Not much is known about the German session musician ensemble Studiogruppe 1 from the ‘70s and ‘80s. It’s believed that the grandfather of one member, known only as V.S., originally soundtracked silent films in theatres - although that hasn’t been proved. Studiogruppe1 never rose to prominence in the heyday of studio groups and library records, but it certainly wasn’t due to lack of trying.

Although it’s unknown who the individual members of Studiogruppe1 were, it’s clear they could find a groove within the machines. It appears the sessions were also engineered by V.S., and there’s plenty of space between the notes, which lends a heady atmosphere of anticipation to the music. Just close your eyes and you will find that the music triggers many scenes from the movies in your mind. 

Take the opener Dunkler Sonnenaufgang, for example. Waves lap on the shore line of an alternate Coney Island, while the sound system of an abandoned amusement park plays arpeggios in the distance. Errinungen could complement expansive panoramic time-lapses of natural cycles and rolling clouds. The track Wenn Der Tiefe Schlaf Kommt, might accompany a documentary on REM dream cycles and flotation tanks. Sonnentanz raises the temperature, as act III in every movie narrative should, as protagonists rush to overcome their challenges. Ein Neuer Anfang would perfectly soundtrack the plot twist of any number of thrillers, film noirs, or sci-fi mysteries. Album closer War Alles Nur Ein Traum could supplement slow-motion shots of dawning realization, foreshadowing a betrayal or a cliffhanger.

V.S. and Studiogruppe1 have condensed the evocative sounds of the ’80s into something of an art form. Bringing to mind the lilting melodies and melancholy chord movements of Tangerine Dream, Vangelis or Manuel Göttsching, Studiogruppe1 manage to capture widescreen emotional flash points without the need for celluloid, or barely any visual aid, for that matter. These tracks work just as well in the furnace of your imagination or a dark room filled with dry ice and lasers.

 (Short version)

Not much is known about the German session musician ensemble Studiogruppe 1 from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. They never rose to prominence in the heyday of big studios and library records, but it’s clear they could find a groove within the machines. Just close your eyes and you will find that the music triggers many scenes from the movies in your mind. 

This collection of tracks could accompany a whole host of scenes, from the plot-twist of a sci-fi noir, to widescreen timelapses, or the slow-motion foreshadowing of a cliffhanger. Studiogruppe1 have condensed the evocative sounds of the ’80s into something of an art form. Bringing to mind the lilting melodies and melancholic chord movements of Tangerine Dream, Vangelis and Manuel Göttsching, Studiogruppe 1 manages to capture emotional flash points without the need for celluloid. These tracks work just as well in the furnace of your imagination or a dark room filled with dry ice and lasers.

War Alles Nur Ein Traum

Dunkler Sonnenaufgang

Perugia producer, synth collector and linchpin of the underground scene Feel Fly pokes his head above the trenches to deliver a consummate four track EP Mediterranean Dreams - Part 1. 

Onironauta rolls up all the best bits of spaced-out disco and italo house into an expansive dancefloor soundtrack that would sound equally at home in a Den Haag squat as by an Ibizan hillside pool. Sounding in turns both futuristic and nostalgic, it sets the tone for the dream-like timezone in which this EP resides.

Meanwhile slowed-down 303 chugger Grace In Space sounds perfect for Room 2 - that is, if the room is on an orbiting space station and someone adjusted the gravity settings. The track concludes the side with timeless balearic drift and a dash of kosmiche afro percussion sprinkled on top.

Flip the 12” over and the title track Mediterranean Dreams seeps through, with more than a slight nod to the summer of ‘88, like a faded photograph. The revolving chord progression and melodic synth phrases that weave through the groove fit together sweeter than the cogs in a swiss watch. 

EP closer Becalmed rounds proceedings out in fine cosmic disco style, firing more 16th note lasers through the dry ice than KITT, as melancholic pads float over the rhythm section like a négligée. It’s a stylish way to sign off a collection of tracks that are equal parts fond memory, hopeful optimism, and hazy dance-fuelled hedonism. 

Out March 4th 2022

A1 Feel Fly - Onironauta

To celebrate the launch of the new <a href="http://sketchesfromanisland.com">
Sketches from an Island Album & Blog</a>, here's a new exclusive mix from Balearic Mike.  Track Listing <a href="http://sketchesfromanisland.com/tracklisting-for-balearic-mike-mix/"> Here</a>.  
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/sketches-from-an-island/id828387280">The new Sketches from an Island Album</a> is all about what Balearic means to me, so this mix is the first in a series from some of my favourite DJ's, giving them the chance to interpret what Balearic means to them.  

Sketches from an Island: Balearic Interpretations Vol 1 - Balearic Mike

Lead track from the new Sketches from an Island Album. <a href="http://sketchesfromanisland.com">
Sketches from an Island Blog</a>.  The Itunes Pre Order Link allows for the immediate download of this track.  <a href="http://sketchesfromanisland.com/sketches-from-an-island-official-album-announcement/">
Official Album Announcement here</a>. 


Mark Barrott - Baby Come Home (Sketches from an Island Album)

A copy of the Parada 88 single available on Ebay with all proceeds going to the Japanese Relief effort and IF will the matching the final bid with an additional contribution.....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Parada-88-Youre-Gonna-Miss-Me-International-Feel-/160604417176?pt=UK_Records&hash=item2564c4ec98#ht_500wt_1156

Adventure Party / You’re Gonna Miss Me

Parada 88  - You're Gonna to Miss Me (White Label)

Following on from last month beauty from Balearic Mike, here's the 2nd in the series from  <a href="http://testpressing.org"> Test Pressing's</a> Dr Rob.
 <a href="http://sketchesfromanisland.com">
Sketches from an Island Album  Blog</a>

Sketches from an Island: Balearic Interpretations Vol 2 - Dr Rob (Test Pressing)

Time for Volume 3 from the oh so Balearic Phil Mison
 <a href="http://sketchesfromanisland.com">
Sketches from an Island Album  Blog</a>

Sketches from an Island: Balearic Interpretations Vol 3 - Phil Mison

https://internationalfeel.bandcamp.com/album/numero-uno

Marco Vella and Anth Wendt step up to International Feel with a five-track EP of Balearic-tinged bliss for their first collaborative release as Other Mother.

There’s definitely something in the air round the Adelaide Hills. Longtime friends Marco (aka Body Corp) and Anth (aka Oisima) finally got together in Anth’s studio after the pandemic, and the result is Numero Uno, an EP of laidback synth, guitar and drum machine workouts, mixing 303 riffs and sunsets for a supremely low-slung vibe.

After cruising around the Hills in the day, the pair worked on tracks by night, and their carefree days soaking up the sun shines through. Opening track About Time sets a steady pace with its lush, delayed guitars, slow-rising acid melody and hefty sub, perfect for Sunday pub garden appreciation. A side closer Zwang! drops the tempo but brings the percussion into focus, for another masterclass in tension and release with interwoven 303s and dub feedback

05. Where's The Fifty?

04. Lost In The Forest

03. Anyway, Music

02. Zwang

01. About Time

Here's Volume 4 from the king of the summer meditations, Moonboots.
 <a href="http://sketchesfromanisland.com">
Sketches from an Island Album  Blog</a>

Sketches from an Island: Balearic Interpretations Vol 4 - Moonboots

https://rufdug.bandcamp.com/album/casita-m-s-alta

Ruffy’s back with a new four track EP Casita Más Alta and it’s a love letter to Ibiza - as he takes us on an alternative tour of his favourite parts of the pine-covered island.

The title track opens slowly, spaced out with motifs and pads washing in like an incoming tide, before charging headlong to the beach with a thumping kick and distorted keyboard solo. In contrast, we get a more sundown feel with Cala Vedella, soaking up the forest breeze and sounding like The Art of Noise but fed through a modulator and left to float in the iciest pitcher of 7Up.

Meanwhile, the rolling congas and percussive synths of Las Cicadas take us deep into tribal territory, Lost Woods style. The EP closes out with Niu Blau, built on beautifully optimistic choir pads and steel pan sounds, and the evening could just go on forever, especially if you’ve taken any of those power ups. It might be an homage to Ibiza and the Balearics, but seen through the Ruf Dug prism, there's always something new to discover.

04. Niu Blau

03. Las Cicadas

02. Cala Vedella

01. Casita Mas Alta Extended

1. Maxxi & Zeus - American Dreamer
2. Bubble Club - The Goddess
3. Locussolus  - Throwdown (Com Truise Remix)
4. Gatto Fritto - The Curse
5. Gonno - Acdise #2 (Skudge Feels It Version)
6. Hungry Ghost - Illuminations
7. Bepu N'Gali - I Travel To You (Fully Bearded Dub By Tim 'Love' Lee)
8. DJ Harvey Presents Locussolus  - Gunship (Andrew Weatherall Remix)
9. International People's Gang  - Second (Coyote Remix)
10.Boys from Patagonia  - It's So Exciting (High Jingo Love Love Rework)
11.The Young Gentlemen's Adventure Society - Adventure Party
12.Mugwump - Boutade
13.Maxxi & Zeus - MZ Medley
14.EFEEL004 - Do What You Do
15.Mark Barrott - Island Life
16.Gatto Fritto - Invisible College
17.Rocha - Hands of Love
18.Bepu N'Gali - I Travel To You ((Frisvold & Lindbæk meets Todd Terje Uptown)
19.Locussolus - Next To You
20.EFEEL003 - Turmerica
21.Rocha - Night Music
22.EFEEL001 - Forbidden Love
23.Mark Barrott (as 'IFeelStudio') - Morgengruss III
24.EFEEL005 - Dawn Over a Quiet Harbor



The Story of International Feel - a two hour journey into our back catalogue

http://www.beatsinspace.net/playlists/738

Mark Barrott Beats in Space Mix (July 2014)

A real pleasure to host a mix from the maestro.  Ladies and Gentlemen...Mr Leo Mas

Sketches from an Island: Balearic Interpretations Vol 6 - Leo Mas

1. Fernando feat. All Dom Wrong - Infinite Ways
2. Fernando - Road Music
3. Fernando feat. Lara Smiles - The Reason

http://www.juno.co.uk/products/fernando-infinite-waves/549859-01/
http://www.phonicarecords.com/product/view/125220

INFO
The artist known as ‘Fernando’ once washed up on the shores of Uruguay after a freak boating accident off the coast of Carilo, Buenos Aires in 2008. An incident that occurred while on a submarine studio mission conducting sonic experiments aboard a renovated and highly customised Uboat circa 1945. Free from constraints & operating outside territorial waters, Fernando was putting the finishing touches to a new collection of music, setting out to bottle those sweet and indescribable moments in suspended time and space when we feel weightless and surrounded by sounds richer than reality…. an inexact science, yet a universal privilege that life and ears afford us. Presumed dead, what in fact happened was a serendipitous encounter between the lucky survivor and a roaming associate of International Feel, who, during a walk along the sands of Punta Del Diablo, found an airtight USB stick clutched inside the hand of a partial amnesiac, dazed and shivering but with a sly smile stretched across his sun and sea worn face. It seems that whatever Fernando was looking for, he had found and thanks to the saviour of that day and (much further down the line) Fernando’s blessing, it sees the light of day on October
13th, 2014 in all good record stores.

http://www.internationalfeel.com/
http://www.facebook.com/internationalfeelrecordings

Infinite Ways

Fernando - Road Music (Release Date Vinyl/Digital - 13th Oct.)

One Hour mix I did for LN-CC last year.  Now yours to download and enjoy.

An insight into the mind of International Feel

jose, padilla, day one, international, feel, ifeel, telephones, remix, mark, barrot, henning, solito



Day One

Jose Padilla - Day One

Gonno - Acdise #2.  Release date 12th Sept (Vinyl & Digital)

Tracklist:
1. CFCF - Pleasure Centre (Pharaohs Remix)
2. CFCF - Fleurs Laissés Dans Un Taxi (CFCF Re-Version)
3. CFCF - Chasing (Apiento Edit)

International Feel launched their minialbum series late last year and second in line was CFCF with ‘On Vacation’ which many hailed as one of the finest of 2016 so far. As ever we asked a few people we like to do some versions.

Pharaohs come from LA and blend Liston Smith vibes in a modern electronic context. They have released music on ESP Institute and 100% Silk. Their take on ‘Pleasure Centre’ is a bongo driven ride with acoustic guitars and jazz infused flute harmonics. It’s a lovely thing.

CFCF himself takes on ‘Fleurs laissés dans un taxi’ in a beautiful balearic style. Super mellow with sweet guitar in a classic Pat Metheny style brings out the melody with the pads & syncopated drums and percussion rolling away in the background.

Apiento takes the chance to reedit ‘Chasing’ which was one of our favourites from the label. A little dub and an extension is all it takes to let this one breathe for a little longer.

Across the board good from International Feel. Enjoy.

https://www.facebook.com/IntFeel/

CFCF - On Vacation Remixes (snippets)

Wolf Müller & Cass. arrived with their mini-album ‘The Sound Of Glades’ on International Feel in early summer. A beautiful record comprising of natural percussion and long languid journeys for laying in fields and staring at skies. Following the 12 inch route we took with Len Leise and CFCF, we asked both Jan & Cass. to remix one of the tracks and also choose a remixer for a third rework….

‘Glade Runner’ on the A side features a remix by Salon Des Amateurs resident Tolouse Low Trax. If there is one club in the world we’d like to go to right now its the Salon in Düsseldorf. A place where the beats rarely go over 110bpm and they understand the meaning of the word groove. Detlef Weinrich aka Low Trax is very much in this world. His mix arrives from a slightly different place. Wonky insect sounding synths and a perfect bump and ride. Not really much music out  there that sounds like this as it clearly comes from a place of experience and the music that he loves to play.

The B side is home to a version each by Wolf Müller and Cass. Müller’s Wind Version of ‘Aiolos’ takes the original sound of the forests to the beach. Ibiza via Germany. Cass. takes the same track to a more mellow zone to round things off with his trademark drones & drifting vocals, light percussion and flanged drums…

Wolf Müller & Cass. - The Sound Of Glades (Remixes)

BP Bobbit ‘Cat Sounds’

Our youngest cat, Belinda Purview Bobbit, aka BP, has just recorded her debut album.

Inspired by the recent ‘Jet Sounds’ from Easy Jet and as mindfulness is a key part of her life, she wanted focus her efforts on making a record to aid stress relief and tune people in to the Schumann Resonance. 

Initially intended as a limited edition private press, I’ve found it so wonderful at aiding relaxation that I asked for and got permission to share it digitally.

I hope it puts you in resonance with the planet.

Peace.

BP Bobbit ‘Cat Sounds’

Boys From Patagonia - Rimini '80

Hungry Ghost - (I am a) Series of Strange Loops (Excerpt)

Bepu N'Gali - I Travel To You (Frisvold & Lindbæk meets Todd Terje Uptown) (Release Date 11th June)

Bepu N'Gali - I Travel To You (Original) (Release Date 11th June)

http://www.juno.co.uk/ppps/products/465088-01.htm
http://www.piccadillyrecords.com/products/Unknown-DawnOverAQuietHarbour-InternationalFeel-85527.html
http://www.phonicarecords.com/product/view/109076

Popular tracks by International Feel