Global Vibe Radio 252 Feat. Quail
It is our pleasure to welcome Animal Farm label boss and Soma A&R Quail to the Global Vibe Radio family, for what is now the 252nd edition of our weekly mix series.
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Global Vibe Radio 234 Feat. Temudo
This week’s Global Vibe Radio guest is Portuguese producer, DJ and HAYES Collective Co-Founder Temudo, who also boasts releases on Soma, Modularz, Mord, Clergy, Planet Rhythm and more.
Premiere: Non Reversible Debuts on Soma Records with the “Extinction” EP
Making his debut on Soma Records with the Extinction EP is Berlin-based DJ and producer, Non Reversible.
Slowly but surely making his name within the underground ranks of Techno, Non Reversible has released storming EPs via ARTS, Animal Farm and his own eponymous label. With his debut Soma EP, Non Reversible works his way through 5 modern, industrial tracks.
Premiere: Slam Are Back On Home Turn With “Sense of Purpose” EP
Soma Records label heads Slam are back on home turf with another high-pressure release, the Sense Of Purpose EP. The pairing of Stuart McMillan & Orde Meikle hit hard once again with 3 expertly crafted tracks that give a nod to the roots of the tougher side of Techno.
Opening track “Capture” harks to the unrelenting nature of early 2000s Techno. A sturdy blend of hammering percussive elements, backed by rebellious vocals make for a typically high octane track Slam. “False” maintains the pressure but has a more warped and hypnotic hook that adds even darker overtones. “Episode” closes out the EP and has a trademarked Slam groove element whilst still remaining rough and ready as added dubbed out atmospherics and pads play to the tracks deeper momentum.
Enjoy the exclusive premiere of False below.
More About Slam
As Soma surpasses its 25th year of its epic journey, you only have to take one look at its release schedule to understand why Slam have remained on the cutting edge and firmly at the forefront of musical innovation.
Protagonists since the early days and always in the vanguard, forward-thinking techno producers Slam’s recent ‘Transmissions: Glasgow compilation showed a continued commitment to the future, this time centred around the talent of their home town and focusing on the burgeoning Techno scene which is so prominent in the city.
Over the past few years the pair have also developed Slam Radio, delivering some of the best DJs and music that Techno has to offer to a massive and loyal weekly following, with a truly underground flavour.
Read Our Exclusive Slam vs SHDW & Obscure Shape Interview
Slam instigated Glasgow’s underground House music scene in the late 1980s, going on to be instrumental in the explosion of the UK Techno scene, and their quarter of a century of exploits have seen them travel far and wide, leaving scorch marks on dance floors everywhere while taking their uncompromising vision of Techno around the world.
Closer to home, since 1997, SLAM have curated the Slam Tent at Scotland’s biggest festival T in the Park, and more recently Riverside Festival with some of the world’s best known DJs and live acts playing alongside underground ground breaking talent on their monumental stage. Their firmly established monthly club events in Glasgow, Pressure (formerly at the Arches now at SWG3) and Return To Mono at the Sub Club, are ranked amongst the best nights out on the planet.
After their much-acclaimed album ‘Machine Cut Noise’ and enormous new venture ‘Soma Track Series’, the legendary producers continue to demonstrate why they are an important part of modern day electronic music.
SLAM have never been ones to rest on their musical laurels and they are constantly and consistently experimenting in the studio, working multitude of tracks.
Track Listing:
- Capture
- False
- Episode
Connect with Slam: Online | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud
Prolific Portuguese Producer Nørbak Returns to Soma With “Struggle In Vain” EP Including Kwartz Remix
Rising Techno star Nørbak makes a welcome return to Soma with his second release the Struggle In Vain EP. The prolific young Portuguese producer has had an incredible year so far in terms of releases and this 2nd release with Soma marks a decided upturn in showcasing his well crafted and defined sound. Adding to the EPâs already heavy sound is Spanish producer Kwartz who delivers an epic remix in his own inimitable style.
Subtlty and hypnotism are trademarks of Nørbakâs sound and opener “These Hurrying Years” is a perfect example of him using both of these to work in tension throughout. Title track “Struggle In Vain” leans on driving and direct elements that deliver on pure intensity. Listen to the premiere and you will see exactly what we mean.
“It Will Not Consume Us” works in broken beat rhythms allowing Nørbak to bring a sense of groove whilst more atmospheric elements evolve throughout. The Kwartz remix of “It Will Not Consume Us” closes out the EP with great depth as layer upon layer unfolds, utilising the originalâs atmospheres and melodic tones, creating a whole new entity.
6AM ¡ Premiere: Nørbak “Struggle In Vain” – Soma Records
More About Nørbak
Nørbakâs devotion to music production came early on in his life, a craft honed in through countless hours in the studio, day after day. His soundscapes vary from ambient to experimental but always focused on techno. His first releases came in 2016 on imprints such as Circular Limited and Illegal Alien, followed by globally-recognized labels the likes of PoleGroup, Warm Up Recordings, Semantica, Modularz, Affin, Float Records and more. Through this journey, his sound has developed further and further, now focusing on the mental and physical side of Techno, where he finds himself most at home.
More recently, Nørbak joined the Portuguese independent collective and label Hayes as an active member, working together with his label colleagues to push a new wave of contemporary Techno.
Altogether, his work has been supported by some of the most respected artists in the scene like Oscar Mulero, Jonas Kopp, Svreca, Dasha Rush and more, a testament to the maturity of his productions and DJ performances.
We featured Nørbak on our Global Vibe Radio mix series late last year. Listen to it here.
More About Soma
Soma Recordings is a Glasgow-based techno and house label co-founded in 1991 by the electronic music duo Slam. Now in its 28th year, Soma has a reputation for consistent excellence in the record industry, continually releasing quality electronic music. Soma is regarded as one of the top UK independent record labels, and one of Scotlandâs best musical exports. To date, Soma has released over 500 singles and 100 albums from some of electronic musicâs biggest international names.
Soma Records is inarguably one of Technoâs major forces in 2020 and since its inception on the streets of Glasgow, it has stood for uncompromising quality of the highest level in every area it operates.
Label figureheads Slam formed the label in 1991 together with friends Glenn Gibbons & Dave Clarke and subsequently forged one of electronic musicâs most widely known and well-respected labels. Soma quickly began to develop its own sound with classics such as Slamâs timeless âPositive Educationâ and helped launch the careers of many great artists like Surgeon, Envoy, Silicone Soul and Alex Smoke as well as the discovery of French duo Daft Punk who released their first rudimentary, raw outings on the label back in 1994.
Track Listing:
1. These Hurrying Years
2. Struggle in Vain
3. It Will Not Consume Us
4. It Will Not Consume Us (Kwartz Remix)
Nørbak Struggle in Vain is out July 20th on Soma Records
In Interview: SLAM Vs SHDW & Obscure Shape
It’s not every day that you see two duos collaborating together, but that’s exactly what SLAM and SHDW & Obscure Shape just did.
This month world-renowned Scottish techno label Soma revealed a special collaboration between label heads Slam and another of Technoâs top tier duos, SHDW & Obscure Shape. With both of these acts currently at peak form, Oblique Strategies is the culmination of a shared vision where both styles of production shine through on every track. Starting as a singular idea, shared between the pairings, each then took their turn to put their own stamp on the tracks. The results are plain to see as Strategy 1, 2 & 3 express the very best of what these renowned duos bring to Techno.
“Not too many duos have collaborated before. So when choosing another duo to work with it had to be with our friend’s Obscure Shape & SHDW. We have both had mutual respect for each others productions for quite some time now, and we thought it would be an interesting slant on things to go head to head duo to duo.â – SLAM
Soma Records Celebrates 25 Years with Daft Punk, Robert Hood, Blawan, Jeff Mills, Andrew Weatherall, Kobosil, Vril and more
There is little to no doubt that Soma Records make the list as one of the most respected techno imprints of today. Label bosses Slam formed the label in the distant 1991 alongside friends Glenn Gibbons and Dave Clarke, and are now celebrating 25 years of operation.
The label made a name for itself in its infant years with a catalog of fantastic music outings, including Slam’s very own timeless “Positive Education” and early career releases from the likes of Surgeon, Envoy, Funk D’Void, Silicone Soul and Alex Smoke. Not many know, for example, that french duo Daft Punk released their first raw music pieces on the label back in 1994.
To celebrate the 25 year milestone, Soma has asked a selection of the world’s finest techno acts to provide fresh brand-new music for a specially curated 15-track Limited Edition 5XVinyl Box Set. Old timers the likes of Jeff Mills, Robert Hood, Steve Bicknell, Andrew Weatherall (appearing as Woodleigh Research Facility), Blawan and Adam Beyer were joined by more recent techno newcomers such as Kobosil, VRIL and Jonas Kopp  to select and remix some of Soma’s best back-catalog material for a fresh representation of the role Soma plays in techno today.
Accompanying the brilliant music selection, Soma “decided it was necessary to match the unique musical sensibilities displayed with an artistic environment that clearly juxtaposed the ideas set forth in the project.” The collaboration with Scottish artist Kyle Irvine has resulted in a selection of unique designs crafted specifically for the box set, which also includes exclusive Soma 25 stickers, a poster and illustrated vinyl sleeves.
The box set will be officially released on March 31st.
Track List:
A1. Robert Hood â The Bond We Formed
A2. Jeff Mills â A Tale From the Parallel Universe
B1. Daft Punk â Drive (Slam Modular Interpretation)
B2. Adam Beyer â Just Things
C1. Blawan â Clipper
C2. The Woodleigh Research Facility â S.O.M.A 25
D. Josh Wink â Synodic Period
E1. Slam â Stepback (Jonas Kopp Remix)
E2. Slam â Visions (Kobosil Remix)
F. Percy X â X Track (Vril Remix 2)
G1. Slam – Tempest
G2. Steve Bicknell â Mind Cycles
H. Funk DâVoid â 808 Planet
I. Joe Stawarz â Cry (Deepchord Remix)
J. Joe Stawarz â Beebear. (Deepchord Remix)
Connect with Soma: Online | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
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Techno Therapy: Slam – Factory Music (Remixes)
Although Slam didnât make Resident Advisorâs Top 100 this year, itâs undeniable that the duo had one of their greatest years yet. Releasing their 5th album Reverse Proceed, running Soma Records, and sharing the booth with any techno DJ worth their salt, 2014 was more than kind to Slam. Reverse Proceed is a beautiful compilation of 14 original tracks that truly push the boundaries of techno. Atmospheric dub textures? Ya they got that. Analog and modular sequences that make me feel as if Iâm raving in the year 2099? YaâŚthey nailed that too. If it were up to me, this would win album of the yearâŚbut alasâŚitâs not, and I digress. Out of those 14 tracks, they recently released a âreinterpretationâ EP on Soma which invites the immensely talented Planetary Assault Systems and Flug to remix Factory Music, a track clearly aimed at the center of the dance floor. For Techno Therapy today, we bring you the remix package of Factory Music, and all of it’s techno goodness.
Techno Therapy: Slam – Factory Music (Remixes)
Although Slam didnât make Resident Advisorâs Top 100 this year, itâs undeniable that the duo had one of their greatest years yet. Releasing their 5th album Reverse Proceed, running Soma Records, and sharing the booth with any techno DJ worth their salt, 2014 was more than kind to Slam. Reverse Proceed is a beautiful compilation of 14 original tracks that truly push the boundaries of techno. Atmospheric dub textures? Ya they got that. Analog and modular sequences that make me feel as if Iâm raving in the year 2099? YaâŚthey nailed that too. If it were up to me, this would win album of the yearâŚbut alasâŚitâs not, and I digress. Out of those 14 tracks, they recently released a âreinterpretationâ EP on Soma which invites the immensely talented Planetary Assault Systems and Flug to remix Factory Music, a track clearly aimed at the center of the dance floor. For Techno Therapy today, we bring you the remix package of Factory Music, and all of it’s techno goodness.
