Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Back from Riga


Last couple of weeks have been a busy time in terms of travelling, meeting friends and partying.

First of all, the festival of avant-garde and contemporary music Skaņu Mežs took place in May 11 & 12. Lots of good music, lots of good people. I'd say that at some moments it was even too crowded to enjoy music properly.

My biggest discovery was Planningtorock — a singer with strong, distinctive and beautiful voice singing on top of electronic hip-hop and electro beats and grotesque orchestral strings. Imagine Janis Joplin produced by M.Herbert and you will be on a half way there. All that accompanied by wierd outfits and simple yet effective background videos that interfere with her stage performance. No wonder that she was having gigs together with LCD Soundsystem and The Knife.




Probably the kickiest band was The Killl from Norway which performs a kind of electronically manipulated extreme metal music. The psychedelic lights and the intense sound wall was amazingly effective.



Another merciless sonic attack was carried out by the breakcore hooligan Venetian Snares, who did a DJ-set. I was probably expecting something more "intelligent", but nevertheless people was jumping around and even performing some stage diving. However, he was unstoppable — after playing one hour more than supposed he boldly ignored requests for stopping and letting other acts perform. He reacted by hitting a monitor speaker aside. Eventually the promoters somehow managed to get him away to the backstage.

The highlights of the other day were The Books and Mouse On Mars. While I didn't see much from The Books, I really enjoyed MOM. They were playing surprisingly dance-floor orientated stuff, not really experimental. But it was good.

Meanwhile, me and my DJ-friends (ZeDmitry, Android, FXZ, Kone) were rocking hard at the Space:Garage, where an unofficial after-party was on. The venue was full of friendly dancing people and the vibe was cosy. Thanks everybody who came and supported. By the way, now the Space:Garage is officially open, for more info check www.fuckforfriendship.com.

The last but not least, it was a pleasure to play records together with Kone at Pulkvedis on the following Tuesday. Thanks for inviting over, and long live Riga scene! See you next time.

Saturday, May 05, 2007

Rave steps

A little tutorial how to dance at a rave party :)

2nite: deadly dub & last exitech


Hey ho!

Tonight - it's Saturday May 5 - two recommended parties are on.

First one is Deadbeat performing at Pulkvedis, Latvia, supported by all my friends DJs - netcords/no rest crew, fuckforfriendship guys and others. Sadly I cannot join them as I'm not in Latvia at the moment, however I will drop another party in Luxembourg (read below).

Canadian Deadbeat is probably my favorite electronica-dub-techno producer, he's got that special talent fusing and creating various kinds of beats immersed in deep, echoing soundscapes. Last time I heard him live at Transmediale, some 3 years ago. His music was so incredibly deep and groovy, perfect for a proper smoke. I was already quite stoned when noticed Vladislav Delay standing not far from me. I approached him, we started chatting and blew up another joint. He was back from Rio, and told me how fascinated he had got from all that favela ghetto booty style.

I don't know why but this kind of deep e-dub music often makes me feel as rain would come. Sort of ritual music with a purpose to bring rain, you know. First I had this feeling many years ago when I bought and listened to the fantastic Monolake's Lantau track (unfortunately I don't have it as an mp3 to share it with you, and I'm too lazy to rip off the vinyl record).

Deadbeat - Little Town Of Bettlehem

OK, back to present. My friends from Luxembourg are very welcome to the third and closing Exitech soiree at Exit07 cafe. Deep tech-house meets a bit more cheerful e-disco and other kind of electronic dance music. Actually style doesn't matter, just good music does.

Hugs, and let the good groove roll!

Thursday, May 03, 2007

April chart


Before getting down to the chart, a bit of intro. First of all - nice weather finally (pictured on the left).

Secondly, I'm back from St.Pauli Hamburg which was great as usually. Riga Party at the legendary Pudel Club was a sweaty and funky business, and great experience in general. Me and my DJ-friends, we fired out different stuff from freaky minimalism to epic melodies to classic oldschool bangers. Thanks Ralf for inviting us over, that was a true pleasure!

You can chech some pics at my Flickr site and at fuckforfriendship.com.


/////////////////////////////

OK, here are some trax which I've been enjoying lately. To some of them I listen, to some, cut on wax, I'm trying to make people dance, but mostly they suite for both purposes.

> Kalabrese - Rumpelzirkus Part 1 [Stattmusik]

A fantastic, highly recommended 4-piece EP, I just can't outline any single song, all of them are really good. Mellow, still groovy and innovative in the sense of blending together elements of "live" instrumentation and electronic production. Does anyone know something about Part 2?

> Junior Boys - In The Morning (Hot Chip remix) [Domino]

Junior Boys is one of the most melodic and catchy bands around, avoiding being boring or too standard though. Their In The Morning EP contained two astonishing remixes - by Alex Smoke and Morgan Geist respectively, and now there is the equally great Dead Horse EP that contains remixes of different songs done by Hot Chip, Kode9, Tensnake and Carl Craig. All are cool, but my favorite is cooked by Hot Chip - another outstanding semi-electronic pop band.

> Bruno Pronsato & Franco Cinelli - At The Club [Milnor Modern]

This track is from the newest Mod.Coop(erate) - the installment which stands for interesting and funky minimal techno records. Other featured artists are Mark Henning, Oleg Kastrow and Daniel Stefanik. It should be a sweet selection for any minimal lover.

> Alexkid - Love Letters (Marc Romboy Remix) [F Communications]

The original track and Tim Paris' remix are good, but as for me the ravey version by Marc Romboy works the best. It is rather straight and simple, but sometimes there is just a need for such tracks.

> Minilogue - Elephant's Parade [Wagon Repair]

This one isn't that fresh, but just can't be missed. Excellent kind of James Holden meets Mathew Jonson sound. An absolutely brilliant technojazz record.

> Booka Shade - Tickle

Well, whether you like them or hate them but one should admit that Booka Shade's new track is surprisingly good.

> Herbert - Moving Like A Train (Smith N Hack Remix) [Studio K7]

This crazy and funky remix came out already last year, but I've found who is the author just a week ago. And it's still a smashing hit, so couldn't skip it. It was played by Ralf aka Ruftata 110 in Riga last December, that's where I heard it first. Now again I heard it played by Tiefschwarz in Hamburg, by the way, and it is included in the last Body Language compilation put together by DJ Dixon.

> Simian Mobile Disco - It's The Beat (Luke Vibert Mix) [Wichita]

The remixers takes this slightly bold electrofunk dance bomb even further, masterly playing around with the original hook.

> Mistress Barbara - Barcelona [Border Community]

A sweet and uplifting neo-trance on the Holden's label.

> D.I.M. - Airbus Baby [Turbo]

A frenetic and energetic piece of distorted house (or how that French style is called?).

Some other goodies: Tejada & Leviste - Multiplier, Riton - Thor, Sebo - Beirut Boogie, Mark Broom - Ping Pong, Digitaline - Anticlockwise LP, Joel Mull - The End Has Begun.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Riga @ Pudel




Hello! I'm happy to announce that me and my friends from Riga will play at the Golden Pudel Club - probably the best and trashiest venue in Hamburg!

RigaGig will be on Friday, 27.04.2007.

The line-up:


DJ Käpten le Spoink (mfoc/pudel, Hamburg)

Live + DJ: OID aka Android (Riga/Moscow)

DJ ZeDmitri aka Zagga (fuckforfriendship.com, space:garage, Riga)

DJ Hencha aka NeOn B. (netcords.net, fuckforfriendship.com, Riga/Luxembourg)


The atmosphere should be friendly there, taking account the size of the venue and that we (DJs) are good friends, after all. We will fire out the best records, should be fun. St.Pauli, get ready for the Riga invasion! :)


Briefly about the participants:

Käpten le Spoink is Ralf - a musical director of the Pudel club and record label, as well as one of the mfoc.de guys. Known for his brilliant music selection. Plus, he has DJed in Riga.

OID is a half of Alexandroid project (Lo Recordings, Lagunamuch). He is creating nice electronic music ranging from ambient to IDM to techno. Also participating in SCSI10 project.

ZeDmitri is a residentDJ in Pulkvedis, the most rocking place in Riga, and currently working on his own venue - Space:Garage. He has done some really good remixes and his own tracks.

Hencha - well, it's me :)

Friday, April 20, 2007

Supersound coming to the town




+++ Smalltown Supersound night at Exit07, Luxembourg, April 21 (that's tomorrow).

Line-up: Mental Overdrive (live), Kim Hiorthøy (live), Bjorn Torske (DJ), Joakim Haugland (DJ).

Smalltown Supersound is an independent label from Norway which apart from having one of the most original names around is also releasing interesting artists, including such stars as Jaga Jazzist, The Whitest Boy Alive, Lindstrom to mention few. They represent a mixture of different music styles - from electronica to jazz to disco to avant-garde - what really matters is originality.

Kim Hiorthøy is known for melodic, yet abstract electronic music. Watch the beautiful video for Alt Måste Bli Anorlunda:



Whereas Mental Overdrive, as far I know, is more into funny electronic disco, electro, acidfunk (that kind of disco that is more welcome by IDM labels than standard dance music labels). In a way Mental Overdrive sounds to me like other Norwegian project - Ost&Kjex. Check the video of Diskodans, which is based on the classic Finnish disco tutorial :)



Finally, Bjorn Torske is a king of heavy-wheight dubhouse tracks, but Mr. Haugland is a founder of the label.

This event is a part of label nights series in the frame of The European capital of culture 2007. The following one will be a showcase by the awesome French Diamonds Traxx label, which is responsible for the seminal Dirty Diamonds compilations. The edit master Pilooski is going to perform there (just have a listen at his myspace), so not to be missed.

Two previous label nights were dedicated to Warp Records and Morr Music. I missed the first one, but the Morr Music night was excellent, full of beautiful music and intimate, friendly atmosphere.

Friday, April 06, 2007

EXITECH


Three saturdays with the deepest, twisted and grooviest records from my box. Everybody's welcome!

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Culture


Club culture, particularly regarding electronic music, is indeed rather a cultural phenomenon than just plain entertainment. It has its own codes, habits, infrastructure, community... In this context word "scene" would be even more appropriate, but it doesn't really matter how we call it, I guess you know what I mean. Finally, it's rather experience than just entertainment.

Furthermore, time and place are important aspects that are linked to this club culture / scene concept. In this sense, Berlin likely is the most happening place for minimal techno at the moment. That's something special, even irrational, emotional, that can't be really understood by outsiders... However, film "Feiern" by Maja Classen is a good try to capture what's going on in Berlin's scene. I wouldn't say that it's the best film on clubbing, but it's worthy as a documental source. Another good thing - it is quite objective in terms of showing both aspects of clubbing, not just the positive ones. I can just agree with Ewan Pearson - DON'T FORGET TO GO HOME. Sometimes you just have to stop and have a break.

Besides, it's got a nice soundtrack. Superpitcher's remix of D'Ntel is one of my personal hymns lately, it's so sweet and sensual.

D'Ntel - The Dream Of Evan And Chan (Superpitcher's rmx)

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Back on trax


Hey ho!

I haven't exposed here anything for a long time due to various reasons, but now it's time for some posting action again. First of all, I was quite offline and quite off-music too, meaning that not checking all the new shit coming out. However, life without music would be hardly bearable, so naturally there were some special records for me during these last couple of months - some new, some older, but (re)discovered just lately. Let's have a look.

> D'Ntel - The Dream of Ewan and Chan (Superpitcher remix) [Plug Research]

I just love this track, it's sweet, lovely and kind of sexy. Last week I came back from Berlin, which is actually another reason why this track seems particular for me - it's taken from the documentary film "Feiern" that depicts Berlin wasted youth and techno culture.

> Gus Gus - Moss [Pineapple]

Another sexy beast that is definetely worth tobe mentioned here. The original version is the best though.

> Insect & Matschiste - Da Ist Noch Sand [Etui]

Bought this one (Dschoanna ep) in Berlin. The artists are unfimiliar to me, but music is cool - electronic and deep house.

> Martin Eyerer & Toni Rios - Chorizo [Kickboxer]

The End of it all meets Automatic, that's it. Rough and swingy.

> Antilope & Tigerskin - Just In Case [Kompass]

The new Kompass offers some qualities that for me are essential in so called minimal techno - nice and crisp production, yet being energetic and dancefloor-friendly.

> Heartthrob - Baby Kate (Konrad Black remix) [M_nus]

Lately I've been really enjoying Konrad Black's world of dark and twisted melodies. This remix for Heartthrob is no exception. Sounds a bit like My My's Serpentine, doesn't it?

> Paul Kalkbrenner - Gia 2000 (Modeselektor remix) [Bpitch Control]
This isn't a new track, but I've discovered it just recently and couldn't share. Perfect piece of dub-techno.


> Guy Gerber - Belly Dancing [Cocoon?]
Deep, hypnotic and dreamy melodies, rattling drums, pulsating bass synth are sort of trademark of Guy Gerber lately, so no big surprises, nevertheless the track is full of beauty.


> Sid LeRock - Naked (DJ Koze remix) (Cereal Killers)
This track is also from 2006, but has made its way to my box few weeks ago. Koze is innovatively wierd as usual.


> BRNSLKR~ - K (Globox)
Last but not least comes from Latvian producer Max Brannslokker, which, in my view, is his best release so far. Check also his new release on i220 Records.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Dates


I'm off to Riga for a week or so. That means: intensive partying, drinking, smoking, and DJ-ing.

My DJ-ing dates are as follows:

Fri, 16 : Peahen Workshop @ Andrejsala. Also featuring: the "Sriķis" band, DJ Augusts Zarins, DJ Galka Kulio, Virsnieku Balle etc.


Sat, 17 : Pulkvedis. Together with ZeDmitry, from smooth minimal to sexually charged electro.


Tue, 20 : (possibly) at Maharajah's b-day party @ Andrejsala.


Fri, 23 : (not confirmed yet) Pulkvedis, hosted by ZeDmitry.


Sat, 25 : FuckForFriendship room in the Art Academy Carnival. Some dirty elektrodisko aktion together with: ZeDmitry, Alise G., Kone, Android etc. Dress yourself up!



See ya there!

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Dilemma


This friday's gonna be exciting in terms of musical sensations. Not so many good events are happening in Luxemburg, but this time there will be two outstanding gigs on the same night.

First of all, Michael Fakesch, co-founder of now defunct electronic duo Funkstörung, will perform in a small intimate bar d:qliq. Funkstörung is something really special, but I suppose that his solo project shouldn't be worse.

Secondly, there will the Warp night in a bigger venue. Line-up includes 3 live acts: Plaid, Clark and Mira Calix. I don't want to miss any of them.

Furthermore, on january 17 Electronicat will perform at Luxembourg Philharmonie (!). Although the venue is really strange for this kind of music, must be fun - unfortunately I won't be able to see it because I'll be in Latvia then.

NeOn B. : January chart


Hey folks! It's time for a monthly resumé.

For me the end of last year and the beginning of 2007 as busy and messy time, I was aside from keeping track on new music. Now I'm settled down again, and it's time to look what I've missed worth not missing and to mention those special new tracks that anyway were in my playlist/record box.

> Gregor Tresher & Guy Gerber - Open Gates [Great Stuff]

Unlike Get Physical, which seems selling out, Great Stuff is a commercially based label, yet sticking to its in initial concept and standards, and they regularly have fairly good records. This one is a really nice co-production of G.Tresher, who is usually more into electrotech, and Guy Gerber, whose music is deeper. The combination of both is simply beautiful.

> Boys Noize - Feel Good (TV Off) [Kitsune]

This sort of silly, bleepy and catchy track is included in Kitsune Maison 3 compilation that have a remarkable freestyle selection. Looks like Boys Noize has become softer and more melodic recently.

> Radio Slave - Modena [Rekids]

The track comes from his No Sleep pt.1, and actually both tracks are solid dancefloor fillers, made in the best M.Edwards traditions - straight beat, slowly building atmosphere and some minimal melody. Be sure to check also No Sleep pt.2 (I love those jackin' tin snares in Screaming Hands!) and Secret Base.

> Steve Bug - Wet [Poker Flat]

Deep, moving and neatly produced masterpiece. I'm definetely going to buy it on wax. Right now.

> Robag Whrume - Pontifekks [Musik Krause]

This amazing electro track comes from Papp-tonikk EP that includes another great track - the jazz driven Ikke's Schlonze. This EP is somewhat untypical for him.

> Marcin Czubala - Gorky Park EP [Morris Audio Citysport Edition]

Although, I suppose, he is already quite known in electronic dance music community I've discovered this Polish producer just know through the last Mobilee release, which is OK, but I prefer funkier recent release on Morris Audio sublabel. All 3 tracks are amazing! What a smooth production! And lyrics on Gorky Park made me smile. By the way, I was surprised to find out on his Discogs page that he's also performed in Latvia - I've never heard of it. Can anyone confirm?

Marcin Czubala - Mini Cooper

> Jacopo Carrera - Olando [Lee Jones remix)[Lan Muzic]

Actually I know virtually nothing about Jacopo Carrera, but Lee Jones is the main hero in my favourite My My project. This remix is a piece of amazingly uplifting, beautiful and inspiring hymn.

> Minilogue - Leopard (Extrawelt remix) [Traum]

I haven't checked their much praised release on Wagon Repair yet, but the new remixes on Traum Schallplaten are if not exceptional but nice enough.

> Claude VonStroke - Who's Afraid Of Detroit? (Tanner Ross remix) [Dirty Bird]

Remixes of VonStroke's track are out on his Dirty Bird imprint. From the first listen, the remix by Tanner Ross impressed me most, however, Audion's one is good too, and there's also a remarkable try from the legendary Kevin Saundersson on this record.

> Fairmont - Pavilion [Bpitch Control]

A mellow, dreamy and melodic track from Jake Fairley, included in Camping 3 compilation.

Other remarkable tracks: Ben Klock - Warszawa/Czeslawa [Ostgut Tonetrager], Trentemoller - African People [Nam Nam] (finally oficially out and comes with a new remix), Sally Shapiro - I'll Be By Your Side (Rude 66 remix) [Diskokaine], Fuckaponydelic - Switch The Light/Pee On You [Ineedsuperfreak] (oh this is freaky, pure acid).

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Oldschool vs. new-school or just Fuse it


Last Saturday there was one of the best gigs I’ve ever experienced: Jeff Mills DJ-ed in the big room of Fuse, plus Mobilee night in the small room of the same club. As you could imagine, it wasn’t easy which room to choose.

Well, Jeff started the first one, so naturally I checked him first. First impressions were rather mixed: he played really nice tracks, but his style of mixing irritated me a bit – he let a track last for some 45 secs before starting a transition which wasn’t that clean in many cases anyway. In fact, I was wondering how he manages mixing on 4 decks. Apparently the lack of precision he compensated by that special feeling of groove and excellent selection. Actually I was expecting much harder techno – although it was quite fast and percussive, music was deep and even soulful. Lots of Detroit stuff etc., quite eclectic, in fact. For example, I was rather surprised when he played out Rej. However, it was a pleasure to hear it on one of the best club sound-systems in Europe, on a dancefloor totally packed with responsive people.

Then I checked the small room, where Exercise One was on. There were two guys behind laptops, controllers and synths, making a solid click-groove. Well, to be honest I was expecting a bit more from these Berlin’s top producers. What I heard was a really nice minimal (or what term shall I use here?), some tracks were simply great, but anyway – after spending there an hour or so – I headed back to the main floor.

Meanwhile, Jeff Mills had started to play even better tracks (or I was just more drunk by that time), and it seemed that he let some tracks play for a longer span. I was standing in the mid of the floor readily absorbing all the vibrations that flew out of the speakers. Some moments were definetely kicking, bringing it that overwhelming feeling of irrational cosmic happiness. One of the peak moments came when he played Strings of Life together with the famous Martin Luther King’s speech. At some point he left just the voice – „I have a dream,” sounded over the crowd before Strings was mixed in again. Truly amazing! A bit later Jeff managed to play the classic Moskow Diskow by Telex, which was obviously a homage to Belgians, followed by some real disco track, then back to techno drums again. The last track was really minimal - nothing but a drum-machine. By the end, I was totally high, thanks to Jeff and the incredible tracks he played.

In another room Anja Schneider – the boss of Mobilee – had already started her set. After Jeff Mill’s banging beats first the music seemed too calm to me, but soon I managed to find a key to this another kind of beauty. Crystalic, spooky still subtle sounds, pleasent beats, perfectly balanced layers... Just immerse yourself and let it go. At some moment I clearly realized that this kind of music was dark, not evil, just dark, being positive at the same time, you know. If it was too joyous it just wouldn’t sound as good any more, I guess. Anja played many things from Mobilee’s catalogue, and many of them on the good sound-system were so good. What a night!

By the way, Mobilee was presented by the local promoters LessizMore – they do some really good events, check their site.

Respect!


It was 1999 or so, when I was playing records in the chill-out room at Metro Club. Monolake was on. Some girl approched me asking whether it was Chain Reaction record. I was positively surprised - yes, it was! (I know, I know, this is a kind of stereotypical attitude from my part, but, girls, perceive this as a compliment.)

Some weeks ago I was behind the decks in Pulkvedis, when I noticed a blond, high-heeled, rather main-stream looking girl leaning towards the booth with a request on her lips. My first thought was that in the best case she would ask for some Depeche Mode’s song. I was wrong! Actually she asked for Audion. When I couldn’t catch what she was saying because of a near standing speaker, she told something like: c’mon, don’t you have anything from Matthew Dear? I had to shamely admit that my copy of Mouth to Mouth staid at home. Then some other similiar artists were mentioned.

I talked to her later after the gig. It turned out that she used to be into more traditional house music, but then had got really hooked on deep/minimal and all that shit. So seriously that she was ready to go to Berlin for getting some records and start learning DJing. On the other hand, she was sort of doubtful about her skills etc. I tried to encourage her, telling that the most important thing is a good taste and that practicing can do miracles.

A while before that, going for a piss, I accidently met Moro there – one of Riga’s very first vinyl DJs. He certainly was one of those people who influenced me a lot when I was still a youngster (the mid 90s). Unfortunately, he quit spinning many years ago, but in a way it was with his help why I got into records and DJing. And then there was that girl willing but not entirely daring to become a DJ. I noticed Moro again and took the girl to him, introducing him to her as one of my „teachers” and briefly telling Moro what the problem was. Naturally he also tried to convince her to fulfil her wish... Probably, all this sounds a bit pathetic, but what I wanted to say is that no matter that people come and go, ideas or dedication to certain things or whatever you’d call these things – they stay, they live on through communication.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Things 2 see/hear in Brussels


First of all, briefly about The Clippers performance at Fuse, Brussels. The Clippers are actually Areal's guys Metope + Basteroid. Both were playing live, sounded as using Ableton Live. Honestly, the beginning, except few moments, was nothing spectacular - beats seemed a bit flat and predictable. Furthermore, I wished transitions/mix between tracks have been better. However, gradually they started to play better and better, and after a while they succeeded to set a right groove to make people dance. In fact, some tracks were rather amazing.

Regarding the club itself, I hadn't been in Fuse for ages. I keep wondering what makes it one of the most popular techno spots in Europe - the darkish room does not impress much, and the crowd mostly sucks. But it should be the soundsystem - it's a true pleasure to stand/dance in the midst of the dancefloor, being able to recognize all the details from a record. Plus if music is really good, you don't care about people any more.

I'm thinking of going there next saturday (20.01.) again, just can't miss it. Figure out yourself: the techno legend Jeff Mills stops there while being on his world tour. And that's not all - at the same time it's gonna be a Mobilee label night featuring Exercise One live and Anja Schneider. Said this I must add that Mobilee is one of my favourite labels at the moment.

A day before, on Friday (19.01.), another superproject from Berlin - Pan-Pot - is performing in Brussels. As far as I know their live stuff is something really special. Besides them, Quenum and Lee Van Dowski will rock the floor. So, Exercise One and Pan-Pot in one week-end. Not bad, not bad.

Getting back to Fuse. Some other remarkable dates: 10.02. - Robert Hood + Mikael Stavostrand (live); 17.02. - Alex Under (live) + Alexi Delano.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Summary of 2006


Everybody's is doing some round-ups and charts of year 2006, let's also have a look at my faves. Most of them are the usual suspects, and - like it or not - these popular tracks just simply deserve this scale of recognition, because they are just... outstanding productions. In fact, the previous year delivered plenty of interesting records. Let's hope for quality music in 2007, too!

5 LPs:

+++ The Knife - Silent Shout [Brille]

At first I was expecting some cheesy still groovy synth-pop, something like the duo did on their Deep Cuts LP, and I got quite surprised to find out that the new record is much deeper and darker. After every listening I started to like it more and more, until it became a very special record for me. Spooky and pitch-shifted vocals, outstanding melody hooks and crisp production - a perfect combination of techno and popmusic!

+++ My My - Songs For The Gentle [Playhouse]

Quite different tracks, but still having something in common. That funky playfulness? Phat groove? Outstanding use of samples? Whatever it is, My My have created a true masterpiece, which sometimes sounds as nothing before.

+++ Ellen Allien & Apparat - Orchestra of Bubbles [Bpitch Control]

Another highly original record that contains smart beats, epic melodies and unexpected twists.

+++ Booka Shade - Movements [Get Physical]

Even if we are getting fed up with that Get Physical sound, we must acknowledge that Movements is something really special - it was a really big suumertime record.

+++ Alex Smoke - Paradolia [Soma]

That typical, original Smoke's sound - sophisticated, filled with melancholy and layered melodies. Brilliant.

------------

30 tracks:

Anja Schneider - Lily of The Walley [Mobilee]
Salif Keita - Yamore (Luciano remix) [Cadenza]
Ricardo Villalobos - Que Belle Epoque 2006 [Frisbee Tracks]
Konrad Black - Coma Couch [Things & Items]
Trentemoller - Take Me Into Your Skin [Poker Flat]
Cobblestone Jazz - India In Me [Wagon Repair]
Dominik Eulberg & Gabriel Ananda - Harzer Roller [Traum]
Booka Shade - In White Rooms [Get Physical]
The Knife - Like A Pen [Brille]
[T]ekel - Smet [Initial Cuts]
Joel Mull - 4 Me [Underwater]
Format:B - Sex Drive [Opossum]
Gabriel Ananda - Doppelwhipper [Platzhirsch]
Xpansul & Daweed - What It is [MSX]
Junior Boys - Equalizer (Morgan Geist rmx) [Domino]
My My - Swiss On Rye [Playhouse]
Sebo K - Horizons (Excersise One rmx) [Mobilee]
James Holden - Lump [Border Community]
Jens Bond & Benno Blome - Tentacular [Sender]
Heinrichs & Hirtenfellner - You Are I [Supdub]
Extrawelt - Fernweh [Kompass]
Latex - Porcupine [Rebelone]
Gavin Herlihy - Machine Ate My Homework [Moodmusic]
Claude VonStroke - 7 Deadly Strokes [Neuton]
Inxec - Clay Pigeon [Contexterrior]
John Tejada - The End Of It All [Palette]
Rekorder - Rekorder 6.3 [Rekorder]
Hot Chip - Over And Over [EMI]
The Egg - Walking Away (Dusty Kid Pop Ga-Ga Remix) [Great Stuff]
Blackwall - Hairy popper [Force Sense]


---------------

Labels:

### Mobilee
### Get Physical
### Opossum
### Contexterrior
### Tiny Sticks

2007 has arrived


Hey, everybody! I'm back from holidays - the end of the previous year was hard in terms of partying, no sleep and amounts of consumed alcohol.

Ralf (DJ Ruftata 110) from Hamburg's Pudel Club was playing at Pulkvedis. Obviously because of the Christmas time (it was on December 23) there were very few people, but anyway it turned out to be a nice, intimate party with outstanding music. He played rather different stuff - from the crazy Justice's cut-up elektrofunk to Si Begg's nu breax to electropunk to some electronic wierdness, from unknown bootlegs to seminal hits (e.g., Digitalism and T.Andersson). That was fun. You can check some pics here.

In fact, a day before there was also some private party in a former factory canteen, which looked a bit like a soviet era secondary school disco room. Thanks DJs Ruftata 110, -=UHU=-, Ivars Mednis, DV5, Android and NGC-5128 for playing good music! In fact, it was a presentation of the first netcords.net release: NGC-5128 - Outworx (more about this, when the netcords website is launched - a delay occured due to technical reasons, but should be on-line in january). Some photos.

Furthermore, I DJed several times in Pulkvedis together with ZeDmitry. I was surprised that even very straight and mainstream looking people now dance to minimal/deeptech music without any complaints. Is it some kind of trend or what? But I'm ok with that. By the way, I had one of the strangest requests ever - a guy asked me whether I could play any song from year 2004 :)

Alright, speaking about numbers - I wish you a groovy and creative 2007!

Monday, December 18, 2006

Pudeltanzen



I'm throwing a party next Saturday (December 23) in Pulkvedis - the special guest is DJ Ruftata from the legendary Hamburg's Golden Pudel Club. He's a resident-DJ and, as far as I know, also responsible for the artistic programming there. I've heard him couple of times in the Pudel - his music selection was just fucking awesome. I hope it will work the same way nevertheless put in another context (well, the Pudel is a really special place indeed).

Besides him, me, as well as DJs and friends of mine Ivars Mednis and ZeDmitry gonna make their best. Expect minimal, electro and everything in between. All that "new electronic dance music", ya know. Should be funky and kinky. One day before we actually launching our netcords.net project, but later about that.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Intervija ar Tobias Thomas (Kompakt Records)


Pirms uzsākt sarunu, meklēju atkritumu tvertni, kur izmest košļeni. Viena tāda stāv, taču neesmu drošs, vai tā paredzēti šādiem mērķiem, jo iekšā guļ kaut kādi diski un matricas. Taču Tobiass tikai nosmej, lai metot vien, – tie esot izbrāķētie demo diski: “Ja tie ir sūdīgi, trakš un laukā!”

Ir kāda atbildīgā persona, kura tos vērtē?

Jā, domāju, ka pamatā to dara Volfgangs [Wolgang Voigt], Maikls [Michael Mayer] un Jirgens [Jürgen Paape]. Viņi ir atbildīgi par leiblu.

Tātad viņi ir atbildīgie par leibla muzikālo saturu?

Jā, struktūra ir tāda, ka Volfgangs, Maikls un Jirgens ir kompānijas īpašnieki, bet Rainhards [Reinhard Voigt] ir tāds kā “klusais” īpašnieks, kurš strādā ne tikai kā mākslinieks, bet arī uzmana naudas plūsmu. Un tad piemēram viena meitene nodarbojas ar leibla menedžmentu, strādā ar visiem pārējiem leibliem, kas iesaistīti distribūcijā, un sazinās ar māksliniekiem, kuri izdodas uz kāda no Kompakt leibliem, saskaņo relīžu datumus u.tml. Par mūziku gan galvenokārt atbild Volgangs un Maikls, Jirgens ir atbildīgs par ierakstu veikalu – tas ir tas džeks, ko mēs satikām lejā, – ar gariem, blondiem matiem, izskatās pēc 70. gadu futbolista.

Jūs sākāt kā maziņš plašu veikaliņš, vai ne?

Jā, tā bija. Tas veikals bija uz citas ielas, taču netālu no pašreizējās vietas. Tas bija maziņš, mājīgs, diezgan andergraundisks, tolaik gan to nesauca par Kompakt, bet gan par Delirium. Tas bija daļa no Delirium izplatīšanas ķēdes, kas bija arī citās Vācijas pilsētās. Volgangam, Rainhardam, Jirgenam un Jergam [Jörg Burger], the Modernist, toreiz piederēja veikals. Kad veikals atvērās, tolaik uz Ķelni pārcēlos arī es un Maikls. Pēc diviem gadiem viņi atdalījās no Delirium, pārvācās uz vecpilsētu un izdomāja vārdu Kompakt, jo vēlējās savu identitāti.


Starp citu, kādēļ tieši Kompakt, vai tam apakšā ir kāds stāsts?

Nē. Tā ir tikai skaņa. Man liekas, bija vairāki vārdi, ko Volfgangs bija uzrakstījis uz papīra lapas. Svarīgi bija, lai nosaukums labi skanētu kopā ar vārdu “Ķelne” – Köln, kaut kas ar “K”. “Köln Kompakt” kopā skan labi. Volgangam patiesībā svarīgas ir visādas popkultūras lietas – krāsām ir jāsaskan, atbilstošam ir jābūt dizainam, mūzikai, konceptam. Visam jābūt skaisti izgatavotam un ar labu domu pamatā. Laikam viņš meklēja ļoti universālu vārdu un ne pārāk izmantotu pirms tam, bet arī tukšu, lai to pēc tam piepildītu ar saturu, un tā viņi izvēlējās Kompakt. Es gan atceros, ka sākumā man tas Kompakt nemaz nepatika, tas skanēja tā garlaicīgi, taču, kad tas sāka savu dzīvi, nosaukums sāka likties labāks un labāks. Un tagad tas ir liels brends.

Sākums bija 90. gadu sākumā?

Jā, tas bija 1993. gads, un 1995. gadā radās Kompakt, bet 2000. gadā, laikam, pārcēlās uz šo jauno vietu, jo vecajā veikalā un birojā vairs fiziski nepietika vietas. Tagadējā vieta ir ļoti piemērota, domāju, ka tuvākajā laikā viņi ari nepārvāksies kur citur, jo nav jau plāna kļūt par meidžorleiblu.

Un tomēr – savā ziņā Kompakt ir liels leibls…

Protams, tāds meidžor neatkarīgais leibls.

Bet kas bija šādu sasniegumu pamatā? Veiksme, grūts darbs vai tikai laba mūzika? Kāpēc cilvēki arvien vairāk un vairāk sāka pirkt Kompakt plates?

Es domāju, ka tas bija viss minētais kopā. Tas bija smags darbs un aizrautīga pašatdeve. Piemēram, distribūciju uzsāka Maikls, un acīmredzot viņam ir laba “roka” un gaume, kā mazu lietu pārvērst, izaudzēt lielākā. Viņš izvēlējās mūziku, būdams labs dīdžejs, kā arī viņš strādāja ierakstu veikalā kādus piecus gadus un pazina katru ierakstu un leiblu, un šīs pieredzes rezultātā viņš nonāca pie atziņas, ka vajadzīga jauna distribūcijas ķēde, kāda pirms tam nepastāvēja. Tolaik bija Intergroove, Discomania u.c., bet viņi necentās komunicēt tāda veida mūziku, tādu minimālu mūziku, Ķelnes mūziku vai vienalga, kā to sauc. Viņš pamanīja, ka citi cilvēki taisa līdzīgu mūziku un ka viņiem vajag tādu kā “jumtu” un palīdzību. Un šāds tīkls bija viens no pamatiem sekojošajai popularitātei. No otras puses, Maikls un es, un citi ārtisti, vēlāk arī Superpitcher, mēs izlaidām mūziku un arī daudz dīdžejojām, tā izplatot šādu “Ķelnes” mūziku. Cilvēki sāka mūs un mūsu darbus identificēt ar pilsētu un savā ziņā ar īpašu dzīvesveidu un attieksmi. Protams, arī liels nopelns ir pašiem ierakstiem, īpaši Volfganga – Mike Ink., Studio 1, arī ieraksti uz Force Inc., un kad radās Kompakt, tika iedibinātas dažas “pop” lietas, piemēram, relīžu sērijas un krāsainas 7 collu sērijas utml. Cilvēki uz to atbildēja, jo tas bija diezgan netipiski, īpaši jau vācu tehno leiblam, ka leibls nolēmis kļūt par pop leiblu, bet tādu krutu. Kā piemēram Warp… hmmm… nav nemaz tik daudz piemēru. Tas bija atraktīvi un seksīgi. Turklāt, plašākā mērogā, Ķelnē ir daudz citu leiblu, producentu, kā Groove Attack un A-Musik. Bija tāda kā reakcija, kas attīstīja visu pilsētu. Cilvēki citās valstīs pievēršas noteiktām lietām, piemēram, tā kā agrāk mēs pievērsāmies Detroitai…

Tas gan, bet tagad amerikāņi labi zina Kompakt…

Jā, arī Japānā… Kādreiz bija aktuāli teikt: “O, tas nāk no Londonas!”, vai, piemēram, mums patika mūzika no Mančesteras. Un tagad cilvēki mīl mūziku no Ķelnes.

Tātad pastāv saikne starp mūziku un vietu, kur tā radīta? Vai pilsēta padara skanējumu unikālu savā ziņā? Vai tomēr Ķelnes “skaņa” ir tikai mīts?

Hmm… tas ir ļoti vecs mīts un vecs jautājums. Mēs parasti sakām, ka pastāv tāda Ķelnes skaņa, vai, ja cilvēki domā, ka tāda pastāv, tad – mums tāda ir. Tas tā no mārketinga viedokļa –, ja jūs meklējat Ķelnes skaņu, mums tāda ir. Mēs nesakām, ka tādas nav, kāpēc kaut ko iznīcināt, par ko patiesībā cilvēki runā. Tāpēc mēs atbildām: “Jā, protams, ir tāda Ķelnes skaņa, un mēs to veidojam”. Bet saprast ar to jau var dažādas lietas – var teikt, ka tā ir tas “bungas un bass” vai tā pop lieta vai tas minimālais skanējums vai pat ambient stafs. Ar to es vairāk saprotu sajūtas mūzikā un attiecībā pret to, un Ķelne ir ļoti emocionāla un “izjusta” pilsēta. Cilvēki ir sirsnīgi un atklāti. Tās protams ir klišejas, taču galu galā pilsētai ir savs tēls, un tas savukārt atspoguļojas mūsu mūzikā. Un ikviens, kurš zina Hamburgas, Berlīnes vai Minhenes mūziku, zinās, ka šī tomēr ir citāda. Jo cita pilsēta, neskatoties uz to, ka tagad visi taisa elektro, minimal vai vienalga, kā to dēvē. Pat ja tas nāk no Maskavas, bieži mūzika skan līdzīgi, taču, iespējams, atšķirība ir pasniegšanas veidā. Es domāju, ka šī Ķelnes skaņa savu atpazīstamības virsotni sasniedza jau pirms vairākiem gadiem, un pēc tam notika starptautiska izlaušanās. Sākumā bija jāatrod pašiem sevi, noformējās komanda, pēc tam visā pasaulē mums radās domubiedri un partneri, un viņi ir šīs saimes locekļi un draugi, nebūdami no Ķelnes. Tā nav tikai pirkšana un pārdošana, licencēšana u.tml. lietas, bet gan kas vairāk.

Tomēr zīmīgi ir tas, ka Ķelne ir slavena tieši ar saviem daudzajiem minimal leibliem un producentiem. Kāpēc to ir tik daudz?

Manuprāt, mūzika ir arī sociāla lieta, tā izplatās starp cilvēkiem. Ja cilvēki simpatizē viens otram, kaut kādā ziņā viņi kļūst līdzīgi – līdzīgi ģērbjas…

Tātad scēnas lieta…

Jā, tā ir scēnas rašanās, tāpēc, ka cilvēki patīk viens otram, pavada laiku kopā un jūt, ka viņiem ir kas kopīgs. Mūsu gadījuma scēna nav kā pankiem vai modiem, kuriem bez mūzikas svarīgs bija arī stils, ģērbšanās, frizūras u.tml., bet gan drīzāk mums ir līdzīgs redzējums un idejas attiecībā uz elektronisko mūziku. Kad mēs sākām 90. sākumā, tā bija ļoti jauna lieta un neviens pat neiedomājās, ka ar to varētu pelnīt naudu, ka varētu iztikt, taču daudzi gribēja taisīt mūziku, kā jau ikviens pusaudzis noteiktā vecumā. Taču tik mazā pilsētā kā Ķelne cilvēki sāka kopēt un ietekmēt viens otru, izveidojās sava scēna. Domāju, ka Volgangam bija savs koncepts attiecībā uz šo, līdzīgi kā tas bija Ričijam Hotinam, par minimālu, reducētu tehno. Būtībā tā bija reakciju uz meinstrīma tehno, transīgu, reivīgu, visu to Mayday. Viņi gribēja to reducēt līdz tīrai esencei. Un tad kāds kā Maikls, Jirgens vai citi, kas bija ārpus Kompakt, pārņēma to un interpretēja pa savam, un tas kļuva par sava veida kodu vai stilu. Tādas mūzikas kļuva vairāk un vairāk. Mums pašiem nereti šķiet, ka minimal ir garlaicīgs, tik daudzi ar to nodarbojas, un tagad visu, kam ir basslīnija, sauc par minimal, kas nemaz neatbilst sākotnējai idejai. Vai arī par elektro, ar ko gan es saprotu citu mūziku, pārsvarā no 80. gadiem, kā, piemēram, Kraftwerk vai Detroitu. Jaunieši šo funky minimal bassline mūziku sauc par elektro, taču man vienalga, jo, pat ja es nepiekrītu, es saprotu, ko viņi ar to domā. Taču galu galā, mēģinot atbildēt uz jautājumu, es pats droši nezinu, kāpēc tik daudzi cilvēki pievēršas minimal. Viens svarīgs iemesls minimal tehno panākumiem varētu būt tas, ka tam ir tukša forma un ir viegli to izmantot kā tādu matricu. Piemēram, cilvēks ir kādreiz klausījies Dead Kennedys, viņš paņem kaut ko no viņiem un ieliek šajā formā. Galu galā tas ir minimal, taču ar individuālu piegājienu. Minimal ir kā pudele, kurā var daudz ko ieliet, cilvēki pērk pudeles, jo tās forma ir tik perfekta. Tajā vienmēr var ieliet ko savu. Ja tiek radīts kas ļoti pilnīgs, piepildīts un noteikts, tad vairs nav vietas kam personiskam. Pamatā ir bassbunga, šķīvis, clap, būtībā house mūzikas recepte. Tas, manuprāt, pievelk jaunus cilvēkus, taču arī vecāki cilvēki, kuriem jau pāri par 35, tikai sāk taisīt mūziku. Piemēram, viņiem nav darba, viņi iet uz klubiem, dzird šādu mūziku un nodomā pamēģināt arī paši. Nopērk laptopu, monitorus un sāk kaut ko darīt savā istabā. Protams, no sākuma viņi izmanto to minimal formulu, jo viņi to dzird klubos un viņu draugi to taisa, taču tad seko iespēja to darīt viņiem īpašā veidā. Katru nedēļu parādās jauni interesanti ieraksti, neskatoties uz to, ka pamatā ir viena formula.

Jā, šķiet tas kļūst populārs, bet tādā pozitīvā veidā… Tas gluži nav undergorund for kids.

Es domāju, ka pastāv arī undergorund for kids, un tas kādreiz bija ļoti spēcīgs, piemēram, schranz, hard techno, galvenokārt ir domāts jauniešiem, kuri lieto speed vai e un kustas 5, 6 stundas pie ātra, perkusīva tehno… Iespējams, tagad šī scēna vairs nav tik liela, cik zinu daudzi hard techno dj-i sākuši spēlēt vairāk t.s. elektro lietas. Piem., Chris Liebing vai Adam Beyer kompilācijās nereti ir tie paši ieraksti, ko spēlēju arī es. Wighnomy Brothers, Dominik Eulberg utt., viņi domā, ka atklājuši ko ļoti interesantu, “jaunu skaņu”, uz ko mēs atbildām “C’mon, kāpēc jūs nepaliekat savā pusē?” Tagad tiešām ļoti daudzi dj-i spēlē šādu mūziku. Un kā dj-am nereti ir grūti būt citādākam, tu sāc domāt, ka spēlē the same shit as everybody else.

Nav brīnums, ņemot vērā, ka tieši Ķelnes mūzika ir ļoti populāra…

Jā, piemēram, tu esi uzaicināts kaut kur, un dīdžejs pirms tam spēlē visus aktuālos hitus, un tad tas vairs neliekas kas īpašs.

Kā tad tomēr panākt savu atšķirību?

Tas nav viegli, tev jāmēģina to piedāvāt savā veidā, teiksim, draudzīgākā vai dažādākā veidā. Visi mūsu dīdžeji, protams, nespēlē tikai minimal kā tādas mašīnas, mēs cenšamies būt dažādi, atvērti, funny, ielikt kaut ko popsīgāku, mēģināt arī ielikt kaut ko no sirds, ne tikai tīri funkcionālu un minimālu. Piem., mix-cd, ko mēs taisām, ir drīzāk emocionāli, un tā ir pēdējā lieta, ar ko varam atšķirties – būt interesantas un jaukas personības, atšķirībā no citiem, kuri tikai “žžžžžž”…

Turpinot šo tēmu, gribētu tev kā dīdžejam pajautāt, kas vēl dīdžeju padara par labu dīdžeju?
Labam dīdžejam būtu jāapzinās, ka dīdžejošana ir amats, nevis māksla. To tu dari pamatā ar savām rokām, un tam būtu jāpieiet nopietni, kā gatavojot galdu, piemēram.

Atbildība tātad?

Jā, un koncentrēšanas uz kaut ko, kas nav īsti ne māksla, ne arī tikai tehnika, kaut ko vienkāršu… Piemēram, mix cd ierakstīšana vai koriģēšana digitālā veidā uz datora ir pretrunā idejai par amatu. Tā nav tik liela problēma, taču es parasti saku, lai respektē savu darbu, un esi godīgs – ja tu kļūdies, tu kļūdies. Keep it pure and simple: two turntables and a mixer. Protams, var pielikt efektus utt., taču galu galā var uztaisīt filmu ar 60 mm kameru, kas ir vairāk roku darbs, vai var arī uztaisīt filmu uz datora. Datorfilmas, manuprāt, ir kas cits, tas nav roku darbs, un tam vajadzīgas citas prasmes. Ir citādi, ja tu paņem rokās plati un jūti visus tos sūda putekļus, tu dari to ar rokām, nevis skaties interfeisā. Esmu konservatīvs šajā ziņā.

Ja tu esi ļoti labs dīdžejs, tu gan vari pievienot kādus papilefektus vai ko citu, piemēram, man ir vienalga, ko dara Ričijs Hotins, kurš ir ļoti labs žokejs. Vienīgi man nepatīk, ja viņš saka cilvēkiem: “Aizmirstiet par vecajām lietām, lietojiet jaunās”. Tad es nodomāju: “Shut the fuck up!”, jo cilvēkiem jāizdara pašiem sava izvēle – ja viņiem patīk gatavot uz gāzes, nesaki, ka šī jaunā plīts ir labāka un ka vecā gāzes plīts jāmet prom. Vienalga ar gāzi garšo labāk. Tas nav par jaunu un vecu, bet gan par izvēli. Dīdžejam jābūt labam izklaidētājam un mūzikas selektoram, jābūt labai idejai par dziesmu kārtību un nevis 10 minūtes, bet stundu garumā. Un jābūt arī kādām saskarsmes iemaņām, jāprot komunicēt un runāt ar cilvēkiem, caur savu mūziku jāprot viņiem ko pateikt, kaut ko jautru vai skumju utml. Patiesībā, ja tev piemīt visas šīs īpašības, man nerūp, ko tu lieto – vai tas ir roku darbs vai dators. Bet tikai laptops un programma, un ar to perfekti samiksētas nokačātas dziemas, jo dators nekļūdās, nav dīdžejošana, pat ja to atgādina. Tā ir dziļāka lieta.

Jocīgi jau tā runāt, kad pats esi dīdžejs. Ikdienā sanāk satikt daudz dažādus dīdžejus, un katrs uzsver, ka ir kas īpašs. Piemēram, džeks stāsta, kā pamazām iekurina publiku, taču patiesībā sāk spēlēt ar 130 bpm platēm un uzliek Thomas Andersson grāvēju. Tas pats attiecas uz mani, varbūt es runāju šādi, bet, kad tu mani dzirdētu klubā, tu nodomātu “sūds”, taču šī ir mana filozofija un līdzīgi domā citi Kompakt dīdžeji.

Mums parasti nerūp pašas jaunākās, vēl neiznākušās plates un remiksi, mēs spēlējam arī vecus ierakstus vai arī spēlējam tos “ar smaidu”, tā vietā lai būtu snobiski un augstprātīgi. Jā tomēr kāds domā, ka mēs esam iedomīgi tikai tāpēc, ka gūstam panākumus, tā nu nav. Un parasti dīdžeji, ko es pazīstu, tādi arī nav, pat Sven Väth vai Ricardos Villalobos, vai Miss Kittin, viņi... lai gan Miss Kittin tomēr ir drusku citāda… viņi ir tuvu cilvēkiem, nevis 10 mitrus prom no cilvēkiem, esot tādām kā popzvaigznēm. Protams, ir forši justies īpašam un atbildīgam par to, ka izvērtīsies pārtija, taču tā ir arī liela atbildība, un ikviens uz tevi skatās un gaida kādu brīnumu, bet varbūt tu esi noguris vai piedzēries, vai abi kopā. Bet, ja izdarīsi pareizi, visi tev smaidīs un mīlēs tevi, tā ir komunikācija. Tā ir ņemšana un došana, un tavs darbs nav spēlēt izteikti konfrontējošu mūziku, tu spēlē kaut ko kas tev patīk, bet tajā brīdī liekas, ka būtu interesants arī publikai.

Tātad dīdžejošana vairāk ir izglītošana vai izklaidēšana?

Izklaidēšana. Dažreiz tas ir nedaudz izglītojoši par izklaidēšanu. Tu it kā rādi savu versiju par izklaidēšanu. Tas nekad nav: “Klausies, cik krutu mūziku es spēlēju!” Varbūt tā bija pirms padsmit gadiem, kad spēlējām mazās pilsētās un cilvēki neko nesaprata no elektroniskās mūzikas. Mēs pirkām ierakstus lielās pilsētās un bijām tik patīkami satraukti, uzrīkojām pārtiju, bet cilvēki tikai gribēja dzirdēt pierastas lietas. Jaunieši mūsu vecumā, taču tik konservatīvi! Taču citus tas aizrāva, tie bija vairāk tādi hipiju tipi, kuriem patika dejot un just mūzikas enerģiju. Lai gan daudzi mani draugu ienīda šādu mūziku, un tad tā izvērtās par izglītošanu. Protams, visiem nav jāpatīk tehno.

Starp citu, 80. gadu beigās Padomju Latvijā ieradās Westbam un “sludināja” tehno; tas man atgādina tevis teikto.

Protams, viņš ir izcils dīdžejs, liekas, ka pirmais Vācijā. Pēc visiem šiem gadiem viņš ir nedaudz wasted, visu to drugs + rock'n'roll dēļ, bet te mēs visi apbrīnojam viņu. Dažreiz, kad mēs spēlējam viņa gabalus, cilvēki prasa kāpēc mēs spēlējam tos komerciālos sūdus. Jocīgi. Piemēram, Oldschool baby bija liels hits Ķelnē. Iespējams, tas ir nedaudz cheesy, taču ir labi nedaudz būt cheesy, kamēr esi minimal.

Vai Kompakt mūzika, tavuprāt, ir pilnīgi futūristiska vai tomēr tajā ir kādas saknes, tradīcijas, atsauces uz pagātni?

Tā vienmēr ir bijusi mūsdienīga savā laikā, kā tas pienāktos popmūzikai, taču ietekmējoties arī no pagātnes. Ja paskatāmies vēsturē, pēc 2. Pasaules kara Vācijā kādus 50, 60 gadus bija ļoti spēcīga amerikāņu un britu popkultūra. Viss, kas nāca no turienes, bija super, protams, ka daļa bija. Un vēl pat šodien manāma tāda kā cīkstēšanās starp angloamerikāņu ietekmi un vēlmi izdarīt ko pa savam. Tehno bija viena no pirmajām lietām Eiropā, kur vairs neizpaudās angloamerikāņu dominance. Un nav svarīgi, vai tehno radīja Huans Atkins vai Kraftwerk, vai varbūt abi kopā, bet gan tas, ko mēs no tā iztaisījām. No otras puses, mēs šajā ziņā neesam nacionālisti un neuzsveram, ka tā būtu vācu lieta. Tomēr bija labi izveidot tādu kā savu “valodu”. Tas pats notika arī vācu pop- un rokmūzikā – viņi sāka dziedāt vāciski. Tā gan vienmēr bijusi trausla līnija, lai nekļūtu pārāk vāciskiem.

Mūs ietekmēja daudz britu un amerikāņu popmūzikas no 60., 70., 80., 90. gadiem, būtībā visiem laikiem, piemēram, īsta popmūzika kā Pet Shop Boys vai Velvet Underground, arī ģitārmūzika kā Sonic Youth, shoegaze mūzika kā My Bloody Valentine. Daudzi cilvēki no manas paaudzes socializējās ar šo mūziku un uzauga ar to.

Kad uzradās tehno, tas visu aizslaucīja prom, taču vēlāk tu atceries savu pieredzi un ietekmes atgriežas no otras puses, un cilvēki sāk miksēt popmūziku ar house vai techno. Kad Kompakt sāka virzīt techno ar pop “piesitienu”, tas kontrastēja ar daudziem producentiem, kuru attieksme bija ļoti nopietna… Varētu salīdzināt ar vācu attieksmi pret alu – šī ir vienīgā pareizā pieeja, kā gatavot alu, visos citos gadījumos sanāk slikts alus. Tehno vajadzēja būt ļoti tīram, futūristiskam utt., kas ir ok, taču mēs vienmēr esam bijuši nedaudz “popsīgi”, daudzos ierakstos ir pop sempli u.tml., ne gluži Jeff Mills garā. Es viņu aprīnoju, taču tā nekad nav bijusi mana ideja par tehno.

Jā, pirmo reizi, kad dzirdēju Justus Köhncke, nodomāju, kas tas par vācu šlāgeri? Lai gan tas joprojām ir elektronisks…

Atceros, ka viņš stāstīja, ka cilvēkiem Skotijā vai Japānā patīk viņa mūzika, lai gan viņi nesaprot, ko viņš dzied, tikai uztver sajūtu. Kādreiz mēs tā klausījāmies arī angļu mūziku, nesaprotot vārdus, taču saprotos sajūtas. Vācijā pirms tam daudzi teica, ka tas ir pārāk cheesy un nevienam nepatiks, un viņam vajadzētu aizvērties un nedziedāt. Taču cilvēkiem citās valstīs, pat reiveriem, patīk viņa mūzika. Viņi to sauc par soulīgu mūziku.

Vienalga outstanding, pat priekš Kompakt.

Jā, tā bija uzdrīkstēšanās…

90. gadu vidū visi grupējumi (leibli) – A-Musik, Groovetech, Kompakt – bija tuvāk viens otram. Tad nebija klubu, bija tikai bāri, kuros bija atskaņotāji. Bija arī pārtijas, taču parasti mēs tusējāmies Liquid Sky bārā, cilvēki un dīdžeji sēdēja uz sofām, un mūzika bija ne gluži deju mūzika, vairāk klausāma. Dīdžeji spēlēja house mūziku, tad Mike Ink un tad Mouse on Mars vai ambient, vai Schlammpeitziger, daudz jokainas elektroniskas mūzikas, un tajā laikā tādas bija daudz, jo neviens īsti nedejoja.

Varbūt tāpēc tas ir iemesls, kāpēc Ķelnes mūzikas visumā ir ne tikai dejojama, bet arī klausāma?

Jā, varbūt, taču arī cilvēki, kas taisa mūziku, ir diezgan inteliģenti, viņi nav darbaļaudis (working class), drīzāk buržuā, diezgan gudri un kultūrāli, saistīti ar mākslu, dizainu u.tml. Cilvēki nenāk no ielas, bet gan no labiem vecākiem. Vairāk tādi pop cilvēki.

Nevis ghetto kids?

Pavisam ne. Ne tā kā panki, kuri varbūt grib uztaisīt raw shit. Šie ir vairāk domājoši, jutīgi whimp tipa cilvēki. Tāpēc viņiem patīk Kompakt, viņi identificējas ar šo vājumu, being sweet, nice, whatever.

Nākotnes plāni?

Dažreiz es aizdomājos, cik ilgi mēs darīsim to, ko darām pašlaik?

Vai tu domā, cik ilgi būs šāds trends?

Drīzāk, cik vēl ilgi izlaidīsim uz platēm house un techno, spēlēsim klubos un piedzersimies, cik ilgi cilvēki vēl mums aplaudēs, nobukos, cik ilgi vēl lidosim apkārt pasaulei, visas šīs lietas, šīs privilēģijas, kas mums ir, no kā mēs pārtiekam un gūstam prieku. Ja nu kādā brīdī tas nobrūk vai cilvēki vairs to nepirks… Taču, no otras puses, cilvēki citās valstīs tikai sāk šādas lietas attīstīt. Mēs ar to nodarbojamies kādus 20 gadus, bet citur tas tikai sākas. Tas liek mums justies jaunākiem un paver iespējas sadarboties ar viņiem, savukārt viņiem mūsu mūzika liekas svaiga un interesanta.

Kad atvadāmies, pie mums pienāk Maikls Majers, kurš, izdzirdis, ka es Kompakt angliski izrunāju kā Compact (ar plato "e"), pa pusei nopieni, pa pusei jokojot norāda, ka izrunai jābūt vāciskai.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

NB! chart - November


Finally I've got time to round-up my november faves. The main heroes: R.Villalobos, C.Vonstroke and My My.

> Ricardo Villalobos - Smokes Magical Passes [unreleased]

I found his Fizheuer Zieheuer superlong tracks rather boring, it seemed that the man was playing and experimenting with form, while substance was nothing extraordinary. Just wondering why P.Sherburne thinks it's the best release in 2006. But luckily enough his What's Wrong My Friends (for me the best track is Africolap - a superb afro influenced piece) and the unreleased track Smokes Magical Passes are just brilliant productions. There are amazing drums on both tracks, excellent! Regarding SMP, it's surprisingly "normal" Villalobos' take on how a deep acid techno should sound like. Finally some really DJ-friendly track from him, which certainly deserves to be released on a vinyl.

> Martin Eyerer & Oliver Klein - Al Quadus [My Best Friend]

This comes from their Kairo 12". First impression was that the track was rather simple, but after several listenings it really kicked in. The production qualities - drums, sound itself etc. - are perfect. It just works, you know.

> My My - Half A Hole / Songs For The Gentle [Playhouse]

Lee Jones & Co are unstoppable. Their trademark is that special funky, catchy and groovy, but still innovative sound that can be found on all their releases - no matter was it a mellow house (Butterflies and Zebras), a psyschodelic techno (Serpentine) or a tour de force in chopping and sampling techniques (Klatta EP). After delivering the very interesting Kinesi Workshop EP on Circus Company, the much awaited album Songs For The Gentle is out on Playhouse. Well, technically these "songs" are rather different, but all have the above mentioned My My mood. For instance, When reminds me of the classic Infiniti track Raindrops; Clean Break and Secret Life of Paints make me smile; Eleventh hours offers one of the grooviest and most playful moments on the album; Half A Hole is simply beautiful track - that's how deep house should sound in 2006, in my view. And so on. Definetely one of the best albums of this year.

> Claude VonStroke - 7 Deadly Strokes [Neuton]

It's not a new release at all, but I've discovered it just now. Totally amazing record! Check also his other records and remixes if you like this kind of funky and bassy things. He's from San Francisco and running Dirtybird records (see also two next entries).

> The Martin Brothers - Stoopit [Dirtybird]

An extremely playful and funny track, out on VonStroke's label.

> Luke Solomon - Ghouls (Claude VonStroke's Beats From The Grave) [Rekid]

Altough the main track is also a very nice piece of spooky analogue action, VonStroke adds his phat bass and groove that makes feet move. I suppose it's not a coincidence that the record's been released on Helloween. Yesterday I heard this one played by Riton.

> Hugo - Alchemic Dancer [Floppy Funk]

Floppy Funk Records is French label specialising in that particular French micro-house style (Karat, Circus Company etc.) with a very funky/jazzy edge. Although B2 track is untypical and sounds more like Trentemoller's stuff.

> Sebo K - Horizons (Excerise One's Sleepless in San Juan mix) [Mobilee]

This is something special and the best remix from Mobilee's Back To Back series.

> Christian Paduraru - Sharing Transparently (Dave DK rmx) [Absurd]

Dave DK's remix is mellow but very nice - a good example of contemporary electronic deep house. By the way, Paduraru is another producer from Romania.

> Latex - The Porcupine [Rebelone]

Loco Dice + Martin Buttrich aka Latex deliver a remarkable latino influenced one-sided record.

Some other nice redords: Jay Haze - Berlin Pimping part 2 [Tuning Spork]; Inxec - At First I was ... A Duck [Contexterrior]; Guy Gerber & Shlomi Aber - A Sea of Sand [Cocoon]; H-Man - 51 Poland Street [Giant Wheel]; Audiofly X - 4 Play EP [Get Physical]