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.

Reset Robot - Self Existence - 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

**Jon@rve** #JonArveOvesen, and aliases in respective collaborations, embarks on a musical adventure, his heart resonating with the #rhythm of #life. Along the winding road, he encounters both harmonious melodies and dissonant #chords. Here are some challenges he faces:

1. **The #Composer's Block**: Jon@rve, like any artist, grapples with moments of #creative drought. His #fingers hover over the piano keys, but the notes #remain elusive. He must #learn to break through this block, finding #inspiration even in the #mundane.

2. **The Discordant Critics**: As Jon@rve shares his #compositions, critics emerge from the #shadows. Some praise, while others dissect every note. He must learn to stay true to his #voice, ignoring the #cacophony of #opinions, and continue composing from his #soul.

3. **The Quest for Originality**: In a #world #saturated with music, Jon@rve seeks uniqueness. He wanders through #forests of familiar #tunes, hoping to stumble upon a hidden melody—a symphony that hasn't been played before. But #originality is a rare gem, and he must dig deep within himself to find it.

4. **The Broken Strings**: Jon@rve's guitar strings snap during a pivotal performance. Panic surges through him, but he adapts. He reconfigures the chords, turning #adversity into an #improvised #masterpiece. Life, too, throws #unexpected challenges, and Jon@rve learns #resilience.

5. **The Siren's Song**: On a moonlit night, he hears a haunting melody by the river. A #mysterious figure—part muse, part temptress—beckons him. Should he follow her into the unknown, risking #everything for inspiration? Or stay grounded, fearing the #abyss?

6. **The Battle of Genres**: Jon@rve straddles genres—#classical, #jazz, #rock, #electronic. Each has its allure, but he must choose his path. Will he blend them #harmoniously or create a fusion that defies #labels? The #crossroads awaits.

7. **The Symphony of Loss**: Love fades, friendships fracture, and life #orchestrates heartbreak. Jon@rve composes elegies for what's lost, weaving pain into his music. Yet, amidst #minor chords, he discovers resilience—the #crescendo after #sorrow.

8. **The Encore Anxiety**: The spotlight blinds him. Applause echoes. Jon@rve stands before an #expectant audience. Will they embrace his performance or cast him aside? The fear of failure gnaws at him, but he plays anyway, pouring his #essence into the keys.

9. **The Muse's Departure**: The muse who once whispered melodies in his dreams vanishes. Jon@rve grapples with #silence, seeking new #sources of inspiration. Perhaps the rustling leaves or a child's laughter will #ignite his creativity #anew.

10. **The Final Note**: As Jon@rve ages, he reflects on his journey. His hands, weathered yet #graceful, play a final composition—a blend of #joy, #sorrow, and #acceptance. The audience weeps, knowing this is his swan song. But in that last #note, he finds #eternity.

And so, Jon@rve's road winds on—a #symphony of #highs and #lows, #crescendos and #decrescendos. His purpose remains clear: to #create, to resonate, and to find #beauty in #every measure of #life. 🎵🌟
 🎶🎧.

**Jon@rve** is a captivating figure, a blend of artistic spirit and rugged determination. Here's how he appears:

1. **Wild Tresses**: His hair, a cascade of #ebony waves, falls across his forehead. It's as if the notes of a #melancholic nocturne have woven themselves into his locks.

2. **Eyes of Resonance**: Jon@rve's eyes are deep pools of inspiration. They hold the wisdom of #countless #melodies and the curiosity of a perpetual seeker. Their color? Perhaps a stormy gray, reflecting both #tempests and calm #seas.

3. **Composer's Hands**: His hands—long-fingered and calloused—are the tools of his trade. They dance across #piano keys, coaxing out #harmonies or strumming guitar #strings with fervor. Ink stains mark his fingertips from #countless compositions.

4. **Bohemian Attire**: Jon@rve's wardrobe defies #convention. He wears faded jeans, patched at the knees, and a threadbare shirt adorned with music notes. A scarf, #vibrant and mismatched, wraps around his neck—an ode to #artisticrebellion.

5. **Tattooed Melodies**: Ink trails along his forearms—a symphony etched into skin. Notes swirl, treble clefs interlace with bass clefs, and a crescendo spirals toward his wrist. Each #tattoo tells a story—a sonnet of lost love, a ballad of #resilience.

6. **Weathered Boots**: His boots bear the scars of wanderlust. They've trodden through bustling city #streets and dew-kissed #meadows alike. Mud clings to their soles, a #testament to Jon@rve's journey.

7. **Silver Pendant**: Around his neck hangs a silver pendant—an #eighth note suspended on a delicate chain. It swings with each step, a metronome marking time. Some say it's his talisman, others, a #secret key to #unlock inspiration.

8. **Unconventional Gaze**: When Jon@rve looks at you, it's as if he peers into your soul. His gaze holds #vulnerability and defiance in equal measure. You wonder if he sees the world through a musical lens, where every heartbeat syncs to a #rhythm.

9. **Faded Sheet Music**: In his back pocket, crumpled and #cherished, rests a sheet of music. Its ink has blurred with time, but the notes #remain legible—a melody composed during a moonlit night when the stars whispered #secrets.

10. **Echo of Echoes**: Jon@rve carries an echo—an elusive presence that follows him. Some say it's the #ghost of a #forgotten composer, guiding his hand. Others believe it's the muse itself, weaving inspiration into his existence.

And so, Jon@rve walks the #road of life, his appearance a canvas painted by the music he creates—a symphony of #existence. 🎶✨