Synth Presents...2012

It would perhaps be a bit overly emphatic to describe Glasgow Underground head-honcho Kevin McKay as an unsung hero, but given his continued support and sustained enthusiasm for the city’s burgeoning and seemingly endless local talent, then you’ll soon understand why we chose to give him the spotlight. Having launched Glasgow Underground in 1997, he has strived to release only the very finest club-cuts, ranging from vocal legend, Romanthony to DJ Q and Milton Jackson.

INTERVIEW W/ Kevin McKay

Regular visitors to this blog will be fully aware of our quite justified excitement for Mia Dora. Over the past two years we’ve witnessed one of Glasgow’s most intriguing partnerships carve their own path into electronic music, taking a direct approach which should serve as inspiration to any aspiring artist. There have been no gimmicks, no reinterpretations and no pandering to what’s regarded as ‘hot’.

INTERVIEW W/ Mia Dora

It’s well documented that we are quite fascinated by the evolution of Hip Hop, particularly with regards to America’s interest in Glasgow’s burgeoning visionaries, and what is seemingly both a reaction to the sour monotony of the mainstream and the natural course of a genre which is always eager to jump on what’s ‘hot’. You’ll most likely be aware of the current hype surrounding TNGHT (the super-fresh collaboration between Hudson Mohawke and Lunice), Kanye West’s growing interest in what he refers to as the ‘next level’ and Rustie’s critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Glass Swords’. It’s perhaps one of the most exciting developing stories to come out this city, and LuckyMe’s Dema is probably best placed to comment on it.

INTERVIEW W/ Dema

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

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 perhaps an era which has been lost on the new generation of 'Dance'n'B' mainstream fanatics, but back in the 90’s, the sound which grew from the most organic of origins was arguably at its peak. From the backpack flavours of De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest to the more explicit and hard-edged debuts from Biggie, Dre and Jay Z, this was a time when sampling was at its creative best, leaving us with classics which have stood the test of time and will no doubt resonate throughout the ages. However, for the chart-influenced youth of today who idolise the likes of Flo’Rida, Niki Minaj and dare we even mention, LMFAO, the head-nodding flow of the 90’s may seem somewhat understated, even foreign to them.

INTERVIEW W/ Bunty Beats

"Music really is a privilege, and I can honestly say that deep within my heart I am totally grateful for every piece of amazing music that I have been lucky enough to have been able to hear.” To some people such an all-encompassing statement could perhaps be construed as over-exaggerated enthusiasm, but when said by Rebecca Vasmant you know she means every word.

INTERVIEW W/ Rebecca Vasmant

It’s no secret, sometimes we get over excited. It’s hard not to in this city. When there is so much promising talent literally bursting at the seams, it can be difficult to contain yourself. We’ve felt this way about 22 year old bedroom producer, Ivan Hall Barrientos for a long time – infact waiting for his next release is similar to receiving presents at Christmas, you know you’re going to get something amazing, but you never know exactly what. First featured in our ‘Get To Know’ segment early last year, Barrientos has already perfected his sound and with downloads peaking in the thousands on Soundcloud, it seems everyone knows it.