 |
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
 |
 
 |
|
SEPT 4 - SEPT 17
Earplug is a bi-weekly email newsletter, delivering a handpicked
selection of news, sounds, videos, and original features for the
international electronic music community.
Fall is almost upon us, and that means a change of colors and a new
election season — time to vote for your favorite
DJ. A lot of things are also
falling around us: we see CD prices dipping, illegal downloads
dropping, and, unfortunately, music sales continuing
their downward slide. But don't let all the doom-and-gloom reports get you
down, because with so much good music coming out the outlook has to be rosy.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
  |
| |
Music Industry Going Download the Drain
After months of threats and hundreds of subpoenas, the results of the Recording Industry Association of America's assault on file-sharing are in: The music business has put a significant dent in online song trading, with the number of illicit downloads plummeting since April. But beware the RIAA's watchful eye as they're currently utilizing new technology that can trace individual users down to the exact date, time, and place of every single download. Now the industry is taking the moral high ground, with plans to shame the parents of teenage downloaders and force university officials to police college students. The RIAA is still attempting to shut down services like Grokster, Morpheus, and Kazaa, but with the latest figures showing another 15% decline in CD sales over the past year — and many in the industry questioning the viability of the digital disc format itself — it may be a case of too little, too late. (CW)
|
|
| |
BBE Making Big Breaks
Barely Breaking Even — the celebrated London-based label responsible for the Beat Generation series and albums by Jazzy Jeff, King Britt, and Jay Dee — has announced plans for a number of exciting new recordings. Early next year BBE will release Virgin Ubiquity, a collection of 16 previously unreleased recordings by Roy Ayers. BBE label boss Peter Adarkwah — a fanatical Ayers fan — was given unlimited access to the soul legend's vault of master tapes. The label also plans to release I in I and Deda, two of producer Pete Rock's underground recordings from the '90s that have never before been given an official release. BBE recently opened a US office in Philadelphia, and other upcoming releases include new albums from Baby Blak, Jazzy Jeff, a solo turn by Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas, and Pete Rock's Soul Survivor 2, featuring brand new collaborations with Pharoh Monch, Jill Scott, and Talib Kwali. (DJP)
|
|
| |
Election Season
The polls are open — voting has begun for DJ magazine's annual Top 100 DJs poll. Now in its tenth year, the survey has firmly established itself as the definitive barometer of the public's shifts in tastes and styles and the final word on ranking the most popular international DJs — Tiesto was last year's winner, beating out long-time poll toppers Sasha and Digweed, Carl Cox, and Paul van Dyk. The bi-monthly DJ is based in London, and thus the winners often lean heavily towards UK and Western European jocks, but last year's poll found Brazil's DJ Marky, Slovenia's Umek, and Argentina's Hernan Cattaneo racking up huge vote totals. Votes are being accepted now through October 3 via snail mail and text messaging, or you can vote online at the magazine's newly redesigned website. The winners will be announced in the magazine's October 31 edition. (DJP)
|
|
| |
Jazzin' Up the Old Songs
Verve Remixed 2 hit the shelves last week and racked-up some impressive first-week results: Not only did the album sell more than 7,000 copies out of the box, it's also been sitting at #1 on the iTunes Music Store charts since the day of its release. As reported in the debut issue of Earplug, the album features classic tunes from the famed jazz label's vaults reinterpreted by Matthew Herbert, Felix da Housecat, Metro Area, Mondo Grosso, and many other top electronic producers. Other labels are paying attention to Verve's success: Madlib's take on the Blue Note catalogue, Shades of Blue, was released in June; Savoy Records brought in remixers like Dan the Automator, the X-ecutioners, and RZA for classic Charlie Parker tracks on Bird Up! due in October; and Warner Brothers is rumored to have a remix album in the pipeline too, including new twists on some of the label's old songs by Groove Armada, Moby, Paul Oakenfold, Beck, Deepsky, and Greenskeepers, who give the swing-house treatment to Sammy Davis Jr. (DJP)
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
MORE HEADLINES
Slashed
Universal cuts CD prices by 30%
more »
MTV's Launch
New magazine debuts in late October more »
Sesame's Treat
Classic remixes debut on 12" vinyl this Sept more »
Back in Space
Miami's Space34 reopens after bust
more »
On-line Payola?
Webcasters sue the RIAA
more »
Digital 8-Track Tapes
CDs, DVDs to be obsolete
more »
Eye on the Prize
The Streets, Cody ChestnuTT among Shortlist finalists
more »
Rip Off or Not?
Dance music gets slammed
more »
"Super-Club Game is Over"
UK dance industry retrenches
more »
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
 |
Artist: |
Megablast |
|
| Album: |
Creation |
| Label: |
Stereo Deluxe |
| Release: |
July 22 |
Vienna's Sascha Weiss uses hip hop and house structures as foundations for his groove-heavy productions, but on his debut album as Megablast the producer/DJ finds room for Latin-jazz, Afro-funk, techno, dub, and soul, forming a new hybrid "creation" of rich dance culture. "Nightjogger" is a 2-step pleasure trip featuring hair-raising vocals from Aminata; Hubert Tubbs' turns on the gospel-flavored gems "You Gotta Believe," "Wait," and "Music IN the Air" will have you spreading powder on the floor and praising a higher power at the same time. (MR)
|
| |
 |
Artist: |
Noiseshaper |
|
| Album: |
The Signal |
| Label: |
Different Drummer |
| Release: |
August 26 |
Like Europe's answer to Jamaica's famed "riddim twins" Sly and Robbie, the Berlin-based production duo of Alex Hirn and Flo Fleischeman keep the speakers under attack with their sophisticated blend of roots reggae, jerk-flavored house, electro dub, and hip hop breaks. "All A dem A Do" features irie rocker Juggla's lyrical skills over a soulful swell of bass, while "Jah Dub" is a standout minimal downtempo groove. But the deep-house "Good Enough Part 1" and the explosive "Dunk" prove that Noiseshaper can bring the noise in multi-colored stylee. (MR)
|
| |
 |
Artist: |
ILS |
|
| Album: |
Soul Trader |
| Label: |
My Utopia/Marine Parade |
| Release: |
August 5 |
On his sophomore album, ingenious nu-skool breaks producer ILS welds hip hop beats sped up to 120-ish bpm, drum 'n bass low-end thunder, and imperial IDM ambience into accessible dance music for the mind. Often sampling his own live drums, this UK producer/DJ manipulates didgeridoo honks on "Next Level," hotwires Dayton's classic "The Sound of Music," and dips into two-step, broken beat, and even nu-jazz. There's also Evil Nine's excellent DFA-esque punk-electro remix of "Music" that's exclusive to the US release. (MD)
|
| |
 |
Artist: |
MJ Cole |
|
| Album: |
Cut to the Chase |
| Label: |
Talkin' Loud |
| Release: |
April 28 |
With Talkin'Loud but a shell of its former self, the sophomore album by top 2-step producer MJ Cole dropped with little muscle behind its release. That's too bad, because Cut To the Chase is just as good as his award-winning debut Sincere, highlighting a series of top-flight guest vocalists and Cole's signature crisp, clean productions. Jill Scott once got the MJ Cole remix treatment and she returns the favor on the eminently catchy "Perfect Pitch," while Elephant Man's jump-up "Mad Man" and Felon's slow-burner "Ghetto Queen" prove MJ Cole is a master of many styles. (DJP)
|
| |
 |
Artist: |
Signaldrift |
|
| Album: |
Compass |
| Label: |
Wobblyhead |
| Release: |
July 3 |
Bebop breaks, catchy guitar riffs, and a slick mix of live percussion and drum programming are the hallmarks of Compass, the first solo recording by Franz Bucholtz (his previous Signaldrift recordings featured his brother Jason). Working with the boys from Promise Ring on their New Sense project clearly sharpened his sense for slick basslines and guitar chords — the album shimmers with bright melodies and soulful beats in the classic IDM/pop vein, much like BOC's Music Has a Right to Children. (DP)
|
| |
 |
Artist: |
FC Kahuna |
|
| Album: |
Another Fine Mess |
| Label: |
Azuli/Whoa |
| Release: |
June 30 |
The Whoa/Azuli team, responsible for the Another Late Night series of expertly curated mixes, launches this self-described "prequel" with a characteristically uplifting and genre-blurring set hand-delivered by the boys of FC Kahuna. Successfully bridging the vast musical distance between the burning acid loop of the Juan Maclean's "By the Time I Get to Venus" and the Polyphonic Spree's universally inspiring choral rock anthem "Hanging Around" is no easy task, yet Dan and Jon Kahuna do it masterfully, constructing a perfect home stereo impromptu party set. (SM)
|
| |
 |
Artist: |
Kiyo |
|
| Album: |
Chaotech Odd Echo |
| Label: |
Schematic |
| Release: |
August 26 |
After a foray into the never-never-land of short-attention-span beat tweakery, Schematic takes a deep breath and releases this coolly exhilarating shotgun hit of an ambient album from Japan's Kiyoshi Ono (aka Kiyo). Chaotech Odd Echo sounds like a circus, or maybe a music box, heard through a sandstorm in a wind tunnel. Classic downtempo patterns break down into piles of gold dust, while flutes and burnished bell tones push back against the erosion with a cool, caressing tide. What it wants in structure it makes up for in depth — naptime listening best heard loud. (PS)
|
|
|
| |
| |
EARPLUG FAVES
Chemical Brothers, Singles 93-03
(Astralwerks)
Brookville, Wonderfully Nothing
(Unfiltered)
Everton Blender, King Man
(Heartbeat)
Atmosphere, Seven's Travels
(Rhymesayers)
Matina Topley-Bird, Quixotic
(Independente)
Billy Paul Williams, Miles to Go
(Kriztal)
Fila Brazillia, B2
(23 Records)
Da Lata, Serious
(Palm)
Midwest Product, World Series of Love
(Ghostly)
Alexkid, Mint
(Fcom)
Sascha Funke, Bravo (Bpitch Control)
K.I.M., Myage
(Tigersushi)
I:Cube, 3
(Versatile)
Junior Boys, Birthday/Last Exit EP
(KIN)
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
Recap: Sun Dance Music Festival
July 12-13, 2003
Cadrioru Tivoli Park, Tallinn, Estonia
This year's Sun Dance Music Festival, the premier electronic music event in the Baltics, boasted uplifting sets by Soulfuric Records' DJs Brian Tappert and John "Julius" Knight, plus a fantastic live performance by vocalist Lisa Millett, among its many highlights. Now in its fifth year, the SDMF featured nearly 300 DJs and live performers from 16 different countries on 10 different stages, drawing more that 25,000 dedicated dance music lovers from across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. MAW's Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez and Defected label boss Simon Dunmore shared the bill with local favorites like Latvian mixmasters AG & Raitis and Estonia's Dave Storm and Rulers of the Deep. Estonia's capital Tallinn, on the shore of the Baltic Sea, was the host of this year's edition, and the city's legendary Mutant Disco club tent featured local live acts Sten Gun and Una Bomba. (BT)
|
|
| |
Preview: Iceland Airwaves 2003
October 15-19, 2003
Reykjavík, Iceland
Geysers, glaciers, and music...oh my! Ever since Björk emitted her first pixie squeal, Iceland's been recognized as one of the world's more unlikely musical meccas; Icelandair's annual music festival, Iceland Airwaves, now in its fifth year, has only helped to seal the deal. This year's lineup, still being announced, highlights a wealth of local live talent from classic act Gus Gus to Accidental Records' Mugison to international artists like Playhouse's Captain Comatose, Detroit techno veteran Aaron Carl, and electronic innovator Matthew Herbert. The fest is a canny marketing move by Icelandair, who offers package deals from the US from $499. Start packing your parka! (PS)
|
|
| |
Preview: Amsterdam Dance Event
October 30 - November 1, 2003
Amsterdam, Holland
Since its inception in 1996, the Amsterdam Dance Event has established itself as one of the most serious and important gatherings of the international dance music industry by focusing on education and an open exchange of ideas. This year's program has been expanded, with a strong focus on the issues surrounding the live presentation of dance music. In addition to three days of panels and seminars, a dozen of Amsterdam's celebrated nightspots — including premiere venues like the Melkweg and the Paradiso — are presenting three nights of showcases this year: early confirmations include performances by Blaze, Sandy Riviera, and Terry Farley and Pete Heller, plus local favorites Junkie XL (who's also the event's keynote speaker), Armin van Buuren, and DJ Roog, and label showcases from Junior Boys Own, Defected, and Hed Kandi. Not to mention it's in Amsterdam (as if you needed an excuse to go there). The registration deadline is October 1. (DJP)
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
| |
Real Player required for these streams.
|
listen » |
|
DJ Tommy Bones, Kiss-FM Japan, September 2003
New York's Tommy Bones is this month's guest on the Kobe, Japan radio show, sending his mix of deep house, nu-jazz, soul/disco classics, and Brazilian beats across the Pacific.
|
|
| |
listen » |
|
Mr. Scruff, live at Milk, Toronto, July 2003
A recording of the Ninja Tune funkmaster live in Toronto is the latest addition to the excellent Milk Audio archive.
|
|
| |
listen » |
|
MUTEK 2003
Nearly every set from this year's triumphant festival is now up online, including live performances from T. Raumschmiere, Matthew Dear, and Senñor Coconut. Essential listening.
|
|
| |
listen » |
|
Mark Farina, Maximum Rotation radio, August 2003
DJ Collette and Kevin Dees' nationally syndicated radio show is an excellent source of electronic music and news, with regular guests like Mark Farina and Danny Howells.
|
|
| |
listen » |
|
Ed Rush, live at Fabric, August 2003
Drum and Bass Arena celebrated their seventh birthday with a huge blowout at Fabric — Virus' Ed Rush and MC Flux's dark and heavy set was one of the highlights.
|
|
| |
listen » |
|
Eigenradio
If you've got dozens of streams bookmarked, but only 24 hours in your day, Eigenradio might be just the ticket. The Poindexters at MIT profess to have come up with a "statistically optimal," simultaneous blend of all the music in cyberspace. If it sounds like mush, consider it the oatmeal to Clear Channel's Pop Tarts.
|
|
| |
listen » |
|
DJ Daizi, House Party Mix, September 2003
A good funky party mix from DJ Daizi of Japan, with everything from Lisa Stansfield and the SOS Band to Glasgow Underground and Renegade Soundwave. This comes to you from the Xfade Crew's incredible mix resource.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
watch » |
|
On the Agenda
What do Squarepusher, Legowelt, the Faint, and MTV have in common? A quick glance at the website of LA-based production company the Ebeling Group will give you the answer. Operating more like a faceless noir shadow organization, the Ebeling Group is in fact responsible for bringing together an incredible international collective of graphic and motion design artists, including Kansas City-based video artists MK12 and Brazilian design houses Lobo and Nakd. Recently honored at the 2003 BDA Awards, MK12 took a gold with their animated video for the Faint's "Agenda: Suicide" and a bronze for their much beloved self-promo short "Ultra Love Ninja," which was also featured at this year's Sundance Film Festival. MK12's animation for the Best Rap Video category was a highlight of this year's VMAs, and their new Hot Hot Heat spot is incredible. Not to be outdone, the Brazilian contingent at Lobo scored a platinum award with their video for Legowelt's "Disco Rout," a video that is every bit as ingenious as Nakd's animation for Squarepusher's "My Red Hot Car." Expect even greater things for this collective in the coming months. (SM)
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
 |
|
Welcome to MugiWorld
Mugison's fingers are tired, and that's not just because he's in Iceland where, as we all know, all that cold can do terrible things to a musician's hands. No, his digits are drooping because he's spent the last several months hand-sewing the covers to his forthcoming album, Lonely Mountain — all 10,000 of them. But he's found the strength not just to blog about it (what artist doesn't have a web journal these days?) but to document his progress via a multipart "mugimentary" in Quicktime format, set to his own deliriously psychedelic music. His artful endeavors are more than mere quirks; in fact, they're hardly surprising for an artist signed to Matthew Herbert's Lifelike label. Mugison's DIY spirit, augmented by a tight-knit network of friends and family, exemplifies the unconventional, community-oriented approach Herbert advocates. Mugison's homespun site also features his biography (the "MugiSaga"), the opportunity to email his grandfather, and a handful of MP3s. From the sound of them, it's not long before we'll all be mugiswooning over this charming mugimusician. (PS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
 |
|
Blentwell
Since the spring of 2001, Blentwell has been chronicling the evolution of blended music. Built to promote the wealth of DJ and indie online music sites, Blentwell provides daily updated links to everything from Italo-acid-electro to New Jersey deep house, Japanese hip hop, and every indefinable style in between. After the loss of many of the leaders in the online mix music space, Blentwell is an indispensable resource for keeping tabs on that ephemeral world.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
Header Design:
Atmostheory
Mailer Design:
Double K Design
Editors:
David J. Prince
Philip Sherburne
Sascha Lewis
Christopher Hampton
|
Production:
Mark Mangan
Anjuli Ayer
Keats
Gray Sevilla
Contributors:
Dan Parnham
Cyrus Wadia
Marlon Regis
Bogdan Taran
Matt Diehl
Jon Spooner
Steve Marchese
|
|
|
| |
Submissions/Feedback |
| |
Tell us what you think is exciting and worth including in Earplug by dropping us an email at tips. Writers interested in getting even more involved should reach us at contribute. And if what you want to do is criticize, praise, or generally comment on this publication, please send an email to feedback.
|
|
| |
| |
About Us |
| |
Earplug is an email newsletter dedicated to electronic music and its
many dynamic styles and influences. Published every two weeks, it features a
handpicked selection of music news, cultural spotlights, tip sheets, CD
reviews, original reporting, and music festival previews and reviews.
Earplug offers only pure editorial and unbiased news — no money is
accepted from any artists, labels, promoters, or companies seeking
mention.
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
   |
