Marvul is a Canadian electro/house producer who has done an interesting remix for Barletta in the past. About a week ago he send us his four latest tracks and to be honest they were completely different as I expected. This time that’s good thing. I was expecting the same old fidget-like house you hear everywhere these days. But that was not the case. He ended up with a mixture of House, dubstep and techno. Here are two of those tracks. Hear for yourself and tell me what you think.

[audio:/0210/Marvul - Nano.mp3]
Marvul – Nano

[audio:/0210/Marvul - Pulsar.mp3]
Marvul – Pulsar

I’d like to get an idea of how many of our readers would support a few changes to our chart system. I’ve spoken with Tim about this and we’re gonna run a poll to get a better idea. As it stands, there is a kind of legal “grey area” when it comes to sharing mixes online. As a promotional tool, it’s become the preferred platform to share music on the Internet without disrespecting the artists, their labels, or infringing copyright laws.

The function of this blog is also to promote the music we love; however, there are many people – including some artists, label owners, lawyers, and industry professionals that disagree with file sharing. Personally, I don’t believe 10 downloads = 10 lost sales. There is sufficient evidence on both sides to support either claim. The argument becomes more of a debate centered around the ethics of file sharing as opposed to which approach is a more effective promotional tool. Without delving further into this tiring endless debate, I’d like to disregard the ethics and look at something more tangible. Let’s see if we can’t find an even playing field for the end user, the consumer, and the producer.

Re-encoding tracks to low bitrate mp3s, and honoring our promise to the labels, to have any offending content removed on request, has been our approach. Although this does nothing to stop piracy on a larger scale, it’s our own way of expressing our concerns for the artists, and their property. This has proved to be fairly effective for us, and we haven’t received many complaints; However, the main issue for me in regards to the monthly charts is that many of those tunes are usually brand new, and much of the revenue generated from sales are within the initial period of their release.

This has been very stressful for me because there are loads of tunes I purchase that are omitted because I believe artists deserve a fair chance at maximizing revenue generated in that crucial initial period of it’s release. The most important factor in deciding which tunes are going into the charts is how available they are elsewhere on the net. My efforts have been to keep the focus on sharing new quality tunes that aren’t already propagated throughout the blogosphere.

A couple of idea’s dawned on me while I was listening to my favourite radio shows and podcasts on how I could maintain my principles, without changing the way I’ve done the charts in the past. I realized that in the mixes I was listening to that I was hearing large unmixed portions of new tunes. This is obviously how many rips of unreleased material pop up on the net. No one fusses about bloggers sharing radio rips, and no one (hopefully) is stupid enough to use a radio rip in their mixes. It was finally clear to me how I could overcome the negative connotations and inevitable guilt associated with file sharing, and still share and promote the music I love. This isn’t an absolute truth or final solution, but I think it’s a step in the right direction.

I’d like to present two different idea’s to the way we can approach this. The first option would be the tried and tested mix format. This seems to be the most popular and accepted way to go about it. My second idea is approach it more like a radio rip. The changes would be made to the lengths of the tracks, shortening them to 2-3 minute preview clips. This would be easier for us than making mixes, but who knows, maybe we should just try both and see which works best. We’ll start with the clips just cause it’s easiest.

#chart#

Exodub – It’s Alright (Original Mix) / Breath Out / Rest In Beats
[audio:2010/0110/Clips/02 It's Alright.mp3]

Martyn – Seventy Four (Redshape Remix) / Hear Me bw Seventy Four / 3024 Records
[audio:2010/0110/Clips/02 Seventy Four (Redshape Mix).mp3]

Binary Sequence – Arc (Original Mix) (streaming only) / 66/31 / Dark Arx
[audio:2010/0110/Clips/02 Arc.mp3]

Smokin Jo – Simsime (Original Mix) / Umona / Area Remote
[audio:2010/0110/Clips/01 Simsime (Original).mp3]

Frozen Border – 4.01 (Original Mix) / Frozen Border 04 / Frozen Border Records
[audio:2010/0110/Clips/01 4.01.mp3]

Loops Haunt – Joplin (Original Mix) / Impact Omnihammer bw Joplin / Black Acre
[audio:2010/0110/Clips/02 Joplin.mp3]

Planetary Assault Systems – X Speaks To X (Al Tourettes & Appleblim Remix) / Planetary Assault System Remixes / Ostgut Ton
[audio:2010/0110/Clips/01 X Speaks To X (Al Tourettes & App.mp3]

James Fox – Put It Back (Ramadanman Refix) / Put It Back / Take Records
[audio:2010/0110/Clips/02 Put It Back (Ramadanman Refix).mp3]

i3i3 – Rock & Groove It (Original Mix) / Explosion Mind bw Rock & Groove It / Eight:FX
[audio:2010/0110/Clips/02 Rock & Groove It.mp3]

Tickles – Fallout (Mentalic’s Edit) / Freirausch / Ipoly Music
[audio:2010/0110/Clips/03 Fallout (Mentalic's Edit).mp3]

P.S. Please do comment and share your thoughts. These charts usually take me a fair bit of time to compile – It takes you about 5 seconds to simply say “thank you” and show appreciation.

New release from Pangaea out on Hessle Audio, the label founded by, and releasing records for Untold, TRG, Ben UFO, Rammadanman, and all his other strange aliases. This self titled 2x Disc EP marks the 10th release for their label, which started putting out records back in ’07. I was foremost drawn to the musical ethos of their label, which is to promote and put out music that has a lasting impression. This appealed to me because I’ve developed a distaste for disposable music. Tunes with a shelf life of a couple months. The one’s that you throw away, and don’t come back to, or don’t remember.

I suppose it would be fair to say that Pangaea is still largely an experimental outfit exploring different styles. I think if that is the case it’s great because there is still so much room to grow the sound. I’m really excited about all the innovation happening in dubstep right now, and I’m not gonna slate this EP for being off center, it’s simply my observations on my listening experience to this piece as a whole.

Tracklist:

1. Why
2. Sunset Yellow
3. 5-HTP
4. Neurons
5. Dead Living
6. Because Of You

I feel like this EP is a bit lacking in consistency. It’s almost as if there is a significant time span in between the production of these tracks. Are some of these tunes resuscitated old material? The first track, titled ‘Why’ is exactly the kind of pleasant surprise you would expect from Pangaea. It is also the first tune I started hearing get radio play and DJ support. It’s uplifting, and the hook is brilliant. It is simply genius how he collages recycled acapellas together.

Pangaea – Why (Original Mix)
[audio:2010/0110/01 Why.mp3]

Pangaea – Because Of You (Original Mix)
[audio:2010/0110/06 Because Of You.mp3]

There’s a one off half-step tune on here that could either be a nod to earlier permutations, or simply to lul the demands of the status quo. It sounds out of place – Which is a part of what what I describing as the ‘time span’ between the tracks, and also why I believe that this release could have also worked as a couple strong singles: ‘Why’ and ‘Because Of You’ – These tune’s could have been released separately as proper singles, and the the other tracks: ‘Sunset Yellow’, ’5-HTP’, and ‘Dead Living’ – These are the ones that are experimental and interesting. The ones that are hard to get a sense of time for, but maybe have something more to offer. They are the sounds that ought to be further explored and developed.

This release is available on wax, or digital, but it seems Boomkat is already sold out. The records have only been out for 2 days but Boomkat is notorious for keeping a low stock. It seems like if you want something you gotta stay on point with the pre-orders or pay stupid prices from re-sellers. Alternatively, you can download your favourite tracks or the whole EP through the Juno web store.

In an interview with On-Point.be Martyn shares a little insight into his early inspirations, his exposure to drum ‘n bass music, as well as some of his ideas about the definitive aspects of the new generation of ravers and music makers. Thankfully there are decent subtitles for our English speaking readers, as the entire interview is spoken in Dutch.

‘Great Lengths‘ was a strong debut album for Martyn, and one of my favorite albums of 2009. Word is that he’s already in the works with a follow up – I only hope that his new material is as good as the last. He’s been in high demand over the last year, touring all around Europe, and pushing dubstep into different directions. It came as no surprise to me that he’s been commissioned to do the latest FabricLive Mix – an eclectic selection of music blurring the line between techno, dubstep, house, and breakbeat, in a psychedelic loosely woven haze of rhythm.

I did the whole mix CD Live just because I thought that was more honest than doing an Ableton DJ Mix. It is how I would play live – Not everything on the CD is perfect, but it’s not meant to be.

The mix CD features a wide variety of tracks from artists: Hudson Mohawke, Altered Natives, Ben Klock, Zomby, and a whole slough of others artists at the forefront of experimental new music. The full track listing, audio clips, and order info available on the Fabric London website.

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

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!

big thank you to all our supporters, your readership is much appreciated! watch this space throughout 2010 we’ve got some exciting content lined up. in the meanwhile, vibe on these tunes as we countdown the new year!

Broombeck – The Clapper (Dolphins Remix) / The Clapper Reclapped / Opossum Rec
[audio:2010/0110/01 The Clapper (Dolphins Remix).mp3]

Kid Kaio & Lucky Charms – This Sound Is (Homework Sound Bootcut) / NA / Whitelabel
[audio:2010/0110/This Sound Is (Homework Sound Bootcut).mp3]

Royal T – 1 Up (Martin Kemp Remix) / 1UP Or Shatap EP / No Hats No Hoods
[audio:2010/0110/02 1Up (Martin Kemp Remix).mp3]

Xi – Glass (Original Mix) / (Forthcomming) / Formant Records
[audio:2010/0110/B-XI-GLASS.mp3]

Sa Bat’ Machines – Evry (Original Mix) / Evry bw Sylvia / Kiosk Records
[audio:2010/0110/01 Evry.mp3]