If I say “Petr” you say “Skreamerr”! That’s right! This is a new update from Basserk. It’s not that new to be honest. Thanks to my absent mind this track should already be floating around the blogosphere 2 weeks ago. I quote Basserk “Sounds like the ideal Christmas album”. What about Easter? Or someone’s birthday? Anyway Petr Passive has released a new ‘mini’ album filled with 8 slices of pure raw Petr noise. Who requested more maximal on Phase02! Here it is! Because I like it.

[audio:/0110/PetrPassive_-_Skreamerr.mp3]
Petr Passive – Skreamerr

PS: The huge readers drop that you might have noticed on our feedburner counter is a result of a known issue with Feedfetcher-Google. Should be resolved soon.

artwork by lagolo.

Before I present you to a incredible young talent, I’d like to thank – in my opinion one of the best music blogs around – You Can Call Me Pelski for their kind words in their 2009 round up. According to Pelski phase02 is the number one blog of 2009. That’s probably the biggest appreciation we’ve ever had. Respect Pelski! Thanks a bunch! We won’t let you down in 2010. Head over there and find out what else they have in their interesting, quite huge round up post.

Now it seems that thanks to that post on Pelski, a young talented music producer called “Graphics“  found his way to our dropbox. And “wow” am I glad he did. Not only because he’s name couldn’t be a better fit for phase02. I simply haven’t heard such creative remixes in a while. I tell you. This amazing 17-year-old ‘boy’ from Oxford is one to keep an eye on in 2010. And because we love Pelski so much, here’s how they described the music you’re about to hear: “A fine tipped make over from Oxfords underground star ‘Graphics’. A sentimental pulse of deep bass weight energy, scrawls over the rubbed out vocal blips.” Damn I wish I could write like that. You guys have to do it with my Belgian English though.

Enough talking (writing). Let the music speak!

[audio:/0110/Florence.mp3]
Florence & The Machine – You’ve Got The Love (Graphics Remix)

[audio:/0110/D.I.M-It's You (Graphics Remix).mp3]
D.I.M. – It’s You (Graphics Remix)

[audio:/0110/Bloc Party-Biko (Graphics Remix).mp3]
Bloc Party – Biko (Graphics Remix)

This is my favourite:
Flux Pavillion-Voscilliate (Graphics Remix) by Graphics

This is the 4th release in a on-going series of limited edition 12″s from the newly formed vinyl imprint of Watergate. You might recall the name of this infamous club located in Berlin that’s become internationally recognized for it’s exclusivity, and the high-profile people that frequent there. Watergate has hosted so many renowned artists and DJ’s that I’m not going to attempt to start listing them here; but this is really how it’s garnered it’s reputation as a international super club. This particular release seems to be out of stock on Juno, but there are still some German stockists carrying it. You can try music-head.de or decks.de

The first track on this release is a nice subtle reworking of a tune off Martyn’s breath taking debut album “Great Lengths”. The rhythm has been reworked and simplified down to a hypnotic pulse, resonating against the syncopation of the bass – all while the trace elements of the original swirl and dip overhead. I’m quite pleased with what Sebo has done with the track, although it’s rather more a remix than an edit.

Martyn – Elden St. (Sebo K Watergate Edit)
[audio:2010/0110/Elden St (Sebo K Watergate Edit).mp3]

On the flip we’ve got a very smooth original track from Dop. The title of this track is a little cheeky considering how warm and sexy the vocals are, but I guess it’s a sort of juxtaposition and wordplay. The vocals in this track are brilliant. “It’s a cold earth” is almost whispered, repeated, and so short and few you might not realize how little there is to it.

Dop – Cold World (Original Mix)
[audio:2010/0110/02 Cold World.mp3]

Some aspects of Watergate maybe seem a bit pretentious for me, like the “no picture policy”, but it ensures no one will be exposed and scrutinized in any candid photo’s of them getting down ‘n dirty the night before. I guess this wouldn’t matter for regular folks, and I’ll admit, I don’t like having a camera being shoved in my face either; but they’ve got to do something to protect the dignity of their clientele I suppose. Maybe in the future I’ll have a chance to experience Watergate but for now I’m happily enjoying these fine recordings in the comfort of my own home.

Four Tet is going on tour in April to support the release of his massively anticipated 5th un-studio album ‘There Is Love’. Kieran has been a busy, busy, busy man; I wonder where he get’s the time to inhale and exhale like normal people? Here is an interview where he explains some of the idea’s he had for the mix he did live at BBC radio one.

In the interview, Kieran reveals that he’s collaborating with Floating points on a remix and I’m really excited to hear what they’ve done. If you haven’t heard of Floating Points before now, do yourself a favor and check out some of his tunes. The BBC mix has been uploaded to the Four Tet soundcloud page but you can also alternatively stream or download it right here.

The other mix he made was done for Plastic People – a final commemorative compilation of tracks that celebrate the experiences he’s had as a resident DJ at the club. Included in the mix are the stunning recent singles ‘Love Cry,’ ‘Moth’, ‘Sing’, the Joy Orbison mix, as well as an exclusive unheard track off the new album. This mix is also available on the Four Tet soundcloud page but again, we’ve included it right here for your convenience.

As far as I’m concerned, ‘There Is Love’ marks the first must have album of 2010. I’m a bit gutted that there isn’t a tour date for Toronto but maybe I can make it down to New York if the stars align properly. ‘There Is Love’ will be out January 26th through Domino records. Hopefully some of our readers living in major cities will have the opportunity to catch Four Tet on tour with support from Nathan Fake. If you’re planning on attending we’d like to know! Here are the dates.

02.17 New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
02.18 Cambridge, MA – Middle East Downstairs
02.19 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
02.20 Austin, TX – The Mohawk
02.23 Seattle, WA – Chop Suey
02.24 Vancouver, BC – Biltmore Cabaret
02.25 Portland, OR – Doug Fir
02.26 San Francisco, CA – The Independent
02.27 Los Angeles, CA – Echoplex

Visual by davidop

A new year has started and traditional New Year’s resolutions get broken. I was wondering what New year’s resolutions the average phase02 reader makes. Please share with us in a comment. Here are a couple brand new JSaxton tunes in return. I think I’ve just posted the first Drum ‘n Bass track on phase02. More to come maybe … who knows.

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[audio:/0110/Don't Panic Dear - Say Something (JSaxton Remix).mp3]
Don’t Panic Dear – Say Something (JSaxton Remix)

[audio:/0110/In My Life - JSaxton.mp3]
JSaxton – In My Life

Just before the new year started I received a message from a new ambitious record label called Unofficial Records. UR is a label that still likes to serve their beats on a 12 inch platter even though they embrace the age of digital media. They’ll be releasing their first dancefloor killers on my little brother’s birthday, January 15th. For now you’ll have to bounce on these 128 versions. DJ’s out there. Stay tuned!

[audio:/0110/unofficial_carriedaway_bdsmix.mp3]
Unofficial – Carried Away (Extended Birthdaysuit Mix)

[audio:/0110/PROMO - Ivar Oh! - Down Under - Unofficial Records.mp3]
Ivar Oh! – Down Under

[audio:/0110/PROMO - Captain Murphy - Pod 7 - Unofficial Records.mp3]
Captain Murphy – Pod7

Keep an eye on Unofficial Records. They’re releasing some high quality techno from the underground.

i’ve had the privileged opportunity to share some of my own thoughts with recording artist, dj, and formant records label owner, Leroy Bella aka SINES. you might recall the name from a track i posted a few months back in a little article i wrote called: future sounds of the underground.

this is a man of many faces, a jack-of-all trades sort. i’m really impressed at his ability to juggle all these different roles and still keep it tight and rolling. obviously this is no walk in the park, and i have much respect for people out there making an impression in the mold with their own cutters. what i’ve realized is true in the saying “the hardest way to make an easy living” is that it is the reality for many artists and musicians today. if you’re doing this to make money, or to be famous in the dj circuit, you’re in the wrong business.

Sines – Test One (Original Mix)
[audio:2010/0110/01 Test One (Original Mix).mp3] (buy)

Sines – Memories Are Here (Original Mix)
[audio:/0809/Memories Are Here.mp3] (buy)

more new releases available for purchase through boomkat.

T: what are your thoughts on ‘future garage’ and what does it mean to you?

L: The way I see the whole future garage thing is that it’s pretty much a whole new movement of garage and 2 step. Back in the days it was all about soulful RnB sounds, diva vocals, and the dark bass lines. Now it’s like a whole different twist up with out of this world synthesizers and crazy vocals. I love garage and all the new stuff that’s coming from it. Pretty much takes us into the now…the future.

T: yes, you’re right – we are living right here, right now. where garage used to be confined to london and perhaps even further restricted to certain communities, certain peoples, certain producers, etc. These limitations aren’t that imposing anymore. The cross pollination of music, culture, and advancements in technology, have re-defined all aspects of how people listen to, consume, and make music.

There certainly was a kind of “gel” that perhaps included a flagrant attitude and champagne bottles or whatever – but now we see these barriers completely broken with really different producers all around the world contributing to this music.

I don’t exactly agree on the name ‘Future garage’ personally, only because as time goes on it will certainly prove to sound dated; but at that time there will be new permutations, a new name, new producers, and so let’s not bother ourselves over what title fit’s the check box. it is such a square-minded way of thinking.

John the 3rd – Sexin (Sines 69 Ways Mix)
[audio:/2010/0110/John the 3rd-Sexin_Sines 69 ways mix_.mp3]

T: Where are you living right now?

L: I’m currently based in Houston, TX.

T: Do you feel detached from the UK scene, living out there? Obviously in light of what we’re discussing here it’s not necessary to be living in london to have exposure to this music, but anyone who really loves it obviously has a certain affinity to london.

L: Yeah, totally…But being around good electronic music for 10 years plus here in Texas has made it a lot easier to not feel that way. We have some very good artist here in Texas and 2010 will be a promising year for them.

T: what is the social atmosphere like in Houston? How are people there responding to your music on the dance floor?

L: There is a mixture of everything here in Houston. We have killed the dance in so many ways (laughs) good and bad. All the older “heads” who were into garage dig it. Some of the new ones too. Houston is a diverse city with many sounds. Some want that harder aggro stuff, and some want the chilled stuff. We mix it up every so often to try and match the right vibe.

T: let’s talk a bit about your record label. besides yourself, who else is involved with formant recordings?

L: Well basically it’s myself and the other half of Sines – Jae Swope (yes there are 2 of us) I handle more of the footwork while he pretty much scouts for artist. Then you have distribution which is handled by Z-Audio.

T: ah, i see! i knew there was a connection between formant and z. how about night audio?

L: We had a release on a various artists compilation EP that came out on Night Audio. The Submerse fellas and Kingthing run that label. Night Audio is still young but I’m sure they are set to blow in 2010. They got El-B next for release which should be wicked!

T: yeah i’ve been bugging kingthing about that el-b release for days! could you describe your a & r process, how do you decide what is right for your label?

L: Basically stuff that is fresh and new. I’m very keen on getting artist that are new faces to music. Someone that has alot of potential – for instance Hyetal from Bristol. His music is blowing up right now as we speak. There are so many artist out there that get overlooked.

T: why is bristol so damn radiant with seriously inspiring people? I’m a avid fan of portishead, and have also recently fell in love with the new King Midas Sound album. what is it about that place? radioactive drinking water? the air of inspiration floating in the ether? I can get quite romantic about Bristol. I recently heard hyetal featured on rob booth’s electronic exploration podcast. the mix he done was so on point i’m loving all his tunes right now!

L: Yeah man Bristol is something else. Its like the mecca of the UK. Dave (Hyetal) is such a great producer. I hope to be able to work with him again in the future.

T: can you touch on what you’ve got lined up in 2010?

L: In January we have XI from Toronto set to release his 2 new lush tracks Light Fm bw Glass. You can check them out here: soundcloud.com/formant-recordings
(our readers got the glass promo exclusive before the drop!)

Then in Feburary through March we will have a release for Daega Sound System from Vancouver. These 2 brothers are the ones to watch next year. You can check them at myspace.com/daega

Afterwards we have a Various EP planned with 3 tracks from artists: HxdB, Phaeleh, and Psychonaught. After that vvv’s joins Formant and it will be big! I have a few more tricks up my sleeves…For now, you can check out their tunes on myspace.

myspace.com/hxdb
myspace.com/phaeleh
myspace.com/unwino
myspace.com/vvvdubz

Thank you Bella for your time and big up Formant in 2010!