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Artist Spotlight: Jay Zoney

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Seattle_@_Warehouse_Weekender_2014

Techno has always played an integral role in Canadian nightlife. From the pioneering days in Windsor to the thriving underground scenes in cities like Toronto and Montreal, there is an incredible pool of talent coming from Canada. While Toronto and Montreal are the more widely known nightlife destinations of the country, there is a thriving scene developing in Vancouver.

One of the current people at the forefront of the underground electronic music scene is Jay Zoney. Through his own label, Eternal Drive Records, Jay Zoney has released music from himself and friends such as Black Asteroid, Luis Flores, and Brendon Moeller. Adhering to a strict regiment of no-nonsense techno, Jay Zoney and EDR records play a major role in the development of the underground scene in Vancouver. Jay Zoney has recently recorded an exclusive mix for our Global Vibe Radio podcast, and we’ve had the chance to ask him about his current projects and the ethos of Eternal Drive Records.

Jay Zoney: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport
Eternal Drive Records: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport

Jay Zoney – Tracklisting 

  1. The Automatic Message & Measure Divide – Crawl Space [Brood Audio]
  2. Brian Sanhaji – Pending Errors [Blank Code]
  3. Reeko – Recharger [PoleGroup]
  4. Inigo Kennedy – Arcing [Token]
  5. Mark Broom & Gary Beck – Borders [Bek Audio]
  6. Secluded – Remember [Soma]
  7. Brian Sanhaji – Panic [Blank Code]
  8. Jay Zoney – Workhorse (Audio Injection Remix) [Eternal Drive Recordings – forthcoming]
  9. Virulent – Ancient Empire (The Automatic Message Remix) [From 0-1]
  10. Brian Sanhaji – Gyre [CLR]
  11. Subjected – Krupp 5 [Electric Deluxe]
  12. Owen Sands – Planar Shift [Ill Bomb Records]
  13. Drumcell – Departing Comfort (Planetary Assault Systems Remix) [CLR]
  14. David Meiser – Pressure
  15. Plane Shifter – Hammerhead (Obstruct Remix) [Eternal Drive Recordings – forthcoming]
  16. Neil Landstrumm – April Acid (Audio Injection Remix) [Sienna Obscure]
  17. Jay Zoney – Mr. ED [Eternal Drive Recordings – forthcoming]
  18. Meat Beat Manifesto – She’s Unreal [Interscope]

Tell us about your roots in electronic music and how it all started for you? At what point in your life did you realize that techno was the music you will live and breathe by?

I remember hearing bands like Pink Floyd, The Human League, and The Eurythmics back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, using synthesizers to create these amazing futuristic, robotic sounds, and instantly loved them. It was in the late 80’s and early 90’s that I started to buy early techno and acid house. I started collecting vinyl, mainly hip-hop, and got my hands on some hip-house, such as Simon Harris “Bass”.  Also, my pal DJ Zach played me The Prodigy “Experience” and I loved it. I would say though, that a few records really sealed the deal for me.

Another good friend of mine, Tyler Newton, had been mixing techno/house/trance for a while, and in 1993 he gave me a mix-tape that had some real classics on it such as, Transform – “Transformation”, Delta Lady – “Anything You Want” and Robert Armani – “Circus Bells (Hardfloor Remix)“. It was then that I jumped in with both feet, started to stack up the vinyl collection, and bought 2 Technic 1200 turntables and a Realistic 2 channel mixer. I’ve never looked back.

When most people think of underground electronic music in Canada, cities such as Montreal (Stereo) and Toronto (Footprint, Coda) often come to mind first. What can you personally tell us about Vancouver’s underground scene that seems to be often overshadowed by the two cities mentioned?

Well first off, both Toronto and Montreal are considerably larger than Vancouver. Toronto is more than twice the size of Vancouver, and Montreal is a third larger. This allows for more underground event goers. Montreal is well known for it’s rich music culture and nightlife, and seems to have the support of the city. I’ve lived in Vancouver my entire life, and it has never really had that “rich music culture” feel. Another challenge we face in Vancouver is lack of support from the city. Venues are continuously being shut down, and seem to be disappearing rapidly.

I’ve been around long enough to see about three waves of underground enthusiasts come and go. I remember back in the mid to late 90’s to what felt like a much more thriving “scene”. Currently, Vancouver’s underground community is relatively small, but seems to be growing. Techno has made a strong leap forward from even two or three years ago.

EDR Banner

Can you tell us a bit about your label, Eternal Drive, and what was the main purpose and goal behind launching this label? What can we expect in this coming year as far as releases go?

Eternal Drive is a focused collection of peak-time, dark and driving, techno. I launched the label to showcase many of my talented friends from the global techno community, and of course, as an avenue for me to release my own material as I see fit. With the help of Subspec Music Label Boss, JGarrett, EDR launched in March 2014 with a single of mine titled “Bulldozer”, which includes remixes by Black Asteroid, Freaky Chakra, and an alias of mine Plane Shifter. So far it was been a blast running EDR, and in a little over a year we’ve had 7 releases. It’s been a pleasure working with everyone so far. Coming up this year are some releases I’m very excited about. Look for originals and remixes by names such as: Brett Relish, Daya, Subjected, Obstruct, Audio Injection, Luis Flores, Uun, Monix, and of course myself.

Through your vast experience in the industry what do you think needs to happen consistently for Vancouver to have a more thriving underground electronic music culture and scene? And more importantly what is it going to take to grow and sustain it?

In a word, consistency. Consistently bringing new artists to town, showcasing the deep talent pool here in Vancouver, and exposing new people to how awesome this music is. With consistency though, support is also needed. Our underground community is quite small as aforementioned, and it’s important for local promoters to coordinate dates to ensure the crowds aren’t spread to thin. It’s not a perfect system, but overall I feel that this is being accomplished.

What do you have coming up next in the horizon as far as being a Producer, DJ, and Label Boss? 

I have some releases coming up that I’m really pumped about!

EDR009 as Plane Shifter – “Hammerhead”, with remixes by Subjected and Obstruct.
EDR011 as Jay Zoney – “Workhorse” with remixes by Audio Injection and Daya.

For DJ-ing I have some excellent local outdoor events that are going to be a blast. June 27th in Victoria, BC at an outdoor venue hosted by DJ Zach and Cataphonic. And August 15th here in Vancouver I’m part of a summer series called “Sunwave”, featuring a great list of Vancouver locals, and hosted by K.A.S.H. for the second year in a row.

For the label I’m amped for the next several releases that will take EDR though the rest of the year. I’m also working on Eternal Drive’s first vinyl release which is very exciting.

Movement 2015: Top After Parties

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Movement Body - CBS Detroit
Just like there’s no shortage of epic talent on the Movement Festival lineup
there’s certainly no shortage of after parties for the city to divulge in when the main event ends. And let’s be honest, when the clock strikes midnight chances are you won’t be going to your hotel to get a good night’s sleep. Read more

Jeff Mills Debuts His Battle LA Inspired Drum Machine

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Jeff Mills, one of techno’s earliest pioneers, is no stranger to this science-fiction aesthetic in techno. From Detroit to Berlin to Chicago, Mills has been a major part in the development of a number of booming dance hubs across the globe. His musical aesthetic is well-defined yet intriguing, and we can always count on him for some heavy grooves. Having held residencies at some of the world’s best nightclubs, such as Tresor, Jeff Mills is one of the most exciting performers in the industry, often sporting a TR-909 as the quintessential focus of his setup. His records are played by countless DJs, although his accomplishments reach far beyond the dance floor and the studio. Somewhat of a tech guru, Jeff Mills is constantly pushing the envelope, always innovating new technologies.

 Recently, Jeff Mills has created a unique interactive exhibition, perhaps the first of its kind. On March 23rd, he debuted his “Weapons” Exhibition in Tokyo; featured as the centerpiece was his own custom-built, UFO-shaped drum machine. This drum machine, known as “The Visitor,” was constructed by gutting a 909, inserting its electronics into a new housing, creating an interface that is both user-friendly and intuitive. Rather than the linear structure typical of many drum machine, “The Visitor” has its buttons laid out in a circular fashion; this, he says, is a far better visual representation of an instrument that is playing a looped sequence. With the help of sound artist and designer, Yuri Suzuki, the two have created a beautiful piece of hardware eloquently combining music and hardware.

ufomills

“The Visitor” Drum Machine by Yuri Suzuki & Jeff Mills

Jeff Mills is known to hit the buttons pretty hard on his gear, in the heat of the moment this is common for many artists. He has fitted “The Visitor” with arcade game buttons and knobs designed to withstand a beating. Thus, he has transformed the classic sound of the 909, an instrument that has come to define a large part of his style, into a retro-futuristic innovation far better suited to his performance style and visual aesthetic. Functionality aside, the mere visual appeal of The Visitor Drum Machine is enough to have everyone from the technology fans and art enthusiasts gawking at the sight. You won’t see this in the DJ booth every day.

According to Axis Records, “Jeff’s new project is the exhibition ‘Weapons: a small but potent collection of music affiliated avant-garde objects’ which consists in an immersive scenario paying tribute to the genre of Film Noir from the 40’s and inspired on a conceptual investigation experience based on the strange phenomenon of the infamous American UFO sighting over the city of Los Angeles in the winter of 1942 and famously known as ‘The Battle Of Los Angeles'”

Given his endeavors into music, art, technology, and science fiction, Jeff Mills is clearly a “Jack Of All Trades” (no pun intended!) who has successfully bridged the gap between the digital and analog eras, preserving the sounds of eras past while expanding on them, and embracing any new technology that will facilitate the creation of great art. With one of the brightest intellectual minds in the electronic dance music community, he is a true pioneer who, in years to come, will continue to shape and develop the music we hold so dearly to our hearts.

Techno Museum to Open in Frankfurt, Germany

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In 1984, a 21 year old by the name of Andreas Tomalla invented techno
 Not the musical genre, but the word (or so he claims). It all started when he was working at a record store in Frankfurt, and he had trouble categorizing the “new” vinyl coming in by Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode. The very same year, he opened Technoclub, the first dance club in Frankfurt that devoted its undivided attention to electronic music. Now, the man better known by his stage name, Talla 2XLC, has forever solidified his name in electronic music by planning to open Europe’s first Techno Museum.

The Museum of Modern Electronic Music – or MOMEM for short, is scheduled to open in 2017 and will be expected to deliver a large spectrum of insight as to how electronic music has contributed to musical culture around the world. As opposed to traditional museums, MOMEM will focus on a wide array of various workshops for any burgeoning DJ’s as well as other bilateral exhibitions for electronic music enthusiasts of all walks of life. The museum will also be host for live events, which in this case, means its pretty safe to assume a club-esque environment and vibe is to be expected. In this day and age, it’s difficult for some people to take an interest in museums of any kind but it’s doubtful to say the least that MOMEM will have any trouble with attendance.

[Photos via the MOMEM website]

 

 

Techno Therapy: CNTRL Los Angeles

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When Richie Hawtin initiated the CNTRL Tour back in 2012 the goal was to go beyond EDM by educating the upcoming generation about electronic music and the rich history behind in. They accomplished this through a series of keynote lectures and workshops at university campuses across the country, with an event that same evening. It’s an all-inclusive package for those eager to learn more about this wonderful culture.

CNTRL Lecture

Photo Credit: CNTRL

The 2015 CNTRL Tour is already underway, and this Saturday April 25th Richie Hawtin will be making a stop here in Los Angeles. At the UCLA Campus, Richie Hawtin will be present for a Point Blank Music Master-class followed by a two-hour artist lecture with guests Chris Liebing, Victor Calderone, Ean Golden, and Grimes.

 

The night event will take place at the Hollywood Palladium, and to get us ready for the evening here’s a heavy dose of Techno Therapy from everyone on the lineup.

CNTRL Los Angeles 2015: Information | Tickets to CNTRL at the Palladium Read more

AgeHa, Japan hosts WIRED CLASH with Chris Liebing & Guests

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Let the techno marathon begin. In two weeks one of the top Japanese clubs, ageHa, will open their doors for a very special night of techno with guest Chris Liebing and Rebolledo. But it wouldn’t be a WIRED Clash party without a heavy roster of Japanese residents that know how to curate the perfect atmosphere for a night like this.

Leading the charge throughout the evening will be Japanese techno veterans Takkyu Ishino, Ken Ishii, Sugiurumn, DJ Nobu, A. Mochi (Live), amongst many, many others. Needless to say the strong industrial techno sound of Chris Liebing will be complimented nicely by the rest of the lineup. Located in the Shin Kiba area of Tokyo with a capacity of about 2,400 people, ageHa is an ideal location to host WIRED CLASH. Big enough to feel epic, yet intimate enough to really take a journey with such excellent musical curators.

WIRED CLASH is the type of event that exemplifies such strong musical pride within the country, and year after year WIRED continues to provide Tokyo with a legendary nightlife experience. Come April 28th, this event will be the definition of Techno Tuesday. And while it may not be the official video, sometimes a good old fashioned crowd video is the best way to get excited for an event.

WIRED CLASH: Official Trailer | Facebook | Event Listing 
ageHa: Official Website | Facebook

Minus Releases Marc Houle Remix Album

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Minus Banner

About eleven years ago Marc Houle released his debut album, Restored, on Richie Hawtin’s imprint, Minus. A lot happens over time, but Marc Houle has always remained driven and dedicated towards pushing a sound and artistic vision. Here we are, eleven years after the initial release waiting in excitement for the release of the Restored Remix Album.

To commemorate the original album, Houle and the Minus team have employed a wide range of characters to handle various remixes from the original album. The Restored Remix Album features remix treatment from M.A.N.D.Y, Joris Voorn, Danny Daze, Cosmic Boys, Monkey Safari, Harvard Bass, Popof, Julian Jeweil, Justin James, and Monoloc. From slick minimal interpretations to darker mainroom affairs the remixes for Restored cover many quintessential sounds of Minus.

You can preview the entire remix album in the Soundcloud player below, with the official release coming on Monday April 6th.

Marc Houle: Facebook | Soundcloud
Minus: Facebook | Soundcloud

Interview with M.A.N.D.Y on Restored

Paul Kalkbrenner Signs to Sony Music International

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Kalkbrenner

There’s no arguing that the majority of dance music is released on smaller independent labels. This isn’t to say that the major labels don’t like to dabble in serious techno every now and then. Prolific German artist, Paul Kalkbrenner, has signed a long-term deal with Sony Music International, and will be releasing his seventh studio album later this year through Columbia Records. Read more

Artist Spotlight and Interview: Joel Mull

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“I have a soft spot for the underground parties that are held in locations that will only be around for a certain amount of time. It’s a special vibe that I love” – Joel Mull

The international techno community is comprised of many talented artists and visionaries. At the forefront of the current techno movement is Swedish artist, Joel Mull. Amidst a very busy schedule this week at WMC 2015, Joel Mull will be making a stop in Los Angeles on Saturday to play a very intimate rave affair. We recently caught up with him and talked about everything from his dance upbringing in Sweden to his love for the underground. Read more

RESET 6100 Urban Sports, Arts, & Music Festival returns to Bacolod City

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RESET-2015

RESET 6100 Urban Arts & Music Festival has officially announced their date and venue for this year’s return in Bacolod City, Philippines. On May 30th, 2015 the city of smiles will RESET at the EAT DISTRICT, LACSON ST., BACOLOD CITY at the old Coca-Cola Plant, an indoor/outdoor venue that will hold 5,000 expected attendees. The annual end of Summer festival is aimed to give people one last celebration before Summer season ends in the Philippines (Summers in Philippines are between the months of March-May).

RESET separates itself from other festivals by featuring various activities beyond the music. RESET incorporates urban sports and arts in addition to music that showcases eclectic and underground talents; an unconventional approach compared to any festival gathering currently taking place in the Philippines. Read more