Monolake (live) with support from Peverelist

"On the first evening of March, Robert Henke will be bringing his Ghosts in Surround Tour to Room One as part of a multi dimensional, immersive audio and visual experience. The tour comes as Henke releases ‘Ghosts’, the 9th studio album to be released under the Monolake moniker, which is set for release on 27th February through his own Imbalance Computer Music label. The entirety of the album was composed in Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation that Henke, a true advocate of the possibilities of technology, himself helped develop.

The Bristol based Punch Drunk Records boss, Peverelist, has been called upon to provide DJ support - his broken blend of sounds echo the expanse of Monolake’s own production palette - alongside our resident Craig Richards, who’s a much charted lover of Henke’s level of inventiveness and progression through his regular Nothing Special pursuits. This event will allow Richards to explore the more experimental side of his record collection, as he ably segues from performance to dancefloor and vice versa."

More information and tickets can be acquired here

Hotflush takeover Fabric Room 2

"Hotflush Records takes to Room Two with label boss, Scuba who recently announced the release of his third LP ‘Personality’ to join London techno producer/ DJ, Sigha, ManMakeMusic/ Hotflush regular, George Fitzgerald and Brooklyn- based duo Sepalcure in a highly anticipated live show."

Check out Scuba's RBMA lecture here

Check out George FitzGerald's Sonic Router mix here

More information and tickets can be acquired here

Doc Daneeka and Benjamin Damage Album of the Month

Feature over at KMag

"Benjamin Damage and Doc Daneeka team up for a long player on Modeselektor's boutique Fifty Weapons imprint. All recorded during a two month visit to Modeselektor's Berlin studio, the outcome is the brilliant They! Live. Featuring a number of tracks that people will no doubt be familiar with, the albums blends the sounds of UK and Berlin in equal measure, re-emerging as a deep exploration of house and techno tied together by the UK's bass heritage. The metallic pulse and melancholic vocal tones of opener No One featuring Abigail Wayles, set the tone for the album nicely, with Wayles also reappearing to lend her beautiful vocals to the infinite haze of Battleships and the delicate poignancy of Halo. The album edit of Creeper loses none of its impact with those detuned sharp synth tones and symbiotic drum shuffle. Deaf Siren, Juggernaut and Elipsis Torment show similar mastery of the dance floor, while other softer moments come with the swelling synths and whispering vocals on Charlottenburg and the fluid melodic tones and easy swing of album closer Bleach & Penicillin. Here Benjamin Damage and Doc Daneeka prove that they are capable of much more than just moving a dance floor, delivering a full and compelling listen."

Check out the previews here



















Hotflush newcomer Locked Groove also came in at #6 on the single charts with his Rooted EP

"Hotflush start the year with a label debut from newcomer Locked Groove. The three-track Rooted EP acts as a powerful opening statement from him exploring his raw and rugged take on house. The eponymous lead track opens on a bed of pale hues and soft melodies that slowly locks itself into an easy groove around the building drum line. Confidently layering percussion and melodic trails through the track it unfurls into a much harder, darker entity half way through as the drums open themselves up and a squirming acid synths erode their way through the track. You may well recognise Drowning already, a track which has had people going mad ever since its inclusion in Scuba's DJ-Kicks mix. Taking things deeper and darker still driven by its cavernous thump and subterranean filtering, this is pure dance floor energy. Change rounds off the EP nicely with its solid groove and deft fluidity."

Check out the EP here

Dubstepforum Awards 2012

The Dubstepforum Awards 2012 results are in.

In the 'Best 120-140BPM Producer' category Addison Groove takes the top spot, his album is slated for release in March on 50 Weapons. Surefire artists Pearson Sound, Scuba, and Rustie got some love as well.

1 Addison Groove
2 Boddika
3 Zomby
4 Pearson Sound
5 Mosca
6 Joy Orbison
7 Scuba
8 Blawan
9 Redlight
10 Julio Bashmore
11 Rustie

Mala and his label Deep Medi took first place in 'Best Producer' and 'Best Label' categories respectively ('Best Mix' too). Kryptic Minds won 'Best Track' and Loefah was crowned 'Best 120-140 DJ'.

Congratulations to everyone who was nominated.

Sigha 'Abstractions I-IV' preview

Feature by Hyponik

"London producer continues his remarkable development with 4 track EP on Hotflush.

Hotflush Recordings continue to plough into the new year with the latest release from London techno producer Sigha, seeing the former dubstep figure’s ear for high quality, technoid mutations advance into peak time territory.

You could quite easily state that no one from the now fractured UK dubstep scene, not even Scuba himself, makes real techno as well as Sigha. With his past tracks on both Hotflush and his own Our Circula Sound imprint growing in artistry release-on-release, the one time Medium (RIP) resident’s latest four track ‘Abstractions I-IV’ EP is no exception.

Released on February 20, Sigha’s sixth release for Hotflush takes in dark, mechanical fare, ambient drone work and Basic Channel-alike, reverb-heavy experiments, making for a highly satisfying listen. You can preview the full EP, tracklist and artwork below, and catch Sigha playing at fabric on February 4, alongside Scuba, Sepalcure and George Fitzgerald."

Sigha - HF031 by Sigha

Ital Tek Exclusive mix for URB Magazine

Feature over at URB Magazine

"Alan Myson’s a producer that resembles a chameleon at times; under the guise of Ital Tek, he is constantly shifting his sound to keep the same atmospherics as his previous tunes, with his previous landmark releases “Blood Line”, “Deep Pools” and 2009 LP Midnight Colour all maintaining his love for the spacey and mysterious. With his latest EP, Gonga, on Planet Mu, Myson explores the worlds of faster tempos, immersing himself in his own style of 160-BPM related calamity. Footwork is an obvious influence but his drum sounds, his structures are all a reversion to the singular sounds of past Ital Tek releases. Maybe that’s why everything he makes is still damn good. Ital Tek is always looking into the future, as evident in our small interview down below, but as of right now, he delivers URB an excellent and crafty mix in tempos that makes us want to get in that circle and see what we’re made of. Check out the interview, tracklist and mix after the jump."

Check out the new exlcusive mix for URB Magazine by Itel Tek here

URB Presents: Ital Tek

Om Unit – Swimming Dragon (Ital Tek Remix)

Ital Tek – Gonga

Ital Tek – Cobalt

Krampfhaft – Spit Thunder

Om Unit – Vibrations (Machinedrum Remix)

Chrissy Murderbot – Slang It

Ital Tek – Pixel Haze

DJ Earl – Hit Da Bootz

Kuhn – Slime Beach (Phillip D Kick Remix)

Deft – New York’s Finest (Ruff Nekz Get Ruff)

Kromestar – 2012

Ital Tek – Sun God beat

Kuedo – Onset (Escapism)

DJ Diamond – Wreckage

Plug – Feeling So Special

Ital Tek – Gonga (µ-Ziq Remix)

Peverelist mix for Sonic Router

Check out this new mix from Punch Drunk label boss Peverelist over at Sonic Router



Tracklist:

Szare – Triplicate [Horizontal Ground]
Asusu – Too Much Time Has Passed [Livity Sound]
Levon Vincent – Revs/cost [Novel Sound]
Bass Clef – Electricity Comes From Other Planets
Funkineven – Beat Crash [Apron]
Kowton – Jam001
Alex Coulton – Bounce
Kowton & Pev – Raw Code
Kowton – End Point
Pev – Salt Water
Asusu – Sister [Livity Sound]
Pev – Erosion(s)
Pev – Livity
Zhou – Noboru [Punch Drunk]

Kangding Ray Live Session

Feature by mnml ssgs

"Without doubt one of our highlights in 2011 was Kangding Ray. Quality album, fantastic ssg mix, and a killer livepa. The good news is that he recently put together an excellent live studio session, which has now been archived on ustream. Unsurprisingly it is pretty awesome. There is a kind of controlled power in his sound that demands your attention. And the drums! I love this more beat-orientated direction Kangding has been taking recently and I hope he continues with it. Normally I don't bother with streaming online, but this is definitely worth it. Kangding Ray live is a special treat and the audio quality on this video is surprisingly good.

And for anyone in/near Berlin at the end of the month, Kangding Ray is playing at Berghain on 31 January, as part of the Club Transmediale festival. The same night will also feature Sendai (Peter Van Hoesen and Yves De Mey) debuting their new live show. I would strongly recommend checking it out if you can. Indeed, I'd make every effort to go to as much of CTM as possible. The lineup this year is insane."

Surefire Europe Roster Update 2012

After a fantastic year in 2011 with some big moves from many of our artists, we're looking forward to a busy 2012. Check the updates below for what our artists have planned for the first half of the year and availabilities for the summer festival season and beyond...



SCUBA

Another year at the very top of the game for Scuba. Hotflush went from strength to strength with a stream of killer releases, and his 'DJ Kicks' mix was widely seen as one of the best of 2011. With his 3rd LP 'Personality' lined up for release on Feb. 27 and a LIVE AV set in development, he won't be slowing down any time soon.

Available for club DJ sets now, and LIVE AV sets (for festivals only) from May 2012.



ADDISON GROOVE

After some huge festival shows in 2011 (including Glastonbury and Melt), and a packed touring diary, he's recently completed his debut album for Modeselektor's 50 Weapons label, due for release March 2012.

Available for LIVE 808 or DJ sets throughout 2012.



RUSTIE

His debut LP 'Glass Swords' was released to worldwide acclaim on Warp Records and was a prominent feature in all the end of year charts. Onwards and upwards for 2012. Lucky Him.

Available for LIVE or DJ sets at selected festivals and clubs.



GEORGE FITZGERALD

2011 was a huge year for George with demand for his DJ sets higher than ever, and the release of the 'Shackled EP' on Hotflush, his 3rd for the label. 2011 also saw the launch of his own imprint Man Make Music as well as the release of his 'Silhouette EP' on Will Saul's impeccable Aus Music label.

Available for DJ sets at clubs and festivals throughout the year.



SLUGABED

Slugabed enters 2012 with a run of great performances, and a lot to look forward to, including his debut tour of the US where he will perform at SXSW, as well as shows in NY, LA, SF and more. With two well received EPs for Ninja Tune under his belt, his third is due to drop in March, with the LP scheduled for release in April. Listen up!

Available for DJ sets throughout the year.



KUEDO

Riding high after the success of his stunning 'Severant LP' on Planet Mu, including a review as 'New Band of the Day' in The Guardian newspaper. Check his FACT Mix for a taste of his style in the DJ booth. He also has an exciting new Live set in development.

Available for DJ sets at selected now, and Live set from April onwards.



DEMDIKE STARE

A slew of new releases planned on their Modern Love imprint, including a new album, 'Elemental', split over 4 vinyl 12"s. Also new music lined up with Honest Jon's, Unsound and a 'Live at the Pudel' CD.

Available for LIVE AV shows at festivals and selected club dates. DJ set also possible.



KANGDING RAY

2011 saw the release of his 3rd album 'OR' to widespread critical acclaim as well as worldwide performances of his incredible live AV show. See him here bringing Poland's Unsound festival to a close in October...

Available for LIVE AV solo show or with a special 3-PIECE BAND.



JON CONVEX

With a recent 12" 'Pop That P' on [NAKEDLUNCH] as well as a 10" to launch his Convex Industries label project, the former Instra:mental man kept things rolling in 2011. The Jon Convex album is in the pipeline for release on NonPlus+ / Convex Industries in the coming months and a live set planned for festival season.

Available for DJ sets now, and LIVE sets from May 2012.



SIGHA

With his DJing prowess in ever increasing demand, he has also been busy in the studio. His debut album for Hotflush is close to completion and planned for release in summer.

Available for DJ sets throughout the year.



SHACKLETON

His long awaited collaborative album with Pinch made a splash toward the end of last year on Honest Jon's. Plenty more material to come in 2012 too...

Available for LIVE sets only, for selected dates throughout 2012.



APPLEBLIM

The Applepips boss has been relatively quiet on the production front but his DJ diary has been as bulging as ever. As one of the major players in the ever diverse Bristol scene, he always has the most upfront exclusives from the city's top producers in his bag, as well as some classic oldies. New production material in the pipeline for 2012.

Available for DJ sets at clubs and festivals worldwide.



DISTAL

Returning to European shores in March/April 2012 to coincide with the release of his debut album on Pinch's Tectonic label. Check out his FACT Mix for a taste of the Atlanta bass champion's sound.

Available for bookings in May/June



ITAL TEK

Finishing off the year strong with his 'Gonga EP' on Planet Mu, as well as continuing to work on his 3rd album for Mike Paradinas' label.

Available for LIVE and DJ sets.



ILLUM SPHERE

As well as remixing the mighty Radiohead and destroying Boiler Room, work began on his debut album which is set for release in 2012. His LIVE AV set with the VJ E-Man is something really special too.

Available for both LIVE AV & DJ sets throughout 2012.



PEVERELIST

2011 was a vintage year for his Punch Drunk label and he also had releases on Honest Jon's and Hessle Audio. He has a new Live set planned for 2012.

Available for DJ sets (vinyl only!) now and LIVE sets from May 2012.



EPROM

Hot off the release of his record 'Psycho' for our friends at Leisure System, Eprom returns to the shores of the EU once more. Tour period is February 16th-27th, contact us for last-minute options for this tour.



TIKIMAN Live w SCION : Live performance including songs from 'Showcase'

A rare chance to experience Tikiman and Scion perform songs from Rhythm & Sound's classic 'Showcase' album. Originally released on Basic Channel's Burial Mix label, these songs combine the warmth and humanity of Tikiman’s vocals with the sparse, layered atmospherics of Scion's seminal Berlin sound. 'Showcase' is firmly entrenched in electronic music history, and rightly regarded as one of the defining records of its time.

Available for Live sets for larger clubs and festivals throughout the year.

George FitzGerald 'Shackeled EP' review

Review from Pulse Radio

"George Fitzgerald released a solo EP on Hotflush Recordings...AWESOME! Arguably the producer of 2011, Fitzgerald delivers yet again with the Shackled EP, demonstrating he is adept with a variety of sound palettes, but keeping within the house/techno/garage hybrid framework he has helped pioneer.
The title track blends the kinds of emotive chords, vocal hits and sub bass drops one readily finds in UK Garage, with trademark acid squeaks, raw drum sounds and rugged atmospherics of underground techno. Keeping the two groups of sonics separate in the first half of the track, the second half combines them beautifully, giving Shackled a sense of development and movement that progressive house producers would be envious of.




'Feel Like' is a delightful combination of lush, blissful synths and girly vocals, contrasted with booty/ghetto tech style drum programming and low end chunkiness. Unlike most of his other work, which is readily lapped up by house/techno dancefloors, this is probably too challenging and cut-up for those outside of the bass music scene. It will however cause serious damage at any bass music party, guaranteed.



Fitzgerald then goes sparse and slightly experimental with 'Friends in High Places'. There’s loads of space between the kicks in this one, giving the big sub bass hits plenty of room to do their thing, as well as allowing the percussion, washed-out pads and hypnotic synth loop to become the focus of the track. Together, this creates a warm soundscape which tempts and teases the listener, but never quite breaks out: the perfect tune to play right before a banger."



Check out George FitzGerald's podcast for Pulse Radio here