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.

Man With No Shadow - Manila - Drumcode - DC195

Independent record label owned by Adam Beyer.

Andy Kay was born in Eastern Germany and grew up surrounded by the influential sounds of Kraftwerk, Die Krupps, Front 242, and Nitzer Ebb. At the age of just twelve, he discovered his passion for electronic music. His first DJ experiences were humble – using a dual CD player and a basic mixer – but they quickly evolved into a serious artistic pursuit.

In 2007, he co-founded the oldschool EBM newcomer band A.D.A.C.8286. With their high-energy sound and authentic stage presence, the band soon gained recognition within the scene. Performances at renowned festivals like Familientreffen Sandersleben and the legendary Wave-Gotik-Treffen Leipzig cemented their place in the EBM community.

Alongside his band work, Andy increasingly delved into music production. Drawing from classic synthesizers, driving techno and tech house kicks, and bold basslines, his sound bridges the past and the future. In 2018, he released his first solo EP titled "Future EP" under Berlin-based label Der Weiße Hase Records – a release that vividly reflects his musical journey.

Andy Kay has performed in clubs such as Golden Gate Berlin, Der Weiße Hase Berlin, and Club Trafo Oelsnitz. He has also made his mark in the digital realm, with live streaming sets for DeeRedRadio (Berlin), WaveDots Studio (Berlin), and Electrovinyl (Plötzin/Potsdam).

His performances take the audience on a multilayered journey through electronic soundscapes – a fusion of EBM roots, techno drive, and atmospheric depth. Andy Kay’s sets invite listeners to let go and escape the everyday – diving deep into the pulse of the night.

Genres:
Techno / DeepTech / MiNiMaL / Tech House / Progressive House / Electronica / Electronic Body Music

Releases:
Future EP (2018)

References:
Elektro Annalyse Part II (Annaburg)
Seductive Six (Bowlingcenter Klöden)
Golden Gate (Berlin)
Hangar18 (Berlin), 
Weißer Hase (Berlin)
Lauschangriff (Berlin)
Funkloch Bar (Berlin)
DeeRedRadio (Berlin)
WaveDots Studio (Berlin)
Electrovinyl (Plötzin / Potsdam)
Club Trafo (Oelsnitz)

Upcoming Dates:
07.07.21 @WaveDots Studio b2b with Bella Nour (Clonk Records)
10.09.21 @Basement Sound to ElectroVinyl
16.10.21  @Private BDaY
16.06.23 @"Phil & Friends" 186.Schloss- und Heimatfest Annaburg (Afterhour Weinkeller)
21.10.23 @"Club Trafo" (Oelsnitz)

2024
28.03.24 @"Schwarze Osterparty" (Best of EBM, Dark / Indie Disco & Gothic Music)
23.11.24 @Private BDaY