PREVIEW: Pressure Presents…Gary Beck 'Bring A Friend' Album Launch & 10 Years Of Watergate

Pressure don’t do things by halves. Each month without fail they bring the cream of Techno to the dark, cavernous space of The Arches, making the last Friday of every month one of the biggest nights in Britain. This week of course is no exception as they bring a double-header of overwhelming proportions. Not only is legendary Berlin club Watergate passing through as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations, but local hero and Soma-favourite, Gary Beck will be launching his debut album ‘Bring A Friend’ with a special headline set which is sure to have sweat dripping from the walls…

Watergate’s influence over the last decade is of course well documented. Recognised as one of the most essential club experiences in the world, its unrivalled views over the river Spree, extended parties that can last well into the next day and of course the cream of electronic talent on a weekly basis have made it a thing of legend. With Circoloco regular Matthias Tanzmann, Watergate residents Pan-Pot and the consistently damaging &Me all representing, you can expect ‘Arch2’ to be nothing short of electric on Friday night. Considering Watergate’s notoriety for dark, intense parties, there is perhaps no where better to continue their celebrations.

But it is of course the launch of Gary Beck’s new album ‘Bring A Friend' that we’re most excited about. Following on from a series of essential EPs and singles, including the deliriously sexy ‘Diva’ and of course his 2008 classic ‘Consumed’, his intoxicating debut has not only met our xpectations, but surpassed them. Creeping in with all the suspense of an approaching storm, ‘Bring A Friend’ showcases an impressive dexterity to the normally hard-edged producer, and while the dancefloor is fully represented, tracks like ‘Little Moon’ provide a more insightful perspective. A complete, comprehensive and energising listen, there could be no better pre-pressure soundtrack.

Check out a full sampler of 'Bring A Friend' below as well as an interview with Gary and a competition to win a copy of the album:

Gary Beck - Bring A Friend (Soma CD100) by soma

Synth: Debut album 'Bring A Friend' was released this month via Soma, but let's firstly talk about the journey leading up to this point. You've had major success with singles such as 'Diva' and 'Consumed', when did you decide to start working towards an album and what influenced that decision?

Gary: I had always wanted to do an album. I found myself always writing new EP's and  singles, so I decided the time was right to do an album. Initially the plan was to do a down-tempo experimental album however this completely changed as time went by! There is now definitely a more Techno sound going on.

Synth: As a producer it would be fair to say that you're very dancefloor orientated, how does that reflect on the album? Would you describe it as a club record or have you taken the opportunity to build in different rhythms and styles?

Gary: The album has lots of different styles, although there are a few tracks on the album which are very dancefloor orientated like 'Hopkin', 'Algoreal' and 'Before The Crash'. I felt it was important to showcase different sounds and I think this can be heard in tracks such as 'Skiver' and 'Little Moon'. I don’t believe an album should be made up of 10 pounding techno tracks!

Synth: You'll be launching 'Bring A Friend' at Pressure this Friday, for those who might not have caught you before, how does a Gary Beck set take shape? Presumably you'll be taking the opportunity to celebrate as well?

Gary: I will be playing most of my own material. This is how I usually construct my sets. I play lots of tracks which will never be released in order to keep the set as unique and original as possible. However for this event I'll be showcasing some album tracks, especially the more dancefloor orientated ones! I'll have a few beers for sure! Although I have to go direct to the airport for my album party at Tresor Berlin.


Gary Beck - 'Bring A Friend'

Synth: Looking through your tour schedule you have dates in Ibiza, Paris and Tokyo, is Glasgow still somewhere you look forward to playing and how do you think the city has influenced you over the years?

Gary: Glasgow has been a massive influence to me over the years! Unfortunately I don’t play here that often, however when I do, its always great fun, especially meeting up with the Soma crew.

Synth: Your own label Bek Audio has been putting out some great stuff over the last few years, including a recent single from Harvey McKay, how would you define the label's sound and what do you look for in signing a record?

Gary: The label is going great at the moment. We are releasing the more energetic raw Techno style from artists such as Mark Broom, Ben Sims and Mr. G, although we are very open to other styles, as long as its raw and analogue sounding!

Synth: Finally, looking into the future, can you see further album releases following 'Bring A Friend' and what else are you looking forward to over 2012?

Gary: I will do another album in the future, however in the meantime the focus will only be on BEK Audio. We want to develop the label as much as possible so I’m really looking forward to that.

Synth: Having listened to ‘Bring A Friend’ multiple times now we can confirm that this is a truly essential record for those who like their club music with a confident, driving edge. If you’d like to get your hands on a copy courtesy of the guys at Soma and us here at Synth, then simply type ‘BRING A FRIEND’ on our Facebook wall and we’ll pick a winner at random. Check below for full terms & conditions.

Terms & Conditions: Please note that this prize is for one copy of Gary Beck’s album ‘Bring A Friend’ courtesy of Soma. There will be one winner. The competition closes at 5pm on Friday 28th September and the winner will be notified and announced via Facebook shortly after. Soma will send the winner the album.

Gary Beck 'Bring A Friend' is available now via Soma.

WHAT: Pressure Presents...Gary Beck 'Bring A Friend' Album Launch & 10 Years Of Watergate 
WHO: Gary Beck, Chris Liebing, Slam, Matthias Tanzmann, Pan-Pot, &Me
WHERE: The Arches, 253 Argyle Street, G2 8DL, Glasgow
WHEN: Fri 26th Sep // 11-4am
TAX: £16 Advance
TICKETS: Arches Website
FACEBOOK EVENT: http://www.facebook.com/events/421539407881951/

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