Archive
CW/A return to Parachute records with new ‘Ringleader’ EP
Inspired by global trends towards Orwellian mass surveillance and cyber espionage, ‘Ringleader’ aims to be an audible interpretation of big data, ubiquitous connections and the acceptance of corporate and government spying. Grim and mechanical by nature, the six tracks — named after leaked codenames of government tools used to watch on citizens — work as a soundtrack to the destruction of privacy: a cold reflection on this aspect of society and it’s implications.
LittleBig welcomes Plaid
We are incredibly happy to announce that Plaid have joined the LittleBig roster. Their latest album, The Digging Remedy, dropped on Warp Records in June 2016. Since then the guys have been touring a new AV show and received widespread acclaim for the new release and performances.
Plaid sit right at the very heart of global electronica. In fact there’s a very real sense in which Ed Handley and Andy Turner are the perfect encapsulation of what the electronic music of their generation was all about; they brought new rhythmic variation, emotive melody and sensual textures to electronic music, creating a warm and welcoming counterpart to the white heat of the rave explosion.
On new album The Digging Remedy all the elements that first inspired Ed and Andy are there – like the ecstatic Detroit chords in ‘CLOCK’ – but everything is bigger and broader in scope, more luxuriant, more gleaming with detail. There are fascinating new additions, including contributions on flute and guitar from multi-instrumentalist Benet Walsh, adding even more to Plaid’s ever increasing intricate sound palate.
Though the production values are the very highest, none of this is slickness or high drama simply for its own sake, and never do Plaid engage in the crowd-pleasing vainglorious stadium bombast that is all too common in electronic music now. Of course they don’t – as they say: “in our opinion it should be the artists leading the audiences, not the other way round”. That’s something that could stand as Plaid’s motto, and the thing that’s kept them so very fresh over all these years, even as their aims and values remain just what they were at the start.
Machinedrum ‘Human Energy’ LP Roundup
Released on Ninjatune on the 30th of September, Machinedrum’s ‘Human Energy’ LP has received widespread praise, with premieres on Billboard and Radio 1 and playlisting for all singles from Spotify UK, Spotify Germany, Spotify NL, Mad Decent, Pigeons and Planes, Martin Garrix and more. ‘Do It 4 U Feat D∆WN’ soared to #2 in the ‘most blogged chart’ two weeks in a row, reached #5 in the ‘popular’ chart on Hype Machine and #16 in Music Week’s Cool Cuts Chart.
“Stewart sounds renewed in channeling his posi-vibe mindstate into making the rest of his instruments soar” – Pitchfork
‘One of electronic music’s biggest and brightest stars’ – DJ Mag
Travis has also featured on Radio 1’s Diplo and friends mix (available here) and Jamz Supernova interviewed Travis when he joined her on BBC 1Xtra, playing both ‘Celestial Levels’ and ‘Tell U’ (27/09) (Listen again here)
“…this new single, indebted to its aura of effervescent, joy-filled emotion, continues to demonstrate how Stewart is one of the rare talents who can repurpose a simple stem and turn it into something greater and, somehow, more human” – PAPER Magazine
‘Human Energy’ has also received great reviews from a number of publications available here:- DJ Mag 8.5/10
- Pitchfork 7.3/10
- Crack Magazine 7/10
- Fact
- Mixmag
Machinedrum will be touring his “Human Energy LIVE” AV show throughout 2017.
Imaginary Forces’ Mixes: Threat For Halcyon Veil & Something For The Silent Listeners
Anthoney Hart has been busy crafting mixes for our eager ears of late. Combining influences ranging from dub to noise, his Pole Art Threat! mix takes a weighty, progressive sonic journey, for Rabit’s label Halcyon Veil.
Hart’s love for classic drum and bass is also displayed in his new mix, Something For The Silent Listeners 91-93, which is an hour long throwback crammed with both energy and nostalgia.
Conforce / Versalife Release Update
Following recent performances at Concrete, Tresor, Pacha and Sankeys TYO, Boris Bunnik continues through 2016 with a huge schedule of releases including a forthcoming LP for Clone West Coast entitled “Encrypted Mind “, and EP’s for Delsin, Shipwrec, Deep Sound Channel and Brokntoys. Check his release on Delsin Records “North To South Part 1 ” on their soundcloud.
Boris also released tunes under his electro alias Versalife this year, check out his recent debut EP for Trust.
Randomer Release Update
It has been a busy year for UK techno powerhouse Randomer. 2016 sees his debut on Dekmantel and tours to both Australia and the US.
Released on Dekmantel as part of their UFO series, “Running Dry ” is Randomer’s first appearance on the Dutch label and comprises of four tracks which prove he continues to have a talent for creating dancefloor-shaking techno rollers.
In addition, his two track “Concierge ” added to Clone Records’ basement series.
Collaborations with both Hodge and fellow Londoner Cadans added another 4 weapons to his already impressive arsenal.
Clouds Release ‘DJ Ultra Greatsword’ on Black Opal
In Clouds’ latest release “DJ Ultra Greatsword “, the Scottish techno duo have crafted a lively, hard-hitting and fun 4 track. Check out Resident Advisor’s take on the EP, and have a listen to the preview on Black Opal’s Soundcloud.
The grimy techno on “DJ Ultra Greatsword ” is broken up by rave flourishes – sometimes cartoonish, other times euphoric – that splash the EP with colour.
Guy Andrews Remixes Archive’s ‘Driving In Nails’ – Premiered On Clash Magazine
Listen to Guy Andrews’ inspired remix of Archive’s “Driving In Nails “ premiered by Clash Magazine.
A startlingly inventive re-work, it retains the intensity of the original while adding daring new shades.
http://clashmusic.com/news/pre
miere-archive-driving-in-nails -guy-andrews-remix Roman Lindau Releases ‘Strange Brew’ EP On Pan Pot’s Second State Label
Following his remix of Micheal Klein’s “Dura 2 ” released on Second State earlier this year, Berlin techno head Roman Lindau releases his 5 track “Strange Brew ” on Pan Pot’s budding techno tastemaker.
Check out Roman’s interview with When We Dip discussing the EP, and listen to the premiere of “With My Hands ” on Soundspace.
http://whenwedip.com/2016/09/pan-pots-second-state-imprint-hosts-fresh-five-tracker-roman-lindau/
http://www.wearesoundspace.com/roman-lindau-with-my-hands/
Percussion grinds its way forward as industrial style synths smoulder together with soulful vocals, creating a laser that burns a hole straight through the dancefloor
Machinedrum announces new album “Human Energy” & single feat. D∆WN
Machinedrum is back and you’ve never heard him like this before. The relentless pioneer and conceptualist of US electronic music has moved to Cali, fallen in love, and discovered a new warmth and beauty in his music. On his forthcoming album, “Human Energy”, Travis Stewart draws on esoteric and new age concepts but makes its fun rather than dull and serious. The music astounds over and over again with the sheer brilliance of its execution and, yes, its unremitting energy. Who can say if “Human Energy” can heal you? It will certainly leave you with a huge, goofy smile slathered all over your face.
As a taster for this career-defining work, we bring you ‘Do It 4 U,’ featuring vocals from Dawn Richard aka D∆WN. Having started out in the group Danity Kane working with P Diddy, D∆WN has now finally started to garner the success and acclaim she richly deserves via a more independent route on the Local Action label. In fact, her latest single, ‘Not Above That,’ was her most successful solo work yet, produced by none other than… Machinedrum. ‘Do It 4 U’ combines her vocals with morphing, melting synths and the kind of transcendent d&b roll-out that will make this a favourite in clubs as well as on the radio.
A pioneer and a populariser, a restless and relentless seeker, Travis Stewart brings together coasts and continents in projects which are both conceptual and heartfelt, clever and banging. Having discovered that rare thing—spirituality and purity in electronic music—he is about to have a very big year. “It’s an exchange of energy through sound,” he tells us. “It’s a healing experience. We’re living in dark times and with so much negativity existing in the world I want to be a rare voice of positivity.” With “Human Energy”, he has made a career-defining album, one which will take him from best-kept-secret of the electronic music cognoscenti to breakout star.See exclusive on Billboard here.
Roman’s DJ Set from NYC streamed on BeAT TV
Check out Roman Lindau’s full performance from NYC at Governors Island:
Machinedrum premieres new track Dos Puertas featuring Kevin Hussein
New Machinedrum track Dos Puertas (ft. Kevin Hussein) premieres on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 show.
“Machinedrum has already collaborated with D∆WN on the enormous singles ‘Not Above That’ and ‘Wake Up’ and revisited Sepalcure, his collaborative project with Braille, for their first new album in five years. Still, he doesn’t show any sign of slowing down and his new single ‘Dos Puertas” via Fact Magazine
Guy Andrews teams up with Masayoshi Fujita. Recorded Live at BBC Maida Vale Studios
Erased Tapes & Houndstooth have teamed up for a special Record Store Day release from Guy Andrews & Masayoshi Fujita.
The original 27 minute piece ‘Needle Six’ was an improvised session by Guy & the vibraphone supremo, Fujita, for the BBC Radio 3 ‘Late Junctions’ show.
If you’re not lucky enough to get a copy on Record Store Day the release will otherwise be out from 6th May.
You can catch a 5 minute section of the performance below, from Maida Vale Studios.
JoeFarr ‘Spectate’ EP announced for Leisure System
Leisure System have announced that the next release on the label will be another outing from Bristolian, JoeFarr. After the release of his album ‘Sesne of Purpose’ in March on Bloc Records this release includes a remix from Max Cooper, taking on a tougher sound than he is perhaps best known for.
The EP will be released on May 13th and you will be able to check the previews over at the Leisure System Bandcamp.
‘Sense of Purpose’ Album announced on Bloc Records
Resident Advisor have announced that techno heavyweight JoeFarr will be releasing his debut album on Bloc Records.The album is due out in March 2016 and you can check the track ‘RPM (Dedication)’ from Sense of Purpose’, below:
Alex Smoke : Love Over Will – Press Update
January 22rd saw the release of Alex Smoke’s much-anticipated LP ‘Love Over Will’ representing his third collaboration with the R&S crew, which further exploring the vocal territory of his earlier side-project, Wraetlic. Along with the album, Alex debuts an all-new live show at London’s Pickle Factory, which took place on January 28th, leaving the dance floor context of his usual sets, and embarking on an intriguing performance featuring live animations by Florence To.
Listen to the new single above, and watch the preview for the A/V show below.
Alex Smoke | Audio Visual Show 2015 from Florence To on Vimeo.
The album has been well received with reviews 8/10 in Mix Mag, 8/10 in DJ Mag, The Quietus & The Clash.
“Frankly, we fear for Alex Smoke’s sanity, but we salute the brilliance of this record.” Mix Mag
“A cohesive and melancholic work that is both robust yet fragile, heavy yet inviting.” DJ Mag
LittleBig Welcomes Guy Andrews, premiers video for ‘Nokken’s Song’
LittleBig agency welcomes Guy Andrews on board. An exciting new addition to the Fabric label, Houndstooth. Guy’s album ‘Our Spaces’ will be released on the label in March 2016.
Check the video, premiered by Red Bull, for ‘Nokken’s Song’ from the album, below.
Littlebig welcomes CW/A
We are proud to welcome Thomas Feriero and Francesco Leali’s collaborative project ‘CW/A’ to LittleBig.
CW/A is formed of Milan based Clockwork and Avatism, who together have released on labels such as Life & Death, Vakant, Permanent Vacation, M_REC and their own Parachute Recordings.
Since forming in 2013, they have performed at the likes of Concrete (Paris), Fabric (London), Dude Club (Milan), Sonar (Barcelona) and Exit Festival (Serbia), whilst gaining the support of Resident Advisor, XLR8R, Boiler Room, I-D and Big Up Magazine.
Following the release of their highly acclaimed ‘Words Unspoken, Acts Undone’ LP (which can be heard below), we are now taking bookings for their incredible live show.
Call Super ‘Migration EP’ out on Houndstooth
Following 2014’s debut album ‘Suzi Ecto’, Call Super’s return to Houndstooth sees him contemplating the dancefloor once again, with two tracks that develop his detailed, quixotic sound with his palette of shady drums and svelte bass work. Dreamlike pieces to rotate you into the night.
DJ Spinn returns to Europe this November
The reigning king of footwork returns to Europe this Summer following his inaugural releases on the esteemed Hyperdub label this year, which included a track with Danny Brown. Spinn will play a select set of dates before returning to support his debut album in 2016.
Check the tour dates and video for ‘Dubby’ feat. the late DJ Rashad & Danny Brown below.
05 Nov – Manchester, UK @ Soup Kitchen
06 Nov – Bristol, UK @ Start The Bus
07 Nov – London, UK @ Corsica Studios
10 Nov – Paris, FR @ La Machine
14 Nov – Berlin, DE @ Arena Club
19 Nov – Sheffield, UK @ The Harley
21 Nov – Antwerp, BE @ Trix
Randomer returns with new releases for L.I.E.S & Clone
Randomer returns to two of dance music’s most exciting labels this year following the ‘Stupid Things I Do’ and ‘Residents’ EPs, with a single on Clone entitled ‘Angry Fiddle’ b/w ‘Lottarump’, and a new EP on L.I.E.S- ‘Kids Play’, which the label says he “went in and dug up some percussive nastiness and got all dynamic with it, dropping in and dropping out [with] heavy kicks and bells.”
Preview both releases below.
Emmanuel releases joint label EP with ‘Man Worships Power’ on Enemy Records vs ARTS
‘Man Worships Power’ is the new joint release from Enemy Records & ARTS, with the two label bosses Dustin Zahn & Emmanuel putting out some of their strongest work to date. Each artist has chosen the others 2 tracks featuring on the EP. This is the first in a line of joint releases from the 2 techno labels run by the two artists.
Emmanuels contributions ‘Cargo’ and ‘Contrane’ have both been getting early support, with the likes of Ben Klock, Rodhad & DVS1 amongst the names to be playing them out regularly. Both strong dancefloor workouts, you can check ‘Cargo’ & ‘Contrane’ below:Hyperdub Records release Scratcha DVA’s ‘ALLYALLRECORDS’ EP
Scratcha DVA returns to Hyperdub with his new EP ‘ALLYALLRECORDS’ featuring tracks produced with Addison Groove, Mickey Pearce and Clara la San. Released on a special 10″ clear vinyl, it’s certainly a breath of fresh air from a regular of the UK stable.
Check the video for the lead single ‘ALLYALLRECORDS’, with Addison Groove, that has been doing the rounds for many months in the approach to it’s release on vinyl and digital in August. Digital release will be on 28th August.
Roman Lindau & Sascha Rydell: Live at Boileroom
Roman Lindau and Sascha Rydell perform live for an 8 Years of Fachwerk Showcase on Boileroom.
Max Cooper & Tom Hodge: Sonos Studio at Abbey Road Studios
Max Cooper and pianist and composer Tom Hodge do a live performance at Abbey Road Studios to perform music of their current and upcoming EP.
Sonos and Abbey Road Studios have set out to explore the method and the magic of creating music and great sounds. To celebrate the partnership between Sonos and Abbey Road Studios, as well as the upcoming opening of Sonos Studio London this fall.