For iconic UK DJ legend Judge Jules the adage to never judge (pardon the pun) a book by its cover rings true. Known for spoiling the listeners of his radio shows with the most upfront house tunes and continually devastating dance floors all over the world since the ’90s, we found out that he’s a huge fan of drum ‘n’ bass and loves indie imprint Hospital Records. One of the Hospital acts closest to Judge’s heart is London Elektricity, so we decided to pair the two up for a chat. In this exclusive interview, Judge talks to the label’s co-founder Tony Colman about his London Elektricity project, the d’n’b scene, the secret of Hospital’s success and what he really thinks of dubstep and the term “bass music.”
Judge Jules: Hi Tony, how are you?
Tony Colman: Hello, Jules. Long time! I’m in snowy Cardiff getting ready for a three-hour vinyl set tonight at The Welsh Club. Hope you’re well young man.
As the founder of Hospital records and one half of London Elektricity you have been instrumental in shaping the drum ‘n’ bass scene. What is it that makes it unique from other dance music genres?
Fan loyalty is a big thing. For some reason, jungle and d’n’b has retained a huge number of loyal fans as well as attracting various fly-by-night fans over the years. The music is, of course, different and I think the tempo is unique in as much as d’n’b can work at full tempo (ie: 174 bpm) and half tempo (87 bpm) in the same DJ set, or in the same tune – and tempos are great to dance and listen to. this gives it so much flexibility for producers and listeners.
Hospital has brought through many acts who have gone on to great things for the scene such as Logisitcs, NU:Tone and of course High Contrast. Was this the ethos behind the label:to break new talent? Or was it more that these producers happened to fit the sound you wanted to push?
The original ethos was to only release our own music. When Chris Goss and I set up the label after the demise of our acid jazz label Tongue and Groove, we simply wanted a home for the music we were producing under the names Peter Nice Trio, Dwarf Electro and London Elektricity. That held true for about a year, then we started getting irresistible demos from the likes of Danny Byrd and High Contrast and the rest is history.
“To help bring something totally new into the world that is pure and beautiful. A musical midwife if you like!”
More recently you have been supporting acts such as Netsky whose second album came out on Hospital in June do you still get a thrill releasing new music?
Releasing new music is the thrill. For example I woke up singing the hook for “Love You Like This” by Danny Byrd which is out now. It’s a classic piece of soulful disco inspired d’n’b and it’s totally stuck in my head. I love being in love with beautiful music. That’s what drives me. To help bring something totally new into the world that is pure and beautiful. A musical midwife if you like!
For me personally, I have always considered the releases on Hospital to be more thoughtful, considered and emotive than other labels in the scene. Some refer to it as liquid d’n’b, was this a conscious move on your part or simply a natural evolution?
This was simply a result of Chris and my music tastes when we started making d&b. It wasn’t really d’n’b, it was loungecore — it was soft easy listening at d’n’b tempo! we were freaks in the scene for many years, but very gradually our tastes have been accepted.
How do you find time to listen to the music you are sent and select what you want to release? Are there key elements you are looking for in production which makes you think this is a Hospital record?
The only key thing I look for is 1. to be surprised (in a nice way) 2. to feel the producer is right at the start of their career and 3. even though I like it (and I do have weird taste), will we be in with a shout of turning our following onto it? If the music satisfies these three requirements then we want to dig deeper and get to know the producer more.
Which producers are you currently listening to, can you recommend some artists to watch out for particularly those who, you feel, are being innovative in the genre?
The most innovative for me at the moment is Royalston, who comes from Sydney. He makes music unlike anyone else. Also Stray, who has a nuts 12″ out on Blu Mar Ten’s label soon. Most able to innovate and cross over? I would say Metrik, and the gruesome twosome Fred V & Grafix.
Tough question, but is there a favorite Hospital record of yours?
There is. It’s a 7″ we released ages ago called “Panda Style” by L.A.O.S. We did a limited pressing on white vinyl and it makes me smile every time I play it. It’s also my two sons’ favorite Hospital release as well.
What did you make of dubstep when it came through? Were you an early supporter or was it something that didn’t appeal to you?
I really enjoyed it when it was, well, dubstep. Artists like Horsepower, early Skream, etc. Now, there is very little dubby about dubstep. It’s become a generic American rock kid thing called (puke) EDM or (shudder) ‘bass music’ — it’s yet another version of electro-pop.
“The term ‘bass music’ makes me want to set fire to my underpants while I’m still wearing them.”
And what do you make of its explosion in America? Are you a fan of the sound which has developed as a result?
LOL. See above. And don’t event get me started on the demise of hip-hop!
In the U.K. recently we have seen bass music take hold of the underground scene. It seems to be a loose categorization of anything around 130 bpm or quicker that vaguely touches on garage, dubstep and d’n’b with a bit of house music thrown in for good measure. Is this amalgamation of genres and blending of production styles something which interests you?
Even though the term ‘bass music’ makes me want to set fire to my underpants while I’m still wearing them, the one thing I’m enjoying at the moment is the renaissance of UK Garage which I think is brilliant. I would very happily live in a world of d’n’b and garage with no dubstep and no Euro-pop trance masquerading as ‘urban’ music.
How would you gauge the current strength of the d’n’b scene?
8.5 on the Richter scale.
Have you seen a change in the crowd over the years?
Very much. There is a much younger crowd at big events such as Hospitality, RAM, UKF, etc., but also there are very healthy older crowds who demand deeper longer sets at more intimate venues. I love the fact that both can co-exist happily.
What in your opinion makes a good DJ?
Someone who does actually DJ! ie: play discs, preferably proper records. Someone who never goes near the sync button, who doesn’t have pre-planned set lists, someone who is able to hold a crowd for three hours or more.
As someone who would have played countless shows, is there one that stands out as a career highlight?
There are so many. That’s boring I know. Our first Hospitality at Matter was amazing, and the fact the club closed after one year makes it even more special. Matter was the best club in the world, still not bettered, and Hospitality was buzzing then — it was a fantastic combination.
What else is there you want to archive in the music industry?
I’d love to release a music book for schools — basically to keep my oldest son quiet as he is a Netsky fan and it may make him practice the piano for once!
What’s next for Hospital and yourself?
I’ve just finished making my first new tune in ages, and I’m buzzing about it! Last year I spent most of my studio time working on vocal writing and production for my artists, and this year I’m dedicating my studio time to London Elek again. Feels great! Hospital is mental in 2013: rename us Mental Hospital by all means. We have brand new releases from almost all of our artists this year: Danny Byrd, High Contrast, Netsky, Fred V & Grafix, Metrik, Nu:logic, S.P.Y, Camo & Krooked.
To do anything consistently for ten years requires vision, determination and an unwavering belief in what you do. These three elements — combined with a discerning ear and eye for new talent — are part of what’s helped Kasra’s Critical Music forge a distinctive sound in the world of drum ‘n’ bass and help push the genre forward. Launched in the living room of his north London flat in 2002, Critical Music has fostered a who’s who of production including Enei, Break, Rockwell, Sabre, Stray, Cyantific, Marcus Intalex, S.P.Y, Calibre and Total Science. Having released of a steady stream of amazing records and established a global reputation for throwing great events, we asked Kasra (pictured above) to share ten of Critical’s standout moments.
I was asked to write ten key moments from the label’s history. This morphed into a piece about important things I feel have made the label what it is rather than a glamorous list of highs. Some of the things that have got us where we are don’t make for a fancy Facebook post but are vital all the same. Thanks for all the support, keep it Critical. — Kasra
1. ST Holdings
This may not be the most exciting way to start off a piece but when you first think about starting a label that’s going to sell physical product (records/CDs) you need distribution. Never underestimate the importance of this. We had a few false starts due to bad distro, when STHoldings approached us it gave the label the creative freedom and infrastructure we really needed to get going.
2. Signing a Calibre single
I’m really proud of the label’s early catalogue but when we signed a Calibre single for our ninth release it definitely helped put us on the map. For such a respected artist to sign to a fledgling imprint made people really take notice. Dom, we thank you!
3. Less is more
At first I wanted to release as much music as possible, as time went on I realized the importance of not filling the schedule for the sake of it. Only release the music you really believe in, there’s so much out there why add to it with singles/EPs that you aren’t moving you how they should. This still remains my ethos today, if I don’t have something good enough to release I’ll wait.
4. Fabric residency
I’d always dreamed of having an amazing residency in my own city, and I tried for a couple of years to get Fabric to return my calls – luckily enough one day they did. Its been incredible for the label and all the artists – for us to be able to regularly showcase what we do on one of the best sound systems in the world is a real treat.
5. FabricLive 62
I was with George Dub Phizix when I got the call that Fabric wanted me to do a mix for the FabricLive series. He can vouch for me when I literally jumped up and down [laughs]. A real moment for me and real testament to the team at Fabric who push the music they believe in.
6. Enei
After a while you want to build a team around you establish a unit. The first artist to be signed exclusively to the label was Enei. His music just struck a chord with me — rugged, to the point drum ‘n’ bass yet with character and atmosphere unlike other producers around. I was very proud when we released his album last year and the reaction it received.
7. Critical Sound events
The events side of what we do has become key to the label and being able to showcase the artists alongside guests all over the world. I’m really pleased that the name and what we do has become synonymous with quality underground d’n’b. In 2013 we plan to step up our game. There is a lot more to come!
8. Sabre, Stray And Halogenix feat Frank Carter III- “Oblique”
Sometimes big tunes aren’t the obvious ones; sometimes you hear a track and think. I don’t care if no one buys this — it’s incredible and I want to put it out. “Oblique” was one of those. In a scene full of “bangers” this made its mark by just being a fantastic piece of music. Was so happy to have signed this and what a way to kick off our tenth year.
9. Outlook – Boat Party
I had heard the rumors but hadn’t experienced it myself, until last year when we were invited to Outlook for the first time. We had traveled for about 12 hours to get to Pula, and I was hanging onto hope that the party would be as good as everyone says. It surpassed all my expectations, 300 people on a warm summers evening loving life. It’s cliche but it was incredible!
10. The future
There’s so much to be excited about: new music from the artists, events, festivals, studio time. It’s such an incredible adventure. Bring it on!
Critical X featuring tracks by Mathematics, Calibre, Breakage, Lomax and others is out now on Critical Music.
We’ve been following Berlin techno duo Pan-Potfor several years now. Their determination to push musical boundaries has propelled them from young upstarts who united in 2005 to a place currently near the top rung on the global DJ ladder. With their firm association with Anja Schneider and Ralf Kollmann’s mobilee Records in tow and 15 releases under their belt (including their minimal masterpiece Pan-O-Rama released in 2007), Tassilo Ippenberger and Thomas Benedix recently issued their flawless White Fiction EP in time for their North American tour kicking off tonight in Mexico City (see full tour dates below). We checked in with the Teutonic techno twosome about their tour, brilliant new EP and the release of their mobilee back to back year-long tour documentary directed by Sebastian Radlmeier on YouTube.
Happy new year to you both. How did you welcome 2013? Were you playing?
Tassilo Ippenberger: Thanks a lot and happy new year to you too! We played five shows in a row, two on New Year’s eve itself. And believe it or not, we didn’t miss one show, which is usually not common during winter and snow chaos. On NYE we first played at VOID festival in Wuppertal with Chris Liebing, Monika Kruse, Karotte, Extrawelt and many others and then we want straight to Amsterdam for Amsterdam United organized by the Awakenings Crew.
How was 2012 for Pan-Pot?
Tassilo: 2012 was great! It starting with our “Gravity” release and our documentary film including along nice tour all over Europe. We also tried to finish a new album, which didn’t work out due to heavy touring. That was also the reason why we kept it easy in the summer of 2012. We didn’t work so much in the studio but only focused on our shows.
Thomas: Oh yes, it was a year with many great gigs and fun time on Ibiza. In the end of 2012 we released our second EP called White Fiction as a proper finish of the year.
What were some of the best moments?
Tassilo: One of the highlights was the Paul Kalkbrenner concert in Munich for 20,000 people and in the center of the city. Also our first appearance at Space Ibiza at Carl Cox’s party was amazing. It was his 50th birthday and we stayed at his house for some days. Good times!
You’re coming to play North America. Tell us about what people can expect from the upcoming shows?
Thomas: The U.S. and Canada have some of our most favorite clubs and we love the (party) people, who are very outgoing. Be sure we are well prepared to give our best!
Tassilo: We’re very excited to finally be back. Our motivation level is high and we’ll the drop our latest productions.
Any special songs in your current set you’d like to mention?
Tassilo: As already mentioned we just lately released a new EP with “White Fiction” and “Mental Rush” that are in heavy rotation right now.
Tell us briefly about the documentary. How did it come about and why did you decide to release it now to the public on YouTube?
Tassilo: A few years back we started to do short videos on tour and put them on our YouTube channel. At the time when mobilee asked us to mix the Back to Back compilation we thought about what kind of special we could add and Anja Schneider came up with the idea to add a DVD that shows mobilee and us, how we are and what we do. This is how we came up with the idea of adding a movie to the compilation (for the price of a normal compilation).
Thomas: Shortly after the release we heard from many people that they could not buy the compilation or movie in their country through iTunes or as CD/DVD so we thought it would be fair to also show it to them now, one year after the release, for free on YouTube.
You’re playing Igloofest in Montreal. Are you prepared to play in the freezing cold?
Tassilo: We hope so. We’ll come in our snowsuits and wear bear hats.
Thomas: …and earmuffs! If you see two strange looking guys behind the decks – that will be us!
Jan 11: Hardpop, Ciudad Juarez
Jan 13: Villa 221, Miami
Jan 17: Vessel, San Fran
Jan 19: Anonymous @ Norad, Denver
Jan 20: Momentum @ SRB, NYC
Jan 25: Igloofest, Montreal
Jan 26: Footwork, Toronto
Little equals the fresh possibilities and excitement a new year brings for music fans. 2012 was a very good year for dance/electronic music, especially with the underground bass and house scene thriving while stadium DJs dominating stages that had once been the sole stomping grounds of rock bands in years past. The good news is that 2013 looks like it’s going to be an even bigger and better year for our genre, with something on offer for every fan and DJ. Here we present an overview of 125 releases coming this year. Better buckle up because it’s going to be a bump ride.
January
Damiano von Erckert & Tito Wun / Mr. Pink, What Have You Been Smokin’? (ava.)
Two deep house explorers both contribute five songs for a 10-track album. Could the album title be a wink and a nod to Reservoir Dogs? You’ll have to listen to the album to find out.
Various Artists / Hot Waves 4 (Hot Creations)
Label compilation picks up where its third installment left off. The set includes the new track from Human Life & Anabel Englund called “Falling.”
Kuniyuki Takahashi / Feather World (Mule Musiq)
Many may remember Kuniyuki Takahashi from his notable 2010 collaboration with Henrik Schwarz. On Feather World the Sapporo-based artist explores deep house and jazz with talented guests including Norwegian pianist Bugge Wesseltoft, Japanese sax player Tetsuro Kawashima and West African vocalist Sona Diabaté.
January 4
Various Artists / A State Of Trance (Armada)
Armin van Buuren presents his end-of-the-year compilation including 103 tracks and remixes in a two-hour mega-mix.
January 8
Justice / Helix EP (Ed Banger)
Parisian electro duo issue an extended version of the song from the band’s most recent full-length, Audio, Video, Disco, in addition to exclusive remixes by Domenico Torti and Gesaffelstein.
January 11
Various Artists / Max Graham presents Cycles Vol. 4 (Armada)
The fourth edition of the Cycles series finds Max Graham navigating himself through 14 tracks from the likes of Gary Saville, Dan & Sam and Matt Lange.
January 14
Feed Me / Death By Robot EP (mau5trap)
Jon Gooch continues to mash up electro with dubstep, and his latest effort is timed with a lengthy Feed Me With TEETH tour of the U.S. kicking off this month.
Michael Mayer / “Mantasy Remixes” (Kompkat)
After releasing his second album Mantasy in 2012, Kompkat co-founder offers a remix EP featuring interpretations from Philipp Gorbachev, The Mole and Barnt.
Mumbai Science / Impact EP (Lektroluv)
Belgian DJ/producer duo Jonas Kiesekoms and Maarten Elen drop an EP of fresh tunes for Lektroluv.
Mike Wall / Different Colours (Hidden Recordings)
Berlin artist crafts an album of diverse moods and sonic textures.
New Order / The Lost Sirens (Rhino/Warner)
Long-awaited mini album from iconic Manchester band finally sees the light of day. It features an unreleased mix of the Waiting for the Sirens’ Call track “I Told You So” as well as an extended version of “Hellbent,” which was previously released on the 2011 compilation Total: From Joy Division to New Order.
January 15
DJ Muggs / Bass For Your Face (Ultra Music)
Legendary hip-hop producer of Cypress Hill fame continues his exploits in the world of dubstep and glitch. Key collaborations include Chuck D of Public Enemy on “Wikid.”
KC and the Binja Ninja / Time EP (Broken)
MickSir reinvents himself as KC and the Binja Ninja and whips up three powerful tech-house jams.
Various Artists / Show Me The Future (Friends of Friends)
Label compilation featuring exclusive originals from the likes of Ryan Hemsworth, Dreams, Octo Octa, Evenings, Kid Smpl and more.
January 16
Shall Ocin / Crash Into My Love EP (Culprit)
Culprit continues to give up-and-coming producers a leg up. On the label’s 32nd release, they shine the spotlight on Argentian-born and Barcelona-based Nicolas Abalos (a.k.a. Shall Ocin), a promising newcomer whose dexterous dance floor cuts are precise and movement inducing.
January 17
Harem Tone / The First Step EP (ToneKontrol Recordings)
New label owned and run by Jay Riordan who also records as Harem Tone. Riordan uses his experience producing and remixing for Baroque, Remedy, Nice & Nasty, DXR and Circle Music Germany to craft a nice EP filled with proper basslines and beats that are simultaneously influenced by house and techno.
Various Artists Punch Music’s Strongbox (Punch)
Fourteen-track label compendium featuring curated tech-house tracks from Muzarco, Gary Beck, Nir Shoshani, Guy J, Yariv Bernstein, Peter Horrevorts, Roland M. Dill, Miki Litvak, Dan Drastic and Marc Marzenit.
January 21
Analog Session / Hot Elephant Music (Hot Elephant Music)
The debut album from Alexander Robotnick and Ludus Pinsky’s Analog Session delivers a melange of blend of electro, disco and techno over the course of extended tracks.
Chubby Dubz / EP3 (Loungin)
Deep house explorers Oliver $ and Gene Siewing team up for the third Chubby Dubz EP featuring the vocals of Elbee Bad.
Force of Nature / Expansions (Endless Flight)
Tokyo party starters Force of Nature are KZA and DJ Kent, two producers who’ve worked together for years. The pair unite for a tidy compilation featuring tracks from Joakim, Lovelock and Compuphonic feat. Marques Toliver.
Volta Cab / Strange Days EP (Illusion Recordings)
Sixth release from Illusion Recordings comes from Russia-based deep house explorers Volta Cab. The title track delivers their twist on the genre, but only a fool would overlook the deeper cuts on the EP.
Various Artists / Fabriclive 67 Mixed by Ben UFO (Fabric)
One of the three luminaries behind Hessle Audio, Ben UFO mixes the 67th edition of Fabric’s famed mix series. The 28-track session features big tunes from Tim ‘Love’ Lee, Herbert, Circuit Breake and Pangaea.
Various Artists / John O’Callaghan – Subculture 2013 (Armada)
Subculture Recordings label boss John O’Callaghan crafts a 14-track journey highlighting his two-year-old imprint’s best moments featuring trance and tech-house tracks and remixes from O’Callaghan and others.
Various Artists / Pop Ambient 2013 (Kompkat)
Running since 2001, this venerable compilation series returns with Kompakt co-founder Michael Mayer making his debut appearance with the Wolfgang Voigt remix of “Sully.” Look for tracks from Matias Aguayo and Jörg Burger’s Terrapin, Mikkel Metal and Leandro Fresco.
January 22
Birdy Nam Nam / Defiant Order (OWSLA)
French turntablists/producers who have a production credit on the new A$AP Rocky album offer up a new single packed with remixes.
FaltyDL / Hardcourage (Ninja Tune)
NYC beatmaster steps up his game with an intimate, personal album that’s been gaining a lot of interest courtesy of his current single “She Sleeps” feat. Ed MacFarlane of Friendly Fires.
Roots Manuva / Banana Skank EP (Big Dada)
Lastest release from Rodney Smith is a hard-hitting four-track EP created around the last track of his 2011 album 4everevolution. Our man is joined by long time Banana Klan collaborator Kope.
Toro Y Moi / Anything In Return (Carpark)
Toro Y Moi’s Chaz Bundick returns with his third album influenced by a move to Berkeley, CA and the subsequent extended separation from loved ones. Expect house-influenced 4/4 grooves and adept sampling on this release.
Young Fathers / Tape One (Anticon)
Edinburgh’s Young Fathers, the trio of Alloysious born in Liberia, Kayus raised by Nigerian migrants, and producer G of Scotland, announce their first release with new home Anticon.
January 23
Piemont / The Gap EP (Mr. Carter)
After issuing tracks on labels including My Best Friend, Reposal Schallware and Terminal M, Frederic Moering-Sack and Christian Jonqueieres present their first effort for the Mr. Carter imprint, a tech-house affair crafted purposely for the dance floor.
January 25
Ian Pooley / What I Do (Pooled Music)
Four years since the release of his last album, In Other Words, veteran producer Ian Pooley returns with What I Do, an album inspired by his global travels, various inspirations and analog gear.
January 28
Derrick May & Jimmy Edgar / We Love Detroit (We Love Recordings)
What happens when one of the pioneers of techno connects with one of electronic music’s brightest stars? That question is answered on this monumental compilation collaboration between Derrick May and Jimmy Edgar.
Ejeca vs Rhythm Controller/Citizen – Split 10″ (W&O Street Tracks)
The third release on Waze & Odyssey’s own label is a split 10″, on one side nu house hero Ejeca goes up against Rhythm Controller on the dance floor igniting Raid, while on the flip, Citizen goes to show why he’s being talked up as one of the most exciting new producers around.
Hot Coins / The Damage Is Done (Sonar Kollektiv)
Danny Berman sets aside his Red Rack’em alias for the moment for a new moniker: Hot Coins. This new project investigates the darker, sleazier side of the ’70s and ’80s and features City Hayes and Crazy P member Chris Todd among others.
Nicole Moudaber / Roar EP (Intec Digital)
After two killer EPs on Drumcode, techno deity Nicole Moudaber offers up another banger for Carl Cox’s famed imprint.
Various Artists / Hospitality D&B 2013 (Hospital)
Thirty-track label sampler from one of the best drum ‘n’ bass labels in the game includes big (and several unreleased) tunes from Netsky, High Contrast, Placid, Ayah Marah and more. Rewind!
Various Artists / Dubstep Allstars Vol. 10 Mixed by Plastician (Tempo)
The tenth installment of Tempa’s ongoing series taps Plastician to handle mixing duties. The 21-track journey includes his re-rub of Cato feat. Doctor’s “Brap” as well as tracks by J:Kenzo, LAXX & Walsh and Mutated Mindz.
Various Artists / Fresh Meat 1 (Cheap Thrills)
New and up-and-coming artists that Cheap Thrills are feeling, all out on a new compilation.
Various Artists / Noir In The House (Defected)
Danish DJ/producer Noir (a.k.a. René Kristensen) connects with London-based Defected label for a 29-track compilation displaying his poppier brand of house. Look for tunes from dOP, Nick Curly, Maya Jane Coles, Nina Kraviz and Shlomi Aber.
January 29
Pearl Necklace / Soft Opening (Smalltown Supersound)
Debut album by New York duo Bryce Hackford and Frank Lyon create their minimal techno through sampling field recordings, library records, dusted disco cuts and more. Special guests include Alexis Georgopoulos (a.k.a. ARP) and Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT.
Various Artists / Modern Underground Music V.2 (Black Catalogue)
Detroit’s Monty Luke unveils a sampler of his Black Catalogue label, a five-track EP of R&B and soul-infused house and techno, featuring Lance De Sardi, AbJo and Luke himself.
January 30
John Dimas / Living Lies (La Vie En Rose)
After issuing tracks on labels such as Dame Music and One Records, Greek native John Dimas spreads his musical wings for Terence:Terry: recently launched imprint. Expect an album loaded with deep chords, 808s and Chicago inspired house.
February
Hieroglyphic Being / Imaginary Concepts (Mathematics Recordings)
Chicago producer Jamal Moss pushes his creativity to the next level with his experimental alias Hieroglyphic Being. Released on his own Mathematics Recordings, the album features ten “Imaginary Landscapes” Moss and is accompanied by a four-minute video clip of “Imaginary Landscape 2″ featuring visuals by Chanel Von Habsburg Lothringen.
Justin Velor / 2013 (Brutal Music)
Manchester-based Brutal Music get the new year started in a big way with the 13-track debut album from Justin Velor (a.k.a. label head Dom Thomas) that’s appropriately titled 2013. The album features four guests (Jez Williams, Marie Chantecaille, Gerry Love and Leee John) with co-production by 808 State’s Graham Massey.
Population One / A Simpler Form EP (Reduction)
Famed Detroit DJ/producer Terrence Dixon offers the first release from his new label in the form of a three-track EP under the Population One alias.
Streetwalker / Future Fusion (Cititrax)
Streetwalker, a collaboration between Beau Wanzer and Elon Katz, release a debut album on Minimal Wave offshoot Cititrax. The release’s six songs were all recorded live in one take to one-inch tape, with no overdubs and no MIDI. All the synthesizers and drum machines were run through amplifiers.The selections were beautifully mastered for vinyl with artwork by Spencer Longo that’s limited to 999 copies.
February 4
The Asphodells / Ruled by Passion Destroyed By Lust (Rotters Golf Club)
Ten-track debut album issued on Andrew Weatherall’s Rotters Golf Club gets a global release after being issued back in November in Japan. The duo is comprised of Weatherall and Bird Scarer alumnus (and former Battant member) Timothy J. Fairplay.
Benoit & Sergio / Bridge So Far (Hot Creations)
Red-hot production duo make their debut on the mighty Hot Creations label. It’s a two-track featuring a bound-to-be-huge vocal effort.
Grouper / The Man Who Died In His Boat (Kranky)
Portland-based one-woman musical entity Grouper issues an 11-track concept album on the experimental Kranky imprint. The album is based upon “the wreckage of a sailboat washed up on the shore of Agate Beach” in Oregon.
Laura Jones / Sensoramic EP (Visionquest)
A disciple of Leftroom, Laura Jones takes the lessons she learned touring in 2012 and imparts them into her debut release focusing on the deeper side of techno.
TM404 / TM404 (Kontra-Musik)
Prolific Swedish producer Andreas Tilliander dons his TM404 alias for an album featuring eight polyrhythmic productions recorded live in one take without any post arrangement using a combination of Roland gear, including the TB-303, TR-606, TR-7-07, TR-808 and MC-202 drum machine.
Wraetlic / Wraetlic (Convex Industries)
Scottish producer Alex Smoke returns with a new studio album under his Wraetlic moniker.
Various / 5 Years Desolat – 2012 (Desolat)
After a killer 2012 that featured high profile releases from DJ Sneak, Basti Grub, Aldo Cadiz, Francisco Allendes & Paola Poletto, and Shlomi Aber, Desolat takes a quick victory lap with a five-year anniversary sampler featuring tracks by Loco Dice, Shlomi Aber, Alexkid, Benny Rodrigues and others.
Various Artists / Channel Zoo Compilation One (Channel Zoo Recordings)
Ibiza party series makes the logical progression into label with their first compilation mixed by resident DJ Michael James featuring tracks from Axel Boman, Kerri Chandler, Dana Ruh, Leif and others.
Various Artists / Night Slugs All Stars Volume 2 (Night Slugs)
London club night/record label kicks off 2013 with a banger of a compilation featuring tracks by Egyptrixx, L-Vis 1990 and Girl Unit.
Various Artists / San City High All Stars (San City High)
Kissy Sell Out brings together new and fresh edits of his own tracks and those that best represent his label. Artists include Eats Everything, Kissy, Hervé, Lee Mortimer and Dillon Francis.
February 5
Darkstar / News From Nowhere (Warp) The follow-up to 2010’s North features the single “Timeaway.” Says James Young about his band’s second album, “This record is it’s own thing, in its own bubble and time.”
Tosca / Odeon (!K7)
Richard Dorfmeister and Rupert Huber draw influence from their native Vienna and conjure up a moody, ambient 10-track work of art featuring collaborations with vocalists Sarah Carlier and JJ Jones.
February 6
Hav Lyfe / Hav Lyfe (Sonic Router)
Mysterious producer’s self-titled 10-track full-length, an exploration into the bowels of bass, is the third album from London-based blog-turned-label Sonic Router.
February 8
Marc Romboy & Ken Ishii / Taiyo (Systematic Recordings)
The distance of 7,000 kilometers didn’t prevent from two techno titans from uniting on what will be one of 2013’s most breathtaking albums. Over the span of seven tracks Romboy and Ishii (virtually) explore a wealth of groundbreaking sounds and musical ideas.
February 11
C2C / Tetra (Casablanca)
After releasing the single “Happy” featuring Derek Martin at the end of 2011, French foursome C2C step out with their diverse debut album.
K-X-P / Menace II (Melodic)
Finnish foursome known for their krautrock roots embark on a poppier journey. They are describing their sound as “electronic Motörhead techno.”
Semedo feat. Capracara / “Love Illusion” (DJ Wool Remixes) (Body Work)
Body Work returns after a brief hiatus with a remix set of newcomer Semedo’s “Love Illusion” featuring re-rubs by Capracara and DJ Wool.
February 12
PVT / Homosapien (Felte)
Australian trio follow up their 2010 album Church With No Magic on Warp Records with Homosapien, their fourth studio album and Felte debut. Richard Pike has assumed the role of front man, and the threesome forge a unique soundscape beneath his voice.
Salva / Odd Furniture EP (Friends of Friends)
Frite Nite label boss Paul Salva follows up his collaborative remix of Kanye West’s “Mercy” with an EP for the FOF label.
February 13
Detboi / Sliding Doors (Cheap Thrills)
After a pair of EPs in 2012 for Hervé’s Cheap Thrills, Detboi welcomes 2013 with a big artist album.
February 18
Art Department / Social Experiment 003 (No.19)
Nearly three years since Soul Clap contributed to No.19’s Social Experiment 002 comes the latest mix in this series by Art Department on member Jonny White’s imprint. The group, which includes Kenny Glasgow, contribute two previously unreleased tracks and exclusive jams from Jamie Jones, My Favorite Robot, Gregorythme and Jackin Rabbit featuring Robert Owens.
Black Strobe / “The Girl From The Bayou” (Remixes) (Blackstrobe Records)
Arnaud Rebotini’s latest and greatest gets a reworking from the likes of Mustang.
Flume / Flume (Transgressive)
21-year-old Aussie Flume issues his 2012 self-titled debut through Transgressive Records. Buy on sight.
Jamie Lidell / Jamie Lidell (Warp)
Talented British soul singer now living in Nashville after stops in Berlin and New York offers a self-titled, self-produced 11-track affair.
Lusine / The Waiting Room (Ghostly International)
Ambient/IDM artist Jeff McIlwain has explored everything from minimal house to abstract hip-hop. On The Waiting Room the Seattle-based producer follows up 2009’s A Certain Distance with an album of lush soundscapes, of which five are fronted by vocalists.
Max D / House of Woo (RVNG Intl)
After dropping “Woo” in November, Future Times head/one half of DC dance duo Beautiful Swimmers Maxmillion Dunbar presents an album focused around 4/4 house grooves.
Trus’Me / Treat Me Right (Prime Numbers)
Manchester-based producer (a.k.a. David Wolstencroft) delivers his third album on his own Prime Numbers label. The eight-track release is a departure of sorts from what he presented on 2010’s In The Red and will no doubt sound as equally as sublime.
Vince Watson / Serene (Pyramids of Mars)
Scottish producer known for his work in techno explores the world of ambient sans drums on Matt Edwards (Radio Slave)’s Pyramids of Mars. Cover art was created by photographer/contemporary artist Natsumi Hayashi.
Voigt & Voigt / Die Zauberhafte Welt Der Anderen (Kompakt)
After working on a slew of tracks over the past decade or so, brothers Wolfgang Voigt and Reinhard Voigt unite for a full-length album for Wolfgang Voigt’s mighty Kompkat label.
February 19
Brandt Brauer Frick / Miami (!K7)
BBF’s third album finds the trio pushing itself into new creative territory. Always ones to put a twist on their albums, for Miami they collaborated with Jamie Lidell, Om’mas Keith, Gudrun Gut, Erika Janunger and Nina Kraviz.
Dobie / We Will Not Harm You (Big Dada)
British bass king Dobie has been around the block and then some, working with Soul II Soul back in the day, issuing a solo album for Pussyfoot and remixing an incredible list of names ranging from Massive Attack to Wiley. He follows last year’s Nothing To Fear EP with a full-length that took shape over an 18-month period.
Fatboy Slim / Big Beach Bootique 5 (The End)
Norman Cook serves up a live document of his two-night residency at at Brighton’s Amex stadium this summer.
Inc. / No World (4AD)
L.A.-based brothers/session players Andrew and Daniel Aged take the lesson they learned playing with 50 Cent, Beck, Raphael Saadiq, Cee-Lo and more and forge a post-R&B album on their own.
M Machine / Metropolis Pt. II (OWLSA)
Second installment of their epic album from three San Franciscans who produce in a studio/warehouse that Journey used to own. Very narrative and conceptual and tasteful.
Major Lazer / Free The Universe (Mad Decent)
Delayed second album from the Diplo-fronted Major Lazer finally sees the light of day. Expect to hear collaborations with Bruno Mars, Tyga, Flux Pavillion, Wynter Gordon, Shaggy, Wyclef, Ezra Koening from Vampire Weekend, Dev and more, mon.
Matmos / The Marriage of True Minds (Thrill Jockey)
The musical union between Drew Daniel and M.C. Schmidt continues on an album influenced by four years of parapsychological experiments based upon the classic Ganzfeld experiment. They used the resulting transcripts as poetic and conceptual scores to generate the nine songs on this album. Guest include: Dan Deacon, Dominique Leone, DJ Dog Dick, Leslie Weiner and Holger Hiller (Palais Schaumberg), Jason Willett (Half Japanese), Angel Deradoorian, Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak) and more.
Mitzi / Truly Alive (Future Classic)
After teasing us with the infectious “All I Heard” in late 2012, this Aussie foursome conjure up a joyous live sound that draws from disco, house, pop and Garage.
Natasha Kmeto / EP (Dropping Gems)
Portland-based singer, songwriter and producer Natasha Kmeto reveals her ____ EP on Dropping Gems, a soulful take on electronic music featuring vocals by Kmeto herself, with an LP to follow-up in Spring 2013.
Various Artists / Change The Beat: The Celluloid Records Story 1980 – 1987 (Strut)
The history of influential street smart New York City ’80s label Celluloid Records is told over a sprawling two-album collection featuring nuggets from Time Zone, Fab 5 Freddy, Manu Dibango, Grandmixer D.ST and Future 2000 feat. The Clash. Too bad there’s nothing by The Golden Palominos.
February 22
Benjamin Damage / Heliosphere (50Weapons)
After issuing 2012’s collaboration with Doc Daneeka They! Live, Damage sets off on a slightly different musical direction, mixing up tunes for the dance floor with headier tracks.
Mano Le Tough / Changing Days (Permanent Vacation)
Influential Irish DJ/producer takes his career to the next level with a 10-track debut album informed by his many years behind the decks, spinning at institutions like Panorama Bar, Trouw and Robert Johnson.
February 23
µ-Ziq / Somerset Avenue Tracks (Planet Mu)
Planet Mu label boss Mike Paradinas celebrates his imprint’s 300th release with a 12-track offering of unreleased productions.
February 25
Atoms For Peace / AMOK (XL Recordings)
Supergroup led by Thom Yorke finally gets around to issuing its much-promised debut album that blends rock with electronic music. Expectations are high for quite good reason when you consider the lineup: engineer Nigel Godrich, bassist Flea and drummers Joey Waronker and Mauro Refosco.
Compuphonic / “Sunset” (Remixes by Aeroplane, Waze & Odyssey, etc.) (Get Physical)
One of 2012’s deepest and best vocal house tracks is reworked and reimagined.
Daniel Steinberg / Treptow (EMI)
Sophomore full-length from the German producer and includes the track “Joy and Happiness.” Album encompasses a quirky concoction of crisp tech house beats, infectious hooks, playful vocal samples and darker minimalist flavors.
Jay Shepheard / Home & Garden (Retrofit)
UK-born, Berlin-based deep house/disco DJ/producer presents his debut album on his own label, the 11th release following on from a string of 12″s featuring along side himself artists including Catz ‘n Dogz, Iron Curtis, Matthew Burton, Martin Dawson and others.
Mekon / Piece Of Work (Wall of Sound)
Electronic music journeyman John Gosling has worked with the likes of William Orbit and Afrika Bambaataa during his 25-year career. With his fourth album, Piece Of Work, he pays homage to homage to the late Peter “Sleazy” Christopherson of Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV (who appeared on his third album, 2000’s Relax With Mekon). Interesting fact: Mekon was Wall of Sound’s first signing 19 years ago.
Ultrademon / Seapunk (Fire For Effect)
Formerly known as Fire for Effect, Kansas-born and now Chicago-based Albert Redwine’s debut album taps into the essence of ’90s house and techno, peppering it with dashes of pop, trap and soul.
Various Artists / Silicone Soul – Darkroom Dubs Vol.3 (Darkroom Dubs)
Silicone Soul’s Craig Morrison and Graeme Reedie commemorate ten years with a label compendium featuring tech-house tracks from Of Norway, Alex Niggemann & Marc Poppcke, Terje Saether and others.
February 26
Alice Russell / To Dust (Tru Thoughts)
British soul presents her first solo album featuring the killer single “Heartbreaker” featuring remixes by New York’s Falty DL and Parisian house producer Yakine.
Kavinsky / Outrun (Casablanca)
After releasing three EPs through the Record Makers label and turning heads with “Nightcall” (which appeared in the film Drive) produced by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk, the French electro provocateur unveils his debut album produced by rising French DJ/producer Sebastian.
Mister Lies / Mowgli (Lefse)
The musical alias of Chicago upstart Nick Zanca, Mister Lies is a downtempo exploration of what can happen when you experiment with a laptop and controllers along with microphones, synthesizers and samplers.
Sally Shapiro / Somewhere Else (Paper Bag)
Elusive Swedish italo-disco pop princess Sally Shapiro returns with her third album arriving after her 2012 teaser in the form of her single “What Can I Do.”
March
Depeche Mode (Columbia)
Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher are back with their 13th album and first for Columbia.
Michael Canitrot / TBA (Aime Music)
Known for his various singles, remixes and So, Happy in Paris? club night, David Guetta and Bob Sinclar’s protégé releases a new album.
Footprintz / Escape Yourself (Visionquest)
Debut album from Footprintz’s Clarian North and Adam Hunter was produced by Ewan Pearson and references ’80s noir-pop that’s synth heavy and dreamy.
March 4
Blue Hawaii / Untogether (Arbutus)
Canadian duo embark on their first album, an 11-track effort written separately and then recorded over the course of the year across Canada.
Hervé / The Art Of Disappearing (Cheap Thrills)
A derivation from Hervé’s classic sound finds the master conjuring up a chilled out, dark, downtempo album made for “disappearing.”
Nu:Logic / TBA (Hospital)
Ongoing collabo between drum ‘n’ bass artists/brothers Dan Gresham (Nu:Tone) and Matt Gresham (Logistics) will spawn another album this month.
March 5
Autechre / Exai (Warp)
Legendary experiemental duo Autechre drop their 11th album in the form of the 17-track Exai. The duo’s release will be available as a double-CD package or as a four-piece 180 gram vinyl box set with download codes redeemable at Bleep.com.
Chris Carrier & Hector Moralez / Lotus Seven (Apollonia)
The debut album on Apollonia Records, the label owned and run by Dan Ghenacia, Dyed Soundorom and Shonky, finds Chris Carrier and Hector Moralez exploring hip-hop, disco jams and soul-warming joints.
Helado Negro / Invisible Life (Asthmatic Kitty)
Brooklyn via South Florida’s Roberto Lange stretches out on his third album. Known for his quixotic songs sung in Spanish, Lange sings in English for the first time on an LP featuring contributions from Bear in Heaven’s Jon Philpot, Mouse on Mars’ Jan St. Werner, Devendra Barnhart, Matt Crum and Eduardo Alonso.
Maximum Hedrum / S/T (Spectrophonic Sound)
Sam Spiegel unveils his new project, an electronic-funk hybrid featuring contributions from vocalist Derrick Green from the Brazilian band seminal heavy metal Sepultura and renowned German musician and producer Harold Faltermeyer. Funk legend George Clinton guests on the single “Keep In Touch.”
Úlfur / White Mountain (Western Vinyl)
A veteran of Swords of Chaos and in Jónsi’s touring band, White Mountain is Úlfur Hansson’s debut under his own name. Alexandra Sauser-Monnig of Mountain Man contributed vocals to the album, and Skúli Sverrisson (who has worked extensively with Laurie Anderson, Blonde Redhead, etc.), contributed bass and guitar. Hints of collage-y field recordings mingle with subtle electronics.
Various Artists / Friends Will Carry You Home Too (Pets Recordings)
Second installment of the celebrated compilation series compiled by label bosses Catz N Dogz also marks the label’s third anniversary. The 21-track compilation includes cuts by Squarehead, Jay Shepheard Trikk and digital exclusives by Mooryc and Adam Zasada.
March 11
Hugo & The Prismatics / The Consequences of Loop (GoodVibe Records)
Debut album that uses offilter percussion and strains of jazz to supercharge this act’s grooves.
Goldie / Metalheadz: Goldie (FFRR)
Twenty-year best-of collection from the drum ‘n’ bass pioneer’s vault.
March 18
Goose / Control, Control, Control (Goose)
Belgium band known for its releases on Skint and !K7 release their new album after success at home. Expect to hear a bristling mix of rock and electro.
March 19
Deptford Goth / Life After Defo (Merok/Cooperative Music)
South Londoner Daniel Woolhouse’s highly anticipated debut arrives after his knockout 2012 single “Union.” Awash in lush synths and dreamy vocals, this is one of 2013’s most important albums.
Team Ghost / Rituals (Wsphere)
Team Ghost is Nicolas Fromageau, who started M83 with Anthony Gonzalez and was on their first two records. With a sound filled with swirling guitars and shoegaze, it’s all spiced up by electronic elements.
April
April 1
Various Artists / Electric Voice II (Electric Voice)
Canadian imprint presents its second label compilation featuring contributions by Das Ding, Ike Yard and Tropic Of Cancer.
April 2
The Third Man / Beyond The Heliosphere (EPM)
Debut album from The Third Man, who has previously released material on Ai, Taberncalce and ART. The album’s first single will also feature remixes from John Heckle and Claro Intelecto.
Zoon van snooK / The Bridge Between Life And Death (Lo Recordings)
ZvS’s latest was recorded in Iceland and is comprise of “childlike electronica, found sounds and more.”
April 8
The Knife / Shaking The Habitual (Brille)
Swedish electro-pop duo return with their fourth album and a big European tour in 2013.
April 22
Miss Kittin / Calling From The Stars (wSphere)
After rocking it on her 2012 “Hide” collab with Kris Menace, Miss Kittin strikes on her own with an album featuring her trademark lyrics and mish-mash of electro and techno. Cool fact: Miss Kittin self-produced the sprawling double album.
May
Phaseone / If I Tell U (Adultswim)
St. Louis producer steps out with a big album harkening the essence of Flying Lotus but clearly defining his own turf.
Will Saul / Getting Closer (!K7)
Saul’s second album features guests including Joe Dukie, Paul ‘Tikiman’ St.Hillaire, Scuba, Appleblim and Ewan Pearson.
June
AlunaGeorge / TBA (Island Def Jam)
British electro-pop duo comprised of Aluna Francis and George Reid deliver their debut after the much remixed 2012 single “Your Drums, Your Love.”
On the Horizon
AraabMuzik: he’s hard at work on his follow up to Electronic Dream with co-productions with Skrillex and Diplo. Austra: The band is also currently in the studio, preparing the follow up to their critically acclaimed debut full-length, Feel It Break. Classixx: L.A. outfit will release an album on Innovative Leisure. Compuphonic: Belgian house maestro who scored the massive club jam “Sunset” might have his debut out this year. Daft Punk: Hey, you never know, right?! Danny Bird: Drum ‘n’ bass legend will issue an album on the mighty Hospital imprint. Fenech-Solar: The band continue recording their new album as taster track “All I Know” has given their fans a brief glimpse of what’s in store on the new album. Katy B: After dropping her New Danger EP, Ms. B is expected to deliver a new album in the spring. M.I.A.: Delayed Matangi is scheduled to be released in 2013. In addition to the soundtrack, it will include an autobiography, a documentary, and an art exhibition. Nervo: Aussie twin sisters will present their debut album after a string of smash singles The Prodigy: Much talked about How To Steal A Jet Fighter will hopefully see the light of day by the summer Stafford Brothers: Aussie DJ brothers’ debut on Cash Money will feature plenty of big-name guests Steve Angello: new album forthcoming from 1/3 of the SHM.
For me personally, I have always considered the releases on Hospital to be more thoughtful, considered and emotive than other labels in the scene. Some refer to it as liquid d’n’b, was this a conscious move on your part or simply a natural evolution?
