Production trio LV today submitted a new mix to the Rhythm Incursions site, aiming to wrap up your ears and offer comfort in this icy turmoil textured time.
Biosphere – From a solid to a liquid Pole – Taxi Hieronymus – Honeydrops Conjoint – Earprints Oskar Sala – Klangfarben Caprice [V] Burnt Friedman and the New Dub Players – Cassock Attack Klaus Roeder – Kristalisation 9 (LV mix) Sigha – Prayer Asusu – Taurean Untold – Yukon (FMF remix) Flying Lotus – Auntie’s Lock/Infinitum Zomby – Digital Flora FaltyDL – To London
If any more proof were needed of funky’s extraordinary capacity to infiltrate regions far beyond its immediate remit, Bristol boy Julio Bashmore’s signing to Claude VonStroke’s Dirtybird label provides it in excess. In terms of tempo, atmosphere and overall aesthetic ‘Um Bongo’s Revenge’ fits far better with the Dirtybird roster than it would on something like Apple Pips or Tectonic, pivoting around a startlingly minimal motif crafted almost entirely from percussion. Yet there’s something fundamental contained within that identifies its heritage as particular to the UK.
This 12” version is markedly different from an earlier form that circulated for a while, stripping away any semblance of its distinctive ascending melody, and with it any retention of tropical moisture. Whilst the unpredictable, Africanised snare pattern is pure funky, the track’s core is dessicated, brittle and oddly rigid - a paradox that lends the track a constant and barely resolved sense of tension between the demands of the dance and its machine heart. Yet it is this very contradiction that makes it so ferociously addictive, and eminently danceable – ‘Um Bongo’s Revenge’ is devastating in its very simplicity, and its chameleon-like nature ensures that you’re likely to hear that cartoonish voiceover in a huge range of DJ sets in the early half of 2010.
By way of contrast to the A-side’s oddly anthemic charms, the aptly named ‘World Peace’ moves into more subdued territory, generating a more contemplative atmosphere a little reminiscent of Berlin’s Rhythm & Sound label. Less overtly dancefloor oriented, it swells with shimmering melody and a downtempo warmth that remains hanging in the air long after the track’s end. Along with ‘The Moth,’ his track on fabric’s up and coming ‘Elevator Music’ compilation, its more considered nature is suggestive of more interesting material to come from Bashmore.
Rinse FM resident, Scratcha DVA, functioning here simply as DVA, drops his debut 12” for the iconic Hyperdub imprint, with his own take on the funky sound; one that the grime producer has been perfecting for some time. Hyperdub always seem to ‘do funky’ differently, be it the smeared secular synths of Kode9 or the loved up deep and spacious sounds of Cooly G, and after his infectious ‘Jelly Roll EP,’ Scratcha’s hitting back with two prime cuts of dark no nonsense percussive funky.
The snares on ‘Natty’ have that off-centre skippy nature, like skimming a pebble over open water; really giving the track a lilting groove, which plays off the tribal percussion in fine style, switching from one subtle groove to the other only to be enhanced by the pulse of a ragged bass tone that really makes things swing. It’s incredibly simple but so effective, a dark side funky track that really gets under the skin. ‘Ganja’ is less reliant on the percussive interplay and instead hinges on the catchy sinuous bass line that winds its way around the track not unlike DJ Mujava’s ‘Township Funk,’ a cycle of whining bleeps that twists into dance floor oblivion.
You catch Scratcha alongside Ramadanman and Heny G at the Tropical Launch Party at the Wire Club in Leeds on the 10th Feb, for which he's done a mix...
Primitive, using simple computer sounds and what some might call outdated equipment, the genre of 'skweee' seems like it could be an insider joke when your trying your best to describe it to someone... like some kind of "fisher price dubstep..."
Its not. There's a lot to love, as displayed here by Stickem, providing a "75 minute mix showcasing the synthetic funk from Scandinavia" for the Skweeelicious blog.
Mrs. Qeada (SWE) Dreamatis Personea Melkeveien (NO) Fantôme Claws Costeau (FIN) Cold Smokin’ Tofu Boss Kite (UK) CMYK V.C. (FIN) 30:00 Ricky Lemon (DEN) Copenhagen Bellybelle (USA) Supercell Strut LaZERcrotch (USA) Neon Dude’s House Party Spartan Lover (FIN) Zbieg Wankers United (FRA) Superfönky Hybakusha (ESP) Lebannon79 Kid Logic (USA) Polyester Shirt Miramichi (CA) Leggo My Ego Limonious (SWE) Degenerate Beem (SWE) Automan Easy and The Center of the Universe (NO) Yazid Daniel Savio (SWE) People Die Love Don’t Rigas (SWE) feat. Markis Sage (SWE/FIN) Love Over Gold Stickem (USA) This Thing Is On – Beatbully (NO) remix Mesak (FIN) Sly Filmfestival (Sotchi Montage) Sprutbass (NO) Hot Water Dirty Pits Randy Barracuda (FIN/NL) Overnight Romancin’ Mackaper (SWE) Tale of Tale of Tales – Joxaren (SWE) remix Slow Hand Motëm (CA) feat. Pubs Panseno (USA) They Lied
Having first seen the name Coco Bryce on a split 12" with Slugabed, I'd done the requisite googling and myspace surfing to know that the Dutch producer was someone to keep a keen eye on after releases on Harmonia and Myor. Then the Lowriders fam emailed to say he was kicking off their mixtape series - further entries in the series are promised from people like Hovatron, Debruit, 1000 Names and Slugabed - and I got really intrigued.
After his impeccable 'Pop Lock' remix of Joker's 'Digidesign'Om Unit has releases scheduled on Plastician's Terror Rhythm label as well as on the All City label. To mark his involvement on the All City roster, his 'Lightgrids' 7" should be out shortly, he's put together a mix so you can familiarise yourself with the labels output.
Intro Matthew David - Late Nite Lo Fi For dak Pudge - Awn My Dawn Tokimonsta - Park Walks Heralds Of Change - Work That Take - warm Ruin Dimlite - Quiz Tears Hudson Mohawke - ROot Hands Pudge - Blips Ahoy Mate Mweslee - Jamas Jame Jamon Dibiase - Spacely Sprockets Fulgeance - Mamie Thè Heralds Of Change - Ridin Chrome Musinah - Lose My Fuse Tokimonsta - Last Nights Blurry Memories Om Unit - Lightgrids Snowman - Rise Onra - Wee Out ft. Buddy Sativa Krystal Klear - Tried for your love Devonwho -Keepthefunkalive Knxwledge - Wait
Superb mix from Untold. Featured on Sinden's KISS FM show last night. Headhunter & Invisible - 'Luvdup' - fothcoming Soul Motive. Bok Bok - 'Citizen Dub' - forthcoming Blunted Robots.
Boys noize - Transmission (Untold remix) - forthcoming Boys noize Bok Bok feat. Bubbz - Citizens Dub - forthcoming Blunted Robots Untold - Tastes like chicken - Unreleased Wu Tang – Do It Big (Baobinga & I.D. Remix) – Cdr Mark Pritchard – Elephant Dub – Deep Medi Schlachthofbronx – Ayoba (Inst) – Man Recordings Headhunter & Invisible – Luvdup – Soul Motive Untold – You Dropped Something – Cdr Sisters Of Transistors – Solar Disco (Untold Remix) – This Is Music Ramadanman – Glut – Hemlock Dj Eastwood – U Aint Ready (Untold Remix) – No Hats No Hoods
Thrill Jockey is an incredibly diverse label - the eagle eyed amongst you will have noted the Mountains record which was released on the label ended up in our albums of 2009 - one you should watch keeping a keen eye on their curve balls.
Pit Er Pat are one such act; and their album 'The Flexible Entertainer' is an offkey gem. One part Timbaland to two parts Mars Volta its definitely something that'll appeal to your more experimental ear. 'Water' is one of the stand out cuts from the album, a slow broiled electro number with pangs of southern hip hop and enchanting vocals.
I'm very chuffed to be able to bring you it for free.
Super Scot Jackmaster continues his slew of great mixes with an exclusive for Dazed Digital, well timed to coincide with his Numbers conglomerate taking over Room One of fabric tomorrow night.
Modeselektor - Art + Cash (SBTRKT Broke Remix) - forthcoming 50 Weapons Rhythm Construction Co. - Mighty Love (Wickedest Dub) - Nice 'N' Ripe Deadboy - Here 4 U - forthcoming Numbers C. J. Boland - Sugar Is Sweeter (Armand's Drum And Bass Mix) - FFRR TRG - Tribal Flex - forthcoming Tempa DJ Slugo - Wouldn't You Like To Be A Hoe Too - Dance Mania Mike Dunn pres. The MD X-Spress - Deep Down (The Unbderground) - Fluential Kim English - Night Life (Retail Club Mix) - Nervous Deadboy - if U ant Me (Brackles & Shortstuff Remix) - forthcoming Numbers KingThing - Bump - forthcoming Fortified Roska & Untold - Myth - forthcoming Build Joy Orbison - Derobe - forthcoming Aus Music George Fitzpatrick - Don't You - forthcoming Doldrums Taz Buckfaster - Wetter Is Better - forthcoming Rwina ROX - My Baby Left Me (Terror Danjah Remix) - forthcoming Rough Trade Terror Danjah & Rudekid - Best Crawler - forthcoming No Hats No Hoods Mr. De' - Whonleeone - Electrofunk Fonzworth Bentley & Anthony Hamilton - Greener (Instrumental)
East London’s Mizz Beats first made her mark producing grime beats for names like Dizzee Rascal, Wiley and D Double E to name just a few, but she really came to prominence last year when heard co-producing the bubbling anthem ‘Purple Love’ with Silkie. As part of the formidable Anti Social Entertainment crew along with Silkie, Quest, J5, Kromestar, Harry Craze and Heny G, she’s flexing her soulful dubstep muscles and there really is no better place to do that than on Mala’s Deep Medi imprint…
On the A-side comes the swirling funk of ‘My World’ with its skipping tight drum patterns and a digital groove carved from midi trumpets and buzzy bass tones. There is a meditative, laid back quality at work here; you can really feel the soul oozing out. The flip ‘The Jester’ takes us down the 8-bit route, with SNES-like sound effects fed through a haze of high-grade mist into a psychedelic soup of digi-funk.
No one does it quite like Deep Medi and the Anti Social collective; they melt together the roots of dubstep with all its space and bass with a trippy street-funk that echoes late night cityscapes and pirate radio like no other labels. Mizz Beats adds a bleepy dimension to the crew with this 12” and on the strength of these two cuts that’s a dimension that’s more than welcome.
According to our hit counter, he who has been covertly lodged at the footer of our page since the first few weeks we started up, we just skipped passed the 100,000 hits mark.
Thankyou to every artist who has given us their time; and to all the readers whose eyes are hopefully as square as mine as a result.
In celebration please join us at our 1st birthday celebration in Bristol next month... We're hosting Room 2 at [dissident] and we're bringing Brackles, Jack Sparrow, Shortstuff and Gemmy with us.
January is commonly known as a time for rash purchases. You've been there, clambering over everyone else in the overcrowded, overheated shop just to get a shirt you kind of like because its £10 cheaper than the usual asking price.
In an attempt to give you something you might actually want we've teamed up with High Rise Clothing - the Bristol based tee shirt outlet stocking exclusive designs from Monsta and Spam Chop as well as Punch Drunk, If Symptoms Persist and Skull Disco label tees - to give Sonic Router readers a juicy little discount.
Veteran grime producer Terror Danjah has been producing his own strain of grime since day dot as part of both the Aftershock camp and the Nasty Crew before breaking out and making beats for the biggest names in the scene. Last year the Planet Mu label released an instrumental retrospective of his productions, entitled ‘Gremlinz’ it brought his unique horror film funk style into focus for a whole new audience.
This year he’s set to continue that trend, doling a few more of his productions out to Kode 9's Hyperdub label, oft reffered to as seminal across the specturm of December 2009's end of year polls; and the freshly birthed Butterz imprint. With a truck load of history and a bright future we thought it was high time we pinned him down for a chat...
Sonic Router: Can you provide those who may not know you with a bit of background info?
Terror Danjah: I am a producer from East London, one the original pioneers of Grime. I started of as a jungle/drum & bass DJ; I ran my own crew called Reckless Crew, members included where D Double E, Hyper, Bruza, Triple Threat (known as Lethal MC), Scratcha DVA, Mayhem, & DJ Interlude. In early 2003 I started my own label called Aftershock, which had big releases such as Crazy Titch 'I Can See U,' 'Cock Back' by myself which featured Hyper, Crazy Titch, D Double E & Riko, 'Get Me' by Bruza, 'So Sure' by myself featuring Sadie Ama & Kano, 'Frontline' by Big-E-D, 'So Contagious' by myself featuring Shola Ama & D Double, etc etc…
More recently, I have released two instrumental CD's 'Zip Files Vol. 1' and 'Gremlinz, The Instrumentals 2003 -2009' via Planet Mu. A vinyl EP entitled 'Industry Standard part 4' which includes Swindle's 'Zumpi Huntah' remix & 'Sidechain' is also on Planet Mu and theres the 'Hardrive Grime Compilation (Hardrive volumes 1 & 2).'
Outside of music who are you? What do you do on the daily?
I don't do anything but music. I'm sad really…
How did you first get into making music? What was it that infected you to do produce?
Well when I was a Jungle DJ, I wanted specials with my name in it, and I started to put my name in tunes. A lot of the drum & bass producers where tight with giving out tunes, you had be apart of the elite to get tunes. It was hard most times but I got lucky, DJ SS, Pascal, Bad Company, Brockie, Shy Fx, DJ Kane all used to look after me. That's when I decided to make my own tunes, mainly because I was getting all the tunes to compete.
What’s your production set up like?
A Quad Core PC (yes a PC lol), EMU 1820m soundcard, Neuman U87 Mic, Liquid Mix pre channel, KVK 12" Monitors speakers, Cubase 5, M-Audio Radium Controller Keyboard, Sony DAT machine, and billions of sly VST's & VSTi's (now that really would be telling… mwahahaha)!
How would you describe your sound to someone zoning in for the first time?
I couldn't, I have too many different styles, its hard, some of my sound is minimal techy, some days more R&B and hip hop like, other days ther'es a drum & bass influence… I dunno where to start…
What inspires you musically?
Different things like watching films, new VSTi's plugins and sample packs/sample CDs… going to different types of raves where I wouldn't normally go… hearing new albums or new tunes from every genre. Even sometimes being pissed off inspires me!
Your sound is really unique and not just the cackle; you’ve got this heavy funk, wide screen horror sound track thing going on. What draws you to the sounds you use/make do they just come instinctively?
I guess its more instinctively, growing up in the 80's & 90's listening to Jackson 5, Earth Wind & Fire, Afrikka Bambatta through to Notorious BIG, Tupac, Wu Tang etc has left an impact on me.
You’ve collaborated with some quality grime producers recently with DOK, Rudekid and Swindle, what do you like about hooking up with those guys and have you got more in the works with them or any others?
I rate them guys highly, I like collaborating with other producers like how MCs/artist would. It brings a fresh sound to whats already there. A new mix and blend.
You’ve worked with some of the biggest MCs in grime; do you have a favourite vocal of one of your beats?
Its quite hard to say, it depends what mood I'm in, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be 'So Sure.'
Are you working with more vocalists at the moment?
Not really, I'm more concentrating on myself as a Producer/DJ. I'm getting back to my roots of making instrumentals, but saying that, I have submitted tracks for D Double E, Smurfie Syco, Griminal & Mz Bratt's albums.
Tell us a bit about the latest Hardrive compilation; what’s the thinking behind those?
My motive for 'Hardrive' was really to showcase my diversity as a producer and to highlight a few artists that weren't getting heard like One 4 One & Dream Mclean, Yazmin etc. Also there aren't hardly any grime compilations out there. I wanted to stray away from the name mixtape, because I didn't feel like it was an album as such.
Your retrospective Gremlinz on Planet Mu really got you attention from people all over the place that maybe weren’t following grime very intently before; tell us about how that comp came about?
I had featured on Mary Anne Hobb's 'Warrior Dubs' compilation, which was released on Planet Mu. I had tune on there called 'Give It To Em' which featured Mz Bratt & Bruza. Mike from Planet Mu contacted me and suggested the idea, and I was on it. The 'Gremlinz' album actually gave me a new lease of life, I didn't realise alot of people never knew I existed (I guess I was caught up in the whole grime bubble...).
Having the album out on Planet Mu really opened doors for me, so I have to thank Mike and all the Planet Mu staff!
What was your favourite instrumental from it and what did it mean to be put out there by that kind of label?
'Zumpi Huntah' is still one of my favourites; I didn't think about making the tune, it just made it self. Because I mostly had my own label Aftershock, I didn't feel the need to release my tunes any where else but I'm actually glad I've released my tunes with other labels; they each have different reaches, outlets and their own cult following!
You’ve got releases coming on Hyperdub and Butterz, tell us a bit about those tracks and how the hook ups came about?
I've known Kode 9 for while, he's the main reason why the interest is all on me, I've kinda known but never really realised that throughout the years Kode has been playing all my old material. Over the last 12 months people have been asking me like, "I've heard Kode 9 playing a new version this and that etc etc..." I always get confused by people asking for tunes that had been released in 2003 so obviously I had to return the favour and do something on Kode's label, Hyperdub!
I made two tracks on the Hyperdub release, 'Acid' & 'Pro Plus.''Acid' is like a ravey type of track thats got the elements of acid rave era synth stabs; Kode said it reminds him of 'Charley Says' by The Prodigy. Also there's an 8 bar drum & bass build up going through the track a few times to help split it up, plus theres a minimal tech sort of bridge. 'Pro Plus' is a more typical grime track; its myself and D.O.K collaborating on the production.
I know Elijah [from Butterz] through Loudmouth. Over the last year he and myself have been talking a lot about grime music and he told me that he wanted to start a label. The jokes thing about 'Bipolar' and 'Air Bubble' - which both feature on 'The Bipolar EP' - is that he was on the phone while I was making them! The EP also features D.O.K remix of 'Sidechain.'
What do you want to see happen in grime this year?
More proper and stable releases… more raves and more singing vocals on grime tunes but not the cheesy ones, lol!
Will you be DJing more in 2010?
Yeah defo, I'm full time DJ now, a mans got to eat! My bookings are already stacking up, I got Dublin, Glasgow, Nottingham and a few London dates coming.
What else have you got on the horizon with your music in 2010?
Along with the Hyperdub and Butterz 12s, I've got releases on True Tiger and No Hats No Hoods. I don't wanna say too much, I gotta keep the element of surprise, so just keep your eyes peeled at myspace.com/terrordanjah and twitter.com/terrordanjah.
Finally, have you got any words of wisdom for our readers?
Don't listen to no one, follow your heart and gut feeling. Take this music game with a pinch of salt whether its good or bad.
Limited freebie from Greena and Mosca (pictured): Greena's remix of Mosca's 'Square One' track which is forthcoming on Night Slugs with original versions of 'Square One' and 'Nike' alongside remixes from Bok Bok & L-Vis 1990.
01. Lemonade - Sunchips (Ghosts On Tape remix) 02. Steve Summer - Shake the House (Clone Jack for Daze Series) 03. Rene Breitbarth - Pump (Deep data) 04. Major Lazer feat. Ms Thing - When You Hear the Bassline (Cooperative Music) 05. Oliver $ feat. Deize Tigrona - Com Medo de Mim (Man Recordings) 06. Hot City - No More (Infrasonics) 07. Hyetal - Neon Speech (Soul Motive) 08. Kazey & Bulldog - Fo Da Real Gs (Dress 2 Sweat) 09. Underground Resistance - The Force (UR) 10. Grand Puba - Get It (12th Planet Remix) (Scion Audio) 11. Kanji Kinetic - D Stomp (Electrostimulation) 12. Shortstuff & Hyetal - Don't Sleep (Forthcoming Punch Drunk) 13. Planetary Assault Systems - X Speaks To X (Appleblim & Al Tourettes remix) 14. Move Down Low (Grievous Angel remix) 15. Subeena - Picture (Forthcoming Opit) 16. Kid 606 - Monsters (Doshy Remix) (Tigerbeat6) 17. Royal T - Beat Fighter (Bok Bok remix) (No Hats No Hoods) 18. Face A Face - Galash (Ebola Remix) (LO Dubs) 19. DJ C ft MC Zulu - Body Work (Octapush Remix) 20. Photonz - Red Rooms (Forthcoming ?) 21. Diplo & Luke Laidback - Hey (Dre Skull Remix) (Southern Fried Records) 22. Unknown 23. Stereotyp feat. Edu K & Joyce Muniz - Jece Valadao (Man Recordings) 24. Cooly G - Jus Wanna 25. Bingo Players - Get Up (Diplo Remix) (Stealth Records) 26. Mad EP - Fire (Akira Kiteshi Remix) (Forthcoming Spectraliquid)
Unannounced (well he had to announce it for me to know about it... what I think I'm trying to say here is "I just got sent this out of the blue, just now") dopeness from Belgium's Dynooo. His 'Gum Dragon' EP will be out on the Digsville label later this month, so peep the EPK he's circulated below and DL the freebie.
It's really rather splendid; plus its got this kind of maniacal, murder-type-of slow brooding vibe across the way...
If you've at all been sidelined by the Beat Dimensions compilations, the Beatnicks duo of 12"s or the output of any of the many producers occupying that void where hip hop and bass music collide, then you should be up on devonwho.
A member of the Klipmode family, this LA based, Portland born producer has released a beat on the Fat City helmed Producers Series 7"s - on the flip of a dBridge beat no less - and has constantly been a fixture on inter-office msn conversations.
Here's a mix he's just done for the Elm & Oak website...
Ahead of his 2nd album for Planet Mu, 'Ear Drums & Black Holes,'Starkey speaks to the fabric Blog in anticipation of his Room 1 debut at the London club on the 15th January.
They've also given out a mix initially recorded for Redlight's BBC 1xtra Radio show...
Rinse.fm staples Elijah & Skilliam, the duo behind the Butterz blog, marked the passing of a new calendar with an upfront mix packed with fresh beats from a smattering of producers, teeming the grime they're a little more renowned for with new beats from Joker, SRC and Terror Danjah - who'll you be seeing releasing a 12" on the newly formed Butterz label.
Swindle - Open Your Mind (Butterz) Royal T - Hot Ones Remix (Unreleased) Terror Danjah - Acid (Hyperdub) Swindle - 'Trending Topic' (Butterz) DVA feat P Money - Wind It Up (No Right Turn) Rude Kid - Absolut Vodka (No Hats No Hoods) DOK & Terror Danjah - Hysteria (Butterz) Swindle - Air Miles (Planet Mu) Silencer - Miss Asia (Wow Bass Level 3) Joker - Output One Two (Tectonic) Rude Kid & Terror Danjah - The Best Crawler (No Hats No Hoods) Tempa T - Boy Off The Ting (No Hats No Hoods) Terror Danjah - Bipolar (Butterz) OGZ - Hot Ones (Deeco Remix) Maniac - Lengman Tune (Unreleased) Terror Danjah - Sidechain (Swindle Remix) (Planet Mu) SRC - Powerman 9 (Unreleased) DOK - Keep Making Grime (Unreleased) Rude Kid - Electric (Earth 616) J Beatz - Life & Death (SCUK) Terror Danjah - Air Bubble (Butterz) Starkey - Ok Love (Planet Mu) ????? - ?????? (Teaser)
Welsh duo Chesus and Rodski (pictured) - alongside another couplet of dudes, Certified Sickness and J.D.S. - are collectively known as C.R.S.T. Proclaiming a love of garage, house, funky and"most other forms of dance music," its a penchant which is more than painfully evident after a quick dip into their 2010 Promo mix and the freebie 320 of 'Me and You' that just got spread over DSF via another hot Welsh talent, Julio Bashmore.
The Bigger Than Barry residents have an EP forthcoming on On The Brink Records next week under their given Chesus & Rodski moniker, whilst there is a full crew, C.R.S.T. EP in the works too.
Inside - C.R.S.T Me N You - Chesus Walk On - C.R.S.T Good Love - C.R.S.T Take It Back - C.R.S.T Revisit - C.R.S.T Jam For You - C.R.S.T The Bells V.I.P - C.R.S.T Mighty V.I.P - C.R.S.T Funky Flex (C.R.S.T Remix) - C.R.S.T Thank You - C.R.S.T 1 Just 4 U - C.R.S.T
As a prelude to a couple of forthcoming releases on Noppa and Ramp Recordings - and as a hello 2010 gift - Finish producer Desto, is giving away a track.
'Level Up' is the perfect introduction to Desto's mixture of unintrusive percussion and dancefloor savvy lead lines.
xxxy hails from Manchester and produces bass music that sucks in elements of house, techno and all the other good stuff that’s been perforating dance floors at the tail end of 2009. He’s released on the Formant, Mindset and Open Earz (alongside Indigo) labels and also has a track, ‘Sing With Us,’ forthcoming on the new fabric compilation, ‘Elevator Music Vol 1.’
To mark the eve of the New Year we grabbed him for a chat and managed to snatch our final exclusive mix of 2009…
Sonic Router: Can you provide those who may not know you with a bit of background info?
xxxy: I'm a bearded man from Manchester who makes electronic music in between 120 and 140 bpm.
Outside of music who are you? What do you do on the daily?
I work in local government. It's not very interesting but it contributes to the bills…
How did you first get into making music? What was it that infected you to do produce?
I had just dropped out of Uni and managed to steal an aging pc off my folks and at about the same time I'd got quite into the early dubstep tunes my mates had been buying. I was messing about a bit and my missus bought me a midi keyboard to get me out of the way while she finished her dissertation. I started getting more serious about it after that. It's been about 5 years but I am finally starting to be a little happier with my tunes.
What’s your production set up like?
A mac book pro and some headphones usually. My neighbour isn't very sympathetic about bass so I don't get on my monitors as much as I wish but they are there when I mix down.
In terms of software I use Ableton for production and for playing out. Sometimes there is a lot of stigma aimed towards DJs who play off laptops, I don’t know about anyone else but I go to clubs to listen to music dance and have a good time. I couldn't give a flying fuck if someone plays off a laptop, CDs or vinyl as long as I enjoy the tunes.
I can do a lot more interesting things with Ableton and a midi controller than I can with a set of decks and some 12"s. I still buy records, I love records and it’s an addiction I don't think I will ever shake. Often I will buy both the 12" and the mp3 release as I am too pressed for time (lazy) to rip the tunes myself.
How would you describe your sound to someone zoning in for the first time?
I dunno maybe a mix of techno house and garage with a smattering of other sounds…?
Whats the deal with the xxxy moniker? You keen on chromosomes or sommat?
It was a name that came into my head when I was walking home one day, I liked the ambiguity of it at the time and it stuck.
Also I’ve seen it written in numerous different ways. Whats your official line, XxXy, XXXY or xxxy?
xxxy - pronounced triple x, y
You used to produce as forensic (mcr), what made you change names/directions?
I produced as forensix (mcr) and released ‘1st Dynasty’ b/w ‘Solace’ on Revolution music in ‘07 but whilst it went down very well I had only just started making music properly and I wasn't happy with my sound; so I backed off for a while and wanted to start afresh so I came back with some better productions and a new name.
Your productions fuse house, garage and techno what is it about the slower than 140bpm tempo that you prefer?
I love the grooves and shuffle of house, garage and techno. Really rigid tunes can get a bit dull after a while.
Is that the kind of background you come from?
Not at all, I grew up listening to britpop and indie and I still listen to a bit of it. I would say some of my influences at the moment would be Rhythm and Sound, Carl Craig, Karizma, Modern Love releases, Theo Parrish and many, many more.
You’re involved with the Mindset label, further than just releasing on the label, right? What does this involve for you?
I assist Indigo with promotion and anything else he needs help with, it's a label that means a lot to me. The belief and enthusiasm he has for the music he puts out is very infectious.
You are a Manchester resident I believe, what’s the scene like up there?
The scene is hit and miss, as I am sure it is in most cities. There are some really good nights; Strange Fruit which has the finest array of residents anywhere in the country in my opinion - Rich Reason, Inidigo, Synkro, Andro and Dimit and Fantastic Mr Fox… Hit and Run, Curve, Soul:ution (which made it’s long overdue return this year) and Sicknote (which I help promote and I'm a resident at).
We are blessed with some great record shops too; Eastern Bloc, Piccadilly Records are great for house and techno and you can always pick up some second hand bargains at Vinyl Exchange.
Tell us a little bit about your mix, how did it come together, what tracks had to be in there and what other tracks are you digging right now?
I was off work sick with the flu and started listening to a lot of deep house and I thought it would be interesting to combine it with some of the new UK house which I had been making and have been sent as well as some dubstep which I am really feeling at the moment along with some classics.
What have you got coming up that the world should know about? (releases, gigs, bowel movements etc)
‘Rain’ should be out on Pollen soonish, ‘Sing With Us’ is coming out on ‘Elevator Music Vol 1’ - fabric's dubstep/post dubstep unmixed compilation which is a brilliant representation of bass music right now and there will hopefully be a release on Mindset in the new year.
I will be popping up regularly in Manchester in the next few months and I’m playing at fabric on 8th January for the ‘Elevator Music’ launch party which will be fun.
Have you got any words of wisdom for us, and our readers?
Look after your ears; imagine a world without music before you stick your head in a bassbin; oh, and always wear a bandit hat.
Missing Linkx - Who To Call [Philpot] The Machine - Fuse (Ame Remix) [Innervisions] Martyn - Elden St (Sebo K Watergate Edit) [Watergate] Dirty Culture - Doua Puncte Ics EP [Loco] Junior Boys - Like A Child (Carl Craig Remix) [Domino] Doc Daneeka - Drums in the Deep [fabric] Coyu and Edu Imbernon - Morena [Diynamic] Mario da Ragnio feat Abell - Curcuma (Milton Jackson Remix) [caballero recordings] Martyn - Friedrichstrasse [fabric] Canard & Lauer - Vibration [Peppermint Jam] Karizma - Groove A K Ordingly [R2] Atjazz, Domu & Yanna Valdevit - Info People (Atjazz & Domu’s Bruk Mush Remix) [development music] Spencer Parker - You Got Me [NRK] Hot City - If That’s How I Feel [fabric] L-vis 1990 - Run [Dress 2 Sweat] The Discowboys - At Midnight (Steve Bug’s always late mix) [Dessous] xxxy - Blue Flashing Lights [dub] Forsaken - Be my vice [dub] Synkro - Digital Soul [dub] xxxy - Flew [dub] Hypno - Telescope [dub] Joy Orbison - Wet Look [Hotflush] Mr Gasparov - 1975 [Steakhouse] Spatial - 90729 [Infrasonics] Fantastic Mr Fox - Sketches [Black Acre] Octa Push - Ai Nadia [Steakhouse] Geiom - No More Tears [Berkane Sol] Groove Chronicles - Stone Cold [DPR Recordings] Octa Push - Laika Likes it [Steakhouse] Brackles - Lizards [Applepips] F - Untitled Dub [7even] Appleblim - Vansan (Gatekeeper Remix) [If Symptoms Persist] xxxy - You Always Start It [dub]
Catch xxxy at the Elevator Music launch party on Friday 8th January at fabric:
An ultra new Madvillain track, 'Savior Beans,' played by J Rocc on a recent Benji B retrospective on BBC 1xtra, spun into one of those youtube teasers you see about the place these days.
Note: For those of you just born, Madvillain is the combo of beatsmith savant Madlib and emcee DOOM (MF optional but no longer required) whose debut album 'Madvillainy' is one of the finest emcee/producer pairings ever heard by these ears.
Cue a lot of excitement at the second audio leak of the long promised new material...
Laptop battery on 8%... Just time to squeeze in a few glorious mixes from yesterday...
Too many dubs in this first one, Ben UFO's furthering his rep for pre-empting everything with this selection in promotion of the Why Not? rave at Ministry on Boxing Day.
You'd think Christmas would well be the break we all need from computers, internet and venting our most disposable thought on twitter. Fact is, it isn't... yet. The 20JazzFunkGreats blog just included a mix from Hyperdub duo Darkstar in a segment of their end of year review.
1. Charles Dodge – ‘When I am With You’ 2. Snap – ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’ (Mux Mool Edit) 3. Actress – ‘Purple Splash’ 4. Jay Dilla – ‘Its Funk Kay…. Its OK’ 5. Charles Dodge – ‘He Destroyed Her Image’ 6. Theophilus London – ‘Cold Pillow’ 7. Instra:Mental – ‘Watching You’ 8. Unknown – ‘Unknown’ 9. Zackey Force Funk – ‘Zackey’s Style’ 10. Stardust – ‘Music Sounds Better With You’ (Mux Mool Edit) 11. <<<+>>> – ‘Know You’ 12. Charles Dodge – ‘The Days Are Ahead’ 13. Darkstar – ‘Aidy’s Girl Is A Computer’ 14. Lee Fields and The Expressions – ‘My World Is Empty Without You’ 15. Unknown – ‘Unknown’
1. Lone – The Twilight Switch 2. Nosaj Thing – Quest 3. Flying Lotus ft Andreya – Tea Leaf Dancers 4. DJ Bootsie – Mosquito Dance 5. Bibio – Fire Ant 6. Mike Slott – Snow Birds 7. Ras G – Spacewayz 8. Heralds of Change – Sittin on the Side 9. Bullion – Young Heartache 10. Cosmin TRG – Masterplan 11. Cosmin TRG – Modern Tribes 12. Lone – Love Heads 13. Cosmin TRG – Space Station Riot 14. Boards of Canada – Telephasic Workshop 15. Cosmin TRG – UFO Interlude
In addition to the monthly column on The Quietus you'll now be able to catch Sonic Router writing on URB.com too.
Between you and I the SRQ series will now focus on interviews and profile pieces whereas the URB column will centre around upcoming releases. With that said...
