We welcome Tornado Wallace (@tornadowallace), long time friend of the label and whose record 'Falling Sun' we released through Second Circle back in 2016.  Interview (excerpt) down below.

www.musicfrommemory.com

MFM: Hey Lewie, how have you been lately?

TW: I dipped out to East Asia and Australia for the infamous Berlin winter and now I’m back ready for the euro warmth. Though it’s in no hurry to arrive here just yet.

MFM: There's a new record coming on Basic Spirit, the label you run with Jamie Tiller, and it all looks rather secretive... Can you tell us more about it Lew E? :) 

TW: I made these tracks when I was holed up sick for a week. Not being able to go to the studio I relied strictly on samples and software, which was fun to change the workflow up a little bit. I wanted to make some very club ready tracks, without any intention for a release. They (rather obviously) sample two well known tracks, but there’s a lot of new ideas too. I use a different name as it felt like a different style and approach to how I usually go about things. I think there will be more Lew E things on the horizon though :D.

MFM: Previous releases on Basic Spirit also had this '90s touch to it. What is it that you like about (music from) that era?

TW: I grew up in the 90s so a lot of the music coming out then really hits the nostalgic feels. But also, really interesting things were happening with technology, and it became a lot more affordable to put together a record. So there were a lot of - for lack of a better term - laymen releasing electronic music. Some of which had very new and out-there approaches to processes like sampling, mixing and arranging. But trends and technology all moved along so quickly that some of these sounds and ideas never had a chance to get fully fleshed out. Which is why it’s nice to pick up where some left off. People are currently very responsive to this late 90s/early 2000s sound, which is great for me because that’s a time when I really fell in love with electronic music. As a DJ, I’m playing these really personal tracks that I discovered as a teenager, and for the first time since I began playing parties/clubs 18 years ago, people seem to really understand them. It’s a very cool feeling.

MFM: You've also started a new more pop oriented project called a.s.o. together with vocalist Alia Seror O’Neill. Has it always been a dream or goal of yours to start a more band kind of project? Does it require a different writing/recording approach compared to when making dance music for the clubs?

TW: I like making music that I like listening to. And with the pandemic in full swing in 2020, I was having a little break from club music, and diving deeper into other styles of music I enjoy. Both from a listening and producing perspective. I found it to be a very different approach. It’s more melody/hook driven and focuses on getting ideas down quickly as they’re forming. A lot of the time I would use a basic keyboard and guitar to record, and Alia would add vocal melodies and harmonies on the fly. Sometimes it could get difficult when we would both want to put our fleeting ideas down at the same time! On that note, collaboration is never easy for me as I like to have full creative control of whatever it is I’m working on, and sometimes the creative paths divide and compromises have to be made. Sometimes the compromised path is thick and thorny, and sometimes it is paved gold and smells of roses.

MFM: How did you go through the selecting and recording process, any specific record or mood you had planned?

TW: I came across a bunch of really nice tracks all in a relatively similar downtempo/shoegaze style, and wanted to make a mix of music like that. For moody home/car/train etc listening. I also included a forthcoming Cousin remix of an a.s.o. single which I love and wanted to share early!

MFM Mix 049: Tornado Wallace

NYC’s Andrew Devlin takes a break from his usual dance floor facilitation to offer us a poolside soundtrack inspired by a recent stay at The Standard hotel in Miami Beach.

Q. Where do things currently sit on @thelevelparty front, and what other projects have you been busily chipping away at?

A. What’s that line? “We’ve been coming to the same party for 12 years now, and in no way is that depressing.” I think we’re nearing 10 now. In any case, the party feels like it’s in a really good place. After doing it more or less solo for a minute, I brought 5 residents on board who I love dearly–Alien D, KFeelz, Nigelthreetimes, No Sir, and Yibing. Everyone has so much range and energy, it’s been special getting the group together.
I’m really excited for our Glen Falls House weekender upstate in July (14-16). We get to take over this little hotel in the woods for a weekend and stretch out. It’s a dream. Big shoutout Josh Houtkin at Good Room for all his work making that a reality.
Past that, we’ve got some shows at our usual spots, Le Bain and Good Room, as well as a couple of day parties at Public Records’ new Nursery and a July 4 BBQ at Mansions. Would really like to bring the group of us to some other cities soon. I dream about heading back to New Orleans, doing Level Miami, Level Mexico City, Ibiza, etc…Anyone reading this wants to get in touch, let’s build ;)
Personally, I run a small sound company here in NYC, so I’m trying to grow that business and maintain my sanity. I’d like to get back into making music soon, even just a few cheeky edits. Start a podcast (I know, I know). And eventually open up a venue. A pub of sorts with good food and music. 

Q. What inspiration did you draw upon when putting the mix together?

There is, in fact, a pretty specific one. This mix is dedicated to the pool at the Standard in Miami. I went in January for the first time and recorded this when I got home. The vibe there is so strong. You’re sitting outside, eating the best caprese salad of your life, there’s a 2’ iguana crawling on a palm tree, you’ve got a green juice or a margarita in one hand. Everyone is having a good time and partying in this really respectful way. They’re just sipping on a cocktail or walking to the hot tub or making out in the pool. 
I thought a lot of that had to do with the soundsystem and the music programming–there are speakers everywhere (including underwater) playing at like 6/10 volume. The music is on a sort of soulful r&b/ balearic tip. I was on Shazam all weekend. So this mix is a dedication to that–if someone gave me 80 minutes to DJ the Standard Miami pool, this is what I would play.

Q. Are there any records in the mix that are particularly close to your heart, or old favourites that you’ve been keeping up your sleeve for the right moment? 

A. Definitely. To run through a couple… ”Wall Street” I discovered reading Dub by Michael Veal. Great book for anyone interested in DJ’ing, soundsystems, production, etc. I got really into Jackie Mittoo reading that, and have been playing that track since. 
The Lauryn Hill track, “Sweetest Thing” I heard in a coffee shop in Amsterdam in 2009, forgot about completely, then recently re-discovered.
“Don’t Break my Heart” is a big song for my wife and me. We both stumbled on it when we started dating at the beginning of 2020. We almost chose it as our first dance at the wedding, but thought the lyrics were a little dark. Anyway, big tune at the house. 
And the last track, the Mike Huckaby remix, is close to my heart. I was lucky enough to meet Mike a few years ago and gave him a ride to his hotel after a gig. He had just played for 3 hours and all he wanted to talk about was my Volkswagen Jetta. He was really such a sweet, warm guy, and this track always makes me think of him. R.I.P. 
Thanks so much for having me on this! Been a huge fan of MDC for a long time, and the radio shows and mix specials got me through lockdown over here. Means a lot to be a part of it. Much love.

MDC.284 Andrew Devlin

In a world in which there is so much music it can be difficult to know whose perspective and opinion to trust. Often those with the most public profile and reputation receive the most recognition. However, behind the scenes there is a whole array of folk who picked them and so on and so forth…

Villella has been involved in the underground music sphere for many years – as a leading curator behind Truants and as a DJ in his own right. Having been exposed to a broad array of sounds and styles across well over ten years in Dance music it is interesting to see what has stuck not only in the mind but in the record collection of a DJ who has seen a hell of a lot come and go.


 
This mix has been a little while coming – something Villella apologised for upon delivery. However, all things considered, we were glad for his respective patience as the result is well worth the wait.

This mixtape features two hours of music spanning an eclectic array of sounds. It’s a real mix from start to end – a journey through sound done proper which really feels considered and put together in a way which few DJ’s tend to these days.

Villella: The 'Shine A Light On' Mix

It's been a year since I uploaded my last Safe Radio episode. Damn. That was certainly not my intention. I actually had in mind to do three to four episodes a year, but it only came down to one due to various reasons [read: L I F E!]. It was a long one, though. hehe.

But here we are! FINALLY another episode in the Safe Radio series. I'm very happy and excited about the result, but moreso relieved that I already now have planned out episode two in season seven. It means that I'm on the path of doing four this year. So far at least. Hell yeah! 

This first episode of season seven includes no less than sixty nine tracks ranging from my favorite headphone music over hazy downtempo and japanese dub to no nonsense club trax. Different styles, tempos, old, new, unreleased - u name it. 

If you're still reading this long post I'd like to express my gratitude to all the people [still] supporting and listening to my stuff. It truly means a lot. Especially when I put so much energy and time into what I do. THANK YOU! 

Lastly I'd like to say that I'll be looking for shows over the coming autumn and winter. Will be posting about it in the coming weeks, but feel free to HMU if you're interested in bringing me to your club/show/event/whatever! 

Enjoy. 
xoxo c.

C.K - Safe Radio S07E01

Dishing up an extended all-spice-mix from local hot saucier @lava-brain. Prepare for some genuine mind realignment with 3.5 hours of mesmerisingly deep heat!

Q. Hey Eric, what inspiration did you draw upon when putting this mix together? Is there a sound, feeling, or time in dance music history that connects all the different elements in one way or another?

A. Thanks for having me! I don’t know if there was a conscious thought so much, but lots of music to either get you in a meditative mood or moving depending on how you’re feeling. I guess there are definitely a lot of elements from the 90s Bristol scene threaded through the mix in one way or another. That trip hop/down tempo sound was really a big gateway into a lot of electronic music for me and it’s what I was listening to a lot of when I first started DJing. ‘Bass is Maternal’ by Smith & Mighty was a really big record for me; bringing together a lot of trip hop, dub, bass, breakbeat and jungle sounds, which feature in a lot of tracks in the mix.    

Q. Are there any records in the mix that are especially close to your heart?

Definitely! There’s a mix of some older favs like 'Transient' by Mr G, 'Tokyo Dawn' by Doc Scott & a Smith & Mighty tune. 'The Edgelands' by Rings Around Saturn has definitely had its fair share of listens over the years for me too. There's also a bunch of newer tracks, lots of local favourites & just music that inspires me. 
One tune which I hold especially close would have to be Delano Smith’s ‘The Rock’. I remember hearing it for the first time and I still find it hard not to get hypnotised by it. The vocal sample about universal unity is also pretty groovy :)

Q. Tell us what’s the latest with the visual aspect of your Lava Brain project? How would you describe your approach?

A. It’s been really great to get more opportunities to work on the live visuals & projection mapping part of my practice recently and to focus on it 100% at a party. 

In terms of my approach to integrating the two, with every event there are so many different elements that need to work together to make it a success. I think it's really about creating an awesome experience, working together with the music and space to compliment each other and help curate a mood. Working with different collectives or venues is always interesting, as all the elements change including the physical space and I enjoy the design process; usually starting with the logical side of the ‘how’ will this technically work and then the ‘what’ in terms of creative content. 

I guess I try to tap into my own feelings when designing an install or content and ask myself something like ‘How would this make me feel in the context of the party, music and space and what’s the intention we as a collective are trying to curate?’ I’m also starting to expand my setup, experimenting with mapping a small wireless midi controller to be able to still be able to control the visuals while being away from the laptop and part of the party, letting me further tap into those intuitive feelings. 

Currently I’m working on a visual instalment for Ferdydurke’s 11th birthday on August 12th and have been working with some new projection materials, experimenting with sheer fabrics to project a succession of images above the dancefloor to give a sort of floating holographic tunnel effect. For the event I’m also working on building a motorised lighting sculpture for the entrance to the venue, which is something new for me. 
In parallel, I’m working on some grant applications and starting to look for sponsorships for a multi-day projection art and music series I’m working on, in collaboration with the Section 8 crew. With all going to plan, that should be happening mid-next year. 
Other than that, continuing to learn, play and experiment, currently I’m starting to teach myself Touch Designer to expand that side of my creative practice and just always staying open to new projects and collaborations :)

MDC.286 Lava Brain

After quiet times, we’re proud to share our #16-WHiTMIX with you: Chachi AKA Norachi @norachisound
Consistent, reliable rhythms, a trustworthy & deep-authentic sound.  

The discovery of @norachisound both as a DJ & Producer, has led to many blissful listening experiences. His crystal-like output & classy contributions to label Vessel(@user-901026239) co-owned w/Miris @montyhartnett & Tim Heany @t-heaney) are appreciated for life.

Listen & Support below:
@norachisound
https://soundcloud.com/norachisound
@user-901026239
https://vesselrecord.bandcamp.com/

WHiTMIX #16 | Norachi

‘For home use only’ is an anti-club social, a chance to get to know someone/something. A series of transmissions purely dedicated to exploring the other side.

The unofficial mayor of Naarm aka Dawn Again brings us a gift from above, a three hour stopover filled to the brim with the deepest of chill core cuts and mind-bending principles. The literal embodiment of the soundtrack to spring. This is made for the sun. Slip, slop, slurrrrrp. Xo 

his sounds >>>> https://soundcloud.com/dawn-again

FHUO # 89 // Dawn Again

Samo DJ at Solstice 2023

A live recording from 2st day of rural2023 at midnight by Vladimir Ivkovic.
His set was  epic and beautiful psychedelic journey, from hypnotic,dark world to sentimental and moving moments.

Vladimir Ivkovic at rural2023

Honey Soundsystem Potcast

HNYPOT 374: Millú's Are We Dreaming Mix

For home use only’ is an anti-club social, a chance to get to know someone/something. A series of transmissions purely dedicated to exploring the other side.

Good day / G’day / I hope this next mix finds you well / how about some precedented times for once! Interpret that as you please. Whatever your poison, it’s time for another dose and the doctor is in. It's with an absolutely full heart that I present to you the next chapter in the ‘stay the fuck home experience’. Our esteemed guest is none other than Mr. Naarm Deepcast himself, Myles Mac, aka a tall glass of water aka captain cloud aka Mt. Killa’dancefloor’o. Literally one of the OG immovable chess pieces of the Melbourne scene. Responsible for bringing Oz music up to date and into the future through the Melbourne Deepcast // TIP!! (for which I owe a lot to in many ways) and for bringing the world to us through a multitude of platforms and ideals thrown together across nearly every venue in Melbourne. For all his merits he’s still remained a very humble dude, he has all the time in the world for others and their harebrained schemes. Myles will gladly lend his ear to munted punter’s telling the same story for the third time, just a bloody good all-rounder, you could take him from kick-ons straight to meet the parents and they would best mates within the hour. I've had the pleasure of knowing Myles for about ten years now and seeing what he’s done and how he’s done it has been a pleasure to watch, he’s paved the way for many a DJ, myself included.

So, you’d think with all this experience in Dj’ing, running parties, and curating one of the better mix series in this audible world that he’d be able to produce a stunning mix that really highlights his knowledge of all of the above and the human psyche in response to those avenues, well, you’re correct. The mix is absolutely sublime. I couldn’t think of a better soundtrack for the introduction to hot weather, pool hangs, spritz’, warm nights, long drives down the beach (which we can now do), and whatever else you associate with summer. The mix itself is an audio-guided tour through a perfectly curated exhibition, gently carrying through from room to room, subtle nods in every direction but with subconscious overarching narrative tying everything together. This is achieved through the lost art of DJ’ing. Scientists say that these “disk jockey’s” would spend years searching for special types of recorded music for which they would then “blend” together on some “banging sound system” to the public to create moments of pure euphoria. This mix will end up in museums as a perfect example of that so people can really understand how their parents met. Anyway, the mix is laden with nostalgia, a 90’s head wet dream, continuously cementing a smile on your face and the overwhelming urge to nod your head. Pack some lunch for this trip, an extended hike through the mind of Myles Mac. This is your cue to stop reading and press play.

Just a quick tip’o’the’hat to Melbourne Deepcast, we, the people would like to thank you for the years of service. (Hopefully, I can finally submit something I’m happy with, in the next 100 years) 

Bless up. Stay as real as possible. Apply sunscreen to your mates back. 

Me: (in blue speech bubble) 

	You got any words you wanna say on the mix? No worries if not

	I've got plenty

Myles Mac: (in grey speech bubble) 

	Haha yeh you go for it 

	Basically wanted to make a 90s chillout mix 

	It’s almost all 90s records except maybe one or 2

	Inspired by old mixes by Mark Pritchard and Tom Middleton (Global Communication), The Big Chill Festival, LTJ Bukem, and the likes 

Could also add to the list Dubtribe, The Primitive Painter, Andrew Weatherall 

Me:
	Done

Myles Mac:

	Sick 😇

(End message transcription) 

His Sounds >>>> https://soundcloud.com/myles-mac

Melbourne Deepcast >>> https://www.melbournedeepcast.net/

FHUO # 47 // Myles Mac

Post Bar is a club.

Post Sonics is a label.

Samo DJ at Solstice 2023

Post Bar

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