May 2012

Leaked late last week to coincide with our first real glimpse of summer, Barrientos brings the flavour with this soulful mix on vocal legend, Romanthony. Originally released back in 1995, this 8 minute reconstruction sees chords and keys work in perfect harmony to produce a grooving slice of Balearic beauty reminiscent of Crystal Waters. Here’s hoping blue skies make a swift return!

“I've never really pinned it down to anything, a narrative is created regardless of whether I feel the need to stick to the same palette of sounds or BPM�. As an opening quote that really defines what 22 year-old Tom Marshallsay aka forward-thinking experimentalist, Dam Mantle is all about. Infact, further to that, he’s probably managed to sum up just what defines forefront electronic music in 2012. So much emphasis is put on trying to label a ‘sound’ these days that it can sometimes smother it, and in the case of Dam Mantle, this simply doesn’t apply – certainly not from his perspective anyway.

INTERVIEW W/ Dam Mantle

It was perhaps too good to last, but at least there were some talented types on hand to capture it. Last week we were of course blessed with some incredible weather across Britain which encouraged people to party alfresco and make the most of a truly sensational heatwave. As we reported in our preview, iAM struck gold as temperatures soared and clubbers ventured onto The Clyde for a hedonistic boat party featuring Welsh quartet, C.R.S.T. With the sun setting over the tranquil water and 240 of you going hell-for-leather, it was perhaps the ultimate way to set off the summer.

Believe it or not, we first featured Sega Bodega (or simply ‘Peace’ as he was previously known) back in February 2011, and since then he has developed into one of Glasgow’s most exciting new talents. From being featured as part of the Scotman’s Radar series, to picking up remixes for the likes of Jakwob and recently being booked to play XOYO, his status as a producer has certainly soared over the last twelve months and it looks set to continue that way.

As Lil Silva works in Armand Van Helden’s 1999 classic ‘U Don’t Know Me’ over a tirade of rattling bass, the Sub Club’s dancefloor explodes with an outburst of pure joy - underpinned of course by some heavy-duty skanking. The grin on Silva’s face says it all, turning to the visual director with an expression which is a mixture of satisfaction and disbelief. But then this is perhaps somewhat typical of How’s Your Party? The Mixed Bizness monthly has never taken itself too seriously, and even with London’s Night Slugs in effect there is still an opportunity for a playful moment amid the smoky atmosphere.

So here we are then, melting into a weekend of blissful sunshine and what will hopefully be a long, hot summer. How better could we sign of this week than with a free download from the ever dependable Grobbie? Fresh from releases on Tuff Wax and a recent signing to the Ill Booking Agency, he has decided to unearth this feel-good gem to see you purposefully vibing through Friday night. Taking on the instantly memorable vocals of T2’s 2007 hit ‘Heartbroken’ and wrapping them round uplifting synths and a reflective bassline, this couldn’t have been better timed. Take this one to the park…

As producers Simian Mobile Disco are both classy and tasteful, and that was certainly reflected last night at Optimo. To the crowd’s delight, James Ford and Jas Shaw took it right back to basics with a modern selection of classic House & Techno, providing a fitting finale to a varied and eclectic weekend in Glasgow.

Well, perhaps somewhat predictably, today’s Local Hero Award has been influenced quite heavily by the scintillating weather, and when we heard Esa & Mervin Granger’s utterly astounding ‘I Knew This Crazy Bird, our decision was obvious. Creating an atmosphere of pure bliss, the combination of Balearic chords, reflective synths and a vocal sample which is lighter than air makes this the ultimate embodiment of summer. Exceptional stuff.

We have a confession to make – when pressing play on Taz Buckfaster’s Synth Presents mix for the first time we had a preconception of what it might sound like: contorted bass, epic synths and an outright filthy demeanor. While his mix might contain traces of these elements, the all-out dub-fest we were expecting was infact replaced by something altogether more exciting. Being pigeonholed is certainly a terrible thing, and it’s something Tarik Cherkaoui goes to great lengths to avoid. As you’ll hear, his mix for us gleams with a futuristic flare which immediately discounts it as being simple ‘Dubstep’. Promoting a truly diverse cross-section of the upper tempo, Taz is someone who is keen to prove that 140 doesn’t automatically mean ‘screw-face’.

INTERVIEW W/ Taz Buckfaster

So it was the final episode of Synth on Subcity Radio this week before broadcast ceases for the summer, and with the sun finally making a long overdue appearance we had nothing but straight flavour to hit you with. Kicking things off with some exceptional new music from the likes of Esa & Mervin Granger, Mirrors and This Is I, we then launched head-first into a specially extended mix by Dominic Martin.

As people can probably tell, we’re somewhat excited about the weather here in Glasgow. Visitors from warmer climes may find it surprising, but at the first glimpse of sunshine, tops (or ‘taps’) will come off, there is a daily mass migration to the park and the happiness index increases tenfold. Considering we live in one of the wettest places on earth, even one day of unadulterated sunshine is somewhat of a novelty, so you must excuse us while we revel in this rare occurrence...

Say it quietly, but word on the street is that summer is here to stay. After months of drudgery there is reportedly two weeks worth of wonderful weather ahead of us and for those promoters who have planned events alfresco, this is probably the best news they've heard all year. For Tictactoe, the long-range forecast has been looking sweet for a while now, as plans a for third-birthday extravaganza were revealed late last month boasting a tantalising line up. Over the last three years the continually on-point House & Techno event has brought Glasgow some of the very finest names to grace the circuit, with debut appearances from the likes of Seth Troxler, Art Department & Dinky, as well as special showcases from Cadenza and Circo Loco.

There’s perhaps no point in reiterating the ‘over-saturation’ theme in Glasgow. Like it or not, it’s part of the city’s foundation. And does it matter? To some the fact that every weekend you can pick and choose between all manner of big name DJs, up coming live acts and local ‘ones to watch’ is a privilege which not many other city’s can boast. This weekend for example, you have the option of getting sweaty to the sound of Night Slugs at the Sub Club, a four hour Techno-education from Slam or skanking your heart out with Congo Natty & Tenor Fly, and that’s not to mention other appearances by X-Press 2, Auntie Flo, Arp 101 and Iration Steppas.

INTERVIEW W/ Palace

Just when the entire country was on the brink of a fairly prolific SAD epidemic and Prince Charles had managed to induce a virtual hurricane with his Royal forecast, the sun has finally decided to make an appearance and remind us all that it is infact summer. And for the 240 of you who will be gathering at Pacific Quay tomorrow night for iAM’s first ever boat party, this will come as great relief.

INTERVIEW W/ Submerse

It’s been a while since the Local Hero Award went to an unsigned track, but sometimes you just have to make the exception. Earlier this week we were sent four new tunes from the superbly fresh Cruffy, which apart from emanating some serious ghetto-bounce, also fit in perfectly with Glasgow’s futuristic Hip Hop vision. Our favourite cut is ‘Girls’ – a skewed reflection of early Skream in Pharrell Williams' perfectly polished chrome rims.

For all the murmurings about Glasgow’s club scene being over-saturated and too competitive, sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind and get on with it. If you have a large group of friends and want to put a party on for them (and anyone else who fancies popping along), then the fact that some high-ranking powerhouse is playing down the street just doesn’t matter. And that is how Midnight Cowboy - a new monthly get down at Flat 0/1 - have approached things.

INTERVIEW W/ Midnight Cowboy

Perhaps one of the greatest pleasures of this job is spotting talent early and then watching it flourish. Scrolling through Soundcloud once a week for the past two years, we have found some truly incredible music which in our eyes deserves even further exposure. To avoid sounding like self-aggrandising pricks we won’t suggest that we have by any means influenced the success of any of the producers we choose to highlight, but certainly discovering that unsigned gem and then shouting about it is one of the most satisfying aspects of Synth. And perhaps the best example of this gratifying foresight is the recently signed John Smyth aka This Is I – one to watch and definitely someone who caught our attention from the start.

INTERVIEW W/ This Is I

Following a string of highly successful collaborations with Mungo’s Hi Fi in which they brought the likes of Digital Dubs, Kenny Knots and Charlie P to Glasgow, Chungo Bungo are well on their way to establishing themselves as one of the main players when it comes to Reggae/Dancehall in Scotland. Rolling with a full crew and recently claiming residency at iAM’s weekly shindig in Edinburgh, it’s no wonder their trademark ‘GLA’ t-shirts are in high demand.

There’s been no escaping the rapid rise of Russian starlet, Nina Kraviz. Over the last five years or so she’s carved a name for herself which is based on a deep understanding of the dancefloor and an unbridled passion which is apparent in everything she does. Quite rightly stating that “there should be something wrong if a DJ doesn’t dance�, her attitude towards playing records is pure, healthy and completely organic. And with regards to her opinion concerning the presence of a DJ, we couldn’t agree more – those who spend their time concentrating inanely on what they're doing while the dancefloor thrives in front of them should reassess just why they’re playing records in the first place.

It’s been hard to ignore Auntie Flo over the last few weeks. In-between album launches at Fabric and La Cheetah, the growing popularity of his flagship night Highlife at the Sub Club, various promotional videos and the general chug of the perpetually rolling hype machine, Goan-born Brian D’Souza has no doubt had little time to breathe. Well, now he can relax. Debut extended player/mini album, ‘Future Rhythm Machine’ has dropped, and we’re pleased to report it doesn’t disappoint.

Fresh from announcing the release details of his much hyped collaboration project with Lunice, while also delivering an outstanding remix for Bjork, it seems Hudson Mohawke has yet even more up his sleeve as the Glaswegian super-talent teams up with Nick Hook for ‘Jumanji’ – a track produced for Azealia Banks new mixtape ‘Fantastic’.

If there was one thing that stayed with those who witnessed the events of last Sunday (which certainly didn’t include their dignity), it would be the ring of BASEDGOD aka Lil B echoing in their ears - along with some extensive bruising thanks to a truly frantic crowd. At barely half past 11 Nice N Sleazy’s was almost at full capacity, yet the hoards kept coming to revel in the launch weekend of Palace – Glasgow’s freshest new events project. On the final evening of the aforementioned launch, Palace had offered a line up that any dedicated party goer would go mad for.

We’ve been meaning to post about this for a while as it caused quite a buzz when the first episode aired last month. This is Kingdom Level, a radio show dedicated to slowing things down, way down. Conceptualised by Synth favourite, Cur$es and proving to be both entertaining and rather clever, you’ll find some mainstream-monsters, club classics and straight-up party tunes pitched down to an almost grinding pace.

Following on from the long-awaited announcement regarding the first release from TNGHT (Hudmo’s collaboration project with Lunice), the Glaswegian super-producer has also put his hand to Bjork’s ‘Biophilia’ track, ‘Virus’. Much like his recent remix for Battles, this show’s a more delicate side to his hyperbolic vision, taking Bjork’s off-kilter vocals and wrapping them round an altogether extravagant (but gentle) soundscape.

The Arches is packed from wall to wall. Sweat is practically dripping from the ceiling and the atmosphere is nothing short of electric. Slam have just dropped their 1993 Techno anthem, ‘Positive Education’ and the reaction is comparable to Maradona’s ‘goal of the century’. Some throw their hands in the air, others are heads-down, nailed to the floor by that acidic bassline. Tonight is special, as not only has Laurent Garnier brought his LBS show to town, but Slam are celebrating something of a landmark in their quite incredible career.

INTERVIEW W/ Slam & Dave Clarke

It’s been a long time coming and the hype is at an almost ferocious level, but LuckyMe have finally released details of the forthcoming TNGHT single, ‘Bugg’n’. The collaboration between Glaswegian visionary Hudson Mohawke and his Canadian counterpart Lunice, has been floating about in various forms for the last four months or so, mainly as a rip from Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 show, but now you can stream the whole thing via TNGHT’s youtube channel.

There’s a subtle buzz surrounding Glasgow-based radio show and label, All Caps. Unlike most other collectives in the city, they don’t feel the need to blast Facebook with constant updates or plaster the streets with posters. Kicking things off with their first show on Subcity Radio back in December 2008, All Caps have made a name for themselves through faultless mixing and an ability to pull out forgotten classics with almost instinctive precision.

Well, what a month. If ever there was to be a worthy celebration of one of the best clubs in the world, then that was it. Glasgow’s beloved Sub Club turned 25 last month, and since then we’ve enjoyed exceptional appearances from the likes of Carl Craig, Seth Troxler, Optimo, Andrew Weatherall, Ivan Smagghe and Magda, making April 2012 one of the most financially debilitating, but utterly memorable months of all time. From the ceiling partially caving in on Dixon to the aforementioned Seth Troxler making his astonishing debut, this has been a truly unforgettable experience for all involved.

Whether it’s his Monday night residency at Burn, his massively on-point and hugely popular show on Capital FM, or simply one of his instantly gratifying mixes which we bring you today, you can always depend on MASH to deliver. Having been a stable on the Glasgow scene for some time, he has developed an ornate passion for both local and international talent, striving to showcase what he regards as essential listening.

Unlike most other cities, Glasgow has one unique drawback: a strict licensing law which insists on a curfew of 3am. Luckily, for those who aren’t quite ready to hit MacDonald’s or perhaps even their bed, there is an after-hours culture which has risen to cater for the club heads. Most of the venues are pretty well known by now, so when ‘Wake’ announced their latest party at a secret location, there was a lot of speculation as to where it might be held.

So most of you have probably already seen this, but since it’s such a creative approach to online pr and GIF mastery in general, we thought it would be nice to sign off with it as we head into the weekend. This is the E-Flyer for Vitamins latest soiree, and as you can see, someone has gone to town on the graphics interchange format creating a truly memorable identity for their party on May 19^th.

It was only a matter of time before John Smyth aka This Is I got noticed. Formally producing under the name Dynamode but now rolling solo, he was a main-fixture on Synth last year with a handful of quality demos screaming out for attention. One such demo was the superbly reflective, ‘Round & Round’ - a Diana Ross sampling, sunset groover which has since been picked up by Love Not Money Records for release in July.

There’s a certain element of ‘feel-good’ that surrounds Auntie Flo. From the hyper-vibrant artwork used to promote flagship night Highlife, to the instinctive rhythm which consolidates his music, there is something truly uplifting about Brian D’Souza and his worldly vision - and we’re not talking about an over-subscribed use of the word ‘vibes’ or likening him to some type of ‘friend of the earth’. Venture down to the Sub Club during one of his events and you’ll find a localised carnival which encourages an open mind and an invitation to dance, really dance. Co-promoted with Huntleys and Palmers, Highlife has served as a launch pad for Auntie Flo, and this Saturday they bring the party to La Cheetah for the launch of his long-awaited extended release ‘Future Rhythm Machine’.

INTERVIEW W/ Auntie Flo

It’s Friday night at a secret warehouse party in Glasgow’s city centre. Through the crowds of sweaty punters we stumble across Mirrors, who with bottle of Buckfast in hand, informs us that he has just sent us yet another two demos to check out when we get home. Parting ways, we promise to have a listen later, and at 7am, in a slightly less stable state than we were earlier, the speakers go on. The two tracks are ‘Aquarius’ and ‘Things’, both gleaming with a future-funk which has become central to the Mirrors sound. Although only in their demo form, they won’t stay under wraps for long.

INTERVIEW W/ Mirrors

We wouldn’t like to suggest that there is any type of heated rivalry between Glasgow and Edinburgh, but in the case of Smirnoff’s recent ‘Battle Of The Clubs’ competition, there was. Promising to organise a night of exceptional music and outstanding visuals, it was put to the punters to vote for either the capital’s Liquid Rooms or our own Arches to host an extravaganza worthy of the winning club’s resulting popularity. Voting in your hundreds, The Arches has recently been announced as triumphant, revealing that on Saturday May 19^th a whole host of local talent will warm up for the scintillating sounds of Starmsith, living legend Fred Falke and larger than life Electro-siren Felix Da Housecat.