In da box and playlist: july-september

It's been a long time. Well, the summer just passed too quickly, and autumn melancholy is already all around. The following are some of my favorite 4/4 tunes currently and lately.


> Matias Aguayo - Minimal [Kompakt]

A funky and passionate disco-like groover by the Chilean producer and singer Matias Aguayo. First I heard it played by DJ Koze at Kompakt Total party, Marcus Rossknecht's mix though. The funny lyrics worked very well, and the song became an instant hit for me. Also, it was the unofficial anthem of Riga Night (and days) in Brussels.

> Kevin Saunderson - Good Love (Luciano remix) [KMS]

This one comes from History Elevate series - a rather successful remix project of Kevin Saunderson's tracks. This particular one was a vocal house production under Inner City moniker. Luciano stripped down version is quite basic and laid-back, a minimal beat, some percussion, the original vocal with dubby delays. It's not outstanding, however I like its deep and repetitive vibe and summer feel.

> STL - Something Is Raw [Something]

STL aka Stephan Laubner is my recent discovery. He is a master of percussive house grooves and loops, that's a proper minimal house. This track, which is a real stormer, has been released back in October 2007, however I must mention it because its groove made my day and I has been playing it quite a lot.

> Mutant Clan - Kenesai [Connaisseur]

The track sets an irresistable tribal groove. I don't know anything much about the authors except that one of them is Timo Maas. Another side of this From A Lesson In Drums release is fine too, done by someone called Pele.

> October - Say Again [Perspektiv]

Very deep and hypnotic, though having quite accented and metallic snares. I believe it might be some dubstep influence. October has almost arrived.

> Stimming - Una Pena [Diynamic]

Although latino sapmples and motifs have become over-used, this Stimming's track still sounds interesting. It's got that typical and quite distinctive Diynamic sound, also typical for Solomun - music is very melodic yet different from usual Get Physical / Cocoon epic stuff. I don't know, but probably it's more psychedelic and dreamy, those melodies and samples sound distant somehow creating a transcendental effect. A nice, more punchy Argy's remix on the flipside too. Check also Stimming's track Anger for Liebe*Detail - it has a very nice strings when reaching the culmination.

> Brendon Moeller - Electricity [Leena]

A deep tech-house banger from one of my favorite producers. The whole EP is a goodie. Well, B.Moeller know how to dig deep still having his own original approach. Besides, he's done an amazing remix of Intrusion - Tswana Dub, you should definitely check it out if you're into electronic dub / dubtechno.

> Dave Aju - Crazy Place [Circus Company]

This guy is from San Francisco and making weird minimal house records for the French label Circus Company. Kind of DJ Koze's style, you know. Crazy Place is a cool and relaxed gem with a nice vocal and strange samples.

> DOP - I'm Just A Man EP [Eklo]

I can just agree with RA's review that this is their best and tightest release so far. A pure jazz dope, very groovy and dancefloor friendly. Should become a hit.

> My My - Pink Flamingos [Ostgut Tontraeger]

It's been out for a while, but I've given it a listen just recently. My My successfully continues exploring funky disco basslines and dreamy deep house atmospheres avoiding boring cliches.

> Morgan Geist - Detroit [Environ]

A hilarious vocal track on the electronic disco and Detroit techno tip.

LPs:

> Stefan Goldmann - The Transitory State [Macro]

The first of two CDs is a slightly edited selection of his tracks mainly for his own Macro imprint which all sound together surprisingly well. Nice collection.

> Shed - Shedding the Past [Ostgut Tontraeger]

Very interesting and experimental deep house meets dubtechno meets dubstep tracks. The soundtrack of now.

> V.A. - Recovery [Fractured]

Although it's not really a dancefloor stuff, I can't avoid mentioning it - so great it is. Originally it's a set of 10 7-inches. All of them are covers of pop songs done by respected electronic music producers. Yummy, thanks Gosh for suggesting.

exit is open

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, freaks and clowns!

Exit has been relaunched again. Although the main opening party was on Saturday, there were some events on Thursday and Friday as well. For instance, on Friday Gangpol Und Mit performed (don't ask me why it sounds German, actually they are two guys from Bordaux, France). They own music + they own videos. That was outstanding indeed! Very cartoonish, baroque, creative, funny and sick at the same time. But you have to see it yourself.



Now a short review of the main event. The night took off with a live performance by Bass Clef - a very fine and interesting dubstep producer from UK, Bristol I guess. A little detour: first I found out about this guy on Tape blog few years ago, a couple of his tracks were put there. He was practically unknown yet, at least internationally, and his artist's nickname was RLF. That time most of dubstep was very dark and monotone, but his tracks were surprisingly different and fresh - more subtle, daring to experiment and with some electronica/IDM influence, I'd say. Sounded good to me. Since that time he has released a critically aclaimed album (as Bass Clef) with a very cute title - A Smile Is A Curve That Straightens Most Things - and some other 12 inches on his Blank Tapes imprint. Check also his blog. Alright, now back to the party. He played his tracks from CD, adding some samples, mainly percussion, tapping on a sapmpler and effects, such as delay. Besides, Bass Clef used a mic for playing trombone, cowbell, whistling etc. Interesting rhythmic patterns, sometimes just loosely related to the clasic dubstep. For instance, there was one kuduro rhythm, some other sample palettes were reminiscent of Rio's baile funk etc. Altogether it sounded as intelligent and electronic dubstep yet having some ghetto music roots. It was freash and enjoyable, just wished the sound system had more bass, but this was just a technical detail.

As the next one, Max Tundra tooked over the stage. He had an impressive set of gears. Music was quite different, a lot of singing and guitar, quite funny and funky, sometimes even a bit too cheasy and not enough groovy for my taste, but no doubt he is a diverse and talanted musician. I wish people danced more, especially when he fired some ravey cover version (was it KLF, huh?). But, well, that's a typical Luxembourg's crowd - it takes ages (and quite a few drinks) to get them moving. No pun intended though, that's just the way it is over here.














The last guest artist was Rodion - a guy who makes quality nu school italo disco for Gomma Records. And he is actually Italian. Although before seeing him I quite liked some of his tracks and there was one worthy his mix in my possession, his live performance turned out better than I expected - it was very groovy and entertaining. Rodion played together with a bass player, and due to the fact that he used analogue synths and vocoders it sounded as a proper underground italo disco. Whatever he did, sounded just cool avoiding beeing too cheesy - even a cover version of Supertramp's song was a kicker. Finally, people were dancing.

Some more photos here.

It was a realy good start, and there are some other goodies to come. The next event will be the DFA night on October 3 with a live performance by Prinzhorn Dance School (a real live band)and DJ sets by Mock & Toof (also released on Tiny Sticks and Mule) and Tim Sweeney (of Beats In Space radioshow fame). Gotta be sweaty!

Riga -> Luxembourg & Rotondes -> Carré

First of all, I would like to say that the extension of Riga Night Brussels in Luxembourg went really well - Martinez Gonzalez had an amazing performance in d:qliq. Thanks to Fred for inviting us over. We even managed to get an extra gig in some private party which was pretty cool as well. You can check some photos here.

Now about this week-end. The great news is that Rotondes - a culture site specially developed for European Cultural capital project in 2007 - is reopening. The name has become CarréRotondes and also its location is different (hence no round buildings any more). It comprises Exit venue as well which was responsible for so many outstanding concerts and events last year. Anyway, Marc is still in charge of musical programmation there, so hopefully we can expect many great bands. At least, the line-up for opening party is promising: Bass Clef, Max Tundra and Rodion.

More information about opening events here.

Riga's still on tour

I'm just start recovering from the crazy week-end, all can I say is that Riga Night Brussels was amazing. Great music, talented and open-minded freak-friends and suprisingly good response from the other people who were there. I must also add that it wasn't just playing music, dancing and performing, it was definitely much more - in the best FuckForFriendship traditions. I mean, it's not just about performing, it's more like a way of life and attitude.

While Riga Night Brussels is over, you can still catch some echo of it this week in Luxembourg. This Friday, September 12 Martinez Gonzalez will have a live set and I will play some records in d:qliq bar. This time I plan to do it a bit more pop, also some vocals and joyful melodies, but we'll see how it turns out. Everybody's welcome.

By the way, while driving in a car through Brussels, there was a Flamish radio on telling about some DJ festival. I didn't get a word, but for some strange reason the guy on radio kept mentioning mojitos. So, just to know - d:qliq likely has the best mojitos in the town.

Thank you Riga and thank you my friends!

Riga @ Brussels

As I've already posted before, this weekend (Saturday, September 6 to be precise) Riga Night Brussels will take place in an abandoned beer brewery (address: Quai du Hainaut 43 à 1080 Bruxelles / Porte de Ninove, that's near the Channel).

The event will start at 8 p.m. with a showcase of Latvian documentary, animation and short films.

That will be followed by a party from 11 p.m. DJs Ivars Mednis, ZeDmitry and me, Heincha, gonna spin some "underground" electronic dance music as we like it - deep, sexy and groovy. Plus, Martinez Gonzales will play his own warm and melodic tracks. For those less enthusiastic about 4 to the floor techno and house there will be a smaller stage outside with a bit more pop sensibility.

Music will be accompanied by video-mixes from our visual wizards-lizards: VJs Linards Kulless and Ginta Tinte.

To do it in a proper Riga way, the one and only Space:Garage Bar's crew will take care of providing booze and fun to the people.

Needless to say, all the abovementioned artists are from Riga. And now a bit pathetic line: that's right, we all are friends in one or another way, so it's not mere an official presentation of our city that we love so much, it's also about friendship and having fun. In my view, there's nothing wrong with that, these kind of projects may be even more effective and certainly more sincere than very official ones, because in the first case it's somewhat more concentrated and dedicated.

Well, come and meet us! :)

Oh, yes, almost forgot to add that, besides the Riga night, there will an exhibition too. Already acclaimed young artists (guess from where) - Voldemars Johansons, Maija Kurseva and Linards Kulless - will exhibit their installations at M'ATUVU Creative Shopwindow (Lakensestraat 113, 1000 Bruxelles). The codename is Fluid States, so it all will be about ever-changing and transforming liquids and fluids. The opening is this Friday, September 5, and it will be open until September 17.

More info: http://riganightbrussels.com

Riga rox à Bruxelles

Well, here we go again. This time quite important news. In September 16, Riga party will take place for the first time in Brussels. On this occasion, a bunch of my fellow DJs, associated with Fuck For Friendship / Space:Garage posse and all known in Riga, will spin for a good groove. So, it's gonna be me, ZeDmitry and Ivars Mednis. Furthermore, expect a live performance by Martinez Gonzales, visuals by Linards Kulless and Ginta Tinte, plus a Latvian film programme.

More info will come soon, meanwhile check the event's website.

And massive thanks to my lovely wife Liene Reine, Katya Delimova, JosWorld, Roi Baudoin Foundation, Air Baltic, FFF and all the others involved for making this happen!!

In brief: a DJ set @ "Baltā nakts"

I'll be playing an Ableton Live set at Dirty Deal cafe in the frame of "Baltā nakts" (Nuit blanche) in Riga. That will be tomorrow, Saturday 30/08. Expect quite diverse music: from minimal to disco to electro.

I'm also eager to see performances by Jan Jelinek and Pole nearby at Space Textures event.

Don't sleep!

Cologne breaths pop

I had a great time in Cologne during C/O Pop festival. Lots of gigs, movies and presentations. It seemed that all venues and clubs were taking part in this event in one or another way, so it was imposible to see everything. However, I liked the idea that it was rather a network of parties than a one-spot festival with different stages. So, one can freely stroll around the city and check different clubs.

On my arrival I saw a live performance by Crytal Castles. Perhaps, it was due to the poor soundsystem or the crowd of young hipsters why I didn’t find it interesting enough. Afterwords we checked out Berlin Calling party with Bpitch artists which was pretty good.

The next day there was a Silent Movie Night where Vladislav Delay played a specially composed soundtrack for A.Kaurismaki’s movie “I Hired A Contract Killer”. His music was OK, but nothing too surprising — the usual deep vibes with clicky rhythmic structures. However, the performance by Adolf Noise — DJ Koze’s alias for more experimental listening music — was outstanding and highly entertaining. Basically, everything was built on looped samples, playing and additionaly sampling some live instruments (flutes, xilaphone, trumpet etc.) and voices. All that was tweaked and FX’ed. The performace contained also quite many lengthy spoken samples in German, apparently very funny judging by people’s response. Ah yeah, it was a headphone party — no headphones, no sound.

The next thing was definetely the highlight of the festival — Kompakt Total 9 party. Actually it turned out to be one of the best parties I’ve ever been. First, Expo XXI sounded quite dry as a name of venue, and I was expecting one of those impersonal huge expo centres which all look the same. Fortunately, I was wrong — it was a reconstructed middle-sized building with brick walls and curving archs, supplied with two dancefloors. It was spacious enough, but still cosy, also because of very tasteful and elegant lights and video projections all over the walls. Furthermore, both rooms had exceptionally good soundsystems which is so important to enjoy music properly.














When we entered, on the big stage Supermayer was starting its show. No minimal at all. Groovy electro beats, tight basslines, kitschy videos, some funny samples and interludes. Superpitcher even sang a bit. Then Ewan Pearson continued as a DJ. (By the way, I did an interview with him which will be published in Veto magazine. I will post a part of it in this blog as well, so stay tuned.) His set was quite techno, not the hardest one though. Meanwhile, we checked the small room which was more about kicking techno. Quite simple, but pleasently tight and effective. Again, the soundsystem was brilliant. I’m not sure who played at that point — could be Navid Tahernia or Reinherd Voight — but it was all groovy and having a nice drive.

Back to the main hall. After Ewan, Aril Brikha commenced his live set. At first, after having exposed ourselves to proper techno beats, Aril’s music seemed too uplifting and melodic, kind of epic. As we started to dance, the mood changed quickly. The purple and blue lights plus his music set a good vibe. Aril’s epic journey was continued by DJ Koze’s set. Quite different style again — more minimal yet outstanding and weird tracks. Maybe his style is no style, in fact. One of the funniest tracks was his own remix of Matias Aguayo’s Minimal. Actually Aguayo was playing in afterparty. Without stimulating substances we were just a bit short of energy to continue there, despite it was quite tempting. Anyway, it was totally enough.

The next night started with a chilly concert by Jose Gonzalez. It was on a boat. There was water all around and quite small audience, which made this experience even more unique and intimate. Enjoying some sekt, his marvellous singing and the night covered Rhein. I must admit that I prefered Teardrop instead of Heartbeats.

During the same night we managed to visit Treibstoff party and MBF/Traum/Trapez party. Both venues were really underground and crowded, and somehow we didn’t manage to stay long. On the way home, we checked a small club where Larry Heard DJ’ed. A true legend of house music, as we all know. However, it was a bit strange that grandfather of house music was DJ-ing on CDs. Well, OK, it was still nice house groove on a sweaty dancefloor.

The last day, Sunday, I was chilling in a park before my leaving. It was quite strange feeling realising that Sven Vath and Ricardo Villalobos are rocking nearby.

Inhale mix (radio mix)

Below is a link to the mix I played on Bloë Baaschtert radioshow, which is hosted by two nice chaps Unki and Claude. The mix features some new stuff that I find interesting as well as some other bit more classic tracks. In fact I've realised that on the tracklist there are many artists whose music I mix quite often, so you can say it's kind of my typical mix. For instance, in almost all my recents mixes you'd find Guillaume & The Coutu Dumonts and Brendon Moeller. Also, the omnipresent Villalobos is here, and other frequent names like Tigerskin/Dub Taylor, Tolga Fidan from the Vakant camp, Rekids, Lee Jones from My My, liebe*detail and Mothership appear. Well, have a listen, I hope you'll enjoy this moody and groovy voyage.

Heincha - Inhale mix

1. Guillaume & The Coutu Dumonts - Mederico [Oslo]
2. Ricardo Villalobos - Minimoonstar [Perlon]
3. Masomenos - Aftermama's [Welcome To Masomenos]
4. Brendon Moeller - Electricity [Leena]
5. Claude VonStroke - Scarlet Macaw [Mothership]
6. Tigerskin - Darkcold (Sweet N Candy remix) [Morris Audio]
7. Tolga Fidan - Us And Them [Cocoon]
8. Dapayk & Padberg - Pantomime Horse (Dapayk remix) [Mo's Ferry Prod.]
9. Audiofly & Paul Harris - Miscalate (Partial Arts remake) [Rekids]
10. 3 Channels - It's Getting Kinda Hectic (Shane Berry remix) [Trapez]
11. Maetrik - Stab Jockey [Mothership]
12. Stimming - The Anger [liebe*detail]
13. Lee Jones - Aria [Aus Music]

Mixing at Bloë Baaschtert radioshow

Hello funky people! Just a quick notice: I'm kindly invited to do a mix at Bloë Baaschtert radioshow this Monday, August 4, 18.30-20.00. The show is about Luxembourg-based musicians, bands and DJs. Expect moody tech-house/minimal tunes. Those who live in Luxembourg can tune in to radio Ara (103,3 & 105,2 FM), otherwise you can listen to live stream from Ara's website. Anyways, I'll try to record the mix and post it here afterwards.

24 h electroniques + C/POP Cologne

Hey folks!

A couple of weeks ago I've been to an event called 24 heures electroniques, few words about it.

Indeed, it lasted 24 hours non-stop: during the daytime there were some rather useful and interesting workshops concerning producing, DJ-ing, circuit bending and related topics. When the night started, a party in 4 halls kicked off.

I must say that with few exceptions all the big names represented nu rave and electro camp. Sometimes I wonder why this style is so popular in French speaking countries... Fortunately, not everything was so bad. For instance, there was a nice DJ set by Cassius decorated with samples and effects, Alex Gopher played some no-nonsense electronic house tunes, and even the live show by Digitalism positively surprised me (it's better than their records). However, the best electro live band was Shameboy from Belgium - never had heard them before, but their music was definetely better that usual avarage electro-rock stuff. Check their myspace.

It was already morning when for a pleasant change Apparat dropped some tough beats and bittersweet melodies in one of the halls, and one of the Tiefschwarz guys took over the turntables in another room to play something closer to my taste in dance music, e.g. German kind of house/techno. A happy end.

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For the first time I'm going to C/POP in the mid of August, which ir likely the best electronic music fair and festival in Cologne. In the frame of its clubnight, all the appropriate venues will host an impressive array of local and international artists, including such names as R.Villalobos, DJ Koze, Larry Heard, E.Pearson, R.Voigt, G.Ananda and many many more, see the full list yourself. It means not just great music but also a hard choice. The last but not least, the almighty Kompakt will hold their annual Kompakt Total party there. I'm hardly waiting.

miximal 4 minipower

Now it's time for some miximal.




I've put together a mix for the Minipower installation, which can be downloaded from their site. The mood is quite deep and trippy yet groovy, hence its codename "No Gravity Jack Mix". Don't ask me why listening to this kind of stuff I imagine some interstellar sci-fi shit, could be a bad influence of Polish comic books in my childhood or just my spoiled imagination. Whatsoever, groove along.

The tracklist

Heincha : No Gravity Jack Mix (Minipower 027)

1. Vladislav Delay - Recovery IDea (Andy Stott remix)
2. and.id - One Is Not Enough
3. Brendon Moeller - One Man's Junk
4. Sety - Mogane
5. Marcel Dettmann - Quicksand
6. Szenario - Demeaner VcAll
7. Hugo - The Siren
8. Lauhaus - Downunder + Marc Houle - Techno Vocals acapella
9. Radio Slave - Tantakatan
10. Jens Zimmermann - Rocket
11. Benno Blome - Eramina
12. Brendon Moeller - Changes
13. Pitto - Aphex

groovily yours,
Henchaman

In da box & playlist: May/June

A quick round-up of the records that have been thrilling me in last months.






> Ricardo Villalobos - Vasco EP [Perlon]

He did it again! Is it techno, dubstep, a kind of futuristic jazz or simply electronica? I think it doesn't really matter if music is so unconventional and inventive as this. Villalobos keeps surprising us. The both remixes are dope too!

> Vladislav Delay - Recovery IDea (Andy Stott Remix) [Semantica]

A.Stott's amazingly boosts up the original supplying a killing bass to V.Delay's generally mellow clicky sound.

> Brendon Moeller - One Man's Junk EP [Third Ear]

Another remarkable deep, dubby and jazzy excursion guided by B.Moeller. All tracks are a quite different and... great.

> Touane - The Birds [Persona]

This track comes from the same titled EP. A smoothly pumping bassline together with some brass instruments and percussions lead into abstract and deep atmosphere. Landers Grove is not bad either, given that you don't equal the bad with the dark.

> The Per Eckbo Orchestra - Kodo Verano [Oslo]

This is another project by lately highly demanded Guillaume Coutu Dumont, this time together with Federico Molinari. The tribal percussion and weird aboriginal samples are nothing original nowadays, however track's deep and hypnotic flow works nicely.

> Mark Henning - Jupiter Jive LP [Soma]

Funk in a trunk. I had to give some more listen to this, but it's clearly a goodie.

> Henrik Schwarz & Amampondo - I Exist Because Of You (Henrik Schwarz Live Version) [Innervisions]

A brilliant afro groove with likembe-like instrumentation. Check also his take on Ane Brun's song Headphone Silence, both tunes are lovely if you are not scared of melodies and actual singing.

> Dapayk & Padberg feat. Caro - Island (Noze remix) [Mo's Ferry Prod.]

Noze guys have provided a beautiful remix for this song. A melancholic and easy tune to enjoy when you are tired from all the big summer anthems.

> Cassy - A Plea For Me [Cocoon]

Taken from Cocoon compilation H. A hypnotic and percussive gem that might easily become a hit. Seductive.

> Four Tet - Ringer EP [Domino]

Kieran Hebden have done some 4/4 (not necessarily for the floor). Still sounds different and surprising. In a good way.

Other goodies:

Chic Miniature - Chanchita [Crosstown Rebels], Robin Drimalski - Hidden Peak [Vidab], Lauhaus - Downunder [Intacto], Hugo - The Siren [Tuning Spork], Dominik Eulberg - Es Klebt Noch Morgentau In Deinem Haar [Traum], Rhadoo - Dor Mit Oru EP [Cadenza], Los Updates - 4 Wheel Drive (Original Edit) [Cadenza]...

...have I've forgotten anything?

In brief: summer breeze

Hey folks! It might be the right time to interrupt the silence which has been lasting over here for some span. On the other hand, there's no many things to tell, apart from: don't be a geek - get out, breath some fresh air and enjoy the sun, visit some open-air festival, the summer is here!

So, in general I am at ease now: less DJ-ing, spending less time on smoky dancefloors or dusted vinyl shops. Said this, I must add that my life without music would be hardly imaginable, just the mood has got slightly different. Typically, the summer is a time for big, sometimes fluffy anthems, those have-fun-not-gloom-under-the-summer-sun hits appear everywhere. Hate it or take it. Or you can choose indulge yourself into the deep and dopey world of dubtechno. Or something else, everything goes.

Speaking about hits, our friends from Berlin's White label have succeeded to hit the right button with their 002 release - Martin Zadak's track Zahara to be more precise. I've seen even Juan Atkins playing this record at Luxembourg Philharmonie, who is a creator of techno as we know it. Not bad at all!

The last remark. As some of you may already know, our favorite venue Space:Garage has been closed down (thanks to the authorities, suckers!), so indeed less spinning and clubbing. This club has already become a legend and it served as a fertile soil for reviving the local 4/4 music scene. The guys (Fuck For Friendship crew) who were in charge of this club promise to keep doing some parties after having a summer break. We'll see, but it's clear that there's a need to fill the gap since the only Riga's club specialising in contemporary house and techno music does not exist any more. Anyway, my gratitude who made it happen - I'm not sure about the sexual implications, but for sure it was a damn groovy fun and I think this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Watch out for the follow-up (I can already tell you that the Garage's crew and the resident artists will be widely present at Riga Night in Brussels this September, more info will follow soon).

Pagaidām!

Live Signals

While I was in Riga, I had a live mix session on radioshow Signals. In fact, I was supposed to be a guest already around Easter time, however that show got cancelled. So, better later than never, and here you can listen to the recorded show. In the first hour the host Ivars Zaļkalns plays new music, and my mix is in the 2nd hour of the show. Although it was quite improvised and not perfectly smooth mix but, on the other hand, I suppose that it gives some special feel of spinning live. As you can hear, musically the selection includes different subgenres: the introduction is more minimal, then it goes more acid/chicago house, even some Detroitish strings etc.

Here's the tracklist:

1. Rhadoo - Slagare [Cadenza]
2. Sammy Dee - Ultrastretch [Perlon]
3. [a]pendics.shuffle - No Reduction (M.Schaffhauser rmx) [Adjunct]
4. The Houze Vectors - We Bring U Muzik [M>O>S]
5. Prosumer & Murat Tepeli - Dontstop [Ostgun Ton]
6. Toma Sumo & Prosumer - Play Up [Ostgun Ton]
7. Tigerskin - The Thing [Tiny Sticks]
8. Gary Beck - Stolen From The Jake (Droido rmx) [Fine Art]
9. Kevin Saunderson - Just Want Another Chance (John Tejada rmx) [KMS]
10. Move D. feat. Fragment - Untitled [Workshop]
11. Contra Communem Opinionem - Dreamin [Mathematics]

In brief: Berlin & Riga

Good afternoon! I've been travelling for a while: first, Berlin, now still being in Riga.

Riga Night in Berlin was pretty cool: relaxed and cosy atmosphere, a lot of booze and back 2 back mixing, but that's how we do that :) I would like specially thank Ivonna and the guys from White label for the warm welcome - it was great! By the way, White002 and particularly Zadak's track seems quite big - I even heard it at Panorama bar next day (I'm not sure who was at the decks that moment, but could be A.Galluzzi). As far I know, White003 by Oskar Offermann is on its way, so watch out! Not just the party, but Berlin in general was fun, of course - hanging out with friends, sunny afterhours in parks with blossoming trees all around, drinking beer on Kastanienallee and Oranienstrasse, in such moments life seems sweet. No wonder that I missed the plane back to Luxemburg. Instead, I headed straight to Riga.

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Riga. It's cool in both senses: quite many cultural events take place here these weeks, and the weather is quite cold. First of all, the festival of contemporary and electronic music Skaņu Mežs has taken off. So far I've got impressed most by Hauschka and Alva Noto, but there are many interesting artists/projects this night and tommorow as well.

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As you might already know, Space:Garage club was closed down all of sudden (the authorities in Riga suck etc., but more on this subject later). However, FuckForFriendship team promises to continue their activities in some way. Tonight they present a party with a live set by Jake Fairley aka Fairmont, who's a wizard of melodic, quite mellow yet masterful tracks. I've seen him once at Le NAME festival, and can assure that he is doing great stuff.

Alright, see you probably tonight either at Skaņu Mežs or Fairmont's gig. Or at both!

Riga in Berlin

I'm already selecting records for the Riga Night in Berlin, which will take place at ZUR Moebelfabrik this Friday (April 25). Other DJs from Riga are Ivars Mednis, DV5 and ZeDmitri, but VJ Linards Kulless will be in charge of videos. Besides, the line-up includes the resident DJ Jackie Treehorn and a live performance by Oskar Offermann from White label. Last but no least - thanks Ivonna N. for making it happen!

In da box & playlist: March - April

Here we go again with a round-up of important/played/bought/listened tunes lately.



> The House Vectorz - We Bring U Muzik [M>O>S]

What a wonderful acid house gem! Makes me think of Larry Heard's and Mr. White's megahit The Sun Can't Compare.

> Martin Zadak - Zahara [White]

Deep and hypnotic tech-house with interesting voice samples. First I heard it in the set of Till von Sein at Space:garage. I'm looking forward meeting the guys from White label in Berlin this w-end.

> Jahcoozi - Ali McBills (Robert Johnson 6am X Ray Italo Rework) [Careless]

Well, this is not a new thing, but I've descovered this amazing remix just recently (thanks to Ewan Pearson). It's an unconventional blend of grimey dub sound, on one hand, and italo-disco, on another hand.

> Marcus Meinhardt - Jerry Lee (Marek Hemmann Remix) [Upon.You]

Marek Hemmann phunks and bleeps the original up, and the result is pleasantly rocking!

> Move D feat. Fragment - Untitled [Workshop]

Workshop 004 contains a brilliant deep and funky house cut by the legendary Move D. Excellent groove and work with vocal samples!

> Liviu Groza - Samedi Aprés-Midi EP [Minimood]

Although maybe not a dancefloor rocker exactly, all 3 tracks are subtle and beautiful.

> Holger Zilske - Bees [Playhouse]

Yes, yes, this is that famous record with artwork by our fella Dmitri Zagga. However, it's not the artwork which made me include the record in this list - both sides are excellent examples of stripped down electronic dance music with some nice chords on top. Holger definetely knows how to produce.

> Kabale Und Lauhaus - Shaved Monkey [Remote Area]

Apart from interesting sample, the A side doesn't impress me, however, there is a very fine minimal track on the flip-side: deep, dubby, yet groovy.

> Contra Communem Opinionem - Tired Feet EP [Mathematics]

Mathematics imprint is based in Chicago and is known for releasing very original house, techno and electro tracks, keeping that underground spirit alive. The latest release contains non-standard, even weird (we love weird stuff!) compositions with killing basslines and sweet melodies.

> Exercise One - Intensity [Mobilee]

Mobilee used to be one of my favorite labels in 2006, but lately their releases don't surprise me so much any more. Don't get me wrong, it is still good stuff, but somehow less extraordinary. However, the latest 12" by Excercise One is very nice. Intensity sets a vibrant drive full of unexpected twists and noises, whereas the B side is more laid-back track with a warm ambient lushness.

La musique noire : Dark star mix

Traditionally darkness is associated with evil, perilousness and other negative and depressing things - and don't ask me why, because there is no direct reason why dark should equal negative. On the contrary, dark could be beautiful, true and deep, it can be mystic and tempting. Thus dark colours are elegant, for instance, and techno music is sombre in general. And there's nothing wrong with that.

I've completed a new mix, which was my reflection on several aspects of the current state of (minimal) techno. As you can see from the intro above, it contains the element of darkness, although just to certain extent. There are some tracks representing the trend of dubstep influenced techno - massive bass, sharp percussions, echoes, sci-fi themes... No wonder that this sound comes mostly from british producers/labels. One of the best examples is Emptyset who hails from Bristol and is involved in the dubstep scene too. However, even more accesible producers like Matt Edwards aka Radio Slave have some of such elements.

Then Leftroom's funky, bleepy and phrenetic tracks are present in the mix, as well as some darkish tunes with italo disco references from the Careless camp, and my usual companions - melodic and percussive abstractness a la Cadenza and some deeeper shades of house and techo music.

As always, the mix is accessible via Zshare for a limited period of time:

DJ Heyncha : Dark Star mix

The tracklist:

1. Jesse Rose alongside Henrik Schwarz - Stop, Look & Listen (Henrik's Version) [Front Room]
2. Alejandro Vivanco - Madre Tierra (Digital Downmix) [Cadenza]
3. Martin Zadak - Zahara [White]
4. Marc Ashken - Sock Puppet [Leftroom]
5. Matt O'Brien - Serotone (Radio Slave remix) [Rekids]
6. Minilogue - Ghost [Mule]
7. The Man Who Can - Copy And Paste [Leftroom]
8. Emptyset - Seclusion [Future Days]
9. Jahcoozi - Ali McBills (Robert Johnson 6am X Ray Italo Rework) [Careless]
10. Guillaume & The Coutu Dumonds - Can't Cheat With Concrete [Musique Risquée]
11. Gui.tar - Push In The Bush [Careless]
12. Dusty Kid - Luna [Bpitch Control]
13. Emptyset - Achupase [Future Days]
14. Claro Intelecto - Nodrex [Modern Love]
15. Jackmate - Buccaneer [Phil e]

white is white

The story goes like this. Some time ago Till von Sein had a great set at Space:Garage (as I've already mentioned that in one of my previous posts). One of the tracks he played was Zahara by Martin Zadak - it's the 2nd release on Berlin's label White. Actually I indentified it later when going through new releases on decks.de. A nice track, I thought, however I didn't realised that it's a name of an actual label, because I took it for an anonimous white label - one of those releases with a white apple and without proper information, you know.

At the same time Ivonna Neikšāne - one of our connections in Berlin - was organising two exchange parties in Riga and Berlin. While Riga is represented by FFF associates, on Berlin's side there are ZUR Moebelfabrik and White. Just when I saw who would actually play in Riga, I realised that that's the same White label which has released Zadak's track. Good surprise.

So, the bottom line is that this Friday (that's tonight) there will be a showcase of the new and promising White label at Space:Garage, and I strongly recommend seeing them.

The line-up:

LIVE: Oskar Offermann (White)
Dj’s: Tristen (White)
Kotelett (White)
Jackie Treehorn (ZMF)
Visuals: Pixelfestival (ZMF)

After a week - Friday April 25 - Riga will strike back in Berlin.