How was 2019 for you? DJ Hyperactive: I cannot complain. I played quite a bit here stateside, and I got over to Europe as well. Also, I got my label, 4 Track Recordings, in gear in the second half of the year.
Highlights?
I was able to get over and play at Berghain this summer, and I also had a couple vinyl releases out on 4 Track this year!
Lowlights?
Not getting as much original music completed.
Song of the year?
Planetary Assault Systems – “Give It Up”
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
To compose more original music, finally finish an LP I’ve been working on, and more 4 Track releases on wax.
How was 2019 for you? M.F.S: Observatory: 2019 has been a fantastic year for us. We had a lot of big releases [on labels] such as Relief, Food Music and VIVa LIMITED. We did some big gigs, like the one for the My Vision Records Showcase at Off Week in Barcelona in June and the one in October in Bergamo (Italy) with Noid.
Highlights?
A big moment for us was having the honor to release on Green Velvet’s label and on Shadow Child’s too.
Lowlights?
We lost our fanpage on Facebook. We lost five years of work and a lot of fun posts [that we] can’t see anymore.
Song of the year?
Carlo Lio – Brother Jungle (Original Mix)
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
We wanna improve our label. We will be releasing a lot of big artist coming on Observatory Music. Also, we would like to improve our gigs and do the first tour.
How was 2019 for you? London Modular: Pretty good, thanks. Hopefully we kept a nice balance between our live performances, teaching at our store and new music releases. It’s always tricky making sure you give enough to everything so one area doesn’t get sacrificed too much. Another strong year for vinyl meant there were a few hold ups at the pressing plants, but we’ll see a bunch of our releases rolling out early next year.
Highlights?
Probably the start of our radio show on MusicBox in November. This is something we’ve wanted to do for ages so it was nice to finally get this locked down for a regular slot. It’s a great opportunity for us to air stuff we wouldn’t normally play in a club.
Lowlights?
Seeing Hackney Wick, our base, change so dramatically. Rents and rates are going up, local businesses are feeling the squeeze. We’re still unsure if it’ll be a good or a bad thing. Next year will be the real indicator.
Song of the year?
That’s a tough one.
Phil’s choice: Hector Plimmer – Somebody Else
Simon’s choice: Demdike Stare – At It Again
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Keep making music, organize more late-night modular events in Hackney Wick, try new things and to continue selling the best quality synthesizers money can buy.
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How was 2019 for you? Drumcomplex (Arnd Reichow): The year has been gone around extremely fast. I have worked, traveled a lot and played great gigs. It is always nice to visit many places and meet a lot of people. I am very thankful for it.
Highlights?
I am very happy and grateful to have released so many strong releases from me this year on labels like Terminal M, Off, Misfit Music and my own label, Complexed Records.
I was in South Africa for the first time and played at the Spiltmilk Festival in front of a sold-out house. That was definitely the best gig of the year for me. Super thankful [to be] working with my new agency, Cubbo Bookings from Barcelona
Lowlights?
I still find it very strange that we all still do far too little for ourselves and our environment. We talk a lot, sometimes we quarrel, but we don’t show much use. I don’t want to exclude myself in this matter either.
Song of the year?
Thomas Hoffknecht – Fired Up (KD Raw)
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Actually, I have no intentions for the new year. I am grateful when everything goes so far with my music to move people is an absolute honor for me. My family and friends are very important to me [and I hope] all [will] be well.
Image by Maria Koltschin
No paywalls, free to all. Help us remain 100% independent and unbiased. Please give to Big Shot by making a secure one-time donation to help us continue covering DJ culture and electronic music like we’ve done since 2003.
