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

Born May 3rd 1969, birthplace: West Palm Beach , Florida...at 3 months I was still without parents..John Doe til 4th month..was adopted and was immediately flown to northwest Iowa..grew up in a very small remote country town ..I was born a dancer and became a DJ , out of the lack of any good clubs or DJs...I mixed my first continuous mixed tape when I was 14 yrs old...by taking an 8 track player and a Magnavox home stereo record player! The underground found me and I've been DJing Universal Dance Music ever since!!! specifically (HOUSE) BUT I can beat-match any genre...I love it all...I don't mix I blend...I'm a blender..SOUNDCLOUD "you are the greatest thing that ever came into my life " .. I represent your family by arranging sets that are guaranteeing higher consciousness on the dancefloor! THANK YOU . without you I would not be able to change lives when they hear my sets! YOU GET ALL MY LOVE! 42 YEARS OF dancing and DJing and I'm finally coming out to share my work!!! 

Mercavelli. No promo. No label. Just sound. If it hits—like it, share it, drop a comment. Maybe I’ll drop again when the time feels right.

Independent record label owned by Adam Beyer.