The Lowdown: The XLR8R Top 10 with Burial, Caribou, DJ Deeon, and More

Throughout the week, a whole lot of material gets posted here on XLR8R. And while we know—and love—that some hardcore readers will eagerly pour over every single news story, interview, podcast, video, and MP3 download that appears on the site, we also realize that for most people, it’s impossible to see everything, which means that some quality XLR8R content is likely to get missed in the hustle and bustle of everyone’s daily lives. In the interest of making it easier for everyone to catch up, every Friday we present The Lowdown, a weekly wrap-up of the top 10 tidbits from our site.

1. The annual NAMM convention always results in plenty of juicy new product news, and Rane generated some of the most fevered early buzz with its announcement of two new mixers: the TTM57mkII (a new iteration of its series specifically for Serato DJs) and the rotary-based MP2015, which was designed with the help of Gerd Janson, Ben UFO, Martyn, Anthony Parasole, Dixon, Tim Sweeney, and Efdemin, among others.

2. This week’s XLR8R podcast was a darkly thrilling, genre-hopping session from Berlin-based selector M.E.S.H.

3. Shadowy UK producer Burial surprised everyone with the sudden release of a new single via the Keysound label.

4. A new edition of our Artist Tips series found Dance Mania stalwart and ghetto house veteran DJ Deeon sharing a few of his studio secrets.

5. Before the madness of NAMM kicked in, Pioneer shared the news that it will soon be releasing the XDJ-RX, a new unit in the company’s growing line of an all-in-one DJ systems.

6. Caribou (pictured above) continued his recent active streak by releasing a live album via Bandcamp.

7. Ahead of his new EP, Aphex Twin offered up a new track as a free download.

8. Prolific LA producer Delroy Edwards issued a new EP via his own L.A. Club Resource label.

9. At the start of the week, two new mixes surfaced from veteran artists Mr. G and Marcel Dettmann.

10. Moog shared the news that it will soon begin manufacturing classic large-format modular synthesizers.

An expanded version of the The Lowdown is also available via a weekly email newsletter. Those interested in an even more in-depth round-up of XLR8R content should sign up by entering their email address below.

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Arturia Details New Audio Interface and BeatStep Update

After teasing an upcoming audio interface for the past few months, Arturia have now detailed its new Audiofuse device (pictured above) along with news of an update to its BeatStep rhythm controller, the BeatStep Pro.

The Audiofuse is a compact audio interface that offers two XLR/balanced 1/4″ combo inputs (and an additional phono/line input), A/B speaker outputs, and two separate headphone outputs (each with individual volume control), as well as MIDI, ADAT, WordClock, and S/PDIF ins and outs. Furthermore, the unit contains Arturia’s new DiscretePRO mic preamps on its main input channels, which provide a “unique, totally discrete circuit that goes beyond the limitations of integrated circuits,” for a high-quality sound. The unit also manages to deliver zero latency monitoring of signals being recorded through the device. The Audiofuse interface is set to arrive in stores a few months down the road and is expected to retail for somewhere around $599; more information can be found here.

Arturia has also revealed plans to release a beefed up version of its BeatStep controller, the BeatStep Pro, in the coming months. The upgraded unit features two monophonic step sequencers (with up to 64 steps per sequence), a 16-track drum sequencer, a Randomizer function with amount and probability settings, a touch strip which can be utilized for real-time looping and rolling, and a slew of performance controls. Like its predecessor, the BeatStep Pro also features a plethora of connectivity options, offering both CV/GATE outputs as well as MIDI ins and outs. The BeatStep Pro will land in stores in April, with its price tag expected to be somewhere around $299; more info can be found here.

Before both new Arturia products see their official release, slick demo videos for each can be watched below (though, we should warn you, the music in each surely leaves something to be desired).

Akai Unveils New Analog Synthesizer and Analog Drum Machine

As part of the wave of gear-related updates which NAMM has brought this week, Akai has unveiled two new products of particular interest—the Timbre Wolf Analog Synthesizer (pictured at top) and the Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine.

The Timbre Wolf (sure, maybe not the best name) unit is a “true analog” four-voice polyphonic synthesizer that can be configured to be used as four mono synths, a four-voice unison synth, or a four-voice polysynth. Furthermore, the unit features a number of sound-shaping controls on its face as well as a 32-step sequencer for each of the synthesizer’s voices. The Timbre Wolf will appear in stores in July, and the compact analog synth is set to retail for $499.

In addition to the synth described above, Akai has also used the NAMM convention to introduce the Tom Cat, a new “true analog” drum machine (pictured directly above). Built around five percussion voices, the Tom Cat also features a 32-step sequencer (which Akai says utilizes a “classic drum machine workflow”) as well as a number of on-board controls to tweak the unit’s drum sounds. The analog drum machine also features six MPC-style pads which can be used both for sequencing and finger drumming. The Tom Cat will also appear in stores in July, and the new piece of Akai gear is set to retail for $199. More information on both new analog Akai units can be found here.

Australian Newcomer Null Readies Debut EP for Acéphale, Shares New Track

A new artist hailing from Melbourne, Null will release his debut EP, Almost, in March. The seven-track effort is a co-release by the Acéphale and Siberia labels, and from the preview of EP track “Luv U, Luv Me” (streamable below) it will see Null combine graceful, ambient textures with pulsing surface features that recall various strains of ’90s techno and house.

A cryptic introduction to the forthcoming release reads: “Null Electronic Corporation’s 2015 line of audio-electronic products aims to provide seven unique and innovative audio-visual based constituents for cohesive private and public operation.” With that in mind, Null’s debut release will come accompanied by a series of visual creations crafted by Los Angeles-based web and media group Oval-X. The first of these, a visual preview of the record, can currently be watched over on Null’s website, here.

The Almost EP is set to arrive on March 3, and a full album from Null is slated for later in the year. In the meantime, we’ve included the full tracklist for the EP below, along with a stream of Null’s aforementioned “Luv U, Luv Me” production.

1. 40
2. Mothering
3. Back 2 Normal, Almost
4. Luv U, Luv Me
5. Oil Run
6. Rhone Interstellaire
7. Dhash

Teenage Engineering Releases Pocket-Sized Synthesizers

Teenage Engineering—the company behind the inventive OP-1 synth—has unveiled the P-O line of synthesizers, a new set of three units set to retail for $59 each and small enough to fit into one’s pocket. The PO-12 “rhythm” drum machine (pictured above), the PO-14 “sub” bass synth, and the PO-16 “factory” lead synth units are all powered by two AAA batteries and each boasts a 16-step sequencer, 16 individual sounds, and 16 audio effects. Furthermore, the minimal units (essentially a circuit board with miniature knobs, buttons, and a small display) feature 3.5mm audio in and outs as well as a built-in speaker.

Though these pocket-sized units have been teased a bit by Teenage Engineering in the past, the three units are now officially available to purchase in coordination with this week’s NAMM convention. More information on the full PO (which stands for Pocket Operator) synth line can be found here, while a photo of all three units has been included below.

Stream the New Single from Metro Area’s Darshan Jesrani

Following on from the low-slung electro-disco of his Gauntlet single as Siren at the back end of last year, multi-aliased Metro Area member Darshan Jesrani is now preparing to drop a new 12″ that will see him appear under another new moniker. Entitled Disco Engine, the record—which Jesrani is releasing on his own Startree label under the name Cylinder—finds the seasoned New York producer blending disco and techno into a typically sparky, engaging, bass-soaked journey.

Jesrani’s first outing as Cylinder will officially land on February 15. Prior to that, the full nine minutes of the upcoming record’s title cut can be streamed below, where a stream of the b-side “4-Stroke Dub” version of the track can also be found.

Matrixxman Reveals Upcoming EP for Ghostly with Remixes from Hieroglyphic Being and Silent Servant; Hear a Track Now

San Francisco’s Matrixxman seems set on continuing to be just about everywhere right now, but given the unwavering quality of his productions, that’s just fine with us. Hot on the heels of his recent EP for Dekmantel (which can be streamed in full here) and the announcement that he and Vin Sol will be responsible for the final EP from SF’s Icee Hot imprint (which, full disclosure, is ran in part by XLR8R editor Shawn Reynaldo), Matrixxman has come with news of another new EP, this one for Ghostly‘s Spectral Sound offshoot. His second outing for the label, StuxNet is said to be split into “two distinct halves: the deep and driving stomper ‘Part I’, and a rubbery, percussive groove [titled] ‘Part II’.” The upcoming record’s remixes also appear worthy of our attention, coming as they do from a pair of reliably adventerous producers in Hieroglyphic Being and Silent Servant, who each take on a track from Matrixxman’s 2014 EP for Spectral, Amulet.

Matrixxman’s StuxNet EP will see its official release on March 16. For now, EP track “Part II” can be streamed via the player below, where we’ve also included the upcoming record’s full tracklist.

1. StuxNet I
2. StuxNet II
3. Venetian Mask (The Hieroglyphic Being Experience)
4. The Caravan (Silent Servant Remix)

Premiere: Listen to Iron Curtis’ Care EP for Hudd Traxx

As is too often the case these days, German producer and XLR8R podcast alumni Iron Curtis‘ Care EP was originally intended to arrive in late 2014, but due to pressing plant delays, the record missed its initial release date. Now, with the four-track EP due out next week, Hudd Traxx has elected to share a full stream of the record ahead of its new drop date.

Across each of its four productions, Care is a subtly soulful endeavor—the title track buries a futuristic shuffle beneath water-logged strings, rich piano chords, and a bouncing synth sequence; “Sing Along with Your Friends” swells with organ chords, chopped keys, and flecks of gospel-like vocals; and the closing “Lasgas Return” takes a Dilla-esque approach to chopping Rhodes chords, which are only enhanced by an unpredictably active bassline that cleverly lurks just behind the beat. In short, Iron Curtis’ Care EP may have taken longer than expected to hit shelves, but given the quality of the tunes contained within, it seems likely to prove worth the wait.

The Berlin-based artist’s upcoming EP for Hudd Traxx (his second for the label) can be streamed in full below ahead of its new official release date, January 26.

Stefan Jós “Specialism (Uneasy)”

Japanese label flau is set to launch a new 12″ series (which they’ve elected to title raum) with a four-track EP from Stefan Jós, an alias of Devon Hansen, a producer who has also been known to operate as Lotide and D. Hansen. After appearing on a split cassette for Opal Tapes alongside former Bubblin’ Up artist Austin Cesear last year, Hansen’s Stefan Jós alias is now set to return with Things You Left Behind, a record which focuses on crafting minimal dancefloor constructions with an extra emphasis on detailed sonic textures. EP cut “Specialism (Uneasy)” surely accomplishes the task, riding a skeletal four-on-the-floor as it layers a number of tight percussion pings and dubbed chords atop the track’s thin pulse. Hansen’s next outing as Stefan Jós is slated to inaugurate the run of flau’s raum 12″ series on February 16; in the meantime, the crisp “Specialism (Uneasy)” can be downloaded below.

Specialism (Uneasy)

Mexicali Artist Schem Preps Debut LP; Hear a Track Now

An artist who impressed us at last year’s MUTEK.MX festival (where the locals often referred to him as the “Mexican Andy Stott”), Mexicali-based artist Schem has announced plans to release his debut long-player, Embrace, next month. Billed as a dense and dark LP, the record will feature eight new productions from the artist, whose cold electronic compositions surely owe some debt to Stott and the Modern Love tradition, but also come with their own unique production stamp.

Serving as our first taste of Embrace is “Hold Me,” a sludgy beat wrapped in pulsing sub-bass and a plethora of haunting tones. The track can be streamed in full below, where the complete tracklist for Schem’s forthcoming debut album (out on February 16 via the Static Discos label) can also be found.

1. Bloom
2. Health House
3. Dark Figure
4. Hold Me
5. Trust
6. Tension
7. Warm Physics
8. Bad Blood

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