R.I.P.

Today the dance community mourns the passing of one of its own. Brett Jackson, a South African deep house legend, lost his battle to Hodgkins Lymphoma Cancer at the age of 28. One of the first house compilations I got was 'The Deeper Sounds Of Brett Jackson' and I remember not fully appreciating it at the time because it was too deep, especially considering the electro boom around that time. However I recall days when it would come up on my playlist and I eventually got to appreciate it fully, now as I listen to it, its even more poignant and spin-worthy than ever. Below is one of my favourite tracks off that album. R.I.P

Melodic Reprise

Its so important to always take chances on producers you've never heard of before. There is always a chance that you'll discover an absolute gem. Lately i've only been colleting material from newer or less known producers and its been a greatly enriching experience. Here's a funky rolling deep tune that'll make any day feel like an endless summer.

Marlo - Another One (Giom Remix)

Old School for the Nu School

I'm always drawn to tracks, regardless of genre, that have an old school feel. Theres something comforting, that feels like home about them. When executed properly, the listener feels a sense of nostalgia and automatically attaches memories to that track even on the first listen. This funky, house beat is going to make you remember a time when you probably thought house was lame. Enjoy it

Horatio & Denny K - Chicago Tales (Darius Syrossian Remix)

Over and over and over

I'm really conflicted about this track. Its not something I would normally listen to at all, but for some reason i've had it on repeat for two weeks. There's something so endearing about it, probably the vocals, they're amazing. Get this if for nothing else but to listen to the vocals.

Hypnos feat. Sambor Kostrzewa - Day After Day (Vas Floyd Remix)

Round Table

After spending a good portion of time in the RA top 50 charted tracks in 2010, its safe to say that this track is huge!! Theres an element of nothingness about this track that envelopes you in its nothingness. Let me rather say that its a track thats made up of negative sounds that culminates in a feeling of absolute abandon. Lee Curtiss is a master manipulator for pulling this off.

Lee Curtiss - I Can Hear You Arthur

House of Techno Horrors

Seth Troxler has to be one of the most talented producers out there, I'm going to put this out in the universe and hope it works as with Stimming and Jimpster. Could someone (read: Lighthouse booking agent) please bring Mr Troxler to South Africa. This time he delivers an eerie and ominous techno odyssey, which also manages to have somewhat of a playful tone, mainly because of the xylophone sounding beat. Another interesting fact is that this production is presented under his 'Thrill Cosby' moniker, he continues to be cool!

Thrill Cosby - Oogity Boogity

King of the counterfeit groove

This is quite an old banger, but the choppy techno style of this track caught my attention, theres so many layers to this track, which make each break a new discovery. The best element of the track has to be that intense bass belly that is gives the track such a funky feel. While i'd come to expect only chilled tracks from I:Cube, this was a refreshing break from all the down-tempo stuff I've been jamming.

I:Cube - Gtnup

RA News: Stimming preps second album, Liqourice

Hamburg-based producer Martin Stimming will release his next album, Liquorice, this March.

As a linchpin of Diynamic Music, Stimming is known for his upbeat and often club-ready style of tech house. But Liqourice shows a different side of the producer; hardly any of the tracks ride a 4/4 beat, and most of them rely heavily on field recordings, giving the album an experimental feel. "I kind of sneaked around the normal bassdrum/clap or snare combination," he says. "I only tried to express the feelings I had during this time... without thinking of what will happen with it or who's gonna buy it."

The mood, too, is more somber than usual, a change Stimming attributes to the personal crisis during which he produced much of the album. "I had to sleep on the couch in my 16 square metre studio, certain circumstances didn't allow me to sleep at home." Though he didn't go into further detail on the matter, the song title "Me Against the Bitch" speaks volumes.

As for the album title, Stimming says its an acknowledgment of the fact that the record isn't for everyone. "I called it Liquorice because I simply love real liquorice sweets (all kinds actually), and I have realised that it's something someone loves or hates. There's not much middle ground, and there were probably 50% who like it and the others don't."

Tracklist
01. Cold Water
02. My Lonesome Drumset
03. Trashcan
04. Cooking Coffee
05. On a Grey Day
06. January, Second
07. Marble Run
08. No Strings Attached
09. Black Caramel
10. Don't Touch This
11. Time to Leave
12. Me Against the Bitch
13. The Train

Diynamic will release Liqourice on March 28th, 2011.

I:Cube

Nostalgic Indulgence

Last night while at a varsity rugby game, I was shocked to see how young the first year students looked. It got me thinking about how young and lost I must have looked. Luckily my mate ando was next to me as I was reminiscing and he reminded me of this beautiful remix by Brabe or Phtps of the Foals 'Electric Bloom'. I remember first listening to it in the truth parking lot (around 2008) while trying to finish a bottle of vodka between the both of us, oh the folly of youth hahaha. Anyway I decided this atmospheric minimal banger deserved a re-post, after all it was responsible for my discovery of the Foals. Enjoy

Foals - Electric Bloom (Phtps Dusk Remix)