Awakenings Summer Festival 2023

Fusion

Len Faki - Temple - Figure LP10

Len Faki assembles second star-studded Fusion Remixes instalment

The Berliner recruits his favourite producers for the second edition of ‘Fusion’ reworks


Berlin-based renowned techno artist Len Faki has announced the second instalment of his Fusion remix trilogy, out 19th April on his label imprint Figure.

Nearly a year on from the original LP release, Fusion Remixes 02/03 reminds us of the versatility and musical expansiveness of Len Faki’s latest masterwork. The Berliner has hand-picked his favourite producers, from ANNA to Modeselektor, to reimagine eight originals on the second double 12“ EP of the Fusion Remixes collection, following January’s first instalment.

Part two of the trilogy kicks off with ‘Sexuality (My Reality)’, recrafted by Len himself under the moniker Hardspace into a rasping stomper, adding a cacophony of hit hats into the mix using his understanding of floor dynamics. Fusion deep cut ‘Shri Yantra’ gets the club treatment next, with Luke Slater’s Deep Heat remix ramping up the intensity, transporting the original’s delicate synth textures into a high octane screamer. 

On the B-side, Amotik morphs the bouncing ‘Make Me Scream’ into a one-way tunnel of haunted voices and pummeling percussion, while the sharp breakbeats and warm synths give Ploy’s rework of ‘Raum 422’ a distinctly old school feel.

Next up, ANNA crafts the album highlight two-parter ‘Hymn’ into a club anthem with thick low end and intricate topline melodies, and ‘Astra’ gets a rework from the man Len Faki himself on a lean Beat Room mix crawling with otherworldly sound effects. 

Closing this second remixes EP out, Fusions lead single ‘Don’t Be Stupid Day’ is reinterpreted as an ominous, distorted fever dream by Modeselektor, before Beste Hira’s take on ‘Waver’ 

Stay tuned for part three of the remix trilogy, bringing even more of the Fusion originals back in a new guise…

Fusion Remixes 02/03

Len Faki - Fusion Remixes 02/03 - Figure X41

TRACKLIST:

A1 Sound Stream – Love Jam  (Hardspace Mix)
 
B1 Kenny Larkin x Alex Reece – Loop 2 (Hardspace Mix)
B2 Andrei Morant – Simple Addition (Hardspace Mix)
 
C1 Russian Roulette – I Believe (Hardspace Mix)
 
D1 DJ Rush – Don’t You Love Me (Hardspace Mix)
D2 Damon Wild – Gearbox (Hardspace Mix)


Len Faki returns as Hardspace for part three of his new remix-series, giving his favorite tunes a new life on the dancefloor. 

An unusual pairing at first glance, Hardspace takes up Soundstream’s anthem Love Jam from 2006, the kind of Detroit-tinged disco edit to drop in the peak moment of techno set. 

Then it’s rewind time to another decade, when DnB-Veteran Alex Reece was remixing Motorcity icon Kenny Larkin. Hardspace’s mix of Loop 2 retains the playful jazzy notes and growling bassline of the original and turns its oldschool breakbeats into a snappy 4x4-groove. 

The deadly effective tool that is Andrei Morant’s Simple Addition makes for a perfect base to build upon for Faki’s signature editing style, emphasizing the plastic shuffle of grooving percussive elements while adding some booming low-end. 

DJ Rush features with two vocal-heavy cuts on this release: first up the Russian Roulette-hymn I Believe, which sounds even trippier in the stripped-back Hardspace version; then a creepy while sexy mix of Don’t You Love Me that steadily builds tension for minutes before slowly giving way to a seductive beat. 

Closing out with a bang, Damon Wild’s Gearbox from 1995 gets a rework: the full power acid-riff is still working its magic but now sounding much more punchy and to the point in this tidied up Hardspace edit.

Hardspace Volume Three

A1. Don't Be Stupid Day (Herbert's Brain Dub)
A2. It's Time (to Move Your Body (Cromby Remix)

B1. Gamma (Glaskin Remix)
B2. Blackjack (Cromby Remix)

This third and final installment of the Fusion remix series sees Len Faki personally select from his most beloved producers to expand on his ambitious album project Fusion that was released as a double LP in 2023.

First up is Herbert’s trippy rework of Don’t Be Stupid Day, one of the album’s most memorable vocal cuts. Herbert’s Brain Dub transforms the track slowly and playfully, using the witty lyrics for crafting catchy hooks.

Irish powerhouse Cromby has two appearances on this EP, getting to revamp the more house-leaning productions from Fusion. His take on It’s Time (to Move Your Body) is grooving grand, its bubbling acid riff and dancing hi hats teeming with life. Meanwhile, the Blackjack remix further energizes the original’s shiny centerstage synths, crazily riding the pitch up and down for an all-out party.

Finally, the brotherly duo Glaskin are reshaping the ambient album highlight Gamma into a highly effective, reduced but propulsive, tunneling techno affair.

Fusion Remixes 03/03

Len Faki - Fusion Remixes 03/03 - Figure X42

TRACKLIST:

A1 Josh Wink feat. Ursula Rucker - Sixth Sense (Hardspace Mix)
 
B1 Aoki Takamasa - Ham (Hardspace Mix)
B2 DJ Yoav B. - Energize (Hardspace Mix)
 
C1 Huxley – Weapon 3 (Hardspace Mix)
 
D1 Tuttle & Chich – Funktion (Hardspace Mix)
D2 Mike Parker – Shakuhachi Two (Hardspace Mix)


INFO:

Arriving on transparent blue vinyl, the fourth installation of Figure’s Hardspace series brings six new re-interpretations of Len Faki’s favorites via his Hardspace alias.

Starting with a true classic, the gem that is Josh Wink’s Sixth Sense picks up on the original’s tight plastic groove and creates some serious low end rumble.
A less obvious choice, Aoki Takamasa’s minimalist dub from Japan, gets a complete makeover in the Hardspace edit, using driving percussion to morph the pensive blueprint into an upbeat peaktime slammer.
One of the most iconic basslines of the last decade, DJ Yoav B’s Energize is a standout on its own but paired with the relentless groove of the high-energy Hardspace remix it unlocks new levels of rave potential.
Huxley’s Weapon 3 was maybe one of the darkest tunes ever released on the otherwise house-centric catalogue of UK label Aus, which Len Faki already played back when it was first released. The Hardspace Mix merges a feeling explosive force with the originals sultry ambiance, catapulting the track back onto today’s dancefloors.
Colourful, dubby synth stabs are what keeps the momentum on peak time roller Funktion by French producer Tuttle, which in its Hardspace version packs even more heat, as Faki employs his signature claps and tunes up the original’s enervating siren sound, squeezing out every last drop of energy.
Originally released in the 90ies, Mike Parker’s Shakuhachi Two is as techno as it gets. Only now sounding even more powerful and dynamic, as the Harspace Mix keeps all of the original goodness while stacking additional propulsive percussion for a sweaty floor workout.

Hardspace Volume Four

TRACKLIST:

A1 Dubspeeka - Mod 3 (Hardspace Mix)
A2 Dubspeeka - Mod 4 (Hardspace Mix)
 
B1 Fanon Flowers - Chicago-Detroit Part 1 (Hardspace Mix)
B2 Fanon Flowers - Chicago-Detroit Part 3 (Hardspace Mix)


INFO:

Len Faki continues to expand the Hardspace series with a new release of personal edits crafted for use in his own DJ sets. This latest addition shows Faki’s meticulous approach to reworking tracks that have shaped his sets, blending classic vibes with his signature style.
On the A-side, Faki revisits Dubspeeka’s Mod 3 and Mod 4, released in 2017. The Harspace reworks pick up on the brooding atmosphere of the original productions and build upon the dark, cinematic vibes. Faki also considerably tweaks the energy level on both tracks, ramping up not only in speed but also adding his trademark percussive pummeling to tailor these tools for peak-time play.
Flipping to the B-side, he turns his attention to Fanon Flowers’ Chicago-Detroit Part 1 and Part 3. These cuts first appeared on Studio Sound in 2010, as part of a series that paid homage to the pioneering sounds of Chicago house and Detroit techno. Both cuts exhibit extremely raw machinist grooves with a sparse analogue jam charme. Embedding the originals’ gritty textures and melodic nuances into his edits, Faki highlights their jacking qualities and infuses both tracks with a renewed sense of urgency, creating tension and release as you would expect from one of his sets.


Hardspace H005

Rainbow Delta

Mekong Delta

Radio Slave - Neverending...

Len Faki - BX 3

Wide Open

Ostgut Ton CD 015 - Len Faki - Kraft Und Licht

Cleric - Pattern One (Len Faki Remix)

Basic Pain Procedure (Len Faki Remix)

TRACKLIST:

A. Benjamin Damage - 010X (Hardspace Mix)
 
B. Aquatrax - Stabilize (Hardspace Mix)


INFO:

Label head Len Faki continues his legacy of personalized remixes with this two-tracker, combining a personal favorite of him with a more recent output from his peers.

First up is the euphoric 010X by Benjaming Damage, whose anthemic chords have been ringing in our ears ever since its first release back in 2013. Faki reframes the standout lead and packages it neatly within his own jacking percussion, beefing up the low end and giving the melodic original a pronounced bassy drive.

Rewinding yet another decade, Aquatrax’ Stabilize pulsates with the relentless energy of late 90’s techno, formative years for Len Faki as an artist and also club regular. His take on the UK classic introduces a hypnotic dubby swirl, one of those perfect loops that is captivating from start to finish. The details ebb and flow with a subtlety unusual for his Hardspace alias, creating an immersive journey that’s impossible to tap out of.

Hardspace H006

Hardspace - H006

Beatport

Truncate - Another One (Len Faki Remix)

Bandcamp

Ian Pooley - Celtic Cross (Len Faki Remix)

for a video stream of the full set please check:
http://be-at.tv/brands/maimarkthalle/time-warp-mannheim-2016/len-faki

Len Faki @ Time Warp 2016, Maimarkthalle Mannheim

The End (Figure 77)

The End

Len Faki x Regal - Abroad

Figure 86 - 2000 And One - Get Down - Len Faki Mixes

Get Down

2000 And One - Get Down (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)

Arriving as the third outing of Len Faki’s recently established non-profit platform LF RMX, these previously exclusive edits take on a raging classic by courtesy of Frankie Bones, godfather of the North-American rave scene.

The new Hardspace Mix bolsters up the characteristic vocal and synths for even more frantic effect but trades in the percussion for Faki’s signature assault of claps and hats. These also dominate the stripped-back Hardspace Tool, which carefully builds momentum only around the sirens and some seriously sizzling low-end rumble. Both of Faki’s personal mixes capture the orignal’s raw energy, yet manage to appear in both sleek but powerful presence.

As with all releases of LF RMX, the proceeds of this record will be donated to the Berlin charity project Straßenkinder e.V. to be used in actions against child poverty.

www.lfrmx.com

Bump Your Head (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)

beatport

LFRMX003 - A - Frankie Bones - Bump Your Head (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)

FIGURE90 - Len Faki - My Black Sheep 10Y Anniversary Mixes

A1 - My Black Sheep (Deetron Remix)
A2 - My Black Sheep (Jimmy Edgar & Truncate Remix)
B1 - My Black Sheep (Cleric X Remix)
B2 - My Black Sheep (Matrixxman Isolation Mix)
Digital Bonus - My Black Sheep (Cleric Y Remix)

Originally released as a B-side in 2007 on Figure‘s then-sublabel Podium, Len Faki‘s ‚My Black Sheep‘ was one of those rare tracks that unpredictably take on a life of their own. A veritable underground hit, it not only came to define the sound of Len Faki at that time but for many became equally synonymous with the state of the scene in Berlin around that time. Now that ten years have passed since then, we felt it was about time to finally treat the sheep to a fresh shave.

Featuring a variety of vibes, Deetron first takes us for an extended trip along rattling drums, his mantra-like use of the vocal drawing the listener deep into the rabbit hole. Down there things start swirling even more wildly around Jimmy Edgar‘s marimba arps, while Truncate forcefully slaps us back on track.

On the deeper flip side Cleric unexpectedly lays down a distorted barrage of broken beats amidst apocalyptic epic choirs and acid rain. Through the haunted shelters beneath the rubble Matrixxman weaves his subtle and dubbed out yet creepingly effective Isolation Mix.

Coming as a digital-only bonus is Cleric‘s straightforward Y remix - its hard- hitting metallic stabs making for a powerful floor-weapon.

While ‚My Black Sheep‘ already spawned a series of high-profile re-interpretations back in the day, this diverse remix- package successfully places the original within the present context. With this creative cut, the sheep is now ready for another decade‘s run!

www.figure-music.com/news

Len Faki - My Black Sheep 10Y Anniversary Mixes

bandcamp

Len Faki - My Black Sheep (Cleric Y Remix)

“I didn’t plan to go back to Grindhouse. It’s a monster of a record and undoubtedly the biggest release we’ve had on the label, but after 10 years it seems right to revisit the track and also add some new versions from some of my favourite techno producers." – Radio Slave With Danton Eeprom’s vocal resonating throughout, Faki’s first remix features crunchy snares, ominous chords and shuffling effects before piercing synths come into effect in the latter half. Meanwhile, the second version rumbles forward with its undulating bassline, soaring atmospherics and echoing elements to round up two solid productions exemplary of the Figure founder’s seasoned abilities in the studio.

buy links

Radio Slave - Grindhouse feat. Danton Eeproms (Len Faki Hardspace Mix 1)

Taking on a true trance classic and a personal favorite of his, Len Faki takes us back to the golden era of big melodies and early raves, sharing two very distinct interpretations of Firedance by Odyssee of Noises, the prolific production outfit helmed by Ralf Hildenbeutel.

Originally released in 1994 on legendary label Eye Q, this track marked a special period for Faki, when he was fully immersing himself into the scene, and accompanied him through his most formative times as a dancer and a becoming DJ.
Brimming with the iconic elation of those nights, side A keeps with the emotive theme of the original‘s Sunrise version, tweeking only slightly to cater for the needs of these days‘ dancers. Re-shaping the classic to match modern productions for it to be mixed with current bangers, Faki packs the tune‘s anthemic appeal into a propulsive ride down memory lane...

As with all releases of LF RMX, the proceeds of this record will be forwarded to the Berlin organization Straßenkinder e.V. to be used in actions against child poverty.

B - Odyssee Of Noises -  Firedance (The Night) (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)

LF RMX 014
Michael E | Litüus
Order: bit.ly/LFRMX012

A1 Michael E – Beat On The Drums (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)
A2 Michael E – Give Me (The Beat) (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)
B1 Litüus - PRTN:_002/.2 (Len Faki Hardspace Mix 1)
B2 Litüus - PRTN:_002/.2 (Len Faki Hardspace Mix 2)

This time we‘ve got a full round of straight-forward floor-weapons for you, contrasting two producer‘s very different approaches and their respective reworks by Len Faki. 

The A-side is packing heat in form of classic, jacking acid house courtesy of Michael E, whose tracks have that special Ultramajic-sparkle about them but hit with the tight punch and accute precision of a true LF-engineered edit.

Similar goes for the ominous reworks of Litüus‘ experimental synthesis on the flip. Released originally on Shifted‘s Avian label, these heavily modulated analogue sequences merge seemlessy together with Faki‘s metallic percussion.

As usual with LFRMX releases, the proceeds of this record will be forwarded entirely to charity organization Straßenkinder e.V., who are working to offer help to the children living on the streets of Berlin.

A2 - Michael E - Give Me (The Beat) (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)

LF RMX 017

A1 Planet Love Ink - Living In Pain (Len Faki Deepspace Mix)
A2 Brotherhood Of Structure - We Are Structure (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)
B Illuminatae - Tremora Del Terra (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)

For this edition of the LFRMX-series Len Faki is turning to 1990‘s trance and acid. The bpm might be lower than back in the days, but there‘s just as much energy coming off these irresistible tunes in their updated versions.

Featuring the original‘s sizzling synth work by Kompakt co-founder Wolfgang Voigt‘s early collaborative projects, Planet Love Ink strikes an upbeat chord in order to show off its grand piano break for maximum effect.

Equally tapping into the early nineties, Structure – We are Structure is a weighty acid banger with no frills attached. Straight, honest and nailing era‘s vibe to the core. B-Side‘s all about old school trance, booming breaks, and epic synth-sweeps, in this instantly captivating, elevating and driving rework of Illuminatae – Tremora del Terra, a hymn to many back in the days.

www.lfrmx.com

B Illuminatae - Tremora Del Terra (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)

When Len Faki tackles an old school Matthew Herbert record (released 1998 under his rare Wishmountain moniker), the outcome couldn‘t get any better. Granting the haunting ’Radio’ a proper kick to beat along the chugging, percussive craze of the original, it quickly turns into a mesmerizing trip down memory lane. On the flip Faki leads an excursion deep into the jungle, with ’Bottle’ sporting an atmosphere so immersive, it‘s easy to get lost in the underbrush of this one!

As with all releases of LF RMX, the proceeds of this record will be forwarded to the Berlin organization Straßenkinder e.V. to be used in actions against child poverty. 

www.lfrmx.com
more info about the project here: https://strassenkinder-ev.de

LF RMX 018

B - Wishmountain - Bottle (Len Faki Deepspace Mix)

LF RMX 018

A Wishmountain - Radio (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)
B Wishmountain - Bottle (Len Faki Deepspace Mix)

When Len Faki tackles an old school Matthew Herbert record (released 1998 under his rare Wishmountain moniker), the outcome couldn‘t get any better. Granting the haunting ’Radio’ a proper kick to beat along the chugging, percussive craze of the original, it quickly turns into a mesmerizing trip down memory lane. On the flip Faki leads an excursion deep into the jungle, with ’Bottle’ sporting an atmosphere so immersive, it‘s easy to get lost in the underbrush of this one!

As with all releases of LF RMX, the proceeds of this record will be forwarded to the Berlin organization Straßenkinder e.V. to be used in actions against child poverty. 

www.lfrmx.com
more info about the project here: https://strassenkinder-ev.de

A - Wishmountain - Radio (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)

LF RMX 020

A - Plastikman - Hypokondriak (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)
B - Tres Demented - Brainfreeze (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)

Celebrating its 20th release, this edition of LF RMX features appearances from two of the scene‘s cutting edge producers: Richie Hawtin under his guise of Plastikman alongside Carl Craig‘s Tres Demented-alias. 

While Hawtin‘s original might seem a minimalistic bleeping experiment to some, Len Faki‘s edit has plenty of groove to it. Equipped with substantial low-end frequency and a solid kick, the track slowly develops an ambiance that's spooky, tribal and mesmerizing.

The flip carries an equally strong rework, its grand acid riff and standout-vocals holding center stage, with newly added percussion driving the momentum that turn this one into a peak-time hitter in true crazed-out Tres Demented-style.

www.lfrmx.com
more info about the project here: strassenkinder-ev.de

Popular tracks by Len Faki - Official