZ have seen releases on Defected, Relief, and Toolroom to name a few.

Boasting sunshine-inspired disco flavours throughout, with a pumping bassline and lush vocals, this one has us dreaming of parties in the sun with our hands in the air. Remixes from Flashmob, Redondo & Malarkey and Kyle Walker.

In 1993, Wolfgang Voigt started his label Profan. From its very beginning, it provided a universal platform for Voigt’s unconventional musical hustle. Under several project names the resilience of the bass drum is fathomed again and again. Under the – even then – well introduced hooligan-techno alias MIKE INK, the 12 inch DADAJACK is released in 1994. Like the title indicates, Voigt construes the ubiquitous use of the TB 303 and the TR 909 machines very “artfully”: Reckless, elastic groove-drafts and abstract-dadaistic Acid textures create a funkiness far off Soul and Disko. Mike Ink goes Polier.

In addition to the encyclopedic digital release “EARQUAKE – Wolfgang Voigt 1991-1999”, several selected reissues and new releases are published exclusively via kompakt.fm on vinyl. MIKE INK – DADAJACK, out of print for 20 years, breaks the first ground.

1993 startet Wolfgang Voigt sein Label Profan. Von Anfang an bietet es eine universelle Plattform für Voigts unkonventionelles musikalisches Treiben. Unter etlichen Projektnamen wird die Belastbarkeit der geraden Bassdrum immer weiter ausgelotet. Unter dem auch damals schon gut eingeführten Rabauken-Techno Pseudonym MIKE INK erscheint Anfang 1994 die Maxi-Single DADAJACK. Wie der Titel vermuten lässt, legt Voigt hier den allgegenwärtigen Einsatz von TB 303 und TR 909 sehr “kunstvoll” aus: Gewagt elastische Groove-Entwürfe und abstrakt-dadaistische Acid-Texturen erzeugen eine Funkyness weit jenseits von Soul und Disko. Mike Ink macht den Polier.

Ergänzend zur enzyklopädischen Digital-Veröffentlichung “EARQUAKE – Wolfgang Voigt 1991-1999” erscheinen einige ausgesuchte Wieder- und Neuveröffentlichungen exklusiv via kompakt.fm auf Vinyl. MIKE INK – DADAJACK, seit über 20 Jahren vergriffen, macht den Anfang.

Succeeding last year’s collaborative single ‘Feel My Butterfly’ which saw Chicago house DJ/producer Parris Mitchell and Siberian producer-singer-songwriter Nina Kraviz go head to head via Riva Starr’s Snatch! Raw and Dance Mania, February 21st sees the two labels combine once more for a special, two-sided remix package of the stellar ghetto house track featuring reworks from the likes of Jamie Jones, Dance System, DJ Deeon, Radio Slave and DJ Slugo.

‘Feel My Butterfly’ stemmed from Nina Kraviz’s trip to Chicago where she met with Dance Mania’s label crew including their influential selector, Parris Mitchell. The track was birthed from a bout of rare collaborative studio sessions and is their first official release together - their only previous encounter being in 2014 when Kraviz remixed Mitchell’s ‘The Track Stars’, on Berlin-based label Deep Moves.

Assembling a handful of some of the most prominent names in modern dance music, Snatch! Raw teams up with Dance Mania once again to now present a comprehensive remix package of the duo’s acid-laden, dancefloor-ready masterpiece. Providing a touching tribute to the late influential American house artist and Wallshaker Music founder, Aaron Carl, the illustrious Welsh house DJ/producer Jamie Jones kicks things off by inflaming the track’s heavy bass and percussion by adding his own laser-style synths and atmospherics.

Reinforcing ‘Feel My Butterfly’ with helpings of meatier, old school house rhythm, the second remix sees London’s Dance System team up with Chicago house pioneer DJ Deeon to provide the track with some well-placed elevated pace and precision. On side B, the British-born Berlin-based DJ, Radio Slave takes more a of stripped back approach by opting to just few vocal snippets from the original and setting them to a tougher techno-infused aesthetic, whilst on the final rework, Chicago’s ghetto house spinner DJ Slugo redefines Kraviz’s hypnotic vocal lead.

Warehouse Find!

Repress!

The fifth edition of Defected’s vinyl series commits the labels biggest digital releases to wax, delivering upfront packages of house heat previously unavailable on vinyl. This springtime release delivers all the summer stompers you need on your sound system, with the A-Side featuring Ferreck Dawn, Robosonic & Nikki Ambers’ ‘In My Arms’ and Mat.Joe & Kid Enigma’s ‘Get Loose’; two sure-fire party starters. On the flip are two tracks from man of the moment OFFAIAH. First up is his collaboration with vocalist Cat Connors ‘Somewhere Special’, where the Las Vegas based artist delivers a deep, rolling bassline and tension-building drops. Up next is his 2018 smash ‘Push Pull’, another record ready to set the club alight this summer and beyond.

Reissue!

Es ist ein Fall von popkultureller Archäologie. Eine Spurensuche der elektronischen Musik. Nach über 30 Jahren tauchen verschollene Tapes von Holger Czukay wieder auf, die er einst "zur freien Verfügung" eingespielt hatte. Eine Sound-Meditation von 1997, die nun erstmals neu gemastert im Original und in einer "Version" von die ANGEL (Ilpo Väisänen / Dirk Dresselhaus) und Zappi W. Diermaier von der Krautrock-Legende Faust vorliegt.

Die Arbeiten aus dem Czukay-Studio sind eigenwillige Klangstrukturen, die Mastering-Ingenieur Dresselhaus alias Schneider TM einschätzt als "futuristisches Kleinod, das für seine Entstehungszeit musikalisch weit vorne ist." Für ein abstraktes Klanggebilde "tief und emotional" wie er sagt. Eine Komposition, die mit Avantgarde oder Neue Musik nur unzureichend beschrieben ist. Ein echter Czukay eben. Die Genese dieser Aufnahmen führt in die freigeistigen 1990er, als Holger Czukay in Köln mit jüngeren Techno-Kollegen wie Dr. Walker von Air Liquide mit Beats experimentierte und sich ansonsten sehr für die leise Explosion der digitalen Medien interessierte.

Es war der Tech-Pionier und Medienkünstler Arthur Schmidt alias Gvoon, der ihn in langen Gesprächen auf die (damals futuristische) Data-Maschine "RealityEngine" brachte, mit der sich virtuelle Welten erschaffen ließen. Vom Full-Body-Tracking-System bis zum gemeinsamen Prototyp eines "Internet-TV-Senders". Darauf liefen experimentelle Czukay-Videos, die er mit neuen Samples und Klangfragmenten ausstattete. Später wurde eine kontemporäre Show namens "Czukay/Gvoon:Magazine" daraus und auch die "Can-Live-Soloprojekts" im März 1999, ausgestattet mit der Body-Tracker-Technik von Gvoon. Die DDR-Vergangenheit seines Tech-Sparringspartners Schmidt, der ihm von seiner Zeit in Stasi-Haftanstalten erzählte, setzte in Czukay einen kreativen Prozess frei. Er setzte dieses Trauma in Töne um und machte ihm ein musikalisches Geschenk. "Gvoon-Brennung 1", eine Gabe, die Schmidt "irgendwann" einmal verwenden könne. Einfach so. Ein Soundtrack, der ganz profan auf Digital Audio Tape übergeben wurde.

Über 20 Jahre später brachte Schmidt das "Czukay-Geschenk" für eine zum Kunstwerk umfunktionierte Verhörzelle des Ministeriums für Staatssicherheit (MfS) wieder zum Einsatz. Als Installation für einen stockfinsteren, bedrückenden Raum mit Gummiwänden. Hier stieß wiederum Dresselhaus auf das Material. Ihm wurde klar, dass er dort mehr hörte als irgendwelche 1990er-Fragmente: "Es ist irgendwie Blues-mäßig, auf eine kybernetische und abstrakte Art." "Mit einem sehr langsamen Groove, der einen die gesamte Strecke aufmerksam hält", sagt Dresselhaus. Er beschreibt den Mastering-Prozess sowie die Neubearbeitung in Form der "Gvoon-Version 1" als Balanceakt zwischen Respekt vor dem historischen Material und einer zeitgemäßen Studio-Bearbeitung.

Eine respektvolle Verbeugung zum 87sten Geburtstag von Holger Czukay im März 2025.

MIDLIFE CRISIS! - Something as unusual as a Swedish "supergroup" in the genre of '77 Punk Rock.

Urrke (Maryslim, Bizex-B), Dregen (Backyard Babies, The Hellacopters, Mike Monroe Band), Robban Eriksson (The Hellacopters, Strindbergs, Winnerbäck, Syl Sylvain), and Måns P Månsson (Crimson Shadows, Wrecks, Maggots).

In 2004, they first put their wild heads together and recorded three old punk classics, released on a vinyl EP. The band went on to release three more EPs (the latest one in 2018). Now, everything is being released on ONE fantastic collection via Wild Kingdom Records. By the way, Dregen is currently making waves on Swedish national TV with the popular series "Så Mycket Bättre".

Hold on to your hats folks!

Sound Like: Heartbreakers, Slaughter & The Dogs, PF Commando, early Damned, The Saints, UK Subs, Dictators, etc oldschool Punkrock.

MIDLIFE CRISIS! - Something as unusual as a Swedish "supergroup" in the genre of '77 Punk Rock.

Urrke (Maryslim, Bizex-B), Dregen (Backyard Babies, The Hellacopters, Mike Monroe Band), Robban Eriksson (The Hellacopters, Strindbergs, Winnerbäck, Syl Sylvain), and Måns P Månsson (Crimson Shadows, Wrecks, Maggots).

In 2004, they first put their wild heads together and recorded three old punk classics, released on a vinyl EP. The band went on to release three more EPs (the latest one in 2018). Now, everything is being released on ONE fantastic collection via Wild Kingdom Records. By the way, Dregen is currently making waves on Swedish national TV with the popular series "Så Mycket Bättre".

Hold on to your hats folks!

Sound Like: Heartbreakers, Slaughter & The Dogs, PF Commando, early Damned, The Saints, UK Subs, Dictators, etc oldschool Punkrock.

MIDLIFE CRISIS! - Something as unusual as a Swedish "supergroup" in the genre of '77 Punk Rock.

Urrke (Maryslim, Bizex-B), Dregen (Backyard Babies, The Hellacopters, Mike Monroe Band), Robban Eriksson (The Hellacopters, Strindbergs, Winnerbäck, Syl Sylvain), and Måns P Månsson (Crimson Shadows, Wrecks, Maggots).

In 2004, they first put their wild heads together and recorded three old punk classics, released on a vinyl EP. The band went on to release three more EPs (the latest one in 2018). Now, everything is being released on ONE fantastic collection via Wild Kingdom Records. By the way, Dregen is currently making waves on Swedish national TV with the popular series "Så Mycket Bättre".

Hold on to your hats folks!

Sound Like: Heartbreakers, Slaughter & The Dogs, PF Commando, early Damned, The Saints, UK Subs, Dictators, etc oldschool Punkrock.

El Dorado ist ein Meilenstein der guten Laune und der wohltemperierten Gesinnung. Das Album hat sich seit der Erstveröffentlichung (2016) zu einem digitalen Dauerbrenner entwickelt. Mehr als 50 Millionen Streams im Jahr, über 5 Millionen pro Monat, 1 Million Listener im Monat, davon mit 250000 die meisten in Deutschland. 60% Zuwachs in 2023. Dies ist eine Erfolgsgeschichte, die noch lange nicht zu Ende erzählt ist. Im Herbst 2024 erscheint das neue Album. Seine Frühjahrstour war innerhalb von 4 Wochen ausverkauft. Im Herbst folgen weitere Termine. Aber vorher gibt es ein besonderes Schmankerl - Sein in farbenfrohem Maya-meets-Pop-Art auftauchendes Debütalbum „El Dorado“ erscheint endlich als Vinyl und wie könnte es, angesichts des Titels, anders sein - in El Dorado Gold !

Returning for a 2nd time this year, Duowe delve deep into the obscure and darker soundscapes of their synths & plug-ins.
4 cuts of tightly stripped drum grooves, haunting basslines and crowd controlling vocals designed for peak-time club & festival activity.

Paying tribute to the past techy electro scene while setting the tone for the future, it captures the listeners' imagination with it’s fusion of moody ambiance and electro-tinged melodies.
Time to send the crowd into a trance with the Coldharbour Sidewinder!

Reclaim Your Cities next frequency-jammer comes in the form of a heavyweight split 4-tracker, courtesy of two true techno pioneering figures: Mike Parker and Steve Bicknell.

The continued influence of these two artists on both our early raving days and now as a team working on providing you the most exciting, boundary-pushing tech wares is second to none. As you'll experience from the four jams constitutive of this unparalleled mindtrip of an EP, 'In The Years Ahead' is the living evidence the steadfastness of Parker and Bicknell's vision remains absolutely untouched. Zeroed in on taking ravers on an entrancing ride across pulsating corridors of whirring machine funk, sizzling acid and shape-shifting waves of sound, both sides of this EP share the best lot of both producers' uniquely innovative approach to rhythm and production.

Parker's opening cut, 'Solar Limb' is a textbook example of his complex, and heavily layered sound-design. An unflinching swing keeping time, brutal kicks punching holes in your head like giant steel hammers, the track may evolve slowly, repeating its post-industrial mantra over and over again, its flame doesn't flicker one iota. Switching onto red-level dance floor menace, 'Badlands' pulls out the heavy artillery: an overkill bombardment of puncturing 909 drums, vortical winds blowing in the back like some solar storm of sorts, and this ebb-and-flow of FX-drenched synth ripples branded on your cortex like odd signs of cult belonging. Bicknell's takeover starts with the rugged and wild 'Chaotic World', whose title is definitely not usurped. Enter a blazing maelstrom of frantic synth assault knocked askew, intense bass tectonic movements and smashing arpeggios on the path of war. The track develops a massive momentum, swelling from primordial raw matter into weirdly arranged modular constructions, like that of Kubrick's monolith emerging with ominous presence. 'In The Years Ahead' serves up a much distinctively elegant, glossy type of textural experience, synths playing pong in a hall of mirrors, interlacing and distorting as the percussive line unfolds its linear train-like groove. It dashes across landscapes of hypermodern glass and concrete with unrelenting horsepower, from techno's early sanctuary right up onto tomorrow's temple of unmapped potentialities.

This much special release, so dear to our heart, comes clad in a beautiful piece of design, and will be pressed to 180g audiophile quality vinyl for an enhanced listening experience.

Nearly two decades after it was first released, Norken’s sleek cult classic album ‘Our Memories Of Winter’ is being reissued on vinyl via Hydrogen Dukebox on 6th December 2024.

With its unique sonic blueprint of early 2000s electronica, ‘Our Memories Of Winter’ is a record that is at once both deeply reminiscent of a particular era and place, yet remains a timeless invocation of Norken’s idiosyncratic palette of minimal, techno, house and British IDM.

This vinyl reissue presents all 12 tracks from the original release, with the inclusion of 'Df23' and 'Flirt' making this the first time that ‘Our Memories Of Winter’ is available on vinyl with the complete album tracklisting.

Norken is one of the many pseudonyms of Lee Norris, a producer who is considered by those in the know as one of the unsung heroes of UK electronica. With a slew of releases throughout the years as Man-Q-Neon, Nacht Plank, Norken, Tone Language and Metamatics, this reissue shines a light on his soulful, immersive output under the Norken name.

As Norris explains, “The release of ‘Our Memories Of Winter’ has a nostalgic, warm feeling for me. I made his album in a garden shed with a wood burner, an Atari computer and a few synths in the depths of an English winter. I still had the thought process of making emotional style techno that would warm any soul on a cold day.”

First released in 2005, ‘Our Memories Of Winter’ carries the echoes of electronic luminaries such as the Detroit ambient techno of John Beltran, through to the immersive atmospherics of Biosphere and the innovative IDM of fellow British outfits Autechre and The Black Dog. Yet as Norken, Norris retains a distinctive musical voice that has continued to deepen in stature over the years since the album’s initial release.

Opening with the brief intro cut ‘Fern 2’, the album slides into the dreamlike groove of ‘Memories’, where rich, resonant chords wrap around cool, galactic-sounding synths and a compelling bass undertow.

On ‘It Might Have Been Rain’, that signature bass texture again propels a luxuriant mid-tempo rhythm, while Norken layers in hypnotic washes of string-like synths, gentle electronic pulses and the brief murmur of a vocal, across seven-plus immersive minutes.

Vocal textures, often subtly looped and distorted, also add a distinctive depth and personality to tracks like ‘Eastern Soul’ and ‘Here’. Throughout the album, there’s a feeling of intricate microcosms unfurling, as Norken coaxes a myriad of contemplative moods and emotions from his machines.

Whether shaping the smooth, lulling ambient gauze of ‘Ty Canol’, or letting the kaleidoscopic, dancefloor-leaning drive of ‘Audic Strable’ loose like a coiled spring, ‘Our Memories Of Winter’ presents the singular voice of an artist whose innovative contribution to UK electronic music has only become heightened with the passing of time.

The iconic Valley of Tears series continues its pivotal role in Soil Records’ journey. This time, NX1, Crystal Geometry, and E-Bony return with electrifying contributions, joined by Parand as the newest member of the family. Four explosive cuts that define raw electronic intensity.

Next up on Melodrome is a release from Varr.

Limited to 100 copies, each one with unique hand written label.

vertigo days on end
turning into rituals
what’s this teaching me

Obliteration is imminent: As The World Dies return with their triumphant second offering. “Nebula” is a colossal lesson in crushing death metal and cosmic mysticism. “‘Nebula’ is the quintessence of what As The World Dies is all about,” band leader and scene veteran Scott Fairfax says. “We pushed our musical boundaries and wanted to create an album that was both brutal and thought-provoking. It’s heavier, darker and more profound than anything we’ve done before.”

While we go about our petty business, leading our small and insignificant live under the sun, death is hurtling towards us at breakneck speed: An asteroid names Apophis will come in very close contact with planet Earth in 2029. Aptly named after the Egyptian god of dissolution, darkness and chaos, it has the power to obliterate life as we know it. Seriously: it doesn’t get any more death metal than this.

Scott Fairfax is well aware of that. The death metal veteran of Memoriam fame is back with his other vehicle of death and destruction, As The World Dies. Three years after their earthshattering and star-studded debut “Agonist”, he’s taking things into space with “Nebula”, a cosmic death metal requiem of colossal proportions. Brought to life and recorded mostly by Scott Fairfax alone in his home studio, this isn’t so much of a band effort and rather the work of a dedicated individual pissed off by pretty much everything going on around him.

Angry, haunting and miserable songs are, though. “Nebula” is full of them. An album like an uncompromising alien threat to our planet, as unrelenting and indifferent as an asteroid. The end is coming, folks. Let’s all enjoy it while we can

Playedby's Cristi Klebleev presents his 3rd input on Tripsi.

A special edition colored splatter vinyl limited to 200 copies.

Playedby's Cristi Klebleev presents his 3rd input on Tripsi.

A special edition colored splatter vinyl limited to 200 copies.