Nick Harris has been on the bridge of the good ship NRK Music for the last 14 years, steering a course for the label that has worked with almost every legend in dance music. Earlier this year he took the step from label boss to artist with his debut single ‘In The Shadows Of Simian’ and now he follows it up with an EP that shows that Harris’ years of experience as an A&R (and DJ) have left him with an ear for outstanding quality production.
‘Zap Dance, And Other Moves’ is a varied 4 track release, soaking up deep house and techno influences. ‘Zap Dance’, a rolling and pulsating slice of tech fuelled house with a hypnotic, head down vibe. The wonderful ‘(Turn Down) The Lights’, is a stripped and sparse piece of basement house that uses simple drums and an old school DX style bassline to huge effect. ‘Bang The Box’ goes straight for the jugular with it’s no nonsense rhythm track and speaker testing B-line. Once again Harris’ house music pedigree is on show here with a strong sense of the dance music’s past meeting its future. And ‘Walkways’ is a lazy jazzy slice of driving deep house.
Selected DJ comments;
Seth Troxler (Wagon Repair) – “Bang The Box” for me, thanks! Jim Rivers (Global Underground) - “Bang The Box” and “Walkways” are both ace! Andy Graham (Sei A) – Nice EP, great range of styles Marcin Czubala (Mobilee) – Another quality release from NRK, “Zap Dance” already in my May chart and full support Terry Francis (Fabric) – Cool EP, I like a few of these Rocky (X-Press 2) – “The Lights” and “Walkways” both bring it, playing “Walkways” on the radio show Chris Lattner (Moon Harbour) – “Turn Down The Lights” is faaat! Glimpse (Crosstown Rebels) – “Walkways” is amazing, thanks! Yannick (Innervisions) – “Turn Down The Lights” is the bomb! Straight in my box! James Teej (Rekids) – Diggin “Walkways”, nice track H.O.S.H. (Diynamic) – Been into Nick’s stuff lately, always a unique atmosphere, thumbs up! Claudio Coccoluto (The Dub) – “Zap Dance” is the one for me James Flavour (Dirt Crew) – Liking “Walkways” Ed Davenport (Liebe Detail) - 4 solid killers from Nick! “Bang The Box” is HOT! Shinedoe (Intacto) – “Bang The Box”, nice one, thx! Scope (Urban Torque/Large) - Proper low slung deep tech house.. Feelin it!
"Zap Dance, And Other Moves" EP is out now on 12" vinyl and as digital release through Beatport.
Lewis Boardman is an emerging talent in the underground house scene, and his “Mist” EP is his debut release. Lewis has been learning his craft through a DJ residency at Liverpool’s uber session, Chibuku @ Circus, alongside resident Yousef, whom Lewis remixed for recently on the Renaissance label.
Lewis presents an EP of raw, back to basics, tribal house tracks, big on the groove yet keeping it interesting with some choice samples and playful automation and arrangement. Remixes come from the unstoppable Chris Lattner (Fear Of Flying/Moon Harbour) and NRK’s Nick Harris. Early support coming in from Terry Francis, Jay Tripwire and Kevin Griffiths.
Mist EP will be released on 12" vinyl at the end of April, with digital download available mid-May.
UK born, Berlin based producer, Ed Davenport, is the latest artist to debut on NRK Music, with an awesome two track release. "Curtain Call" and "Overdub In Aminor" showcase Davenport's smooth, deep tech-house sounds, heavy on the dub side!
Davenport has already enjoyed positive attention on his releases for esteemed labels such as Poker Flat, Liebe*Detail, Vidab and District Of Corruption. Recent remixes for Len Faci on Cocoon, and Guy J on Jon Digweed's Bedrock label, are also helping to bring his name to the forefront of the scene.
His debut NRK release will feature remixes by Germany's Daniel Stefanik, and NRK's Nick Harris. "Curtain Call" is a heavyweight, tribal workout, with plenty of rolling percussion amongst it's nagging vocal clips and big, twisted pads. "Overdub..." is a dub-heavy houser, an extremely well produced, warm and hypnotizing, deep dancefloor track.
"Curtain Call"/"Overdub In Aminor" will be relased in 12" vinyl and digital download late April.
Belfast’s Ric Mclelland, AKA Scope, has had a dream start to his career, fulfilling his wishes to record for his favourite house labels so early on in his production career, and travel the world DJing in some of the hottest spots. His latest single, “Frequencies”, will be his third now for NRK, and quite possibly will be his “tune to date”. Accompanied by remixes from Steve Bug and Nick Harris, "Frequencies" appears to be blowing up right now, so it seemed like a great time to catch Ric for a quick chat.....
Hi Ric, hope you are well…..so let’s start off with the new single “Frequencies”, seems to be blowing up the spot, as they say! Can you give us a little insight into the track, how you approached it etc. It’s definitely a very forward thinking sound on that track… I get really inspired by the music i listen to. A lot of what i have been playing as a DJ recently, has a real 'raw' and 'old skool' House sound to it, with strong Chicago and Detroit references in it. I remember that week i was listening to some Galaxy 2 Galaxy in the car and just wanted to take some of the vibes i was feeling there (and also the tracks i had been playing out recently) into the studio. The track came together quite quickly as i just made some chords and the string i used with them had a lovely spacey sound to it. I was looking for another sound to back the string up and just by accident it feel on an arp, which sounded wicked right away. So that was the core of the track put together really. 'Frequencies 0.020' is just an edit of the main mix and with the arp taken out. Then '0.003' is a more bumpin, techy dub approach to the original. So i felt i had tackled the idea form all angles there to provide a bit of something for everyone ;)
So let’s take it back to a few years back, what was your introduction to house/dance music, and tell us a little about how you got into producing, DJing etc. Probably like most people my age, i grew up more with Rock/Metal & Hip-Hop. I played drums in a band and to be honest was pretty ignorant to Dance or Electronic music at the time. As you do though when you get older, you start going to clubs with friends. I always remember liking some of the music. The deeper, groovier and more musical stuff they would play at the start of the night. I have always been really hungary for new music, so i really wanted to find out what this kinda music was. Listening to Danny Rampling on Radio 1 really helped me get into House and discover a whole new side to music that i didnt even know existed. Before i knew it i was buying cds left right & centre, going to clubs to check out new djs and then naturally the want to be a dj followed. I moved into Belfast city when i was 20 and was hanging around with a lot of like minded people which was great. There was also a great scene in Belfast at that time. I remember seeing the likes of M.A.W, Ian Pooley, Terry Hunter, Miguel Migs, Onionz, Derrick May etc week in and week out. So inspiring! In 2001 i started running my own club nights and booked people like Tiefschwarz and Rob Mello. A few years later i started dj'n at other clubs warming up for big names (in favour of running my own nights). 1 thing i always noticed though, was that the big name travelling DJ's were also producers too. Again, following the natural progression, i got a copy of Reason and started making some really bad music lol. I was so determined to better the music i was making, so i enrolled for some courses at a local music academy. That really helped to teach me the fundamentals of making electronic music. Then moving on to work with more experienced friends was by far the most important thing. Its vital to keep moving as a DJ & Producer, learning from more experienced people, adapting with technology and being open minded to new ways of developing your craft. I love it though.. I wouldn't be doing otherwise!!
Who/what were your early influences? Damn, so many. Probably the main things were hearing Danny Rampling on Radio 1, the NRK Nitelife series, seeing Joe Claussell DJ, going to Ibiza, the West Coast House sound, Classic Recordings, Bob Sinclair & Dj Gregory's Africanism project, Kerri Chandler, Miguel Migs, Ian Pooley, Underground Resistance, Ashley Beedle, DiY Records, Farley & Heller, Chez & Trent, M.A.W, Doc Martin.. I could go on :)
You’ve recorded for labels like Large, Forensic, Urban Torque and NRK of course, a lot already achieved since your first productions. What’s been the secret to your success? I suppose just believing in what i do.. Hard work, determination and staying focused.
Push comes to shove, what is your favourite Scope production/remix to date? I really couldn't just pin down 1 track. Maybe 'Strung Out' on UrbanTorque. My 1st release and possibly my biggest. Everyone was on that track. From Eric Prydz to Fish Go Deep. The same could be said for 'Omoplata' on NRK too. My fav Scope track to play out is 'It's The Funk' on Detroit's Kolour Recordings. But quite possibly my favorite track (which no one fucking picked up on at the time lol) is 'Love In Space'. It's a beautiful track and i'm hugely proud of it. I reckon if Levan was still alive, he'd be playing it.. Timeless House music! Thankfully though, Miami based Dutchie Music who signed it have got a few great remixes in on it from Roberto Rodriguez and Brendon Moller under his Beat Pharmacy guise.
So what is the scene like in Belfast now? You play regularly at Yello club which seems to be the leading party in the city right now.. Belfast has a great scene of DJs and Producers, but there is a lack of faith from venue owners and strict licensing laws in the city which really hold back the scene. In Belfast i play exclusively at Yello and have done now for 3 years. They have a good music policy and have brought over some wicked djs. They also host UrbanTorque and Buzzin Fly parties every quarter.
Who are your favourite artists/labels right now? I really respect the artists and labels who are keeping it House. So many artists and labels that im into right now but heres some names of who i'm diggin in no particular order.. The Revenge, Roberto Rodriguez, Massimo Di Lena, Alex Niggemann, Lovebirds, Chris Lattner, KiNK, Uner, Coyu etc etc.. Labels: Freerange, Diynamic, NRK, Kolour, Compost Black Label, Fear Of Flying, Einmaleins, Rejected etc etc.
Aside from house music, what other music do you listen to? A lot of lounge, downtempo, disco and jazz funk.. I have a massive selection of CDs, so i like to just go a grab a few and listen to them in the car throughout the week.
What are your plans/aspirations for 2010? To keep making music and travelling as a DJ. I've been doing this for a while now, so as the honeymoon period is over i'm really looking to focus on quality now. Making quality music, releasing on quality labels and playing in quality venues. My 1st child will also be born in April, so thats another good reason to slow things down and make what i'm doing really count.
Who would be your dream DJ/artist line up for your party? You can choose DJs and bands…. Wow, I suppose there is a few ways of doing this. I think probably the best way would be to have just my real DJ buddys playing. Friends I have made over the years in the industry. Good fun and good music is by far the most important thing there! If it was something i was promoting, I'd probably have like a live room with Bent & Crazy P, an eclectic room with Giles Peterson, Jazzanova, Atjazz and Domu and a house/techno room with Joris Voorn, Dennis Ferrer & DJ Sneak. Then if my imaginary budget could stretch, i'd have Francois K, Danny Krivit & Joe Claussell host a Body & Soul room. Haha, thats more like a festival line up!! :)
What are your all time top five house music records? FUCK.. Now you're putting me on the spot. I have a kinda top 10-15 in my head. Hard to pick 5, but heres a go at it..
Kerri Chandler - Track 1 (Atmosphere EP) - 157 Shelter Records (1993) Dubtribe Soundsystem - Do It Now - Imperial Dub Recordings (2000) Metro Area - Caught up - Environ (2001) Africanism - Block Party - Yellow Productions (2000) Black Science Orchestra - New Jersey Deep - Junior Boys Own (1994)
What are your current top five house tunes? Ha.. This is a lot easier now..
Ercolino & Durango - Repeal (Alex Niggemann Remix) - Moonpool Roman Alfieri - Hell's Smile - Strictly Chosen DJ Sneak - Something - Magnetic Scope - Runnin The Game (The Revenge Rubdown) - Large Scope - Frequencies 0.100 - NRK
This month sees the release of Amir's debut release for NRK Music, the great 3 track "Uneasy Listening" EP. Amir, AKA Rimah Khalouf, has been bubbling under on the house fraternity for a couple of years, and with a slew of stella releases for high profile labels such as Nick Curly’s 8Bit, Trapez, Great Stuff Recordings and bouq. And now he takes 15 minutes with us here on the NRK blog, to introduce himself and discuss some house music bizzness!
Hi Amir, glad to have you on board at NRK Music, with the release of your “Uneasy Listening” EP. Can you tell us a bit about how you got into house music, and your first few productions, labels you produced for…
Well after all the minimal hype, I got a little bored with everyone playing the same stripped down rhythms, so I decided to get some more musicality into my music again, which is why I started my “Bodymusic” series in late 2006, mainly released on BCB Tec, but also Suchtreflex and another label. I wouldn’t ever say I only produce House music, but basically all facets of electronic dance music. I’m not the one who’s re-invented the wheel, but I’ve been loving and living this music since the mid-90s and I look at the cycles it moves in and find my own interpretation of what is going on in the music. A lot of people think I’m ahead of my time, but maybe it’s only because I have just lived through so many dance-music phases that I notice which genres get ignored for too long. So I look for elements I enjoyed in this niche and start something new. I guess there aren’t really any new ideas, simply new surroundings, combinations, circumstances and interpretations of the ancient rhythms and melodies.
Who have been your best supporters so far from the DJ community?
Oh, I can’t really say. Loco Dice has currently been playing a lot of my stuff as well as Richie Hawtin. The biggest “wow-moment” for me was when Booka Shade decided to put my tune on their DJ-Kicks mix two or so years back. Luciano also says he plays my stuff, I really don’t like bragging, but my promoter tells me that any DJ getting the feedbacks I get, should tattoo them on his body, because their so incredible (laughs). Personally I love it as well, like 10 years ago, when I started producing, Richie and Booka Shade were major influences and then getting props by them is very beautiful, but obviously not the reason why I make music. I think that is also reflective, because I get positive reactions from all sorts of artists, also one’s I’d have never dreamed of them liking my music. Thanks to everyone out there supporting the songs, I honestly appreciate it. (hesitates) Oh, why not, I’ll give a big round of props out now (grins): Thanks to Dubfire, Karotte, Loco Dice, Monika Kruse, Tiefschwarz, Santé. 2000 and One, Gregor Tresher, Johnny D, Reboot, Thomas Schumacher, Stephan Bodzin, Lauhaus, Paco Osuna, Someone Else, Anthony Collins, Tim Green, Sebastien Leger, Mathias Kaden, Kabale und Liebe, William Kouam Djoko, Eric D. Clark, Matthias Tanzmann, DJ Hell, Brother’s Vibe, Robert Dietz, Nick Curly, Gorge, Tobi Neumann, Piemont, Hernan Cattaneo, Laurent Garnier, Anja Schneider, Martinez, DJ Thomilla, Nic Fanciulli, Livio & Roby, Shinedoe, Konrad Black, Gavin Herlihy, &Me, Rampa, Chris Liebing, Danny Tenaglia, Ivan Samgghe, Rainer Weichhold, Jennifer Cardini, Kiki, Toni Rios, Agoria, DJ T, Jimpster, Sebo K, Sahin Meyer, Onur Ozer, MANDY and all the other people who are said to have played my music in the last year or so. Should I have forgotten to mention you now, I’m sorry. Man, I feel like someone from Wu-Tang paying props to the whole 5 boroughs (laughs).
Who are your favourite artists/labels right now?
I play a lot of Moon Harbour at the moment. Vakant is also great, NRK of course, Suchtreflex, Blabla, Desolat, WeCanDoIt, Trapez, Area Remote, Souvenir, Bangbang!, hmm, there are really many great labels out there at the moment. Without wanting to be biased, I’ve got to say Butch is my favourite artist right now. He is so versatile and really so experienced with dance-floors, his tunes are always exciting, driving and emotional, whether he does real thumping techno, experimental minimal or jazzy house. I am really happy to be friends with such a great producer.
Can you tell us about the Bouq family, and what you guys represent and do?
The bouq.family consists of Butch, Chris Laut, Sebastian Lutz and me. Butch is without a doubt our most famous member, but it doesn’t mean we don’t still give each other a hard time (grins). He works as our A&R and obviously if he doesn’t find a good song, he’ll just make one for bouq. (laughs). Chris does the whole PR and label-work. But don’t get me wrong, he is a real artist at heart probably more than a proper office worker. He also produces music and DJs and you can look forward to some good music from that direction. The kid’s still very young and simply doesn’t care about any rules in music, which makes his stuff really exciting. Sebastian Lutz is now our uprising star, who currently has released on Suchtreflex and really made a big impact with his first songs last year, already gaining support by Carl Craig, Karotte, Dubfire and many more. He is such a relaxed guy, he’s a dream for any club-owner or booker, also because he connects so well with the audience. For bouq. he mainly looks after the events and license requests and other fun things. We currently tour a lot together, obviously we have the label and now we’re getting together to do a lot more exciting and fun stuff, trust me, you’ll want to check bouq. some time soon.
You are based in Mainz, Germany, what is the music scene there currently like? Do you travel to Berlin often? What are your thoughts on the huge club scene in Berlin and the amount of music coming out right now from German artists?
I can’t really tell concerning Mainz. I know many musical people living here, many people also making music, but there doesn’t seem to be any connecting going on much, except within close circle of friends. Thomas Heckmann is quite close to us, he does our mastering and works closely together with Chris, who does his DJ promo and of course with Butch. Also Robert Dietz lives here, but we somehow never get together. Not that there is any intent in not meeting, it just doesn’t happen. Of course there are many people you see regularly, when you go clubbing, Mainz isn’t huge and with Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Mannheim and Offenbach near, there are enough options to do your own thing I guess. Berlin is always incredible. I have family living there, so I go up quite frequently, but it is important to sometimes be undercover, otherwise you simply don’t find any rest at all. I love the place but doubt I could live there. At least not for long in one piece (laughs).
Long time NRK friend, Ian Pooley, hails from Mainz. Do you guys know each other?
Yeah, of course I’ve meet Ian many a time. I was a little too young to be hanging out with him and his clique back in the 90s, but I remember us having a chat at his legendary “TNI” party, where I went to still my thirst for dance. After that we saw and got to know each other, seeing as I also already played at some local clubs here back in the days. Very humble and interesting person, his music has always been high class and top notch and him moving to Berlin has definitely been a loss for Mainz.
Aside from house music, what other music do you listen to?
I like a lot of Swing and Big Band Jazz. Chris often puts on free jazz and abstract stuff on in the office, but it’s too confusing and strenuous for me, especially when I work. I also love early 90s rap music, Dr. Dre and Too Short and so on. Hmm, I don’t really know, it is totally dependent on my current mood, mind frame and so on. Sometimes I love Steve Reich, but sometimes I’ll politely ask you to f*** off with that annoying music. It simply depends, I guess anything that reaches me, I listen to. I’ve recently given up on CDs in the car, I listen to the local Rock’n’Roll radio station now mainly.
What are your plans/aspirations for 2010?
A lot of beer and sex (laughs). No, sorry, I’ve just come back from Berlin and played at the Watergate club, so I’m not so sure, what my next goal is (grins). Nah, I’m still lying, we have enough on our plate. We’ve got upcoming bouq.family gigs in Bootshaus/Cologne, Q-Club/Zurich and Cocoonclub/Frankfurt, new music coming out, I’ve just finished my diploma and am now heavily hitting the studio, which is a great deal of fun. Can’t tell you any real facts right now, but I’m keeping busy and there will be some releases coming soon, maybe even my first biggie (smiles).
Who would be your dream DJ/artist line up for your party? You can choose DJs and bands….
Hmm, I’d have the Rat Pack start off, Jamie Cullum take over, after him Coblestonejazz and then have Mathias Kaden, Luciano and Loco Dice play. That should be fun (smiles).
What are your all time top five house music records?
Soul Vision – Come Into My Room Jon Cutler – Its Yours Deep Swing – In the Music Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better Josh One - Contemplation(King Britt)
What are your current top five house tunes? Butch - No Worries Johnny D- Blue Shoes Alex Dolby & Giorgio Roma Viola Mendo - Encantos EP Amir – 1st Try
Belfast's Ric McClelland, AKA Scope, announces his latest EP for NRK Music, "Frequencies", and the Poker Flat and Dessous label boss, Steve Bug (pictured), has added a remix to the already solid package, out next month.
“Frequencies” is Scope's third single now for NRK Music, and quite possibly will be his “tune to date”. “Frequencies” is a heady mix of deep driving house, Detroit techno soul, and moody European analogue sounds. Destined for the world’s most discerning dancefloors, “Frequencies” is both classic in sound and futuristic in style, and should easily bridge that gap between those who like their house deep and soulful, and those who like an edge. Two mixes of “Frequencies” on this 12”, with “0.003” providing an alternate take, stripping it back to the raw.
Remix duties are ably handled by the one of the Masters of deep house music, Steve Bug. The Poker Flat boss was bowled over by Scope’s original track, and was eager to provide a version. Bug’s “Flying Faders Mix” is a punchy remix, with those building chords and strings and some nice cowbell percs, very reminiscent of a Kerri Chandler moment! Bug remains faithful to the original, yet delivers a classy alternate that will no doubt get rinsed in clubs over the coming months…did someone say a deep house revival?
NRK headhoncho, Nick Harris, also ably weighs in with two heavy, heavy versions. Nick’s “Freaqy Dub Mix” does what it says on the tin, a DJ tool with some heavy pounding drums and some otherworldly twisted synths, whilst Nick’s main remix plunders the same pounding style making the most of Scope’s synth arps and classic chord stabs.
"Frequencies" EP is out on 12" vinyl on 8th March (with the Steve Bug remix + two Scope original mixes) and on Beatport as from 22nd March.
Amir, AKA Rimah Khalouf, has been bubbling under on the house fraternity for a couple of years, and with a slew of stella releases for high profile labels such as Nick Curly’s 8Bit, Trapez, Great Stuff Recordings and bouq, he debuts for NRK with a cheeky 3 track EP. "Uneasy Listening" EP is out now on 12" vinyl, and will be available as a digital download on Beatport as from 1st March, with all other digital sites to follow a few weeks later.
“Narrativity” is a funky, bass driven workout with some frenetic percussion and shuffling groove, and is backed up on this release by a Justin Drake remix. “Drakey” is no stranger to the NRK label, being one half of house ‘legends’ Peace Division, who recorded for NRK many times over the years. Justin delivers a murky yet swinging remix, holding down some strings for a bit of drama.
“Anekdote” on the flip is a stripped back percussive track, not too dissimilar to that old Derrick Carter style from back in the day, with assorted vox clips, heavy stabs and teasing FX easing the track along. Perfect deep, jackin house.
DJ support;
Paul Woolford (Intimacy) - "Anekdote" is fuckin killer and I'll be playing loads. Johnny D (Oslo) - I like the rhythms here Rocky (X-Press 2) - Drake remix is for me Timo Maas - "Narrativity" is very cool Luke Solomon (Freaks) - Justin's mix is killer Stacey Pullen (Transmat) - "Narrativity" is da bomb! Dylan Hermelijn (2000 and One) - Great Justin Drake mix Holgar Behn (H.O.S.H.) - Justin Drake is the master of swing and groove! He does it again. Great and will play and support. Franck Roger (Real Tone) - I love "Anekdote", Blue Cucuracha style! Dave Mothersole (Ministry Of Sound) - "Anekdote" is a cool track Nils Nurnberg (8-Bit) - Wow, both original mixes are great, definately in my box! Timeless deep groovers. Anja Schneider (Mobilee) - Justin Drake mix is very sexy! Matthias Vogt (Motorcitysoul) - Another strong release from NRK Alex Tepper (Drumcode) - Great release, will play all tracks. James Teej (Rekids) - Liking the Justin Drake mix and "Anekdote", got a dope roll to it Burnski (Back To Basics) - Justin Drake mix is nice and dubby Stuart Geddes (Mulletover) - Justin's mix is cool Robert Owens - Very nice vibes
NRK Music's headhoncho, Nick Harris, delivers the latest release for NRK on Monday, and Nick's debut for his own label. Three tracks then from Nick, each with a differing vibe and pace to them....
"In The Shadows Of Simian" is a chugging, loopy, tribal affair, with a chant based riff that powers this track nicely. "Shangri La" is a sparse, melancholic deep houser. A throbbing sub bass and heavy kick provide the bed for a slightly abstract percussive cut, lots of atmospherics, and a nagging bass riff.... The third track on this release, "Pony Trekkin" is perhaps the most straight up house cut on the release. Crisp drums, some subtle vocal touches, and one big fat groove on!
Nick Harris set up NRK back in 1993 as an artist management/promtions company, and the NRK label followed in 1996. The label's discography now reads like a who's who of house and electronic dance, so many artists have passed through his doors over the last 14 years. Nick has recently been remixing for a rejuvinated NRK label (Scope, David Durango, Kris Wadsworth) and has been busy recoding original material, much of which will see the light of day in 2010.
Check some reactions from selected Djs;
Paul Woolford (Intimacy) - Great to see & hear Nick flourishing! Great tracks, with 'Shangri La' being the favourite. Stacey Pullen (Transmat) – “Shangri La” is the one i'm feeling. Good job Terry Francis (Fabric) - like “Shangri La” . Cool Florian Kruse (Kruse & Nuernberg) - Proper Deephouse!!! “Shangri La” is my fav here! Another great release on NRK! Osunlade (Yoruba) - Lovin “In The Shadows..Nice percussion groove! Lars (Funk D’Void) – “Shangri La” is great Sasse (Mood Music) - “Shangri La” is a burner, wicked ! Full support ! Tedd Patterson (Vibal) - Love it!. Nick brought the drums back on “Shadows”. That’s the cut for me. D’Julz (Soma/Ovum) - “Shangri La” is superb Claudio Coccoluto (Italy) - Fine Tribal, full support Ed Daveport (Liebe*Detail) - Yeah! Super funky workable grooves from Nick. Alex Niggemann (2020 Vision/8-bit) – “In the Shadows of Simian” & “Shangri La” are really nice... Jim Rivers (Global Underground) - Really tasty this...all good, “Simian” is nice and I like the low slung funk of “Pony Trekkin” Matthew Styles-Harris (Crosstown Rebels) - Nice tracks from Nick, shadows will get the play i think :) Chris Lattner (Moon Harbour) – “Pony Trekkin” and “Shangri La” are the tracks for me on this EP. Eli (Wolf & Lamb) - Cool release. “Shangri La” is our fave and pony trekkin is cool too. Enzo (Circo Loco) - Nice EP, liking In the Shadows of Simian Mazi (Audio Soul Project) – “Pony Trekkin” will twist some brains in an afterhours Alex Flatner (Circle Music) – “In The Shadows Of Simian” is amazing...Full support Patrice Baumal (Get Physical) – “Shangri La” is my favourite here, hypnotic grower.
German duo, Florian Kruse and Nils Nuernberg, are fyring on all cylinders right now. So many great productions and remixes currently on the market from these guys! And of course, their latest NRK release, "Blunder EP", has been doing really well on 12" vinyl and download (has been in the Beatport Deep House Top 5 since release!).
Here's the tracks/records that are twisting the melons of K&N this month!
01. Kruse & Nuernberg - Mirror Ball (NRK) 02. Kris Wadsworth - Deep Inside (Dark Energy) 03. Ethyl & Flori – Tanqueray (Freerange) 04. Alex Dee – Fireworks (Supplemental) 05. Jimpster – Sleeper (Freerange) 06. Lovebirds - N2 Deep (Lazy Days) 07. Florian Kruse - Be Active “Daniel Kyo Remix” (Brown Eyed Boyz Records) 08. Neighbour feat. Think Tank – Reputation (Kolour Recordings) 09. Scope – Magic (Large Music) 10. Audio Soul Project - In The Tide (Kolour Recordings)
Scope AKA Ric McClelland, compiles his Top 10 tracks for February. Look out for his new single on NRK later this Spring, "Frequencies" with remixes from Steve Bug and Nick Harris.
1. Scope – Magic – Large 2. Marcel Jochmann – Booty Count – Opsm 3. Scope – I Want - Onethirty 4. Delano Smith – Truth – Third Ear 5. Erich Bogatzky – Murex (Phogenic Mix) – Dieb Audio 6. Sanasol – Tambourine Man (Christopher Groove mix) – Fear Of Flying 7. Sebo k – Spirits – Mobilee 8. Yosa – Plastic People – Dirt Crew 9. Scope – This Rhythm - NRK 10. Einmusik – Fountain – Einmusika
All these tracks are available to purchase from Stompy.com
German duo, Florian Kruse and Nils Nuernberg, have had a rather busy 2009, releasing and remixing on labels such as Moodmusic, Dark Energy, Global Underground, and remixing Scope’s most recent NRK single “This Rhythm”, a remix that held top ten position in the Beatport deep house chart for over 6 weeks.
And now a full EP for NRK Music, with three solid deep/techy club tracks to get your ears round. “Blunder” is a bouncy, jackin cut, with an almost Teutonic techno breakdown.
“All That Djass” is an all together more funky affair, produced in Hamburg but with almost a Chi-town house vibe, cut up vocal snips coming across like a Derrick Carter production from yesteryear, and some deep Rhodes keys to drive the track along. “All That Djass” is currently sitting pretty in the top 5 Beatport Deep House charts.
Finally, “Mirror Ball” wraps up this solid EP with a distinct French house flavour, some nice filtering and a heavy backbeat, with a subtle D.I.S.C.O vibe stamped all over it.
The "Blunder EP" is out now on 12" vinyl and digital download.
German duo, Florian Kruse and Nils Nuernberg, have had a rather busy 2009, releasing and remixing on labels such as Moodmusic, Dark Energy, Global Underground, and remixing Scope’s most recent NRK single “This Rhythm”, a remix that held top ten position in the Beatport deep house chart for over 6 weeks.
And now a full EP for NRK Music, with three solid deep/techy club tracks to get your ears round. “Blunder” is a bouncy, jackin cut, with an almost Teutonic techno breakdown.
“All that Djass” is an all together more funky affair, produced in Hamburg but with almost a classic Chicago house vibe, cut up vocal snips coming across like a Derrick Carter production from yesteryear, and some deep Rhodes keys to drive the track along.
Finally, “Mirror Ball” wraps up this solid EP with a distinct French house flavour, some nice filtering and a heavy backbeat, with a subtle D.I.S.C.O vibe stamped all over it.
David Alvarado, the LA based house veteran, makes a welcome return to the music scene this month with a remix of Kris Wadsworth's "Direct". Alvarado has been a long time associate of NRK Music, and released the ultra deep mini album, "Transiguration" on the label back in 2004.
David has been a consistent favourite on the house scene since his early productions for Strictly Rhythm, Groove On, Yoshi Toshi and Ovum in the 90s, as well as productions for legendary labels such as Peacefrog, Guidance and Plastic City. Recent years has seen David taking a back seat from the wheels of music production, but it is hoped that his remix here for NRK will spark the flames of musicality for more productions to come out over the next year.
His remix of Kris Wadsworth's "Direct" is in classic Alvarado style, heavy tribal beats, dubby reverberations, trippy deepness, and dense and engaging production. His remix is already picking up support from the likes of Dixon,Rocky (X-Press 2), Paul Woolford and Jay Tripwire.
Wadsworth's new EP comprises two tracks, "Direct" and "Full Body", both treading similar paths of stripped back, raw house tracks. Bleepy yet with plenty of deepness, it's refreshing to see a producer out there not following suit, but producing an individual sound. Certainly these tracks are intended for those who like their house deeper than the black hole!
The package is completed by a remix from NRK's Nick Harris, who neatly moulds "Full Body" into a more club firendlier version, utilizing some of the original's chords and bleeps and turning out a solid, hypnotic rework.
Kris Wadsworth "Direct"/"Full Body" is released on 30th November as a digital EP, with the vinyl release concentrating on Alvarado's remix of "Direct" and the original Wadsworth version.
David Durango, the Swiss based DJ/producer who has been making some rather tasty deep house sounds for the likes of Poker Flat, Dessous, Perspectiv and Resopal , releases a new EP on NRK this month.
Two tracks from David; "In The Last Orient" is a solid, boompety house cut, with a distinct far Eastern flavour with its vocal sample and instrumentation, this cut has a great groove with a nice seductive feel, whilst "Calle Azul" intricately builds into a great tech-funk workout. Remixes of these two great tracks come courtesy of Tony Lionni, and NRK's own Nick Harris. Tony Lionni is hotly tipped right now, what with recent releases on Ostgut Ton (his "Found A Place" cut being absolutley huge over the last few months), Mule and Wave, as well as forthcoming material for Freerange. Lionni's remix of "In The Last Orient" is deepness personified, with some cracking drums and warm production. Nick Harris also goes deeper with his remix of "Calle Azul", with a dubby and reverberating version.
Out this week on Beatport, and 12" vinyl, Durango's EP has been picking up some great support from many of the scene's movers and shakers.
Ripperton - David is on top form, this EP looks like an heavy weapon. The Nick Harris remix is dope! Lars (Funk F’Void) - Love the Tony Lionni mix, fantastic deepness Peter Kruder (Kruder & Dorfmeister) - Looove “In The Last Orient” Original. Great tune. Will play this. Alex Niggeman (8-bit/2020 Vision) - Really nice EP. Support! Dylan Hermelijn (2000 and One) - love the original and the Nick Harris rmx Mazi (Audio Soul Project) - Original is fat and chunky - tight musically and that reverb orgy in the middle don't hurt either. Bushwacka! – “In The last Orient” is my fav... H.O.S.H. (Diynamic) - into the Nick Harris remix. cool starting stuff. first track is cool also. Nic Fanciulli - Great release ! Danny Ward (Moodymanc) - Very beautiful lush sounding tracks....really dig em... Dave Ellesmere (Rekids) - nice Lionni rmx again and the other that works for me is Nick Harris rmx ... cool release Matthias Voght (Motorcitysoul) - NRK on fire... amazing release again, Tony Lionni remix is outstanding! Yannick Labbe (Innervisions) – “In The Last Orient” is my pick here. verrrry good! Willie Graff (Liebe/Drumpoet) - Enjoying the Toni Lionni remix! Chris Duckenfield (Swag) – great package, all playable Jimpster (Freerange) – Really love the original mixes here, both are fresh sounding and keep the floor nicely Alex Flitsch (Connaissuer) – Brilliant, “In The Last Orient” (Original) and Tony’s remix for me! Chris Lattner (Moon Harbour) – House with a feeling! Great EP from NRK Diesel (X-Press 2) – Love “In The Last Orient” Kevin Griffiths (Tsuba) – Nice package of mixes, Nick Harris is the best here Milton Jackson (Freerange) – Tony Lionni remix is really nice as is the Nick Harris mix C-Rock (Motorcitysoul) – Nick Harris remix for me, nice, deep and moody but kicking at the same time Nils Nurenberg (8-Bit) – Awesome release Burnski (Poker Flat) – Awesome, love it Brendon Moeller (Wave) – “Calle Azul” tickles my fancy, Tony Lionni mix is hot too! Purchase from Beatport In The Last Orient (Original Mix) In The Last Orient (Tony Lionni Remix) Calle Azul (Original Mix) Calle Azul (Nick Harris Remix)
NRK's Nick Harris is the subject of the Bristol based Byte Blogspot's Lifetracks series. Focussing on the various talent from the city, Lifetracks features a special "influences" mix, and an accompanying in depth interview with its subject.
For his mix, Nick delved deep into the tracks that influenced him and helped shape his long career in the dance music industry, drawing on significant tracks from the likes of The Clash, Dub Syndicate, Plastikman, St. Germain and Killing Joke.
You can read the full interview with Nick here, and also listen and download his special Lifetracks mix.
This week sees the release of Steve Bug's "The Lab 02" mix compilation project. Already picking up rave music in the dance music press, Bug follows in the footsteps of Loco Dice by compiling and mixing for NRK's newest series.
The album is available as a mixed 2CD and also as highly popular unmixed 2CD, featuring selected tracks in their entirety. We have also issued three seperate 12" samplers for those that still play and cherish the vinyl format!
And so to The Lab, a double disc treat from Bug that does not disappoint. Over the two discs, Steve shows his depth of DJ style, encompassing more deeper house sounds on disc one, and heady “tech” flavoured grooves on disc two. Showcasing many “leaders of the new school”, from the likes of Motor City Drum Ensemble (MCDE), DJ Koze, Ben Klock, Audiofly, Markus Worgull and Chateau Flight, alongside established artists such as Peace Division, Cobblestone Jazz and Trentmoller, Bug dedicates this Lab mix to those house music producers with an edge and flair for innovative and futuristic sounds. Bug’s “The Lab” mix perhaps sets the trend away from the minimal-by-numbers music from the last couple of years, and pushes the sound to more interesting and deeper territories. The mixes are the sound of now, from the terraces of Ibiza to the beach parties of Croatia, from the underground clubs of Berlin to the sweat soaked warehouses of London and beyond.
Kerri Chandler pres. The Invaders – The Panic “Original Mix” Matthias Tanzmann - Swim “Peter Dildo Swimming In Deep Water Mix” Anthony Collins - Rabouine House “Soul Afrikadeep Remix” Sunburst Band - Journey To The Sun “Dennis Ferrer Dub” Peter Dildo – Womanizer Johnny D – Orbitallife Foremost Poets – Moonraker (Spencer Parker’s Gun For Hire Remix) Radio Slave – Bell Clap Dance (Slam Remix) District One - One 2 One Johnny Fiasco - Conduction DJ Q – Superclique
Nic Fanciulli have kindly rustled up a fab 60 minute Hotmix especially for the NRK site. Fanciulli has to be one of the busiest DJs on the circuit right now, clocking up ridiculous amounts of miles a month in order to take his sounds to the farthest reaches of the globe. On this brand new Hotmix, we get to hear some of the recent grooves that have been floating Nic's boat, and rocking crowds and festivals of late.
Nic is also one half of Skylark. Along with Andy Chatterley, the guys have recently released their debut album on NRK Music/Saved Music, and a belter of a project it is too. "i-Panik" contains 11 brand new Skylark productions, touching all areas of modern electronic dance from deep Detroit influences to driving European beats and beyond. "i-Panik" is cleverly accompanied by a bonus remix disc; Fanciulli & Chatterley drew up a wish list of remixers to tackle tracks from the album, and each remixer in turn delivered outstanding versions. The roll call includes Funk D'Void, Manuel Tur, Joris Voorn, UNKLE, Davide Squillace and Joe Mull, and the remix disc provides some amazing re-interpretations of Skylark's originals.
