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August Schedule at Do Not Sit on the Furniture

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Do Not Sit on the Furniture continues to gain steam in the vast nightlife landscape of Miami. Recently named the best nightclub in Miami by the Miami New Times, Do Not Sit on the Furniture upholds a tried and true ethos when it comes to house and techno, and is a haven for those in search of the essential musical vibe. Last month the intimate Miami venue saw the likes of Droog, Lake People, and Eelke Kleijn take over the decks, and the August schedule at Do Not Sit on the Furniture maintains the consistency with deep sonic journeys. Here’s some of the highlights for August… Read more

Techno Philosophy, Thrift Stores, and Anthracite – A Conversation with Sian

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“It’s tribal. People bullshit on about it being a religious thing, but in a lot of ways it is the most basic idea of celebration” – Sian 

There is a primal rhythm deeply rooted in human nature. Music often brings out these feelings and inhibitions, and if there’s one artist that has tapped into this energy it’s Sian. He’s developed a signature sound of techno through a plethora of releases,while curating his own vision of techno through his imprint, Octopus Recordings. Artists such as Sasha Carassi, Harvey McKay, and Jay Lumen have all signed on helping curate the vibe of Octopus, and Sian continues to host numerous Octopus Recordings showcases around the world from Movement to Sonar. In the wake of his recent EP, Medicine Man, Sian has completed and prepared his forthcoming album, Anthracite, with a release date set for August 3rd.

“This was more of a cinematic trip,” explained Sian. “I actually worked on a bunch of tracks as singles, and then I had about 100 tracks and started honing it down to 50, and so on.” Sian’s approach on music is holistic at times as far as inspiration goes. Honing in on specific sounds, or perhaps a surprising voicemail from a good friend, Sian builds a cohesive foundation around the tracks that allows them to stand alone or coexist as one body of work.

As the process came to a close, Sian eventually ended up with 23 tracks to tell the musical story of his new album. Anthracite embodies the peaks and valleys of techno complete with various cinematic landscapes and tantalizing bass line rhythms from start to finish.

Sian with album titleWith a set up comprised of a few Moog Synths, a Korg MS-20, and an array of outboard effects, Sian had the tools at his disposal to start developing tracks from the resonate hypnotic groover of Gulf Stream to the dubby techno textures of Metaverse, and everything inbetween.

We recently met up with Sian to talk in depth about the making of Anthracite, techno philosophy, and an unforgettable story outside of Johannesburg…among other things.  Listen to the Anthracite LP previews and read the full conversation below for more insight. Read more

Artist Spotlight: Sydney Blu

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Sydney BluToronto, Canada has produced some extraordinary talent when it comes to the underground electronic music scene. Sydney Blu is one of the top female DJ’s in the industry and she has solidified herself as one of the heavy hitters who came up in Toronto nightlife scene. Deadmau5, Carlo Lio, Nathan Barato, Kenny Glasgow and Sydney Blu are just a few of the names that have risen the ranks of top DJ’s while calling Toronto their home. Toronto has provided incredible dance floors for local DJ’s to sharpen their skills at clubs like Coda, The Guvernment (RIP), Film Cafe, X-it, System Soundbar and Comfort Zone (CZ).

We caught up with Sydney Blu to chat about her Canadian roots, musical influences and her latest project, Relentless, which is her first full length EP released on Black Hole Recordings. Sydney Blu’s Relentless is set to launch on July 27th with a huge album release party at Sound Nightclub in Los Angeles for Monday Night Social. Read more

Maceo Plex’s Forthcoming Solar Sampler EP on Ellum

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Maceo Plex guides us with a trippy, airy techno soundscape with a forthcoming release titled Solar Sampler on his own label Ellum. The EP features two songs; Wash Away My Tears is ethereally orchestrated and will likely grace the sets of upcoming desert parties like Burning Man. Solar Detroit is a more invigorating blend of techno and trance elements, its namesake alludes to the Motor City’s distinct impact on the music scene. Solar Sampler will be released in full on July 27 via Soundcloud.

Maceo Plex: Resident Advisor | Facebook | Soundcloud

DJ Shu-ma: What You Feel [Bass Works]

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Album Art Dj Shu Ma

Sugiurumn has established a phenomenal outlet for releasing underground dance music through his label, Bass Works Recordings. Making it’s home in Japan, Bass Works Recordings has put out over 100 releases, and counting, while releasing an array of talented artists such as: Satoshi Otsuki, Hito, Satoshi Fumi, Ken Ishii, and many more.

The label has brought in DJ Shu-ma for the 105th release on Bass Works Recordings, and he delivers two slabs of optimal hypnotic and Balearic techno.

What You Feel is a two track EP that brings you in to full on terrace vibes. The original mix utilizes chopped up vocal samples and carries through with a deep FM sine wave groove, while playful drums and pads act as the foundation of the break. Lush chord stabs are soon to follow propelling this one right to the heart of clubbers on the dance floor.

The Ibiza mix of What You Feel is where DJ Shu-ma’s Balearic roots really shine through. The track remains relatively unchanged, but it’s with the inclusion of an underlying piano melody that gives it an airy atmosphere and one perfectly suited for early mornings on the White Isle.

What You Feel EP is currently out on all major music retail outlets. You can preview the tracks below, and make sure to stay up to date with DJ Shu-ma and Bass Works Recordings for more music.

Release Information

Release Date: July 15th, 2015
Available on: Beatport | Juno Download

DJ Shu-ma: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport
Bass Works Recordings: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport

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Art Department “Kisses For Roses” Remixes Out Now

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Art Department has continued to gain momentum the past year, despite the surprising departure of Jonny White’s musical partner, Lenny Glasgow. The Canadian duo split several months ago when Kenny Glasgow left to pursue other musical and business goals, although Jonny White has continued to keep the Art Department project going. Following the success of Natural Selection, he has solidified Art Department’s position at the forefront of the dance scene through a number of releases on his No. 19 Records. Most recently, this came via a remix pack for Kisses for Roses, a solid vocal track from Natural Selection (No. 19, Ultra).

The Kisses for Roses remix pack includes a re-release of the original, along with 3 remixes from heavy hitters The Martinez Brothers and Soul Clap (the latter contributed both a vocal remix and a dub mix). The Martinez Brothers deliver the upbeat jackin’ energy they are so loved for, stripping the song back and adding some thumping drums.

Soul Clap, on the other hand, puts a more mellow touch on both of their remixes, creating funky jams perfectly suited for any pool party or after hours dance floor.

In addition to this killer release, No. 19 record label in and of itself has been having an incredibly strong year; Jonny White has curated some of the finest talent, the likes of which can be heard on the label’s recent Spring Sampler compilation, including tracks from Kenny Glasgow and many more.

To purchase: iTunes | Spotify | Beatport

Art Department: Facebook | Twitter  |  Soundcloud | Resident Advisor

Video Recap – Taken LA with Hot Since 82

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Earlier this year, Hot Since 82 attempted to break the mold of a traditional club night with his “Taken” Party Concept. Hot Since 82 initiated the concept in London, but it eventually made it’s way to the United States in New York and Los Angeles.

Thump reports that the New York edition didn’t quite meet expectations (mostly due to a long bus ride that eventually lost it’s kidnapping charm), but does credit Hot Since 82 for brightening spirits with his musical programming once everyone arrived at the event.

While not much has been heard about the Los Angeles installment, the video sure does look convincing. Attendees appear to have been picked up at Sound Nightclub in Hollywood, and were then transported to a rather large warehouse venue in which Hot Since 82 started laying into deep techno cuts for the evening.

Have a look for yourself in the video recap of Hot Since 82’s TAKEN – Los Angeles

Track in Video: Hot Since 82 – Voices [Free Download]
Hot Since 82 Play the Room EP on Saved Records: Beatport

Techno Therapy: Sam Paganini

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Fresh off appearances at Awakenings and Guendalina in Italy, Sam Paganini will be gracing the decks with a four hour set at Exchange LA this Saturday. He’s among many artists from Italy that have developed their own signature style of groovy techno, and has developed a deep understanding of the dance floor over the years.

Throughout his career, Sam Paganini has released EP’s and albums on esteemed techno labels such as Cocoon Recordings, Drumcode, and Octopus Records, and to honor his trip to Los Angeles we’ve picked three various releases from his techno catalog.

Enjoy the mid-week grooves and make sure to catch his extended set at Exchange LA this Saturday, July 18th.

Guestlist + Tickets: Sam Paganini at Exchange LA
Sam Paganini: Facebook | Resident Advisor

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Sam Paganini – Labyrinth (Original Mix)

Labyrinth is a heady techno groover that found it’s way onto Cocoon Recording’s Compilation N. Sam Paganini elevates his creative and technical ability in Labyrinth and achieves electronic complexities that keep the mind and body locked in. The groove often associated with his Drumcode releases are the perfect compliment to the distorted chords that occupy the arrangement.

Released: September 8th, 2014
Purchase: Beatport

ChocolateSam Paganini – Chocolate (Original Mix)

In addition to being a regular on Cocoon, Sam Paganini has also found a welcoming home on Drumcode with groovy mainroom techno being his specialty. Chocolate gives us some insight into his sound as a Drumcode artist, showing his tight control over the various elements within the track. Even with a dominant groove Sam Paganini still recognizes the subtleties that make the track a cohesive arrangement.

Released: October 14th, 2013
Purchase: Beatport

OctopusSian – Famous Child Actor (Sam Paganini Remix)

Sam Paganini stepped up to the plate to deliver this remix for Octopus Records head honcho, Sian. Like he does so well, Famous Child Actor is a serious slab of groovy techno. It chugs along at a steady pace while continually layering and evolving into a mainroom weapon. Essentially…it’s the track that would be best served up on the Space Terrace during a Drumcode marathon, but hearing it on the Funktion One at Exchange LA is not a bad alternative.

Released: May 6th, 2013
Purchase: Beatport

Gesaffelstein: The Countdown Begins

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Gesaffelstein’s official site has gone offline as of this morning, and in place a 63 day countdown begins. After a memorably dark and intense performance at Coachella for his last live show for the Aleph album tour, the prince of techno and mastermind remained silent following the release of “Conquistador,” a collaborative piece with Jean-Michel Jarre. “Conquistador” was released as a single the day after Weekend 2 came to a close.

Notorious for his mind-blowing and meticulously curated visual shows depicting black and white scenes reminiscent of pages in art history books, Gesaffelstein is no stranger to orchestrating music that dwells upon visceral fascinations from distant and dark corners of the mind. His music is strangely pure in form and execution, yet it elicits sensuously hedonistic tendencies that remain silent amidst calculative consciousness. Gesaffelstein has consistently played for Hard Events in Southern California and has risen to the top ranks, headlining Hard Day of the Dead and most recently Coachella.

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What will happen as the fated day of September 11 approaches? We may be hopeful that a new album is in the works or perhaps an opening of a new era by Mike Levy.

 

Preview: Spencer Parker Forthcoming Release on Rekids

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2013 saw the iconic techno label, Rekids, come to a standstill. Certain circumstances arise, and sometimes decisions need to be made in order to ensure the longevity of a brand or vision; and this is exactly what Radio Slave did in December of 2013.

After taking time to recalibrate the label, Rekids is back in the swing of things with a recent release from Radio Slave and a forthcoming release from Spencer Parker so aptly titled No More Silly Club Songs Vol. 1

“This EP is simply a collection of tracks I made around 18 months ago for my own sets. No concept, no bullshit, just some tracks to WORK the club.” – Spencer Parker

Release Date: July 20, 2015 (12” & Digital)

Spencer Parker: Facebook | Resident Advisor
Rekids: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport

This statement from Parker himself is spot on. These four tracks cut right to the chase and are aimed directly at the dance floor. Silly Club Song No. 1 utilizes widely recognizable chords that often find themselves in dance floor oriented DJ tools. Accompanied with simple yet precise drum programming the opening track is everything you’d expect. Now we just want to hear it as intended on a proper sound system.

Silly Club Song No. 2 doesn’t deviate much in terms of the drum foundation from the opening track, but there’s still a great amount of substance here to differentiate from the rest of the EP. Rocking at a steady pace, Silly Club Song No. 2 maintains a level of tension that is sure to have dance floors in a frenzy.

The flipside starts strong with an alluring lead, techno rides, and an epic breaks drum breakdown. Easily the most unique of the release, Silly Club Song No. 3 is an incredibly versatile tool that can be the perfect injection of life into a set.

Rounding off the release is Silly Club Song No. 4 in all its gritty techno wonder. Sticking true to the bare bones foundation, this closing piece is essentially only a few tracks in the arrangement, which is a testament to how effective techno can be. A few tracks done right is really all one needs to make something work a dance floor
that was the goal after all according to Spencer Parker.