Buscar:the friend

* Over the past six years, Dimensions has become a leading name in the underground, with its festival, International Series, DJ Directory and Dimensions Soundsystem. Now, Dimensions extends its influence with the start of its label - Dimensions Recordings. The label launches with a 12-track compilation across three separate discs. 'An Introduction' makes a huge statement in setting out the label's intent and breadth. With artists established and new stepping up to present 12 exclusive tracks.

* An Introduction Part 2 turns the heat up with more dance floor leaning contributions from four American artists. From long established names such as Lady Blacktronika to relative newcomer Byron The Aquarius, each artist delivers a different but equally powerful piece. Marcos Cabral's 'Prochainement' is a driving, dubbed out melter with stomping kicks and big-room claps under fuzzy synths, whilst Byron The Aquarius drops his signature dose of funk into 'Full Moon'. One of the standout breakthrough artists of last year, the Atlanta producer has been part of the Dimensions team for some time. Queen of Beatdown, Lady Blacktronika steps up with a timeless, tripped-out house classic for her contribution 'Can We Still Be Friends', her vocal oozing melancholy. Rounding up is DJ Aakmael with 'Transit'; a raw, flexing cut that we've come to expect via his massively impressive output and his own superb imprint, UnXpozd Entertainment.

The follow-up to last year's LPHWHTD! As with the last one, this is a collection of tunes from some of our friends and folks already on the label, though these, unlike those, are 100 percent new—not one of the four has been released online or elsewhere yet.
Keita Sano, Klubbhuset, Lovers (Harry Benson, formerly of Sisterhood), and Jacques Renault. Easy!

With 44 releases across 12 years since its inception, Butane's infamous Alphahouse imprint closes its doors this June as he welcomes long time colleagues and friends Alexi Delano and Worldline to shape up the final EP on the label 'Omega'.

Having established the imprint back in 2005, Andrew Rasse aka Butane's Alphahouse has served as an example of unapologetic underground quality and curation for over a decade. With previous releases from the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Ryan Crosson, Ion Ludwig, Quenum, Mark Broom and of course Rasse himself, the final Alphahouse EP welcomes back another staple of the imprints success, Chilean Alexi Delano, and mysterious American talent Worldline who marks his debut on the label.

'Sometimes in order to grow, you have to leave things behind. It's time for a fresh start... the final Alphahouse record. Alpha/Omega' - Butane.

The A-side sees Delano and Rasse effortlessly re-combine and pick up where they left off in 2013. 'Bass Theory' is an energetic, blooming production that lays the focus on raw crunchy drum licks, chunky bass slabs and an ever- evolving melody that eases listeners into a state of trance, before 'Jazz Lick' reveals a lighter aesthetic with a delicate jazz-infused lead line, filtered vocal loops and crisp organic percussion that hold the production in sync.

On the flip Butane is joined by a new collaborator, Los Angeles-based underground fashion designer Worldline for two brooding cuts. 'How Deep' kicks things off showcasing eerie low ends layered beneath tripped out vocals and hypnotic, meandering chords. 'What We Do' wraps up the esteemed Alphahouse catalog in style. An underground manifesto with a trademark Butane groove and Wordline's vocals punctuating over a decade of work. That's a wrap.

In true Alphahouse style, Rasse signs off here alongside two extremely talented artists with an EP that radiates understated sophistication and intricacy throughout, whilst opening the door to his new project 'Extrasketch' in the most fitting and suitable way imaginable. Stay tuned; this is only just the beginning...

We are very proud to welcome back one of our greatest artists and good friends Scott Monteith aka Deadbeat. Scott original comes from Canada but now lives in Berlin for some years.
Scott is mostly known for his own BLKRTZ label, but have been releasing on many other labels over the years.
The track "Put On Your Red Shoes And Trance" is a peak time bomb, dubby, deep, powerfull and melodic track.
The B-side, "Just Jackin Around" is Techno bomb full of dubby chords and build-up-madness.
300 limited marbeld vinyls. When the coloured edition is sold out we only have black vinyl left.

These two joyful minimal synth-pop pearls were first released on the compilation Walkin' After Midnight' in 1982 and are in the same vein as early 80's singles by Carol (Breakdown) and Rive Gauche (Friends Are Friends). Both tracks on the 7' are a delightful proof of the lively and creative music scene in Brussels during the early eighties, supported by labels such as Factory Benelux and Les Disques Crépuscule and the famous venue Plan K.

Occidental White was founded at same time as Kaa Antilope, the extraordinary new wave band founded by Bernard Vranckx and Frédéric Walheer. Bernadette was the additional member and took care of the vocal part. The idea was to do 'pop' songs inspired by occidental white culture, which was the opposite to Kaa Antilope which was more focused on outside inspiration.

Following 2016's much-acclaimed solo album Mondo Alterado (HIPPIE 008CD/LP), original Pachanga Boy and Hippie Dance mentor Rebolledo returns to the limelight with the jam-packed Mondo Re-Alterado, tapping into his vast and varied network of friends and fellow soundsmiths. Artists such as Superpitcher, DJ Tennis, Maceo Plex, Red Axes, Fango, or Fantastic Twins deliver stunning takes on Rebolledo's unique signature sound, creating a full suite of exclusive remixes, cover versions, and reinterpretations. From the super-energetic club rumblings of Maceo Plex's "Discótico Pléxico" to DJ Tennis's dreamy "Pimiento Drive Version" of "A Numb Gas To The Future" or Fantastic Twins' party bomb "Fantastic Pow Pow", the journey through Mondo Re-Alterado is full of twists and turns -- a world where an epic, cinematic soundscape such as Superpicher's "Rainboy Super Space" sits comfortably alongside the claustrophobic, punishing banger that Fango sculpted from stand-out cut "Pow Pow". Meanwhile, Red Axes turn the casual narrative of "Life Is Strange, Life Is Hard, Life Is Great" into a bouncing workout -- a great companion piece to "WANT", Danny Daze and Shokh's propulsive, jagged dub version of "Fears Come True". Other highlights include Jörg Burger aka The Black Frame with the lush "Black Rainbow Woman", Paulor's country rock extravaganza "Discótico Desértico" and not one, but two excellent contributions from former Italians Do It Better honcho Mike Simonetti. It's a magical, surprising ride that finds beauty in contrasts -- while staying tuned to Rebolledo's spirit of adventure and powerful sense of style.

It is summer time in Nang land which means the dials are being set to Balearic. Step forward our all-around good chap, friend and producer buddy Pete Herbert. He has teamed up with Bali based musician and keyboard player Martin Denev to deliver an album of the finest Bali-inspired Balearic House. Hot and balmy evenings here we come.

Recorded on the tropical island of Bali, the album swings from Balearic grooves, to sun-filled terrace house, seaside electronic and swimming-pool funk. We open up with "Batu Karang", summery key stabs, lazy drum machine set the album tone hot, low-slung and swimming in positivity. Things take a more electronic turn with "Time" with its twisting synth-lines and locked on sun-drenched groove.

House music royalty Robert Owens swings by the cabana for a very special guest vocal appearance on "Pass Me By" next. His smooth and powerful soulful vocal compliment the pool terrace house grooves and sneaky thumb piano. As ever, Robert does not disappoint. To close off Side A the title track "Made In The Shade" gives us a slice of Nu Disco summer swing with funky strat and more cowbell of course in for good measure.

The flip side of the album opens up with a hands in the air terrace anthem. House pianos, punchy synth hits and beach disco groove all the way. "Sun Fish" takes things again in an electronic direction. Meandering lead synth lines, walking synth bass giving the perfect back drop to this island hopping anthem. Recent single "Night Boat" is next. Darting firefly arpeggios and lush keyboard layers prevail here. We end on a high with the up-tempo Gamalan inspired "Ruby Star" sending us out on a ocean deep wave..

Welcome to Nang Balearic airlines. Your pilots Pete and Martin hope you enjoy your flight.

The second release of Dilated Pupils on their own platform DPBEATS.! Techy yet classy vibes.! All beats are ready for the club.!

About DP:
Dilated Pupils is a collective group of likeminded friends home-based in the Netherlands. When forces are joined in one of their many studios each individual brings his own influences and styles to the table. Together they share a distinct flavor in productions and raw one-take jam sessions created with the use of analogue machines and often recorded on tape. Each of them have their own solo productions as well as other collaborations, but when united as Dilated Pupils they prefer to be known jointly as one entity with their own unique and distinguished sound. Since 2014 the group has developed an interesting and widespread discography with releases on labels such as Fear of Flying, Sol Asylum, Mode of Expression, Tabla, Music is Art, Dorcas, Make Sense and Mayak

For it's seventh release, Banlieue Records showcases the work of Budapest-based producer AIWA through a mini album full of dreamy and ethereal sounds. With a subtle nod to the sound design of previous decades, AIWA is channeling inspiration from some of the more cosmic genres but never compromises on a forward thinking attitude that means this release can't be pinned down to a specific genre, rather, it is another example of the unique music Banlieue Records is currently nurturing. From beatless tracks that are anything but static to cuts with a more club-oriented groove, AIWA's sound is on the surface a stripped down, no frills a air. Without compromising on sounding lush, his productions invite the listener to dive deep into the worlds evoked in each track. These often convey the sense of upwards motion, while pulling the listener into a whirlpool of emotion.

The third record by Vienna-based label Secret Crunch is ready to be unleashed. This time with various artists from all over Europe.
The A-Side kicks off with Sameed, one of Manchester's most promising artists. He delivers a funky and colourful track called - Pho' with uplifting chords and great sampling, while sharing his impressions and vibes he collected during his stay in Vietnam.
Then the synth-driven - As I' by Kian T brings you that special portion of wonkyness. The Italian stallion doesn't fail to impress with his passionate production skills and will surely get your audience moving.On the B-Side we are happy to present a collaboration by Jonna and Lady Blacktronicka. Our friend from Leicester and co-founder of City fly Records teamed up with the Californian First Lady of Deep House, coming up with this raw deepness, that is - You Make Me Do Things'.
And closing the record with elegance: Parisian newcomer and label-head of In Any Case Records - Malouane. - Got Robbed In A Forest' grooves on and on in it's minimalistic, deep ways and will take you on a trip.

Richy Ahmed's Four Thirty Two imprint continues to shine a light on the freshest talent emerging from the house music underground, and on the label's third release, the London based Senzala get to flex their muscle on a fine release, backed with a remix from Ahmed and Jansons AKA Lovehertz.

Having previously released on the French label Mr. KS & Friends, and Politics Of Dancing, the Senzala boys, otherwise known as Jonni Santos & Sam Holland, deliver the goods once more on the 'Phase' EP.

The title track packs rolling 909s and looping filtered disco riffs into its punch; never letting the energy levels drop. Vocal licks and techno-laced stabs drive this club-focused track fantastically, with a glossy production that really shines through. Richy Ahmed and Jansons come correct with a Loveherts remix; a heavyweight analogue bassline dominated the mix and the vocal parts slide down the arpeggiated riff as incessant synth stabs ramp up the heat, taking their remix right to fever pitch.

The Senzala boys grind out more solid house grooves on 'All For You', deploying disco samples and vocals that are filtered and twisted around the tough drums to great effect, whilst on 'Agora', the mood remains unfaltering as feel good riffs and warm keys wrap around Senzala's steady beat to complete a stellar release that's packed with energy and infectious vibes.

Welcome to Poland: Another country in the midst of fearful flux; where a huge proportion of the country feel their voice is no longer represented by the government; where raw emotions are being exploited cheaply by media to distract, divert and crudely divide; where there is more of a need than ever for like-minded positive souls to unite without prejudice and work together for a better future. The headlines sound too familiar for many of us in the world. But just as Trump does not represent most people in America and Brexit doesn't define everyone in Britain, Poland's right wing government does not exemplify the majority of Polish people. Like all world citizens, our generation and younger are good-minded, thoughtful people who do want to bring down barriers and work together. Their vision is one of inclusion and one of a proud future and how we can improve the lives of our children and grandchildren... Not become entangled in embittered roots of the past. It's evident in Poland's thriving creative cultures from the provocative art of Katarzyna Kozyra to the literature and poetry and films of Wojciech Kuczok. It's evident in the stark optimist architecture of Daniel Libeskind. It's evident in Krakow's thriving club scene and the country's bubbling pools of electronic music talent. It's everything Catz N Dogz do: their attitude, their music, their labels, their WOODED festival and, perhaps most importantly, their friends. Not just there to carry you home; friends carry you everywhere. And right here on 'Friends Of Pets' Catz N Dogz are carrying their companions' creativity with the same esteem and pride they host their Polish festival. A cultural statement and powerful showcase of their country's great thinkers, creators, collaborators and disrupters in electronic music, across 16 tracks

Welcome to Poland: Another country in the midst of fearful flux; where a huge proportion of the country feel their voice is no longer represented by the government; where raw emotions are being exploited cheaply by media to distract, divert and crudely divide; where there is more of a need than ever for like-minded positive souls to unite without prejudice and work together for a better future. The headlines sound too familiar for many of us in the world. But just as Trump does not represent most people in America and Brexit doesn't define everyone in Britain, Poland's right wing government does not exemplify the majority of Polish people. Like all world citizens, our generation and younger are good-minded, thoughtful people who do want to bring down barriers and work together. Their vision is one of inclusion and one of a proud future and how we can improve the lives of our children and grandchildren... Not become entangled in embittered roots of the past. It's evident in Poland's thriving creative cultures from the provocative art of Katarzyna Kozyra to the literature and poetry and films of Wojciech Kuczok. It's evident in the stark optimist architecture of Daniel Libeskind. It's evident in Krakow's thriving club scene and the country's bubbling pools of electronic music talent. It's everything Catz N Dogz do: their attitude, their music, their labels, their WOODED festival and, perhaps most importantly, their friends. Not just there to carry you home; friends carry you everywhere. And right here on 'Friends Of Pets' Catz N Dogz are carrying their companions' creativity with the same esteem and pride they host their Polish festival. A cultural statement and powerful showcase of their country's great thinkers, creators, collaborators and disrupters in electronic music, across 16 tracks

Over the years, Phil Mison has become the go-to selector for those looking for Ibiza-themed compilations. None of his previous collections, though, have been quite as personal as Out Of The Blue, a compilation inspired by his first spell behind the decks at the Café Del Mar in 1993 - and the remarkable chain of events leading up to it.

Mison made his first trip to Ibiza in the summer of 1991 and quickly fell in love with the magical music being played by Café Del Mar resident DJ, Jose Padilla. On his return to the UK, Mison began to cultivate his own take on the laidback, open-minded style, recording mix-tapes of Ibiza style chill out' tunes to give to friends.

In November 1992, Mison was hanging out in Tag Records, Soho, when Padilla walked in. He plucked up the courage to speak to the Spaniard because earlier that summer Mison had given one of his friends some tapes to take out to Jose in Ibiza so he wanted to see if he had got them. During the conversation Mison invited him down to his next DJ set at Nicky Holloway's club, the Milk Bar and less than three months later, and clearly impressed by what he'd heard on the tapes, Padilla invited Mison to fill in for him at the Café Del Mar, beginning in April '93.

It's that first trip to DJ in Ibiza - a crazy six-weeks spent dividing his time between spinning records at Café Del Mar, hanging out in Jose Padilla's house in the hills, and meeting some particularly eccentric White Isle residents - that proved the inspiration for Out Of The Blue.

The compilation contains a mixture of records that Mison played in his earliest Ibiza sets, those that remind him of that period, and recent discoveries that boast a similarly warm, loved-up vibe. Mison is at pains to point out that it's not a track-for-track representation of his first sets, but rather a collection inspired by this most momentous of experiences.

As you'd expect from a selector of Phil Mison's standing, Out Of The Blue is an outstanding collection. Some will no doubt hear the influence of his mentor - the man he credits with effectively turning his DJing career around - in the undulating rhythms and new age melodies of Kamasutra's Sugar Step', the meandering synthesizer solos and Spanish language vocals of Congarilla's sublime Sacred Tree', and the lilting flamenco guitars of Gambarra', an unreleased mix from Mison's popular Cantoma project.

Elsewhere, listeners can marvel at the starry ambient bliss of Belgian legend Frank De Wulf's The End', recline to the saucer-eyed fusion jazz of the Christoph Spendel Group, shuffle along to tactile, hard-to-find period deep house from Language, Moodswings and Don Carlos, and marvel at The Cactus Rose Project's ridiculously rare Jelly', a sparkling, disco-era jazz-rock outing partly inspired by the Doobie Brothers' Long Train Running'.

Out Of The Blue may well be a very personal selection of tracks celebrating a moment in time, but it's happily one that we can all enjoy.

Panorama Bar resident Nick Ho¨ppner gets to Work on his second solo album on Ostgut Ton, connecting the territories of House music with the ease of Alt-Pop.
Work as in labor. An axiom that fuels the capitalist system just as the Techno/House scene economy says that one needs to keep oneself busy to make a living. As a musician, things are complicated of course. It's a long way from the romantic idea of creating music simply for the sake of art to becoming a full time musician. Those who have accomplished this feat often find themselves in a professional loop of writing the music, producing it, promoting it (with an info text like this), releasing it and then hopefully selling it. After leaving his full time job as Ostgut Ton's label manager in 2012, Nick Ho¨ppner went fully freelance, focusing on his musically diverse, deep and dynamic DJing in and outside Berghain's Panorama Bar, but more importantly spending more time in the studio. The result was his critically acclaimed debut album Folk (Ostgut Ton, 2015), various 12' releases and remixes, and now his sophomore LP, Work, which, more than ever, lays out his refined production skills and his talent to work the machines until they reveal their inner ghosts: nine new songs that now dodge the dance floor, then fully embrace it.
Work as in body of work. A record is more than the sum of clocked up hours at the studio, but the result of an artistic-creative process. On Work, Ho¨ppner shows his everlasting lust for musical detail, his increasing technical skills and compositional finesse. Work is a very personal, soulful and deep record that breaks through the usual club/dancefloor narrative by documenting Nick's interest for hybrid sounds and combining elements from varying musical genres. Work's lead single 'All By Themselves (My Belle)' is a very atmospheric, intimate and steadily unfurling IDM piece with ethereal synth and vocal pads; on the album it's contrasted by 'Clean Living' with Tram 78, a modern Ho¨ppner club classic: powerful, kick-heavy, muscular, cheerful and uplifting. It's a very personal track resulting from a recent reencounter with an old friend. Having spent countless hours together in Berlin's clubs in ever changing states of mind a decade ago or longer, things have since changed for both towards a more - clean living'. Connecting to this musical vibe 'In My Mind' follows with a slightly darker tone putting emphasis on bassline, percussion and squeaky sound detailing. 'Hole Head' pays tongue-in-cheek homage to Nick's love for UK club music, when a dashing melody of synths and vibraphone is matched with clattering breaks and syncopation. The dubby, mesmerizing 'The Dark Segment' not only impresses with its hypnotic synth figurines, but also by morphing to a shuffling Jazz rhythm towards it's middle part; 'Forced Resonance' uses Oberheim synth brass stabs to dramatic effect; the percussion- and clap-laden 'Fly Your Colours' comes with an irresistible piano melody atop an energetic kick; and finally the album-closing, shuffling but rhythmic, noisy yet bluesy 'Three Is A Charm' featuring the duo Randweg on clarinet, cajo´n and acoustic guitar is a coherent departure heading towards Indie Pop territory. It sees Nick collaborating with acoustic instrumentalists for the first time in his ten-year- spanning Ostgut Ton release catalogue.
Work as in artwork. Staying in line with the Folk album, the visual companion for this record comes from German collage artist Frank Bubenzer. As with the artwork at hand, Bankentsunami, and his other works, Bubenzer cuts up print magazine advertisements and recontextualizes them into new motifs, removing all human depiction from the source material, here as a commentary on the world of business, big money and the banking crisis.
Work as in work it. As a slogan 'work' has always been one of the genre's most utilized paroles, coined and put on wax by pioneers like LNR, Blake Baxter or Steve Poindexter, to name a few. Not only calling for the crowds to get moving on the floor but also to fully express themselves and their unique individuality inside an all embracing environment. A mindset rooted in House Music that has been an integral part of Nick Ho¨ppner's identity as a DJ and producer from the beginning and all through his decade-spanning residency at Panorama Bar. Work it!

"DaRand Land" finally follows up on his Heaven Electric EP that first surfaced through PULP in late 2014. This time around, the package contains another 3 original cut + a super breezy remix by Scotsman "Linkwood".

"Our Future Is Now" is the perfect opening track for the 2nd installment of the Heaven Electric concept. "DaRand Land" surprises friend and foe with some heavily vibrating strings and pads which collide beautifully with the mechanical sounding perc cuts that itch throughout. Clever textures and a soothing atmosphere that are reminiscent of Mediterranean club situations. "Our Future Is Now" also proves to be inspirational to remix artist "Linkwood" who carves up an extremely juicy electro cut that gives the original somewhat more edge and forces it into an entirely different direction.

On the flip we find "Emanation" and "Mellow-ism". Emanation is a classic sounding yet effective House cut for the dancefloor, Mellow-ism is a more mood altering hazy trip with acidic tones and smooth drum patterns.

Our seventh release is a special one. Transatlantic art from two true friends that go way back.
Stephen Beaupre and Akufen teamed up and delivered the astonishing Kill Sugar EP.

While the story of Jah Wobble, from post-punk bassist to Tube driver to world music explorer is well documented, the fact he founded his own label, Lago Records, at the age of just 23 years old has oft been overlooked. Lago Records was set up by John "Wobble" Wardle soon after his acrimonious departure from college friend John Lydon's Public Image Ltd band at the end of the recording of the Metal Box sessions. Although still young, Wobble had already experienced a music career most would dream of and was experienced enough and singular in his thinking that while now working with both Island and Virgin Records, he did not want to be constrained by the traditional label / artist format and release schedule. With a mindful of music ideas and working with a group of friends and musicians, Lago allowed Wobble to express his wider musical interests that now forms it's own unique document in time. This release takes a collection of songs from the 6 EPs released on the label between 1981 and 1985 and captures some of his best ever music, covering a wide palette including dub, jazz, spoken word and even some pop sensibilities, all held together by his instantly discernable bass rumble. The driving post-punk-dub of Invaders Of The Heart is clear a link to the PiL years, while the psychedelic nature of Long Long Way and Fading offer long, drug-induced meditations. Nocturnal and East take this further with long-form instrumental experiments, before both Voodoo and the now highly sought after Blowout take in (Balearic) pop touches that the mid-80s were beginning to encapsulate. Packaged with DJs in mind as much as for the "Heads", the Lago Years double pack is a revelation to those who thought they knew the Jah Wobble sound and offers a perfect framing of a unique musical journey.

Much could be said about German house royalty Boris Dlugosch. From his teen DJ years under the wings of Front's legendary Klaus Stockhausen in Hamburg to his own marvelous tenure there that is pretty much synonymous with the explosion of Acid House in its proto- and post-incarnations. One could examine his role as a herald of US garage and Jersey house or as a remixer of underground gone pop records. But we will leave that and other stories for the Front page soon. The 'Traveller EP' is the result of Dlugosch and Cassara meeting at a mutual friend of theirs, getting excited about their shared love for classic synths (see Sh-101 for the Traveller bass line) and exploiting the latter's extensive synth collection. What you get: classic disco, French house, electro-funk, DJ sound effects (that tractor plowed the Front EVERY night) and most of all fun, fun and a little bit of extra fun. Chin-stroking impossible....

Critical Music reaches its 100th release in its 15th year, celebrating with the landmark album Fifteen Years Of Underground Sonics. Spanning the broad spectrum of drum & bass that the Critical sound represents, the exceptional 15 album is as bold as it is beautiful and looks to serve the test of time in the D&B history books.

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Kasra Critical