Buy / Stream : https://ffm.to/exploited-club-trax-vol-7

6 years ago Exploited has expanded their name to include Exploited Ghetto, a sub-label that brings new acts into the scene and from people yet not in the Exploited roster. The label name Exploited Ghetto has now been rebranded to Exploited Club. Exploited Club Trax Vol. 07 sums up 19 Exploited Club Tracks from 2021.

Artist: Various Artists
Release: Shir Khan Presents Exploited Club Trax Vol. 07
Label: Exploited
Cat:  EXPDIGITAL224
LC: 15799 
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Global: 28.01.22

Buy / Stream

Shir Khan Presents Exploited Club Trax Vol. 7 I Exploited

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/julianremix

The hotly-tipped Bawrut provides a slow-building remix for Madrid based Depaart which builds and builds effortlessly from the start to an intense, synth-powered breakdown and a pleasingly heady drop. Unusual percussive rhythms trade blows with droning synths and snatches of heavenly melody from the original in this frenzied, ever-changing, ultimately euphoric assault on the senses.

Early Feedback:
Rampa: Thanks will check.
Agoria: Wow.
Dusky: Liking this!
Erol Alkan: Thanks.
Catz N Dogz: Boss!
Huxley: Massive. 
Ruf Dug: Bawrut is my GGGG.
Maxxi Soundsystem: Wicked! 
Kasper Bjorke: Amazing remix!! Bawrut for Prez !
Re.You: Nice one. 
Frankey & Sandrino: Superb!
AME: Thanks.
M.A.N.D.Y. - Cool.
Sobek: Mastervibes!
Kito Jempere: Yes!
Boris Dlugosch: Bawrut never disappoints! Love this.

Artist: Depaart
Release: Julian Remix
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP106
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 15.10.2021
Releasedate Global Download: 29.10.21

Julian Remix

Julian (Bawrut Remix)

Depaart - Julian (Bawrut Remix) I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/enoughofyou

Atlanta producer Sejva is a one-man electro powerhouse, lacing his tracks with bold analog synths, punchy drum machines and his own tripped-out vocals. His debut EP was released on Toro Y Moi main man Chaz Bear’s Company Records in 2016, and he recently released on acclaimed VOD label. He presents his sonic ID in bold fashion on this 2-track release for Exploited.

‘Enough Of You’ channels high-camp/drama ‘80s electro pop from the likes of Visage and Yazoo, with a jagged-edge, buzzing synth arpeggio at the core of the track. The distinctive, sultry male vocal provides the perfect foil for this aggressive bottom end, and a high-pitched synth line with just the right whiff of cheese tops the package off. Soaring strings lift the track further as the mechanical beats slam away and another cute synth arp bubbles away in the higher registers. And is that a sidechained motorbike engine we can hear towards the end? Why not....

‘By Your Side’ gets to work in no time with its guttural, droning bass pulses and unfurling synth blasts decking out a spartan, authentically electro drum pattern. The vocals are more heavily effected and contorted here, giving a more trippy feel as the brooding track slowly rises. A sprightly, shiny synth arpeggio ascends through the octaves while a nagging, vaguely Arabic sounding pulse adds a hazy, psyched-out element. A hugely dramatic, prolonged breakdown creates an epic, haunting mood, which is briskly segmented by the drop — where the bassline morphs and wiggles fantastically into a squealing, acidic direction.

Early Feedback:
Adana Twins: Fett!
Perel: Cool vibes!
Rampa: Thanks. Will check.
Biesmans: Will try.
Joyce Muniz: Sweet.

Artist: Sejva
Release: Enough Of You
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP107
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 22.10.2021
Releasedate Global Download: 05.11.21

Enough Of You

Sejva - Enough Of You I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/egyptimagination

The Egyptian Lover is a stone-cold legend. The LA producer and vocalist was one of the key creators of the electro sound in the early ‘80s, and his influence has been felt in the music of everyone from Dr. Dre and NWA to electronic producers like Jimmy Edgar. His contribution to this track elevates it to another level, adding a mystical, sensual tone to Aiwaska’s bold melodies. 

Tribal percussion laces the rolling beat as brooding bass swathes pass through the track’s undercurrent and the breathy vocal emerges. The first half of the track lets the vocal breath and the mood build, and it’s left to the breakdown to let the spine-tingling lead riff emerge in all its rasping glory. Old skool snare patterns give a nod to The Egyptian Lover’s heritage. There’s also an instrumental version for those scenarios when you just need to keep those heads down and focused. 

The Elektro Dub strips things down to a vocoder-infused, sparse arrangement where the mood is allowed to really infuse and percolate. The slow-burning vibe sucks you in, with heavy bass drops punctuating the head-bobbing beat, and the melodic elements sounding even bigger thanks to the space around them.

Early Feedback:
Agoria (Sapiens): Merci.
Alan Dixon (Running Back): This is killer.
Christian Martin (Dirty Bird): Elektro Dub & Original are sick!
Justin Strauss (Deewee): Elektro Dub sounds great.
AME (Innervisions): Thanks.
Eddie C (Wolf Music): Elektro Dub! Love it.
Pete Herbert (Reverso 68): Superb.
Phenomenal Handclap Band (Toy Tonics): Excellent!
Stereo MCs (Connected): Nice grooves.
Kadosh (Disco Halal): Sounds good.
Nick Catchdubs (Fools Gold): Dig it.

Artist: Aiwaska Feat. The Egyptian Lover
Release: Imagination
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP100
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Spotify: 20.08.2021
Releasedate I-Tunes (all stores): 03.09.21

Imagination

Aiwaska feat. The Egyptian Lover - Imagination I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream : https://ffm.to/jelly

Italian duo gizA djs arrive on Exploited with two absolute barnstormers in their hands.

‘Jelly’ begins life in a beautifully Balearic fashion, with resplendent strings gliding over a languid beat, and haunting, melancholic melodies bringing the emotion. A stark bassline arrives, signalling a taste of what’s to come, and finally a 4/4 beat slams in to provide the energy, while gentle pads pulse dreamily. The track builds and builds to a powerful crescendo where the bassline morphs into an off-beat pulse, creating a classic ‘80s hi-NRG feel, and a soaring lead melody provides some camped-up euphoria. Feel-good music at its finest.

“I remember when Tiziano sent me the first part of the project with the harmonic part” says Gian. “I was dazzled by that strange synth reminiscent of a synthetic vocalization. From there I built the bassline and the track magically took shape in a short time. The track is a hymn to a carefree life...“

‘Euforia’ kicks along at a higher pace, with a bubbling bassline leading the charge from the first second. Just as colourful and charismatic in its melodies, riffs and choices of synth sounds, it packs a lot of energy into its four-minute lifespan. With a little nod to ‘80s video game music, its bold lines and vibrant feel make for another fist-pumping ride.

Artist: gizA djs
Release: Jelly
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP108
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 29.10.2021
Releasedate Global Download: 12.11.21

Jelly 

gizA djs - Jelly I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/alkebulanremix

Early feedback coming in from Black Coffee, Hyenah, AME, Re.You...

'Alkebulan' by Ant LaRock & Roland Clark gets the remix treatment from David Mayer. David Mayer’s remix takes inspiration from the African vocal and injects it into the rhythm section, with off-beat snare hits driving the track forward as shakers stutter away. A huge, soaring breakdown is decked out with synth beauty that spills over into the drop but is wisely restrained from anything too overblown. Well-positioned FX whirrs and spins around your head while the lead riff pans around in similarly dizzying fashion.
Todd Terry protégé Ant LaRock has provided some gems for Exploited previously in the form of ‘Grown Ups’ and ‘When’, and this latest effort with house legend Roland Clark on vocals could be his strongest effort to date.

Early Feedback:
Black Coffee: Thanks.
Hyenah: Great work by Mr. Mayer as expected. 
AME: Thanks. 
Re.You: Amazing work.
Annie Mac & Annie Nightingale: Will consider.
Philippi: Amazing.

Artist: Ant LaRock & Roland Clark
Release: Alkebulan Remix
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP92
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 02.04.21
Releasedate Global Download: 16.04.21

Alkebulan Remix

Alkebulan (David Mayer Remix)

Ant LaRock & Roland Clark - Alkebulan (David Mayer Remix) I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/aikon

Ukrainean talent AIKON is back on Exploited Ghetto showing us more of his magical skills that have also landed him on other leading labels like Disco Halal and Sol Selectas.
Re.You provides one of his typically excellent remixes, beginning in similar fashion to the original but with a more instantaneous focus on the hovering bass. The stripped-back arrangement slowly gathers weight, with dazzling synth cascades in the breakdown unfolding into the track and blurring in and out of focus, serving as a main hook of sorts. There’s more of a tribal lilt to the beat too, with some percussive inflexion that makes the groove work harder.
Armonica dives into more brooding territory with a techier touch played out in chord stabs and shimmering synth arps. Elements of tribal percussion are pulled into a taut rhythm as snarls of low-slung electronics permeate the mix. A big build/break ramps up the tension, and a spacious yet intense arrangement is carefully constructed.

Early Feedback:
Skream: Will deffo play this 1.
Gorgon City: This is dope. Love both remixes. Especially big fan of everything Re.You is doing. 
Jonas Rathsman: Re.You Remix is fire. 
Elke Kleijn: Nice!
Matthias Meyer: Armonica Remixes are amazing.
dOP: Nice pack.
Justin Strauss: Re.You mix for me.

Artist: AIKON
Release: Coming Back Remixes
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP93
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 16.04.21
Releasedate Global Download: 30.04.21

Coming Back Remixes

Coming Back (Re.You Remix)

AIKON - Coming Back (Re.You Remix) I Exploited Ghetto

Buy & Stream: https://orcd.co/elpaso

Premiered by Pete Tong at BBC Radio 1:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000rwnm
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000s3vc

"What a tune that is. Wow! I wish I could play this in the club." (Pete Tong)

With previous gems for Exploited Ghetto including ‘Hibiskuss’ and ‘Masada’, Berlin’s Marcus Meinhardt became an integral part of the label family. His melodic techno style always finds the balance between groove and melody, and he can usually be found behind the decks in any of his hometown’s favoured tech-centric dancing establishments. ‘El Paso’ is his latest weapon: a sleek, no-nonsense dancefloor cut which gets the job done very nicely indeed.
This track is alive from the very first note, throbbing and pulsating hypnotically with a tribal rhythm and thick chunks of bass accentuating the percussive groove. The trademark Meinhardt synth magic swells and teases, rising like a giant wave to help introduce new parts of the track. When the claps finally drop in, the impact is felt heavily, and the track keeps building as layer upon layer of mesmerising synth energy is added. The tension increases as we drop back to a kick and bass groove, those dazzling melodic elements teasing and disorienting vocal delays plunging is further into the deep abyss. From near silence, the track rebuilds itself like a sleeping beast waking from slumber, propelling us back to that meaty groove.
It’s what you might call a ‘mood track’: one that never explodes ostentatiously, but instead provides you with a slice of drama to use as a powerful building block within a greater narrative.

Early feedback:
Hot Since 82: Sick. I love it.
DJ Mag France: Solid track. Well done!
DJ Mag Spain: Nice one. 
Horse Meat Disco/Jim Stanton: Kicks. I like. 

Artist: Marcus Meinhardt
Release: El Paso
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP91
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Spotify: 12.03.21
Releasedate I-Tunes (all stores): 26.03.21

El Paso

Marcus Meinhardt - El Paso I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/sandhog

Sandhog returns for its second bite of the cherry with Exploited, following the well-received ‘Endless Dimension’ EP. Fresh with another two hot tracks that are full of ideas and colour, it’s another impressive outing.
Combining skanking reggae rhythm, electric guitars solos and a pulsating house groove might sound wrong on paper, but it works a treat on ‘Cabassa’. The off-beat skank creates a vibrant push-pull against the thick synth bassline as ticking percussion provides further energy. Filtered synth trumpets and disco guitar licks add colour, along with percussive fills and the occasional screech of the guitar. It’s house. It’s tropical. But no, it’s not tropical house . It’s something much more mystical and sophisticated than that. A real odyssey of a track, it’s filled with thoughtful little touches right to the end that ensure an constantly interesting listen.
‘Night Flight’ continues the tropical feel in a more stripped-back fashion. A nagging bass hook burrows its way through sparse beats, a groove slowly building through light synthetic textures and carefully placed percussive hits and fills. Sounds are buried deep in the mix: a violinist here, an accordion there. A hypnotic breakdown sets your head spinning as a bitcrushed synth zig-zags its way into your mind and the track ebbs and flows magically, constantly shape-shifting.

If you're looking to livestream this release please let us know so we can whitelist the record for you.

Early feedback:
Tomas Barfod/Whomadewho: Big fan of Sandhog! 
M.A.N.D.Y.: Love Cabassa a lot.
Doctor Dru: Very nice one! 
Manoo: Super!
Storken: Amazingness.
Philippi: Love. 
Foamo: Love this.
Annie Nightingale/BBC Radio1: Will consider.
Melon: Great groover. 

Artist: Sandhog
Release: Cabassa
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP94
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 30.04.21
Releasedate Global Download: 14.05.21

Cabassa

Sandhog - Cabassa I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream https://ffm.to/aiwaskaatnight

Early feedback in by Black Coffee, DJ Harvey, Claptone, Hyenah, Doctor Dru, Gorgon City, Chris Duckenfield, Alinka, Wahm, Justin Strauss...

AIWASKA @ At Night:
https://youtu.be/4TTZGTvANNo

The man behind the mask Aiwaska is back with possibly his hottest release for Exploited so far. Following in the footsteps of massive releases like ‘Medicine’ and ‘Darkness’, ‘At Night’ had its work cut out but has delivered in some style.
Taking a little flavour from the world of afro house but infusing it with more of a rolling groove than a tribal, drum-focused rhythm, it’s a track that’s dying to be heard at festivals and open-air dancefloors. Centred around a hypnotic African vocal refrain by Idd Aziz, the track builds in beautifully gradual fashion, with nods to early ‘90s ambient house in its atmospheric collage of sounds.
A stuttering synth rhythm sets the tone over a chunky beat as the track begins, with the vocal soon teased in looping fashion and adding a heady feel. The infectiously rolling bassline groove soon gets down to business. Subtle percussive additions build the groove, as do shimmering, morphing electronic motifs that weave in and out of the track. The vocal begins to reveal more of itself, and the arrangement strips back down to just kick, bass, vocals and synth with a real intensity. The vocals become more incessant and insistent as the track begins to slowly build again until we’re at a dizzying fever pitch.
No big hooks; no overblown theatrics; just a very well-crafted, slow-burning journey of a track. Aiwaska, we salute you!

If you're looking to livestream this release please let us know so we can whitelist the record for you.

Early Feedback:
DJ Harvey: Thank you!
Black Coffee: Thanks!
Gorgon City: The funk! Love this! 
Hyenah: Thanks for the good music.
Chris Duckenfield: Shades of Yeke Yeke - love it!
Claptone: Thanks.
Doctor Dru: Yeah!
Alinka: Nice one. 
Justin Strauss: Sounds good.
Annie Nightingale/BBC Radio 1: Will consider. 
Sasha: Big tune!
Wahm: Great release, Aziz always delivers. 

Artist: Aiwaska Feat. Idd Aziz
Release: At Night
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP95
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 07.05.21
Releasedate Global Download: 21.05.21

At Night

Aiwaska, Idd Aziz - At Night I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/freakmeprecious

With previous releases on powerhouse labels like Diynamic and Get Physical Music, Italy’s FreakMe arrives with major pedigree with his first release for Exploited Ghetto. Combining ‘80s pop sensibilities with modern dancefloor power, ‘Precious’ is a serious earworm of a track.
A mysterious, hypnotic synth arpeggio harks back to classic trance as the track begins, with big gated snares taking us back to the 1980s. More cute retro synth licks build the aural tapestry as hi-hats flutter and pads swirl. The first snatches of the laconic vocal hook from Bristol’s Steelyvibe are teased in before the undulating bassline and its tense melodic progression unfolds.
The kick drops out momentarily, and a suddenly a bold Moog-style lead line cuts into the mix with the bassline following its melody. This dramatic moment is soon supplanted by the main groove, with the infectious vocal hook now burrowed deep into your brain. The spooky arp returns for the main break, and then it’s back to that rasping countermelody. A cool, breezy feel surrounds the track throughout, with its dancefloor intentions never overwhelming its lightness of touch.
All in all, it’s a glorious piece of work that marks another step forward for FreakMe’s sound. And there’s an instrumental version for those that like their grooves a little more direct.

Artist: FreakMe
Release: Precious
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP97
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 02.07.21
Releasedate Global Download: 16.07.21

Precious

FreakMe Feat. Steelyvibe  - Precious I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/dirtyfingers

Video Interview: https://youtu.be/No5iI2PYd_4

Italian-born, Berlin-based electronic producer Erta Ale makes a beautiful racket. And he does using only his army of analog machines — an approach he calls ‘DAWless’, referring to his lack of a computer-based sequencer in his setup. The result is wonderfully organic music, as exemplified on his new EP for Exploited Ghetto, ‘Dirty Fingers’.
Across three tracks of sprawling, spontaneous, electronic breakbeat jazz, he sets out his musical manifesto. The title track is a dreamy, warm affair where squelching synth stabs filter up and down over a stuttered beat, fizzing chords and a hard-working, relentless bassline that dances incessantly. ‘Cosmic Jazz’ lets those keys go haywire, discordant electric piano noodling jarring against undulating bassline progressions and a shuffling broken beat, finding the sweet spot between relentless groove and chaotic expressionism. ‘Plastic Bones’ completes this unpredictable trio with thick sub bass drops, a tribal rhythm and a hypnotic chime arpeggiation that unfolds into an afro-jazz masterpiece.
This is a rare digital outing for the mostly vinyl-only artist, who has other material this year on the 7th instalment of DJ International’s legendary ‘Jackmaster’ compilation, and Alinka’s Twirl Recordings, not to mention his own Solenoid label.

Early Feedback:
Jimpster: Plastic Bone is lovely!
PBR Streetgang: Nice. Will play. 
Hyenah: Thrown back hin the Bugz' attic big time. Erta Ale for life! 
Mr. V: Vibes. Thanks guys.
Fred Everything: Enjoying the jazz vibes here.
Spatial Awareness: Brilliant:)
Jive Talk: Love all of these.
DJ Bone: Love every track! Perfect broken beats.
Alland Byallo: So dope. 

Artist: Erta Ale
Release: Dirty Fingers
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP96
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 18.06.21
Releasedate Global Download: 02.07.21

Dirty Fingers

Erta Ale - Dirty Fingers I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/depaartjulian

Depaart (LIVE) @ Monasterio de Santa María La Real
https://youtu.be/NtYfF7RS9sw

With releases on labels like Diynamic & Last Night On Earth, Spanish label-turned-party-turned-production-team Depaart arrive on Exploited Ghetto for the first time with some impressive pedigree.
‘Julian’ is a typically engrossing affair from this talented duo, fusing their house leanings with a heavy nod to ‘80s synth pop. Heavily reverbered drum hits and haunting atmospheres kick the track off in tandem with a nagging synth arpeggio which slowly filters into focus. A pitch-rising synth whirr signals the intensity is about to hit, and in slams a wiggling bass pulse, matching the melody of the synth in pleasingly juicy fashion. Delicate chime notes flit across the stereo field and next a counter melody cuts through the mix, teasing us with its brief appearance. 
The dreamy breakdown comes across like a classic ‘90s ambient record, with a heavily disguised wind instrument sampled and replayed deep in the mix to add a hypnotic, indigenous feel. The track builds up unhurriedly from this moment of calm, the drum hits sounding huge when given more room to breathe. The pay-off is hugely rewarding as an octave-leaping riff slices through as the track drops. Another mini-break brings more tension, and gated synths stutter an old skool feel into the final section.

Depaart - the producers are Guille Marraco and Fran Zaragoza, but they form part of a bigger collective who throw parties in Spain and release music on their own label. 2018 saw them relaunch their production offering, and the output continues to be hugely impressive.

Artist: Depaart
Release: Julian
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP99
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Spotify: 13.08.2021
Releasedate I-Tunes (all stores): 27.08.21

Julian

Depaart - Julian I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/loverestraining

Patience is a virtue, and it’s one that will reward you greatly when listening to Ed Ed’s new stunner for Exploited. Building in a considered and engrossing manner, ‘Love Restraining’ will suck you in, spit you out and leave you a sweaty, elated mess.
A monotone bass groove twangs and rasps over a snappy beat, with a minimal approach to the accompaniments opted for at first. Pitched down vocals add a haunting layer, and deep in the mix a droning techno synth rises and falls. Dashes of scintillating melodic scales work their way into the mix, heavily reverbered into the background. Next, a pizzicato style blip riff passes through the track. Stabs pepper the track with more rhythmic intent, their tails extended here and there to draw them out further and deeper. All the while the shakers shuffle on and the beat and bass keep driving us forward.
A spooky breakdown sees several of these elements fuse and meander into each others paths before we slam headlong back into that bleeping, morse code style riff hammering away over the groove. 7 minutes passes by in a flash; you come to wondering where you are, where you have been, where you’re going, and where the repeat button is.
Berlin-based Ed Ed has also found favour through releases on Watergate Records and Get Physical among others, and last graced Exploited with the massive ‘Riding To Mercury’.

Early feedback:
Mano Le Tough: Thanks.
Rampa: Thanks. Will check!
Jonas Rathsman: Nice one!
Eelke Klein: Love it!
Baikal: Interesting.
Jonas Rathsman: Nice one!
Sasha: Supercool!
DJMag: Like this!
Doctor Dru: Cool. Like it.
Peter Kruder: Nice! Thanks! 

Artist: Ed Ed
Release: Love Restraining
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP102
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 10.09.2021
Releasedate Global Download: 24.09.21

Love Restraining

Ed Ed - Love Restraining I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/loaded-gun

Italian stallion FreakMe is back on Exploited Ghetto following previous gem ‘Precious’, and continues in a similar Italo-influenced vibe with the mighty ‘Loaded Gun’ — which comes in two delicious versions.
First up, the ‘2AmMix’ springs into life with its bouncing, double-time, on-beat bassline leading the charge amidst a rich collection of gentle synth sounds. The cool, mysterious pop vocal perfectly matches the ‘80s feel of the beats and melodies, with big gated snares reinforcing the theme. The arrangement pares back, and a tense breakdown follows where the vocal really shines, the bassline dropping out momentarily and slamming back in with renewed urgency as the vocal phrase delays echo away in ghostly fashion. It’s electro pop reimagined for the house/tech dancefloor, and it’s a seriously classy concoction.
The ‘6AmMix’? Think afterparty chillout time, taking a breather as the sun comes up over a golden beach and glittering sea. The tempo is cut in half to a languid stumble, a relaxed heartbeat of a kick drum underpinning the dazzling synths and beautiful vocal. The bassline is replaced with a slower, more sustained pulse, allowing for a much more spacious feel. The Balearic feel is completed with soaring synth-strings and sorrowful chords, making for a beautifully epic, angelic slice of downtempo music that is the perfect compliment to the original.

Artist: FreakMe
Release: Loaded Gun
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP103
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 17.09.2021
Releasedate Global Download: 01.10.21

Loaded Gun

Loaded Gun (2Am Mix)

Freakme - Loaded Gun (2AM Mix) I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/igotsomething

You can always count on Kotelett to serve up some vibrant melodic monsters, and the follow-up to his latest ‘I Got Something For You’ EP for Exploited Ghetto has now been remixed by the always-amazing Lauer, of Tuff City Kids, Black Spuma and indeed Lauer fame.
Lauer’s remix is as scorching as you might expect it. He extracts the drive and texture of the central bassline motif, and showers it in heavenly chords, blissful riffage and slick electro percussion. A few licks of gentle acid bathe the track in additional warmth, taking you on a trip back to the early ‘90s in softly euphoric style.

Early Feedback:
Rampa: Thanks. Will check. 
Dusky: Liking this.
Audiojack: Nice happy vibe.
Upercent: Cool. 
Sandrino: Sexy.
Alinka: Love Lauer.
Dosem: Love it. 
Throwing Shade: Nice.
AND.ID: This remix is fire.

Artist: Kotelett
Release: I Got Something For You Remix
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP101
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Beatport Pre-order: 23.07.21
Releasedate Beatport & Spotify: 30.07.21
Releasedate I-Tunes (all stores): 13.08.21

I Got Something For You Remix

I Got Something For You (Lauer Remix)

Kotelett - I Got Something For You (Lauer Remix) I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/superfuture

Rising Italian talent Packim is very much one to watch.
He presents an absolute pearler of a debut for Exploited here in the form of ‘Super Future’.

‘Super Future’ is a sleek little plumper of a track, drenched in Italo disco heritage. Its playful offbeat bassline and 8-bit computer game motifs are set against a punchy, authentically old skool beat. The bassline morphs into a buzzing, jittering groove while an analog synth plays out a bittersweet melody that glides beautifully in the upper reaches of the track. The pitter-patter of hi-hats creates the urgency, while FX risers push the energy further, and the arrangement is kept suitably varied to ensure that the track feels like a living, breathing thing that will readily consume any worthy dancefloor. 

You very much get the sense from this track that Packim has really studied his electronic music history to a tee, and that he has a brilliant knack for taking the sounds of yesteryear and updating them with a modern, sophisticated twist. More please!

Early feedback:
Biesmans: Will try.
Alinka: Love it.
Sasha: Bouncy and cool.
Joyce Muniz: Nice tune!
Citizen: Lovely.
Horse Meat Disco: More italooo!
Elke Kleijn: Excellent!
Meggy: Nice 1!
Private Agenda: Great italo feel. 

Artist: Packim
Release: Super Future
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP105
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 08.10.2021
Releasedate Global Download: 22.10.21

Super Future

Packim - Super Future I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/flashes

AIKON returns to Exploited with an EP of dark moods and sensual melody.

The title track is a dark slice of Italo disco / electro, with taut snares cutting through the droning bass and hypnotic synth arpeggiation. Building imperceptibly through subtle atmospheric touches, the track reaches a spine-tingling peak in the spacious breakdown, where synths soar and the acidic bass gets a moment in the spotlight. A voice breathes the word ‘acid’ as the beat kicks back into life, completing the tripped out feel of this moody chugger.

‘Galaxy’ is driven along by a hefty bassline throb, soon bolstered by monotone acid tones and infectious cowbell rhythm. Blasts of synths tease as we head towards the heavenly breakdown, where beautiful sampled guitar melody rubs up against floaty, ambient pad sounds. The contrast between the guitar and the moody bass sounds when the beat drops back in is magical, channeling some of that ‘90s dreamhouse energy as gated, shimmering chords add another sumptuous motif.

‘Heroes’ is a little more on the melodic techno tip but keeps the textures and themes of the EP running through it. Moving at a languid tempo, the track focuses around a simple, blissed-out, ecstasy-imbued hook and a chugging bass rhythm. The switch from a 4/4 thump to a breakbeat rhythm halfway through shifts the mood brilliantly, and throughout subtle changes eke out more beauty from this heads-down affair.

Early Feedback:
Rampa: Thanks. Will check. 
Sandrino:Thanks for the music.
Kendal: Love these 3 tracks. This is huge. Congrats AIKON!
Sobek: Really nice tunes. 
Tsugi Mag: Heroes for me.
Upercent: Nice.
Alinka: Very nice.
Kendal: Love these 3 tracks. This is huge. Congrats!
Made in TVL: Good job. Like it.
Tommie Sunshine: Love this whole EP.

Artist: AIKON
Release: Flashes
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP104
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 01.10.2021
Releasedate Global Download: 15.10.21

Flashes

Heroes

AIKON - Heroes I Exploited Ghetto

Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/aiwaska

Early feedback coming in from Rampa, Artbat, Audiojack, Sandrino, Re.You, Hannah Holland, Doctor Dru, Matthias Meyer, Phunkadelica, Justin Jay, Christian Martin, Stereo MCs, Adamski...

The talented Patrice Bäumel provides a brilliant rework of Aiwaskas' 'Darkness' single in a leftfield electronica style, with a stripped-back arrangement pinned around a throbbing breakbeat style rhythm. Brooding synth tones, dazzling arpeggios and subtle, warm bass engross fluttering vocal delays which lace the track with a spine-tingling feel.

Musicvideo: https://youtu.be/7J_54wNpDxc

Patrice Bäumel playing Darkness (Patrice Bäumel Remix):
https://youtu.be/8GYGisuXkbM

Aiwaska playing Darkness (Patrice Bäumel Remix):
https://youtu.be/CAyyFHJ45cA

Early feedback:
Artbat: Good release.
Rampa: Thanks. Will check. 
Audiojack: Feeling the dub. 
Doctor Dru: Super version.
Sandrino: Sensational remix by Patrice. Love it. Instrumental is my fave. 
Re.You - Thanks.
Hannah Holland: Lovely. 
Matthias Meyer: Bäumel Remix for me. Very special one.
Sasha: Very cool vibes.
Joyce Muniz: Schoen. 
Phunkadelica: Lovely Remix. 
Justin Jay: Epic. 
Christian Martin: Instrumental is doooope.
Dave Seaman: Superb. 
Horse Meat Disco: Cool vibez.
Riva Starr: Thanks for the music.
Florian Kruse: Love it. Amazing.
John Digweed: Downloading.
Annie Mac/BBC Radio 1: Downloading.
Stereo MCs: Lovely instrumental. 
Adamski: Cool - good atmosphere.
Biesmans: Cool stuff.

Artist: Aiwaska
Release: Darkness Remix
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP90
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Spotify: 29.01.21
Releasedate I-Tunes (all stores): 12.02.21

Darkness Remix

Darkness (Patrice Bäumel Remix)

Aiwaska - Darkness (Patrice Bäumel Remix) I Exploited Ghetto

Shir Khan started Exploited in 2007. Exploited Rec now plays host to some wide-ranging and innovative electronic talent - including Adana Twins, Claptone, Budakid, Joyce Muniz, James Curd, Shir Khan (to name a few) - and its artists have been receiving numerous supportive spins from the likes of Solomun, Pete Tong, Soul Clap, Wolf&Lamb, Azari&III, Jesse Rose, Axel Boman and A-Trak.
This is serious dance music at it's most cutting edge with all the juice to really get you going. It's totally contemporary, innovative and has a chunky dirty feel. "Exploited" take you on an invigorating roller coaster ride back to your youth when you first listened to dance music with all the thrills and spills you so enjoyed about clubbing. It's heavy, exciting and special.
'"Exploited Records" is a seamless melting pot of varied styles that simply can't fail to please even the most discerning ears. Highlights here are plentyful. Not to be missed at any cost.' (Clash)
'Musical hybrids are truly the flavour of today, but few have managed to capture the atmosphere of an unpredictable microcosm of a night out on a recordlabel - until now. Shir Khan's label "Exploited" bottles the zeitgeist's giddy thrills with plenty of style and substance. This is dance music hybridism in all its most glorious forms, and Shir Khan is an expert at making square pegs fit round holes.' (DJ-Mag)
'"Exploited Records" boss Shir Khan has been gaining a lot of acclaim recently, and deservedly so - as he has shown us the high quality, diversity and forward-thinking nature of his label. Engaging, riveting and diverse.' (Data Transmission)