Square Harmony, a Russian based label, have compiled a series of tracks from artists that are right up Night Tracks' alley with their Deep Lane release.
Including tracks from the likes of Klatu, Gasface, EPLP, Essay, Detz, Delete, Stiver, Sotus, Ghostek, Depth, Kontigo, Fedbymachines and Module Module, they've managed to put together a compilation that I know will be in my top releases of the year come December.
The 15 track release is packed full of dark, shuffling garage-y gems that flow really well into each other, and aside from some of the more familiar names on there, it forms a list of producers that you should certainly keep an eye out for.
Check out the previews below, and bag it here from Monday 13th February.
So, no doubt you've clocked numbers 50-41, and then 40-31, and you've probably guessed what comes next. That's right, it's numbers 30-21 (cue fireworks)...
30. Dub Phizix & Skeptical feat. Strategy - Marka (from Marka (Exit))
Occasionally a tune comes out that unites EVERYBODY in a scene, and this is one of those tunes. Overnight it appeared on facebook walls, blogs and forums. This is fast Skeng, and anything Skeng-like is worthy of an end of year list. Sick video too. (Buy here)
29. EPLP - Hurt(from Too Much Hope EP (Self Released))
There's not many people who get vocals down as well as Bristol's EPLP, and quite frankly, there's nobody better than him at getting just the right amount of bleeps and bloops. This track is a perfect demonstration of both those skills, not to mention those synths. Quality. (Buy here)
28. Jason Burns - Die 4 U(from See Thru U EP (Brap Dem! Recordings))
Skippy, chopped up and pitched down vocals, stabs and synths, bouncy bass. This might be labelled future garage, but it's as good as anything that came out 1998-2001. (Buy here)
26. DjRum - Mountains Pt. 1(from Mountains EP (2nd Drop))
One thing I really like about DJ Rum (or DjRum as he went by for this release) is that his work occupiesa strange space between garage, dubstep and dub techno. I couldn't tell you what this is, so sorry genre heads. But I can tell you one thing for sure, this is an absolute roller that keeps going and going and going, but not for a second do you want to stop listening. (Buy here)
25. Jichael Mackson - Gedons (from Bob's Your Uncle EP (Stock5))
Clocking in at almost 15 minutes, you probably won't find a longer track in this years list, although it's debatable whether you could really call this one track at all (skip to 2:30 and listen, then skip to 11:00 and listen. Still think it's the same track?). It is though, most certifiably, a techno/house epic, and on the strength of those dream-like pads up to 4 minutes in, it finds itself marking the halfway point of this year's top 50. (Buy here, I guess)
Synkro is one of the, if not THE, most versatile producers in underground music today, but he's no jack of all trades. He seems to be able to master anything he turns his hand to, and when he's making stuff with Indigo, it gets even better. Although his releases later in the year were on a more techno edge, it's this straight up beautiful piece from earlier in the year that takes number 24. (Buy here)
23. The Weeknd - What You Need(from House Of Balloons (Self Released))
I guess in a way, The Weeknd is a lot like The xx. I can't think of anybody else that has been able to convey such a mood as effectively since the 2010 Mercury Prize winners. Every track on the album House Of Balloons was aimed without fail at the night, and 'What You Need' was the stand out track that was delivered perfectly. (Buy here)
Essáy just understands how to put across vibe. This Bloc Party sampling piece of ambient-ish dub techno represents his sound perfectly, and the production on it is perfect. A track with raw edges always sounds better than over-produced slickness. One of those tracks that shows that holding back can be more powerful than including every sound under the sun. (Buy here)
21. Ghostek - Night & Low Light (from Lost Tapes EP(Square Harmony))
I've got to admit. I was getting worried about Ghostek. I was beginning to think his many productions that flitter in and out of soundcloud might never see a release, but this year, there was an abundance, the first being his Lost Tapes EP. "Night & Low Light" had been around for some time, but I was still excited to hear this in full. Simply put, Ghostek has dominion over all drums, and they bend to his will. It's got to be the only explanation of how he creates those loops. (Buy here)
Unfortunately, I can't make it to this myself because of work, some of my friends will be there (some performing!), including Essay, Inofaith, Fedbymachines and many more. Looks like a great line-up, should be a great time for anyone that can make it to Utrecht.Click on the flyer below to go to the official site.
Check out a new group, the Night Shift Collective on Soundcloud of like-minded producers pushing a 'Night Time' sound.
From the description; "We will be showing you our best tunes along the lines of Future Garage, 2-Step, Ambient and related styles that feature deep, sincere vibes.
If you're trying to find the soundtrack to your night in solitude or just chilling out, look no further."
It's a real worldwide thing, with members from The Netherlands, UK, Canada, Germany, Russia, New Zealand, Australia and Japan, so keep an eye on it if you dig that sound.
Today’s interview is with the German producer Essáy, who I’ve been dying to get on the blog ever since I heard 1991. He’s also put together an amazing mix of ambient tracks, so if you like ambient, check it out, and if you don’t, well check it out and you probably will!
NT: Hey. Can you give us an introduction?
E: My name is Simon, I am 20 and I am from a little city near Heidelberg in Germany.
NT: When did you start producing, and why did you decide to produce the style of music that you do?
E: I started producing when I was 10-11 years old. Well, at first I used to make some chilled hip hop beats and jungle, then when I was 14 I listened to The Drill and a new door was opened. I started producing electro house and minimal house with some ambient touch. While I did that I listened to many genres like rock, jazz and whatever. Now I like to use some elements of a genre and mix it together with something new or old and other genres.
Phew! Almost forgot to do this week's Soundcloud Round-Up. Anyway, you can finally feel relieved and listen to the best it has to offer over the last week.
That's right, it's September, and as any infant school kid knows, come September 1st, the weather changes drastically because it is now Autumn! This is your last chance to get in a bit of summer music.
Firstly, big up the Soundcloud crew who keep sending me tracks. Finally you're gonna get some recognition. I'm assuming you've seen the interviews I've done so far, and maybe at some point in the future I'll be interviewing some of these. Anyway, this will just be a weekly round-up of sweet tracks I've found/been sent on Soundcloud. You never know, you might find some new people to follow.
Sparse, atmospheric vibes on this track Muroidea from Guildford. It's worth checking out his other works too (click the track title above for a link), he's always got interesting drum work, sort of stuff I've never really heard before.
Great remix of a great Aphex Twin track, 'Tha' from Selected Ambient Works 85-92. Really like the underlying organ throughout this track, great transformation. It's worth checking out his radical take on Anti-War Dub too.
Another remix that a producer called Powder Hill from Reading. Great take on the original, adding a real dark house vibe that works really well. Big track.
Free download from a Night Tracks favourite, Lysergene, who proves that tear-out doesn't have to be over the top brostep. Weighty tracks, so thanks for the give away!
Summer is over (In the Northern Hemisphere at least), so get used to it, and check the ambient vibes of German producer, Essáy. Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming interview and mix with the man himself.
Great free track from Fedbymachines. So many different takes on the garage sound nowadays, but Fedbymachines from the Netherlands, I always keep my eye on. Check it out.
