Finally available after 28 years the notorious third album by EMPERORS NEW CLOTHES - ‘SURREAL ESTATE’

https://encse1.bandcamp.com/album/surreal-estate

180gm Double vinyl, Gatefold sleeve, Plastic Sleeve + Stickered.
Edition of 250 copies.

ALL PROFITS DONATED TO MIND - www.mind.org.uk

Recorded and produced in 1996 by Trevor ‘Underdog’ Jackson, rejected and ridiculed by the bands original label, the album sat unheard for decades and unreleased in its original intended format anywhere till now. 

A gloriously twisted mix of post rock, jazz, dub, no wave, noise & fractured beats played by a five piece consisting of  : 

DAVE BATEMAN    - GUITAR, BASS
IAN GIRDLESTONE - TURNTABLES, TAPES, FX
LUKE HANNAM     - BASS, GUITAR,VOCALS
ANDY KNIGHT     - BRASS, KEYBOARDS, PERCUSSION, SAMPLES, TAPES VOCALS
LEO TAYLOR      - DRUMS

Along with guest vocalist : SUSSAN DEYHIM

The album sounds as strangely relevant today as it was wildly ahead of its time in 96. 

In founder member Luke Hannam's own words. 

"Just two months before the recording took place at the chapel studios in Lincolnshire ENC went through a major line up change with Leo Taylor recruited on drums and David Bateman added on guitar & additional programming, Ian Girdlestone on decks & tape looping and the two founding members Andy Knight- Sax, electronics, flutes, programming, keys & percussion and Luke Hannam on Bass. 

The band had come along way from its earliest days as a three piece in the late 80s based in the northeast . ENC were always an unusual  band formed around Andy’s deep musicality and knowledge of free jazz and experimental music and Luke’s love of intense groove and dark post punk. They were an unlikely pairing in someways but they lived closely and supported each other for years.

The 'Surreal Estate' project began as the third album loomed into view. Trevor Jackson who had contributed some fantastic remixes on previous material was hired as producer with Corrine 'The Sea' Pennington as an engineer. The band headed to  their Brixton arch and set about making the most adventurous music of their career. The tracks that’s you hear on this album were mostly recorded during extensive sessions at The Chapel residential studios in Lincolnshire followed by various additional session in London and also at Trevor’s home studio. Recording sessions are funny things, stuff works, stuff fails, bands implode, and sometimes great albums get made, stability never makes the best music and this album probably proves both are true.

My memories of these sessions are pretty vivid, we worked through the night creating our own private universe playing music as freely and intensely as we could. Andy provided, as he always did a sense of otherworldly concentration, I always found him like a man in the centre of a storm  building circles and  cycles, spinning patterns of sound rhythm and melody. Leo was a relative newcomer at the time but as afar as I was concerned produced beats so intense, so perfect, they pulled my bass into line … visceral and exact. David Bateman listened and carefully spun delicious guitar parts finding space where others thought there was none to be found … it was beautiful to watch and when I listen I can see him in the shadows   immersed in the music. Ian’s loops and analogue textures found their perfect  embrace with Andy’s subsonic samples and electronic depth charging …. The whole thing lurched like an obscure On U sound recording colliding with Sun Ra in Trevor’s hip hop universe".

Recorded at Chapel Studios, Lincolnshire 1996
Produced by Trevor 'Underdog' Jackson.
Except B2 Produced by ENC
Engineered by Corrine 'The Sea' Pennington 
Mixed at The Greenhouse, Sept 1996 by Corrine Pennington + Trevor Jackson
Mastered by Noel Summerville 
Artwork by Trevor Jackson

ENC - SURREAL ESTATE - 1995

Electro/Freestyle/Latin Hip Hop/Bonus Beats Megamixxx

EDIT! BONUS BEATS MEGAMIX - Trevor Jackson Solid Steel 09/08/13

During the 90's under the name the UNDERDOG I remixed and produced a vast variety of artists, both underground and mainstream rooted in my love of Hip Hop, Dub, Jazz Rock, Electronics & Psychedelia. Working with Massive Attack, Unkle, Gravediggaz, New Kingdom, U2, The Pharcyde, Run DMC, and many other iconic artists of that era, I made a name for myself creating melodically dark & abstract beat heavy music, a precursor to Trip Hop, an original take on a sound that had predominantly been solely US driven.  

Starting with my own UK Rap label 'Bite it' I producing releases for legendary London rap crew The Brotherhood as well as released iconic records by mavericks like Lewis Parker and The Scientists of Sound. During the mid 90's The Brotherhood signed to Virgin Records and their debut album ELEMENTALZ was highly acclaimed and took on legendary status as one of the finest UK rap albums of all time. 

Most of these records are unavailable to listen to on any streaming services or CD (the majority being vinyl only) So I decided to showcase a selection of my finished Underdog productions on my monthly NTS show.

UNDERDOG - REMIXES + PRODUCTIONS 1993-1999

TREVOR JACKSON - DANCE TUNNEL - LONDON - 28/09/13

WARPAINT - DISCO/VERY - TREVOR JACKSON DUB

ENC - CinemaGreen

ENC - BoogieElectric

Contrary to the misinformed UK rap didn’t start with Dizzy Rascal, The Streets & Stormzy

Neither was it always an inferior emulation of its US counterparts. The UK took musical influences from diverse sources inspired by the countries uniquely diverse spectrum of international cultures, embryonic influential moments that transformed into multiple worldwide musical phenomenons, hugely successful genres that could only of been forged in the UK. 

The evolution of rap in the UK is a complex and fascinating story, many of its first commercial releases might of been novelties or pop hit records but a parallel strong & passionate underground scene developed via events, clubs, magazines and nationwide specialist Rap radio shows, Hip Hop in the UK was a transformative colour blind unifying force. 

Although  much of it was ignored outside of the UK, Early British rap from across all regions of the country created many landmark timeless anthems that still sound as fresh and urgent today as they did when first released, equally as relevant as seminal revered releases from the same era across the pond, they deserve more respect and attention. 

I’ve tried to include as many of my favourite tracks from 1980-1996 as possible in this mix. In chronological order, but by no means definitive, I’m fully aware I’ve missed out loads of other great records, (and added some curveballs simply to infuriate purists) so my apologises to those legends & pioneers I didn’t feature. 

Also I’m certainly no turntablist so please don’t expect cutting, scratching or masterfully theatric blends, I’ll leave that to the experts. 

Apologies for playing Ian Dury during tracks from 1981, it was originally released in 1979 so really should have started the mix. 

Enjoy!

NB : Original broadcast as 3 parts on Noods Radio in 2025, this is an extended version of those mixes featuring bonus tracks not in the original Mixes.

UK RAP / 1979-1995 - Classics, Oddities + Novelties - NOODS RADIO

Trevor Jackson NTS Jan 2025

Trevor Jackson - NTS Feb 2025

Trevor Jackson - NTS March 2025

Trevor Jackson - NTS April 2025

Trevor Jackson - NTS June 2025

Trevor Jackson - NTS July 2025

Trevor Jackson - NTS Aug 2025

Trevor Jackson - NTS Sept 2025

Trevor Jackson - NTS Oct 2025

Trevor Jackson - NTS Nov 2025

Trevor Jackson / Playgroup - Partymix 2001

Trevor Jackson - DJ History Mystery Mix - 2005

- PLAYGROUP
- PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
- 30 TRACKS
- 9 VINYL ONLY E.PS
- 9 WEEKS
- EP 3 RELEASED 5TH AUGUST

--------------------------

EP3

- A. ICE PALACE
- B1. P.C.H
- B2. BUTT WOT?

--------------------------

- LIMITED EDITON OF 250
- YES WAVE RECORDS
- 2016

- PRE-ORDER:

www.phonicarecords.com/product/playg…s-wave/138760
www.piccadillyrecords.com/prod/Playgro…-110484.html
www.juno.co.uk/products/playgrou…d-ep-1/620117-01/
www.roughtrade.com/albums/105634

After the success of last year’s multi-edition album release ‘F O R M A T’ via The Vinyl Factory, the critical acclaim of his ‘Science Fiction Dancehall Classics’ On-U Sound compilation and the ‘Metal Dance’ series for Strut, Trevor Jackson is back in 2016 with the long-awaited return of his much loved PLAYGROUP project.

“Inspired by the hedonistic early days of house, disco, post punk, electro and dub, these tracks reflect a unique moment in time”, explains Trevor. “The emergence of underground club culture in New York, London, Chicago, Paris and Northern Italy was driven by pioneering DJ’s playing a wildly diverse soundtrack to a passionate, dance driven and open minded audience. It was a sensory overload of chemicals, bass, smoke, sweat, sex and danger; a testament to the non-air conditioned, non-i-Phone infested and non- corporate clubbing days of yore.”

Targeted directly at the modern dance floor, many of the tracks were freshly re-edited and tweaked with the assistance of Sasha Crnobrnja from In Flagranti. Ed DMX lends a helping hand on one track, two feature the vocals of Mike Z from the seminal new wave band Crash Course In Science, and a young Kieran Hebden (AKA Four Tet) plays guitar on the final EP’s lead track.

Released as series of 9 limited edition vinyl-only EPs over a period of 9 weeks, the 30 tracks featured are a collection of reworked demos and unreleased recordings. Still sounding as relevant today as they did when initially created during the writing process of the debut PLAYGROUP album from 1997-2001. 
Packaged in a collection of 9 individual sleeves that, as a full set, combine to make a single image featuring a photo by legendary photographer Bill Bernstein, they’re as much a testament to Trevor Jackson’s visual ability as his musical one.

Mastered by Frederic Stader at MusicMatters Mastering

Playgroup - Ice Palace - EP#3

Recorded live at the New Dance Fantasy festival - Griessmühle 08.07.16.

This mix is a portion of a live DJ set i did at the New Dance Fantasy Festival at Griessmühle in Berlin earlier this year. I was asked specifically to play a retro set something i rarely do as i’m currently far more interested in playing modern music. They convinced me with lots of flattery and assurance the audience would be enthusiastic and open minded which they were, the crowd were fantastic, diverse, unpretentious and wild, felt like great clubs in Berlin used to be. Hearing my favourite Industrial, Electro, Freestyle, Nu Beat, Early Techno, 80’s Pop classics and obscurities (many things i rarely play out anymore) in such a great environment was amazing, Perhaps one of the best sets i played this year?, really glad i was involved, and very pleased the set was recorded. 

The New Dance Fantasy Festival spans an entire weekend of non-stop music across 3 uniquely individual floors each carefully curated to incorporate the best in contemporary cutting edge electronics, rare international live showcases, festival heads, label owners and the kings and queens of rare vinyl acquisition into a twilight world of entertainment.

Metal Dance DJ Set - New Dance Fantasy Festival -  Berlin - 09/07/16

Following PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED - the critically-acclaimed run of nine 12” vinyl EPs released this summer over 9 weeks by Trevor Jackson’s much loved PLAYGROUP project -  a Limited Edition Vinyl Bonus EP is being released to coincide with a selected highlights CD and Digital version of the album available on the 2nd December. 

Featuring 6 Bonus Tracks not available as part of the initial nine EP’s and limited to 500 Copies, 'Dirt Biter' is a return to the source raw hip hop instrumental, 'Don’t Stop Dub' a wild electro-funk workout complete with a demented electric guitar solo, 'C’mon C’mon’ a decadent slice of sleeping bag style disco dub, 'No Lube' a heavyweight hi-nrg sleazy stormer, 'Perc up' a sampledelic hedonistic house bomb and Do It! a weirdo post-punk electro jam. 

Tracklisting :

A1. DIRT BITER
A2. DON'T STOP DUB
A3. C'MON C'MON

B1. NO LUBE
B2. PERC UP
B3. DO IT!

Yes Wave Records
Limited to 500 copies
YW00X

Playgroup - No Lube

Trevor Jackson speaks to legendary producer Trevor Horn, creator of some of the finest sonic adventures in rock & pop history. 3 hour interview covering his early career, featuring some of his greatest works from the likes of Art of Noise, ABC, Grace Jones, Malcolm Mclaren, Seal and many more.

Trevor Horn in conversation with Trevor Jackson

Reproduced and mixed by Trevor Jackson / Playgroup
Featuring additional vocals by ODDISEE
Scratches by Mixmaster Mix
© Because Music 2017

METRONOMY 'OLD SKOOL' PLAYGROUP REMIX - FEAT ODDISEE (FREE DOWNLOAD)

ENC - Trainpiece

ENC - Twister

ENC - Tarang

ENC - Strange Charm

Megamix of selected tracks from 'Previously Unreleased Vol 2'

Originally recorded between 1997-2001. 20 track limited edition CD + 6 track limited edition vinyl album sampler + Digital Download (Bandcamp edition feat 3bonus tracks)

Featuring mainly unheard tracks and 9 previously available as part of the 2016 vinyl only e.p series.

All tracks written, produced and mixed by Trevor Jackson
Copyright Control

Released 3rd Nov 2017 on Yes Wave Records. 
P + C 2017 Yes Wave

Bandcamp Presale : https://playgroupofficial.bandcamp.com/album/previously-unreleased-vol-2-2

Press Quotes for ‘PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED VOLUME 1’:

“Dub-inflected dance floor bangers, dive in!” Q, 8/10  

“An aural history lesson and a potent reminder of Jackson’s unstinting creativity” Mojo, 4/5 

“Subterranean grooves, dubby and dirty as soot” Mixmag, 8/10 

“Low slung ESG basslines, old school house, clanking electro dub and cosmic techno - epic!” DJ, Album Of The Month, 8/10

“Jackson remains one of the dance world’s most knowledgeable curators; that he’s also this talented at fusing his influences into something so respectful and revelatory is just ridiculous” FACT, Best Of 2016  

“Music that matters. Pretty special” Ransom Note, #6 top 100 of 2016 

“Confirms Jackson’s unique genius as one of the UK’s most audaciously questing but evocative sonic alchemists” Electronic Sound

“A highly recommended collection that proves what an original talent Trevor Jackson has been over the last 20 years” DMC World, 5/5

PLAYGROUP PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED VOL 2 MEGAMIX

'Beamrider' Taken from the album 'System'
Second edition released 28/09/18 on Pre-recordings 

Available on Limited edition hand screen printed CD (300 copies)
Limited Edition hand screen printed Cassette (75 Copies) - Bandcamp Exclusive + Digital Download 

Presale : https://trevorjacksonofficial.bandcamp.com/album/system-2

The final release on Trevor Jackson’s previously unreleased archive label Pre- is an album under his own name titled ’System’ 

8 tracks originally recorded between 2002-2010 these works consist of music taken from the same sessions that became his highly ambitious Vinyl Factory music and installation project ‘Format’ in 2015. Edited and complied from a series of lengthy nocturnal synthesiser, drum machine & 8 bit sampler improvisations they range from melodic IDM, driving electro, motor city techno & tripped out industrial house excursions. 

The album originally launched at the London Independent Label market in May this year, was only available as an ultra limited orange edition of 150 CD’s and sold out immediately. This second final white edition is packaged in a unique screen printed case designed by Jackson, and marks a symbolic end to his musical past (after making over 100 unreleased tracks available during the past 3 years) and a long overdue venture into unchartered new musical territories.

Trevor Jackson - Beamrider

Trevor Jackson - Sonar by day - Barcelona 15/06/12

Green Gartside / Scritti Politti - NTS Interview - 29/10/19

BRISTOL BASS - WAREHOUSE BEATS - SOUNDSYSTEM SOUL - 87-94 UK UNDERGROUND CLUB CLASSICS

Trevor Jackson focuses on one of the most iconic and successful producers/remixers of the 80’s, NYC legend Arthur Baker. 
Covering seminal Electro, Rap, Disco, Funk, House, Rock, Pop  & New Wave, Arthur's music played an instrumental role in shaping the sonic landscape of the period & still sounds equally as powerful today.

Trevor Jackson

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