One of Belarus' finest modern exports, Michael A's productions have been powered by the progressive house and techno genres. A prolific and talented producer, Michael now returns to Particles with a pair of new tracks and remixes from Russia and Brazil.

Owner of the Genesis Music imprint, Michael A, has already overseen more than half-a-century of production credits for the label with Balkan Connection, Superordinate Music and Stripped also regular vehicles for his prolific output. A frequent contributor to the Particles roster, 2014's "Behind the Moon" EP was a notable highlight. Returning to Particles, "Sapphire", is a brooding, pulsating affair that hits its mark through warm, deep bass and white-noise fuelled pads. Intermittent breathy vocal cuts find their place in the upper frequency spectrum while a series of freeform melodies and detuned lead add texture and urgency to a work that grows in intensity through the third movement. "High" shines with its immediate percussive tom and clave cadence before deep kick provides anchored groove. Subtle melodic lines and rippling arpeggio build throughout while intelligent use of delays and side-chained compression create a strong dancefloor groove.

A staunch advocate of "true progressive music" at the turn of the millennium, Russian artist, Anton Vishniakov, has proved himself worthy of his place at the top table of underground dance music through his Rise And Fall soubriquet. Supported by such luminaries as Hernan Cattaneo, Max Graham and Jaytech, Vishniakov's work for such labels as Gastspiel Records, Green Martian and Bonzai Progressive, have showcased an array of talents. Indeed, 60+ production credits for the latter have ensured a wealth of original and remix production material has been released since 2013's debut for Monster Deep. Striking a chord on the Particles roster with 2014's "The Vision" including remixes from LoQuai and Inkfish, Rise and Fall now returns to the label with a strong and dark reimagining of "Sapphire". Anchored by a heavy kick and offbeat percussion, an evolving work rises in intensity with its use of white-noise washes and filtered arpeggio sequences that wend their way across the mid-frequencies. Reaching a dramatic pause at the halfway point breakdown, a stripped back third movement keeps intensity high as musical and rhythmic elements build to a rousing denouement.

Brazilian, Morttagua, from the Sao Paolo metropolis, is an artist with a strong musical heritage in his home country and far beyond its borders. Already topping the Beatport Progressive House charts with his 2013 "Sith Planets EP" for Undefined Records, Morttagua's work for such i imprints as Dear Deer, Uplifitng Music, and Nueva, has been supplemented by a plethora of releases for superstar imprints, Black Hole and Pacha. Supported by Paul Oakenfold, Steve Lawler and John Digweed, Morttagua's cross-genre appeal has won him many fans as have DJ performances at clubs and festivals across Brazil including, Green Valley, Miroir and P12. Making his Particles debut, the Morttagua remix of "High" echoes melodic themes resonant in the original, transforming them with trademark flair into a new work that pays tribute to Michael A's work while highlighting the Brazilian's own production flair. A throbbing bass line keeps energy high while additional production and an intelligent variation on the original's melodic line is a joy to behold. Additional use of the subtle vocal content creates a work of skill and verve.

A pair of new tracks, each with sparkling remix, sees Michael A's "Sapphire" shine brightly.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by Marina Gerardi
Mastered by Michael A, Rise and Fall, Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

Sapphire

High (Morttagua Remix)

Buy on Beatport

"A music connoisseur and crowd captivator. Purveyor of deep melodic beats, with baselines and unmistakable groove" - this is how mandaRc describes himself and touches on his style.

His sets - perfectly constructed and blended together - consist of the highest selection of Downtempo, groovy lower BPM beats and delves into a more oriental bass driven mood when the occasion arises.

It may not be a household name just yet, but mandaRc has the passion, skill and music to leave an everlasting imprint. 

The DEEP, the DARK, the UNDERGROUND...  
Downtempo
Ketapop
Chill Rave