Friendship & Decadence at IDA Helsinki (2020 - 2023)

Elmo Sarpaniemi (El Mono) and Roope Karhunen (Kaltstam) met at a local Helsinki radio station in 2005, and linked up soon again at an afterparty in 2018. Fueled by their mutual passion towards only the best genres ever they squeezed out a blend of goa trance, techno, electro, breakbeats, and IDM. This steamy and humid session gave birth to the title track, “Positive”.

The other ER original - 2G - sounds more like traditional goa trance, but still… it hardly is. Clocking the rhythm around 140 bpm like the opening track, it kicks in the club doors with a robust bassline, enchanting the cultured dancer with its peculiar melodies, leaving the purists absolutely cold evicting them for a cigarette. Because who gives an oink about purists, right?

This record is also fortunate enough to be blessed with two spectacular remixes. Neri J’s approach is a more club friendly, yet aetheric version of “Positive”, but don’t get it twisted. It still possesses something very psychedelic and raw. Ilev Luna wraps up the release nicely with his touch, that sounds like an interpretation of modern techno, but in fact could be a journey into your psyche. BOOM! This slaps.

Mastered by Gabriel Markus / Marble house studios
Cover art by Wezardo

ER - Positive EP

Formal, organised and consistent are maybe not the words one would use when describing Poly Sone’s music. However this is a colourful package of various styles crafted with tender and care.

The track “Quasicrystal” initiates the release with lush analog pads infused with crispy sound of a grand piano. The story tells that the artist had his field recorder along while staying in a vacation condo in San Francisco, which happened to include this fine instrument. Some nicely chopped drum breaks were added to the mix and voilá! It’s definitely not the most straightforward track to dance to. Will you take on the challenge?

“Raphe Nuclei Stimuli” will satisfy your 4/4 cravings instantly by bringing in an ethereal chant topped with smoothly rolling percussions. This hypnotic piece originates from the Sahara desert where Poly Sone got his hands on a djembe drum, and some local delicacies under a clear night sky. Again the performance was captured with a field recorder.

The title track “Saccade” develops the hypnotic atmosphere even further, by stacking repetitive low-end cadence with hazy percussive hits and microtonal arpeggios. This surprisingly laidback track has proven to work well on the dance floor. Especially just a moment before dawn. Dare to dive deeper.

“Strange Matter” finalises the release with more break beats and a hint of nostalgia. Who doesn’t love breaks and nostalgia? We certainly do! The track was inspired by Mount Everest. The artist has never been there but has read a book about it.

Mastered by Holistic Audio Mastering
Cover art by Aku Leinikki

Poly Sone - Saccade EP

Friendship & Decadence Podcasts

Jesper Aisti is an active member of Abyss collective which is known as the original founder of Puotila ug as well as organizing numerous other ug-events in Helsinki. 

As a dj Jesper Aisti is known for his afro-influenced tribal excursions and for his deep and trippy tech selection. This time he introduces us to irresistible rhythms of modern electronic sounds of Durban and some other musical hot spots.

https://soundcloud.com/esperisti

35: Jesper Aisti

ER - Positive (Ilev Luna Remix)

ER - Positive (Neri J Remix)

ER - 2G

ER - Positive (Original)

Formal, organised and consistent are maybe not the words one would use when describing Poly Sone’s music. However this is a colourful package of various styles crafted with tender and care.

The track “Quasicrystal” initiates the release with lush analog pads infused with crispy sound of a grand piano. The story tells that the artist had his field recorder along while staying in a vacation condo in San Francisco, which happened to include this fine instrument. Some nicely chopped drum breaks were added to the mix and voilá! It’s definitely not the most straightforward track to dance to. Will you take on the challenge?

“Raphe Nuclei Stimuli” will satisfy your 4/4 cravings instantly by bringing in an ethereal chant topped with smoothly rolling percussions. This hypnotic piece originates from the Sahara desert where Poly Sone got his hands on a djembe drum, and some local delicacies under a clear night sky. Again the performance was captured with a field recorder.

The title track “Saccade” develops the hypnotic atmosphere even further, by stacking repetitive low-end cadence with hazy percussive hits and microtonal arpeggios. This surprisingly laidback track has proven to work well on the dance floor. Especially just a moment before dawn. Dare to dive deeper.

“Strange Matter” finalises the release with more break beats and a hint of nostalgia. Who doesn’t love breaks and nostalgia? We certainly do! The track was inspired by Mount Everest. The artist has never been there but has read a book about it.
 
Mastered by Holistc Audio Mastering
Cover art by Aku Leinikki

@polysone

Saccade EP

Poly Sone - Saccade EP snippets

Soufer is a Helsinki based DJ who feels at home on both sides of the decks. She has been our long time friend and supporter, so we’re over the moon that she decided to join our ranks.

Getting stuck on one genre or style definitely isn’t her thing, as her selections are possessed by fierce soundscapes, catchy rhythms and dreamy melodies. Lately Soufer has preferred a combination of techno, electro and breaksy stuff, which you can also hear in this podcast. Enjoy!

https://soundcloud.com/user-soufer

Cover art by Sini Henttu / VJ Sinsin

37: Soufer

Poly Sone - Strange Matter

Poly Sone - Saccade

Poly Sone - Raphe Nuclei Stimuli

Poly Sone - Quasicrystal

Forehard is a person and musician who has been working relentlessly with electronic music and the scene around it for almost 20 years. In addition to his producer and creative roles he is a founder of a record label called Inceptum records.Tracks from the fifth, also latest, release were also moulded into this intense torrid techno and electro influenced mix. 

The way he describes this mix and techno in general: “Techno is powerful, an entire world that at least for me involves a huge amount of emotion and energy” 

This one tosses you around, dive in <3

@forehard

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ SINSIN

38: Forehard

The Parisian DJ Lola Fat is a jack of many genres from acid to ravey techno, electro, breaks, trance and back. Nonetheless she can weave these styles together with skill and precision, creating a coherent yet interesting narrative to her sets. Her mix for us wasn’t an exception.

Recently she’s also been developing her own sound patiently at the studio. Therefore plans for her own label and debut EP are gleaming in the horizon.

https://soundcloud.com/lolafat

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ SINSIN

39: Lola Fat

This month podcast comes all the way from Straya! 

Ish Anja is a DJ from Melbourne, Australia who displays a combination of ambient downtempo/dub and deep tech into her sets. Her goal of experimenting with unique, ethereal sounds is to move the collective in a way where they connect with others around them, and most importantly, with themselves.

@hypnoticish

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ SINSIN

40: Ish Anja

Utö is a dj and electronic musician from Helsinki. He says that music at the outer islands ought to be rugged and beautiful and those are also some words to describe his mix for this podcast. 

His mix will take you on a journey from airy, trancy and acidy beats all the way to hard techno. Utö is planning to release his first EP later this winter, from which one track can be heard on this mix.

@utosound

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ SINSIN

41: Utö

DJ Oltermann aka artist formerly known as Olli Koponen has been making rounds as a disc jockey in Helsinki for more than just a few years. I’m sure if you have been  involved in the clubbing circles in our fair town during 2010’s and 2020’s, you have heard his name come up more than once.

You might also recognize him from the band RAD, a trance duo he forms with Santtu XL and OK sound, a record store formed with Kris Goodin.

As a master of various styles DJ Oltermann delivers a technoesque eclectic selection to dust yourself off to.

@djoltermann

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ SINSIN

42: Dj Oltermann

Tuesdays - a selection of songs by Mirage Man spanning from 2018 till 2021. Contains genres such as ambient, IDM, breakbeat and other. Features an artist by the name of Black Volvo on a collaborative track. Is mastered by Antero Kantonen. Has a capybara on the cover.

Production by Mirage Man
Production by Black Volvo
Mastering by Antero Kantonen
Artwork by Comic & Sons

Bandcamp

Mirage Man - Tuesdays (Clips)

Tracklist available at: www.idaidaida.net

Friendship & Decadence 29.09.22

Friendship & Decadence 27.10.22

00 collective affiliate Basit Soomro delivers a psychedelic mixture of sturdy dance music.

https://soundcloud.com/basit-s00mro

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ Sinsin

43: Basit Soomro

Friendship & Decadence 24.11.22

Timmo Piha(@timmopiha) has been a record smith behind the scenes for a long time, he has been digging records since -02. This set is a good example of what Timmo’s diverse archive can contain. Fast, loopy, groovy is the name of the game!

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ Sinsin

44: Timmo Piha

Friendship & Decadence 19.01.23

Friendship & Decadence 16.2.2023

Helsinki based label Friendship & Decadence consists of talented local producers who aim for uncompromised originality and by the sound of their first release deliver it with a bang. Joint Minds - which is a collaboration formed by Kade, Satoi and Poly Sone - debuts on the imprint a two track, acid laced yet ethereal techno record.

Commotion ticks all the boxes for the means to get the crowd moving on the dancefloor; an acid infused bassline, a crunchy rhythm section, a repetitive vocal cut and an uplifting arrangement.

On the b-side the trio takes a step towards a more deeper and modern end with their delicate and atmospheric piece titled Headerstuck. Great track to bust out in most occasions from early evenings til the morning dawn.

Joint Minds - Commotion (Snippet)

After their opening release with the 12” by the mysterious Joint Minds collective, Friendship & Decadence returns with a deep and techno-oriented compilation - Assorted Pieces I.

The producer, live performer and vocalist Kade debuts her solo project with a smoky vocal and organ filled late night track “Lazy”, which is followed by Satoi’s “Sterod”. His dreamy and euphoric sonic signature can be found on this number like as well on his previous remix release on Dept. records.

On the b-side of the record Mirage Man - who has been active releasing on a few other compilations already during the past year - takes over with “From Inch 2 Action” by showcasing a gritty and bass heavy studio recording. Poly Sone who released his vinyl debut earlier this year, finishes off the assortment with a dark, percussive and slightly organic dancefloor track “Absence of Nothing” which ties the entity of the record nicely together.

Release date: September 2017.
Distributed by Wrong Hands
http://fnd.fi/

Kade - Lazy

Linda Lazarov (@dusca) has been making waves in the underground and club scene of Helsinki and also abroad. Herrensauna Invites in Munich, Global peace night in Tallinn, domestic mega events like Retriitti and Under the Bridge, and her frequent performances at Kaiku and Ääniwalli have been few platforms where you might have heard her play. As we were in luck, she pressed record and captured this electro fueled power package for vibement purposes only. Listen, submit, dance.

Artwork © Sini Henttu

5: Linda Lazarov

Ilev Luna (@vbystrom) is a fairly new face in the local techno circuit in Helsinki, yet he is already known of his fast paced and gritty live sets. This podcast which is the sixth instalment in our mixtape series is definitely a homage to Luna’s outlook on music containing tracks from artists like Blawan, Carl Finlow, Silent Servant and more.

Cover design by Sini Henttu / VJ SINSIN

6: Ilev Luna

Our podcast episode 8 comes from Kaspiann (@soundsofkaspiann) - a young talent from Helsinki. Despite his young age he has already gained a strong foothold in Helsinki's techno scene and due to his remarkable production skills he just scored a release in Planet Rhythm (@planetrhythmrec). Well done mate! 

This mix is a very fine blend of ambient and atmospheric techno. Works perfectly well on Friday evening or Sunday morning. Or any time in-between!

Check out Polar EP - https://soundcloud.com/planetrhythmrec/kaspiann-polar-ep-prrukd18012

Cover art by Sini Henttu / VJ Sinsin

8: Kaspiann

Wax connoisseur extraordinaire from Better Things to Do crew and mysterious Loukku, Jimi delivers the last podcast of the year, with the style and grace one could expect. Enabled by his wide record collection and impeccable technical skills Jimi offers you a recording that is a pool of deep and exhilarating dance music. 

What a delightful soundtrack for the holiday season, thank you Jimi!

Cover art by Sini Henttu / VJ Sinsin

10: Jimi

KXK is a dynamic duo formed by Kaila and Kaiunta. Both of them already having been producing music on their own for some time, they decided to combine forces under this joint project  about one and half a years ago.

They are already known for their relentless live sets that have recently moved crowds for example in Ääniwalli, Post Bar and Kaiku. This live recording consisting of their unreleased material is a prime example of what they are capable of creating on stage. Expect some stomping modern techno blended with proper 90’s warehouse vibes.

Kaiunta also recently joined Friendship & Decadence, so you’ll probably be exposed to more of his creations through us in the future.

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ SINSIN

https://soundcloud.com/kaiunta
https://soundcloud.com/mjkaila
http://fnd.fi

13: KXK

Tekla’s journey as a DJ dates back to 1994 when she started organising events in Helsinki along with her crew called Usva. 

Due to years of experience and hoarding vinyl her sets are a superb delicacy. A word to the wise, if you see her name on the bill go and hear her perform, because the chances are you’re going to have a great time.

As she’s known to collect only good records, her podcast contains heaps of acid infused techno with a hint of trance wrapped in a rolling bundle of rhythms.

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ SINSIN

https://www.mixcloud.com/dj_tekla/

14: Tekla

Anna Artemova Addams aka A н я is known from her affiliations with events like Euroспорт and Club Anvil in Helsinki - and more so from her dark, early minimal synth wavesque and electro infused style. That being said we couldn’t be happier that she recorded a mix for us.

This particular recording is influenced by her years in Berlin and includes her new and older favourites.

https://soundcloud.com/anna-artemova-addams

20: Anna Artemova Addams aka A н я

Uha is a relatively new face in Helsinki’s vibrant underground party scene but she’s already found her own approach for performing as a DJ. Her focus on the music is highly analytical in both logical and emotional ways which can be heard in her well structured storytelling sets. For her it’s not only about digging music but self development and exploration as well. In party culture she appreciates community, openness and freedom to be whatever you want to be.

This podcast episode is minimalistic, hypnotic and almost mystical in it’s spirit. True ear candy for people appreciating deep emotional vibes!

@uhaahu

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ SINSIN

21: Uha

Waltteri & Joel Kinnunen, two friends from Helsinki, are presenting groovy and hypnotic techno 4-tracker. Despite different and diverse background in electronic music, they share a lot when it comes to techno. DOG EP collides two worlds, two ways of making music, finding balance in workflow and mindset. It includes two collaborations and one track from each, and represents a journey towards hazy morning feelings.

Hash Acoustics is a deep, rolling groove where you can feel the snowflakes falling against the dark sky. Pulsating bass loop, distant grunts and dreamy pad will lead you into a soothing but somewhat wistful state of mind.

Trip Washer is functional, stripped back techno and comes with reduced tempo. Hefty kick pattern, sharp stabs and layered hi-hats are complemented with bittersweet pad, and the result is something to sink into.

R-Lect is the hardest and the most straight forward track on this EP. Fast, punching bass roll and repetitive stab will keep you on the hook until the very end. The main melody eventually melts with the bass roll and takes you deep into the abyss. You might feel a little trippy there.

Meter 44 is a balancing act between curious, repetitive bass groove and plaintive, yet hopeful soundscapes. Outcome is deep, driven techno for the body and mind.

Mastered by Resoundsound
Cover art by Ville Korhonen

Waltteri & Joel Kinnunen - Meter 44 (Snippet)

Joel Kinnunen - Trip Washer (Snippet)

Waltteri & Joel Kinnunen - Hash Acoustics (Snippet)

This month’s podcast comes straight from the Georgia capital city: Tbilisi! @djsendnudess has provided us with one hour long sweet, tasty and fast pumping stellar set. He runs his own label called @palmstructure while being the crew member of  @vodkast12 the only vinyl shop in Tbilisi, HOT TIP!

Artwork by Sini Henttu / VJ SINSIN

22: Dj Sendnudes

Artist previously known for his work as “Mirage Man” returns as “Kaltstam” presenting a three tracker of techno and electro jams. 

The streamlined yet gloomy opening track “Reach 4 the heat only if you’re bustin’” sets an energetic tone for the release to start with. This should cater your needs easily if you’re into dancing in the more aggressive manner.

“The Divide” interprets nordic melancholy in the form of trancey pads, echoed stabs and a distorted bass drum. An observant listener might pick up some classic breakbeat vibes from the drum section as well.

“Cattle prod” is the oddball of the trio. Is it nu school breaks? Is it electro? Does it bang? Find out by listening to the title track of the record. Play it fast or slow, it’s your call.

Limited press of 150 pcs. 12” record includes a download code.

Cattle Prod EP

Order 12"

Kaltstam - Cattle Prod EP

24th episode of our podcast series is a live recording by Vallgårds Aural Force (Poly Sone & Kaltstam) from the Decadence & Friendship night in Ääniwalli November 2019. Styles vary and carry!

24: Vallgårds Aural Force

The thirtieth episode of FnD Podcast comes from one of the freshest faces in the local scene. Heidi Emilia's love affair with music begun in very young age and her very diverse taste of music has developed ever since. She might be found evenly in the front row of a shoegaze gig as well in techno parties. For her, music is the way of detaching from the casual and discovering emotions.

In this mix she provides a deep dive into atmospheric minimalism, not putting aside the good groove. Perfect listening to brighten up your dimming autumn evenings.

@heidiemiliah
Cover art by Sini Henttu / VJ Sinsin

30: Heidi Emilia

Speedo J (a.k.a. Soonja) is the local connoisseur of fast-paced techno and raw trance. His finely sourced sets are well known for making even the sourest purists jam with smiles on their faces.

This set was recorded live in the underground party in Helsinki last October and it’s essentially made of pure forward-driven energy and cosmic bliss. 

Enjoy!

@joonasoonja

Cover art by Sini Henttu / VJ Sinsin

31: Speedo J

Despite his relatively short running time in the age of human, Sarell has been a viciously active producer, bashing out self-released material almost bi-monthly. Known for his experimental moniker Säröllä, ties to the record label B-komissio and his own crew About Rave it is clear that his heart is set on extreme kinds of music styles, which This is the sound serves as a prime example of.

Metal to the masses takes no prisoners on the dancefloor, ripping the average raver to pieces with its resonance and stabbing kick drums. Only the experienced will survive this Mortal Kombatesque and grotesque belter. Sarell clearly has no chill as the title track This is the sound continues to pave the aggressive path with gabber-like aesthetics. Sing along to this one while doing the hakken! 

Nostalgia is a weapon is the trancy bastard of the bunch. While it’s the most aetheric song of the ep, it’s also the fastest. Monitoring your heart rate is highly encouraged when consuming this track. The release is tied neatly together with a re-jiggle by ER which transforms the original to a more hardcoreish, breakbeatish, electro sort of thing. Your view on this is as good as ours, though best things are usually left undefined.


Tracklist:
1. Metal to the masses
2. This is the sound
3. Nostalgia is a weapon
4. This is the sound (ER remix)

Credits:
Tracks 1-3 written & produced by Sarell
Track 4 written & produced by ER
Master by Antero Kantonen
Artwork by Aku Leinikki, Roope Karhunen

This is the Sound EP

Sarell - This Is The Sound EP

Viciously active Helsinkian producer Sarell delivers a ferocious blend of deep acid, noisy percussive techno, beautiful trance and banging neo rave.

Be sure to also check out his recent EP “This is the sound” on our Friendship & Decadence label and his single “Vulgar display of affection” on COUP. Not to forget all his self-released material. Big things happening now.

https://soundcloud.com/sarell

Cover art by VJ Sinsin / Sini Henttu

34: Sarell

Elmo Sarpaniemi (El Mono) and Roope Karhunen (Kaltstam) met at a local Helsinki radio station in 2005, and linked up soon again at an afterparty in 2018. Fueled by their mutual passion towards only the best genres ever they squeezed out a blend of goa trance, techno, electro, breakbeats, and IDM. This steamy and humid session gave birth to the title track, “Positive”.

The other ER original - 2G - sounds more like traditional goa trance, but still… it hardly is. Clocking the rhythm around 140 bpm like the opening track, it kicks in the club doors with a robust bassline, enchanting the cultured dancer with its peculiar melodies, leaving the purists absolutely cold evicting them for a cigarette. Because who gives an oink about purists, right?

This record is also fortunate enough to be blessed with two spectacular remixes. Neri J’s approach is a more club friendly, yet aetheric version of “Positive”, but don’t get it twisted. It still possesses something very psychedelic and raw. Ilev Luna wraps up the release nicely with his touch, that sounds like an interpretation of modern techno, but in fact could be a journey into your psyche. BOOM! This slaps.

Mastered by Gabriel Markus / Marble house studios
Cover art by Wezardo

https://soundcloud.com/nerij
https://soundcloud.com/ilevvluna

Positive EP

ER - Positive EP snippets

Record label and a podcast series showcasing contemporary electronic music for the adventurous mind.

Established 2015. Based in Helsinki, Finland.

Friends:
Joel Kinnunen - https://soundcloud.com/joelkinnunen
Kade - https://soundcloud.com/superkade
Kaiunta - https://soundcloud.com/kaiunta
Roope - https://soundcloud.com/roopekarhunen
Poly Sone - https://soundcloud.com/polysone
Soufer - https://soundcloud.com/user-soufer
Waltteri - https://soundcloud.com/waltteri
VJ Sinsin

Friendship & Decadence

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