A legendary figure within the underground dance fraternity, Pole Folder has been a regular contributor to the Proton Music catalogues over a 15-year period that began in 2006. Among a series of high-profile releases in recent years, 2018's "A Glimpse into the Past" and 2020's "Serengeti" have been outstanding original EPs. It is therefore with enormous pleasure that we welcome back Pole Folder in 2021 with a cast-iron progressive house classic in "Mara". Characterised by delicate percussive top line of delayed claves, gorgeous pads and vibrato lead take centre stage as a multi-coloured landscape gently develops in the early stages with reversed effects and subtle vocal effects. A driving beat enters the fray at the mid-point before a sumptuous bassline sequence creates a truly impressive backdrop for the melodic elements introduced in the first half, to revel in a club-friendly structure.

Little has been left unsaid in relation to GMJ & Matter's seismic contribution to Proton Music. At the beating heart of the label's progressive house output for 5 years, the duo has lit up the underground scene from their studio in Melbourne's idyllic environs. Together, they have been responsible for a host of collaborative original offerings since 2016's "Superposition" while remixes for Andre Sobota, Juan Deminicis and an August 2020 reworking of Nōpi's "Parallel Words", are now complemented by another classic remix. Using Pole Folder's central melodic themes with care and immaculate precision, the Australian pair have carved out a rhythmic structure that rolls gently across their 7-minute offering while themes from "Mara" sparkle across the sonic spectrum. Weaving a glorious sonic tapestry with golden threads from the original's bassline, the track opens up in cinematic grandeur at the breakdown with haunting original melodies and cascading arpeggio before exploding into life once more in the second half with energy and vitality.

Another artist requiring little in the way of introduction to the Proton faithful, Michael A has also been a regular with a cornucopia of original and remix production material that has lit up the label since February 2017's "Bright Hope" EP. A glittering three-year period followed before the Belarusian embarked on a new chapter with his "Fantasy" series, soon to see a third incarnation with "Volume, 3" on the horizon. Remixes for Andrea Cassino, James Warren and Imran Khan have complemented original production material as Michael now reciprocates with Pole Folder after the Belgian remixed "Orbital" in late 2017. Reimagining "Mara", Michael A uses the rhythmic elements of the original to impressive effect as he creates a new groove around the central clave loop. Evolving in elegant fashion a swathe of production material introduces new melodies that criss-cross each other in delicate fashion, blossoming into a sparkling arpeggio in the latter stages. Smooth pads and white-noise effects combine with the reversed motif so prominent in Pole Folder's work as the resonant bassline creates a familiar aural stamp.

As "Mara" takes centre stage, Pole Folder showcases a wealth of talent ably supported by GMJ & Matter and Michael A.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by James Warren
Mastered by Kai Blankenberg, Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

Mara

Buy on Beatport

Pole Folder - Mara (Original Mix)

Harabe Daydreams III

Kamilo Sanclemente - A Rainy Night (Original Mix)

Vorfreude

LADS - Vorfreude (Alex O'Rion Remix) [Movement Recordings]

'From slate-grey skies and industrial scenery, a Berlin portrait captures Daniel Helmstedt in “Luv / Lee”. Majestic piano sequences sweep gently across a melodic landscape coalescing in sonic clouds that shift and transform. Rhythmic foundations criss-cross in regular patterns hewn into the mountainside in sweeping juxtaposition, while glassy synth phrasing glistens on ocean waves. Distorted patterns create a new cadence wrapped in emotive passages that cut through in bristling, sparkling formations.

A returning visitor, Haen reimagines “Lee” through a new lens where the Isle of Skye represents a magnificent sonic vision. Familiar motifs float across rocky percussive outcrops where violin passages permeate the lush verdant landscape and pulsating waves crash against the shoreline in elemental force. Meeting Molly & Mango forge a new friendship where subtle textures and reversed fragments crystalise into new sonic shards. A fluid, ever-changing scenery shimmers in melodic counterpoint and incongruent effects add a touch of intrigue. “Luv” takes a new form courtesy of Djimboh where memorable syncopation creates innovation and aural prowess. Delicate new shapes form a recognisable configuration in the path ahead and subterranean basslines emerge from the depths of the earth to steer a new route across the mountainside.'

Follow: @danielhelmstedt // @meetingmolly // @themangoalley

Daniel Helmstedt - Luv / Lee (w/ Haen, Meeting Molly & Mango, Djimboh remixes)

Premiere: Daniel Helmstedt - Lee (Meeting Molly & Mango Remix) [Mango Alley]

Beloved for his combination of musicality and groove, Deeparture debuts on Clubsonica Records with 'Propellor | Rolls Royce'. Dominique Vijverberg, better known as Deeparture, is an electronic music producer from The Netherlands. His penchant for crafting melodic house and progressive minded sounds has earned praise from the underground's premiere tastemakers. Eelke Kleijn, Joris Voorn, Lane 8 and Hernan Cattaneo have all chimed in with play and support for Deeparture's transcendent sound, which has found a home on the genre's elite imprints such as Anjunabeats, Days Like Nights and This Never Happened. Also, an accomplished DJ, the Utrecht resident has programmed music for his country's trendiest venues, alongside top tier talents such as Guy J, Einmusik and Tinlicker. Now embarking on yet another high-profile project, Deeparture debuts on Clubsonica Records with a two-track showcase alongside a remix from GMJ.

Destined to be a highlight in Deeparture's meticulous discography, it is the melodic stylings of the title selection which get the release underway. Rhythmically charged from the outset, it's undulating cadence, striking vocal phrases and character rich groove set the piece on a course for aural enlightenment. Emotive chord changes and dynamic stabs rise across the first act, carrying momentum and mood into the main break. Pitch bending effects delight across the centrepiece, eventually melting down to the creation's symphonic motifs and esoteric moods, as a timely drum roll and rising sonics unite for a tasteful crescendo and balmy finale.

The lone interpretation of 'Propellor' is provided by GMJ who makes his label debut. Based in Melbourne, Australia GMJ aka Gavin Griffin has been a primary figure in the progressive house scene for over a decade. His passion for deep and emotive electronic music has seen him land releases on the industry's most esteemed imprints. From Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music to Nick Warren's The Soundgarden, UK behemoth Anjunadeep and his own meanwhile imprint, it's GMJ's storytelling style that continues to surprise and inspire even the genre's most discerning fans. Now following his latest Proton Music vehicle 'Rise Above', the Melbourne resident debuts on a Clubsonica with a thrilling take on 'Propellor'. Adding more of a progressive state of mind, the Aussie artist carves out a dynamic groove adorned with firing percussive, enlightening vocal fragments and fresh rhythmic themes. Hypnotic arps emerge as the first movement takes shapes, adding a meditative quality to its dance floor inspired framework. Coming to full fruition during the main break, the kaleidoscopic theme opens up, rising triumphantly towards a classy crescendo and smooth yet exhilarating final act.

Adding further depth to the release is the second and final original 'Rolls Royce'. Beginning with beautifully contoured bass lines and neatly manicured percussion, it's deeper design delights as the groove gets filled in and harmonic layers descend over the framework. Glassy arps and glowing effects flow through subtle modulation, as orchestral sonics and ghostly wails steal the air leading into the main break. Complete with reflective qualities, the centrepiece sits as the most emotive moment on the release, effortlessly transferring its heartfelt vibe to the dance floor and rounding the EP out on a strong note. An immaculate sounding release from Deeparture once again, who makes his Clubsonica Records debut in fine style here.

Written by Mitch Alexander
Mastered by Cid Inc
Artwork designed by Dave Caro

Propellor | Rolls Royce

Propellor (GMJ Remix)

Deeparture - Propellor (GMJ Remix) [Clubsonica Records]

Just Stop / Letter to Her

Luke Brancaccio, Gai Barone - Letters To Her (Preview)

Harmony Vol. 56 [February 2022]

Submerged Dreams - Minimal Deep Tech Instrumental DJ

🔊🎶⧹╲⧹༼◕_◕ ༽⧸╱⧸🎶🔊

🔥 More Sound for Every Taste! 🎧: soundcloud.com/peachhorror/sets

music by PeacHHorroR 🎶 ██████████████] 99%🎶

Silent Chill

Michael A - Entrapped (amháin Beatless Remix) [Laiko Sounds]

We're a family of electronic music makers + lovers.  Proton is a radio station (www.protonradio.com) and powers distro for 2K+ indie electronic labels (https://protonrad.io/Label-FAQ).

Say hello: info@protonradio.com