Hello Soulful Techno lovers I am UK based artist Michael Walken.

I first started getting into the minimal techno and electro from places like Germany properly around 2004/2005 I believe, Gabriel Ananda was incidentally one of the very first artists I remember really loving the sound of. I believe Ihre Personliche Glucksmelodie was one of the first I heard. I had been moving through genres of dance music since being around 11 after hearing The Prodigy. But when I first heard Gabriel and this blend of minimalist techno and electro I immediately loved the playful hooks and upbeat melodies and electronic sounds. The techno I had heard before was mainly through big bands such as Underworld and The Prodigy but really got excited by this fresh upbeat melodic european sound.

So getting speaking to Gabriel last year, being one of my favourite and first techno artists I heard was very exciting. Gabriel liked the first track I sent, which spurred me on too make more. Firstly I had a middle eastern riff that I jammed which went on to be Peace In The Middle East. Definitely my finest solo work to date. I am no Bob Dylan but I always loved the protest song so Peace In The Middle East really just became a subtle protest song I suppose. I think it has drama and beauty, and the silence and undisturbed music that peace can bring in the interlude in the main breakdown.

The second track Peace Agreement leads on from Peace In The Middle East. Imagining there has been a long standing Peace Agreement which sticks. I was lucky enough and completely bowled over when Gabriel said he would collaborate on this track. I have had some great feedback in the past from some big names such as Hernan Cattaneo, SLAM, Orbital, BIllie Ray Martin but being able too actually throw ideas round and collaborate on the same track as someone of Gabriels calibre and a favourite artist of mine was a dream come true! This led to it being much deeper and warmer in its ambience with a much better structure and a track I will be immensely proud of.

Lastly I already had a very dreamy electronica folky track that I remixed for a friend J.Perkins which Gabriel liked the vibe of immediately. And in corona times I think some warm optimism like this would be welcome. I think it leads on nicely on the ep, starting with drama imagining peace and by the end in a warm daydream in an almost perfect world.

Thanks Gabriel and Soulful Techno for giving me the chance to showcase myself. I hope people enjoy!

Michael Walken - Peace In The Middle East

A Particles regular, Chihaka returns to the label with his third original EP in the shape of "Ndarasika". Showcasing his varied production skillset, the South African artist shone through October 2019's "Nyara" and May 2020's "Pinda" while remixes for Pole Folder, Ric Niels and about : river have shown another side of his production craftsmanship. The title track is an elegantly crafted affair with smooth percussive flow and beautiful melodic riffs that glitter and glide in rippling delayed glory. A guitar riff comes to the fore in a stripped back breakdown as a powerful drop brings emotion and spine-tingling joy to "Ndarasika" with its epic key changes and mirrored bassline. Partner track "Kupisa" continues the strong melodic narrative as a pitched and squelchy synth pluck bends a path over powerful beat and shaker-driven percussion. A sub-bassline adds depth while a beautiful piano layer adds emotion to the filtered synth elements at the mid-point. The result is an immaculately crafted affair that adds to Chihaka's already potent Particles arsenal.

Petar Dundov is an iconic figure within the underground dance fraternity. A litany of releases for the most prominent labels has been accompanied by a growing list on Proton Music, not least in December 2020's "Salvation / Nature of Nature" EP and the forthcoming "Spark / Day Unseen". Remixes of Huminal and Simos Tagias have added to that portfolio as the Croatian now makes his Particles debut. Taking on "Ndarasika", the Petar Dundov remix is fuelled by a trademark hypnotic framework that bristles with analogue power as bassline and arpeggio pave the way for sparkling synth overdubs. Hitting its stride with clever use of Chihaka's original components, a sympathetic key change sees the running bassline hold sway as melodic elements shift around it. The result is an interpretation that illustrates why Dundov is always in-demand as the guitar part so prominent in the original swirls around an epic third movement.

A strong collaborative bond sees about : river continue to ride an increasingly powerful wave of success. Through a blend of dance music credentials and organic instrumentation, the father and son partnership has been a regular on the likes of Nie Wieder Schlafen, not least in 2020's "Silver Dusk" EP. June 2021's Go Into The Mist" was a remarkable Particles debut EP with its thematic flow and remixes from Chihaka and Dandara. Now, about : river return the favour with a stunning reworking of "Ndarasika" that melds the twin skillsets of Oleg and Ervin. A striking percussive groove creates a head-shaking backdrop for Chihaka's production elements to take centre stage before a huge Moog bassline from about : river enters the fray in unexpected manner. Repeating itself throughout the second half, broken beats and familiar melodies are wrapped around new production material in an intriguing and innovative new remix.

Shining brightly with "Ndarasika", Chihaka once again displays remarkable talent, suitably complemented by Petar Dundov and about : river.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by Marina Gerardi
Mastered by Cid Inc., Petar Dundov, about: river
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

Ndarasika

Ndarasika (Petar Dundov Remix)

Buy on Beatport

Buy Now

Hoten - Across The Ocean (Original Mix)

One Mind

One Mind (Integral Bread Remix)

My debut single, forthcoming on Funkagenda's new "Open Source Music" imprint.

Love/Techno [Original Mix]

In October 2015, the "double-headed dragon" of Lanvary, ended their year in impressive fashion with the "Micromegas" EP. As Particles now returns to the debut offering, remixes from Australia and the UAE continue its development.

Australian rising star, Matty Doyle, has borne witness to a particularly noteworthy 2015. Building on a reputation that saw him work the clubs of Melbourne and London with considerable aplomb, his Matter production soubriquet has provided Doyle with a unique vehicle in which to display his maturing skills. As affable as he is talented, Matter continues to impress with a portfolio of material that includes appearances on Le Petit Machiniste, Balkan Connection and FutureForm. Indeed, it was for the latter that the "Spore" EP saw a hugely impressive remix from fellow countryman, Jamie Stevens, as well as going on to feature on the successful Visceral "Past Forward" series.

From a passion for "deep synth lines, driving bass and pulsating rhythms", a pair of remixes for Biologik and Dousk make up a sumptuous part of Matter's Proton Music recent catalogue, and it is with huge pleasure that we welcome him to Particles with a sublime interpretation of "Micromegas". A sublime, gently pulsating bass line opens proceedings, backed by strong beat and ticking percussion. An evolving and filtered pad add further depth and texture while a pitched down variation of Terrence McKenna's vocal sample references Lanvary's original work. Additional production material comes fully to the fore in extended melodic interplay and thought-provoking sequences, "Matter's Chasing Rainbows Remix" is a pot of aural gold.

Hailing from the opulent desert plains of the United Arab Emirates, Subandrio Sinhawansa is a producer who has burst onto the underground dance scene in 2015. An award winning Pioneer and PALME Middle East DJ in 2009 and 2013, Subandrio's pedigree is second to none. A regular on the DJ circuit in his home country and beyond, production prowess has seen almost a half-century of production credits to date, since 2014's "Silicone Oasis" debut for Lowbit and February 2015's "Fractured Moment" EP for Cid Inc.'s Replug imprint. Since then, Balkan Connection, Perspectives Digital and Juicebox Music have supplied the musical cognoscenti with a regular does of high-quality music that has cemented Subandrio's reputation.

Following up debut remix of Lateral Cut Groove for Particles at the back end of 2015, the Subandrio remix of "Moby Dick" is an elegant affair that revels in a grooved low-frequency synth line that carries the additional melodic material with considerable style. A freeform theremin-style lead line encapsulates Subandrio's innovative flair at the mid-point breakdown, while richly textured pads and gated melodies add depth and richness. A bright and punchy variation on the original, Subandrio's skill is in full evidence.

Continuing the erudite work of Lanvary in striking manner, Matter and Subandrio add another chapter to the "Micromegas" story.

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

Micromegas (Matter, Subandrio Remixes)

Micromegas (Matter's Chasing Rainbows Remix)

Cristoph - Tremble

Buy/Stream: anjunadeep.lnk.to/IPRso
Release Date: 24th July 2018
ANJDEE340RD

2018 has been a big year for Eric Luttrell. Along with the release of his ‘Intergalactic Plastic EP’, the American-born producer has played the DoLab stage at Coachella, Holy Ship, Tomorrowland, as well as supporting Above & Beyond on their North American Tour.

Originally featured as Annie Mac’s ‘Hottest Record In The World’, the EP’s title track ‘Intergalactic Plastic’ now gets a stellar remix treatment via Kidnap, Clarian, and Bebetta.

Kidnap builds on Luttrell’s graceful chord progression, combining a chugging bassline and 80’s plucks to create a lush sunset soundtrack, whilst Clarian chooses to get deep, favouring brooding staccato synths and a thumping four-to-the-floor kick. German native Bebetta closes out the package with impeccable sound design, transforming the original into a melting soundscape of twirling synths.

Buy / Stream

Luttrell - Intergalactic Plastic (Clarian Remix)

This seventh label release offers a compelling assortment of the label's musical spectrum in showcasing 4 tracks from hardworking Chicago-based artists ranging from some deep-, tech-, and progressive-house goodness for the fine people at ADE 2018 and beyond -- crafted by Chicago-based artists, with love, from the Windy City.

Blu9 is a Chicago born and raised dj and producer, rising up the ranks of the underground house and techno scene. Art and music has always been a priority and focus, learning violin at 7, followed by composition and interest in piano and percussion. This is echoed in her hauntingly beautiful productions which often fuse electric violin with percussion instruments and string elements, and can be found on many prominent labels. A regular on the decks at well known Chicago venues, she’s played support for the likes of Nicole Moudaber, Stacey Pullen, Chris Liebing, and Richie Hawtin.  
Follow Blu9: https://soundcloud.com/blu9  

Keeping true and parallel to the musical vision of Vested as a Chicago-based music and event brand, Vested Recordings is a home for a range of forward-thinking electronic music sounds, ranging from deep to tech-house to progressive to techno to house, with the common thread being the timeless low-end prime-mover groove that proper progressive house has always championed.

vestedrecordings.com
soundcloud.com/vestedchi

ADE 2018 Chicago Artist Sampler

Blu9 - Virago (Original Mix) [Vested Recordings 007]

Cristoph - Nightcrawler

Our 300th release comes from progressive Templar Gai Barone and 'Boston' is the finest definition of his fiery sound. It's analog, it's musical, it's the sound that keeps the heart of soulful trance music alive. He has out done himself, three bespoke tracks - the original which explores an organic analog sound, the Underground mix to explore the darkest caves of your emotions. He concludes the journey with the morning mix, an audible transcendence into Valhalla.<br />Delivered using <a href='https://www.promo-cloud.com'>Promo-Cloud.com </a> 

Love/Techno [Original Mix]

Soul Trader