After the success of the first A-sides compilation in 2012, Adam Beyer has decided its time to release another. With Adam’s stature steadily growing as one of the leading talents in the Techno scene and the rise of Drumcode, the standard of demo’s that have been sent to Adam have been top notch. Adam has now decided to release two compilations with 10 tracks each, consisting of tracks that Adam has tried and tested. There are also new artists that have been invited to release on Drumcode for this compilation and others who are a staple in Drumcode’s core family. Combining both old and new talents Drumcode have come up with something unique and distinctive to make this two-part compilation something extra special.

Cari Lekebusch - Fire Alarm - Drumcode - DC128

Dancefloor 2

Idontsleepmuch

Ramiro Lopez drops the electrifying follow up to his ‘Pretending’ EP from May this year. 

For almost a decade, Spain’s Ramiro Lopez has established himself as one his country’s leading proponents of techno, with strong releases across labels that include Suara, Intec, Octopus Recordings and Bedrock. He first debuted on Drumcode in 2016 with the rousing collaborative track ‘Clap Your Hands’ that ranked among one of the label’s standout tracks for the year. With one Drumcode release already under his belt in 2017 and a new label project Odd Recordings with fellow DC cohort Arjun Vagale recently launched, he’s enjoying another strong year.

His return to the label comes in the form of ‘Being Alone’, a powerful trio of cuts, all of which featured in Adam Beyer’s Awakenings Festival Day 1 performance. The title track is a multi-layered weapon, propelled by a dizzying vocal, swirling synth effects and pin-sharp percussion that build toward a smooth classy finish. ‘Dark Science’ is an effective stomper brought to life by a bell chime hookline and undulating synth melody ensuring its peak-time prowess. ‘Der Raum’ rounds out the EP, highlighted by Lopez’s deft drum work, proceeded by a driving, euphoric climax.

Ramiro Lopez - Being Alone - Drumcode - DC181

Mark Reeve - Redemption (Original Mix) DRUMCODE

Mark Reeve - Fragile (Original Mix) DRUMCODE

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

‘Vertigo’ is the A side on this four track EP by Roberto Capuano that uses reverberated kick drum’s and piano chords to create a groove that was designed for peak-time play. The second track, ‘Inversion’ uses rising and filtering synths with the use of space and influxes of pitched hi hats and percussion loops to create a 5am track that will keep people rooted to their spot. ‘New Chapter’ uses a repetitive percussion-like stab to keep the deep atmospheric sounds together over the industrial techno drums.The final track ‘Earth’ uses phased sporadic stabs to create an interesting groove that compliments the driving drums that are ever present. 

DC109 - 04 - Roberto Capuano - Earth - Clip

Independent record label owned by Adam Beyer.