Zero T & Ulterior Motive - Breach b/w Zero T - Harms Way
since moving to london a few years ago, zero t has really stepped things up a gear. existing in relative d&b obscurity over in ireland, he has in recent years released a slew of tracks on some of the biggest labels in the game as well as recently starting his own imprint, footprints. this 12" sees him return to subtitles (his last outing on teebees label being the massive 'natural selection' b/w 'greedy guts', one of his finest pieces of wax to date) and hook up with flavours of the month, ulterior motive. whatever your feelings about the hype machine in d&b, it is undoubted that the u.m boys do deserve a lot of the praise that has been heaped on them in recent times. they have almost single-handedly brought about a resurgence in the late 90's/early 00's techstep sound akin to that of ed rush and optical and this a side for this release is very much a continuation of that theme - dark, twisting, futuristic beats and its good to see such a popular sub genre being brought up to date with a flourish. the b side carries on in the same vein but sees the irishman go it alone with more deep, brooding bass and atmospheres and little rolls on the hats to keep this moving along. its like wormhole all over again...
genotype with a little promo mix to whet your appetites ahead of organic @ grammaphone. full details of the night can be found by clicking the flyer on the right...
tracklisting: 01. Genotype - A Few Too Many 02. Darquarn - Warrior Stance(Amit Rmx) 03. Resound - Idlers 04. Loxy And Nolige - The Ripple Effect 05. Genotype - Here Yuh Now 06. DBR UK - Troubled Soul 07. Fracture and Neptune - The Limit 08. Genotype - Director ( The 8th) 09. Genotype - Further Searching 10. Fracture and Qualifide (Compound One) - Get Loose 11. Dubphizix - Handmade 12. Genotype - Ghostly Dub
tracklisting: 01. Skitty - Freedom - Foundation X 02. Skitty - Bully - Foundation X 03. Ruffneck Posse - Judgement [Times Like These] - Foundation X 04. Nolige - Warrior Sound - Scientific Wax 05. Nolige - Featcha - Foundation X 06. Skitty - Hornsman - Foundation X 07. Nasty Habits - NHS [Total Science Remix] - 31 Records 08. Wax Doctor - A new Direction [The Fix Remix] - Dubplate 09. Digital - Love Zone - Reinforced 10. Theory - Babylon Dem - Dubplate 11. Flatliners - Kangaroo Dub - Dubplate 12. Skitty - Principle - Black Audio 13. System - Short Circuit - Dubplate 14. Skitty - Dublin - Foundation X 15. Nolige - Ain't No Stopping - Foundation X 16. Skitty - For Abstractions - Foundation X 17. Ruffneck Posse - Flat 167 - Foundation X 18. Nebula - Last Stand [Nolige Remix] - Scientific Wax
a whole load of freebies from chris inperspective. this man is one of the most underrated producers & dj's in drum & bass by a long way, and far too few of his tunes see a release, so its good that a few of them are seeing the light of day here
dj lee & his atlas imprint are giving one person the chance to win an extremely rare test press of the forthcoming atlas release - 'useless' b/w 'relentless'. not only that, but the winner will also get the opportunity to battle lee at street fighter on the xbox. a prize indeed.
previews of the two tracks are embedded below, and if you want to be in it to win it, head on over to the atlas website using the link provided...
with releases out on sci wax digital & wrekanise, relapse is definitely one to keep and eye on, and he steps for digibeat music with this free ep...
"Starting off with a track exclusively created for digibeat, the man to watch brings us some eeerie sounding atmoshpherics in 'This Wheird Configuration' with an intro that leads you on forever.....into a devestating breakbeat workout.
To break things up a little before the mayhem continues, we've thrown in 'Endya', a nice soothing little downtempo track.
And finally, 'Burning Amen' (Relapse's Lets Get Drummy Remix)..... This track is a remix of a J. Digital original.....lets just say I think it's best to let the drum edits speak for themselves...."
the diffrent crew with their take on the podcast, the 'giraffecast'. head over to the diffrent soundcloud for previous episodes, and to grab a tasty free download from cuelock amongst other things...
"This is the third installment of the Diffrent Giraffecast, brought to you by Hunchbak and Dexta. In this episode we talk a little bit of rubbish, laugh a few times and play some some of the freshest D&B cuts known to man or beasty.
Expect to hear beats from the likes of Eveson, Data, 8Bit, Dan Marshall, Hybris, as well as a sneak preview of the "END OF THE WORLD EP" from Hunchbak & Jekyll and other in house exclusives."
one of the most anticipated, and delayed, projects in d&b history, commix's remix lp 're:call to mind' is now all finished and due for release on the 4th october. preview clips have gone up on their soundcloud and you can take a quick read of the press waffle below too to get an idea of the thinking behind the project. has it been worth the wait? in edj's opinion, most definitely yes. after the hype, burials remix of 'be true' is a little disappointing, but the hype surrounding anything that man does is a little ridiculous, they way people go on you'd think he was the second coming of christ in reclusive music producer form. however his effort is still pretty good but stand outs for edj are the made up sound, pangaea, dbridge, instramental & kassem mosse tracks. the launch party featuring the men themselves, marcel dettmann, instra:mental & pangaea takes place on the 8th of october @ rich mix in london. full details and tickets can be found here.
"When Commix made the original “Call to Mind”, one of their aims with the project was to reference the various styles that had influenced them. "Be True" was a nod to the heavily chopped up and looped samples that J-Dilla had made into a style of his own, "Bellevue" was an attempt at trying to create a minimal techno aesthetic within a drum & bass timeframe, and "Change" was their attempt at doing a modernised take on the Bristol sound of the late 90's.
When the idea for doing a remix project came about it was important to them that it continue this theme, but also that they bring in musicians that have recently flourished and brought something different to there particular genre.
Commix explain the logic behind their choices…
1. Japanese Electronics - Instra:mental Remix “At the time of writing the original of this we had become pretty much obsessed with Drexciya and their many pseudonyms. So who better to call on to remix this than Instra:mental whose love of analogue synths and drum machines suited this track perfectly. Since their first track for Soul:R we knew these guys had something special about them.”
2. How You Gonna Feel - Pangaea Remix “We had this track for a long time as an instrumental. When writing it we drew influence from the RnB sound - from people like Dwele and Jill Scott - and Steve Spacek's vocal complemented that style completely. For the remix we really wanted to get one of the Hessle Audio guys involved – along with Hotflush it has become our favourite "Dubstep" imprint, and Pangaea is certainly one of their brightest talents.”
3. Change - A Made Up Sound Remix “David Huisman is one of the most talented producers on the scene at the moment – not only under the name 2562, but also with his house and techno orientated A Made Up Sound alias. His imprint under the same name has become one of the few labels that you can practically buy-on-sight knowing that it’s a mark of quality. So we were really pleased to have him onboard remixing our mid 90s-esque Bristol roller.”
4. Belleview - dBridge Remix “dBridge is one of the only guys from the late 90s and early 00s that has evolved his sound without compromising his vision of d’n’b or selling out in anyway. It really feels like he's come into his own since hooking up with Instra:mental to do the Autonomic podcasts and label, not to mention the music these guys have written together. We knew we wanted Darren to be a part of the project and with Bellevue's minimal structure and style it seemed like the perfect track to have him remix.”
5. Be True - Burial Remix “Burial’s "Untrue" LP is, as far as were concerned, the best electronic album of any genre in the last 10 or even 15 years. It’s dripping with understated euphoria and completely individual. We knew we wanted to have him involved and were over the moon when he accepted. The results speak for themselves really: a truly timeless piece of music.”
6. Strictly - Kassem Mosse Remix “The original Strictly was very much a homage to early 90's British electronica like Black Dog, and early house music on labels like Strictly Rhythm. Over the last couple of years Kassem Mosse has really stood out with his lo-fi gritty and slow house and techno so seemed the perfect choice.”
7. Spectacle - Two Armadillos Remix “The original was one of our early attempts at doing deep house music in the same vein as artists like Moodymann, Pepe Braddock or Ron Trent. So when the idea of getting these guys to do their version came up it seemed perfect. As well as Giles Smith running one of the most successful underground house nights in London and beyond, his Two Armadillos project with producer Martin Dawson has produced some really interesting stuff over the last few years.”
8. Emily's Smile - Sigha Remix “South London based Sigha is building up a steady stream of quality releases for Scuba's Hotflush label. Although the label is better known for its dubstep output, Sigha’s take on techno is, for us, the most exciting stuff to come through on the label. The original track is more reminiscent of mid-90s ‘intelligent’ d’n’b, but Sigha has turned it into a slow burning dub techno affair.”
9. Satellite Type 2 - Marcel Dettmann Remix 1 “In the last few years, Marcel Dettmann has been pivotal in bringing through a new techno sound that almost seems like a backlash against the hugely popular yet largely stagnant minimal style. Taking influence from second-wave Detroit techno such as Robert Hood or Underground Resistance, Birmingham based artists like Surgeon or the whole late 90s Berlin and Rotterdam scenes, his music is a real breath of fresh air as far were concerned. Our original version on Satellite Type 2 was heavily influenced by techno and he was the perfect candidate to remix this.”
10. Satellite Song - Underground Resistance Remix 2 ““Call to Mind” also featured a different version of this track, but as we were so unsure about which to release at the time it was great to have an opportunity to get this out as well. These guys have been a big influence over our music, not just in terms of sounds and production but also in the way they do things in a subversive and secretive manner. This version has a completely different vibe to the first remix and is typical of what these guys stand for.”"
Various Artists - On A Misson Too EP [Kos Mos Music]
a - Electrosoul System – Waveglider b - Purple Haze – Purplescape c - Logarithmia – Feel Your Heartbeat d - B Cloud – Resurrection e - Electrosoul System & N Phonix - Aegis f - Electrosoul System - Have A Break
the latest offering from electrosoul systems kos mos imprint, following on from the superb first 'on a mission' ep. this one comes in slightly longer with 6 tracks and they range from the old school bukem vibes with 'feel your heartbeat', the deep and rolling with 'aegis' and the smooth and jazzy with 'have a break'. wicked stuff.
tracklisting: 01. Biorhythm - How Distant Your Heart [Dub] 02. Synkro - Departure [Medschool] 03. Bop - Idea [Sonorous] 04. Scuba - So You Think You're Special [Hotflush] 05. Sam KDC & Vendy - How Long [Depp Soul Music] 06. Lenzman - More Than I Can Take [Modulations] 07. Traid - Distraction [Deep Soul Music] 08. Furi Anga - Spark & Flame [Shady Brain] 09. Data - Tapeworm [Horizons] 10. Dakosa - Hustlers [Digi-Lab] 11. S13 & Intakz - Milawi [Vampire] 12. Mecca - Leviathan [Subtle Audio Digital] 13. Mortem - Deadly Object [IM:LTD] 14. Es.Tereo & Felix K - Spartan [Hidden Hawaii Digital] 15. Material & Reza - The World As We Know It [Influenza Media] 16. Mode - Stats [Ingredients] 17. Omnius - Solace [Amen Brothers] 18. Sam KDC - Six Degrees of Separation [Deep Soul Music] 19. Sunchase - Breakpoint [Drone Audio] 20. DBR UK - Fighting The Storm [Broken Audio] 21. Jose James - Warrior (Rockwell Remix) [Brownswood UK
if youre a random movement fan then youre in for a treat here...
"Wow. I’m tired. Here is every tune I’ve done since 2002, minus 8 tracks I couldn’t find good mixes for, or find at all for that matter. I managed to keep this mix under 3 hours, but the mixing is very quick… Sorry for not having it up sooner. It’s safe to say that I bit off a bit more than I could chew with this mix. Now…
tracklisting: Random Movement - The Intersection P.M. Random Movement - Used Illusions Random Movement - She Don’t Get It Random Movement - Kids in the Sea Random Movement - Time 2 Rock Random Movement - Stare at the Sun Random Movement - Bag O’ Wire Random Movement - Yeah, That’s It Random Movement - Struggle to the Grave Random Movement & Switch - When You Reach Random Movement - Sabina Random Movement - Ruthless Machine Random Movement - Reaching Deeper Random Movement - Police State Random Movement - All Wrong Random Movement - Please Don’t Leave Me Random Movement - Change For the Train Home Random Movement - ‘Till Doomsday Random Movement - Last Night’s Dream Random Movement - Can’t Resist Random Movement - Hotter Measures Random Movement - Psychedelic Drainpipe Random Movement - Roulette Addiction Random Movement - Infinite Random Movement & S.P.Y - Forgotten Mother Random Movement & MixMaster Doc - Itchatechnica Random Movement & Dan Marshall - Current SItuation Random Movement - Believe No Other Random Movement - One Touch Random Movement - The Student Random Movement & Focus - Shattered Dreams VIP Random Movement & Dave Owen - Child’s Play Random Movement - Finally Feeling It Random Movement - Morning Glory Random Movement - Scarlet Trouble Random Movement - Dancing With Devils Random Movement - Lucky Guess Random Movement, MixMaster Doc & Focus - My Sentiments Random Movement - Her Song Random Movement - The Intersection A.M. Random Movement - The Loner Code Marky & Makoto - Secret Place (Random Movement Remix) Random Movement & MixMaster Doc - Follow My Own Path, Dig My Own Grave Random Movement - Fessing Up About Nothing Random Movement & MixMaster Doc - Rattled System Marky, S.P.Y & Random Movement - Give Me Your Love feat. Miri Random Movement - Porno Truck Random Movement - What a Woman Macc - Methods of the Small Thought (Random Movement remix) Random Movement - Revealed Random Movement - Face 2 Face Redeyes, Random Movement & Mutt feat. MC Mike Romeo - Groove Thing Random Movement - Back In My Life DJ Peyo - That’s What You Do To Me (Random Movement remix) Random Movement - Hopeless Romantic Random Movement & MixMaster Doc - To Create a Mood Random Movement - When You Come Alive Random Movement - Cutting Thru Hackney Random Movement & Focus - Methods of Thought Random Movement - Memory Lane Random Movement - They Locked Me Down Random Movement - Living in the Past Random Movement - Lesson & Aftermath Random Movement - Bandaids Random Movement - De-Nomination Random Movement - What To Do With Myself Random Movement - Love Nights Random Movement - Reasoning With The Weeds Redeyes & Random Movement - How Many Ways Random Movement - A Good Start is Saying No Random Movement - Lifegiver Random Movement - Swing That Thing Random Movement & MixMaster Doc - Ruffled Feathers Marky & Random Movement - Cat Girl Random Movement, MixMaster Doc, Focus & Noah D. - Sacrifice Random Movement - A Quick Thought Dan Marshall - Smoke & Mirrors (Random Movement remix) Random Movement - Misery Marky & Random Movement -Gabriels Theme Random Movement -See You On The Other Side (For Steven) BCee & Lomax - One Year On feat. Deizm (Random Movement VIP remix) Random Movement - Stars in the Dark Random Movement - Randomhaus (John Julius Night - Find a Friend bootleg remix) Random Movement - Opportunity Random Movement & Switch - Images Random Movement & MixMaster Doc - Big Changes Random Movement - Red Random Movement - Risk Random Movement - Saturated Fats Random Movement & MixMaster Doc - The Self-Aware Convection Oven
finding it exceptionally difficult to find the time to mix at the moment (have been for months to be honest *cry*) but my latest is up now over at phuture frequency if anyone cares to take a listen.....
"Back in the mix for Phuture Frequency after a very lengthy absence due all manner of trials and tribulations outside of my control. As mentioned in the blurb of my last mix (if you can remember back that far!) I’ve really been getting into the grey area between techno, dubstep and house recently and this mix is a little continuation on that theme with 30 minutes of dubbed out four to the floor beats. Enjoy!"
tracklisting: 1. Mount Kimbie – At Least [Instra:Mental Remix] 2. A Made Up Sound – Bounce 3. A Made Up Sound – Closer 4. Roman Lindau – Keppra 5. Mount Kimbie – Vertical [SCB Edit] 6. Martyn – Miniluv 7. Orphan 101 – Tribtek Pt. 1 8. Headhunter & Orphan 101 – V.7.01 9. Headhunter & Gatekeeper – Jellyfish
i also strongly urge you to head over to http://www.pfradio.com and check out the shed load of other top drawer mixes from a whole host of sickeningly talented dj's.....
guaranteed feelgood vibes from the always excellent sir real..
"This is a collection of tunes that I have wanted to put in mixes all year but hadn’t found the right time until now. The mix stays true to my melodic and feel good vibe and lasts about 100 minutes."
tracklisting: Phil Tangent – Lunar >>>> Calibre feat Fats – Drop it down Eveson – So fine Marky & Spy – The doppler effect Carlito & Addiction – Just wanna be Matrix and Futurebound – Family (Nu:Logic remix) Technicolour & Komatic – Day Dreamer Lenzman – Rags to riches Erica Badu – Honey Bootleg Eveson – get your swerve on Calibre & Zero-T – Waterfall Random Movement – Waterlogged Calibre – Signs BCee & Spy – Nothing to declare Calibre – Judgment Day Technocolour & Komatic – Skyline Boulevard Eveson – Fantasize Marcus Intalex & ST files – 9x9 vocal remix Bonobo – The Kepper (Redeyes remix) Twighlight – BMK (Utah Jazz remix) Lenzman feat Jo-S – Coincidence A-Sides feat Deeizm – Change Mutt feat Visionary – Things have changed Claude Von Stroke – Aundy (Marky & Spy remix) Presence - Sense of danger (Caibre remix) Mutt feat Kevin King – Thinking Phil Tangent – Billie’s Smile
next up for the mjazz camp, following on from the collaborative '839 lp' from justice & metro, is the aquisse remix project. for those who dont know, 'aquisse' is one of justice's most well known and well loved tracks. a bonafide old school classic, its one of the many reasons why he and the mjazz label are held in such high regard in d&b circles. 2010 marks the tracks fifteenth birthday so he thought it would be a good opportunity to bring it up to date and release it for a new generation of d&b fans. for this, what can be imagined slightly daunting task, he enlisted the talents of no less than 6 of his favourite producers in the genre at the moment, and with the project set to drop anytime soon, edj caught up with justice himself and the 6 producers for a quick q&a about the project and what it entailed.
to kick things off, it seems pertinent to post up the original for a point of reference as such...
Justice
edj: What was the thinking behind this project, and why did you choose Aquisse in particular to be remixed?
Aquisse has always been a special track for me , and it was something really different when i made it, so i thought as it was its 15th birthday this year it would be nice to do something to mark the ocassion.
edj: Why did you choose the 6 producers you did for remix duties?
I was kicking the idea around last year in my head, and it was at the time when I had just started to get some bits off of Muted and I think he asked about having a crack at remixing it. Basically it's all the guys whose music i check for and are I guess the core Mjazz-ers. I suppose also it's a good mix of a couple of "names" on the scene with the likes of Sinistarr and Chris Inp, the criminally under rated in Paranoid Society, the up and coming Diamond Eye and Muted and of course Metro. All those involved have been involved in Mjazz projects over the past year and others a bit longer and all wanted to be involved in the remix project. For me it's not about drafting in big names and that, but just working with a bunch of people whose music I like and giving a platform for the new fella's.
edj: As everyone has mentioned, you didnt send over a great deal of parts for the track...was that deliberate to try and get something totally different to the original, or was it simply a case of not having the original bits & pieces anymore? How hard was it to track down the parts you did have?
Well i could lie and say it was a ploy to try and get the remixers to explore sonic boundaries by giving them only a few sounds/ samples but..........the truth of the matter was that I could only find a few of the original samples....! Basically i had loads of stuff on DAT tapes backed up so it was a case of trawling through 2 or 3 tapes to see what I had. I roughly knew where they were and knew there wouldn't be many, but to be fair everyone got on and came back with something fresh, so it worked out well.
edj: Going back over one of your older tunes like this, and a bonafide classic at that, did it bring about any feelings of nostalgia and memories of d&b past? Any plans to re-release any of you back catalogue for a new generation?
Oh yeah of course, I can still remember the studio and the making of the tune and recording the first session onto a cassette tape to take home and check out. I played it in the car on the way home and the mixdown i had going on just by muting in and out sounds on cubase sounded wicked, So the next session I literally copied what I was hearing on the tape when I did my arrangement. It's funny the things tunes can conjure up- places, times, people, I can often remember a certain year by a tune I did .In respect of back catalogue there are plans afoot because when all the original Mjazz bits came out the internet didn't exist so digital content of all of those is being worked on. The Icons "Emotions with Intellect" will see its digi release in the not too distant future.
edj: Can you give us a quick breakdown of each track, and what you think each one brings in terms of the vibe and reference to the original?
Metro keeps it real simple, strips it right back and gets a nice 80's vibe rolling. Obv the pad is the main element of the tune and all the remixers have weaved this through their work. Chris Inp gets all dubby and futuristic and uses it in a real subtle way along with other elements which drop in and out, its experimental but in no way inaccessible, it builds and rises and falls away again and really captures the feeling of Aquisse. Sinistarr rolls it out, bigs up the pad and name checks me in the tune, it don't get much better than that. Muted and Paranoid Society use the main pad and share a re-riff of it . Muted goes his sparse/lush kick drum influenced direction an d makes it float and the Para boys give it a 2010 remix set in 1995, call it an homage to the era, I guess it 's what Aquisse may have sounded like if i hadn't used an 808 kit on it back then. And last and by no means least Diamond Eye actually replays the man pad riff, which is a real nice touch and drops in some killer breaks and bass, it has a vibe all of its own, and i think overall , all of the mixes offer something different and that there is something for everyone.
edj: Can you let everyone when this project will hit the shops?
The project will drop in September on Digital and will be followed by some sort of vinyl product.
edj: Shouts/thanks...
Shouts to all the mans........Sinistarr, Metro, Chris Inperspective, Creep and Paranoid Society, Muted, Diamond eye, Gappa G, Stunna and anyone else that knows me...............
and onto the remixes. as mentioned by justice, each one brings something different to the table so take a listen and choose your favourite...
edj: Have you done much remix work before? How much more or less enjoyable do you find it than writing original pieces?
I luuuurve remixing.. to be honest my original tunes are sort of remixes anyway. The way i sample and everything lends to remixes I think.... Or it could just be I'm a complete thief.. lol!!!! I enjoy wring my stuff or collaborating as well as doing remixes. I cannot choose between the 2 as it's all making music to me..
edj: How did you approach this remix? Having listened to the original did you have a particular idea in mind for what you wanted to do or did you just sit down with the samples and let your imagination run away...?
I didn't listen to the original. I have it anyway and know the tune fairly well.. I was tempted to listen to remind me but didn't as I wanted it to be really indicative of a Chris Inperspective tune. Glad I didn't to be honest, I think it would have come out differently.
edj: Obviously the original track is some 14 years old now - how hard was it bringing it up to date without losing that laid back old school feel of the original?
Not hard at all, I just made the tune... 14 Years though!! Jeez thanks for making me feel old, but nowhere near as old as Justice so I'm ok with that. He's better looking though!!!
edj: Out of the all the remixes in the collection which is your favourite?
The muted remix to be fair is top notch and sinistarr and Diamond eye's are the nuts but they all have something wicked about them and so i just hope my take on this legendary tune holds up.
edj: Have you done much remix work before? How much more or less enjoyable do you find it than writing original pieces?
Well, to be honest, the Aquisse remix was actually my first remix but since then I've worked on other remixes as well. For me, remixing and making a tune from scratch is very different, I can't compare those two options. But out of those I prefer making my own music, I want to go my own ways.
It's good though once in a while to take a remix project to shake things up a bit.
edj: How did you approach this remix? Having listened to the original did you have a particular idea in mind for what you wanted to do or did you just sit down with the samples and let your imagination run away...?
At the time I made this remix I wasn't too skilled if you know what I mean. I had only been producing for few months and my abilities with Reason we're very limited. At the time I was trying to develop my sound and I hardly used snares at that time so the remix has this flava I had going on at that time. Aquisse the original is one of my fav dnb tunes of all time and I asked Justice to find the samples so I could try and make my version of it and this was the outcome.
edj: Obviously the original track is some 14 years old now - how hard was it bringing it up to date without losing that laid back old school feel of the original?
It was pretty hard hehe, I hope it worked out alright for me. Most of the samples we're lost and we didn't have much to work with, but overall I'm really happy with all those remixes, been playing them a lot.
edj: Out of the all the remixes in the collection which is your favourite?
I think all the remixes are strong but my personal fav is Chris Inperspectives.
edj: Have you done much remix work before? How much more or less enjoyable do you find it than writing original pieces?
In the past I used to do a few for some competitions, but not really done any for any other artists, apart for Justice. Its a cool thing to be giving the opportunity to do especially if its a bit more challenging, but I do like writing original bits too!
edj: How did you approach this remix? Having listened to the original did you have a particular idea in mind for what you wanted to do or did you just sit down with the samples and let your imagination run away...?
I love the original, the main synths and chords that run through it are infectious, original electro style beats and bass true Justice Classic, my approach was to keep it simple hence the name of my remix (Metro's simples mix) I wasn't given a lot to go on sample wise as the original was 14 years back and not a lot of bits were available, but the main bits where there. I just created the simple beat pattern using an original kit and looped end clips of samples so as to be a bit different and obviously used the main stab in all the right places as for me that makes that tune.
edj: Obviously the original track is some 14 years old now - how hard was it bringing it up to date without losing that laid back old school feel of the original?
If anything I would say my version has more of an early 80's electro bounce to it, but the beats are still up to date, its different than most, just how I like it.
edj: Out of the all the remixes in the collection which is your favourite?
All of them..... Paranoids for their old skool jungle feel, could almost be a remix from when it was originally made, Muted's is lush and laid back a real pleasure to listen to, as is Chris Inperspective's with the added old skool rolls and sounds for good measure (he probably remember the original from when it came out)...... the its a toss up between DE and the man from Detroit, imo both are equal, and both are very top draw!! peace and love to all.
edj: Have you done much remix work before? How much more or less enjoyable do you find it than writing original pieces?
This is my first remix project as i wanted my own tunes up to standard before taking on anyone elses work. I find it easier than original pieces but i like a challenge.
edj: How did you approach this remix? Having listened to the original did you have a particular idea in mind for what you wanted to do or did you just sit down with the samples and let your imagination run away...?
I approached it like it was my own track, just darkened up the bassline and added some additional keys / synth lines. I listened to the original and as soon as I heard the pad and the way it kept building i knew exactly where to go with it, keeping it true to the original but with more grit.
edj: Obviously the original track is some 14 years old now - how hard was it bringing it up to date without losing that laid back old school feel of the original?
Bringing it up to date wasn't too hard as it sounds like what is about now! I just wanted to make it a floor smasher as the pads have that "hands in the air" feel, while staying true to the original instrumentation and parts of the percussion.
edj: Out of the all the remixes in the collection which is your favourite?
My favourite remixes are the Paranoid Society and Sinistarr ones, they're both strictly jungle vibes.
edj: Have you done much remix work before? How much more or less enjoyable do you find it than writing original pieces?
I can`t really remember the last time i tried to make a remix on somebody`s tune and you know it felt really good tossin` myself into deeps of the 90`s drum and bass vibe
edj: How did you approach this remix? Having listened to the original did you have a particular idea in mind for what you wanted to do or did you just sit down with the samples and let your imagination run away...?
Haha , this one is kinda ouch question . I`ve heared about the remix campaign while i was talkin` to Bjarni aka Muted and he gave me his version of the aquisse so when i listened to it it felt so good , his pad layerin` was so familiar to me and it sounded nothing like the original version so i took it and added a combination of the classical breaks, punchie sub bass and some reinforced samples on top ... the result - you`ll be the judge
edj: Obviously the original track is some 14 years old now - how hard was it bringing it up to date without losing that laid back old school feel of the original?
I can`t say how my version of the track is up to date actually , i`ve decide from the beginin` that it`ll have that 90`s vibe and nothing like todays drum and bass so it wasn`t hard , cause i was in my plate of soup
edj: Out of the all the remixes in the collection which is your favourite?
I would say Sinistarr`s version is the most i like , nice subbass work and those tickling keys , you just have to love it.
edj: Have you done much remix work before? How much more or less enjoyable do you find it than writing original pieces?
I've done a few remixes so far, but mainly for non dnb labels (i.e. http://www.exchangebureaumusic.com), only 3, including this one have been for dnb artists. I REALLY like making remixes, my whole upbringing on a remix is to flip it completely, but retain the same elements, and then warp those to make it really pop. I do research and break the track down from top to bottom, and then move from there.
edj: How did you approach this remix? Having listened to the original did you have a particular idea in mind for what you wanted to do or did you just sit down with the samples and let your imagination run away...?
I listened to the original when Tony sent it to me for a month and a half before I started on the remix; what was cool is that he didn't send me drums at all, he sent a big file with all the synths & pads, which made me think outside the box a lot more :)
edj: Obviously the original track is some 14 years old now - how hard was it bringing it up to date without losing that laid back old school feel of the original?
By taking it back!! I made mine an homage to the 90s sound - crazy think breaks, the name shout out all over the track -- not to give away too much of course!!!
edj: Out of the all the remixes in the collection which is your favourite?
There were more remixes? KIDDING of course! :p LOL... really like Chris INP's and Diamond EyE's, cheeky flair on those two :)
so there you go. counting the votes on the last question (not that it matters one iota of course, they're all sick) sinistarr's bouncy relick is the favourite amongst all those invloved. edj's vote would go to the man from detroit too, closely followed by diamond eye, so congrats go to sinistarr. your packet of toffetts and choc pot dip are in the post....
as mentioned, this project will be hitting shops in september so keep your eyes peeled and grab yourself an updated slice of d&b history.
Seba - Never Let You Go b/w This Is Our House [Warm Communications]
an incredibly hard pick this week given the huge amount of amazing music that has surfaced recently, and in the usually quiet summer period no less. however, it should be well known by now that edj has an unhealthy amount of love for seba so this 12" on the excellent warm communcations just makes it as the best of the bunch.
'never let you go' is classic seba - a nice warm bass, bouncy, melodic synths, lush atmospheric pads, crisp intricate drum work and soulful vocals. the track constantly moves and evolves which keeps the listener glued from the first beat to the last, superb stuff. however, its the aa side that really is head and shoulders above not only the a side but pretty much most d&b being made. again, a nice bouncy bassline, scatty drums and warm pads, but the classic 'let there be house' vocal is what sets it apart. epic in its nature, seba is the only producer that could pull this off without making it sound overly cheesy. a real tour de force and its 12's like this that reaffirm edj's faith in, and love for, d&b. quite simply stunning.
alluded to last week, dj rum has the honour (!) of being the bonus 12" again this week. more deep dubstep/techno crossover tracks, he is definitely a name to keep your eye on. purchase immediately.
cyantfic has just announced the impending launch of his new label, and heres a little mix to get the ball rolling. featuring d&b, house, dubstep and elctro, most agree that hes one of the finest dj's in the business so dont sleep on this...
tracklisting: Danny Byrd - Ill Behaviour The Kox - It's OK Logistics - Together Drumsound & Bassline Smith - Can You Feel It? Cyantific & Logistics - Brighter Day Sigma - Stronger Cyantific - Obey Sub Focus - Deep Space Jack Beats - Out Of Body AC Slater - Jack Got Jacked (Jack Beats Remix) Bitin' Back - She's Breakin' Up Tensnake - Coma Cat Evil 9 - Ultimo Katy B - Louder Shock One - Polygon (Dirtyphonics Remix - Cyantific Edit) Xample & Lomax - Link To The Past Gridlok & The Upbeats - The Jitters Dizzee Rascal - Heavy Zarif - Box Of Secrets (Redlight Remix) Redlight & Ms Dynamite - What You Talkin' About? Nero - Welcome Reality Unknown - Turn It Around (Cyantific Edit) DC Breaks - Halo Chase & Status - Let You Go (Brookes Brothers Remix) Original Sin & Taxman - Penamana Fresh - Talkbox Sub Focus - Timewarp VIP Project Bassline - Drop The Pressure (Jack Beats Remix) Major Lazer - Pon The Floor Zinc - Nexx JJ Fad - Supersonic
edj gets a fair few emails from producers and dj's looking for exposure for their tunes/mixes etc. whilst everyone is always looked into and investigated and noone discounted out of hand, (massive thanks to everyone that gets in touch by the way, dont mean to sound arrogant and aloof here!) very few are ever deemed worthy to get a post up (impossibly high standards see). it made a pleasant change in this case therefore when sheffield based producer wagz got in touch to let edj know about the selection of freebies hes got for download on his soundcloud page. three are embedded below (edj's personal favourites) but head on over for even more d&b, some unofficial hip-hop remixes/mashups and all sorts....
Dub-One - Wray b/w It Was Destined To Happen [Ingredients]
'this is jungle!' say the people at st and they are indeed correct. dub one, along with fellow sci wax cohorts equinox, nolige, reactiv & the likes, is flying the flag for the amen in the 21st century. wray has been floating around on dub for some 2 years now but its finally sees the light of day on the finest new label to spring up in recent times, ingredients. rolling edits, airy flutes and horns plus some choice ragga vocals give it an old school feel with a modern wist, whilst the b side goes in on a dubby half time flex as dub one takes on the 'minimal' trend in d&b at the moment.
**Bonus 12!**
DJ Rum - Plead With Me b/w Emerald (The Antidote) [Smokin Sessions]
coming straight out of nowhere with some absolutely killer tunes is dj rum. this is his debut 12" and he comes with two slices of laid back techno/dubstep crossover tracks. amazing tunes right here. keep an eye for his second release - st martins (featured on the scuba vs scb resident advisor podcast mix) b/w tensions - that comes out on 'on the edge' next week. no worries if you miss it, it will no doubt be the bonus 12" next week.
keeping on the oxford tip, the city's most well known d&b export, total science, throw down a quick mix ahead of their slot in Rm 3 for the Ciritcal Sound takeover on August 13th