the OPIATES - Hollywood Cuts (the remixes)

The Opiates is the latest project from the “queen of electronic soul” Billie Ray Martin, best known for her work in Electribe 101 and the worldwide solo number one hit “Your Loving Arms”, together with Norwegian musician Robert Solheim. The Opiates, who have been dubbed as ‘The Carpenters of Electro’ released their album ‘Hollywood Under The Knife’ in October 2011 with massive support from DJs, press and blogs alike. Each song on the album talks about another tortured diva, Hollywood actress, failed star… in search of identity, gender and a life beyond isolation.

Eight amazing music videos and a UK tour, including a gig at HMV Oxford Street played their part in gaining The Opiates a growing fan community.

After the remarkable success of the album, including many ‘album of the year’ entries in major publications and voted in the top 20 albums by BBC Radio 1 listeners of Berlin, The Opiates are now releasing this impressive selection of remixes, by some of the coolest producers around.

From Aerea Negrot and Kim Ann Foxman of Hercules and Love Affair, to Doorly, Dan Beaumont and Disco Bloodbath plus Throbbing Gristle legends Chris & Cosey, this twenty track album was put together with one goal: to give the Opiates songs a new power and Billie a new voice. Each track was produced in close communication with The Opiates.

The album doesn’t shy away from displaying what genres like dubstep or drum and bass mixes can do with a classic vocal song. Another focus is the inclusion of an array of house mixes inspired by classic Chicago and New York vibes. The icing on the cake is the Drop Out Orchestra Disco Banger with its massive 80s style epic  arrangement, which is already attracting the attention of many blogs and DJs. Another highlight is Young Richard and Hanatemari’s mixes, recorded in Tokyo, using beats combined with traditional Japanese string instruments.

The ‘Hollywood cuts’ remixes album along with the original ‘Hollywood under the knife’ is without doubt extremely intelligent and futuristic dance music which an academic studying music, film or any other art subject, could write a thesis and feel the need to discuss its unique charm, beauty and intellect for many years to come. The remixes album is extremely captivating and cleverly transports the listener into the cinema of the future; a 5d sensory wonderland, where a dance floor is available for those who ‘dare to be different‘!

Billie Ray Martin on Soundcloud

Robert Solheim on Soundcloud

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Easy On The Motion - Compiled & Mixed by Mike Spirit

An adorable album cover which matches perfectly the feelings the music within the album contains. Mike Spirit presents his first “Easy On The Motion” compilation on Ketama Records released today.

“Easy On The Motion Vol. 1” includes 12 brilliant downtempo, ambient and electronica tracks by the most talented Russian artists — such as BarBQ (Buzzin’ Fly, Highway Records), Electrosoul System (Kos.Mos.Music, Hospital, Subtitles), Alexander Daf (Absolute Ambient, Aleph Zero, Electronic Sounscapes), Andrei Oid (Traum, Lo Recordings) and many more.

I have many ‘blown away’ by music moments on Soundcloud quite often and when this happens I often find myself saying ‘Blimey’!  Not one of the usual superlatives, but I will remain forever authentic and will always acknowledge that I have some ‘Blimey’ moments! This track ‘Feel Free‘ by Therr Maitz is a perfect example of such moments!  It is enchanting, wonderfully romantic and the vocal is both incredibly seductive and emotionally captivating! When hearing this song you have no choice but to ‘Feel Free‘ and go ‘Easy On The Motion‘!

Therr Maitz — Feel Free (Vocal Rip) by Ketama Records

The albums blissful ambient tracks also include ‘There Was A Time‘ by BarBQ which will help you unwind, just be your true authentic self  and feel free enough to feel every moment in the here and now.

BarBQ — There Was A Time (Original Mix) by Ketama Records

A beautiful smooth groove to get you in the Love mood is The Saint Petersburg Disco Spin Club – Love Spin (Tipo’s Regroove).

The Saint Petersburg Disco Spin Club — Love Spin (Tipo's Regroove) by Ketama Records

Easy On The Motion is an album complete with wonderfully ambient, deep, diverse and sensitive soundscapes.

Release date 18 January on Ketama Records

Ketama Records on Soundcloud

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Stelios Vassiloudis - It Is What It Is

We have many reasons to show respect and express gratitude toward the Greeks, including the birth of Democracy, the Hippocratic Oath and for many great philosophers, including Socrates and his loyal student Plato. Bedrock Records are without doubt full of admiration and gratitude for the rising Greek star Stelios Vassiloudis. He is also a third of the brilliant ‘Wiretappeur’ who had a recent Bedrock hit with the adorable and deliciously addictive ‘Everybody Loves Ice Cream’.

Following the debut artist album by Marco Bailey, Guy J’s second artist album and releases from label owner John Digweed himself (in the form of “Structures” and “Bedrock 12″ mix compilations), Bedrock now proudly presents the debut artist album from Stelios Vassiloudis, brilliantly simple and philosophically titled “It Is What It Is” out on release 7/11/11.

This is what Stelios Vassiloudis has to say about creating his debut album.

I have always tried to avoid making an album and it’s safe to say I had (and still have) various preconceptions and notions about the process of making an album and also about the qualities that determine whether it is successful and well-rounded. The electronic music genre is wrought with sub-par, hastily produced collections of singles strung together in LP format just as much as forward thinking artistic endeavours, so the prospect of making my own “statement” was (and is) always a daunting prospect”

Presented over two discs, CD1, is a beautiful journey overflowing with radiant, charismatic and exquisitely ambient tracks, that will no doubt provide you with a warm atmosphere during the Winter months ahead. It may even have you rushing to the airport for a lastminute.com holiday on a Greek island to grab some rays, chill-ax whilst listening to the lush soundscapes, elegantly sipping a Pina Collada and admiring the many breathtaking landscapes that every Greek island offers. Here is a sampler presented by John Digweed on his Bedrock Records Soundcloud profile.

Stelios Vassiloudis - 'It is what it is' CD1 Album Sampler by Bedrock Records

CD2 allows Stelios to showcase his sophisticated club sound, which develops from laid back deep house grooves,  with some elegantly seductive vocal tracks, including the vocals from Anna Maria X, a name synonymous in Greece, whether as a DJ or a producer/singer, Anna has been one of the main names in the electronic scenes being involved in clubs, radio and a whole host of releases with her partner Gpal. Her vocals on “Tie Me Up” on CD1 and “Isolation” on CD2 will linger in your mind for a long time to come.

Other vocalists across the album include Darren Murray (“I Burn Like“) Astrid Suryanto (“Walk Away” and “Feed”) and Tomomi Ukomori (“Green In Blue“). In addition to the many original pieces of work on this album, Stelios has also collaborated with Berlin based Sasse, with one of my favourite tracks on CD 2 “The Z”.

CD2 also takes you to a more techie acidic vibe, to provide the loyal 303 lovers some rave action. Stelios Vassiloudis’ production is an incredible fusion of deep and extremely confident melodic sounds, with graceful beats and rhythm, including some pulsating and intense bass lines, guaranteed to invoke some sensual and erotic hip movements on the dance floor.

Stelios Vassiloudis - 'It is what it is' CD2 Album Sampler by Bedrock Records

All great albums have a secret story to tell providing insight into the life story behind the producer. When you listen intently and scratch beneath the surface “It Is What It Is” is a debut artist album that is more than any collection of great tracks. Across the two discs, it is a journey into the mind of a very talented and charasmatic musician, producer and DJ. If you are open to the emotions on display, it will give you glimpses into his very heart and soul. It is an extremely exciting and sensually intrepid exploration of the whole body of music, that will stand the test of time beyond fickle trends and fashions.

Track List

CD1

1. In Tandem

2. Entropy

3. Who Are You

4. I Burn Like

5. Reshape and Reform

6. Your Other Left

7. Clarity

8. Walk Away

9. The View From Here

10. The Highline

11. Sunrise On The Avenue

12. Tie Me Up

CD2

1. Small Hours

2. Green In Blue

3. Isolation

4. My Leaking Vein

5. Feed

6. Blister

7. Reaching

8. Nowhere

9. The Z

10. Toujours

11. Repetition

Bedrock on Soundcloud

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UnClubbed2

Club classics have become the soundtrack for a generation of party people, but each contains more than pumping beats and the ability to fill a dancefloor. Beneath every ‘hands in the air’ anthem, lays a truly great song.

UnClubbed2 is an inspired collection of stripped back, acoustic covers of some of dance music’s best-loved tunes. These laid back, blissed out covers are performed by a range of hugely talented vocalists including previous UnClubbed collaborators Abigail Bailey and Zoe Durrant, new to the UnClubbed project but established artists Kim Wayman (Telepopmusik) and Sarah Howells plus fresh voices Jenny Lynn Smith and Gerard O’Connell.

UnClubbed2 features eleven brand new interpretations of contemporary club classics taking in more recent anthems such as Calvin Harris – I’m Not Alone, Robyn – With Every Heartbeat and Empire Of The Sun – We Are The People through to classics like Donna Summer – I Feel Love, Grace (and Klaxons) – Not Over Yet, Kosheen – Hide U, Gnarls Barclay – Crazy and Reflekt – Need To Feel Loved. Also included are two more instrumental lead tracks with Moby’s – Go and Robert Miles – Children plus a stunning version of St. Etienne – Only Love Can Break Your Heart, featuring a male vocal taking it back to Neil Young’s original.

Every track on UnClubbed2 has been built from scratch and features extensive live strings and instrumentation next to quality vocals. UnClubbed2 builds on the foundations laid by the 2009’s well-received first UnClubbed album, bringing a more mature sound that reflects in the quality of the album as a whole.

UnClubbed2 Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. I’m Not Alone (with Jenny Lynn Smith)
3. Need To Feel Loved (with Zoe Durrant)
4. Hide U (with Sarah Howells)
5. With Every Heartbeat (with Gerard O’ Connell)
6. Not Over Yet (with Zoe Durrant)
7. Crazy (with Abigail Bailey)
8. Go (with Zoe Durrant)
9. We Are The People (with Kim Wayman)
10. Only Love Can Break Your Heart (with Gerard O’Connell)
11. Children
12. I Feel Love (with Kim Wayman)

Win a copy of Unclubbed2 in our free competition.

the OPIATES 'Hollywood under the knife' Album

The Opiates aka the ‘queen of electronic soul’ Billie Ray Martin and Norwegian producer Robert Solheim’s new album “Hollywood Under The Knife” is due for release on 19th October, released by Disco Activisto label. It is an outstanding album both musically and visually.

Artist Wolfgang Tillman supplied nine previously unseen and unpublished images for the album cover and booklet, some of which highlight the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood lifestyle. The album cover is a beautiful flower that hasn’t quite blossomed to it’s full capacity, is slightly distorted in it’s vision, which I interpret as how the world and media distorts and disregards natural inner and outer beauty. This distorted media vision creates a population suffering from body image issues and low self esteem, encouraging them to consider or maybe even go ‘under the knife’!

Each song on the album is a poignant and emotive journey expressing stories of human suffering caused by artificial lifestyles and beauty and are thus struggling to remain natural and authentic in a world of fake identities and unrealistic expectations,  hence the title of the album ‘Hollywood under the knife‘.

Characters portrayed in the album are trying to change their outer appearance or tweak their behaviour, which they then believe may enable them to fit in, however this behaviour may ultimately cause them to suffer some consequences!

The stories behind the tracks are captivating, hypnotic and extremely thought provoking!

A woman employs strange sexual fantasies involving the TV series CSI, to keep the boredom of life at bay. ‘Candy Coated Crime’ is an adrenaline fuelled electronic psychological thriller, narrated by charming and seductive vocals and lyrics, expressing perfectly the story of the fantasies of a potential femme fatale.

The transvestite (Candy Darling) who, although leading the wild life and preparing for a sex change, dreams of married life and a house in the suburbs. ‘Rainy Days and Saturdays’ is a splendid introduction to the album, where Billie Ray Martin expresses beautifully the dilemma facing Candy Darling during the psychological transition of her life changing operation. The track also has the most delicious infusion of TB 303 acid sounds.

A young wannabe actress in L.A. reflects on her facial surgery that has left her scarred and punctured with holes inside and out. The pain and misery of the young woman, is expressed beautifully in ‘Anatomy of a Plastic Girl’

ANATOMY OF A PLASTIC GIRL by Billie Ray Martin

A fifteen year old girl who wanted to be herself, but gets voted off the reality TV show ‘Make Me A Supermodel’ is left feeling destroyed, as she believes her life is over at the age of fifteen, due to the shows rejection. ‘Reality TV’ is an amazing track full of beautiful melodies and vocals expressing the loneliness of a beautiful girl distraught and traumatised by her ‘Reality TV’ experience!

An aging formerly rich daughter of a formerly famous actress, reminisces about her mother feeding her tranquilizers as a child, to keep her out of the way and who later goes through a path of plastic surgery, health foods and porn movie making, in desperation to discover her true identity. ‘Oprah’s Book of the Month Club’ is a poignant story where Billie Ray Martin sings with empathy, stepping in to the shoes of the ‘inner child’ of the ageing rich daughter.

The same woman who suffers from insomnia and tells the story how the demons of her soul and of the night keep her awake. ‘Silent Comes the Nighttime (again)’ is a song where Billie Ray Martin and Robert Solheim brilliantly articulates the desperation and racing thought processes of the woman, with amazing vocals, lyrics and anxious pulsating electronic beats.

A man who dresses up in women’s clothes (Roman Polanski in ‘The Tenant‘) is trying to fight the people he believes want to kill him by convincing him that he is Simone Choule, a woman who committed suicide in the apartment he now rents. ‘I’m not Simone Choule’ is wonderfully dark and mysterious, where Billie Ray Martins vocals along with some sinister synth sounds, portrays the story exquisitely.

When I first heard ‘Dinah and the beautiful blue’, I was absolutely stunned by it’s beauty. It is an amazing story of a little girl who has been labelled ’strange’. Billie Ray Martin’s vocals along with Robert Solheim’s outstanding musical production, sent shivers down my spine and covered me in goosebumps. It is a remarkable and beautiful track and an incredible vocal and musical performance. If it were a painting hanging in an art gallery, it would be classified a masterpiece!

Here is a tantalising mini mix of  this outstanding and powerfully emotive album ‘Hollywood under the knife’.

THE OPIATES ALBUM: HOLLYWOOD UNDER THE KNIFE - MINIMIX by Billie Ray Martin

The Opiates EP entitled ‘Anatomy of a Plastic Girl’ was released in March 2008, accompanied by a much celebrated gig at London’s Rough Trade Shop, resulting in rave press reviews for both the gig and the EP. In Germany, the song ‘Anatomy of a Plastic Girl’ made it into the Top 20 listeners choice charts when added to the playlist at Radio One. Plans are afoot to stage a performance/play entitled ‘Anatomy of a Plastic Girl’, a multimedia piece using Wolfgang Tillmans images, as well as multimedia elements, in the near future.

On listening to the album many times, as it is extremely addictive listening, I could visualise Billie Ray Martin performing ‘Hollywood under the knife’ as a Hollywood and West End production, as the stories integrated are all indeed worthy of a theatrical performance.
Turner Prize winner Wolfgang Tillmans (famed for his sleeve design and videos for Pet Shop Boys, REM and Goldfrapp, is a long-time fan of Billie Ray Martin’s work. He has photographed her twice and chose her as ‘most influential woman’ as part of i-D Magazine’s 25th birthday issue and celebrations. Wolfgang Tillman opened his entire archive and gave The Opiates unprecedented access to choose their favourite images for exclusive use of their ‘Hollywood under the knife’ album.

Billie Ray Martin on Soundcloud

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M83 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming'

It’s not often I’m left speechless, as we all know effective communication is the key to success, especially being a writer! However, today whilst on Soundcloud, I heard this amazing track from M83 aka Anthony Gonzales.

We all know music is an art form which, like all others, is completely subjective. However, when I heard M83’s track ‘Intro’ feat Zola Jesus amazing vocals, I was absolutely stunned by its magical beauty and set about writing this article. When I feel passionate enough about what I consider outstanding music, I feel the need to express this passion, just as the musicians do when creating their music.

I firmly believe M83’s music needs very little introduction and will most definitely speak for itself.

Intro (ft Zola Jesus) by M83

M83 has created his new album ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’ and along with its divine album cover, is due for release in October. I have no doubt it will fulfil all of M83’s dreams!

Trentemøller‘s brilliant mix of ‘Midnight City’ the first track from the album, is out on release September 26th from Mute/Naive.

Midnight City (Trentemøller Remix) by M83

M83’s original mix of ‘Midnight City’, is currently a free download on M83’s website.

Midnight City by M83

M83 on Soundcloud

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Lush Lounge Records - Loungezillah - Debut Album Release

Lush Lounge Records are a new label with the founder owner/producers Stefan Van Baeten and David Vermuijten based at Scaldia Stars Studio in Antwerp, Belgium.

Both producers share a desire and passion for Lounge Music and made a decision to create a record label in order to release their exquisite, high quality Lounge/Nu Jazz/Soulful and groovy music.

The ‘Loungezillah’ album is full of exceptional chill out music to listen to whilst maybe gazeing at the stars,  driving top down with the sun on your face and summer breeze in your hair, watching the sunrise or set, sipping cocktails on a beach, or simply enjoying a romantic meal for two or with friends, either in a restaurant or at home anywhere in the world.

The first track on the album ‘Dreamcatcher’ is exactly as is titled and the video is often one I watch to help unwind and de-stress, following one of them days!

‘Erlebenis’ has a delightful melody and hypnotic beats with an ethnic vocal charm and excellent brass sound sensations. ‘How Could I Know’ has an distinct upbeat air of mystery, perfectly articulated with its strings and percussion.

‘King Kinky’ has a sexy bassline, fit for any Kinky King, with an additional sensual melody and rhythm, which will definitely get the red hot passion cells flowing through your veins and assist in raising lovers oxytocin chemical reactions to another level!

Smoody Groovez - King Kinky by Lush Lounge Records

The ‘Loungezillah’ album title track, has a funky bass line and guitar intro taking you into an electronic mystical dream world. ‘Ma Petite Betise’ piano intro is delicate and refreshing, followed with some brass and strings to give you an auditory Reiki session.

‘Nightbreeze’ has a uplifting beat, whilst ‘Silky Way’ has an intro reminiscent of the good old days of vinyl, with a little bit of snap crackle and pop, along with some sensual breathing to tease and tantalise the romantics amongst us.

‘The Right Vibe’ is currently one of my all time Smoody Groovez favourites, with the exquisite vocals of Sofie van Vugt, that sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it. It was in fact voted Buzzin Media track of the year on Soundcloud in 2010. I really ‘dig it’!

Smoody Groovez - The Right Vibe by Lush Lounge Records

The final track on the Loungezillah album is ‘Walking To The Water’ with its sumptuous ethnic vibes, which immediately transported me on a fantasy journey to the water front of an Asian beach.

The ‘Loungezillah’ album is a beautiful and charming debut album from Lush Lounge Records and is being prepared for release within the month. Buzzin Media wish Lush Lounge Records and their ‘Loungezillah’ debut album release much success for the future.

Lush Lounge Records on Soundcloud

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Jaguar Skills - Toolroom Knights DJ Mix album

Honing his craft and love of music for the last 15 years, the rise of Jaguar Skills as the greatest Mash-Up DJ on the planet has been well documented.

With a weekly slot on the Trevor Nelson Show, alongside regular performances on BBC Radio 1’s ‘In New DJs We Trust’, the word of this groundbreaking DJ has spread globally.

Becoming a regular fixture at ‘Toolroom Knights’, Jaguar Skills lightning speed mixing has captivated crowds and won over an army of dedicated followers.

Capturing the flavour of these sets, the mysterious masked ninja; Jaguar Skills paints a musical picture that has equal amount narrative as it does musical diversity.

Delivering an aural assault of every tempo and style; from House to Drum & Bass, Dub Step to Hip Hop, and everything in-between, the latest Toolroom Knights Mixed by Jaguar Skills takes you on a foray through all colours of the musical spectrum.

For the first time, Jaguar Skills delivers 2 exclusive tracks alongside production partner DJ@War, showcasing his versatility as both DJ & producer.

The electro fuelled melody of ‘Potential Super Violence’ and the bass heavy onslaught that is ‘9 Levels Of Power’ are two additional highlights to the album, as are Jag’s mixes of ‘Gabriel’ and ‘Blitz’ which gives a new spin on recent Toolroom smash ‘Sinnerman’ by Sean Miller & Daniel Dubb.

Intricately dissecting and reconstructing tracks to make new musical compositions, this is Jaguar Skills at his best and in true ninja style, Jag crafts a mix that packs a powerful punch and keeps you locked in from start to finish with tricks, snappy turntablism, sample drops and re-edits that will keep you listening again and again!

For more information visit www.jaguarskills.com.

Balance 19 Mix CD with Henry Saiz

The Spanish electronic producer, Henry Saiz brings his unique formula to the esteemed mix series with an exciting conceptualized approach. Through attempting to occupy the creative space closer to that of an artist album, rather than a club mix, Henry has delicately created an odyssey in sound.

CD1 explores how music has the power to contain and store personal emotional experiences. This is the characteristic that Henry Saiz loves most about music, that ‘evocative power to send you back to your childhood or to a specific moment of your life’. In order to create that evocative and psychedelic atmosphere, this CD has an elaborated crafted lo-fi sound through the use of varying analogue formats such as cassette or vinyl. Saiz expertly harnesses his intricate knowledge of sound through the use of a multitude of layers, sampling, edits and the use of lot of vocals to create a melodic and intense experience that attempts to connect with memories and complex emotions.

Following the same concept, but offering up a balance is CD2, which is more geared towards the dance-floor. As ever, the track selection is eclectic in its outlook, but has a definite tech-house feel that is tinged with the influence of House, melodic Techno, Disco and Detroit alongside the plethora of styles Saiz uses for his musical motivation.

Adding to the experience is the fact that Henry has chosen to use only unreleased productions and exclusive collaborations with other artists. So there are plenty of rare inclusions on the track-list that make for a completely fresh listening experience.

Notable highlights are Saiz’s own new downtempo version of ‘Lady in the Mirror’ and new tracks from him like ‘Eterno Retorno’, which effortlessly fuses the past and present. Exclusively made for this are collaborations with Marc Marzenit, Dosem and Pional. New tracks like ‘Together’ by Border Community’s Ricardo Tobar and Petar Dundov aka Solar Sailor’s ‘Horizons’ revisit Henry’s musical journey with their distinctive progressive and futuristic sound.

Additionally Henry’s new moniker ‘Hal Incandenza’ is featured here for the first time and offers up some amazing productions in the form of ‘Little Mountains’ and also ‘Mystical Tree’.

Following the precedence set by previous featuring artists such as James Holden, Agoria and Joris Voorn, Balance 019 is another truly breathtaking outing from one of electronic music’s gifted proponents, and fully lives up to the forward-thinking expectations of the seminal mix series.

Balance 19- Henry Saiz CD 1

01. Intro – Taped memories, voice notes, still moments, through an old radio in a ghostly artificial paradise
02. Tyrane “King of the Invisible Land” (Henry Saiz’s We are the Music Makers 303 remix)
03. Hal Incandenza “Mystical Tree”
04. Henry Saiz “1981”
05. Jesse Somfay & Henry Saiz “Honey Wine”
06. Hal Incandenza “Little Mountains” (Henry Saiz High-End Re-work)
07. Spada “Onice”
08. Henry Saiz “Lady in the Mirror” (Mediterranean Haunted Beach Version)
09. Cora Novoa & Spaceman “Black Heart” (Henry Saiz’s 95 Cassette Rework)
10. Kitkaliito “Letting go” (Henry Saiz RnB Added Version)
11. Esperanza “Ink”
12. Henry Saiz “Eterno Retorno” (90’s Acid Trance version)
13. Interlude
14. Pional & Henry Saiz “Uroboros”

Balance 19- Henry Saiz CD 2

01. Calypso Synth Ensemble “Gaia”
02. Armed “Caminando Sobre la Superficie del Sol”
03. Henry Saiz “Vargtimmen”
04. Eelke Kleijn “Lone Ranger” (Henry Saiz Ocean Drive Remix)
05. Mono Electric Orchestra “Indifference” (Henry Saiz Queztalli Rework)
06. Charles Gudagafva “Tango Hej Då̊”
07. Spada & Henry Saiz “Gloom”
08. Dosem & Henry Saiz “Zen Boat”
09. Ricardo Tobar “Together”
10. AMyn “Elle” (Henry Saiz Balance Edit)
11. Solar Sailor “Horizon”
12. Marc Marzenit & Henry Saiz “Radiance” (Balance Version)
13. Liz Cirelli & Minski “Trip of the Dolphin”
14. Okain “Thank You, Come Again” (Live Version)
15. Simon Garcia “If This World Were Dub”
16. Henry Saiz feat. Anneke van Giersbergen “Come Wander With Me”
17. Sistema “Nodo 6” (Henry Saiz Balance Rework)

Balance 19 DJ Mix CD latest release by Spanish DJ, Henry Saiz

Global Release Dates
Australia/Asia – 10th June 2011
UK/Europe – 13th June 2011
USA – 21st June 2011

Blank Disco new album 'From Zero'

Blank Disco is primarily the musical persona of London / Home Counties based electronica artist Dan Seville.

Although Dan’s musical activities have their roots in experiments going back to the mid 1990’s, his Blank Disco project only started to take full shape in 2009, since when he has embarked on a concentrated process of developing and refining his sound aesthetic, combining elements of techno, ambient and field recordings to effect his skewed vision of the contemporary landscape.

The recording process for From Zero involved much consideration of approaches to sound, and traced  a shift from heavily sample-based manipulations to a stronger focus on the use of synthesised instruments, while attempting to retain a visceral feel to the music. Many tracks were reworked or rejected during a ruthless process of weeding out any hint of “filler”, and the result is a set that grips from start to finish. The album was mastered by Noel Summerville at Metropolis, whose CV includes work with the likes of Autechre, Boards of Canada and Mira Calix.

Dan Seville explains:

“I wanted the music to feel like there was a bunch of strange, slightly disintegrating, machines playing music in a concrete bunker somewhere in the future, and I’ve just turned up with a reel-to-reel tape machine and recorded it.”

Taken as a whole, From Zero maps a territory of shifting and subtle moods, exploring an ambiguous emotional borderline between aching melancholy and intangible elation. Highlights include the off-kilter  metronomic euphoria of ‘Midsummer’, and the bubbling electronics and subliminal whispers insinuating their way through ‘Even numbers’. On ‘Blind faith’ skittering percussion is eccentrically orbited by radiophonic synth, while the languorous throb of processed crackle and hiss on ‘Last transmission’ evokes the final vestiges of a pale sun disappearing over the horizon.

From Zero will no doubt evoke comparisons with some of the big players of the electronica world, but while retaining full respect for the music’s pioneers Dan Seville has also looked outside that world for inspiration, and intends to be viewed on his own terms. Although the material on From Zero was composed digitally the aim throughout was to achieve a physical presence to the music, and one means of attaining that was through the use of field recordings to provide sonic textures:

“I’ve got a recorder I carry round with me, and when I originally started carrying it I thought people would be talking on the tube or wherever and I’d discreetly get their conversation, and work it into a track. But actually, it’s more that you just get that non-specific ambience of being in a tube station and just hearing a footstep, just one little thing, which I think can be quite haunting in itself.  If you can incorporate that into a track, it gives it a physical feeling of place or environment. There’s a section in ‘The mistakes I made’ where I’ve used the background noise of walking through a park and I come to a halt, there’s not many people around, just a noisy silence. It’s unexpected sometimes what sounds good and what doesn’t.”

A lot of work on the album was done during train journeys, and that working environment became a factor in the aesthetic direction the sound took:

“I’m sure I’m not the only person who finds a certain beauty in disintegration, and I’m interested in that atmosphere of ‘corporate grottiness’ you get on public transport. Everything’s formulated in a world that’s supposed to be neat and tidy but inevitably over time it all starts to degrade. The seats that were quite nice and clean in the beginning are now covered in shit, the windows are grimy and murky. That’s the environment we’re in all the time – seeing that shittiness but also seeing what’s actually quite poetic in it.”

Dan has already started work on the next Blank Disco release, and is also currently experimenting with translating the material into a live context. He hopes to follow up the From Zero release with live appearances sometime in 2011.

Blank Disco new album ‘From Zero’ is released on 13th June 2011 on Subexotic Records.