Posts

Trovarsi

WORK 2022 Resident Trovarsi Is Shifting the Paradigm

WORK is a premiere event collaboration between 6AM group and Synthetik minds, driven by the work-to-play mentality. Making its debut in 2022, WORK has launched its first-ever WORK Residency Program which will grow and feature talent within the local techno community. Newly inducted WORK resident Trovarsi has joined the talented roster of local artists that have put in their hours in the studio, behind the decks, and their presence in the community. She is known for her analog and modular style and will be able to give more to the Los Angeles warehouse scene with her residency at WORK.

The co-founder of the Southern California Synth Society, Trovarsi is a Los Angeles-based music composer and producer, live electronic artist, educator, and streaming YouTube host. With a hybrid blend of modular and analogue synthesizers, drum machines and Ableton, Trovarsi embraces Afrofuturistic electronic expression while remaining firmly planted by her musical roots.

Sign up to the 6AM Insider bi-weekly newsletter to keep up with the latest industry news, in-depth features & releases

Hi Trovarsi! How did you become interested in the world of electronic music, particularly analog and modular synthesizers?

I started getting involved in music at a very young age, so it has always been always a major part of my life. My first instrument was the violin and then my focus shifted to playing the piano. I first heard dance music in the early 90’s and I was hooked! I grew up in the midwest, and Chicago was a short drive away, so I would drive down to pick up records and go out to the clubs and raves. I also worked at a record shop near the UW Madison campus. I was always following what was being released in all genres and I explored all types of music. Skipping ahead to when I got older, I started producing house and techno.  I love being able to play and perform with instruments. That raw sound, tactile feel, and connection with the machines and instruments and music made it an easy transition to hardware synths, drum machines and eurorack modular.

Our motto is: “Shifting the paradigm in electronic music from what is expected, to being accepted!”

Trovarsi, founder of the So Cal Synth Society, speaks about shifting the paradigm in electronic music to be more inclusive of women and non-binary folks


We love your initiative, Frequency Shift. Can you share more about your streaming festival?

I am immensely proud to be a founder of the So Cal Synth Society and the Frequency Shift Festival. It began with the goal of shifting the paradigm in electronic music away from a male dominated industry, to be more inclusive of women and non-binary people. We have connected with hundreds of female/non-binary musicians around the world. Through SoCal Synth Society’s platform, we are able to curate shows and events which feature these amazing artists. Through this community they have connected and built new relationships, supporting each other, and creating new projects. Our motto is: “Shifting the paradigm in electronic music from what is expected, to being accepted!”


You’re part of the newly launched WORK Residency Program and as part of it, you’ll be playing at selected events throughout the year. What does it mean to you to be invited to be a part of it and recognized as a standout talent?
 
I think it’s an honor and great opportunity to play in a scene I really connect with and love. It takes a lot of hard work and continuous dedication. I value all opportunities to share my music and I appreciate that people want to hear it and dance! Nothing beats connecting with others through the love of sound and working it out on the dancefloor. 

It’s nice to see a local promoter focus on local talent because it gives us an opportunity to support and build up our community in Los Angeles. Sometimes, all someone needs is a chance to showcase their talent.

Trovarsi on why WORK Residency program is important for Los Angeles’s community


 Why do you think the WORK Residency program is an important initiative?

I think it’s important because this is fun as hell BUT it is not easy! There are a lot of people out there putting everything they’ve got into their music and often they go unheard. There is so much amazing talent out there. Most clubs and events focus on the big names, the ones that sell tickets, but everyone has to start somewhere. It’s nice to see a local promoter focus on local talent because it gives us an opportunity to support and build up our community in Los Angeles. Sometimes, all someone needs is a chance to showcase their talent.


Are there any new projects or events on the horizon for you?

I am going on a five day journey through California deserts with three other producers in a solar powered RV! #modularcaliforniavibes We will be producing, mixing and mastering a joint EP during the trip. This event will be captured by a camera crew and released as a short documentary. I’m really looking forward to the collaboration and working in a studio on wheels! My other project, Transduction Signal Collective, is growing and we have some great shows coming up this year, The next one will be at the Analog Astronaut Conference at Biosphere 2, in Arizona. Check out our website for more details on upcoming performances.

Connect with Trovarsi: Website | SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp | Twitch

Spencer Brown

What’s in Your Toolbox? Spencer Brown’s 6 House & Techno Gems

Artists will never come unprepared to a party. They always bring a toolbox packed with tracks that are truly dance floor destroyers. What’s in Your Toolbox features artists’ secret weapons, aka, the tracks they don’t leave out of their USB. Spencer Brown is an artist who likes to live on the cutting edge of dance music. Whether it be techno, deep house, progressive house, or a whopping 18-minute stormer, Brown creates what he wants and when he wants for the love of music. After choosing world-class imprints such as Anjunadeep, Last Night on Earth, Factory93, and mau5trap to release his diverse work, Brown launched a label of his own. His new label, diviine, is official with the release of his latest double-sided single “Forbidden Flow / 18 Min Loop”. The genre defying artist now shares his top six house and techno tracks. 

Sign up to the 6AM Insider bi-weekly newsletter to keep up with the latest industry news, in-depth features & releases

Jiggler “Serenity”

A secret weapon. Since I found it via Shazam (thank you Patrice), I’ve played it in most of my sets. Growing up a drummer, I love syncopation. The groove is syncopated and stunning. Explodes the dancefloor. It’s a great tool to groove-lock a room after a riskier track.

Spencer Brown “Thanks Guy”

What was originally an experiment that took a few hours to make turned into a staple in my sets. Who knew a random sax sample could light up the dancefloor? Very grateful that Hernán Cattáneo was playing this one out frequently. It’s a great track to move from deeper, more progressive sounds to bridge into my peak time crate.

Invƍker “Churches”

Stunning groove. Hypnotic melody. Invƍker is one of my personal favorite producers at the moment and a really nice guy. This is one of those tracks where I feel “I wish I made this.” The melody is so simple that it’s infectious. The percussion is also a highlight.

Read More: What’s in Your Toolbox? Nora En Pure’s 6 House & Techno Gems

Sex of Insects “I Can Hear The Light” (Dave Pad Mix)

Probably the most interesting bassline of any track in my library at the moment. How did he make it? I have no idea. But it always locks the room in hypnosis. My friends and I coined the style “Snorkel Tek” to describe this underwater sound. Always on the lookout for more snorkel tek.

Hauswerks & Doorly “Ayahuasca”

My most played track in 2021 on Spotify. Another track I found via Shazam (thank you Gab). Something I love is when bassline and percussion come together to create a single syncopated groove. This track does just that. Once again, growing up a drummer, I’m very drawn to strong grooves.

Spencer Brown & Qrion “Rainy April”

We originally made this track back in 2017 in one sitting. Both of us played it out a few times with decent reactions, but neither of us felt it was good enough to release. Anjunadeep approached us to release it in 2021, and we thought, “why not?” We had played it for years. After the release, the track took a new life! The floaty riff and sneaky bassline explode the dancefloor. The track is still a staple in Lee Burridge’s sets (I was probably sent 10 videos from friends) and is also supported by Martin Garrix, Gorgon City, and Eelke Kleijn. So random from a track we almost didn’t release, but we were happy it makes people happy!

Connect with Spencer Brown: SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

9 Things that Only Seasoned Ravers Will Understand

Do you remember your first rave? You probably realized pretty soon that you wouldn’t find the Chainsmokers at Berghain. Now that you’ve been to so many warehouse parties you can’t stand anything less than 140 BPM. Here are nine things that only seasoned ravers will understand. Iykyk.

Read more

Underground Pioneer Paul Davis Selects Classics Defining the 90s and 00s

Paul Davis, AKA Circulation, was a pioneer of the UK tribal and tech sound in the 90s and 00s. Alongside his then musical partner Matt Jackson, Davis helped define the underground sound of the day with a series of revered Colours EPs.

Read Next: Is Modern Techno Resurrecting 90s Trance?

Now Paul Davis is back in Circulation. He returns with a new label, Recirculate, and a fifth innovative EP, Recirculate Five. The EP is available on Beatport and it will be released on other streaming platforms December 31. In honor of the release, Paul Davis shares ten classics that defined techno’s golden age.

1. Basic Channel “Phylyps Track” – Basic Channel 

I remember taking delivery of the first presses that came into the UK for my shop. The track blew us all away, dubbed out jazzy techno. One of the best techno tracks ever made. 

2. Carl Craig “Televised Green Smoke” – Planet E Communications 

My favourite Carl Craig track ever, the deeper melodic side of techno, an absolutely sublime record.

3. Planetary Assault Systems “Booster” – Peacefrog

What a bassline, a really funky track. I played this at Bedrock’s Second Birthday at Heaven, London and it took the roof off. 

4. Mr G “G Strings” – Altra Moda Music 

An infectious groove with a  beautiful string line, you could play this, and I did many times, in a more House-y set.

5. Daft Punk  “Alive” – Soma Records 

I played this track to death, it sounds absolutely awesome on a big system, pure techno.

6. Lyot “Vainqueur” – (Maurizio Remix)

One of the deepest yet darkest techno tracks ever made. 

7. Jeff Mills “The Bells” – Axis 

Mr. Techno himself, one of my favourites of his super super, funky vibes.

8. Slam “Positive Education” – Soma Records

A timeless classic still powerful and emotive after 25 years, you could play this track at any point in your set. 

9. Circulation “Green” – Circulation 

Our first and one of the most played Circulation tracks. It was played by so many DJs of different genres.

10. Trancesetters “Roaches” – (Peace Division Remix)

Killer, killer track great for the floor just builds and builds from the tribal masters. “Underground will live forever baby.”

 

Secret Project: One Project

Factory93 Debuts One Project with FJAAK, Nina Kraviz & More

Los Angeles-based promoters Factory93 set the Los Angeles house and techno scene on fire with their debut festival Secret Project in 2018. An instant favorite amongst fans in SoCal, Secret Project brought the best of house and techno DJs to spin amongst the gritty backdrop of the City of Angel’s industrial area. Now Factory93 debuts One Project. After a cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic, Factory 93’s imprint Secret Project has announced their new two-day SoCal event: Secret Project Presents: One Project premiering on October 2 – 3, 2021.

Read more

The Road to Reform: Annika Wolfe Reflects on Their Career So Far

The Road to REFORM: Annika Wolfe Looks to Music for Longevity

Los Angeles native Annika Wolfe has had a booming career over the last few years, and is ready to keep on rolling into 2021 and beyond.  Filled with rhythmic, deep and raw techno and not afraid to venture into New Wave or Punk it is hard to classify their sound into just one sub-genre. Along with being featured on blogs such as The Brvtalist and Deep House Amsterdam, Annika also runs their own imprint Akela Recordings. 6AM is honored to have Annika play REFORM this upcoming Labor Day. They sat down with 6AM to answer a few questions

Read more

Christwerrr

Christwerrr Debuts “Hammer Head,” An Ode to the Los Angeles Warehouse Scene

Up-and-coming Los Angeles DJ and producer Christwerrr drops his new single dedicated to the LA warehouse scene entitled “Hammer Head.” Using his hypnotic grooves and icy atmospheres, Christwerrr reimagines the hard hitting dark techno that made him fall in love with the dance floor.

Read more

6AM Guest Mix: Orly Gal

6AM Guest Mix: Orly Gal

Currently residing in Downtown Los Angeles Orly Gal delivers today’s 6AM Guest Mix.

Orly Gal has established herself as a professional producer, DJ, nusician and the Founder and Host of Frequently Mentioned LA – FMLA, a Media channel dedicated to showcasing the party series and music labels that make up the LA Scene.

Read more