UK DJ Stu Allan, Unsung Pioneer of Rave and Acid house, Dies at age 60
Stu Allan, one of the unsung pioneers of rave and acid house in the UK, has died of cancer aged 60. Read more
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Rewind: Best Rave Videos from the Past
Let’s take a trip (no, not that kind of trip), but a trip back in time. To a time where raving and partying were a little more magical and a little more illegalĀ (maybe that added to the magic). Go back to a time where whistles and glow sticks reigned supreme not fan clacking. Back to a time where people weren’t taking selfies for the ‘gram.Ā It’s fascinating to see how much has changed throughout the years, but also how much remains the same in rave culture. So here we go, let’s begin the trip back to the past.
Robin Ball: “My Favorite Acid House Classics”
Robin Ballās Memory Box builds on the success of early releases with a big new outing that features two of his own tracks and one from the legendary Luke Vibert.
Memory Box is a party that has hosted Derrick Carer, Trevino and A Guy Called Gerald among others, and is a place to hear proper acid house. Ball himself is a master of the genre and most often released on his own Groovepressure label, having been making music since his teens. Now his latest labour of love is once again reaffirming his status as a vital voice in the UK scene.
Luke Vibert has a rich history that makes him a key part of the UKās dance counterculture over the last 30 years. His always animated music is wild and inventive and comes on greats like Mo Wax, Warp and Planet Mu. Here he offers āX to Cā, a wild melange of warped synth tones, grizzled basslines & acid flashes. It will twist and turn the dance floor inside out.
These are three devastating club cuts that expertly draw on the past, present and future of acid. In occasion of this release, we asked Robin Ball to share his all-time favorite acid house classic.
Premiere: Agent Orange Delivers Driving Remix of Josh Wink Classic “Donāt Laugh”
New York-born DJ and producer Agent Orange has remixed the Josh Wink classic āDonāt Laughā, out on 14th June via Nervous Records, and available on Beatport.
Pitching down the acid-soaked original and adding a thumping kick drum, Agent Orangeās rework transforms āDonāt Laughā from peak-time weapon to terrace chugger, with techno titans Carl Cox, Adam Beyer and Nicole Moudaber already giving it support. The dub edit is even more sparse, allowing the sadistic laughing sample to take centre stage. Released back in 1995, the original is considered one of the most iconic acid house tracks of the era, amassing over 1.6 million views on YouTube to date.
#TBT Series: The Second Summer of Love, Britain’s Acid House Revolution
During the summers of 1987-89, Britain experienced one of its largest youth movements ever. A direct result of the rise of acid house, the introduction and consumption of ecstasy, and the need for a space where your looks, sexual orientation, or societal status didn’t matter. This social phenomenon is noted as the Second Summer of Love, referencing the sixties Summer of Love, where 100,000 hippies converged in San Francisco’s neighborhood, Haight-Ashbury, to experiment and become conscious of one’s existence.
At a time when rare groove and hip-hop dominated most of the UK club music scene, acid house was skyrocketing in popularity thanks to ecstasy and two of the most influential clubs in the UK, the HaƧienda and Shoom.
Happy 303 Day: Celebrate by Listening to 303 of the Best Acid Tracks Ever Produced
The Roland TB-303 Bass Line is a bass synthesizer with built-in sequencer manufactured by the Roland Corporation from 1982 to 1984 that had a defining role in the development of contemporary electronic dance music.
More specifically, the TB-303 played an important role in the development of house music, influencing Chicago House and forming the basis for Acid House. After its initial years, it became known as the pivotal and key hardware responsible for the birth of Acid House, and from there Acid Techno and Acid Trance too. Every March 3rd, electronic music fans from around the world pay homage to the Roland TB-303 and Acid House for what has become known as 303 Day.
For this year’s appointment with 303 Day, we present to you a complete YouTube playlist compiled by our friends at Techno Scene. The platform, which focuses on spreading news, music releases and love for all genres and styles of techno, put together 303 of the best acid tracks ever produced. In it, you will not only find acid techno, or acid house, but a wideĀ arrayĀ of acid tracks from a wider array of genres, some of which are not for the faint of heart!
For this interesting project project, Techno Scene enlisted the help of their faithful Facebook community, asking them to submit their proposals for tracks that should be featured in the playlist. The result is nothing short of pure acid heaven, or as they put it: 303 “acid tracks that cover the broad spectrum of acid influenced music. Here is our take on it, a list with 303 tracks, made by our community. Happy 303 day!”
Enjoy the playlist in full below and ensure you head to Techno Scene’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and SoundCloud to stay up to date with their work.
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Acid87 Drops New Clothing Line and Website
Independent club wear brand Acid87 has recently relaunched with a bang and a special new t-shirt that is a positive riposte to the craziness of the current world. With a new website and an exciting and ever expanding range, the refreshing and much talked about clothes label is firmly entrenched in the musical underground and has become a real favorite amongst the underground musicĀ fans in Europe and beyond.
This newest t-shirt comes under the Music Unites title, and is all about bringing some positivity to the world in times of unease and unrest. Ā It is one of the standouts and will be supported by artists such as Heidi, Cassy, Timo Mass, Sonny Whorton, Kydus, David Glass and more.
DJ Spank-Spank, Acid House Pioneer, Has Reportedly Passed Away
Phuture. DJ Spank-Spank is on the left
DJ Spank-Spank, known as Earl Smith, Jr. and originator of āAcid Tracksā on Phuture, has passed, according to a tweet from The Black Madonna.
Rest in power .@djspankspank one of the true innovators of the acid sound. Love and strength to @djpierre and Phuture family. ā¤ļø
ā The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi) September 21, 2016
Although the details and cause of death are yet unknown, Smith suffered a stroke back in May and underwent surgery because of it. In the coming weeks, Phuture took to Facebook to express his concern for Smith and gratitude for the support.
Listen to ‘Rise From Your Grave Below’
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We wish our most heartfelt condolences to the entire Phuture crew and Smithās family. Thank you for the unforgettable music.
15 Must-See Artists at Movement Detroit 2016
Today Movement Detroit released its 2016 stage programme including full set times for the entire weekend. Naturally, conflicts abound with a lineup of this size and social media chatter is already buzzing with opinions on who shouldn’t be missed and which artists are worth skipping on.
While music taste is subjective and nothing will ever change that, we have combed through the full Movement roster and have chosen 15 must-see acts (listed alphabetically) we encourage catching this year. Included are some obvious choices (duh), a few big international artists, local Detroit acts and names that represent techno, house, acid house and even drum and bass. The aim was to give a balanced opinion that hopefully adds some new facesĀ to your must-see list for the weekend.
Don’t forget to brush up on our City Travel Guide for DetroitĀ ahead of your trip, for pointers to make the best out of your Movement weekend!
Anja Schneider
Monday, May 30th. 5-6:30pm at the Main Stage
Anja Schneider shouldn’t be a new name to most people attending Movement this year, having worked the international underground music circuit for plenty of years as a producer, DJ and founder of Mobilee Records. The German producer has been brilliantly representing the talented pool of female acts in dance music for almost two decades now, thanks to a prolific list of releases and energetic sets thatĀ always get the crowd going.
Delano Smith
Monday, May 30th. 6-7:30pm at the Made in Detroit Stage (Origins: Elevation Showcase)
It is no secret that Delano Smith’s music is a blend of Chicago and Detroit, the two iconic Midwest cities that gave birth to house and techno respectively. Born in the former and raised in the latter, SmitĀ represents one of the last of a rare group of Detroit’s first house DJs and a product of I-94 connection (the interstate that connects both cities). Expect deep and groovy, the type of sets that calls for your best dancing shoes to be worn.
DJ Pierre
Monday, May 30th. 7-8:30pm at theĀ Underground Stage (Acid Showcase)
The name is synonymous with “Acid House”, and with plenty of good reason. DJ Pierre is not only a pioneer of the genre, he is the quintessential producer that helped found it as a member of Phuture, the group formed in 1985 with Spanky and Herb J whose “Acid Trax” (1987) is regarded by many to be the first acid house record ever made. Phuture played a fantastic set at Hart Plaza last year and this coming May it will be the turn of DJ Pierre solo to represent the popular genre on its own stage.
Dub Phizix & MC Strategy
Monday, May 30th. 8-10pm at theĀ Opportunity Detroit Stage (Konkrete Jungle Showcase)
Looking for something other than techno, house and acid? Then you should head over to see this British duo for a fix of proper drum and bass. One of the genre’s best producers and a regular at London’s famed fabric nightclub, Dub Phizix knows how to blend percussion with basslines that evoke space and atmospheric like no other producer of the genre does. With MC Strategy by his side, the set is to be riot, the kind of riot that you may need to break the programming mold that focuses on underground sounds in Detroit.
Ectomorph (Live)
Saturday, May 28th. 8-9pm at theĀ Opportunity Detroit Stage (Interdimensional Transmission Showcase)
Ectomorph is the union of BMG and Erika, the two forces behind the Interdimensional Transmission and symbols of the live analogue techno movement (pun intended) that is taking over the festival’s underground stage this year. They have been holding their own Movement after-party for years and have been regulars at the popular Bunker parties in New York City for just as long. Their mythic status and resultant cult following are a fruit of studied and well-crafted techno performances that full embody the trajectory the genre has taken in Detroit over the last decade and more.
Four Tet
Saturday, May 28th. 9:45-10:45pmĀ at theĀ Red Bull Music Academy Stage
Keiran Hebden, the man behind the electronic outlet knows as Four Tet, has been breaking the rule since his arrival in this scene. While his first single “Thirtysixtwentyfive” was a mere 36 minute long – no big deal – it’s what he has done since that has elevated him as one of the most sought-after acts of the current house music industry. He blends hip-hop, jazz and improvised sounds in a signature manner unlike any other artist out there, making it almost impossible to pin him to a specific genre.
Hito
Monday, May 30th. 2-4pm at theĀ Beatport Stage (PLAYdifferently presents Prototypes Tour)
Japan-born and Berlin-based, Hito may be best recognized as a mainstay of Richie Hawtin’s ENTER.Sake concept and its influence on the overall brand of Hawtin’s traveling party and former Ibiza residency. As you may have found out in our recent feature on her humble beginnings, Hito is herself a purveyor of Japanese underground music thanks to jacking vinyl sets that emphasize on groove and are a perfect day opener for the heavier sounds of the PLAYdifferently roster set to play the stage after her.
KRAFTWERK – 3D
Saturday, May 28th. 10:30pm-12am at the Main Stage
This is a no-brainer if there ever was one. The iconic German electronic music band will be making its Movement debut as a headliner and the most anticipated act of the year. Added to the already alluring equation is the notion that they will be bringing their famed 3D production to the heart of Detroit. Expect to be wowed.
Magda
Sunday, May 29th. 7:30-9pm at the BeatportĀ Stage
Born in Poland and raised in Detroit, Magda got her jump as a touring act and producer when she joined Richie Hawtin’s M_nus label and began touring the world as his opening DJ. The rest is history, her name now a symbol of minimal techno around the world – a status that has cementedĀ herĀ as one of the most in-demand artists of her craft.
Matador (Live)
Sunday, May 29th. 5:30-7pm at the Main Stage
With releases on Cocoon, Perc Trax and M_nus under his belt, Matador entered 2016 with a brand-new EP out on his very own debut label “Rukus” His set at the Underground Stage last year was a crowd favorite with aĀ live performance incorporating midi controllers, samplers and effects to formidable effect. Detroit is lastĀ stop of a current world tour that has seen him perform in India, the UAE and all over Europe – a testament that his sound is as popular and fresh as ever.
Modeselektor (Live)
Monday, May 30th. 10:45pm-12am at the Main Stage
Diverse, exuberant and boundary-breaking are just a few of the words used to describe the German duo known as Modeselektor. You’d be kidding yourself if you ever tried to pin them to a single music genre, for their grooves emanate from a blurring together of numerous facets of electronica both as a duo and as Moderat alongside fellow Berliner Apparat. They aren’t headlining the festival by pure chance, leaving many to wonder what to expect from their first ever live performance at the festival.
Project 313 (Live)
Saturday, May 28th. 2-4pm at theĀ Underground Stage
It’s as simple as this: if you want hard techno, go see Project 313. The Detroit-based duo composed by Chad Parraghi and Nick Bien are the brains behind the city’s famed Blank Code imprint and the Scene parties that showcase that very same no hold barred techno their label releases. Project 313 have been teaming up with Los Angeles’ Droid Behavior every year during Movement, bringing together their respective Scene and Interface parties highlighting some of the most impressive international and local techno talents on the market. The key to their success is personal passion and uncompromising love for the very same dark and heavy techno sounds you can expect to hear during their set.
Mike Servito b2b Derek Plaslaiko
Saturday, May 28th. 5-6pm at theĀ Opportunity Detroit Stage (Interdimensional Transmission Showcase)
This coming May, the two Detroit natives and residents at The Bunker New York will be showcasing their impressive talent as track selectors with a back-to-back performance. There is no doubt that the two friends will display the exact talents that have seen themĀ gain a reputation as some of the best track diggers in today’s DJ touring world – this isn’t their first rodeo as a duo so expect to dance, and dance hard.
Tin Man
Monday, May 30th. 6-7pm at theĀ Underground Stage (Acid Showcase)
Vienna’s Tin Man has been producing for over a decade, yet still represents the wave of neo acid artists that has been held responsible for the recent increased resurgence in popularity of the infectious and mesmerizing genre. He incorporates the use of Roland 303’s in his live shows, transforming his sets into captivating and soulful performances that are often labeled as “hypnotizing.”
Zip
Saturday, May 28th. 5:30-7pm at theĀ Beatport Stage
Nobody would fault you for thinking that Zip is Romanian. His characteristically minimal sound transports one to the beaches of Sunwaves alongside the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, theĀ [a:rpia:r] trio and a whole flurry of other local talent. German-born, however, he co-founded the Perlon label and currently holds residencies at two of Germany and the world’s most influential clubbing institutions:Ā Robert Johnson (Offenbach) in Frankfurt and the Panorama Bar in Berlin. All this while continuing to tour and perform all over the world, including regular guest sets at Cocoon Ibiza.
Photo courtesy of Rodrigo N. Diaz
BONUS: Bjarki (Live)
Sunday, May 28th. 4-5:30pm at theĀ Main Stage
This feature wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Bjarki’s debut performance at Movement, and that is why he is included as a bonus 16th must-see act for this year’s 10th Anniversary of Detroit’s techno festival. The Icelander producer has been making waves since his “I Wanna Go Bang” single exploded on the scene in spring of last year and his live set at the Main Stage in the middle of the afternoon on Sunday should be a treat for everyone present.
Connect withĀ Movement: Official Site | FacebookĀ | TwitterĀ | Instagram
Acid Camp Volume 7 Invites Mike Servito for a Sunday of Acid Tracks
Clocking in at number 90 on Resident Advisor’s top 100 DJs of 2015, Mike Servito is the resident DJ of The Bunker New York and a unique forward-thinking presence in the contemporary electronic music scene. With experience as a part of the Ghostly collective and a driving force for the New York underground, Mike Servito serves up a blend of influences from Chicago house to Detroit techno alongside the analog sounds of the TR-808 and TB-303. Read more
