NRK Music, UK house label, released material and compilations from artists such as Peace Division, Nick Holder, Miguel Migs, Skylark, Chymera, Hipp-e, Trackheadz, Paul Woolford, Joey negro, Magik Johnson, Audio Soul Project, Rolando, X-Press 2, Louie Vega, Kerri Chandler, Quentin Harris, Ron Trent, Karizma, Ame, Ian Pooley, Francois K, Charles Webster & many more
Kris Wadsworth makes a welcome return to the house music scene after a few months off. And he returns to NRK Music after 2009's stellar "Direct"/"Full Body" EP that came out with David Alvarado and Nick Harris remixes.
So, back at the helm for Wadsworth, and his latest release, we are glad to say, includes all those ingredients that make up his inimitable sound. Raw, swinging, edgy tech house, made with minimum of fuss but maximum groove. Two new tracks then from Kris, "You Called" and "Crushed", and ably assisting on remix duties is the ultra hot Chicago producer Tevo Howard, and NRK's Nick Harris.
"You Called" is a melodic builder, perfect warm up or late night tackle, with it's nagging bass hits, solid drum programming and floating chimes and keys. Nick Harris follows up recent remix work for Nite Grooves and Moodmusic with a solid remix that retains the original's melodic touches.
"Crushed" is a darker slice of house, with a murky and reverberating production, with it's tough and stripped back drums, enveloping pads and pitch bending keys, Wadsworth creates some great warehouse vibes here.
NRK Music digs deep through the archives to bring together a collection of US/UK jackin house and acid trax. Representing the Windy City are legends Derrick Carter, DJ Sneak, Joshua and Gemini, whilst the UK throw back some suitably twisted grooves from the likes of Freaks, Rob Mello, Spencer Parker, Solid Groove and Paul Woolford.
Other artists featured on JackAttack include Ian Pooley, Foremost Poets and DJ Q.
"JackAttack" is out now as a digital download album, from Beatport, Traxsource, Whatpeopleplay, Stompy, iTunes etc.
NRK Music, the UK based deep house and tech-house label, make a rare foray into the events world with a special showcase party at the legendary Panorama Bar in Berlin in January.
Label boss and fledgling producer, Nick Harris, will be joined by special guests Ed Davenport, Justin Drake and Ian Pooley, on Friday 28th January for a session that will keep true to the NRK sound.
NRK Music was set up in 1996, and has been a leading underground label throughout the years. Always keeping abreast with musical shifts, the label has released hundreds of singles and compilation albums from artists as diverse as Joey Negro, Nick Holder, Peace Division, Rolando, Joe Claussell, DJ Sneak, Miguel Migs, Audio Soul Project, Ame, Ron Trent, Dave Clarke and countless others. The label’s discography reads like a who’s who of house music.
The NRK Music night at Panorama Bar features new signing, and Berlin resident Ed Davenport, also know for his stellar releases on Liebe Detail and Poker Flat. Fellow Brit, Justin Drake, was one half of tribal titans Peace Division, and now flies solo with releases and remixes on NRK, Tsuba and Fear Of Flying, and will also be DJing, alongside long time NRK associate, Ian Pooley. Pooley really needs little introduction, but for the uninitiated, the German producer has a long career recording for the likes of Force Inc, V2 and his own Pooled label, as well as remixing Daft Punk, Green Velvet, Yello, The Beloved and many more. Finally, label boss Nick Harris follows up a 12 month period of production activity which has included 3 releases for NRK and remixes for Mood Music and Nite Grooves with a spot at his own party!
NRK Music at Panorama Bar, Berlin on Friday 28th January 2010. Admission from €8.00, the event starts at midnight and runs through til dawn.
Kris Wadsworth makes a welcome return to the house music scene after a few months off. And he returns to NRK Music after 2009's stellar "Direct"/"Full Body" EP that came out with David Alvarado and Nick Harris remixes.
So, back at the helm for Wadsworth, and his latest release, we are glad to say, includes all those ingredients that make up his inimitable sound. Raw, swinging, edgy tech house, made with minimum of fuss but maximum groove. Two new tracks then from Kris, "You Called" and "Crushed", and ably assisting on remix duties is the ultra hot Chicago producer Tevo Howard, and NRK's Nick Harris.
"You Called" is a melodic builder, perfect warm up or late night tackle, with it's nagging bass hits, solid drum programming and floating chimes and keys. Nick Harris follows up recent remix work for Nite Grooves and Moodmusic with a solid remix that retains the original's melodic touches. "Crushed" is a darker slice of house, with a murky and reverberating production, with it's tough and stripped back drums, enveloping pads and pitch bending keys, Wadsworth creates some great warehouse vibes here. On the remix of "Crushed" Tevo Howard shows just why he's hot property right now, with a superb acid laced remix that keeps the shuffling rhythm of Kris' Original Mix and just lets the groove run. Howard has been responsible for some great music and remixes for Rush Hour, Rebirth and his own Beautiful Granville Records label, and is keeping the true house spirit alive in his productions.
"You Called"/"Crushed" gets a release on 12" vinyl and digital download in November.
NRK main man Nick Harris has made quite an impression this year with just a handful of 12” releases on his legendary NRK imprint and his new outing ‘The Everlasting EP’ continues his run of form.
A DJ and A&R for longer than 15 years, it’s fair to say that the face of UK house music would be very different without Nick Harris. His stewardship of NRK and it’s now-defunct DJ agency introduced us to some of the finest house music and DJs the world has known, from DJ Sneak and Angel Moraes through to his current roster of young, impeccable talent. As one would expect with such a reputation, the jump to production was a cautious one but one that has resulted in fantastic support from DJs, press and crowds alike.
‘Rituals’ is the first of three cuts from the Bristol-based man and it’s a lazy, developing groove with some rich resonant bass and a warm, washed out topline which is drawn together with a classic sounding vocal sample. Cleverly put together and incredibly well balanced, this is a great late-night piece of house.
‘Sueno’ follows with a heavy, detailed drum track punctuated with light, breezy chords and a looping vocal excerpt. The upbeat vibe continues throughout which is a great counterpoint to the powerful drum/bass combination and with a brilliantly fluid arrangement, makes for a great piece of sun-soaked house.
The melodic old school vibes of ‘The Everlasting’ closes proceedings, and so memorably. With a massive Juno-esque bassline, classic keys and an 808 drum track it’s clearly a track influenced by times gone by but with modern production and Harris’ deft touch, is a suiting tribute drenched in real feeling. Another great outing for an imprint with a revered catalogue.
'The Everlasting' EP is released on vinyl on 11th October, and on Beatport from 25th October, with all other digital sites to release on 8th November.
The Classic NRK imprint delivers the third episode of its Deep Sensation mixes this October, with long-time A&R Nick Harris mixing up a selection of the labels singles output on one cd and a selection of unmixed highlights on another.
After a short break from releasing singles, label boss Harris revived the label’s 12” operations just over 12 months ago and has seen the label live up to it’s legendary history with tracks and mixes from the likes of Steve Bug, Kris Wadsworth, Spencer Parker, DJ Q and AlexKid – all featured here.
Harris himself has stepped out from behind the turntables and A&R desk in recent times, delivering a string of 12”s which have caught the imagination of a staggering list of DJs, from new blood like Seth Troxler through to veterans like Tedd Patterson. His tracks stand out from the crowd and this mix does the same, as good a sign as any that this music industry veteran is paradoxically one of the brightest new talents around.
Just as Carl Craig did with his epic RA Podcast earlier this year, Harris kicks off with Justin Drake’s remix of Amir’s ‘Narrativity’ and the mix takes hold immediately. Shifting through the bumping drums of Kruse & Nuernberg’s remix of Scope’s “This Rhythm” into the 3am trip that is Chris Lattner’s remix of Lewis Boardman, it’s evident from the off that groove rules but melody and texture more than ably assist.
From the darker edges of ultra-modern stripped house such as Amir’s “Anekdote” to the overtly old school sounds of DJ Q’s relentless ‘Superclique’ (allowed to stretch it’s legs for a full ten minutes, here), Deep Sensation III is a superbly executed snapshot of house music, culminating in the epic Paul Woolford remix of Shara Nelson and NuFrequencies “Go That Deep”.
Nick Harris, NRK and all of the artists showcased in Deep Sensation III are deserved of high praise, as no part of this label compilation falls short of excellent.
CD01 MIXED BY NICK HARRIS
01. Amir - Narrativity (Justin Drake Remix) 02. Scope - This Rhythm (feat. Sandra Lima) (Kruse & Nuernberg Remix) 03. Lewis Boardman – Mist (Chris Lattner Remix) 04. David Durango – Supernature (Matthew Styles Remix) 05. Nick Harris – Pony Trekkin 06. Spencer Parker – You Got Me 07. Amir – Anekdote 08. Alexkid & Rodriguez Jr. – Jeri Call 09. DJ Q – Superclique 10. Kruse & Nuernberg – Mirrorball 11. Scope – Frequencies (Steve Bug Flying Faders Remix) 12. Kris Wadsworth – Direct (David Alvarado Remix) 13. Ed Davenport – Overdub In Am 14. NUfrequency feat. Shara Nelson – Go That Deep (Paul Woolford Main Mix)
CD02 DJ FRIENDLY UNMIXED SELECTION
01. Nick Harris – Pony Trekkin 02. David Durango – Supernature (Matthew Styles Remix) 03. Scope – Frequencies (Steve Bug Flying Faders Remix) 04. Lewis Boardman – Mist (Chris Lattner Remix) 05. Scope - This Rhythm (feat. Sandra Lima) (Kruse & Nuernberg Remix) 06. Kris Wadsworth – Direct (David Alvarado Remix) 07. Kruse & Nuernberg – Mirrorball 08. Amir - Narrativity (Justin Drake Remix) 09. NUfrequency feat. Shara Nelson – Go That Deep (Paul Woolford Main Mix) 10. DJ Q – Superclique
Deep Sensation 3 is out on double CD and digital download as from October 25th
David Durango, the Swiss based DJ producer, responsible for some great deep and techy house on labels such as Poker Flat, Dessous, Viva and Resopal, follows up his “In The Last Orient EP” for NRK with a bumper package. The “Supernature EP” features two brand new tracks from David, with some added remix pressure from Matthew Styles and Daniel Kyo.
David’s unique sound is on showcase here with his three originals, always production with depth and a healthy soaking of reverb! On “Supernature”, a relaxed tempo picks up the pace with sprightly percussion and cymbals, layered vox and big chords, sweet deep house music at its finest. “Qubota” builds layer upon layer of swinging drum patterns, hypnotic organ stabs, trebly strings and FXd vocal snips; a well put together house track
On the remixes, Matthew Styles has been building a great profile over the years, with releases and mixes for Crosstown Rebels, BPitch Control, Rekids and Music For Freaks. His remix of “Supernature” is a muscular, shuffling house groove, tossing around the vocals from left to right, whilst keeping things strictly heads down.
And Daniel Kyo helps complete the package with his remix of “Qubota”. Kyo has been super busy the last couple of years, working his sound onto remixes and releases for Noir, Plastic City, lost My Dog and Milton Jackson’s Dark Energy label. His mammoth remix utilises simple 909 drums, building stabs and classic house bassline, breaking out into filtered piano riff that evokes shades of many a classic house record.
Selected DJ reactions;
Seth Troxler (Crosstown Rebels) – Love the remixes here! Brett Johnson (Classic) – Nice deephouse here, the remixes are my fav Funk D’Void (Soma) – Unbelievable! A shining diamond in an ocean of today’s musical tripe! Rocky (X-Press 2) – Loving Qubota, and played on the MOS show twice Davide Squillace (Ovum) – Good stuff on here Spencer Parker (Rekids) – Styles remix is amazing. Panorama Bar vibes!! Moodymanc (2020 Vision) – all nice tracks...liked the Orig of Supernature and Daniel Kyo's mix of Qubota in particular... Dean Mushin (Bearweasel) – Matthew in fine form as always, just rock solid house. Florian Kruse (Kruse & Nuernberg) – Very good EP!!!! Love it! Daniel with an amazing remix... MANIK (Ovum/Fresh Meat) – Nice release guys...NRK doing it up. Durango is a fav of mine for years and these tracks are legit. Remixes are nice too. Markus Liefke (Afrilounge) – good deepness here!!! like all tracks, especially the Matthew Styles RMX of "Supernature" will play!! Ed Davenport (Liebe Detail) – Wicked stuff.Matt Styles remix is dope Huxley (Ethyl & Huxley) – Kyo mix for me. Very old school house! very nice. Nils Nuernberg (8-Bit/Diynamic) – Wow... quality release! can't wait to play these out! thx a bunch! Timewriter (Plastic City) – Excellent EP here.Loving Supernature. Will play this for sure. Thanks Anthony Collins (Freak n Chic) – Matthew remix is bomb Robert Dietz (Cecille) – Matthew Styles remix is definitely the one for me... Chris Lattner (Moon Harbour) – Qubota is very cool! will play it!
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 Am" 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 Faki 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 features a remix by 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.
Selected DJ comments;
Paul Woolford (Space Ibiza) – Nick’s remix of “Curtain Call” and “Overdub In Am” sounding really good, will support Yousef (Underwater) – “Curtain Call” is excellent D’Julz (Ovum) – I like the moody vibe of Nick’s remix, nice one Laurent Garnier (F Comm) – Full support on both tracks from me, this is a strong release Tedd Patterson (Vibal) – I’m feeling “Overdub In Am”, nice Stacey Pullen (Transmat) – “Overdub In Am” is the shizzy! Will support Rocky (X-press 2) – Good stuff, feeling Nick’s remix and played on the MOS radio show Jim Rivers (Global Underground) – Brilliant remix from Nick, one of his best I think, top stuff! Pol_On (Freerange) – Solid release from NRK as always. Like the Nick Harris remix very much! Tini (Desolat) – Nice EP, my favourite is “Overdub In Am” Andrew Grant (DC10) – Original of “Curtain Call” and Nick’s remix for me Alland Byallo (Liebe Detail) – Incredible, Ed’s the man, I can’t wait to play the hell out of these original mixes Sasse (Mood Music) – Nick Harris remix rocks – old school baby! Ace EP Rob Salmon (Yoshitoshi) – Fantastic late night trax. Will support Alex Flitsch (Conaisseur Recs) – Strong release Ric McClelland (Scope) – Nick’s remix is my pick, sick bassline! Smokin Jo (Boys Own) – “Curtain Call” is wicked, love this tribal tech vibe Franck Roger (Real Tone) – Original Mix and Nick Harris Remix both really work for me, in my sets for sure Terry Francis (Fabric) – Nick’s remix is great Anja Schneider (Mobilee) – I very much like the Original Mix of “Curtain Call” Dan Drastic (Rekids) – “Curtain Call” is cool, thanks
David Durango, the Swiss based DJ producer, responsible for some great deep and techy house on labels such as Poker Flat, Dessous, Viva and Resopal, follows up his “In The Last Orient EP” for NRK with a bumper package.The “Supernature EP” features three brand new tracks from David, with some added remix pressure from Matthew Styles and Daniel Kyo.
David’s unique sound is on showcase here with his three originals, always production with depth and a healthy soaking of reverb! On “Supernature”, a relaxed tempo picks up the pace with sprightly percussion and cymbals, layered vox and big chords, sweet deep house music at its finest.“Qubota” builds layer upon layer of swinging drum patterns, hypnotic organ stabs, trebly strings and FXd vocal snips; a well put together house track.And the last of David’s originals, “Bad Room” is the more urgent sounding of all the tracks, with moody stabs and headnodding hats, very groovy club stuff from Mr. Durango.
On the remixes, Matthew Styles has been building a great profile over the years, with releases and mixes for Crosstown Rebels, BPitch Control, Rekids and Music For Freaks. His remix of “Supernature” is a muscular, shuffling house groove, tossing around the vocals from left to right, whilst keeping things strictly heads down. And Daniel Kyo helps complete the package with his remix of “Qubota”. Kyo has been super busy the last couple of years, working his sound onto remixes and releases for Noir, PlasticCity, Lost My Dog and Milton Jackson’s Dark Energy label.His mammoth remix utilises simple 909 drums, building stabs and classic house bassline, breaking out into filtered piano riff that evokes shades of many a classic house record.
David Durango’s “Supernature EP” will be available on 12” vinyl from August, and digital download in September.
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.
“Underground Goodies” is a collection of some of the rare nuggets, forgotten classics, heavy dubs and criminally ignored tracks to be found in NRK Music’s envious back catalogue. The label, now in its 14th year, digs deep……
Hi-lights on this digital compilation include older cuts from Chicago's Gemini, DJ Jes, Plastic Avengers, Sirus, Kings Of Tomorrow and Ian Pooley, and some tasty dubs and stripped down mixes from the likes of Nick Holder, Peace Division, Spencer Parker, Peter Dildo (Mountain People) and many more. All the material picked for the album holds up very well against todays productions, and firms up NRK's reputation as one of the best deep house labels around.
“Underground Goodies” also includes a new and exclusive track from NRK's Nick Harris. Titled "Under The Bridge", Nick submerges deep underground for a sparse, old skool house workout.
This digi album is available now on Beatport and Traxsource, with all other reputable digi sites to follow in the coming weeks. A 12" sampler is also out this month, featuring cuts from Kerri Chandler, Foremost Poets and Nick Holder.
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?
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
Bearweasel are firing on all cylinders right now, what with recent remixes for Soma, NRK, Classic, Viva and many more. Dean Mushin, one half of Bearweasel, selects his February choice cuts and current Bearweasel goodies for Beatport.
1. Telefon Tel Aviv - Immolate Yourself "Miss Fitz Rmx" (BPitch) 2. Martyn - Seventy Four "Redshape Rmx" (3024) 3. Freaks - Dance & Re-Ordered "Doc Martin Rmx" (MFF) 4. Mike Edge - Walking Alone (Sistrum) 5. The Persuader & ADNY - Omnipotent Tone (Earthtones) 6. Silicon Soul - Hurt People, Hurt People "Bearweasel Rmx" (Soma) 7. Alexkid & Rodriguez Jr - Le Doigt Africain "Bearweasel Linear Dub" (NRK) 8. Sonotheque - Sugar Blues "Bearweasel Lazy Dub" (Metroline Limited) 9. Beat Pharmacy - Pump "Bearweasel Extended Dub" (Steadfast) 10. MANDY & Bookashade - Donut "Bearweasel’s Lazy Dub" (Living The Dream) View Dean's chart on Beatport for clips and purchasing
Our friends over at Faith Fanzine (www.faithfanzine.com) ran a poll late last year amongst its readers to try and put the years 2000-2009 into some sort of musical context, and select the top house records of the "noughties". So many great tunes over ten years, but of course there are those that have/will stand the test of time, and these are the cuts that filtered through to the Top 15 Records Of The Noughties.
And we are pleased as punch to see two NRK signings (Kerri Chandler's "Bar A Thym" and Quentin Harris "Let's Be Young") right up there in the Top 5!
Thanks to Miles and his excellent blog "Beyond The Stars", you can check out the Top 15 here.
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
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 next month with a cheeky 3 track EP entitled "Uneasy Listening EP".
“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. Great club tackle from a seasoned pro!
“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.
"Uneasy Listening EP" will be released on 12" vinyl on February 15th, with a digital release two weeks later on 1st march.
