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London assembly

London Assembly Considers New Drug Safety Measures for Nightclubs

London Assembly’s Health Committee published a report arguing that drug checking services should be provided at clubs and music events in London to combat drug fatalities in the city. Drug-related deaths in England and Wales are at their highest level since comparable statistics began.

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Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Health Committee, said in a press statement:

Too many people are still dying from drug-related causes in London. We investigated how to address this tragedy and find out what practical, life-saving interventions could be used to reduce drug harm in our city.

Our investigation found that naloxone could save someone’s life if it’s used quickly after an opioid overdose. That is why we are urging the Mayor to ensure the Met routinely carry naloxone, a simple and proven way to reduce opioid deaths.

Additional measures recommended in our report, such as a pilot for safe drug consumption rooms and the introduction of drug checking services, can start to bring down the growing numbers of people sadly losing their lives due to problematic drug use.

Read Next: Why Psychedelics Got Laced into the Rave Scene

The report urges the Government to adopt a national naloxone program in England already adopted by Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It also asks that the Metropolitan police station provide officers with nasal naloxone spray when they come in contact with drug users who are in danger of overdosing.

Read the full article via Mixmag

UK Cannabis

UK Begins Medicinal Trials For Cannibis

The Department of Health and Social CareĀ has announced that large-scale trials of medicinal cannabis will begin “as soon as possible” in the UK.

The research, which will look at the effects of the drug on epilepsy sufferers, will be overseen by the government’sĀ National Institute for Health Research.

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frazi.er

Scotland’s Own Frazi.er Is Taking the Techno Scene by Storm

Scotland’s young shining, techno talent Frazi.er is pioneering the latest generation of clubbing fanatics. His uniquely raw, energetic sound has led to international recognition, intense touring and seminal releases on world renowned labels such as EXHALE.

Hailing from an industrious town in Central Scotland with a long history of deprivation, it’s fair to say there has been no shortage of music hungry admirers. Frazi.er’s experience focused club nights have become one of the most hard to grab tickets in his home country. None better tells this story than the Open To Close at SWG3’s ā€œGalvanizerā€ warehouse selling out two dates in 14 minutes, while fully crashing Resident Advisor.

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When not throwing down at the hardest nights in Scotland, Frazi.er can be found at residencies at the infamous Subclub, Terminal V Festival, and SWG3.

Frazi.er is no stranger to big projects having shared decks with the likes of Dax J, Amelie Lens, Floorplan, Speedy J, SHDW and Obscure Shape to name a few. At just 26 years old he’s fast becoming one of the UK’s most sought after artists and in the mantra of his very own CONCEPT: ā€œThe Journey Continuesā€.

Hi Frazi.er! What and/or who inspired you to get involved in the electronic music scene?Ā 

It was back when I was about 16 years old and went to a few house parties with my mate Nick’s big brother and his group of friends. I can remember asking ā€œwhat is this music?ā€. It turns out it was of course techno and I instantly fell in love with the relentless groove, so I started digging deeper into this sound. At the time I was listening to electro house and dance music.

Listen to Premiere: Frazi.er “No Regards for Humanity” – Crisis Of Man

Raw, dance floor techno. Good combo. What is your most memorable or favorite event to date?Ā 

It’s actually my most recent rave, which was Dax J and Richie Hawtin at UNFOLD on a Sunday evening. This genuinely even blew the vibe in Berghain out the water for me. It’s one of the best vibes I’ve seen in a club and great to hear Richie playing around 150bpm, with tons of high energy stompers.

In one sentence, describe what it felt like when the RA website crashed because of your upcoming event.

F***ing crazy!

Your clothing line, OVOSI, is fire! If you had to choose, who are your top three fashion icons or brands?

Stone Island, A Cold Wall and Prada.

Besides running OVOSI, you also work with Chris’s House and The Homeless Project Scotland. Can you share more about these two organizations and your involvement with them?Ā 

Where I’ve spent most of my time living was my hometown Motherwell. This region had one of the highest deaths by suicide in Scotland which was and still is pretty scary. I wanted to fully support Chris’s House and help raise awareness as there is a big stigma about guys not wanting to speak up about it. The Homeless project felt fitting as the charity event I was doing was around wintertime and it was important to keep people off the streets and sheltered during these even more life threatening times.

How do you balance your music career with your other interests and passions?

This is something I have always struggled with. My main focus is purely on my music, and I’ve had to make some tough decisions to cut back things on my clothing line to eliminate stress and not spread myself too thin. Working out regularly and eating good food is absolutely essential as well.

Do you have anything that you’re looking forward to in the near future?

Lots of exciting things in the pipeline, and all focused on putting on events with a forward thinking approach. But I can’t really divulge any details at this stage, so you’ll have to keep checking back for more announcements soon.

Anything else you’d like to share?Ā 

My new TRANSPARENCY concept which is a visual show I’m launching in May and will be touring around Europe.Ā We just announced this last week and I am so excited about it. Hopefully I can bring the concept over to the U.S. in the not too distant future.

Connect with Frazi.er: SoundCloud | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Beatport | Website

 

Solo sober raving

Op-Ed: Why You Should Try Solo & Sober Raving

Solo and sober raving feel like taboo subjects in the electronic music scene. If you’ve never raved solo before, then just the thought of being alone at a rave can feel terrifying. You know like eating alone at a high school cafeteria. If you’ve never raved sober before, then you might think the experience won’t be as good.Ā Coming from the standpoint of someone who’s done this (solo and sober raving) multiple times, I encourage you to try it once. Some of my most eye-opening and inspirational experiences in the electronic music scene have stemmed from going to raves sober and by myself.

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Jon Hopkins

Jon Hopkins Unveils Psychedelic Art Installation Called “Dreamachine”

Grammy and Mercury-nominated composer Jon Hopkins has soundtracked a touring art installation called “Dreamachine” that induces hallucinations and tripping in the minds of its viewers.

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An extraordinary but little-known 1959 invention by artist and inventor Brion Gysin inspired Dreamachine. His experimental homemade device used flickering light to create vivid illusions, kaleidoscopic patterns and explosions of color within the mind.

Gysin envisioned that his invention would replace televisions. Instead of passive consumers of mass-produced media, viewers of his Dreamachine would create their own cinematic experiences.

Jon Hopkins and his team of neuroscientists, architects and philosophers have breathed new life into Gysin’s invention. Similar to Hopkins’s latest work, Music For Psychedelic Therapy, this new project uses ambient music from the artist as a soundtrack to the experience, which researchers called “stroboscopically induced visual hallucinations.”

Dreamachine will be touring the UK beginning this spring with more info here.

Originally reported by Mixmag.

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.”

 

England COVID

England Passes “Plan B,” Proof of Vax Needed to Enter Clubs

According to the BBC, England has officially passed a measure to require “COVID Passports” for many venues such as night clubs, indoor gatherings of more than 500 people, outdoor gatherings of 4000+, or events with 10,000 or more people no matter the venue. According to another BBC article, “COVID Passports” are essentially proof of full vaccination (2 doses), or proof of a negative test within 48 hours or some type of exemption for the vaccination.

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UK nightlife

Report Finds 86,000 UK Nightlife Jobs Lost During the Pandemic

A new report shows the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the UK nightlife industry. The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA)’s report measured the economic value of the nightlife sector for the first time. Read more

LKY Boards Croatia's Succession Records For Collaborative Album

LKY Boards Croatia’s Secession Records For Collaborative Album

LKY joins Croatia’s Secession Records for a collaborative album. The British producer comes with an intention to make a deep techno groove like no other. LKY’s latest release on Secession Records is a testament to his ability to capture an international audience’s attention. Read more

Brexit Will Be a Nightmare for Up-And-Coming Touring British Artists

Given the taxing and costly Visa requirements, we already know how difficult it is for up-and-coming Non-American artists to tour in the United States. Soon, the same fate may be in store for British artists.

With Brexit looming, the music industry in the United Kingdrom faces an uncertain future when it comes to homegrown touring artists that may find it near-impossible to venture out of the country to expand their name and play their music to new and established fans alike.

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