Prolific Detroit house music mainstay Terrence Parker might use an old-school telephone handset instead of a pair of traditional DJ headphones when he’s behind the decks, but any novelty about what he does musically ends there. Known affectionately as the Telephone Man, Parker has been dialed into house music for 30 years, remixing and producing a litany of soulful, spiritual tracks while continually blazing new trails as an artist.
Parker’s career continues along at a swift pace. He DJs all over and released his third full-length, Life On The Back 9, on Carl Craig’s Planet E label, which was released on January 27. It’s a joyous album brimming with inspired deep excursions, with many of the uplifting songs drawing from his own faith. We talked to the Motor City maestro about how the role religion plays in his artistry, how the new album came to be and what he thinks about the new crop of producers currently drawing influence from retro grooves.
Telephone Man, how’s life in Detroit? Is it cold enough for you?!
Terrence Parker: Life in Detroit is good, and yes it has been extremely cold here as well. Over the last three weeks we have had wind chills between -15 to -35 below zero. So we are chillin’ here in the D for real [smiles].
The new album is a truly deeply soulful body of work. Anyone who knows your history would expect nothing less from you. How did this third album evolve? What was the creative process like this time around?
I took my time in compiling this album. It is certainly a more mature sounding album with a message that I think most people can relate to no matter where they come from. It took me just over a year to record all of the tracks for this album. [Plane E’s] Carl [Craig] gave me full creative control. His confidence and belief in my music helped me shape a solid album project.
In the past few years there’s been an uptick in a new generation of house producers whose work takes influence from the ground that have already been laid by veterans such as yourself. How do you feel about this? In this sense, is imitation the sincerest form of flattery as long as it is coming from their hearts?
Sure, I feel the new generation embracing ’90s music is awesome. Now if we can get them to go back to the ’80s or ’70s that would really be something special!
“Night Light” reminds me of a track I’d hear Tony Humphries drop back in the day. The combination of those crisp hi-hats, deep keyboards and grooves render it an instant classic. Any special story how that track came about?
Actually, it was originally a remix I made for a pop artist, but the label passed on my remix. I still think the music is great and so I decided to keep my music as an instrumental and make it part of my album.
“For me it is about having a relationship with God. Through my music I talk about that relationship, the importance of it, and how it has changed my life for the better, keeping me joyful through good and bad days.”
Religion is front and center on this album (“Saved Forever,” “God He Is,” “Spiritual Warfare,” “Pentecost”). While lyrics in dance music are often about love, passion and nights of reckless abandon, gospel house has been a small but passionate micron audience for years. How does spirituality and religion inform your songwriting? Are you ever conflicted between he hedonism of club life and your beliefs?
For me it is not about religion because in the true definition of the word, one could “religiously” go to Starbucks to get a coffee each morning. For me it is about having a relationship with God. Through my music I talk about that relationship, the importance of it, and how it has changed my life for the better, keeping me joyful through good and bad days.
I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you about the golf reference of the new album’s title. Are you a golfer?
No, I don’t play golf (although I use to go to the driving range with my Dad to hit a few golf balls). The album title comes from a conversation I had with my Dad. I was very sad and depressed over a great personal loss. My Dad told me about his golf game where he played badly on the first nine holes, but played much better on the second nine holes and won the golf match. Then he told me to view my life like that golf game. The front nine holes of my life perhaps weren’t as good as I has hoped it would be, but God has given me a second chance on the back nine holes to have a much happier life.
Now that the album is out, what are your plans? Are you always thinking about making music? What’s your work-life balance like?
Yes, I think a lot about making music and DJing. But I also think about family and friends. It is important to have the proper balance keeping God first. I am working on music as I seem to be full of ideas.
As someone who has been behind the decks for three decades, is there anything that you learned about yourself in the process of making this album?
I see the personal growth within my spirit and the music. It does cause me to be a bit introspective to see who I am as a person. I am human and have made a lot of mistakes. But the key is to grow and learn from those mistakes. I am growing and learning a lot.
Where’s the one place I’ve got to visit the next time I’m in Detroit?
You must go see the old Packard Plant! It is an abandoned automotive factory where myself, Richie Hawtin and others have DJ’ed parties!
Terrence Parker’s Life On The Back 9 is out now on Planet E.
Berlin-based designer Axel Pfaender has put a new and highly creative spin on the ’80s ghettoblaster with Berlin Boombox, a modern-day speaker constructed out of cardboard and assorted electronic parts. Powered by any mobile phone (iPhone, Android) and a playlist instead of a fistful of D batteries and cassette tapes, Pfaender’s inventive creation — which is easy to assemble and requires no technical savvy — comes as a kit consisting of a die-cut cardboard structure and only takes a few minutes to assemble.
Berlin Boombox is now available globally at retailers for €74/$86 and comes in a variety of colors. Our favorite is the white model which can be customized using six colors. Watch the video below showing how one of the boxes comes together through the screen printing process through assembly.
Global nightclub chain Pacha, which launched in Ibiza in 1967 and has opened franchises in major cities around the world including New York, Munich and Moscow, will open its latest club in Poznan, Poland this month. The festivities will take place during a weekend of events happening on January 31 and February 1. Pacha favorites Wally Lopez, Tristan Garner and Tyron Dixon will bring their White Isle magic to the decks for the opening celebrations. Pacha Pozan, which is located on Paderewskiego Street, promises to bring “glamour and amusement” to Pozan.
While the venue’s main room will be helmed by big-name jocks, other styles of music will be played on the “experimental” funky room and VIP areas.
Pacha Poznan will open Wednesdays through Saturdays beginning January 31st. Opening hours will be from 10pm to 5-6am.
2014’s music-buying season begins today. Since there are so many releases about to hit your favorite music e-tailer, for the fourth year in a row we’ve produced a master list of artist albums and compilations scheduled for release. Mind you, all of the information was correct at publication, but sometimes details regarding release dates change. Either way, judging by this massive list 2014 is going to be a banner year for dance/electronic music.
January
January 13
A1 Bassline / 20 Salmons Down EP (STEP)
The first release on Polish duo Grzegorz Demiañczuk and Wojciech Tarañczuk of Catz ‘N Dogz’s new label is a hot three-tracker from UK low-end master A1 Bassline.
Mika Vainio & Ø / Konstellaatio (Sähkö Recordings)
Finnish artist Mika Vainio — who some will know as one half of Pan Sonic — presents nine tracks of ambient experimental music.
Various Artists / Circus 2.5 (Circus) (Preview here)
A compilation of remixes from the Circus Two compilation released in May 2013 features re-rubs by AC Slater, Cookie Monsta, Brown and Gammon and FuntCase.
Various Artists / Optimo presents Dark Was The Night (Mule)
Optimo’s Jonnie Wilkes and Keith McIvor offer up an ambitious 21-track DJ mix featuring an eclectic track list including Grouper, Kode9 & Space Ape, Silent Servant and Nurse With Wound.
January 14
The Crystal Method / S/T (Tiny e) (Preview here)
After Ken Jordan underwent brain surgery last year, L.A.’s The Crystal Method return safe and sound with a self-titled full-length. On their fifth full-length, they appear to have evolved their sound, weaving in shards of dubstep into their onslaught of beats and breaks as evidenced by lead track “Over It” features Dia Frampton of Meg & Dia.
January 17
Various Artists / Max Graham Cycles 5 (Armada Music) Cycles radio show and Re*Brand record label boss Max Graham presents the fifth edition of his popular mix series. Cycles 5 finds Graham using 18 fresh cuts from the likes of Darin Epsilon, Mindgamers and Simon Templar to create a session embracing trance, techno and progressive trance. If only all of Graham’s peers were so musically open-minded.
January 19
Various Artists / Après Ski 3.0 (Bargrooves)
Arriving while the ski season is in full gear, this mountain of a house compilation will help you hit the slopes in fine fashion thanks to tracks from MK, Guti, Forrest. and Osulunde.
January 20
Duane Harden / #NB4U (Naked Before You) (Soltren/Strictly Rhythm) (Preview here)
Bg Apple house vocalist known for fronting Armand Van Helden’s seminal “U Don’t Know Me” and many more classic tunes drops a full-length debut titled with a hash tag with over 20 collaborations including Ferry Corsten, Sidney Samson, Bob Sinclar and Louie Vega. The long-player features his current floor mover “What You Need.”
Feadz / Instant Alpha (Ed Banger)
Good things come to those who wait. Fifteen years into a career that has seen him work with Ed Banger since its inception and issue music on other labels, Parisian electro purveyor Feadz (Fabien Pianta) drops his full-length debut. He gets by here with a little help from his friends: Instant Alpha sports a collaboration with Teki Latex and DJ Kodh guests on “Marly.”
Haf Haf / Notch (Gang Of Ducks)
Milan-based producer delivers the first full-length of his career, mixing and blending glitchy, experimental beats and offbeat time signatures with techno and house sensibilities.
Various Artists / Underground Sonics (Critical Music)
Mighty London drum ‘n’ bass imprint Critical Music, which is run by DJ/producer Kasra Mowlavi, presents a notable compendium of its artists such as Sam Binga, Noisia & Upbeats, Phace and Halogenix.
Various Artists / Fabriclive 73: Pangaea (Fabric)
It’s a new year year and the famed London nightclub London’s Fabriclive series shows no signs of slowing down. The 73rd (!) installment of the club’s mix series is helmed by Pangaea (a.k.a Kevin McAuley), known as the co-founder of Hessle Audio, innovator in post-dubstep and Fabric room one party rocker. This mammoth 29-track DJ mix featuring cuts by Lee Gamble, Speedy J and Dumcell.
January 21
Various Artists / Pop Ambient 2014 (Kompakt)(Preview here)
The 14th edition of Cologne-based Kompakt’s long-running series features the return of German producer Ulf Lohmann, and he’s joined by top names like Thomas Fehlmann, Mikkel Metal, Marsen Jules, Cologne Tape, Simon Scott, The Bionaut, Wolfgang Voigt and The Field. Phew!
January 23
Various Artists / Sulla Giostra Nell’Ombra (Violet Poison)
Five-track mini compilation on Violet Poison shines the spotlight on artists working within the realm of experimental and extreme techno. Featured artists include: O/H (Ontario Hospital), Irish producer Sunil Sharpe, Belgrade duo Ontal and CSA and the new ambient project of Berlin-based producer Ascion.
January 24
Various Artists / This Is Bass Culture: 4 Years Of Bass Culture Records Mixed By D’Julz (Bass Culture) (Preview here)
Paris-based Bass Culture honcho D’Julz presents a compilation documenting his imprint’s first four years. Beginning as a club night at Paris Rex Club, This Is Bass Culture… documents the label’s deep, low-slung vibes created by DJ Qu, Franco Cinelli, Mr. G and the man himself.
January 26
Various Artists / Defected presents Nick Curly In The House (ITH)
Germany’s very own house phenom keeps up the relentless pace he set in 2013 with a sprawling two-disc mix for Defected. The 29-track affair features several exclusive tracks from Curly as well as righteous house anthems from Carlos Sanchez, Harry Romero, Mood II Swing and DJ Wild.
January 27
Actress / Ghettoville (Werk Discs/Ninja Tune)
The press release for Darren J. Cunningham’s latest Actress album is so cryptic that had it not been for steadily releases a series of compelling releases his music would be too easy to ignore. Ghettoville is an ambitious box set, which includes a 32-page artbook, three LPs, a CD and Hazyville, which appears for the first time here on vinyl. You’ll also be able to grab it as a scaled-down vinyl set, a CD and a digital download.
Octavcat / In Memory Of Old Gear (Uncharted Audio)
British triumvirate utilize vintag gear to realize the tracks on their fourth full-length album.
Buku / Down (Pilot)
Up-and-coming Pittsburgh, PA-based bass DJ/producer drops an album like it’s hot.
Appleblim & Komon / Jupiter EP (Aus Music)
To many Appleblim & Komon’s “Gas Jam”/”Silencio” was quite rightly the boogie songs of the summer. The Bristol duo, consisting of Kieren Lomax and Laurie Osborne, return with a gorgeous three-tracker embracing boogie, house and new wave. Er, can we get an album, please?
Twwth / Thousand Million (Signal Life)
Formerly known as Teeth with releases on 502 Recordings, Sound Pellegrino and Ramp Recordings, Finnish producer Matti Pentikäinen folds techno and dubstep into a spicy sandwich peppered with raw samples and assorted musical hijinks. The cuts on this four-track EP pack quite a punch.
Lazy Habits / Remix Album (Run N’ Jump)
London-based eight-member hip-hop group tap a litany of underground remixers such as Benny Aves, Fjokra and 28hurtz to put their stamp on the songs found on their eponymous debut released in 2012.
STL / At Disconnected Moments (Smallville) (Preview here)
Stephan Laubner (a.k.a. STL) issues a full-length of deep, dark and dubby techno.
Terrence Parker / Life On The Back 9 (Planet E)
Legendary Detroit DJ/producer Terrence Parker welcomes 2014 with Life on the Back 9, a 12-track artist album. His third solo affair to date, it’s his first long-player since 1997’s Detroit After Dark.
Various Artists / Art Department BPM001 (No. 19 Music)
Art Department kick off a new DJ mix series released in conjunction with their No. 19 Music imprint and BPM Festival. BPM001 features house jams by Oskar Offerman, Deetron, Deniz Kurtel and VCMG.
Various Artists / David Rodigan MBE: Masterpiece (Ministry of Sound)
Acclaimed purveyor of reggae David Rodigan revisits his four-decade long musical journey on a massive three-disc collection featuring a range of sounds and musical styles, including The Kinks, Marvin Gaye, Etta James, Dusty Springfield, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Tessanne Chin, King Tubby and Ini Kamoze.
Various Artists / Wilde Liebe (Wilde)
Berlin booking agency Wilde celebrates a decade of success by launching a record label. The first release is this top-notch 16-track house compilation featuring contributions by Tiefschwarz, Christian Prommer, Djuma Soundsytem, Ian Pooley, Daniel Dexter and more. Look for the label to release EPs later in 2014.
It’s Now Over / It’s Not Over (It’s Now Over) (Preview here)
Eclectic house DJ/producer Spencer Parker wraps up his It’s Not Over project, a series of vinyl releases issued over an 18-month period, with It’s Now Over. The compilation chronicles some of the most noteworthy tracks as well as unreleased dubs/edits/versions.
January 28
Frivolous / Lost And Forgotten (Lessizmore)
With over a decade’s worth of releases to his credit, globetrotting Canadian producer Daniel Gardner (a.k.a. Frivolous) digs into his vault and unveils a nine-track compilation of unreleased material on Belgian label imprint Lessizmore.
MAST / Omni (Alpha Pup) (Preview here)
Philadelphia raised, L.A. residing Tim Conley records under the production alias MAST. The album pro ports to communicates “to the core with a contemporary, electronic review of song-writing through a jazz composer’s lens of unorthodox transcendence.” Based upon lead track “The Waters” featuring Jeremiah Jae, we will agree.
Rafi eL – Ay De Mi (Dutty Artz) (Preview here)
After working in various bands in Los Angeles, producer/vocalist/musician Rafi eL mixes and matches his South American roots with an array of underground sounds.
Strange Talk / Cast Away (Wind-up) (Preview here)
Rising Australian synth-pop outfit’s 2013 release gets a U.S. release, and we’re all the better for it. While their hooks and grooves hit all the right places, what sets this band apart is truly great songwriting.
Various Artists / Selected – Compiled by Fred P (Boards) (Preview here)
NYC producer Fred P (a.k.a. Black Jazz Consortium) has mixed Selected, the first for a new series on his new label, Boards. The eight-track compendium is decidedly deep, groovy and will be available on vinyl.
January 29
Signal Deluxe / Violet Offset EP (530Techno) (Preview here)
Mexican duo Valeria + Jerga make their debut 530Techno with an EP of late-night tech-house. Remixes from Toronto analog artisans the Hermans and 530Techno curator Symbio add extra flavor to this solid release.
January 31
Philogresz / The Lost Movie (PHIL) (Preview here)
With a discography that includes EPs for labels such as Treibstoff and Echocord and running TEAM, Philogresz steps out with a debut album on his PHIL label.
January TBA
Savoy / Self Predator (Preview here)
Brooklyn EDM trio have been cutting their teeth on the live circuit, playing huge shows and building a fan base. Their recent track “I’m in Need” founds its way into lots of DJ sets and paves the way for their debut album.
Various Artists / 50WEAPONSRMX01-09 (50 Weapons)
50 Weapons say hello to 2014 with a two-disc, 22-track compilation of unreleased material and remixes from Moderat, Addison Groove, Benjamin Damage, and Cosmin TRG. January TBA/em>
February
February 3
Beake / Beaka (Infinite Machine) (Preview here)
Oli Brand is the mastermind behind Beake, a one-man UK endeavor. Though he has a background in the world of techno, cuts like “Killjoy” found on this four-track EP would likely work well in one of dub step don Pinch’s apocalyptic DJ sets.
Boys Noize / Out Of The Black Remixes (BoysNoize) (Preview here)
Berlin-based DJ/producer/BoysNoize label boss Alex Ridha follows up 2012’s Out of the Black with a remix album featuring interpretations of his tracks by Jimmy Edgar, MMM, Justice, Blood Diamonds, The Chemical Brothers, Chromeo and others.
Reboot / Deep V (Deep Vibes)
DJ/producer Frank Heinrich’s second album as Reboot is a deeply personal one. Over the course of six tracks, he pays homage to his late brother. Where his first album was released on Cadenza, Deep V establishes his union with Sascha Dive’s Deep Vibes Recordings.
Danton Eeprom / If Looks Could Kill (InFiné) (Preview here)
Known for his memorable work with Radio Slave on the techno classic “Grindhouse,” London-based French producer Danton Eeprom’s second album features deep explorations into techno/electronica amid pop songs, notably the female-fronted “Biscotto & Chimpanzee” and the icy-hot house of “FemDom.”
Jerome LOL / Deleted/Fool EP (Friends of Friends)
With LOL Boys now on hiatus, L.A. DJ/producer/co-founder of Body High delivers his first solo release in the form of a rousing EP featuring songstresses Sara Z and Angelina Lucero.
February 4
Young Fathers / Dead (Anticon/Ninja Tune)
Comprised of members hailing from the UK via Liberia, Nigeria and Scotland, alt hip-hop outfit Young Fathers turned heads with 2011’s Tape One and 2012’s Tape Two. Now comes their blazing-hot debut, Dead, an album rooted in hip-hop beats, primo melodies and doused with each member’s rich musical backgrounds.
February 8
UNER / Tune432 (Diynamic)
In 2013 Under’s profile rose to the next level thanks to a kick-ass EP issued on Cocoon and a spate of DJ tours hitting all the right parties. UNER takes things up a notch with his debut artist album, Tune432, featuring a dozen songs destined to take his profile to the next level.
February 9
Various Artists / Defected presents House Masters Henrik Schwarz (ITH)
The 20th installment of the rock-solid House Masters series taps the boundless talent of Berlin’s Henrick Schwarz on a release including his remixes of Detroit Experiment “Think Twice,” Code 718’s “Equinox” and Omar feat. Stevie Wonder “I’m Feeling You.” Schwarz also offers a string of his house-tastic own creations: “Leave My Head Alone Brain,” “Take Words in Return” and an album exclusive with Chasing Kurt “From The Inside” (Henrik Schwarz Deep Version).
February 10
Archie Pelago / Lakeside Obelisk (Archie Pelago Music) (Preview)
Brooklyn, NY trio draw upon their backgrounds and interests in classical and jazz for an entirely fresh take on dance music. This five-track EP — which touches upon styles ranging from drum ‘n’ bass to electro — is woven together by musicianship that, frankly, doesn’t have its head up its ass. This is a band to watch in 2014.
February 10
Hands / The Soul Is Quick (Ecstatic)
Swedish DJ/producer Axel Willner is known for his work helming The Field, yet he’s been exploring experimental music beyond the dance floor for some time. His Hands alias allows him to brave new musical waters, and The Soul Is Quick is bravely noisy, with its four tracks named after a 19th-century sanatorium in Berlin.
Illum Sphere / Ghosts Of Then And Now (Ninja Tune) (Preview here)
There’s been a palpable buzz building since word broke that Ryan Hunn had a full-length album in the works for his Illum Sphere project. Now a reality, the 13-track affairs wields deep bass grooves and intricate instrumentals. Mai Nestor appears on one collaborative tracks, while Shadowbox appears on three.
The Jaydes / The Jaydes (Dame-Music) (Preview)
A nine-track debut from Bloody Mary and Attan taps into ’80s and ’90s dance music, a time when DJs spun vinyl in the dark high above sweaty dance floors, not on main stages in front of a bank of lasers. On this gallant effort, the duo show their penchant for crafting sultry grooves influenced by early house and techno and crafted with vintage analog gear.
Kaito / Less Time Until The End (Kompakt)
Tokyo-based artist Hiroshi Watanabe continues blazing new trails under his Kaito alias with a ten-track ambient companion to his last effort, Less Time Until The End. The album will also be available on vinyl!
Katy B / Little Red (Rinse/Columbia) (Preview here)
A little over two years since the release of her debut album, On A Mission, British singer-songwriter returns with her sophomore effort, Little Red. The dozen songs include collaborations with George FitzGerald, Jacques Greene, Joker, Route 94 as well as vocal tracks with Jessie Ware and Sampha.
Planningtorock / All Love’s Legal (Human Level) (preview here)
Berlin-based Londoner Jam Rostron is the multimedia brainchild behind Planningtorock. Having collaborated with The Knife and the recipient of critical praise for 2011’s W issued on DFA, the introspective Rostron, who twists and distorts her vocals, returns with a new album released on her own imprint. The dozen songs on All Love’s Legal are poignant and challenging, making pop, electronic and experimental strange bedfellows.
Garnier / AF 0490 EP (Still Music) (Preview here)
Famed Parisian technocrat Laurent Garnier unveils a new series under a new moniker for Jerome Derradji’s Still Music. The EP’s three tracks pay homage to classic Chicago house labels such as Trax, Dancemania and the sound and scene it played a role in shaping.
Various Artists / Wrong Cops (Ed Banger) (Preview here)
When Quentin Dupieux isn’t directing movies, he makes music as Mr. Oizo. Wrong Cops is the latest Dupieux film, and the accompanying 21-song soundtrack — which is more of a career retrospective of his recent work — features guest appearances by Marilyn Manson, Gaspard Augé, Sébastien Tellier
February 11
The Glitch Mob / Love Death Immortality (Glass Air)
After issuing the acclaimed Drink The Sea in 2010, the L.A.-based trio finally deliver their much anticipated follow-up album. Love Death Immortality is the byproduct of deep musical explorations and tours completed since their epic debut and boasts a bevvy of choice vocal tunes.
Poemss / s/t (Planet Mu) (Preview here)
Poemss is a musical project from Toronto-based producer and music artist Joanne Pollock in collaboration with Aaron Funk, who’s recorded music as Venetian Snares. Songs range across a dreamy spectrum, ranging from hazy pop to cinematic compositions.
Bavaria / We’ll Take A Dive (n5MD) (Preview here)
L.A.-based DJ/producer John Tejada of Palette Recordings has had a long standing work relationship with vocalist Kimi Record. None years after they first started working together comes Bavaria’s debut album, a 10-track album brimming with inspired electronic-pop.
Jesse Rose / The Whole Twelve Inches (Play It Down)
This 12-track album is comprised of tracks issued under Rose’s 12×12 series, which featured a new track issued on the 12th day of every month last year. A remix album is also in the works as is a string of — you guessed it — 12 shows in 12 countries to support the album’s release.
February 14
Various Artist / Hardcore Traxx: Dance Mania Records 1986-1997 (Strut)
Massive double-disc retrospective provides an overview of raw, essential tracks released on Chicago dance indie Dance Mania. Jackin’ gems include Hercules’ “7 Ways,” DJ Funk’s “House of Groove” and Paul Johnson’s “Feel My M.F. Bass.”
Various Artists / Kerri Chandler: Watergate 15 (Watergate)
New Jersey house DJ/producer Kerri “Kaoz” Chandler’s global popularity continues to increase as is evidenced by his mixing Berlin club Watergate’s latest DJ mix. The skilled Chandler peppers his track list with standout tracks from Detroit Swindle, D’Julz, Alix Alvarez, DJ Wild and a handful of his own productions.
Perc / The Power & The Glory (Perc Trax) (preview)
Perc, a project helmed by London-based Ali Wells, thrives on making music that challenges the rules of electronic music. Picking up where 2011’s Wicker & Steel left off, Wells’ second release is a din brimming with caustic sounds and devilish bleeps and beeps. Though much of the album is more suited for a museum installation (that’s a compliment), some tracks (“Galloper,” “Dumpster”) certainly have their place on the dance floor.
February 17
Lucy / Churches Schools And Guns (Stroboscopic Artefacts)
Italian-born, Berlin-based techno titan Luca Mortellaro drops his second full-length under his Lucy moniker. The album boasts 12 songs and will be issued on Mortellaro’s Stroboscopic Artefacts.
Various Artists / 10 Years of Phonica (Phonica)
Revered London label Phoinca (which falls under The Vinyl Factory’s array of activities which include Fact magazine, a Soho retail store and gallery space) celebrates ten years with a primo three-disc set overflowing with amazing talent. The first two discs feature more recent tracks from Joe Claussell, Henrik Schwarz, John Morales, In Flagranti, Joakim and Mr. G, while the third disc presents a look back at the label’s past five years with offerings from Polymath, Midland and Bob Holroyd.
February 22
Dymons / Amrit (Elestial)
This is guaranteed to be the only soundtrack on this list from the documentary Amrit – Nectar of Immortality about the world’s largest human hindu pilgrimage to the banks of the river Ganges called the Kumbh Mela. Nice chilled sounds that could go nicely with your yoga practice. Namaste.
February 24
Detroit Swindle / Boxed Out (Dirt Crew Recordings)
Dutch production hobbyists turned hot-shot house producers Lars Dales and Maarten Smeets have turned their genre on its ear with a slew of fantastic productions which improve on the ’90s blueprint forged in New York and Chicago. This album will no doubt get a lot of attention due to “64 Ways” feat. Mayer Hawthorne, but the other dozen tunes righteously kick ass.
Francis Harris / Minutes of Sleep (Scissor & Thread) (Preview here)
Known for his dance floor work under his Adultnapper moniker, Francis Harris’ second album eschews euphoria and hedonism in favor of songs about “memory, loss and profound grief” written after the death of his father.
Untold / Black Light Special (untold)
Reared on jungle and hardcore with dalliances with techno and dub step, Untold comes correct with a challenging album falling somewhere between the experimental world and the dance floor.
Sendai / A Smaller Divide (Archives Intérieures)
After launching their Archives Intérieures last year to serve as a platform for their more experimental releases, Belgian techno auters Peter Van Hoesen and Yves De Mey unite again under their Sendai alias for an ambitious full-length. It’s a logical progression to 2012’s Geotope, a release that was bathed with heady musical ideas culled from beyond the confines of techno.
Various Artists / 10 Years Of Crosstown Rebels (Crosstown Rebels)
Mighty London indie label take a much deserved victory lap with a 33-track retrospective featuring standoout tracks from the imprint’s first decade. Standouts include lavish techno offerings from Seth Troxler (“Love Never Sleeps”) to sublime house offerings by Jamie Jones’ (“Summertime”) and Art Department feat. Soul Clap & Osunlade’s (“We Call Love”).
Various Artists / Future Disco Vol. 7 – Til The Lights Come Up (Needwant)
Still basking in the success of their third summer residency in conjunction with Carl Cox at Space in Ibiza, Future Disco present the seventh installment of their revered compilation series. The 17-track affair features house jams including Sonny Fodera feat. Cajmere’s “You’re The One,” Benoit & Sergio’s “Shake Shake” and Mount Kimbie’s “Made To Stray.”
Various Artists / Brandt Brauer Frick: DJ-Kicks (!K7)
German acoustic-techno trio set aside their instruments for a moment to mix the first DJ-Kicks of 2014. The all-vinyl 28-track mix, which features cuts by Theo Parris, French Fries, Cosmin TRG and Dean Blunt, was recorded during a daytime session at the legendary Berlin club Watergate. Brandt Brauer Frick also include exclusive material of their own.
Various Artists / fabric 74 (Febric)
The one and only Move D takes controls of the decks for the 74th edition of Fabric’s long-running DJ mix series. The 15-cut session features tracks by Roy Davis Jr, Liz Torres, Liberty City and Dom 877.
February 25
Davidge / Slo Light (The End)
Acclaimed for his work producing albums for Massive Attack, Neil Davidge presents a full-length album of his own songs. The beats and grooves are as expected gorgeous and chilled, and his soundscapes are accented by an array of vocal collaborators. Standout tracks include the icy “Gallant Foxes” featuring Welsh songstress Cate Le Bon and the dark, romantic pop of “They Won’t Know,” the beat-laden angst of “Slo Light” and the angst-filled din of “Zero One Zero” featuring Stephonik Youth from Living Days. It’s an album that demands your full attention.
Neneh Cherry / Blank Project (Smalltown Supersound) (Preview here)
Sure, Swedish singer/songwriter/rapper Neneh Cherry made a name for herself back in the day with classics like “Buffalo Stance” but she’s been keen to challenge herself. Her new album, Black Project, is a collaboration with Rocketnumbernine and was produced by Four Tet. The entire album was apparently recorded and mixed in only five days. Also noteworthy is that Swedish electro star guests on “Out Of The Black.”
patten / ESTOILE NAIANT (Warp) (Preview here)
After issuing his own music via CDRs, abstract producer patten moves to brings his left field grooves and beats to the prestigious Warp label. Lead draft drift hints at an interesting 10-track debut.
Rouge Mécanique / Don’t Touch My Sister (Pyramids of Mars) (Preview here)
Paris-born and Berlin-based Roman Azzaro is Rouge Mécanique. He cut his teeth playing in rock bands in Italy and France and has begun a journey of exploration in dance music. After releasing “The Witches” / “Stingray” last spring, he presents his debut on Matt Edwards’ experimantal imprint Pyramids of Mars.
February 28
Animal Trainer / Wide (Stil Vor Talent)
On the back of several EPs, Zurich-bred downtempo house duo step out with a full-length album comprised of 13 songs. For the album they join forces with several talented vocalists to realize their toe-tapping songs that move along at the pace of your heartbeat.
Addison Groove / presents James Grieve (50 Weapons)
Bass explorer Antony Williams presents 14 tracks created, and he’s joined some fine company. Bristol drum ‘n’ bass hero DJ Die is featured on “167 Blast,” while the balance of the full-length sports collaborations with Sam Binga, MC DRS and vocalist Josefina.
February TBA
Kris Wadsworth / Popularity (Hypercolour)
With a slew of releases for a dozen labels or so including Morris Audio, NRK and his own Uranus label, Detroit native/Berlin resident Kris Wadsworth takes his soulful tech-house signature and profile to the next level, following up the magic he made on his 2012 debut album, Life And Death, issued on Get Physical, with his first album for London’s Hypercolour.
Various Artists / Defected In The House Miami 2014 mixed by NICe7, Paulo Rocco and Andrea Oliver (ITH)
Precursor to annual March shenanigans in Miami primes the pump for fun in the sun.
Dusty Kid / III (Isolade) (Preview here)
Released digitally in November 2013, Dusty Kid’s aptly titled third album, III, is issued in physical format. Comprised of nearly two hours worth of ambient techno seamlessly mixed together, III is a truly epic release.
Big Gigantic / The Night is Young (Preview here)
Boulder, CO EDM band comprised of Jeremy Salken and Dominic have been making the rounds on the club scene as of late. Their single “Touch the Sky” features all of the prerequisite buildups, breakdowns and squelches, hinting at what lies ahead for their next full-length offering coming on the heels of 2012’s free album Nocturnal.
Various Artists / Love Me Too (Plant Music)
Trusted NYC-based dance imprint drops its second compilation in its Love Me series featuring tracks from the likes of All Dom Wrong, Ian Pooley and various emerging producers from the Big Apple.
:Brownstudy / Life Well Lived (Third Ear)
Instrumentalist Jason Hogans delivers a full-length incorporating beats with jazz and lush electronica.
March
March 3
DJ 3000 / Besa (Motech)
Detroit native DJ 3000 (a.k.a. Franki Juncaj) draws upon the sounds of hometown heroes Underground Resistance (fun fact: UR co-founder “Mad” Mike Banks gave Juncaj his nom de plume) and delivers a personal ten-song effort drawing upon his personal experiences which include a one-year recording hiatus.
Dustin Zahn / Monuments (Drumcode)
With over 15 years worth of DJing and production experience to his credit, Minneapolis techno artist Dustin Zahn of Enemy Records delivers his debut album for Adam Beyer’s Drumcode.
March 4
6th Borough Project / Borough 2 Borough (Delusions of Grandeur)
Glaswegian funk phenomenons Graeme Clark and Craig Smith present their second full-length after the success of 2011’s debut, One Night In The Borough, in the wake of their own hectic work schedules. The album finds the pair stripping their sound down to a more minimal format and utilizing a less-is-more format on their heady house tracks.
WhoMadeWho / Dreams (WhoMadeWho) (Preview here)
Copenhagen trio WhoMadeWho return with their fifth studio album which finds them delving further into infectious pop and live electronics. Songs like “Dreams,” “Right Track” and “Traces” are serious ear candy. This is an album to get excited about.
Ghost Beach / Blonde (Nettwerk) (Preview here)
Formed just two years ago, this emerging Brooklyn twosome — Josh Ocean and Eric “Doc” Mendelsohn — unveil their debut album full of pop hooks and electro goodness.
March 5
Remute / Classics, too. (Remute) (Preview here)
Prolific Hamburg-based Remute (real name: Denis Karimani) follows up 2013’s Classics with an uptempo 14-track collection of his work. DJ Rush delivers a nice take on his remix of Remute’s “Zuendli” which shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Correspondents / Puppet Loosely Strung (From Our Own) (preview here)
Tour dogs take the next logical step in their musical progression with a debut album of songs influenced by their many shows and travels. Comprised of producer Chucks and singer Mr. Bruce, their maiden voyage touches on electro and drum ‘n’ bass to jazz and blues. Also included is fan favorite “Well Measured Vice.”
March 7
Jaylee / s/t (Council Kit)
Self-titled album from Aussie artist Joshua Lee who brings his ’80s flavored electro-pop thunder from Down Under.
40 Thieves / The Sky Is Yours (Leng)
San Francisco collective fire up mid tempo jams flavored with cool grooves and electronics on their debut album.
March 10
Silver Man / Thieves & Millionaires (3 Bar Fire) (preview here)
Now that his London-based PR firm Outpost Media is firing on all cylinders, owner David Silverman formally revisits an earlier career path: music. Working under the alias Silver Man a decade after signing with Tru Thoughts in 2003, Thieves & Millionaires is a ten-track collection of beat-drenched tracks in the somber spirit of Bonobo and RJD2 he composed over a five-year span.
Tensnake / Glow (EMI) (Preview here)
German DJ/producer Marco Niemerski, better known as Tensnake, finally gets around to releasing his debut artist album after years of producing big tracks and remixes. Glow brandishes two collaborations with Chic’s Nile Rodgers as well as cuts with soul man Jamie Lidell and electro-house mainstay Jacques Lu Cont. Berlin singer Fiora is also featured on four album tracks.
March 14
Max Cooper / Human (Fields) (Preview here)
With a fine selection of tracks under his belt, UK techno explorer Max Cooper presents his full-length debut. Eschewing the standard untz formula, Cooper has taken care to craft an album of gorgeous songs whose appeal goes well beyond the dance floor.
March 17
Jack Beats / Fabriclive (fabric)
London duo comprised of Plus One and Beni G bring their grooves to Fabric’s heralded mix series.
March 18
Shit Robot / We Got A Love (DFA) (Preview here)
How did Marcus Lambkin (a.k.a Shit Robot) go about producing his upcoming second album, We Got A Love? Simple. “I tricked my brain into just making stuff and not trying to follow up the first. We Got A Love features two songs with Reggie Watts, former LCD-er Nancy Whang, Australian vocalist Holly Backler, hip-house legen Lidell Townsell and Luke Jenner and two hot instrumental tracks9. Better buckle up ’cause this album’s going to be a full-on party.
Hauschka / Abandoned City (Temporary Residence Ltd./City Slang) (Preview here)
The birth of composer Hauschka’s son inspired a collection of songs that became Abandoned City. The compositions are all about loneliness, with songs titles all using names of abandoned cities: “Pripyat” was a city near Chernobyl, abandoned after the meltdown of 1986; “Elizabeth Bay” is a ghost town in Namibia and “Agdam” is a deserted city in southwestern Azerbaijan.
Tycho / Awake (Ghostly International) (Preview here)
Working in what could best be categorized as ambient post-rock, Scott Hansen uses his Tycho project to create simply beautiful music. Blending electronics with his supple guitar work, he burns the candle at both ends, creating visual work as ISO50.
March TBA
Roger Sanchez / Roots (Stealth)
With a pair of singles rising up the club charts, “Troubleman” and “My Roots,” the S-man sets the stage for an artist album that’ll no doubt have a few more interesting twists and turns.
Duck Sauce / Quack (Casablanca)
After issuing a collection of dance floor burners, the musical union of Armand van Helden and A-Trak present a full-length album of songs.
Thomas Azier / Hylas (Casablanca) (preview)
After a strong of well-received Eps issues on his own label comes the full-length debut from Berlin-based electro-pop artist Thomas Zier, Hylas. Lead track “Ghostcity” sets a high benchmark for the album, as it’s chock full of icy beats, percolating synths and a style of electro and hard-hitting lyrics that go back to the future.
Various Artists / J00F Editions mixed by John 00 Fleming (J00F)
The ’00’ man mixes up a DJ mix of J00F tracks.
Vadim Svoboda / Patterns Selected (The Double R)
Up-and-coming French mixmaster presents 4×12″ vinyl-only LP of Villalobos-esque analogue micro-house on the Double R imprint.
April
April 1
HTRK / Psychic 9-5 Club (Ghostly International)
While the recording 2011’s Work (Work Work), HTRK suffered a tragic blow when band member Sean Stewart died halfway through the process. Now paired down to a duo, Psychic 9-5 Club is an exploration of life after the loss of friend, with love serving as the central theme to this new collection.
April 22
Chromeo / White Women (Atlantic) (Preview here)
Canadian duo take their sound to the next level on their fourth album, pairing their exploits in electro-pop with R&B, disco and funk. Lead track “Come Alive” feat. Toro y Moi hints at some of the surprises the Montreal duo have for their fans.
April TBA
Menace & Lord / Sun, Moon & Stars
Prolific house producer Kris Menace teams up with MTV award-winning Simon Lord for an new album.
May
Alpines / Oasis (Untrue)
After releasing two EPs, South London electronic-pop duo, consisting of vocalist Catherine Pockson and producer Bob Matthews, deliver their full-length debut.
On the Horizon
Above & Beyond: acoustic album Bondax: debut album for Sony Paul van Dyk: Politics Of Dancing 3 deadmau5: artist album
Adventure Club: artist album Andy Caldwell: artist album for Nettwerk Porter Robinson: debut album for Astralwerks George FitzGerald: album on Domino’s sister label, Double Six Klaxons: new artist album Tiga: artist album Adrian Lux: sophomore album due in the spring Twins: She’s Not Me Charli XCX: spring album Cash Cash: Debut album due in the spring David Guetta: artist album, summer (TBD) Gramatik: The Age of Reason, winter SALM: Endless Stairs Gareth Emery: TBD Various Artists: Fitch: Man With Soul (Toolroom Kinghts)
