A symbol for quality techno music going back 15 years, Jay Lumen makes his solo EP debut on Drumcode.

A dance music journeyman with over 70 releases and a quality imprint Footwork Audio to his name, Jay Lumen’s solo debut EP on Adam Beyer’s label is richly deserved. The artist has been in standout form recently, most notably contributing ‘Galactic Rainbow’ to A-Sides Vol.10, one of the highlights of the compilation. We got our first taste of Lumen on Drumcode way back in 2012 when he teamed with Gary Beck for the rhythmic gem ‘Lotus’. Nine years on, his next EP offering doesn’t disappoint.

‘Returning’ is marked by crushing drumlines and shuffling beats, before gradually building into an emotional chord driven cut that looks hopefully towards the future. ‘Mind’ contrasts this perfectly, a loopy monster that rolls for days, evoking a distinct old skool spirit.
Speaking about the title track, Lumen explains: “I wrote ‘Returning’ when I was in a period of really missing techno and the party community. The physical contact with people at events, as well as on the streets and at venues before the shows. Hugs and interactions. I can already imagine playing this at the first open air after lockdown as the sun sets. This track is about the reunion and happiness we’re all going to share.”

Returning

Buy/Stream

Jay Lumen – Returning – Drumcode – DC240

Buy/Stream: https://wearethebrave.lnk.to/TokenComplexEP

Alan Fitzpatrick's record label We Are The Brave drops a vigorous techno EP from German artist Michael Klein.

The Berlin based producer is known for his seminal releases on Pan-Pot's Second State, Sven Väth's Cocoon and his own BLK DRP. Klein’s We Are The Brave debut is everything fans expect from such an exceptional talent. His hypnotic style is a fusion of fast-paced industrial beats and hypnotic synths intertwined with dark or dystopian atmosphere.

"Token Complex" opens the release with its raw and jackin' groove that's explosive energy is propelled by a muffled vocal sample and a rave inspired synth line. "Aspect" takes its title from the hypnotic vocal sample that's paired with dramatic synth stabs, thrashing percussion and a pounding kick drum. "Voice of Distance" focuses on a monstrous bassline with modulation tones that are underpinned by a tidal wave of driving percussion.

We Are The Brave
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https://www.facebook.com/wearethebraveofficial
https://twitter.com/weare_thebrave
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Michael Klein -  Token Complex

Enrico Sangiuliano - The Techno Code [ATWO REMIX]

 Adam Beyer's Drumcode juggernaut attracts more fans and critical plaudits with each passing year. Holding firm on its future facing ethos, techno's number one label presents a new volume in its acclaimed A-Sides series with 20 prime tracks to signify its 20th anniversary. 

Such is the volume of quality music Adam Beyer receives throughout the course of the year, releasing all of it would be impossible. Enter the blue chip A-Sides series: a chance for the quality-obsessive label head to issue a collection of outstanding tracks that couldn't fit in their regular EP release schedule. 

With an eye on future talent, as much as the label's established roster of heavy-hitters, the compilation showcases the full breadth of Drumcode's multifaceted techno sound, equal parts inspiring and functional. 

Led by the stealth techno funk of 'Nine of You', Beyer's deft collaboration with Mark Reeve, the compilation takes in exciting highlights from big guns such as Alan Fitzpatrick, Dustin Zahn, Bart Skils, Pleasurekraft, Luca Agnelli, Jay Lumen, Kaiserdisco and Gary Beck. 

The rich vein of form displayed by emerging techno talent is similarly given prime position. Rising DJ/producer Boxia makes his Drumcode debut, fresh from a well-received warm up set for the crew at the hugely successful Junction 2 festival in London, while the likes of Enrico Sangiuliano, Juan Sanchez, Ian O'Donovan and Timmo also drop fire, establishing their credentials as some of the most promising talent breaking through the ranks in 2016. 

Reinforcing the global scope of the label, artists such as The Junkies from Toronto and Layton Giordani from New York, prove techno is winning a place in the heart of the new generation of artists coming out of North America.

Adam Beyer & Mark Reeve - Nine Of You [Drumcode]

Almost one year in the making, Bulgaria’s outstanding techno talent lands his return to Drumcode with a four-track EP. 

Timmo (aka Valeri Ivanov) doesn’t do things in half measures. Since the release of his excellent ‘System’ EP last year and ‘Muzik’, his inclusion on A-Sides Vol.6, he’s committed himself to crafting, refining and polishing a quartet of cuts inspired by the cosmic realms beyond planet earth. Titled ‘Meteorite’, its release marks 10 years since he first began producing and stakes its claim as a resounding career highlight with tracks already highlighting gigs for Adam Beyer at Tobacco Dock, Awakenings, Future Kappa Festival and Junction 2.

Beginning with the title track, the streamlined work throbs with a searing synthetic pulse. ‘Black Moon’ sees the EP land its first blow, kicking with a mixture of undulating synths and understated hoovers. ‘Spacetime’ stays true to its name delivering intergalactic techno vibes. ‘Cosmos’ concludes the work, taking us into extra-terrestrial dancefloor territory, with a barrage of trippy synth work and a melodic underbelly the makes the track both beautiful and heavy-hitting in equal measure.

Timmo - Black Moon - Drumcode - DC194

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.

Wehbba - Just - Drumcode - DC195

I am happy to present you the new bangers compilation. Volume three includes 4 different tracks, which I chose for different moments on the dancefloor, from heavy peaktime hitters to melodic outdoor tunes. 
Enjoyyyyy! (Monika Kruse)

beatport/spotify/vinyl

Mark Reeve - Golden

My new track is out now on Drumcode. :)
Get your copy here, https://www.beatport.com/track/razor-original-mix/12516234

Jay Lumen - Razor (Original Mix) Low Quality Preview

BUY: fanlink.to/mk-hoisin

Digital: 17th January 2020
Vinyl: 31st January 2020

1: Michael Klein - Hoisin
2: Michael Klein - Bite
3: Michael Klein - The Signal
4: Michael Klein - Hollow Night

Techno DJ and producer Michael Klein has been consistently putting out solid work for years, a habit that has made other DJs – among them Richie Hawtin, Chris Liebing and Laurent Garnier – look to Klein’s releases as reliable fodder fit for a variety of moods at any given party. 

Born in Frankfurt and trained in classical piano as a child, Klein cut his clubbing teeth at the likes of Robert Johnson and Cocoon. He then moved to Berlin where he cultivated his dark and groovy sound, assisted by his studies in sound engineering, and earned a residency at the beloved, now-closed Stattbad. Klein is prolific but versatile, and these qualities come to the fore on his latest release, the Hoisin EP for Second State.

The title track, ‘Hoisin’, is a shapeshifter, switching gears from mesmeric, winding bass and rhythmic bleeps to minor, eerie builds, cheeky drum rolls, and more energizing chords. ‘Bite’ is more urgent, kicked along by impatient percussion and an acidic bass burble. ‘The Signal’ is the EP’s biggest moment, destined to be a highlight of not just Klein’s sets, but others’, too. It has the atmosphere of a ‘90s Bristolian rave, with a whomping stomp, beguiling bass and the odd vocal yelp adding era-specific authenticity. ‘Hollow Night’ demonstrates how deftly he can change moods. Here Klein retreats into something darker and more insular. A kick joined by circular chords creates a claustrophobic but compelling inner world. 

Klein is a highly valued member of the Second State family and recently contributed an excellent exclusive track for Amelie Lens’ fabric presents mix. He’s been something of a secret weapon in the techno community for years, but while his music prefers to live in the dark, Klein’s profile is, deservedly, coming into the light.

@michaelkleinberlin
@secondstateaudio

The New Yellow EP

BUY HERE

Michael Klein - Hoisin

Hot off the back of a contribution to A-Sides Vol.9, Victor Ruiz returns for his second EP on Drumcode.

The Brazilian artist has been an industrious contributor to DC over the past 12 months, beginning with his excellent debut EP ‘Nimbus’ last May. Since then, he’s played Drumcode Festival, was part of the iconic Warehouse Project party in November and also featured in the first Drumcode Indoors session in March. His production prowess will be fresh in the minds of DC faithful after ‘Intuit’, his collaboration with Thomas Schumacher, was a standout of the recent A-Sides Vol.9 compilation.

The ‘Freedom’ EP is Ruiz’s next offering and emblematic of the creative breakthrough he experienced while crafting the four-track work. The title track is led by hypnotic rhythms and deep bass stabs before a vox enters the fore and builds to a delicious climax. ‘Illusions’ is a pulsating bassline-led groover that builds alongside mystical vocal effects. ‘Senses’ exudes an understated touch of Detroit soul and is a handy DJ tool for varying occasions. ‘Existence’ is a searing late-night techno affair, as layers of melody and swelling pads conjure a thrilling laser-kissed atmosphere.

Buy all

Victor Ruiz — Existence — Drumcode — DC225

Independent record label owned by Adam Beyer.