Guy One ‘Bangere Tomme?’

Releasing an album into the world is a special moment for any artist—but when you’re one who grew up in remote northern Ghana with no schooling, spending a life herding cows and goats, building your own instruments, and teaching yourself to sing, then there’s a particular sense of occasion and celebration in finding recognition and an audience for that music.

This is the case for Guy One, a unique artist who is writing and performing Frafra music, a style that originates from a small area in the north of Ghana (a more city-styled approach to this music can also be heard in the sounds of King Ayisoba). Whilst Guy One is already loved and adored locally by now—building up a fervent following in local villages in which no funeral or wedding would take place without his soaring voice and deeply rhythmic playing, before then transforming into an award-winning, TV-appearing artist in Ghana—his music is now to find a much wider audience through Max Weissenfeldt’s Philophon label.

Running a label that specialises in “local” music, Weissenfeldt has been travelling to Ghana since 2010. After picking up a CD of Guy One’s work on one trip, he became engrossed and decided he must find him on his next trip. Stepping off the bus in Bolgatanga and asking where he may find Guy One, 10 minutes later he is shaking hands with the man. A story that is both emblematic of the size of the community Guy One comes from and the notoriety he possesses within it. Hours later the pair are driving to a funeral; the air is still warm, the meter-thick baobab trees cast shadows on the dusty fields under the shine of the moonlight. The village members are gathered between the mud huts as Guy One quietly picks up his Kologo (a sort of two-string banjo instrument that is fundamental to Frafra music). As he begins with his eulogizing voice, the village members immediately all form a huge circle around him. Witnessing this intense and potent interaction between music and community and life and death, Weissenfeldt knew he needed to get Guy One to Berlin and into a studio.

In 2013, Guy One left Ghana for the first ever time. A redirected flight found him in Frankfurt with no English skills and just a few scribbled notes to help with translation. Despite the setback he soon made it to Berlin and was almost immediately in the studio with no verbal communication possible due to language barriers, they simply played, the groove and the rhythms dictating the flow of the sessions. A record born from a deep sense of musical intuition, something beyond words and beyond description.

What then took place were back and forth trips between Ghana and Berlin with Weissenfeldt often bringing with him a variety of band members, arranging tours of Ghana which, combined with Guy One’s increasing grasp on English, meant that a solidified bond was taking a shape and a band was being born, nurtured and shaped. By 2015 the band had played to thousands of people at Roskilde Festival, a pivotal moment for the group as Guy One found himself reflecting on his days of building a Kologo with a broomstick and tin can, playing to only cows and sheep.

One then lands in Berlin again and the final recordings for #1 take place. The resulting sounds on the finished album capture a sense of life and vivacity rarely experienced on record; the album opens with the hum of Bolgatanga in the background, Guy One’s mother can be heard rejoicing as her son locks deep into his Kologo rhythm, accentuated by gliding flute and skipping percussion. From then on in it’s a record that bursts to life, as though a portal is being opened into a previously unknown musical world.

#1 will land on January 26, with “Bangere Tomme?” available for download via the WeTransfer button below.

Dew Town Mayor ‘Nord Stream’

Earlier this month, Micronautics released the new EP from composer and producer Thomas Regnault (a.k.a. Dew Town Mayor).

Titled Érosion, the EP is the third release on the recently relaunched French label, presenting a raw and organic style of tripped-out electronics that has already found favor in the sets of artists such as Leftfield, Who Made Who, Carl Craig, and Richie Hawtin. On the EP’s title track, Regnault teams up with Noël Rasendrason for a Chicago-house-influenced cut, while the two other tracks (“Nord Stream” and Class Agosta”) focus on warped electronics and darker textures.

Érosion is out now and can be grabbed here, with EP cut “Nord Stream” available as today’s XLR8R download via WeTransfer below.

Nord Stream

Podcast 518: Cassy

For anyone exposed to house and techno in the last two decades, Cassy is a name that should ring strong. Her unique flair and individual style behind the decks has enamored dancers and promoters alike since first appearing on the scene in the ’90s, landing her residencies at the world’s most respected institutions, such as Panorama Bar—Cassy also mixed the first Panorama Bar compilation—Rex Club, Trouw, Cocoon, and DC10. Cassy’s sets are always unique experiences, flowing with subtle grace through classic New York and Chicago house, Detroit techno, and soulful oddities while keeping the crowd on their toes with unexpected, catchy curveballs.

Her releases, too, have found a home on some of electronic music’s most beloved labels, including Perlon, Ostgut Ton, Uzuri, Beatstreet, Playhouse, Aus, and her own Cassy imprint. Earlier this month, Cassy launched her latest endeavor, Kwench Records, a label that will feature will feature two artists collaborating, with another remix artist. The imprint’s first outing was a three tracker alongside Demuir titled Please Me, with Fred P providing three outstanding interpretations—although, after hearing his contributions, Cassy decided that the tracks were so special that they had to have their own release, which is set to drop on December 15.

For this week’s podcast, we get to experience Cassy’s more housey side and the sort of set she would play when allowed to stretch out her dancefloor repertoire; it’s an elegantly woven collection full of warmth, funk, soul, and groove, from one of the best in the business.

When and where was the mix recorded?

It was recorded on Monday, November 20 in Geneva.

On what equipment did you record the mix?

Ableton.

Was there a particular idea or mood you were looking to convey?

It’s hard to put something like this into words. I tried to do something special that is close to how I play when I get the chance to play a longer or more interesting set. I have recently compiled some DJ charts, and so I collated a lot of great music doing this. I went through a lot of new releases, and also connected with labels that I hadn’t bought music from in a while. I never listen to my own mixes but I have listened back to this three times because the tracks inside it are just so great. There is a lot of great music around at the moment and it feels like there are more producers that are really giving a shit again.

Your new label Kwench focuses on artists collaborating—can you tell us how this works?

To start with, it’s me collaborating with different artists and then a remix artist. The label is fresh and new, and so producers will have to be convinced this is a great opportunity and artistic outlet. Putting two or more heads together is different to just one alone, and this is what should intrigue them. Let’s do something together we wouldn’t be able to do by ourselves.

What are your plans for the label?

To have a broad spectrum of house and tech house artists that like to keep an open mind and are producing from a sincere place.

What else do you have coming up this year and early next?

I am putting my focus into my new label, of which I can’t reveal the next releases yet. But I can tell you I am very excited about the Fred P remix EP coming in December. Three beautiful interpretations of mine and Demuir’s original EP Please Me.

Tracklisting:

01. Nightmares On Wax “Citizen Kane” (Ron Trent Nightdubbin)
02. Chaos in the CBD “False Awakening”
03. Credit 00 “War Drums”
04. Hardrive 2000 “Work This, Like This” (Conga Vibe Mix)
05. Errorsmith “Superlative Fatigue”
06. Ian Friday “All I Need” (Dub Vocal)
07. Marquis Hawkes “The Phoenix Part 2”
08. Soul Inscribed “Soul Shine” (Eli Escobar Dub)
09. Ron Trent “Dimensions”
10. Vonita White & Terrance Parker “Come On Praise Him” (Terrence Parker Gospel)
11. Kalk “Äkäsha” (Dj Oyster Edit)
12. Unbroken Dub “Seven” (Bassline Mix)
13. Ark “Hall Of Confusion”
14. Addison Groove “Shango” (Ejeca Remix)
15. MD X-Spress “God Made Me Phunky” (Izmabad Vox)
16. Herb Martin “Soul Drums”
17. Cassy x Demuir “Please Me” (Fred P Broken Vibes Mix)

Len Faki Next Up in Ask the Experts; Send Him Your Questions Now

Berlin-based DJ, producer, and label owner Len Faki is one of the most in-demand techno artists of his generation. He is an internationally requested DJ, whose productions and remixes are played by techno’s most prominent names. Being a resident at Berghain since its opening in 2004 keeps him “open-minded” as an artist, he explains, while his sound is constantly evolving without ever losing its energy.

Even before his move to Berlin in 2003, Faki had the experience of managing two techno labels: Monoid and Feis. These early years of fruitful productivity provided the necessary groundwork for the next big steps in his career. Upon his arrival in Berlin, it didn’t take long until he became a resident-DJ in the newly opened Berghain, a monthly experience he “wouldn’t want to miss for anything,” he explains.

In 2003 he founded his own label Figure as a new platform to play out his eclectic and open-minded vision of techno music. At first an outlet for his own productions, Figure developed into a well recognized, acclaimed label, releasing household names like Johannes Heil or Slam as well as upcoming producers like Setaoc Mass, Matrixxman, Cleric, and Roman Poncet.

In 2007, Faki released the double A-side Rainbow Delta/ Mekong Delta on Ostgut Ton, which became one of the biggest tracks of the year and an instant techno classic. The success and popularity of “Mekong Delta” brought a wave of attention to Faki, who answered with numerous successful follow-up tracks like “My Black Sheep“ or “Odyssee II,” which turned into massive club hits in 2007 and 2008, as well as “Death By House” for Sven Väth’s Cocoon label.

Faki’s love for the infinite variety of electronic music resulted in founding Figure SPC in 2009. In Spring 2009, another milestone in Len’s career was passed with the release of Berghain 03 on Ostgut Ton, Faki’s first commercial mix-CD. Accompanied by two 12″s with exclusive tracks from fellow producers like Radio Slave and Faki himself, the release further reinforced his status as one of the most innovative and versatile techno DJs in the business. Since then, Faki has found more and more pleasure in editing tracks for his DJ sets to further develop his sound on stage.

More recently, he’s launched new Figure sub-label Figure Jams and his own platform LF RMX, a non-profit label and that all earnings are donated to Straßenkinder e.V., a Berlin organization that contributes to the care of homeless children and child poverty.

So we now want to invite your questions.

Whether it be DJing, production, label management or anything else, all questions should be sent to [email protected] with “Len Faki” as the subject line. We’ll pass them along to Faki who will then select his favorites, and soon we’ll publish the answers.

Cleric and Setaoc Mass Prepare Collaborative Double EP

Cleric and Setaoc Mass will soon release a collaborative double EP, Isolate, on Clergy.

Isolate EP is the second collaborative project between Cleric and Setaoc Mass split over two discs. It will be the 10th installment on Cleric’s Clergy imprint, which has also released music by Dax J, Reflec, Wrong Assessment, and more.

The mysterious Mancunian producer Cleric has been active since 2012 and has released on labels such as Len Faki’s Figure, Arts, and his own imprint Clergy. DJ-producer Setaoc Mass’ debut release on Len Faki’s Figure caught the eye of some of the scene’s most respected DJs. He also runs his own SK_eleven imprint.

Tracklisting

A1 / 1. Altered States ft. John C. Lilly
A2 / 2. Odyssey
B1 / 3. Isolation
B2 / 4. Centre Of The Cyclone
C1 / 5. Madame Butterfly
C2 / 6. 188
D1 / 7. Subconcious Life
D2 / 8. Exploration X

Isolate EP will land on January 26, with “Madame Butterfly” streaming in full below.

Femme En Fourrure ‘Ride’ ft. Pykäri (Nightwave Remix)

Finnish duo Femme En Fourrure, comprised of Sandra Tervonen and Juuso Malin, return in 2017 with a new single “Ride.” It’s a duet between FEF and Mikko Pykäri, known for his work with the Finnish avant-pop trio, Regina.

“Ride” is a bittersweet ballad about being in love with the idea of having a crush on someone. “It encourages you to be emotionally open and find confidence in your own identity and sexuality,” the label explains.

The original is accompanied by a rework by Maya Medvesek, better known as Nightwave. She turns the original into a glossy and wildly futuristic version for the clubs, which can be downloaded in full via the WeTransfer button below.

Ride is released on FEF Corp. on December 15.

Ride (Nightwave Remix)

Cru the Dynamic ‘SHWR PWR’

Last month, Steve Bryant (a.k.a. Cru the Dynamic) dropped his latest release, a seven-track EP titled The Quick, via Young Heavy Souls.

Over the years, Bryant has made a career out of bringing a live element to electronic music, playing as the touring drummer for notable acts such as Benzos, Michna, Eliot Lipp, and Young & Sick. His new EP presents a collection of tracks that fuse several styles Bryant has been experimenting with over the years, from jungle and footwork to hip-hop and drum & bass.

In support of the EP, Bryant has offered up EP track “SHWR PWR” as today’s XLR8R download. With its fusion of percussive styles, it’s a cut that perfectly represents the EP’s focus, as Bryant explains:

“To me, this track strikes the perfect balance between drum & bass, footwork, and trap, which was the basic concept of this whole EP. I thought of the rhythmic motif while in the shower. Once I had the beat in my head the track came together really quickly.”

You can download “SHWR PWR” below, with the EP available here.

SHWR PWR

Download a Feel-Good Mix From Librarian

To close out the year, Waxtefacts label head Librarian has shared a feel-good mix of worldly grooves and exclusive unreleased cuts.

Launched last year with WXTFX001, a varied four-track VA, Waxtefacts has gone on to house a handful of standout releases from its family of artists, including Strip Steve, Interstate, DJ Storch, and Real J.

For his mix, Librarian presents a stunning selection of music gathered from artists around the world, taking in, among others, Russia, Denmark, Brazil, Japan, and France, as well as a collection of forthcoming Waxtefacts tracks.

You can download and stream the mix below.

Margot Next On Life and Death

Italian duo Margot will soon release a 12″ on DJ Tennis‘ Life and Death.

The four-track EP, with a digital bonus, will be the duo’s first 12″ on the label, having previously put out material on Hivern Discs, Internasjonal, Border Community, and their own Margot Records.

We’re told to expect “contemporary Italo-disco and foggy rave culture.”

The release comes with Dauwd and Kiwi remixes.

Tracklisting

A1. Amore a Bordo Pista (Original Mix)
A2. Amore a Bordo Pista (Dauwd Remix)
B1. Salsce (Original Mix)
B2. Salsce (Kiwi Remix)
Digital Bonus: Taormina (Original Mix)

Amore a Bordo Pista EP will land December 1, with the title track streaming below.

Scalameriya and VSK Return to CRS ltd

Scalameriya and label boss VSK have returned to CRS ltd with a new four-track EP.

The release lands after the duo’s “Envoy” track which landed on the label’s latest VA compilation. They’ve also proven to be a prolific team up in the past with releases on Perc Trax and Power Vacuum.

With Helix EP, they “continue to develop a fresh vision of techno, once again delivering tracks that represent a perfect symbiosis of their individual styles,” the label explains. “Without any fillers on board, this release showcases peak time tracks with instantly recognizable synths, sound design, and theatrical breakdowns.”

Tracklisting

A1 / 1. Helix
A2 / 2. Jade
B1 / 3. Gladius
B2 / 4. Avalon

Helix EP lands today on CRS ltd, with clips streaming below.

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