Progressing at a steady rate of only one release per year since 2011, Glasgow label All Caps recently served up its third 12", courtesy of Kowton. Described on the label's soundcloud simply as "an ode to ruff sqwad", it isn't difficult to guess which path the Bristol producer took with this one. With drums pushed to the very limit and piercing strings to match, 'TFB' acts as the perfect follow up to Helix's skewed grime experiment 'Stacks Riddim'.
TFB - Kowton[All Caps]
Despite the variety of styles so far, All Caps already seems to have a solid aesthetic in place, consistently gritty and functional dance music. If the latest Soundcloud offering is anything to go by, the fourth release is set to swing things back in a 4x4 direction once more.
20 - Guy Evans[forthcoming All Caps]
Kowton's release is available for pre-order via Rubadub, complete with a Karenn remix on the flip. Follow All Caps on Facebook to keep up to date.
To follow up from Build's biggest release to date, a very smooth sounding collaborative album entitled 'Joint Ventures', label boss Baobinga answers a few questions exclusively for us...
Hi Sam. First of all, congratulations on ‘Joint Ventures’ – a fantastic listen. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you first started up in the UK music scene.
Glad you like it! As far as I go, I got into dance music through jungle and techno, and then followed my way through an obsession with interesting drums along many twists and turns to wherever I am now...
In 2011 new labels seem to be appearing all the time, but what motivated you to start a label back in 2009?
Well, I'd got a bunch of tunes stockpiled that all seemed to be hanging together quite well, and the opportunity arose to get the label going without having to risk a huge amount of capital upfront (thanks Multiverse!), so it was a case of the right situation arising at the right time. I'd been thinking about doing a label for a while, but it was only around 2009 that it seemed as if the barriers between genres and styles had broken down enough for me to be able to do the kind of label I wanted to do - i.e. one that wasn't pushing a specific narrow stylistic agenda.
You have just released the vinyl of BUILD006, a collaboration between yourself and Guido. How important do you think it is that labels continue to put tunes out on wax?
I think it's very important, even in the sense that although sales aren't great at the moment, people still respect a vinyl release over a digital-only record - and this applies to young producers who don't really buy much or any vinyl, they still feel that a vinyl release gives a record some kind of 'reality' or solidity. For me personally, I love vinyl and I love the culture of record shops, so I'm happy to be able to contribute in some way to keeping that going.
You have collaborated with so many different artists, from Mensah to Cosmin TRG. How do you find collaboration as a way of producing and have there been any which just haven’t quite worked out?
I really enjoy working with different people - it's a great way to learn new tricks and it kind of forces you to come with your best stuff as well! When a collaboration works really well, I think you can hear elements of both producers in the track, but there's also something there that you wouldn't normally find in either producer's work - that's the exciting element and what makes the whole thing fun. There's been a couple that haven't worked out, but I think that has generally been down to scheduling issues and general lack of time on both sides, rather than any kind of dramatic personality clash with people storming out of the studio, smashing synths and threatening violence!
Trans Pennine Express - Baobinga & Jack Sparrow
What was it that persuaded you to launch into the ‘Joint Ventures’ project, does it feel like quite a big departure from the run of twelves that have preceded it?
For me, I feel like the album is a continuation of the direction the label has been taking over the past 2 years, and it also served as a useful marker to work towards - a big project on which I could focus my energies. Obviously, the label has almost by accident become a showcase for collaborations, but beyond that, the album presents a wide range of tempos and styles, which is something I've tried to do with the singles as well. The level of work that goes into promoting an album is definitely a step up from putting a single out though - I need a week on a beach!
As you said, the album sees you producing at a range of different tempos, is this something that you can see yourself doing more of in the future?
Yeah definitely - particularly in terms of D'n'B, and the slower house stuff. Those tunes were really fun to write, as they have such a different step on them, compared to the more usual 125-140bpm range. Switching tempos is another thing that can keep the process of creating music fresh and exciting, which is important if you want to keep making music that is fresh and exciting!
Gun Talk - Rider Shafique
The "UK Bass" scene seems to have been morphing constantly over the last year or so, how important do you feel a strong local scene such as the one in Bristol is to the development of a distinctive sound?
I'm not sure location is quite as vital as it used to be back in the day - for example, the way certain clubs and record stores were instrumental in developing disco, house, jungle or dubstep for example - but it is great to be working in a city where there are so many talented people doing their thing, and also willing to mix it up. For example, at Pinch's monthly Dubloaded night, you'll see everyone from house purists to grime kids getting together and chatting and checking stuff out, and that is a big part of what makes Bristol exciting. The rise of the internet has reduced the importance of physical location, but then again there may well be a backlash against that, where people want to feel that what they are listening to is rooted in something real. I guess the rise of Berghain techno links in to this - the strength of that sound is very much tied with ideas about Berlin and that particular club, which adds weight to the story behind the music.
And finally, what is your vision for Build during the second half of 2011? Any exciting new artists you think we should be keeping an eye out for?
I'd like grow Build as a brand - doing more Build themed rooms, as we have a wide range of artists involved in the label now, and the Build nights we have done have worked really well. We'll probably put out another single from the album, maybe with some interesting remixes, and I'll probably work with some more people that are making interesting music at the moment. I've got a couple of names in mind, but I'm going to keep them under wraps until everything is sorted. I'd like to see more releases from Kahn this year, and I'm also hoping the slow house thing will blow up a bit - check out Behling for some quality mixes in that vein; proper heavy slow groovers!
Thanks, Sam!
You can buy 'Joint Ventures' for the bargain price of £7.00 direct from Build's website.
And if you want a little taster, check out this free track from Baobinga & Randomer.
After hanging with these boys on Saturday at Parklife (not a recommended festival but more on that later) it's about time we got this up. Maribou State have been going from strength to strength since their exclusive mix for us; they've been signed to TFA Agency and have a release coming out very soon on Fat! Records. This one's a remix of TMS who seem to have come out of nowhere with the promo and remixes, for their not particularly good Disco (or maybe that's another TMS?). Anyway this remix shows Maribou State's progression and reinstates why we had them do a mix for us, snap it up quick.
I Need You (Maribou State Remix) - TMS
Whilst still on Parklife topic, the Crosstown tent was rammed so as the evening drew to a close we watched Two Door Cinema Club on the main stage. As far as Indie music goes, they're pretty excellent. This remix has been rolling around for a while but as it's on a slow vibrant Disco vibe, it will definitely go down well with the ladies.
Something Good Can Work (RAC Remix) - Two Door Cinema Club
It pleases us to see Graphics (if you haven't yet come across the name, check the introducing post) doing well getting on the official remixes and coming out with productions like this. I don't think this made it to the actual release but nonetheless it bounces along and you should keep your eye for the name, we're sure there's more goodness to come.
Drive (Graphics Remix) - Alpines
Jack Steadman we met before in this post. These two don't really follow on from before but still both are good music in their own right. 'Gold Tooth' takes a bouncy Hip Hop vibe whilst 'Dedicace' sounds like an instrumental interpretation of Eminem's 'Like Toy Soldiers', or maybe not.
Dedicace - Jack Steadman
Gold Tooth - Jack Steadman
We hadn't seen anything of S-Type since his first few free tunes back in this post until he was on a flyer recently in Leeds. It then turns out his remix of River of Slime (also out on Phuturelabs) is being used as promo for the release. Big colourful production halfway between Grime and Hip Hop. If only if it was a little longer. That being said, the original is 17 minutes long which seems a little excessive.
Volume One (S-Type Remix) - River of Slime
Disclosure who we featured in this post made it into Annie Mac's top 10 summer tunes (along with Javeon McCarthy) with 'Blue You' but as promo for their 'Carnival EP' which came out today they're giving this away, probably the weakest on the EP but still. They also uploaded one of our favourites for preview. Go find the EP in your favourite store.
Just Your Type - Disclosure
I Love... That You Know - Disclosure
Brero is a new name but has landed in the iTunes and after a few listens through we deem it good enough to share. It's on a mellow 2-step vibe, gently winging it's way into your good books also.
Dusk - Brero
Another one on the chilled tip, Phaeleh gave out a freebie as he hit 10k fans on Facebook. If you have yet to 'like' his page, get over there and do so. He's still one of our favourites and we can't wait for the next album. Also if you haven't checked his mix for us yet, it's leading the series in number of downloads. Infact, don't just 'like' him, go and support the man by buying his tunes and remixes like the one below.
Nocturne - Phaeleh
Jungle (Phaeleh Remix) - Charli XCX
Lastly I'll leave you with five tunes mainly aimed at DJs rather than straight up listening, hopefully the names should be familiar...
I Know - Kastle
Linear Function - Goldlines
Mustard (Cure Rerub) - HxdB
Dangerous (C.R.S.T. Remix) - Mighty Moe
Stay Away (T. Williams Dub) - Charli XCX
If you rely on us updating you from Facebook, they're not allowing us to post as someone has flagged us as spam which is real kind. We hope this gets sorted soon but if not, try posting a link or something in your status and complaining when they don't let you. Keep checking back, there's a few goodies in store over the next week or so.
KAP006
Artist: L-Wiz
Tracks: Straitjacket / 4.42 Oz
Release date: Feb 21st 2011 [Vinyl] / 28th Feb 2011 [Digital]
Buy: Juno / Juno Download
"Kapsize kick starts 2011 with 2 fresh cuts from a new label artist: L-Wiz. While L-Wiz is new to Kapsize, the Swedish duo are in no way new to the dubstep scene - drawing attention with killer tracks like 'Girl From Codeine City' and the classic 'Girlfriend', the production pair have been making high quality dubstep tracks since the early 2004-5 days, even launching the first ever release on Dub Police! It is with pleasure that we announce 'Straitjacket' and '4.42 Oz' find a home on Kapsize!
Keeping in the spirit of Joker's own melodic productions, L-Wiz take a different angle from their previous output - pushing layer after layer of perfectly produced synth lines in harmonic syncracy. 'Straitjacket' is the more dancefloor focussed of the two cuts, with a sleazy, low-slung take on the 'purple' sound we all know and love at Kapsize - while keeping it heavily weighted to provide bass fans with plenty of satisfactory rumble! Flip for the equally melodic '4.42 Oz' which takes a more relaxed approach in vibe, taking things in a futuristic direction while simultaneously referencing the past. Beautifully produced elegant music that you will keep coming back to.
DJ support from everyone from Plastician to 2562 as well as of course being a main staple in Joker's own sets last year."
Bigger Than Barry resident Phat Pat steps up for our latest locals mix. For those that haven't frequented Barry on a Tuesday at Mint Club in Leeds, it's up there with the livest midweek party in the country. We played in March last year and walked away saying that it's probably the best residency to have. Crisp Funktion 1, hi-tech roof lights and an up-for-anything crowd. Plus it's usually rammed!
On other matters Phat Pat is part of the Cut & Paste Soundsystem who are all about bass-heavy party music, regularly hosting room 2 at Faversham for Metropolis nights. Expect to see some sort of collaboration night not too far in the future. Keep that hush though.
This demonstrates the variety in what he plays out, a mix from deep to popular, get it on the download...
DOWNLOAD
01. The XX - Crystalised (Dark Sky Remix) 02. Sines - Stuff Dreams Are Made Of (Von D's Mooving Stab Remix) 03. Dorian Concept - Her Tears Taste Like Pears 04. Benga - 808 05. Mensah - Pulse 80 06. Jessie Ware & SBTRKT - Nervous 07. Mala - Eyez 08. Kryptic Minds - Wondering Why 09. Gudio - Tantalized 10. Eskmo - The Melody 11. Skream - I Love The Way 12. V.I.V.E.K - Talking Shadows 13. Skream - Fields of Emotion 14. Harry Craze - Gone 15. Guido - Orchestral Lab 16. Benga - I Come From London 17. Headhunter - Prototype (Modeselektor's Broken Handbrake Remix) 18. Skream - Let's Go Fucking Mental 19. Joe - Claptrap 20. Icicle - Anything 21. Primary 1- Never Know (Submerse Remix) 22. Benga - Who Remembers 23. Magnetic Man - Ping Pong 24. Phantasmagorium - Test Crash Dummies 25. Redlight - Stupid 26. Magnetic Man - Certified Banger 27. Girl Unit - Wut 28. Superisk - Find Your Way VIP 29. Elkat - Solis 30. S-X - Woo Riddim 31. Skittles - Typically (Chimpo Remix) 32. Joker & TC - It Aint Got A Name 33. Von D - Show Me (Skreamix)
Our good friends Dark Sky are back with another bumpy 2-step re-rub which has their imprint rubbed from head to toe. Excellence as per usual. Has been a big year for the London-based threesome, I'm already excited thinking about what's forthcoming.
Too Heavy To Stand Up (Dark Sky Remix) - DeLooze [192]
Easily my favourite production by Joker has been given a re-lick by the ever growing stronger Mensah. This edit tones down the darkness and gives it more dancefloor capabilities with a Drum & Bass pattern over those rich, weighty synths.
Psychedelic Runway (Mensah's Let's Go Faster Re-Lick) - Joker
While on the topic of Joker - latest news is; that track that never got a name which he did with TC is being given out for free. Massive tune - should be an instant download for any Dubstep fan.
It Ain't Got A Name - Joker & TC
This newcomer S-Type has made a big impression on my ears with these couple of tracks which are filled with moving melodies and colourful synths, fringing on what you might hear in a (decent) R&B/Grime instrumental. Both have surprisingly been given away for free - quality free music right here. Go check his soundcloud for some Hip Hop downloads too...
Medusa - S-Type Terry Nutkins - S-Type
Numan, who also leans towards the instrumental 'purple'/Grime sound, brings us another bouncy number. 2010 was predicted to be a big year for this Mancunian, according to Fact Mag, I've however got my hopes on 2011.
Flashhh - Numan
Hudson Mohawke is the king of vibrant instrumental music so, while this subject this production is very appropriate. For those that haven't come across 'Fuse' yet - I'm afraid to say you've been missing out.
Tried For Your Love (Hudson Mohawke Remix) - Krystal Klear [128]
Although the Outlook Festival was three weeks ago now, anyone who went will still hold it vividly in their minds. We’ve been collating our anecdotes and pictures to share with you – hence the delay.
Croatia is a crazy place. Pula, where the festival moved to this year, is littered with ruins showcasing the area’s Roman heritage. There are ruins everywhere. The festival site itself is in an abandoned fort on a peninsular surrounded by the sea. You couldn’t dream of a better setting – especially with the campsite, which is on a beach, only a short walk away.
We arrived five days early and went exploring. These were the glory days when beer at the beach bar was only 10 kunas, couple of days later it was 15, and by Thursday it was 20 – which to be fair is still cheap for half a litre. The fort is inhabited by hippies, wild dogs and even a horse. Unofficial pre-parties took place for the first few days until the crowds got too big and unsafe for the non-secure venue - we found machetes while exploring the tunnels! Our initial reaction was that there were going to be some serious casualties at the festival, but this was not the case.
Our festival properly started with our big friend Barry – on the Bigger Than Barry boat party. We all know that these boys know how to throw a party and it didn’t disappoint. Big up to Matt ‘Pasteman’, Phat Pat, Oneman, Rattus and Klose who all smashed it. The topdeck bounced to the setting sun, and then the boat made its way back to the dock after four hours of madness.
In an attempt to avoid turning this into a running commentary, highlights included:
George Lenton who got the crowd going with the help of many of his own tunes. His Dizzee Rascal booty, which I wasn’t so sure about to start with, particularly stood out on the system.
I Luv U (George Lenton Remix) - Dizzee Rascal [download]
RackNRuin also used his own artillery to fill the ballroom as you can see from the picture below.
Sub:stance night with the likes of Appleblim and Scuba killing it. However DMZ night was probably our favourite - kicked off by the fantastic Kryptic Minds who followed a heavy set from dBridge. Silkie & Quest finished matters with the perfect balance of bass and melodies.
Beach parties during the day were next level. There’s nothing better than lying in the sun listening to a pumping system. Apparently a ‘No Dubstep’ policy was put in place but this quickly went out the window ‘Are You Ready’ was thundering through the campsite at just gone midday! For us, and many others, Chimpo & Chunky smashed the beach show. Gazaaaaaaaaaa!
Submotion Orchestra in the fading light were incredible. Shivers down the back bizness. Gentleman’s Dub Club put on a hype show as usual – shown below.
The list goes on - RSD, SpectraSoul, Break, Ben UFO, 2562, Pinch, Synkro & Indigo, Hylu & Jago (below).
Out to all the girl DJs out there. Special mention to Lazell killing it on the beach and in the dungeon...
All in all, the best festival we’ve been to. Bestival might have to look into changing it’s name...
Massive respect to the organisers, the hard work paid off; everything flowed seamlessly from arena to arena. We won’t go into the minor hiccups cos the plus points outnumbered them a hundred fold and I’m sure these will be ironed out for next year. Special thanks to Jack Robinson, Liam Wachs and Mark Salford, and of course all the other people running round on minimal sleep.
Having been behind the For The Win crew from the start (even before they had a logo!), they're now making some serious waves and set to have a huge year. Just you wait - some big full releases on the way. Ashburner remix of Swarms is the one for me.
With Next Hype being rinsed all over the shop for many a month, too many month some may say, Ashburner has finally let his heavy edit slip. Alongside this, Goli's added his expertise to give that Boy Better Know anthem another life which will definitely get those subs rumblin'.
I hardly write posts but as I'm in Barcelona for the summer I thought I'd do something productive for the Hush Family. In this series of posts there's going to be 3 artists with a variety of production styles each with one track which I believe needs listening to. The idea is to get the names out there so check their myspaces for more tracks and info.
Ok, I haven't really been on top of this stuff recently and we're being inundated with a fair few quality tracks. Stuff seems to be progressing and is looking/feeling quite exciting. All those not on the facebook shit yet, get on there cos it's nice having a little community etc of people all liking the same shit and the fans get the best stuff first. Also, we've got a couple of competitions coming very soon, I know this has been kinda around for a while but things are getting finalised etc. AND, I got the Jakes Project through the post the other day - who wants that?! It's pretty good I tell thee. SHOW ME YOUR REAL WARFACE.
I love those little, pointless rants at the start of a post! It's all worth it though cos look...
Yeh I know! Big tune, well it used to be, but now it's even bigger. After all the fuss of not being allowed to remix/distribute bootlegs of that tune, let alone play them out, which I personally thought was ridiculous, I think DZ might be taking the piss! He's taking it well though. I definitely know Jayou got some stick, as well as Tomb Crew and even possibly Toddla T when he was playing Tomb Crew's booty out! Now next, I've got a couple of more melodic tunes, both sick. Sorry for no linking but it's late and well... you can do that hard work.
Now on to the more filthy stuff. Our friend Figure, sent this guy to us with his outrageous beats, you jus need to get this on your system, as loud as possible! Big stuff from this guy to come.
There's more, I know - you don't like these posts with loadsa tracks in but... you should! What's the matter with you. Just be patient, wait for stuff to download and come back and get your little mouse button round some more!
I was savouring those tracks but then Love That Tune posted one which I didn't have and confirmed the quality. The next is definitely different, but heavy at the same time, kinda hard dance mixed with dubsteppy wobbles. Can you take it?
This tune is kinda R&B ish, dare I say it but... you know all that Snoop Dogg biz which is about to happen, I'm kinda predicting it will cos I just have this feeling. All the rumours are jus too much. Anyways, I think the vocals go pretty well with this. Yes no?
Speaking of Figure... Last week or the week before he sent over some demo stuff of what he's got in the pipeline. Both tracks are exciting, and for you lot, not to play out yet cos neither are finished, just get hyped. The first is jump up bouncy shit and the other, just heavy rudeness. By the way, this is forthcoming on Figures Warriors EP, I think - so watch out.
Lastly, I'm afraid not full quality but still full quality tune, is my favourite track at the moment, old but... who cares! Wiley on the vocals, Starkey on the buttons. Nuff said.
As a little bonus, those will remember this remix from before but, the badman Udachi has just remastered it, making it more club friendly, crisper and just generally better. Snatch it up!
Another big name giving out a free track! It's your lucky day. Been sitting on this for about a week now but just got reminded cos found the picture above on my camera. They go well together cos it was taken at Trouble Vision where Oneman followed by Joker had room 2 full of bouncy vibes. (Off subject, well kinda, but anyone seen that Outlook vs Vagabondz line up?!)
Don't normally just do one song posts but... I've played this over and over and I love it. The usual grimey, well produced tune you'd expect from the Bristol boy.
Urban Nerds have sorted themselves a very special birthday line up in a fully licensed warehouse which has 3 big rooms with Funktion 1 sound. As you can see from the flyer there's a large range of different sounds catering for everyone's needs and creating a proper party vibe. This is not one to miss.
***SECRET LOCATION HAS NOW BEEN REVEALED***
The Ewer Street Warehouse 31 Great Suffolk Street London SE1 0NR
5 minutes walk from Southwark Tube Station (Jubilee line). 1.5 miles from Liverpool Street.
With it being the Senseless Records Album Launch I have a couple of album teasers of what to expect from them. "Vocals and Versions Vol 1&2" are well worth having when they get a release. (Watch for a full post next week)
4.Archangel (Boy 8-Bit Remix) - Burial Got this exactly a year ago today, not dubstep but just incase you missed it, a very well worked upbeat version of the original.
