NRK Music - An official statement

Contrary to certain internet reports, NRK Music will continue to trade under the new company, Strobelight Limited. However, it is correct that NRK Sound Division Ltd. has gone into administration. Here is an official statement from label boss, Nick Harris…

"It is with great regret and sadness to tell you that NRK SOUND DIVISION LTD. went into administration on Friday 30th January, meaning that the company has dissolved. However, the sale of the assets, intellectual properties, contracts, publishing, stock and copyright of NRK SOUND DIVISION LTD. has been made to STROBELIGHT LTD. of which I have been appointed a Director of. The new company will continue to trade as NRK MUSIC.

This means that NRK MUSIC will continue as from today, Monday 13th February, under "new management”. The label will stay committed to releasing fresh, interesting and quality music releases across all the release formats; digital, vinyl and compact disc.

New compilation releases from Spirit Catcher (Coast2Coast), DJ Sneak (Back In The Box) and Loco Dice (The Lab), remain on course for release over the coming months, and will be distributed worldwide through Ministry Of Sound/Universal. I am also committed to releasing brand new material from a variety of house and techno artists, so watch this space! Thank you to all those who have supported NRK since we started the label in 1996, and it is hoped that this will be a new chapter for NRK Music. Special thanks to all the artists that have helped shape the label over the years, and their understanding with this matter".

Nick Harris

Loco Dice experiments in The Lab

Tunisian born, Dusseldorf raised, Loco Dice has firmly established himself as a major player in the electronic techno house field with an incredible reputation as both DJ and producer. Beginning his career as a hip-hop MC and Urban DJ, supporting the likes of Snoop Dog, Ice Cube and Jamiroquai all over Germany in the early 90s, Dice made the switch to more house orientated beats in the latter part of the decade, spinning at legendary German clubs such as La Rocca and Tribehouse.

Perhaps the style that has elevated Loco Dice to A list DJ status has been the minimal techno explosion over the last few years, but quite simply, Loco Dice plays house music, “deep, groovy, chunky, driving, 123 Music for the terrace” as he describes it. A residency at the now legendary DC10 in Ibiza and an association with fellow German DJ/producer, Timo Maas, propelled Loco Dice to the fore, with hot productions on labels such as 4:20. Ovum Recordings, Cocoon, M_nus and Cadenza Records. And let’s not forget his own label, Desolat, an imprint that has fired out a select bunch of records that all hit the spot.

And so to The Lab, a new series of DJ mix compilations launched by undisputed Kings Of House, NRK Music. Each mix in The Lab series will be a double CD of forward thinking electronic dance music, a platform for the selector to experiment with sound and rhythm, and create a 2 hour + mix that folk are gonna talk about! And Loco Dice does not disappoint; just shy of 30 tracks over two discs, with a mixture of all the styles that make up the Loco Dice sound. Disc One concentrates on the darker club moments, otherworldly and hypnotic grooves from the likes of Terrence Dixon, Kerri Chandler, Second Hand Satellites, Robert Dietz, and other leaders of the nu school sound….intelligent minimal dance but with a great groove and swing….. Disc Two ploughs a deeper house path, winding things down a little from Disc One’s upfront and urgent selection. Many familiar names make up this second mix; dance veterans such as Nick Holder, 95 North, Audio Soul Project, Tyree Cooper and Terry Lee Brown Jr mix it up with Franck Roger and Alix Alvarez beats, and contemporary deepness from Sascha Dive and Daso & Pawas. Mightily impressive stuff from Loco Dice, who is set to have a huge year in 2009, and a great start to NRK’s latest series, The Lab.

The Lab 01, compiled & mixed by loco Dice, will be released on March 16th on 2CD (Mixed), 2CD (Unmixed), two 12" vinyl samplers and a ful digital album release.

DJ Sneak gives an insight into his Back In The Box selection

After the staggering dig-in-the-crates that was Dave Clarke’s Back In The Box, the legendary DJ Sneak gets his hands dirty delivering his mix for the prestigious series from leading UK house label, NRK Music.

Having somewhat of a renaissance of late due to an infamous back-to-back session with Ricardo Villalobos, Sneak aka Carlos Sosa has a history of continually staying ahead of trends and making house and techno that really matters. This makes him the perfect Back In The Box candidate, where unearthed gems and anthems from days gone by are delivered with a fresh outlook.

Kicking off with Blak ‘n’ Spanish “Call Da Vibe”, Sneaks two CD mix (accompanied by an unmissable unmixed CD) captures the best of an era where US production hallmarks like the heavy 909 drums and latin rhythms collided with European interpretations of house from the likes of Bob Sinclair, Ian Pooley and Daft Punk. Highlights include the latter’s truly classic remix of I:Cube’s ‘Disco Cubism’, Sneak’s own smash ‘You Can’t Hide from Your Bud’ and the ultra rare Mood II Swing remix of BT’s ‘Remember’ but it’s impossible to pick with a tracklisting this perfect.

Swing, shuffle, groove or whatever you’d like to call it, DJ Sneak has it in bucketloads and it runs through this mix like an artery feeding hyperactive organs, or something like that. Quick but smooth mixes and the ability to change atmosphere and tempo mean Sneak’s mix is essential stuff, not just for punters but also for DJs as he can safely be called a DJ’s DJ as well as a floor rocker.

Born Carlos Sosa, he moved with his family from Puerto Rico to Chicago in the early 80s, and by the early 90s was instrumental in the Chicago house renaissance, spearheaded by the legendary Cajual and Relief record labels, and a pool of hot talent such as Paul Johnson, Gemini, Cajmere/Green Velvet, Derrick Carter, Glen Underground and many more. His productions have influenced and innovated, and he was enlisted by fans Daft Punk to contribute to their 2001 single, “Digital Love”. Sneak currently resides in Toronto, Canada,

This is essential, life affirming stuff!

CD01 (mixed by DJ Sneak)
01. Blak 'n' Spanish – Call Da Vibe
02. Freeform Five ft. Carolyn Harding – One Day (Freeform Re - Form Dub)
03. BT – Remember (Mood II Swing Dub Mix)
04. Blue Boy – Sandman
05. Chris Simmonds - Rush n Soul
06. Mousse T - Ooh Song
07. Deepah Ones – In The Sky
08. Johnny Corporate – Sunday Shoutin (B Boys Shoutin Dub)
09. Global Communication – The Way
10. Studio 45 pres Le Pamp Playhouse - I Like The Sounds
11. Bob Sinclar – Visions Of Paradise
12. Cheek – Venus (Sunshine People Mix)
13. Cajmere feat. Dajae – Brighter Days (Underground Goodie)
14. The Brand New Heavies – Shelter (Danny D Mix)
15. Cricco Castelli – Life Is Changing
16. DJ D presents Hydraulic Dogs - Shake It For Me (Original Mix)

CD02 (mixed by DJ Sneak)
01. Markus Nikolai - Bushes (The First Re-Creation) (Version 1.2)
02. Johnny Fiasco – Conduction
03. Secret Ingredients - Chicago Chicago
04. The Chicago Connection – Dancin’ (Mark Grant Mix)
05. DJ Sneak – You Can’t Hide From Your Bud
06. Paul Johnson – Hit It Up
07. DJ Sneak - All Over My Face
08. Roach Motel pres. 2 Stupid Dogz – Trouble
09. Deaf n Dumb ft. S. Leger & Nicholas de Floraiant – Holiday On Night
10. I-Cube - Disco Cubism (Daft Punk Mix)
11. Happy Human – Horn Junk
12. C-Dock – Traffic Jam
13. Ian Pooley – Higgledy Piggledy
14. Bob Sinclar – The Ghetto (Original Cleared Version)
15. Fantom – Faithfull (Original Mix Par Fantom)

DJ Sneak talks us through some of his selections, more detailed commentary will appear in the CD booklet…

Global Communication – The Way
This was a masterpiece of a tune produced by Tom Middleton and Mark Pritchard. Global Communication broke thru and created the most incredible vibe with each release they dropped.

Bob Sinclar – Visions Of Paradise
Part of a very smashing LP, Monsieur Sinclar first broke thru with some of the best house music from France. Visions was part of a great selection of really great produced house bangers that are still on rotation.

The Brand New Heavies – Shelter (Danny D Mix)
This is by far one of DJ Sneak’s Top 10 records of house music. Danny D delivered a HUGE deep house classic, The Brand New Heavies were heavy, but this remix broke them to a whole new crowd. Massive Respect!

DJ Sneak – You Can’t Hide From Your Bud
After trying to hide from my bud while working on a beat, I decided to give into my urges and get blunted … this track was the amazing result. I feel that this record best describes my sound as well as the sound that ruled the ‘90’s. U Can’t Hide became the track that let the world know that DJ Sneak was in the house!

Ian Pooley – Higgledy Piggledy
Ian Pooley blasted into the hi life and into many people’s record boxes with this really raw Jackin’ track. This track can get anybody caught sleeping in a club up on their feet and Dancin.

Chris Simmonds - Rush n Soul
One of London’s best kept secrets, my man Chris did the dirty on this track. It’s a very structured & solid DEEP HOUSE jam that will live forever in the history of real house music.

DJ Sneak's "Back In The Box" is out 28th February 2009 on double mix CD, double unmixed CD, vinyl samplers and digital album.

www.nrkmusic.com/backinthebox

Spirit Catcher's Coast2Coast out next month

Belgium’s Spirit Catcher inject some futuristic minimal grooves into the Coast2Coast series with an accomplished blend of tech-soul & future funk from the likes of Carl Craig, Johnny D, Jerome Sydenham & many more…

Spirit Catcher have carved out a very solid name for themselves over the past few years, with releases on labels such as Freerange, 2020 Vision, SAW Recordings and Mood Music, as well as blistering live sets across the globe. Their unique sound of disco flicked, driving techno house has rocked crowds all over Europe and into South America and Australia, and of late their sound has taken on a more energetic pace.

The Spirit Catcher Coast2Coast offering reflects the varied influences of Jean Vanesse and Thomas Sohet. Respected producers such as Carl Craig and Jerome Sydenham represent musically alongside leaders of the new school, Johnny D, Daniel Stefanik, Peter Dildo, Moodymanc and Johnjon.

An energetic mix, but with plenty of depth and soul, Spirit Catcher’s Coast2Coast comes with a bonus unmixed CD, a must for all CD-DJs and those who like to bulk up their iPod with some choice dance cuts.

NRK’s respected Coast2Coast series has been at the forefront of the underground house compilation market since the series surfaced in 2006. Other DJs to have contributed to the series so far include Âme, Kerri Chandler, Miguel Migs, X-Press 2 and Charles Webster.

Spirit Catcher - Coast2Coast - is released on 9th February 2009 on double CD and digital album.

01. Soul Designer - DDNA
02. James Talk & Ridney - Sunshyne
03. Raiders Of The Lost ARP - Summer 1986
04. Matthias Tanzmann - Swim (Peter Dildo Swimming In Deep Water Remix)
05. Bart Skils & Anton Pieete AKA District One - One 2 One
06. Johnny D - Orbitalife
07. Prompt - Evolve
08. Leif - OHNH
09. BLM - Nacho
10. Motorcitysoul - Fantasy (Daniel Stefanik Remix)
11. H.O.S.H. – Steppenwolf (Jerome Sydenham's Blacktro Dub Remix)
12. Moodymanc - Coleman
13. Johnjon - Meanwhile (Kollektiv Turmstrasse remix)
14. Tribe – Livin’ In A New Day (C2 remix)

NRK Music's Review Of The Year

As we draw to the end of the year, it's a time to reflect on another busy year at NRK HQ. Whilst the music industry has again taken a year of hard knocks (stores closing, distributors going bust, the decline in sales etc.) this has not stopped some quality music being produced this year, and another busy year in the clubs, with new DJs breaking through and new genres creeping in.

So this month we look at the tunes and albums released on NRK over the last 12 months. Many of these releases are included in our annual Winter Sale, so have a browse around the NRK shop and see if there's a bargain that takes your ear! Many 12" singles are available from £1.50, many CDs and mix comps available from £2.99, and tee-shirts have been reduced to £9.99.

So really, just to wish you a all a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year, thanks for all the support in 2008, and you'll be hearing from us very soon with some exciting new releases from NRK in 2009.

Check out our Review Of The Year newsletter

Paul Woolford remixes "Go that Deep"

"Go That Deep" has been one of those records that comes along every once in a while, wafting in like a breath of fresh air in a music scene busting with productions of differing quality. The unmistakable voice of Shara Nelson combined with the always on form Charles Webster, as chief remixer for "Go That Deep". Starting life as a downtempo song from Italy's Nufrequency, and picking up legendary deep house status from Webster, the track was also propelled to the fore, courtesy of great club remixes from Redanka and Skylark.

And so we leave the last word on "Go That Deep" (perhaps), to Paul Woolford, a remixer who was chomping at the bit to tackle the quite difficult task of remixing a future classic. Wooly has gone for the jugular on his two mixes here, utilising a part of the original vocal from Shara Nelson, and laying down a heavy and epic production that will certainly grab your ears. Very techno, very big, and hopefully a remix that will blow the socks off the party massive when dropped at the right moment. Wooly road tested this remix during his Ibiza Space residency this Summer, and by the grin on his face when I last saw him, I'd say it has the right effect! And most recently, Pete Tong and X-Press 2 have dropped the remix on their respective Radio 1 and Kiss FM shows!

Wooly's mixes of "Go That Deep" are out on December 15th, exclusively on Beatport.

Listen to a clip of Paul Woolford's "Go That Deep" remix

Exclusive news of Spirit Catcher's Coast2Coast mix

Belgium’s Spirit Catcher inject some futuristic minimal grooves into the Coast2Coast series with an accomplished blend of tech-soul & future funk from the likes of Carl Craig, Johnny D, Jerome Sydenham & many more… Available from mid-January, Spirit Catcher's C2C mix is the 9th compilation in the series that has so far had stellar contributions from Âme, Kerri Chandler, Miguel Migs, X-Press 2 and Charles Webster and others.

Spirit Catcher have carved out a solid name for themselves over the past few years, with releases on labels such as Freerange, 2020 Vision, SAW Recordings and Mood Music, as well as blistering live sets across the globe. Their unique sound of disco flicked, driving techno house has rocked crowds all over Europe and into South America and Australia, and of late their sound has taken on a more energetic pace.

The Spirit Catcher Coast2Coast offering reflects the varied influences of Jean Vanesse and Thomas Sohet. Respected producers such as Carl Craig and Jerome Sydenham represent musically alongside leaders of the new school, Johnny D, Daniel Stefanik, Peter Dildo, Moodymanc and Johnjon.

An energetic mix, but with plenty of depth and soul, Spirit Catcher’s Coast2Coast comes with a bonus unmixed CD, a must for all CD-DJs and those who like to bulk up their iPod with some choice dance cuts. The double CD is out on January 26th and will also be available as a digital album. Full tracklisting to be announced soon....

H.O.S.H. - Steppenwolf (Jerome Sydenham Mix)
Johnjon - Meanwhile (Kollectiv Turmstrasse Remix)
Matthias Tanzmann - Swim (Peter Dildo Remix)
BLM - Nacho
Motorcitysoul - Fantasy (Daniel Stefanik Remix)