HH MIX #033 - HANS BERG

Mix number 33 in our exclusive series is a real treat. A one hour live set from Hans Berg, the Swedish Berliner that has been bubbling up in the scene lately with prime cuts of House and Techno on labels such as Fullbarr and Kant Recordings.

Berg's latest release 'Machines' is a firm favourite of ours here at Hush House (featured here). The two originals off the EP, 'Machines' and 'Space Arp', are two unique tracks that are simultaneously experimental and polished. It is a credit to Berg as a producer that he is able to create tracks that take the listener out of their comfort zone whilst retaining an essence of familiarity. Unfortunately there's no individual preview on the internet but go hunt it down.

Berg doesn't DJ, he performs his music live, allowing him to bring an 'extra dimension' to the interaction with his audience. This extra dimension is clearly visible in our exclusive set, the live format enables Berg to explore and develop sounds and textures that he may otherwise not be able to.

HH MIX #033 - Hans Berg [download]


On an interesting side note, Berg works collaboratively with Swedish video artist Nathalie Djurberg. In this project he demonstrates how his musical talents extend past the dance floor and in to the art gallery. Check it here and get following on Facebook & Soundcloud.

Introducing DAMIANO VON ERCKERT

Summer might be almost over but those fresh sunshine vibes keep on coming. One such artist is Damiano von Erckert whose I Think We Can Agree The Past Is Over EP has been doing the rounds all across Europe thanks to a very healthy portion of dance festivals this year.

The two tracks that immediately jump out are 'Housem', which has been getting a lot of love from Joy Orbison, and Murat Tepeli's remix of 'No Fish in Detroit'.

Housem - Damiano Von Erckert [Ava]


The EP is available now on wax from Juno and can also be purchased digitally via Beatport.

Featuring KONTRA-MUSIK

Electronic music is a web of intertwined labels and producers, as you venture further into the centre of the web you will often find the musical experiences on offer become increasingly rewarding. Kontra-Musik is a label situated very much at the centre of that web, born from the musical ideology and aspirations of Ulf Eriksson. Eriksson is a man who quite simply does things the right way. There is no ulterior motive with Kontra, no desire to create a brand, it is purely a platform from which to release original and innovative music. To quote the man himself it is 'low key and honest'. Something that you will be able to see from this interview with RBMA.

Kontra-Musik's homepage explains clearly the background and ethos of the label as well as providing clips for all of the label's releases. As you make your way through the back catalogue you will hopefully agree that Kontra consistently delivers on quality whilst continually approaching things from different angles and perspectives.

The purpose of this post isn't to highlight your attention to one particular release, rather to nudge you in the direction of a great label, if you haven't previously come across it. A label that will stand the test of time because it steers clear of any fads or fashions, as ultimately they are always shortlived.

KM010 - Jason Fine/A Made Up Sound/ Heinrich Mueller [Kontra-Musik]
KM010 has recently been repressed, so if you are of the analogue persuasion you can pick that up again from most of the usual spots. All Kontra-Musik releases are also available on digital.

Featuring OCTOBER

Following up on recent releases for Skudge and Simple Records, Bristolian exporter-of-all-things-danceable Julian Smith, alias October, releases his first solo outing on his new label TANSTAAFL, named after his project with Berlin-based John Osborn.

The eponymous title track is a restrained piece, with a 303 line taking a prominent place at the front behind a simple but effective 909 rhythm. The mood is occasionally switched up with a more complex drum backing and the addition of distorted chords reminiscent of Levon Vincent's early work. On the flip, 'Singularity Jump' has a more flashback house feel to it, with shuffled snares and vocal hits providing a backdrop to a particularly insistent digital saxophone over the top.

The 12" is available now at Juno. Don't forget that October plays with fellow Bristolians Outboxx and Hush House residents R.Cary & J.Were at the Garage in Leeds on Friday September 21. Get your tickets here and Facebook event here.