Ok, a bit of a twist on our usual Blog Burner routine, this week we've decided to post tracks that you can actually buy! These all came out this week and they've collectively blown our socks off so if you like them go wax some cash - you won't regret it!
BLOG BURNER:
He's still got it, Garage legend and UK Don, MJ Cole returns with the 'Satellite EP' this week and as expected it's nothing short of outstanding. Lead track 'TGV' is our pick of the release - a deep moving, body grooving masterpiece with stirring strings plucked neatly over a jacking UK Funky template. After catching MJ for Mixed Bizness a couple weeks back at the Glasgow School of Art we can confirm the man is on fire.
MJ Cole - TGV
Damn, how long have we been waiting for this to be released? Seriously? Finally our favourite Italian filter fanatic, His Majesty Andre has put out the 'Battle Of The Spurs EP' and after hearing this a whole year ago at Radio 1 in Newcastle we had almost forgot about it. Entitled 'BBQ Sauce' and bursting with energy, this is just the type of jacking nonsense which get's us on the floor. Big grooves and burrowing bass - it's the way forward.
His Majesty Andre - BBQ Sauce
Drum & Bass hero and remixer dejour, Rupert Parkes aka Photek has been away for far too long. Thankfully his new 'Avalanche EP' was released today and our anticpation was met with complete satisfaction. Lead track 'Avalanche' is a rolling, sub-bass crunching monster which is the type of mesmerising dub-fixture that will send the part-timers packing. Sheer quality from start to finish.
Photek - Avalanche
There's no denying just how uplifting 'You Can Dance' actually is, infact we'd go as far to say it's probably the most uplifting tune of the last decade. Too far? Perhaps, but that just proves how much we love this song. The single comes complete with remixes from Shadow Dancer and Walter Sobcek but it's the Robotaki mix which has got our feet moving.
It’s half eleven in the Dance Arch of this months Death Disco, I’ve just had a full body search upon entry, the drinks at The Arches have become so dear I’ve been reduced to drinking Apple Sourz and there’s only about 50 people dancing awkwardly in the breezy dance floor. Here, DD what happened? We used to get on so well. Every third Saturday I would anticipate with glee the reliable anarchic sounds, lights and shape throwing that would simply not be acceptable at any other club night. Kicking off its 9th year I get the irking feeling DD has been resting on its laurels a bit; it needs to excite the clubbers again. However, this evenings line up boasts The Magician, Renaissance Man and Blondes, so we’ll see. The night is still young…
New resident Hahaha
Glasgow’s new favourite DJ and one part of Vendor Defender, Hahaha plays his first set as a Death Disco resident this eve. My sources tell me this prankster likes to wear a gas mask for his sets, unfortunately this hilarious attire is nowhere to be seen but as Hahaha’s promising set of itching and interesting electronica draws to a close his boundless energy more than makes up for any stage gimmicks. A recent blinding set at Sub Club’s I AM with fellow producer Raksha, with whom Hahaha has collaborated with on some slick and soulful tunes meant my expectations were not only met BUT EXCEEDED. Hahaha was kind enough to indulge is some, albeit on my part, steaming chat (in which I mostly just asked repeatedly where his gas mask was). The DJ was admittedly nervous not only about becoming the new resident at DD, but opening for big names like Renaissance Man and The Magician, he seemed to be quite relieved it was over. Next up in the Play Room was another resident, Josh Jones (who I may have scared somewhat when I casually slipped in that I had a poster of him in my room). Josh was enjoying the chilled vibes of the evening, and was impressed with new kid on the line up Hahaha and Bright Light Bright Light’s laid back disco tunes.
Renaissance Man get bassy
Following Josh Jones in the Play Room was the dark, atmospheric sounds of Blondes, making for a trippy synth-heavy contrast to the upbeat bass of Renaissance Man next door. Very soulful, totally feel good and just shying away from cheesy Renaissance Man throws “Rolling In the Deep” in, completely making the set. Next up, was headliner The Magician who rounded up the evening with 90mins of brazen disco just made for the dance floor, signing off with “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, much to the now thick crowd’s delight.
The Magician rounds things off
With Ian Curtis still ringing in my ears, my faith has been restored back into Death Disco a little. But with fresh and highly successful club nights like Naïve grabbing the Glasgow clubbers attention, DD perhaps needs to pull more than just a rabbit out the hat.
Who: Martyn 'Mash' Henderson Sounds: A combination of shimmering, deep-grooving House and dancefloor energising Electro
He must be regarded as one of Glasgow's biggest success stories, a working example of how a combination of hard work, persistence and an element of 'right place, right time' can get your anywhere. Starting out on our very own student radio station, Subcity, Martyn 'Mash' Henderson has played all over the world with everyone from Erol Alkan to Pete Tong, Felix Da Housecat to Basement Jaxx, he's held down a hugely successful radio show on Beat 106, XFM, Galaxy FM & now Capital and his own productions have claimed attention from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Paul Woolford and Mylo. This is a man who has actually made a career out of music and if we could achieve half the things he has then we'd go to the grave on a high note.
While most of the producers we introduce to you through this feature have either just started out or were still wetting the bed when Optimo arrived on the scene, Mash has been through the slog, he's handed out the flyers, he's worked the shit part time jobs and he's done the unpaid hospital radio. Proof that putting in the hours will pay off. With his recent re-release of single 'Somebody's Property' - a gorgeous, sun-licked terrace anthem in the making - hitting the top of Beatport's weekly House chart and remixes coming in from a host of searing Glasgow talent, there would appear to be no letting up in his burning desire to take things higher.
Musically his inspiration comes from all angles, proud owner of a diverse and expansive record collection, his approach to producing a track is organic, pinpointing potential samples and even getting the iPhone out to 'Shazam' an unknown track. This all helps influence the direction of his music, with some tracks taking a rather chilled and grooving form (Somebody's Property) and others emanating a pure, dancefloor energy(Ghettoblaster with Domsko). Either way, the quality running throughout is apparent and we get the feeling that Mash is perhaps in an enviable position. With years of experience behind him and a feverish enthusiasm this could well just be the start...
Check out a few of his tracks below, along his most recent mix and an interview with the man himself:
S: Your career to date has seen you DJ at clubs like Turnmills, Cream and Bugged Out, play alongside the likes of Felix Da Housecat, Erol Alkan & Josh Wink, while also producing quality music and presenting ever-popular radio shows. What would you regard as your initial influences in dance music and how did you get started in this highly competitive industry?
M: I got started through a love of music and a vinyl addiction. Someone told me quite early on, buy what you like, don't follow scenes. Great advice. When I look back at stuff I bought as a kid, obviously there are total sniders in there, but in the main, there is good stuff, from Public Enemy to Weatheralls Primal Scream, to Inner City and KLF. I have always bought a wide spectrum of music and I am influenced by a lot of different sounds, you have to be, to know where things came from. I used to go and see all my dj heroes whenever I could, and it is quite cool djing with, interviewing on the radio and getting to know some of them in later life. I am a lucky guy djing with people like Basement Jaxx, Depeche Mode, Underworld, Groove Armada, Chemical Brothers and Carl Craig, especially when I am big fans of their work.
Mash with Karl Hyde of Underworld
S: You’ve managed to make a very successful career out of radio broadcasting, starting at Glasgow’s student radio station Subcity and now presenting the highly popular Capital FM, what do you think the key is to maintaining a successful radio career and how did you get your foot in the door?
M: I used to avidly listen to Jeff Youngs Big Beat show and then Pete Tong. I'm sure I still have tapes somewhere. I was buying as many records as my shitty part time job could pay for, and a friend of my parents invited me along to his Hospital radio show. Playing 60s records to pensioners wasn't going to be my forte, but it was instrumental in giving me that radio buzz. I started to do gigs in Glasgow and got offered a slot on Subcity with my dj partner at the time, Ali. It was a laugh and I'm sure we broke many Offcom regulations, but I wont tell if you don't. At that stage Beat 106 was getting set up. Put a demo together and went for interviews and got offered a weekly show. It would never of happened if we weren't volunteering on student radio. Loads of the people involved in Beat 106 and other stations were involved in Subcity at some stage. Student radio is definitely a way of getting in to commercial radio. 12 years later and I am still there, having dj'd on Beat 106, XFM, Galaxy and now Capital.
S: Your recent re-release of single ‘Somebody’s Property’ features remixes from the likes of Ooft, Sei A and Glasgow’s own Rob Etherson. What do you think of the current influx of producers coming out of Glasgow? And what’s your opinion on Glasgow’s thriving clubbing community as a whole?
S: With focus on your music production, how do you go about making tunes? Is it studio based or do you keep it localised with a home set up? Also, do you have a particular approach to making music?
M: Usually I will get an idea in my head, maybe a sample or a melody or bassline (that I have secretly sung into my iPhone.) I will then lay down some beats, usually starting with a sampled loop then build around it. Often taking out the original sample to leave a track that stands up by itself. I have been in a garden centre or whatever holding my iPhone up to a speaker to Shazam what the track is, then find the track to sample it. I'm sure I get a few funny looks sometimes, but I just hear things that I want to work on. I've got a home set up but usually finish/master things in a real studio ha ha. Ableton and a couple of plug ins and you are good to go these days.
S: Obviously on top of music production you also present a radio show on Capital FM, run a club night and label called Compact Disco and fit in various DJ gigs around the country. How important do you think it is now for aspiring producers & DJ’s to be involved in different avenues of the industry?
M: I think they all go together really. I am lucky as I work full time in music, but I have worked in bars, record shops, and clothes shops to support my djing in the earlier days. I wish I had started making tracks earlier in my career, but I was doing club gigs and radio work at the time and just didn't have enough time. I also handed out flyers for clubs like Volcano, Tunnel and the Sub before I dj'd in each of them and that is another way of getting a foot in the door. You start to understand the importance of artwork, distribution, promotion and everything else that goes into a club gig. It is not just turning up and playing some tunes. There are so many jobs involved in the industry and so many courses supporting that now that you can follow a career and end up doing something totally different. I know of sound engineers that dj, djs that do graphics, they all go hand in hand.
S: Finally, with all the success you’ve had over the years and considering the position you’ve managed to get to, what would be your ultimate advice for people trying to make it in this industry and do you have any further goals you’d like to accomplish?
M: You have to have the balls to put yourself out there. When I started djing there was no internet and I got gigs by handing in tapes. (stop doing Maths to work out how old I am, I'm 35!) I went round knocking on doors. Nowadays it is easier to get a name for yourself by setting up a blog page, putting mixes online, creating a brand to buy into. Nobody is going to knock on your door and ask if you would like a gig. Immerse yourself in the scene, it is so easy to find out information about a venue, gig, producer or dj. There are also loads of courses available in many different aspects of the industry, some with funding available. Try and forge something unique, don't just do a diet coke version of Optimo. They have honed there sound over a long period of time and no one can do it like them. Do your own thing, but be aware of what is going on a round you, but try and stay ahead of the game! Further goals? Yeah I've got loads I still want to do. Bring it on.
Pick up Somebody's Property now on Beatport and check out Mash every Saturday night/Sunday Morning from 2-6am on Capital FM.
It's in the nature of dance music to continually develop, such a fluid and diverse art form can never be grounded or labelled predictable. The thousands of variables that exist around one constant means that almost instinctive combination of beats & bass will never sit still. So here we are in 2011, the start of a new decade and what is perhaps one of the most exciting new genre's in modern dance, 'Moombahton', is blowing up.
We'll save you our textbook description of the genre as pioneer Dave Nada has done that for us in his 'History Of Moombahton', but what we will say is that not since the early noughties and the advent of Dubstep have we heard such an exciting and fresh sound just waiting to burst. Rolling dirty bass, laid-back but ultimately jacking rhythms and a feverishly contained energy create a sound which is completely unique but reassuringly familiar. With Moombahton's popularity increasing week by week, Brodinski has done the honorable thing by introducing Europe to the sound through an all encompassing mixtape.
Check out the blurb on his Facebook and download the mix HERE
History Of Moombahton :
"Moombahton is mid-tempo global bass music for the universe. It's a sonic marriage of electronic dance music (house, techno, and dubstep) with latin/island music (reggeaton, cumbia, and dancehall) that flows at a pace of about 108 beats per minute. Originally, moombahton started by Dave Nada slowing down tropical and dutch house records and re-edited them to sound like reggaeton's weird little cousin. Because the tempo nears that of reggaeton, Nada created the neologism "Moombahton" by combining the title of the track "Moombah" by DJ Chuckie & Silva Cuomo and the "ton" ending of the word "reggaeton" and applied it to the new genre. Moombahton continues to grow worldwide as producers and DJ's push the music in exciting new ways."
- Dave Nada
Tracklist :
1. Munchi - Gracias 2. Obeyah - African Flute (obeyah Rmx) 3. Heartbreak - Grown Man Shit 4. Munchi - Esta Noche 5. Heartbreak & Sabbo - Like That 6. Willy Joy - A Woman Like Me (Dillon Francis Rmx) 7. Munchi - Sandungueo 8. Steve Starks - Fr33ky in the Club 9. Jon Kwest - Godless 10. Diplo & Dillon Francis - Que Que Feat. Maluca 11. Boyfriend - Vodka House 12. Bassanovva - Chicken Lover (Munchi Rmx) 13. Dillon Francis & Dave Nada - Brazzer's Theme 14. Jon Kwest - Run Di Track 15. Heartbreak - Arroz Con Pollo 16. Jon Kwest - OG call 17. Gucci Vump - Shashtilism (Max Le Daron Rmx)
Need to give some props to Annie Mac for consistently bringing us incredible new music for absolutely nothing. Over the past few months she's delivered hot new cuts from Zed Bias, Donae'o and Villa, only asking for an email address in return (the spam is minimal incase your wondering). This week she featured a new track by Skream which he's been dropping in his DJ set's for some time now.
Entitled 'Jukebox', it's a spiralling 4x4 beast which burrows deep into the dancefloor with a booming kick and some ice cold synths. Unfortunately it features a professional fade at the end which is quite annoying but the actual body of the song could make a nice DJ tool or bridge. Simpilistic and nasty - clearly the way forward.
Check out the stream below and head over to Annie Mac's blog to download:
Over the past three years the Mized Bizness monthly How’s Your Party? has been responsible for bringing some of the biggest and bassiest names in club music to Glasgow. Each month without fail the night’s dedicated following have come to expect bookings of the highest calibre, priding themselves on getting the hottest up and coming talent alongside the most exciting and freshest established artists.
This Friday is no different as one of the UK’s most talented and highly regarded MC’s, Ms Dynamite rolls into town. Shooting to fame in 2002 after winning the prestigious Mercury Music Prize, Ms Dynamite has recently returned to where she feels most comfortable: the club. Providing searing vocals on recent club smashes by Magnetic Man, DJ Zinc, Geeneus and Redlight, her uncompromising energy and stage presence is sure to make you sweat.
Ms Dynamite
Joining Ms Dynamite is the aforementioned Redlight. If there was any one producer in 2011 who can truly test every driver, frequency & amp on the Sub Club’s legendary soundsystem it would have to be him. Making his Glasgow debut this Friday, the Bristol based artist is perhaps the most forward thinking producer in modern dance music as he straddles and blurs the boundaries between bass-rattling House, utterly mind-bending Dubstep, slamming Breaks and jacked-up UK Funky.
Previously known as the massively respected DJ Clipz, Redlight has re-branded himself over the last few years as a master of ingenuity with a sound which refuses to be pigeon-holed. During 2010 he shot through the ranks as singles ‘Stupid’, and ‘What You Talking About?’ with Ms Dynamite, became instant club smashes, while the likes of Skream, Toddla T, Annie Mac and even Pete Tong have been singing his praises with massive air-time. In 2011 Redlight embodies everything that is great about current dance music: an unbridled sense of freedom, the continual blur of genre boundaries and a burning desire to push things forward. This is definitely one debut performance you don’t want to miss.
Redlight
Supporting Redlight is the equally talented Tayo, who with his own impressive background is now pushing boundaries with his unique brand of global bass, back-room bashment and dub devastation. Regarded as a veteran of the early Breaks scene he now revels in bringing together the finest world-wide rhythms, underground basslines & fresh-cut beats. No stranger to Mixed Bizness over the past few years, the man is not only technically perfect as a DJ, but has an exceptional understanding of a dancefloor and how to get it moving.
Finally, Ninja Tune resident and Mixed Bizness head honcho Boom Monk Ben will be laying the ground work for this monumental party as his globe-trotting skills get people on the floor and begging for more. With experience playing at some of the world’s best festivals, most exotic countries and supporting some of dance music’s biggest names, this man knows how to get things going.
Check out Redlight's most recent mix for Fact Magazine below:
WHAT: How's Your Party? WHO: Ms Dynamite, Redlight, Tayo, Boom Monk Ben & MC Dread WHERE: The Sub Club, 22 Jamaica St, Glasgow WHEN: Fri 25th February / 11-3am TAX: £6/8 FACEBOOK EVENT: How's Your Party?
When Yeasayer released 'Odd Blood' last year we found it hard to get past the heart-breaking sonics of 'I Remember'. Even now after our initial infatuation we still regard it as one of the greatest love songs of the last ten years, so to hear Villa work their magic on it was a very satisfying moment. Over 8 minutes the Belgian duo envelop you in a sparkling soundscape which maintains the raw emotion of the original but also builds on it with an elegant nuance. Catch Villa at Death Disco on March 19th.
Next up, we've got some soulful Funky vibes to hit you off with, and while we may know nothing about 'Under Control' as a collective we can tell you that this has some serious hype going for it. Much like Major Lazer's remix of Gyptian the M1-Organ has been used here with great affect, sitting comfortably behind a silk-smooth vocal, this a classic UK sound brought right up to date.
Under Control - I Wanna Be With You
Rolling on a similar vibe, here we have something fresh from Atlanta based producer David Heartbreak. It appears dance music's newest genre 'Moombahton' already has a subdivision, the somewhat unimaginatively titled 'Moombahsoul'. As we know, it's all about slowing it down with Moombah and while 'Bahton' may be jump-up and slamming, 'Bahsoul' is lo-fi and grooving. The funny thing is, if we'd written this segment five years ago it would mean absolutely nothing.
Lastly, Brodinski has come out of hiding to give The Aikiu's new single a crushing Techno-tinged re-fix. There's no other way to describe this really than no-nonsense, dancefloor fodder. The French lothario gives it a big booming kick, some menacing key changes and a rather standardised breakdown. Not mind-blowing but certainly useful as a set breather for the more 'banging' disco jockeys amongst you..
We've got some Balearic summer vibes to hit you off with today. Legend in the game, Mash, is back with a new single 'Somebody's Property' and with scorching terrace vibes radiating throughout this track, our excitement for this year's Ibiza season has now increased ten fold. The original is a laid back sunset affair, while Rob Etherson's remix featured here, picks up the pace, giving it a techy flavour which leaves us gasping for a vodka-limone at Bora Bora. Pick up the single now on Beatport and catch Mash every Saturday night from 2-6am on Capital FM.
MASH - Somebody's Property (Rob Etherson Remix)
We're getting ridiculously hyped about the forthcoming Heartbeats release - the new compilation features many of our favourite Glasgow producers offering high quality beats centered around an animal theme. We'll keep you posted on the release details, but for now check out Rob Etherson's contribution - 'Snail Speed' , a lo-fi, groover nestled comfortably at 100bpm (hence the title). Hypnotic and smooth, this is quality personified.
Rob Etherson - Snail Speed
Another week and another flash of brilliance from Peace. Featured as a free download on his Soundcloud, 'Hannah, Look Up' will take you through the very essence of existence in five minutes. Featuring an all encompassing vocal over a swelling bass and moving chords this could easily bring you back from the brink, setting the world to rights and giving hope to the hopeless. Yes, it is that emotional...
Can we go a week without featuring Slow It Down in some way? In short, no. Glasgow's very own edit masters are fast becoming the most talked about name in smooth grooves and funk-frivolous anthems. Requests are coming in from everyone from Greg Wilson to Jackmaster, Hudson Mohawke to Craig Smith, so if you want to re-familiarise yourself, or indeed get acquainted with the disco-diamond duo check out the 'Get To Know...' feature we did with them last month...
Zhane - Hey Mr DJ (Slow It Down Lookin' Up To No-one Edit)
It's hard to believe Subfriction’s residency at Blackfriars only began in January, it's name is mentioned in the same breath as nights many years it's senior. After a fantastic launch night featuring guests Rufftrax and Acto alongside residents Floyd and Kid Robotik they had the confidence and pockets to bring Taz Buckfaster out to play. The Recovery EP was one of the duttiest dubstep releases of 2010 so I was looking forward to skanking it up! Throw local hero Indra into the mix and suddenly February 11th was imprinted in the collective calendar and mind.
Kid Robotik put his fingers on wax to get the night started with Philly B on hype duty, after playing together at nights like Volition and In About It! these two go together like chalk on blackboards, or cheese on crackers. Start as you mean to go on seemed to be the vibe and it was deep and dirty from the outset, right up my street. This is no less than crowds have come to expect from the increasingly talented and prolific Kid Robotik, expect big tings from him in 2011.
It's refreshing to see a female DJ spinning vinyl but Floyd is no gimmick, girls' got skills and a bag full of funky dub to back it up. I loved her set at the first Subfriction and tonight she was no disappointment. She kept the room bouncing and nicely grooved her way through a genre defying hour that kept her name on lips long after she left the decks. She's an inspired choice of resident for Subfriction and offers something completely different to so many dub style DJs out there. Her style is futuristic, funky and fresh. Long may she reign.
I'd describe the first half of Indra's set as dubstep with a tropical flare, though that doesn't really do him justice, he progressed from comparatively light beats to the likes of the disgustingly satisfying 'Smoking Ban' by Skinnyman and a beautifully filthy remix of the ubiquitous 'It's Bigger Than Hiphop' by Dead Prez which helped the crowd find it's skanking feet and made the best of the four (yes, four) extra subs the promoters had dragged down. The last twenty minutes of his set was my personal highlight of the night, but that grimey style is what got me into dubstep in the first place.
Taz Buckfaster was in charge of riddims for the last hour and started very high energy, it wasn't long before baseball caps were throwing themselves off of heads and onto the floor in the sheer excitement of it all as he hit the crowd with jump up tune after jump up tune. The dubstep got heaviest as 3am started to loom and the most eager Tazfans threw themselves into each other with a gusto more frequently seen in moshpits in heavy metal basements rather than Blackfriars. To be honest, this wasn't my cup of tea but then I use phrases like "not my cup of tea".
No night would be complete without hiccups, and no review complete without mention of them. Now very much a marked man, Slot One was responsible for tagging all over the freshly painted bathroom walls, an act that didn't exactly ingratiate Subfriction with the bouncers and management. Add to that some further antics in the "ladies" toilets (which would be scandalous for me to go into) and necessitated the removal of the stall doors and I do worry about the future of the night. It'd be a real vibe killer if Subfriction had to rehome, especially with No Face and Bungo booked for March, the promoters have served up a dubstep scene on a plate, something Glasgow really needed, it'd be a shame if the city didn't give the love back.
There's one club night in Glasgow which holds a dear place in our hearts. Somewhere where you feel immediately at ease as soon as you cross the door and the afterparty is guaranteed. Where many clubs get caught up with huge guests, packing as many punters as possible into an over-sized room, Spectra (previously Spectrum) creates a unique atmosphere that welcomes you with open arms.
Our first visit to Spectra last summer solidified this, when, being relatively random in the sweaty basement of Blackfriar's Basement we were immediately introduced to a super-extended group of friends that we now consider to be some of our best. One half of the promoting duo behind Spectra, PT, makes it his sole mission to get everyone on the same wave length, so you may arrive by yourself but will certainly leave newly acquainted. We were in turn invited back to the inaugural afterparty that night and the rest is now history. That's why it gives us such great pleasure to appear at their new monthly spin off at Nicensleazy's this Sunday.
Our very own resident, Vianassa will be joining B.Tone & Aymard for a night of sweat, hands in the air and uninhibited nonsense as Monday morning becomes an extension of the weekend. Musically, the night veers from bass-bastardised Techno, through Tech, Electro & House, but with the dancefloor always focused at the centre - expect the odd classic from punk, rock & soul thrown effortlessly in the mix. Having tested the water during Christmas, Spectra at Sleazy's seems like a natural addition to it's Saturday night, Merchant City counterpart. Grab a drink upstairs and then roll down to the basement for some fresh-cut beats and a lot of friendly faces...
Promoters PT & B.Tone
Check out recent mixes by B.Tone, Aymard & Vianassa below as well as an interview with B.Tone aboutthe club's origin's and future:
S: Spectra is without doubt one of our favourite club nights in Glasgow with a very special atmosphere, for those who may be unaware can you give us a little background info regarding when and why you started the night?
BT: Back in the olden days, just after Soulwax became great and started Djing it turned the spotlight onto shady Djs. Even though I’d seen some amazing shows in town, like pre-minimal Richie Hawtin, Carl Craig at Bugged Out, Jeff Mills at T in the Park, I still could not be fucked with most Djs. Coz I was in bands I thought I was a “real musician” and they didn’t have a clue. Wrong. Mostly. It’s just that the likes of Timo Mass made me think “Holy Jesus, what a penis”. When the bands I was in chucked it I needed a turntable for all my accumulated vinyl so my girl got me 2 turntables, a mixer and a Green velvet record. The thought to start a club night came when the places I was going to would be missing just one or two things I needed – a moment of mentalness, less snide, more smiles, no neds, change gears from mind numbing soulful house etc. Respect to the early days of Optimo for variety and cool and thanks to Pressure for the mighty techno blueprint. One night at Fruitfly sticks out too. That’s the why.
When it started, was a little over 2 years ago. The atmosphere is something everyone always comments on and that makes us happy. Everyone that works on the night, all our regulars and those joining in for the 1st time all get on the same feeling. With so much noise and point making from Djs now, Aymard and myself never forget the No.1 rule. Make the mutha fuckers dance.
S: You recently started a monthly extension of Spectra at Nicensleazy’s, when a lot of clubs have been scaling back what made you decide to expand? Also, have you been informed whether the recent fire above Sleazy’s will affect this Sunday’s event?
BT: Just spoke to the Venue and its smoke free. Shut for a whole week but open for business again. The Basement of Blackfriars is our home but we have been all over town for some one offs. A masquerade ball at the Brunswick Basement, Secret Wars at the Subby and a Xmas party at Sleazys. We went down to Camden for a couple of dates last year too.The plan is to get up onto Sauchiehall Street – where we all want to be. The Las Vegas Strip of Glasgow. Our Xmas show up there was a success and now, here we are – a monthly Sunday. There seems to be an overload of bass up there now, so we thought we’d bring the Techno to the people for a bargain basement price on the Sabbath. Everyone knows how saturated the Glasgow club scene is. We’ve built up Spec to one of the few nights in town that pulls a regular crowd with just the residents and local guests on. Although, when we do go international we go big. Sunday at Sleazys is the twin brother to Saturday at Blackfriars, with different but equally fetching friends.
S: On top of promoting and DJ’ing at Spectra you also produce your own music which has been released on various labels. What releases can we look forward to in 2011 and how would you describe your music to people who may not have heard it?
BT: The biggest influences on me have been Lou Reed and Boys Noize. Unfortunately, as everyone knows, after moments of brilliance there follows many, many un-brilliant bastards that take the great sound and fuck it up. Music comes in from the avant- garde to the mainstream but between those 2 extremes lies the music we’re into. I love the Sex Pistols and Daft Punk. I make lots of weird sounding Tech and arpeggio tunes with a hook. Just whatever is in me at the time. Although, club banger is always in mind. Finally invested in some monitors too, so the music sounds fuller. The first few releases were great learning experiences with some sound mix issues but on the whole I am delighted to get some music out there. The sound in the studio now is what I’ve been trying to do for the last couple of years. New EP on the way very soon. Bob Dylan said, "all the songs are already there, just waiting to be written". But these are tunes or tracks. I still call them songs though.
B.Tone at Spectra
S: As well as pushing a lot of local DJ talent at Spectra you also incorporate live art throughout the night and have bands on at your pre-parties. How important do you think it is for club nights to diversify further than just the music?
BT: Layers and layers. Lots going on. I remember hearing about one of the New York Disco Clubs. They would commission a brand new art project once a week, usually a sculpture, to go right in the middle of the dancefloor. That’s far out. Inspired. Plenty of cash to fling about in the old Coke days though. So with that history in mind, and so many nights on in Glasgow with the “boys & decks” set up, we tried something else. Conzo, the super talent, used to draw with inkies on the main wall in the basement. Dazzling work. But it was the process that added another dynamic to the club. Lots of eyes on the artist. Excitement at both ends of the dancefloor. Lazer lights and disco lights need moving vidz on the wall too and we finally got ours sorted. Euan McKenzie is the man that makes the wall flash.
S: Finally, we understand you have some up and coming names in Techno appearing at Spectra this year, can you give us a hint at who they might be and what Spectra has in store for 2011 in general?
BT: We’ve been dying to tell all about this one for a while and now is the time. We are proud to present the immense and special Turbo Recordings at Stereo. Everyone loves Tiga, right? He runs the label with his brother Thomas Von Party, who will be joining us. A star, a star. As will the new Prince of Electronic Body Music, Gesaffelstein. The music the Parisian is making now is completely extraordinary. Out of this world. And he dresses well too. Definitely the man of the moment. Turbo is my favourite label. They have everything. Very cool. Big names later in the year too but the thing with Spec is that we always have that feeling in the club. Apart from one night when I had the cold. Everyone is welcome and invited to join in. Leave the snide at the door and get down to the speakers.
WHAT: Spectra @ Nicensleazy's WHO: B.Tone, Aymard & Vianassa WHERE: Nicensleazy's Basement, 421 Sauchie Hall St WHEN: Sunday 20th Feb 11-3am TAX: £4/3 VISUALS: Euan McKenzie FACEBOOK EVENT: Spectra
Who: Salvador Navarrete Sounds: Dramatic soundscapes laden with heavy bass and soaring synths
Remember your first month of DJ'ing? The nerves, getting ridiculously drunk to calm those nerves, being so drunk that your three-minute round mix of Spiller -'Groovejet' into Modjo - 'Lady' sounded like something reminiscent of a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant? Well put those jittery first gig experiences next to such names as A Trak, Cassius, The Magician & Louis La Roche and you might get an idea of the whirlwind six months that has launched the career of Peace.
Picked up as resident for the massively successful new night, Naive back in September of last year, Peace has partied in a mansion with Feadz, bounced about the stage in a tiger costume with Mr Flash and got seriously messy with Busy P & A Trak in the bowels of The Arches. Not bad considering he played his first gig literally two months before. Call it 'right place, right time', but it's his boundless energy which sees him booked to play around the city. The first time we saw Peace was when our own vianassa joined him to play Naive at the Sub Club in October. Phone in mouth, sweat pouring down his brow and jumping about the booth like a mad man saw the crowd literally run to the dancefloor - and with his cavalier attitude to song selection, producing such golden moments as Dr Dre into Destiny's Child then you find people being immediately energised by the pure audacity of such ventures.
Let's also not forget that Peace has become an exceptional producer of his own music over the last few months. Time and time again he has appeared in the columns of Synth, leaving us scratching our heads as to just how to categorize his booming bass and glittery pianos chords. Often mashing forgotten acapellas with his own instrumentals his music echoes his DJ'ing, grafting the familiar with the unfamiliar, drawing the listener into a false sense of security before blasting them with a wall of bass, leaving them gasping for more. This is someone who still has that uninhibited thirst for life which is often lost once the weight of the world kicks in, someone who has just started, but with talent beyond his years could achieve almost anything. Just remember though, you heard it here first...
Check out and download some of Peace's productions below and hear what the man has to say himself in the following interview. You can also catch him supporting Fred Falke & DJ Falcon at Naive on February 26th
S: Obviously you’re still quite young, how did you actually get introduced to Glasgow’s thriving club scene? Was there a particular night, club, DJ or producer that inspired you to start producing?
P: I remember listening to the Justice live album 'A Cross The Universe' and the way they had these ridiculously massive build ups into massive massive drops; just hearing the crowds recorded reaction was the best thing I'd ever heard. Obviously Justice being as massive as they are, and through their record label & Ed Banger I heard all these new names, Mr. Flash, Sebastian and loads others...
S: You appear to have developed quite a unique sound with your own music, incorporating elements of Dubstep, Grime and Breaks. How would you personally describe your music and how do you see it developing in the future?
P: I try and make music I could hear in clubs, but also music I could just sit and listen to in the car or at a mates. sometimes I hear music and it's pretty crap to hear in anywhere else besides a club, and that's cool but for me I want to make music that's enjoyable in any situation. For the future I haven't really planned any style shifts, change usually happens before you've even realised it! Right now I'm just keeping my head down and getting on with it.
Warming up for A Trak, Cassius & Busy P
S: With regards to your production, what set up are you currently using to make your music and do you have any particular processes for making a track or is it quite spontaneous?
P: Right now I only use logic, I'll obviously expand on that when I get the money for it. With the writing process I'll usually try and work on an idea for days with no success, then one day just be doodling on it and a few hours later I've got a track that I'm really happy with! That's the way it usually goes, but if I have an acapella track the writing process is usually quite straight forward since I have a key and melody to work around.
S: Your also a resident at one of Glasgow’s newest and arguably biggest nights, Naive, playing alongside names such as A Trak, Cassius and Feadz. How does it feel to appear on the same flyer as some of these big names and are there any stories of debauchery from the night you can relay to us here?
P: I think its pretty funny seeing my name next to such big names, because I had only being playing clubs less than a month before then all of a sudden I'm playing along side one half of The Magician and Louis La Roche! I remember after Feadz and Mr flash, Feadz came back with us to this mansion in the middle of nowhere, swimming pool and all! It was ridiculous, but what happens in the mansion, STAYS in the mansion ;)
Feadz, pre mansion...
S: Having seen you DJ ourselves it would be fair to say that your style can be at times quite frantic but always exciting and full of energy. How would you personally describe yourself as a DJ and how important do you think it is to play to the crowd rather than try and educate people?
P: The way my set will work out is whatever I've been listening to leading up to the gig, I play! Obviously I'll work it so that it blends and flows, not just throwing random genres together, I always think it should be also appropriate in someway to the night, but most of all I really just wanna hear tracks I love on massive massive sound systems, that's the whole fun of it!
S: Finally, what do you have planned for the rest of 2011? Do you have intentions to get your some of your music released officially?
P: For a while now I've been looking for a label, but I think I need to not aim so high, maybe find a label more closer to home, someone that can help get my name about, I really really hope to have something officially released by the summer so I can try and get some gigs down south lined up, would be amazing!
Other than Seiji, London's Sbtrkt is potentially one of the most defining and exciting up and coming producers in modern UK Bass. With a sound which perfectly captures the continual blur of ever weakening genre boundaries, his is the sound of the last ten years of underground dance music fused into one. Forthcoming single 'Living Like I Do' featuring fresh vocal talent Sampha begins with a deep sub-bass before rolling out into a beautiful Garage hybrid. This is the definitive sound of now.
Sbtrkt & Sampha - Living Like I Do
And since it's Valentine's day, we also thought it appropriate to include this absolute gem from Jesse Ware & Sampha. Hearts are melting...
Next up, our favourite Aussie producer, Cassian returns (finally) with some new material. Entitled 'Getting High', this features on the forthcoming 'I Like What Your Doing EP' and simply emanates funk. With a disco-elastic bassline, an infectious vocal cut and some hugely uplifting piano chords this is summer come early, which I guess makes sense considering the time of year in Australia.
Cassian - Getting High
Anyone else getting a teency bit tired of squelchy basslines and high-pitched bleeps? Thought so. Things are going deeper in 2011 and there's a huge wealth of gorgeously arranged music out there to caress your dancefloor. Take this from Miami-based producer Danny Daze, a forthcoming single on Disca Bueno 'Fall Away From Love' wraps it's arms around you, holding tight from start to finish.
Danny Daze - Fall Away From Love
We just had to feature the Clare Maguire remixes this week, but which one? The sultry singer-songwriter from Birmingham has been gifted with some incredible producers on remix duties for her new single 'Save The Last Dance' but it's Danny Byrd & Chase & Status who really shine. C&S take it down the same root as Breakage did with 'Ain't Nobody', while Danny Byrd pumps it full of energy, leaving us gasping for air...
Clare Maguire - Save The Last Dance (Chase & Status Remix)
Clare Maguire - Save The Last Dance (Danny Byrd Remix)
In all seriousness, is there anything he can't do? You could throw Tensnake the stems to a Rammstein track and he could remix it into a silky-smooth Disco number. Our favourite producer of 2010 is already looking safe for a repeat in 2011 as he comes golden with this fantastic remix on Hercules & Love Affair's 'My House' - an already motivating slice of 4x4 in it's original form.
Tensnake of course blisses it out with some gorgeous sun-drenched synths, a nice rounded bassline and a drum-pattern which compliments the original but also powers it forward. Hercules & Love Affair have already proved their worth with a stunning second album and Tensnake's mix on lead single 'My House' simply catapults it into the outer limits of space. Had a rough week? 8Mins of Tensnake should help.
So as we round off the week in fine style with some utterly sensational local music, we must apologise for not making it down to the Subcity Studio's for our radio show this week. We went on a little holiday to London last weekend and it left us a shadow of a former selves... and by that I mean we went in too hard and have spent most of the week on a major whitey. Normal service will resume next week, so do not threat....
As for tonight, we suggest either working up a sweat at Thunder Disco Club & RPZ's late night workout at Stereo, jumping about like a crank at Jungle Nation with Scratch Perverts or getting a full time skank on at Subfriction's second party at Blackfriar's Basement, either way your in for a big one...
LOCAL HERO:
Peace is back yo, and he's come correct with that signature sound which gets us scratching our heads at just how to categorise it. Part Dubstep, part Breaks, part soundtrack to space exploration in the year 3000, 'Stay Nervous' brings together a cacophony of noise and filters it into a beautiful slice of drum-rolling power. Catch Peace supporting DJ Falcon & Fred Falke (yes, you read that right) at Naive on the 26th.
Peace - Stay Nervous
Having heard this dropped live by Mia Dora at Subcity's 'Who Da Best?' party last month, I can tell you the general reaction was a mixture of contorted screw face and unanimous singalong. Using the timely vocals of Olive's 'Your Not Alone' and welding them to a devastating Dubstep riddim, this the sound of Mia Dora simply flexing their muscles as they take classic vocals and make them unquestionably theirs.
Olive - Your Not Alone (Mia Dora Remix)
This is the year of Slow It Down. After covering them in our 'Get To Know...' feature early in January, they've appeared on numerous blogs, caressed many a dancefloor and are now tinkering with their own material. Master's of the re-edit, they simply possess the magic touch when it comes to rolling out the grooves, and this edit of The Biz is a perfect example. Five minutes of pure Paradise Garage for a Friday night down the local discotheque.
The Biz - Fallin' (Slow It Down Edit) (Free Download)
Uh Oh, here comes the pain! Digital Stitch is about to go loco-Hacienda on your ass and there's nothing you can do about it. If your after a slice of 2am, dancefloor chaos, here is the tune that's going to take you there. A driving, ascending breakdown that eventually drops with a sound reminiscent of a lawnmower running over a small animal. You better practice your gurn-gob for this one because we're predicting widespread facial disturbances.
Bul!m!atron - Cuz Dats Where Da Party At (Digital Stitch Remix)
Based in Glasgow, Synth is a hub for one of Britain’s most thriving clubbing communities. We pride ourselves on getting in on the ground level, whether it’s reporting on an incredible party in an abandoned warehouse, putting the spotlight on an up and coming local producer or bringing you interviews with some of the key players on the scene, Synth is your guide to one of the best party city's in Europe.
Glasgow producers, promoters and DJ's: We want to hear from you! If you've got a hot new track that needs to be heard, a brand new mix which you think should be featured or a big club night coming up that you want listed or reviewed hit us up on info@synthglasgow.com and we will get back to you. We're also currently looking for writers to contribute to the Synth blog. We have a lot of guest list opportunities for exciting new clubs and established nights. We need people to go and review them, so if your interested please get in touch on the above email address. All audio featured on this blog is for promotional purposes only, if you want a song removed please contact us on the above email address and we will remove it immediatly.
