After a number of acclaimed tracks and EPs, the southern newcomer on the French electronic scene is releasing his first album on COD3 QR, Laurent Garnier's label. A full-length album on which the producer establishes himself as the newcomer to watch in a techno revival.

The rise to fame has been a gradual one for the producer from the south of France, and the release of "Echoes" could well have a resounding impact on the French electronic music scene, which is beginning to take on a new lease of life. Passionate musician, head on shoulders and sharp ear, Voltaire has prepared the release of this long format with COD3 QR well. After several EPs and appearances on the label's famous compilations since 2021, plus a remix in 2023 of Laurent Garnier's "Tales From The Real World" that allowed a glimpse at his potential, "Echoes" now allows full appreciation of all of this musician's qualities.

The gradual disappearance of the album format versus the digital single has not dampened the determination of this artist and the label to impose a singular artistic vision on an LP: "After having produced a number of tracks, I was absolutely determined to create a story with all the pieces on this album", assures Voltaire. "I wanted to compose something that I don't hear anymore in today's music, something different from dancefloor techno. Echoes fully crystallises this desire."

The emotional eclecticism of this album comes as no surprise to listeners who have followed Voltaire's previous releases. "Since I started out, I've produced house, techno and electro tracks... this eclecticism is part of my personality as a musician. I love all facets of electronic music and I want to remain open to all influences."

"Echoes" features lush, lysergic techno (the phenomenal "Detune", "Echoes", "Human" and "Unity", reminiscent of Border Community), liberating forays into IDM ("Connection Lost", "I’ll See You Again", "Singular Pursuit", whose dreamy melody will inevitably bring Plaid to mind), catchy electro-techno (the aptly named "Dance!", "Wave Function", a model of mental techno), raw dancefloor accents and even a symphonic anthem to conclude (the luminous "Voltaire").

Through this frenzied eclecticism, Voltaire intends to put his signature: "the link between all the songs of the album is the precision of the rhythms, the choice of melodies, the metallic sound of cymbals…". Nourished by the electro of origins (Kraftwerk, Juan Atkins' Detroit, Robert Hood or Dopplereffekt) and the profusion of electro from the 2000s and 2010s, Voltaire is under the influence of an extremely productive retro-mania. With "Echoes", he offers a brilliant synthesis, in the precious setting of an irreproachable production.
(Hervé LUCIEN)

Echoes

Voltaire "Singular Pursuit" - PREVIEW

Darka kicked off his DJ career in late 90s and was the champion of "Hong Kong Pioneer DJ Competition" in 2003.  It was a milestone of his spinning career and made himself a well-known figure amongst dance floor.  Since then, he has devoted all his vigour to the development of electronic dance music in Hong Kong.

His name has come across with many notably DJs and producers, such as Paul Oakenfold, Nick Warren,Timo Maas , Jimmy Van M, James Zabiela, Tall Paul, Evil Nine, Radio Slave, Meat Katie, Elite Force, Stel, JDS, John Graham (Quivver), Phil K, Adam Freeland, Ricky Stone, Luke Fair and Andy Moor.  The co-operations with those big guns strongly influenced his music styles and techniques. Deep House is his signature, loops and effects are his trumps.

On top of the ones own effort and passion, no doubt Darka's achievements are more or less in connection with his respectable "Master cum mentor" - Mr. David Lam, an orthodox DJ and professional producer, who does not only teach him the turntable tricks and know-how, but also broaden his	 	
horizons of borderless dance music universe.

MUSIC DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH.
Label run by Laurent Garnier and Oliver Way.
Curating for the curious, the seekers, the adventurers and the brave. Cod3 QR is about going back to basics. About that feeling of discovering hidden gems and long sought after oddities. If it’s good, it’s good. The music is the message.

For the main EPM page, go to
https://soundcloud.com/epm-music

Digital Music Distribution & Rights Management since 2001