Spice Black – An Intimate Affair with Nina Kraviz

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The music started but no sound came out. Headphones tilted to one side. Nina reset the gear and began layering techno into enigmatic house. The crowd stood transfixed, as this new sound is quite different from her sexy slo-mo productions that are now a thing of the past.

Expectations were high on the 4th of May and so was the price tag. This was the launch of Spice BLACK with Nina Kraviz. A gold-class ticket price included drinks, food and transport, to create what was labeled as, “an intimate affair.”

There was much debate over whether this event was setting a precedent for the Sydney club scene. A $150 ticket price no doubt alienated some of the target audience. A lot of Nina’s hardcore fans would not have been able to attend this event. “Where do you draw the line?” was something I regularly overheard throughout the night and some people couldn’t even fathom how to enjoy the event. People were paying the same amount as they would to go see 4 or 5 of their favourite acts play at any Australian music festival such as Future Music or Stereosonic, the latter being where Nina played at last year. There was of course, the possibility that the event was overhyped and people would end up disappointed.

The two story complex in Alexandria was transformed to resemble Sakura, the Japanese cherry blossom festival. The Staff were dressed in traditional Japanese attire, a BBQ was going outside with Japanese delicacies, while cherry blossoms fought for space with neon lights along the roof. I had not seen production quality of this kind in Australia ever before. However, this is the sort of execution I expect from Spice.

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The crowd was a mixed bag of Sydney’s top DJ’s, clubbing elite and scenesters. It was noticeably jarring at times. At one point I walked past a group of men staring at the booth, unbeknownst to them, a large number of partygoers had formed a dance circle around them. However, as the night marched on their analyses were cast aside. Everyone was there for the same fundamental reason, to listen to interesting music in a unique environment.

Excellent warm up sets came courtesy of Spice vixens Morgan and Gabby who went back to back for a trippy house adventure. Their brand of dark and deep music was intense and introspective. This was then followed by Nic Scali and Marc Jarvin who got the crowd moving away from the bar and straight to the dance floor with big mid-tempo techno tracks teeing things up for Nina.

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As Nina got underway, the crowd began to dance erratically. The cheers rose with every single record mixed. Working off the enthusiasm of the screaming crowd, Nina went harder. Everyone was feeling the beautiful buildup of music Nina was crafting. Just when you thought she was about to bring everybody back to earth, Nina would drop something more aggressive like James Ruskin’s remix of Marcel Dettmann’s record ‘Corebox.’ I was completely bemused at how the set had become increasingly hypnotic and lifting at the same time.

The only mild moment during the set came as a sort of intermission with the Morgan Geist re-vision of Hydronaut’s ‘Deep in the Feeling.’ But no one paused weirdly; it just led the way for more frenetic fist pumping. Nina ensured people got their money’s worth. She knew people paid a lot to get there and there was not going to be any dissatisfied techno customers.

Unfortunately, as it happens too often, the party was over too soon, wrapping up at 10pm. But like everything else at this gig, Spice had it sorted. Arranging transport back to Spice where Nina kicked on for another 3 hour set. What stood out about Spice BLACK was the attention to detail. It not only certified a cool set from one of the world’s top DJs but allowed for a complete sensory experience which produced a dynamic and enriching atmosphere. Despite initial hesitations, Spice BLACK ended up being well worth the money.

Words: Dan Watts

Photos: Patrick from Hobogestapo

May The 4th Be With You

Ok, so this playlist has nothing to do with Star Wars, but it is the 4th of May and the title is fitting.  I have also added a picture of Han Solo and Chewy on the decks in the empire strikes bass.  We added a few bassy tracks this week with new Kode 9 and a great Ta-Ku remix of the well known Dubstep classic Sierra Leone.  In other news, we have just changed podcast providers and are now live on iTunes and Libsyn, for all current episodes and a small back catalog of a few of our favorite past shows.

The Empire Strikes Bass

Just Desserts – Marina and the Diamonds + Charli XCX
Go With it Feat MNDR – TOKiMONSTA
Mother – Oscar Corrigan
New Bimple – mu-Ziq
Drive – Beacon
Sierra Leone (Ta-Ku Remix) – Mt. Eden
Xingfu Lu – Kode9
Challenger – Delta Funktionen
Pizza Guy (Lauer Remix) – Touch Sensitive
Ceefax – Funkineven
Gordian – Cosmin TRG
Back to You (Almost Remix) – Jacques Renault
Kitchen Monks – Arkist & Komon
Albatross – Portable
Love and Respect Ft Killer Mike (Teengirl Fantasy Remix) – When Saints Go Machine
It’s All in Your Head – Sweatson Klank
Panthera Bengal – Lord RAJA
NOYFB – Laurel Halo
Ritm – Mu-Ziq
The First Daffodils – Bibio

The Eastern Bloc Pt 1

This is part 1 of the Eastern Bloc.  Jaqs dug into the beats and bass predominantly showcasing artists from around Russia and Serbia, whereas Angus had housier leanings picking tracks from surrounding countries.  As part of the Eastern Bloc series we have our first interview with producer and label man Pixelord in both Russian and English.  Keep watching this space as we share more interviews with the music community around Eastern Europe.

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Cry About it – Raumskaya
Eating St the Void (Montgomery Clunk Remix) – Taprikk Sweezee
Eena (KRTS Eclipse Edit) – Lomovolokno
Mr Bill (Dnte remix) – Dnte
Walkin’ Tales – 1000names
Not in Your Hand – Eltron John
Walk the Night (Homeboy & Pyzek Remix) – The Phenomenal Handclap Band
Stoned – Dnte
Landscape – Ilija Rudman
Impetus – Positive Merge
Adam Beam – WOLS
Synth Society – Petre Inspirescu
Keep Calm – OL
Jesus Freaks (Herz Bass Remix) – LA Jesus
Dote – 813
Methods of Simple Destruction – FM
The Restless Vagabond – Pixelord Ft. Airospace
Wind Walker – DZA
Keep Out (Gillepsy Remix) – Raumskaya
Asspirations – Montgomery Clunk

8 Bit Beats – Interview with Pixelord

As a follow up to our Japan Series, 2013 will be the year of the Eastern Block.  We are digging into the world of Eastern European beats and electronic music posting interviews and insights with producers, DJ’s and labels of Eastern Europe.

Pixelord is a staple in the Russian beat scene.  Producing under the Gultskra Artikler moniker with more experimental music, Alexey Devyanin’s first release in the beat scene was the debut of “Lucid Freaks” through Error Broadcast in 2010. With a string of releases, remixes and collaborations with Error Broadcast, Civil Music, Car Crash Set, Leisure system and Hyperboloid (A label Alexey runs with 2 friends) this guy does what he loves and it loves him back.  In 2010 the world of Russian beats came to the attention of the international music scene with the Pitchfork article Beg, Steal or Borrow: New Beats from Moscow”.  We wanted to follow up with Pixelord and get a little insight into what’s going on in Moscow.

Интервью Русской нажмите здесь.

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Photo By Catharina Gerritsen

How are people responding to your music?

The response to my music is very positive, it’s a pleasure to load a track to soundcloud and watch how many likes it will get and what the comments will be like. If it happens that there are not many comments, then that track is weak so I either delete it or fix it up.

How did you get started with music and where are you going with it?

I started making music around 1998, I wanted to create my own variations of the music that I have already heard, I wanted to mix up different styles and see what’s going to happen, and it was very exciting. I had a computer 486 dx and that’s where I started working with. My plans are to travel and play my own music in different countries, create more new hits and show them to the world! I also want to record a vocal track with someone or maybe even several tracks.

I’m going to Barcelona on the 4th of May, then yea, I hope to get more shows soon, and will try to manage small EU tour in summer. No new releases are planned yet; I’m trying to focus on creating an EP or LP.

Who is blowing your mind in the music world right now (labels, Artists, Scenes)?

I was recently inspired by the new album Lapalux, and also musicians Mr. Carmack, Seabat, Lil Silva, Drums of Death, FaltyDL, Jürgen Müller, Datassette, and Impakt.

How have things changed for you since the Pitchfork Interview was published?

After the Pitchfork interview something obviously has changed, but I think the interview not only played its role, but more people found out about my music. After that the music worked for itself and those people remained with me. I really like that they are waiting for new tracks and albums and I want to meet their expectations.

Who are some of the stand out artists/beat makers?

The most stand out artist for me is Harmonic 313 aka Mark Pritchard, his projects are very unique. At one stage he made a strong influence on my work. In Russia we have few standout guys: DZA, 813, OL and Lapti.

What’s your Favorite club/ music venue in Russia?

The best sound is in Solvanka club, but the best place is Rodnva where I play very often, there we also make parties under my label Hyperboloid.

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http://pixelord.ru/

https://soundcloud.com/pixelord

Translation By Anna Smolina

8-ми битные биты – интервью с Pixelord

Как продолжение нашей японской серии, 2013 год будет годом Восточного блока. Мы углубляемся в мир восточно-европейских битов и электронной музыки, публикуя интервью и инсайты с продюсерами, ди-джеями и лейблами из Восточной Европы.

Pixelord лидирующий на Российской сцене битов. Создавая под прозвищем Gultskra Artikler более экспериментальную музыку, первым релизом Алексея Девьянина на сцене битов  стал дебют “LucidFreaks” с Error Broadcast в 2010. Серией релизов, ремиксов и коллабораций с Error Broadcast, Civil Music, Car Crash Set, Leisure system и Hyperboloid (собственный лейбл Алексея с друзьями) этот парень делает то, что любит и оно отвечает ему взаимностью. В 2010 году мир российских битов открылся вниманию международных музыкальных сцен с помощью статьи Питчфорк (Pitchfork)  “Попросил, украл, одолжил. Новые биты из Москвы”. Мы хотели проследить за Pixelord и заглянуть глубже на происходящее в Москве.

For the interview in English click here.

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фото: Катарина Герритсен

Как аудитория отзывается о вашей музыке?

Аудитория отзывается позитивно, приятно выложить трек на саундклауд и наблюдать сколько он наберет лайков и что пишут про него. бывает так что пишут мало, значит трек слабоват, и убираю его либо доделываю.


Как вы начали заниматься музыкой и какие у вас планы на будущее?

Я начал музыкой заниматься где-то в 1998 году, хотелось создавать свои версии той музыки которую я слушал, хотелось смешать разные стили и посмотреть что получится, это было очень увлекательно. У меня был компьютер 486dx, на нем и я и начинал. Планы путешестовать и играть свою музыку в разных странах, написать новых лучших хитов, показать их всему миру! записать вокальный трек с кем нибудь или несколько треков.

4 Мая я еду в Барселону. А потом да, планирую больше выступлений, постараюсь организовать небольшой тур по Европе летом. Новых выпусков пока не планирую. Я стараюсь сфокусироваться на EPили LP.

Кто вас вдохновляет в мировой музыке сейчас? (группы, имена, сцены)

Недавно меня вдохновил новый альбом Lapalux. а так же музыканты mr. carmack, Seabat, Lil Silva, Drums of Death, FaltyDL, Jürgen Müller, datassette, Impakt.

Изменилось ли что-нибудь для вас после публикации интервью Питчфорк (Pitchfork)?

После интервью Питчфорк что-то явно изменилось, но я думаю не только интервью повлияло на это, просто больше людей узнали о моей музыке, а дальше она сработала сама и они остались со мной. мне нравится что они ждут новые треки и альбом, я хочу оправдать ожидания.

Кто выделяется среди музыкантов/ создателей битов?

Для меня выделяется Harmonic313 aka Mark Pritchard, все его проекты уникальны. когда-то он очень сильно повлиял на то что я делал. В России у нас есть несколько выделяющихся музыкантов: DZA, 813, OL и Lapti

Какой ваш любимый клуб/ музыкальная площадка в России?

Самый хороший звук в клубе Solyanka, а самое уютное место где я чаще всего играю это Rodnya, там же мы делаем вечеринки моего лейбла.

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http://pixelord.ru/

https://soundcloud.com/pixelord

перевод Анны Смолиной

Cuts, Leaks, and Exclusives

A night of massive hip hop and electronica.  Aunty Flo sent us some exclusive tracks as they ready themselves for his Australian tour in May, thanks to Haha Industries whom were celebrating their 8th Birthday at Goodgod. And we also played stolen leaked material from some guy claiming to be Jai Paul, The ‘album launch was the hyped music news of the week. But if you were one of the many who were duped into buying the album, Paul released a statement later in the week saying the fake Bandcamp page would be removed and people would be getting refunds. Most excellent.

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Fuck & Fight (feat. Deniro Farrar) –  Sweatson Klank
Colombia – Young Scooter
Shoulda Rolla – Pinch & Roska
Make You – Sepalcure
White Falls Live – Egyptian Hip Hop
I Was a Fool (Matthew Dear Remix)  - Teagan & Sara
Elementz of Houz Music (Actress Mix) – Legowelt
JUSSS – Auntie Flo
Bye Bye Macadam (Acquarian Remix) – Rone
Just in Case the World Ends (Grown Folk remix) – Black Sky Black Death
Booth Thrust – Dorian Concept
Metropolis – Rocketnumbernine and Four Tet
Black or White (Goth Trad Remix) – Lea Lea
Park – D33J
Push it (Auntie Flo Remix) – Duologue

C.a.n.a.d.a

Never been to Canada, hear it’s nice though.  What was surprising about this playlist is the amount of total bangers that  come out of America’s hat.  Jokes aside, there are quite a few artists that most definently deserve more attention than they get and their work is totally underrated.  So hopefully we’ve introduced you to some new favs or played some curent ones. And because of the amount of great tunes we couldn’t fit it all in this time so we will have to do another one soon.

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Bring You Back (Kuhryeoo Remix) – Beacon
Swept Up – Basic Soul Unit
Halo – Nautiluss
For the Lost – The Mole
MMD (Monolithium Remix) – Blackjob
RE:CMC – Monolithium
Bird Spectrogram – Hugh Le Caine
Painted Faces – Jacques Greene + Tinashe
No Ordinary Love – Ango
Genesis (Ryan Hemsworth Remix)- Grimes
Careful (Deebs Edit) – Inc
Sorted – Jacques Greene
Bounce 4 Life (ryan Hemsworth Edit) – Monolithium
Heavyset – Garde | Eames
Bible Eyes – Egyptrixx
I know You’re Mine – Prison Garde
Limbo Limbs – Dro Carey and Grown Folk