Secretsundaze are back with their first label release in 2023: the follow up to Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange’s 2021’s 'Kreuzberg Kix EP 1'. The team is very much present and correct with artist Wayne Snow once again joining the party on the deep house trip 'Take Your Time'. It comes complete with a stunning remix by Secretsundaze long time fave, NYC based producer and DJ Jenifa Mayanja, and the jazzy, uptempo, instrumental 'Bleached'.
"Secretsundaze continue their quest to uncover amazing new music with the signing of exciting young Dominican artist Boundary. At just 19 years old Boundary aka Josue Suero makes music that is brimming full of ideas and influences that belie his young age. The 'Interlazados' EP is his debut release for a UK label.
Taking cues from his fascination with video game music, his first real gateway to electronic music, the four track EP showcases Boundary's melodic sensibilities and ear for a killer rhythm.ALead track 'Opticamente Avanzando' unwinds over 12 minutes of deep, mesmeric melodic, contemplative electronica with hints of 90's UK rave influences.ACheck the grins when the killer bassline drops half way through!A
The glossy melodies, jazzy motifs and hip-tugging bass of 'OP.AV' and the breakbeat house of 'Interlazados' channel more lo-fi, ambient house influences but all sent through that unique Boundary filter. Finally, the brain-warming, hypnagogic, tempo-changing rhythms of 'Planos de Ausencia Casualidad' could be the EP highlight and recalls the work of Lone and Actress.
You could listen to these tracks and be mistaken for thinking this is an artist who has maybe been lost in the throws of extended Villalobos DJ set or the deep pads of old Sun Electric records, but as an artist who is an outsider to the European dance scene, his inspiration comes from closer to home, as Boundary explains:
"For this EP I was interested to see if i could hit close to the feelings i have when I listen to certain video game music, how I could convey the amazing and deep storytelling in these songs. I really wanted them to feel like a ride/adventure. 'Opticamente Avanzando' ('Optically Advancing' in English) for me is like a venture into a machine that analyses a bunch of electronic music genres and it outputs as many different variations of these genres it can, each with their own little quirk/details, creating something unique in the process."
With previous releases on LA based label, Point Records, and Paris' Third Try label (Axel Boman, SFV Acid) Boundary's emergence represents a promising prospect for the electronic music world and 'Interlazados' another essential release on Secretsundaze."
The re-launched Secretsundaze label continues to spread it's wings with the signing of Lisbon born, London based Silvestre.The push and pull of influences from his own and adopted countries have combined to find him a unique sound that embraces rap, R&B, reggaeton as well as breaks and woozy pads from UK hardcore and house. Mixing samples, his own voice and continuing the fusion of reggaeton and breakbeat/techno from previous releases, the Silvestre Is Boss EP aims for a hazy vibe.AAAs Silvestre explains: The pad and synth choices on this EP are picked specifically to sound dreamy, a dream where you arrive at the club but the party is already finished, which sucks." Silvestre began making his name in 2015 with his first release on the Diskotopia label from Tokyo and followed that up with appearances on Creme Organization and Paraiso. He then dropped the killer 'All The Things' EP of mid-tempo party bangers on his own Padre Himalaya label which reached the top 30 of Phonica's illustrious Singles of the Year list. The Silvestre Is Boss EP is his strongest work to date with 5 tracks of quality floor and headphone directed material that perfectly balances the need for playful melody and harmony with tough grooves and synthetic ambience. Drafted in on remix duty is Secretsundaze fave D.K. (Antinote records) who takes EP heater 'Fuego', dialling down the breakbeats for a smoother trip.
Secretsundaze welcomes Eliphino to the gala relaunch of their imprint for a thoroughly satisfying mini album of contemplative jacking and dulcet breakbeats.
Eliphino's most recent 'Realistic Sex EP' on the hotly tipped Meda Fury label boasts thunderous breaks, 303s and serious sub-bass pressure which has gained praise from tastemakers such as Jon K, Carista, Josey Rebelle, Moxie and Gilles Peterson.Having flexed with this darker edged EP after a long lay-off from releasing, while sharpening his skills and reconnecting with his musical inspiration, Eliphino is now ready to really cut loose with 'Breaking Up Is Hard' - a statement longplayer that dreamily investigates the dusty spaces between house, breakbeat, ambient, hardcore and acid. Tom This album came about as way of focussing my energy in the wake of a significant break up. I tried to experiment with melody and texture to convey some of the range of emotions that come with such a testing time. That being said, the B-side bangers are more dedicated to abandon and forgetting your worries.
Hailing originally from the Leeds, but with time spent in both London and Berlin, 'Breaking Up Is Hard' lands somewhere between the Hessle Audio crew, Joy O and Selected Ambient Works era Aphex.
Having previously released heaters for Brownswood and Hoya Hoya over the years, Eliphino stepping up for the debut artist LP on the reactivated Secretsundaze label feels like a natural fit as James Priestley explains:
""We've collectively had a connection and friendship with Tom that goes back several years and in fact it was receiving this work as demos that really spurred and inspired us into getting the label rolling again. It feels totally right to be working with him on this and for this mini-LP to herald the relaunch of the label as it moves towards a more artist led as opposed to EP driven approach.
After an 18 month hiatus, Secretsundaze relaunch their label with a flurry of activity. The first 12" as part of this new wave of material is a Secretsundaze artist EP, remarkably the first full EP on the label from Giles Smith and James Priestley having previously released a killer split 12' with Palms Trax back in 2017.
During this label downtime the boys have been busy releasing music with amazing labels and kindred spirits in Japan, London and Frankfurt: Mule Musiq, Phonica Records and forthcoming later this year an EP on Live At Robert Johnson, the label of the club very close to their hearts where they have been playing regularly for 10 plus years.
repress!!
After reaching its 10th year of existence, Secretsundaze will finally launch its 12" singles label in May 2011, as well as re-launching the critically acclaimed compilation series.
Secretsundaze, created and run by school friends Giles Smith and James Priestley is of course best known for its summertime Sunday parties which have become the stuff of legend, attracting DJs from the world of House and Techno such as Carl Craig, Ricardo Villalobos, Kenny Larkin, Efdemin, Cassy and Chez Damier. The boys have taken the party across the world with regular sessions at Panorama Bar, Robert Johnson, Ibiza and as far a field as Japan and New York.
Solune real name Etienne Dauta hails from France, the son of a record store owner father and artist mother. He moved to Berlin 6 years ago and for the last 3 years
co-ran the Bass Cadet record store. Solune has just released one EP in his short career on the Bass Cadet imprint but is also is one half of the Arcarsenal duo who also released on the label.
The EP kicks off with the mighty 'The Vision', a majestic New York inspired atmospheric stomper combining both spiritual and techy vibes that you can imagine hearing
pumping out over the system at The Sound Factory or Shelter.
'Sacred Smoke' is a hazy, languid percussive workout that will
sound perfect early doors to build the tension.
B1 'Rhythm School' does what it says on the tin and is a warm, driving housey cut. We wouldn't make these comparisons lightly but this sounds like a long lost Ron and Chez track to these ears. Last up is the exotic and mystical 'Idiom Of Peace'.
'The Hierophant' EP is a stunning EP of different flavours and a
perfect addition to the Secretsundaze catalogue.
Secretsundaze are proud to announce the second 12' in the Dance 2017 series. The EP is once again a 3 tracker this time featuring the highly-promising emerging talents of DJ Slyngshot, Bastien Carrara and Jayson Wynters. DJ Slyngshot hailing from Offenbach near Frankfurt has had tongues wagging with three hot 12s on his own imprint Yappin Records and received club and radio play by the likes of Omar S, Floating Points, Ben UFO and Jon Rust. His contribution to the A side of Dance 2017 Part 2 sees him on fine form with the devastating rhythm of 'Hygh-Tech'. Kicking off with a rough and ready groove the hook is a gnarly nagging synth line that will worm its way into your brain. Add a sampled wailing diva and some more jazzy interludes and you have a festival-ready high grade bomb on your hands! On the flip steps up France's Bastien Carrara. His dusty jams on the likes of Rawthenticity and Funkineven's Apron imprint caught our attention and we roped him in for a track. Here he presents the charming, breezy and breaky 'That Time Again'. Warm, atmospheric and groovy this is definitely one for long summer nights ahead. Last up Jayson Wynters represents the UK! Jayson made his debut on none other than Mr G's Phoenix G. imprint with the sub-aquatic 'Unfamiliar Territories' EP. He is an amazing DJ and selector able to play house / techno sets and also jazz, boogie, disco and funk sets where required at the likes of Brilliant Corners. 'Chi Kung' is a bubbling, mystical percussive number with hand played drums and a perfect closer to the EP.
Secretsundaze's 021 comes in the shape of a 2 tracker from Endian. For those that don't know Endian is the house/techno alias of George Levings most famously known as Commix (Metalheadz). Endian was of course responsible for the huge 'Finish Me' on Secretsundaze in 2015 which was included on mixes by the likes of Joy Orbison, Tessela and Scuba.As Endian he has released first rate tracks on the likes of Non Plus, Electric Minds and Trevino's Birdie imprint.Global EP' his 2nd EP for the label see's Endian back in fine form. 'XS-10' is a futuristic, hypnotising burner that in the hands of the right DJ is sure to be a deadly weapon. On the flip title track 'Global' is a warmer, deeper free flowing track with musical flourishes that will keep the party moving.
After the Alma EP' by Shanti Celeste, secretsundaze' s 19th release comes from another UK home grown favourite Wbeeza.
Beeza is a firm part of the secretsundaze family and although it's his first release on the label, he has been a regular fixture at the parties now for 5 or 6 years playing at both the London events and touring internationally with Giles and James as a live act, as well touring extensively by himself.
We hope his music needs no introduction - his sound is quite simply fresh; an amalgamation of so many things from house, techno, jazz, hip hop to more UK leaning garage vibes. Born and bred in South London and the youngest of 6 brothers he has dance music pumping through his veins.
Black Moon EP is up there with the very best of his work and all 3 tracks show a level of maturity that comes from releasing over 14 EPs and close to 2 LPs (his second LP entitled Visions of Love drops next month on Third Ear)
Title track Black Moon is a murky, growling techno workout with syncopated lo fi beats, a thunderous bass line that is eq'd to within an inch of its life, and white noise FX. Within the right hands this should be a deadly weapon.
Like Butta is a hazy, percussive tool that keeps the tension high while B side track Ferguson is arguably the strongest track of the EP. Referencing the Ferguson case in Missouri that sparked vigorous debate about the relationship between the police and African Americans, the track is a timeless groove, coming on like a modern day version of Maurizio's 'M4' with its heads-down, hypnotic deep techno flow that one could simply listen to on repeat. Wbeeza on secretsundaze.....Need we say more!
secretsundaze 017 comes from London based producer Endian. Releasing just 2 EPs in a few years on Nonplus and Electric Minds, Endian has nevertheless managed to turn the heads of the likes of Steffi who used one of his tracks for her Panorama Bar compilation and Boddika who also licensed a track for a various artists EP. Sounding like a producer far more experienced than the two releases would indicate, it came as no surprise that this is far from the output of a novice but the seasoned veteran George Levings aka Commix (Metalheadz).
Endian has been a regular at secretsundaze events over the years and a friendship developed with Giles and James. The project is an outlet for him to release the more technoey and house sound that he is increasingly inspired by.
Lead and title track 'Finish Me' is a stone cold killer. Ballsy, raw and over driven in the mix, a tribal breakbeat groove builds before brassy stabs sneak in. The peak of the track sees dramatic pads cut through for a moment of serenity before the drums drop back in. Joy Orbison used 'Finish Me' in his Essential mix late last year and its also been a highlight of secretsundaze's sets over last 6 months. 'Dusty' goes deeper with a layer of fuzzy warmth enveloping the track. Driving but definitely one for the later hours or early on with its hypnotising flow and subtle musical flourishes. Last up 'Sub Tropic' is a heads down, growling, low slung techno track with its deep sub bass. This is definitely a track you can imagine hearing in the bowels of Berghain well into Sunday daytime. 'Finish Me' is arguably Endian's best work to date and it's another fine addition to the secretsundaze catalogue.
Secretsundaze return with a second volume of their new mixtape series. After the success of the Joe Claussell tape they turn to Carista for another introspective mix aimed at a relaxed home-listening session.
In May 2018, Carista performed one of her first international gigs at Secretsundaze in London and went on to play 2 other shows for them that year. A year later, she has become a mainstay on the European club & festival circuit, playing to an ever growing, passionate and loyal fanbase week in week out, already playing shows that most DJs would only dream of, including closing a stage at Lowlands festival to an audience of 10000. No wonder a recent Mixmag article crowned her as "A DJ star in the making".
Her residencies on NTS and Red Light Radio showcase her love of house, boogie, broken beat, disco, funk and beyond. Her DJ gigs can also see her explore further into house and techno but this mixtape showcases a different, softer side of Carista blending ambient soundscapes, jazz, dub and soul as well as some poignant words from Nina Simone.
