When it comes to music, change is inevitable. Sometimes it’s gradual, an evolution of sound and style that grows with the artist. Other times it’s sudden, a quick turn one way or another due to a new inspiration, musical trend, or experimental expedition off the beaten path. But in order to make change work one other thing is required: quality. If you can’t deliver a quality product each time and every time, well, forget it.
Balance Music understands the need to never stand still, to keep pushing forward and evolve. Diversity has been a big consideration in their artist selection. With compilations from Danny Tenaglia to Alex Niggemann to Guy J, Balance covers all the bases, and just as importantly, they do it well. They don’t compromise quality when it comes to choosing which names to feature. And when you partner with artists you trust, the music works itself out.
Hernan Cattaneo’s Sudbeat label epitomizes top-tier progressive tech and house music. It’s been called “Global in ethos; South American in spirit” and has reached the ears of countless fans around the world. This year marks the big eight since the label’s founding in 2009 and has seen over 100th releases. Cattaneo’s newest Balance compilation highlights some of his label’s best talent with the latest music from genre stars, newcomers, and Hernan himself. Cattaneo says, “All music on the compilation is exclusive and unheard … so I’m sure all our followers will be very pleased to find so many fresh tracks to discover. Both mixes are the perfect example of Sudbeat’s identity that of course is also mine as a DJ.”
Favorites like Guy J, Nick Warren, Henry Saiz, Giddyhead, Guy Mantzur, and more are all featured. Mix One opens with simmering sounds before seamlessly sliding across the next several cuts, turning up the slow burn as it unfolds. It’s the portent of perfection blowing in on the clouds before the emotional storm itself. You can almost hear the rusty gates of preconceptions swinging back and forth in the wind and the flotsam of mental baggage being carried out on the breeze. It doesn’t take long for things to come to a boil with trippy pans and throbbing bass followed by the hypnotic percussive lead. Soon the skies fill up with swirling sounds. Rich. Melodic. Surreal vocal work talks us through uncertainty and is followed by a spot of sunlight breaking through the gray storminess. Playful lyrics turn things up a notch and roll down the home stretch, driving through blissful beats and finishing strong with a big bottom energy of and the haunting wind-down and the bittersweet idea that “life is a wonderful anomaly.”
The flipside is decidedly more energetic and with a somewhat darker and more sinister vibe bringing a nice contrast to deep, emotional zen of Mix One. Mix Two blows in from the desert sands, dropping you in the oasis with dulcimer leads and a pulsing bottom. The beats drive on, riding percussive leads and subtle grooves. The airy breeze carries the notes of a beautiful and lonely piano before rolling into a hypnotic groove built on snappy percs. Next up are dancing synths and uplifting leads. The mix chugs along with rich textures and lush tropical vibes until peaking with the chugging bottom and sprinkled chimes and finally ending with the sassy and upbeat closer.
Hernan doesn’t break any rules or new ground here, but he doesn’t give any up, either. As expected, there aren’t a lot of vocals or obvious hits; instead the music do the talking.
This project is all about substance, atmosphere, and texture. Mix One is the perfect poolside player – chill and enjoying life. Mix Two is the clubber’s wingman – upbeat, energetic and ready to dance without being overbearing. The Balance: Sudbeat collection is the next perfectly placed step forward in Cattaneo’s evolution. It will satisfy old fans and win new ones to both his Sudbeat label and to himself as an artist.