She may be making her first appearance on NuNorthern Soul, but Zeynep Erbay is no newcomer. A classically trained pianist who took a turn towards the dancefloor while at university, the Turkish DJ/producer earned her first release on Compost Records way back in 2007 after taking part in the 2006 edition of the Red Bull Music Academy programme. Since then, her career has been on an upwards trajectory, with releases on Fools Gold and Soul Clap Records confirming Erbay as a genuine rising star of the underground electronic music.
 
On the ‘Healer EP’, the Istanbul-based producer showcases the more atmospheric, sun-kissed end of her productions, taking a turn away from synth-powered, disco-leaning club tracks towards something more suitable for al-fresco events, sun-down sets, and sofa-bound listening sessions. Inspired by a poem inscribed on the back cover of the EP, Erbay’s two original instrumental tracks simply ooze with emotion. The poem tells the story of a whale searching for her family while helping others along the way, which acts as a metaphor for our wider search for belonging and acceptance.
 
This aural narrative first comes to the fore in opener ‘Heart of a Healer’, a slowly unfurling stunner in which emotion-rich chords, gentle electronic melodies and Erbay’s poignant and picturesque piano motifs – reminiscent of the classic works of 2000s downtempo duo dZihan and Kamien – gently rise above a chunky dub disco bassline and mid-tempo, triple-time drums. The story unfolds further on the effortlessly emotional ‘Healer Whale’, where Erbay’s impeccable piano playing ushers in languid, jazz-flecked drums, dubby bass, sumptuous synth-strings and slow-moving chords. It’s an impeccable, life-affirming composition that’s as beautiful and memorable as they come.  
 
NYC-based Italian Danilo Braca, who also mastered the release, provides a fine club-focused fix of ‘Heart of a Healer’, adding Erbay’s brilliant chords and piano riffs to a bed of crunchy machine drums, undulating TB-303 acid lines, punchy electronic bass and bubbly synth sounds.  NuNorthern Soul regular Marshall Watson also handles ‘Healer Whale’, first delivering a fine ‘Remix’ version that effortlessly blurs the boundary between dub disco and Balearic nu-disco, before serving up a shorter, ambient ‘Reprise’ version full of gorgeous chords, warming bass, cascading electronic melodies, effects-laden piano, and atmospheric field recordings.

Healer

BUY on BANDCAMP

PREMIERE : Zeynep Herbay - Heart of a Healer

A pumper of a rework from Byron The Aquarius of Curd’s new outing.

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James Curd and Sublime Mind, Byron The Aquarius, remix so fine,
Dancing to the beat, groove in line, PRONTO, the rhythm, feeling divine.

In a world of whimsy, we unwind, Funk and melodies, our hearts entwined,
With James Curd and Byron, we’re inclined, To let go of worries, leave them behind.

Sublime Mind’s magic, a treasure to find, In this musical journey, we’re redefined,
With every note and rhythm so kind, PRONTO, let’s dance, our souls aligned.

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The excellent James Curd’s new single “Sublime Mind,” was “inspired by a journey of two friends, enchanted by the mystique of an ageless sculpture – they traverse the Adriatic, seeking the original statue, only to find its reflection in the enigmatic Catherine. As they bask in her presence, they swear an oath – she’s different, she’s unique.”

We’re premiering the equally excellent Byron The Aquarius pumper.

@jamescurd @byrontheaquarius

James Curd - Sublime Mind (Byron The Aquarius Remix) [PRONTO]

Keita Sano is a prolific Japanese producer who has released on revered labels such as Mister Saturday Night, Let’s Play House, Morris Audio and 1080P. His fusion of dark, distorted, acidic textures and crunchy disco beats gives his productions a unique sound which works perfectly for Delusions Of Grandeur and the label is proud to welcome him for his debut DOG EP entitled ‘Love Is Emotion’.
 
The title track comes on like a proverbial runaway train with heavy, pounding beats and bassline forging things ahead while the most twisted, tripped out FX rise and fall creating an absolute juggernaut of a track which takes no prisoners. A deceptively simple DJ tool which is loaded with drama for maximum impact on the more left of centre dance floors. Up next is Violet’ ‘which takes a low-slung deep house approach but with the grit and dirt that Keita always brings to the party. The first half teases with tension-building chords and syncopated bassline which bounces around a massive four on the floor kick drum. Things fall away in the middle to reveal a beautiful, heartwarming piano part, setting the scene before things get truly epic with orchestral strings bringing a touch of film noir to the proceedings. 
 
‘I’m A Man’ picks up the pace again for an intense acid work out which pushes the sonic boundaries to the limits with seriously warped FX creating mayhem around a simple, percussive disco groove. As secret weapon DJ tools go, this is right up there. Closing out this mind-bending release Keita remains in experimental mode on ‘Love Is Emotion’ offsetting melodic arpeggios and sweet chords with off-kilter sonic madness ensuring things remain dark, dirty and deep.

DOG94

PREMIERE : Keita Sano - Runner

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* Read more: https://boltingbits.com/luca-bacchetti-la-femme-da-cote-bordello-a-parigi
* Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IDnlmNKzcdU
* Pre-order: https://bordelloaparigi.com/shop/vinyl/various-artists-buone-vacanze-vol-3-ep

Vacanze di Natale! Four party jams by Alberto Melloni, Luca Bacchetti and Modula feat. Carmen Lubrano from Italy and Red Woodchuck, the Dutch cherry on top. Every record comes with a different sticker sleeve.

PREMIERE: Luca Bacchetti - La Femme D'à Côté

DC Promo Tracks #1282 "Gipsy" by Daughters & Sons is part of the upcoming release Detroit Stories EP on Flexi Cuts  @flexicuts_wax 

Buy Now: https://flexi-cuts.bandcamp.com/album/detroit-stories-ep 

More Promo Tracks: https://www.dreamchimney.com/promo

DC Promo Tracks: Daughters & Sons "Gipsy"

It was etched into the old stone, a framework for the perfect self. At least so that they had thought way back then, at the beginning. The sketches must have been there for thousands of years, all that was left of a people and a time very different to their own.

They were deep underground, it had taken several weeks to excavate this far and the strain and toll it had taken on their physical wellbeing was severe.

Now, as they looked at the magnificent old etchings and drawings. They realised that some sort of lifetime ago, there were people building a bodymap, the very core of what they would become in the now.

Mark E is perhaps one of the most underrated producers out there. For many years he has released a steady stream of music which has consistently made its way in to the bags and sets of a broad variety of DJ's. His versatility is unique, his music able to sit at home amidst a variety of contexts and settings.

This latest EP on Delusions of Grandeur is a brilliant showcase of his penchant for deep, progressive House music.

DOG95

PREMIERE: Mark E - Bodymap [Delusions of Grandeur]

Psychedelic space disco from My Friend Dario on Hell Yeah!

Read in full here: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-my-friend-dario-tellaro-hell-yeah/

PREMIERE:  My Friend Dario - Tellaro [Hell Yeah!]

Download/Vinyl/Stream: 
https://toy-tonics.lnk.to/BabysBerserkRemixEP

Toy Tonics signed a band! Yes! After developing many DJ producers like COEO, Cody Currie and Sam Ruffilo now the Berlin imprint comes up with an electronic band! Baby's Berserk come from Amsterdam. 2 guys and 2 girls who studied art and fashion design and love 80ies dance pop dance bands like Talking Heads, New Order or the 2000’s LCD Soundsystem. They have a big love for 1980ies music and try to conect it with today's indie aesthetics.
You might know some members of the band from their other activities: One member of the band makes clothes for UK popstars like ADELE and the other band boss is Mano Hostelle. He is also part of Mauskovic dance band and other buzzed indie electronic bands from Amsterdam and Berlin.

The debut album of Baby's Berserk has been released in fall 2023 but here we come with a remix EP of their album. To introduce the music via the dancefloors.
Remix comes from Niklas Wandt (the German jazz drummer and lofi house producer.). The Indie rock hero Kris Baha did a remix as well as Nicolini (from world famous Mauscovic Dance Band).

Indie dance is coming back and Toy Tonics has the band for it! Kids will love Baby's Berserk!

Released 08.12.23

Baby's Berserk - Eat Your Dollar (Each Other Remix)

Yotam Nadav - Make It Right

After a two years break, the 8th collection of my edits. This time four cuts of acid, italo, disco and house classics.

https://roedeers.bandcamp.com/album/edits-vol-8

EDITS VOL. 8 (Preview)

Ransom Note is an online music, arts and culture magazine. We provide a home for readers and writers with boundless enthusiasm, esoteric knowledge, fierce opinions and impeccable taste.

With our core team immersed in all aspects of dance music, we publish news, articles, and interviews covering the greatest in innovative, underground culture from across the globe. We offer regular, exclusive music and mixtapes from our favourite artists, and publish features shining a light on everything from the freshest new artists to the untold tales from rave history.

Alongside this we offer musings on film, books, life, and art, generating some context and controversy as an antidote to the reheated PR that clogs up the internet. Our office is fuelled by Tunnock’s Bars, cat memes, hangovers and a ridiculous, never ending love for our culture.

We're always interested in getting new writers on board – feel free to get in touch if you’ve got a story to tell.

With love until the grave.

James Curd - Sublime Mind (Byron The Aquarius Remix) [PRONTO]

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