The seventh volume of Drumcode’s annual A-Sides compilation hits with no less than 10 debuts for the label, with Charlotte de Witte, ANNA, B.Traits and Scuba’s SCB project, among the collection of topline artists to release their maiden productions on the imprint. 

Over two decades into its lifespan, Drumcode keeps evolving and excelling, pushing techno forward while remaining wholly respectful of its roots. This reputation for progression was further fueled this summer with its inaugural festival at the NDSM Docklands in Amsterdam, featuring a long list of heavyweights including Nicole Moudaber, Joseph Capriati, Amelie Lens and Ida Engberg, among others. 

As ever, the A-Sides compilation provides a timely opportunity to showcase the full range of its sonic repertoire, with Adam Beyer scrupulously selecting 22 unreleased tracks that have taken prime position in his sets over recent months. 

Outstanding all-round talent ANNA kicks off the compilation with ‘Portable Paradise’, a pulsating cut that sets the tone for the top-shelf club cuts to follow. Also entering the debut field with their first ever Drumcode dalliances are B.Traits and Charlotte de Witte. The esteemed Canadian selector offers up ‘I Feel The Music’, a euphonic track that’s been sought after since spring, and the Belgian ballista unlocks a thick-edged club bomb in ‘Remember.’

Leaders of Drumcode’s new brigade, exciting Brazilian Wehbba and British techno alchemist Boxia set out to impress. Wehbba’s straight-talking ‘Just’ hits with an immediate sense of urgency before neck-snap claps strike with force, and Boxia’s ‘Final Call’ elicits physical engagement with mellifluous vocals and soaring pads. 

Continuously looking to bolster the profiles of emerging talent, Berlin-based producers Weska and Juliet Fox are brought into the fold with equally engaging razor-sharp tracks that are primed to do lasting damage. 

Other notable highlights include an exhilarating workout from Reset Robot - the most released artist on Beyer’s imprint Truesoul – as he lands on Drumcode for the first time. And tastemaker’s favourite Jel Ford makes a welcome return as he ushers in techno rhythms with bustling breaks in ‘Nightshade.’

Elsewhere, support from label mainstays comes in from Bart Skils, who offers a work of consummate skill in ‘West Of The Moon.’ Alan Fitzpatrick, who’s been heavily featured across the A-Side series, joins forces with Scuba as he operates as his uncompromising alias SCB. The result is a propulsive floor-gripper that testifies to their masterful deftness as co-producers. Formidable duos Dense & Pika and Pig&Dan also contribute with powerful compositions.

Bart Skils - West of the Moon - Drumcode - DC195

A party animal from the early 90s where I experienced the beginnings of the entire house scene, regular visitor to Belgian house temples where I also worked and then of course skim the great after parties to let myself be carried away by the hypnotic tones and great trance music. After house and trance I slowly started to get a huge appreciation for the more harder music styles like hardstyle, hardtrance, hardbass and than suddenly there was hardtechno! God I like the beats of techno  the industrial sounds, the rhythm and the whole scene. So if you think that if you're over 50 you should act 'normal'....I don't think so ;-)  A few months ago I heard a set by Kiki Solvej and I was instant a big big fan. Wow what a talent, she takes techno to a higher and very special unique level...you go girl BTW I'm so glad that so many female DJ's finally have an equal place in the whole scene

Independent record label owned by Adam Beyer.

Since it emerged in the 90s, progressive house has impacted the lives of countless people around the world. Heroes like Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Sasha, John Digweed, Lee Burrige, Anthony Pappa, Dave Seamen, Dmitry Molosh, Dicky Trisco, Greg Wilson, Andrew Weatherall, Carl Cox, Soulwax/ 2manydjs, The Chemical Brothers, Groove Armada, Harri & Domenic, Justice, Flight Facilities, WhomadeWho, The Prodigy, Aphex Twin,LF System, Moby, Daft Punk, Slam, The KLF, Orbital, Underworld, 808State and many more have been advocates of this unique brand of club music.

House music isn’t just about the dancing it’s straight from the soul… 

I had to steal the following paragraph from ERAN AVINER SIMPLY because it is 💯 % unarguably correct.. 

“Because absolutely nothing compares to music. This language, whose universal vibes can 
be understood by anybody, connects people around the globe be it religions, cultures or ethnicity. Great tunes turn strangers into friends. One note expresses more emotions than a thousand words. Music goes on where words fall short. It simply touches your soul.