Artist: Josh Wink & Truncate Title: Let Go Label: Ovum Recordings Cat. #: OVM322 Format: Digital, vinyl Release Date: 26th August 2022 Tracklist: 1. Let Go 2. Let Go (Josh Wink remix)
Titans of the techno world Josh Wink and Truncate come together again for a mighty follow up collaboration on wink’s ovum recordings.
This hugely accomplished pair needs little introduction. Wink has been a mainstay of the underground for decades, pioneering a techno sound as a DJ, label head and producer that takes in acid, deepness and plenty of drive. Truncate, meanwhile, is one of the new school leaders with a signature sound built on heavy but funky drums and hypnotic grooves. They have worked together before on tracks like last year’s ‘Be Aware’ and strike gold once more here.
‘Let Go’ is a mighty track that combines both artists’ best qualities. The chunky drum funk will rock clubs of any size, while the searing synth work and ravey stabs bring real futurism. As the track unfolds, the tension rises and falls to keep drama levels high but the robust groove never lets up.
Wink then steps up to remix and does so with a more direct approach – the hefty drums are paired with slamming hits. Squirrelling synths layer in further intensity and the texture of the track makes it even more arresting for the peak moments in any set.
These are two visceral tracks from two vital artists
Biesmans will mix the next volume of Watergate’s prestigious mix series, following in the footsteps of Ellen Allien, Solomun, La Fleur and Soul Clap. Going above and beyond the standard mix compilation brief, the Belgian artist has produced a work consisting entirely of his own original productions. The project also features collaborations with a diverse range of artists including Dusky, Mathew Jonson, Adana Twins and Kasper Bjørke, alongside rising talent such as Shubostar and Mala Ika.
We got our most significant taste of what a special and unique artist Biesmans is last year, with the release of ‘Trains, Planes & Automobiles’, his superb debut LP. This wasn’t any ordinary album project, however. Rather, he set himself the task of completing three tracks per week, pairing the audio with vintage ‘80s film and video clips, sharing the creations to his Instagram followers as he went along.
Since this point, he’s gone on to develop a live PA, tour it to places including Exit Festival and Fusion Festival and become a pivotal artist on the W-Agency roster, after already being a solid member of the club’s crew having worked there as a technician for eight years.
His next impressive career stride is ‘Watergate 28’, a joyful neon dancefloor trip that takes in synthwave, indie dance, nu disco and all manner of celestial tracks in the house spectrum. It’s also the first Watergate compilation since doP’s in 2012 to take on the mammoth challenge of producing all original and exclusive material for the project.An unofficial album per se, with the thrilling arc of soundtracking a hiplashing on Watergate’s iconic Main Floor.
The scene was set in Mexico in February 2022. The call came through from Watergate HQ and the deadline was tight: deliver a volume of the club’s esteemed mix series within a three-month window, the brief stipulating that the mix should have four originals and two collaborations.
Biesmans went sober for a three-month period so he could give everything he had to the project, swapping the lunchtime beers for sport sessions. When he arrived back in Berlin in mid-February ready to begin studio time, he was in the zone and immediately begun work completing a sketch on ‘Smooth Monday’, the track that would go onto to be his luminescent collaboration with the Permanent Vacation-backed Zombies in Miami. Two weeks into his studio time, it was clear there was more than enough quality material to not only fulfill, but smash Watergate’s original brief. What followed was no less than 17 original tracks and 13 collaborations – arguably the most ambitious in Watergate’s compilation history.
Already in touch after releasing on their imprint 17 Steps in 2019, he sent three sketches to Dusky and the nostalgia-soaked ‘Back in the Daze’ was the shimmering result. The vibes flowed like a dream when he linked with Kid Simius for the funky nu disco gem ‘Me Gusta Acid’, even recording Kid’s vocals in one-take. A visit to his hero Mathew Jonson’s studio for the day saw the birth of the pumping piano-laden houser ‘Quantum Computing’, a project highlight. After bonding over their shared love of cosmic synths in Tulum this year, Biesmans invited South Korean artist Shubostar into his studio to create the wavy ‘80s inspired creation ‘Across the Universe’. Biesmans likewise mined inspiration wherever he went, his track ‘March for Peace’ was created off the back of attending a rally to support Ukraine.
Biesmans pieced together each track like a jigsaw puzzle, building up sonic moods throughout. “Sometimes I would do three tracks in one day, or set specific moods. For example, if someone sent me some powerful chords, then I decided to do an intro track with that. Then I started to put some artists together like a puzzle, connecting the artist with the position in the mix.”
The resulting mix is an exhilarating technicolour journey. From the immense opener ‘Away’ with one half of doP Vansande, to the woozy arpeggiated bliss of ‘Holiday’ with Kasper Bjørke and the synth-drenched breakbeat euphoria of the Biesmans solo cut ‘All Day Every Day’, it’s a highlight-heavy 78-minute ride.
“Even though this is (sort of) another album, the concept is definitely different. I’ve approached this project as a DJ mix. When I record a podcast or mixtape, I like to take the listener on a journey. Starting of beatless and moving slowly into the party/dancing mood. I also felt that I had to step away from the album sound of last year. I don’t want to keep on repeating myself, but I still have a love for synth sounds so it was important to explore new territory with these elements. The collaboration part made it also a super interesting project in which you already get inspired by whoever you work with. I also think that speed played a big role in this project, the whole thing was done in less than 3 months.” – Biesmans
Biesmans will be touring a new live PA to support the release of ‘Watergate 28’ this summer.
Artist: eb_flow Title: Transmission Label: FUSE Cat. #: FUSEX001 Format: Digital Release Date: 26th August 2022 Tracklist 1. Transmission 2. Show Me 3. Elevate [Vinyl Only]
4. Space [Vinyl Only]
FUSE launches its new ‘X Series’, a new instalment on the label centred around collaborations, with the first four-track offering courtesy of anonymous partnership eb_flow.
Continuing to evolve, adapt and blossom as an imprint leading the way across house, minimal and beyond, London favourites FUSE have undeniably levelled up once again as they approach a decade and a half in the game. Adding to their global events and long-standing sub-label INFUSE with sister imprint LOCUS, the brand has delivered quality productions across the electronic sphere from a mix of label regulars and emerging names, with founder Enzo Siragusa heading up and curating the subtle nuances and directions across their wide-reaching ventures. A new project for 2022, late August, welcomes the arrival of the label’s ‘X Series’ – a collaborative introduction which will see label favourites and special guests combine to unveil a string of unique releases in partnership with one another. The inaugural release sees anonymous pairing eb_flow join the label, delivering four cuts which have been essential records amongst the head honcho’s sets this year.
Opener ‘Transmission’ welcomes an otherworldly trip through hazy vocal murmurs and sweeping lead melodies as skippy percussion and rumbling sub-bass take hold before ‘Show Me’ delivers an impactful, bottom-heavy anthem fusing murky basslines beneath garage-tinged drums, funky grooves and dubby sonics.
The vinyl package comes loaded with two further cuts in the form of ‘Elevate’ and ‘Space’, with the former delivering a dreamy, mind-altering trip guided by bright stabs and loose, free-flowing drum shuffles, while the latter serves up a late-night skittering ride through resonant electronics, elongated pads and rubbery bass.
Artist: Joey Mercedes, Brandon Markell Holmes, Dee Diggs Title: It Goes On (At the Afterparty) Label: toucan sounds Cat. #: YTCW066C Format: Digital Release Date: 19th August 2022 (Traxsource Exclusive) / 9th September 2022 (Worldwide) Tracklist: 01 It Goes On (At the Afterparty) 02 It Goes On (At the Afterparty) [Instrumental]
Dee Diggs teams up with Joey Mercedes and Brandon Markell Holmes for ‘It Goes On (At the Afterparty)’ on toucan sounds.
Following the recently released ‘Jump For Joy, Pause For Peace’ on toucan sounds, Joey Mercedes and Brandon Markell Holmes return to the label, teaming up with Brooklyn phenomenon Dee Diggs. Digg’s debut production and first appearance on the label arrives around a slew of much-anticipated gigs and appearances at Dekmantel Festival, Boiler Room, and many more.
‘It Goes On (At the Afterparty)’ brings lush pianos and synths together with skipping drums under Brandon Markell Holmes’ gorgeous vocal performance. Also included is an instrumental, stripping the track down to its raw elements, emphasising the slick production of the dancefloor-ready creation and providing a welcome bonus addition to the release.
Brooklyn’s toucan sounds are a label at the forefront of emerging sounds and artists based out of the You Too Can Woo studios in New York. Since its inception in 2018, the imprint has been championing acts such as musclecars, Haruka Salt, Brandon MarkellHolmes, and more.
Artist: Monkey Safari Title: Body Language Vol. 24 Label: Get Physical Music Cat. #: GPMCD270 Format: Digital Release Date: 19th August 2022
August will see Monkey Safari put out their long-awaited Body Language Vol. 24. The 18-track affair is a deep dive into their own musical output as well as a testament to their alluring DJ style.
German pair Monkey Safari have become Get Physical mainstays over the years. In 2022, they have released a wealth of teaser tracks from this mix with each one showcasing a different side to their sound. After more than a decade of EPs and LPs on their own Hommage label they are still mining new musical ground and their 2021 album ‘Love Will Set U Free’ was the latest testament to that. This new mix is a further superb showcase of their signature DJ style and seductive musical output.
The mix is a broody one that takes you into a mesmeric world of classy, musical house. It is packed with originals and remixes from Monkey Safari starting with the alluring bell sounds and vocal cries of ‘Ceremony’ before moving on through the likes of their spine-tingling afro house remix of Fluida and then a lithe and airy remix of BLOND:ISH. After classy Monkey Safari material like ‘Universal Love’ and ‘W’ is a remix of George Morel’s classic ‘Let’s Groove’ that updates the tune with a fresh modern edge.
The disco depths of DJ Pierre feat. Chic Loren’s reworked classic ‘I Feel Love’ is followed by standout exclusive remix ‘Hausch’ which lifts the spirits on a wave of positive synth work, upbeat drums and summery vibes that are sure to get plenty of plays this summer and beyond. A faultless run of recently released singles including ‘Kami’, ‘Light Of Day’ and ‘Hi & Low’ then round out this most exquisite and sensitive selection.
Body Language Vol. 24. is another landmark entry into this long-running and influential DJ mix series.
Tracklist: 01 Monkey Safari – Ceremony 02 Few Nolder – Clouds (Monkey Safari Remix) 03 Fluida – First Nation Drums (Monkey Safari Remix) 04 Djuma Soundsystem & Westerby – Koma Kobache (Monkey Safari Remix) 05 BLOND:ISH – Wa Is Da Wa (Monkey Safari Remix) 06 Super Flu – Didschn (Monkey Safari Remix) 07 Monkey Safari – Universal Love 08 Monkey Safari – W 09 George Morel – Let’s Groove (Monkey Safari Remix) 10 Monkey Safari – Deja 11 DJ Pierre feat. Chic Loren – I Feel Love (Monkey Safari Remix) 12 Andhim – Hausch (Monkey Safari Remix) 13 Francesco Tristano – Place on Lafayette (Monkey Safari Remix) 14 Monkey Safari – Siempre 15 Monkey Safari – Kami 16 Monkey Safari – Valencia 17 Monkey Safari – Light Of Day 18 Monkey Safari – Hi & Low
Artist: Capeesh Society Title: Path Of The Loners EP Label: Four Thirty Two Cat. #: 432R023/432R023S Format: Digital download / stream Release Date: 19th August 2022 Tracklist: 01 Blackout Function 02 Money Talks 03 Let’s Go 04 Crafty Income
Hungarian DJ/producer Viktor Udvari AKA Capeesh Society lands on Richy Ahmed’s Four Thirty Two imprint with an EP brimming with solid house chops and infectious grooves.
Having made a big impact on the burgeoning scene in his native country, the seasoned producer chisels out a quartet of dancefloor slammers on the ‘Path Of The Loners’ EP.
With early praise from the likes of Raresh, Petre Inspirescu and Barac, CapeeshSociety has built up an international following via releases and remixes on Ben Rau’s META, Knee Deep In Sound and Hungarian Hot Wax, moving his sound into the chunkier end of house and electronic dance over the years.
‘Blackout Function’ opens the EP with punchy drums and dubby vocal chops, powered by a thunderous b-line and hypnotizing stabs, whilst ‘Money Talks’ is built upon a skippy break that unfurls into an irresistible groove punctuated with soulful vox and glacial keys. ‘Let’s Go’ is a pure roller, as Capeesh deploys shiny hats over a deep production that drops in all the right places, and ‘Crafty Income’ wraps up the EP in fine style with a sprightly organ driven booty shaker!
Artist: KinAhau Title: Turned Turk Label: Solid Grooves Cat. #: SGR073 Format: Digital Release Date: 19th August 2022
Solid Grooves invite Mexico’s KinAhau for his first appearance on the label with new single ‘Turned Turk’.
Rolling through the summer with a stacked schedule of releases, Solid Groovescontinues to drop must-have material from its distinguished family of artists while spotlighting some of the freshest emerging talents in the game. The next new name to step into the spotlight comes from Mexico City, as DJ/producer KinAhau readies the biggest release of his career so far. A go-to cut for founders Michael Bibi and PAWSA across their sets at DC10 and beyond, August brings another Solid Grooves debut with the release of the vibrant ‘Turned Turk’.
Guided by the production’s infectious brass melodies and backed by rugged kicks, rolling low-ends and skittering vocal murmurs, ‘Turned Turk’ delivers an abundance of energy as Solid Grooves once again drop more prime dancefloor material.
Artist: Sam Curran Title: Urban Shaker Label: Hottrax Cat. #: HXT092 Format: Digital Release Date: 19th August 2022 Tracklist: 01 Urban Shaker 02 Jungle Hive
Sam Curran announces ‘Urban Shaker’ on Jamie Jones’ Hottrax this August.
Previously releasing on THUNDR and his own till? records imprint, Manchester-based DJ/producer Sam Curran now readies two new productions for Jamie Jones’ revered Hottrax this August. The title track kicks off the release with skippy, UKG-influenced drums and rolling low end, while ‘Jungle Hive’ completes the package with spaced-out atmospherics, bubbling FX, and a bouncing bassline.
The ‘Urban Shaker’ EP is my interpretation of the Jungle/UK Speed Garage sound I have been heavily inspired by over the years. I wanted to make something that felt like Jungle but also contained the familiar house elements to translate in the clubs.” – Jamie Curran
Artists: Rene Wise Title: Knock Motion EP Label: Blueprint Cat. #: BP065 Format: Vinyl / Digital Released: 26 August 2022 Tracklist: A1. Shaman Whistle A2. Don’t Care B1. Frown Like Brown B2. Knock Motion
Rene Wise has previously released on some of the finest Techno labels out there such as Rødhåd’s WSNWG, Luke Slater’s Mote-Evolver and Dustin Zahn’s Enemy Records. Now he finally gets round to another… James Ruskin’s Blueprint.
Rene Wise’s approach to writing music and DJing fuses together as one concept; tapping into primal human instinct via rhythm and groove. Wise portrays a deep sense of knowledge and maturity in his sound, devising atmospheric soundscapes with a raw but modern touch, captivating the listener from beginning to end. His sets demonstrate this to full effect, consistently maintaining a powerful sonic trademark whilst possessing the innate ability to create hip-shaking poly-rhythms and multi-deck layers.
Before discovering the world of electronic music, Wise came from a background of drum and percussion which was guided by his Iranian father who was a professional drummer. This influence plays a huge part in shaping the foundation of techno that he crafts.
Wise’s “quality over quantity” mindset has seen him become a mainstay on influential labels such as Mote Evolver, WSNWG and Beard Man which has led him to work with some of the most respected names in the industry. His pure but passionate approach to music has given him the honour of gracing institutions such as Berghain and fabric and earned him a residency at the esteemed underground Eerste Communie parties hailing from The Netherlands.
His four-track ‘Knock Motion EP’ is released 26 August (both vinyl and digital) on Blueprint.
Artist: Drumcell, Chris Liebing, Truncate Title: The Heights EP Label: CLR Cat. #: CLR103 Format: Digital Release Date: 12th August 2022 Tracklist: 01 Drumcell, Chris Liebing, Truncate – DTL 02 Drumcell, Chris Liebing, Truncate – SGV
Chris Liebing, Drumcell, and Truncate deliver the collaborative ‘The Heights EP’ this August on CLR.
Teaming up for the first time, the techno trio comprising Chris Liebing, Drumcell, and Truncate drop two massive tracks on Liebing’s CLR imprint. With the artists having all previously contributed to the label and appearing on the likes of Droid Recordings, Mote-Evolver, Blueprint, and Mute between them, the combination of talent across the record results in two heavy, mind-bending, and precise techno cuts.
Leading the release, ‘DTL’ brings hard, swinging drums, twisted low-end, and modulating synth lines together for a heavy-hitting peak time bomb. ‘SGV’ sees the three producers meld rough textures and rattling percussion with constantly rising FX, with a trippy breakdown thrown in to keep dancers on their toes.
