lifecrushed: Recent Episodes
lifecrushed
We’re welcoming a special guest, with an altogether exceptional mix today. Maxwell, going with today’s moniker, S’hell - has put together a heartening and illuminating sound that we couldn’t be more delighted to share. An integral member of the community, and an architect within the Apt E organization, S’hell’s predilections and rich acumen of the craft shine brilliantly through this work.
Like a locomotive departing and later barreling through a sanguine and buoyant fog. The set begins by building a slow, meticulous foundation, expanding into a dense and progressive marvel. What could easily evolve into an angst-ridden expedition if helmed with inadequate fervor and passion transforms into a familiar, unshakeable pilgrimage that many have yearned for. New growth, saluting the old. A sign, acknowledging a flourishing optimism not stamped out. A spiritual successor to other mixes created for Apt E under a handful of different aliases, it’s refreshing and inviting to find a common denominator amongst an artist’s growing work. Different mixes, cut from the same cloth.
Apt E is wrapping up the finishing touches for their third release, heavily influenced by a deep love of krautrock, listeners can expect it in the near future. We can expect anything and everything from the label moving forward. S’hell, and the entire team behind Apt E are a phenomenal crew that represent the best parts of the Seattle community.
A special thank you to Simone Pierson for the exceptional visuals. Stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy!
Apt E - https://bit.ly/3jr0BbA Apt E Bandcamp - https://bit.ly/30sXkAS
This weeks mix comes courtesy of another Northwest pal. Fresh off his release for 100% Silk, Well Being (https://soundcloud.com/wellbeingg) has tamed and weaved an energetic set to help shake off the dust bunnies gathering on your head and shoulders.
At a sprints pace from start to finish, the Portland resident has managed to capture and wrangle lightning. Electro-infused alchemy, the mix takes shape as an old growth trunk bristling with sharp barbs. Thick and sturdy rhythms keeping your feet firmly rooted, consistently burgeoning with serrated chords and crackles. It’s a burst of stamina and a kick in the pants.
His release for 100% Silk (https://soundcloud.com/100percentsilk), ‘Pleasure Garden’ is out now via bandcamp. Stream it, purchase it, and check out his digital imprint, Dance All Day showcasing a smorgasbord of musical talent.
Enjoy!
'Pleasure Garden' EP (100% Silk) ---> https://bit.ly/3cEAjPQ Dance All Day Records ---> https://bit.ly/2WB58z3
This weeks mix is a dream-come-true. Friends of the show will more than likely be all too familiar with the pioneering mix series, Daisychain. It’s founder, Leesh, has put together a profoundly personal set befitting of the place we find ourselves in.
The mix sets out to celebrate being true to yourself, while simultaneously expressing the love shared between friends. Nailing it on the head, each track selection is intimately personal, serving as a placeholder for an isolated experience or a shared memory between her compatriot. The intimacy Leesh aimed to contextualize is palpable - you’re getting a firsthand narration of moments and places that are not your own. The unexpected outcome of this portrayal is the very raw and real experiences that belong to us. Our friends. Our families. Our communities. By telling her own story, we get a chance to fondly remember our own.
Cheers for listening - looking forward to seeing everyone again soon.
https://soundcloud.com/dj_leesh https://soundcloud.com/daisychain_podcast
Our latest in the series comes from the ever-inspiring Slowfoam. A beloved friend to many here in Seattle and, until very recently, a resident as well. Her mix for us, which couples well with a leisurely stroll to a nearby body of water, immerses you in her undeniable talent to capture the subtleties of organic surroundings--the large brush strokes and delicate intricacies alike. The trees and the forest.
The set flows towards the ambient - it has a steady calming sensation woven throughout, with an occasional uprising of the eerie. It’s truly beautiful and a testament to the producer's keen ability to express emotions and experiences through sound.
With two excellent releases out on Jungle Gym Records and a self-released EP under her belt, Slowfoam has recently decided to take on the task of recording her first studio LP. While her kickstarter campaign is fully funded, additional funds are still of great help - we urge you to take a peek!
Relax, and enjoy.
Plugs: Kickstarter Campaign - https://bit.ly/39a0dsT Previous Releases - https://bit.ly/2wYve4T
We’re back, after an ever-so-brief hiatus, with a highly-anticipated chapter in the series. Starting 2020 off on the best foot possible, we are graced by the inimitable works of DJ Having Sex. Half stalwart, half party girl. A leader within the community, as much as they are an unwavering supporter of their peers. An instigator, repeatedly progressing the dynamic, while consistently maintaining equilibrium in and out of the club space.
A perfectionist to a T - this mix is an amalgamation of the DJs acute personas. A ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ mix, illustrating an ability to seamlessly transform from tasteful selector to techno troll, and back again. They transition effortlessly from intelligent steppers, to monstrous bangers, which chronicles an intimidating range and knowledge of material.
Communities, locally and at large, flourish and thrive with individuals like this. They know how to enjoy themselves, and that confidence is infectious on the dance floor. They know the time and place to shift the air and ambience, and take a commanding presence. Admirable, and a true role model - DJ Having Sex for LCM073. Enjoy.
Tracklist:
Dj Shshunj- GBI- Towa Tei ft. Kylie Minogue (my name is -shShuNj -REflex: ) Da Soul Boyz - Conga Tribe Piezo & Seth- Pasted Significant Other - Delos Off the Meds- Belter (Edit) Gag Reflex- Grave Al Wooton- Body Healthy Color Plus- Zooomb Los Malpelos- Oltremanica Super Genius- Gangsta Mentality Alex Falk- Mark 33EMYBW- Arthropods Continent (Ikonika Remix) Paleman- Like O Swimful- Nailz Color Plus- Kram (Stab) DJ Delish- Shangl’z Michael Magnan - Alright Um Tymotica- Galaxies of Dust Fio Fa- You Think (D.Tiffany Remix) Richard Holhburn- Say Something Stupid Ronan- Dream Portal (Reptant’s Lizard Tech Mix) The Bogey Man- Horrors!
We are beyond delighted to present to you a mix that has long been anticipated. Seattle-vanguard, livwutang, delivers a mix that has shaped up to be a true show-stopper.
It’s a ‘feel good’ mix, but not the kind of ‘feel good’ you get through a warm embrace or a picturesque meal shared with friends and family. This feels more like something cool; something cool as hell that makes you smirk. Imagine your friend is a card shark and you get to witness them wipe the floor with the shmucks they’re playing against. It never gets old. Liv is a force to be reckoned with - the selections are timeless, cutting edge, and visceral. The pacing is masterful. There’s a palpable connective tissue weaved within this mix. As time elapses, the thick strands evolve into durable fibers, morphing further still into unbreakable cables.
The progression and growth of the set feels all too familiar to a ‘Runner’s High’. The feeling where you can painlessly keep going well beyond your bodies physical limitations after the second or third mile. Except Liv starts you on that high, and you continue running faster. Starting at a sprint and reaching a point where your feet aren’t even touching the ground anymore, you’re flying. And you’re smiling.
livwutang is an integral and vital member of Seattle’s underground community, and we’re looking forward to what the future has in store for her. Enjoy.
As the weather cools off, and the days get shorter here in Seattle, we’re delighted to present the next mix in the series by a local darling, Ferg. Comprised wholly of vinyl, the selections are compiled of records they’ve thrifted across the Pacific Northwest - a process they describe as part magic, part work. “Sometimes portals open up through which the alchemical objects flow. I try to listen to their story and use my process to be in dialogue with the creators and past stewards of the music.”
Their incorporeal approach to understanding the selections has given rise to what feels like an exact snapshot of the fading season; a piecing together of the emotions and events many of us have experienced - individually and communally. Memories of patios, loud conversations, day trips to the beach, sunrises and sunsets with pals, cloudy mornings, and hot concrete. - it feels distinctly tactile with what Ferg has put together. They are an incredible story teller.
Enjoy!
Big number 70 for the series. The platinum mix. A noteworthy addition for many reasons - it sees the return of not one, but two previous contributors. The alumni, Alex Carrabba (https://soundcloud.com/alexcarrabba) and Miata Man (https://soundcloud.com/miata_man), make up the indomitable force here in Seattle known as Validation Dept.
Fashioned by a combination of dubby cruisers and housey cuts; featuring the perfect amount of soulful horn and woodwind solo’s; seasoned with a bit of disco and hip-hop - the duo have managed to capture both of their distinct styles and distill them into one unified feeling. Their synergy is one that takes years to cultivate.
Validation Dept. is the glue. They’re the reason we don our short sleeve button-ups. They’re the reason bars see an uptick in Aperol Spritz sales. They’re the real deal and we’re all too lucky to have them. Enjoy the ride.
This week in the series, we are treated to a very special ambient set from a principal figure amongst the Seattle landscape. A celebrated collector and devotee to vinyl, Explorateur (https://soundcloud.com/djexplorateur) has assembled and molded an hour of atmospheric emotions to help guide and soothe you.
Making use of three turntables for the first time, the set feels like a large quilt - built with sturdy, warm chords and tastefully adorned with light touches and ornate sounds. Unsure where one record ends, and other begins - it’s all too easy to get wrapped up and lost in an ethereal embrace. Inspiration for the mix comes from a somewhat recent set Explorateur played in an “ambient treehouse” for a ‘Believe You Me’ event. Based in the outdoors, and intended for an audience of thirty - the intimacy and close camaraderie are palpable and inspiring.
Explorateur has turned heads with her local ambient night - Rare Air. Occupying club and dance-focused spaces, and repurposing them for intimate-listening experiences paired with breathtaking visuals. This set is illustrative of what you might hear at these nights. You can read more about that with the link below. Take a breather, and enjoy your week.
Rare Air: https://bit.ly/2N3s1IC More on Rare Air: https://bit.ly/2ZvZbCk Instagram: https://bit.ly/2XTD20j
This week in the series comes the highly anticipated entry of a Seattle wunderkind - Paris Siris. Packed with breaky oddities and sanguine chorus’ - the aptness for technicalities flares through. Delving and evolving deeper into an enigmatic peak-sound, the transitions and track selections shine - illustrating an individual well-versed behind the decks, and someone who has had their fair share of a rave.
Supporting, and feeling supported by the scene here in Seattle, Paris has a few projects in the works. Their production duo, JamRat, has plans for a vinyl release sometime this year, while their brainchild ‘Jetpack’ plans on throwing together something rather exciting after putting on a renegade shindig last year.
Having recently begun offering a “pay-what-you-can” coaching service for beatmatching, vinyl handling, and cdj skill sets, their contributions to the Seattle scene are without number and the community is tremendously fortunate to have them.
Go nuts, and a have a lovely week.
JamRat ---> https://bit.ly/2HEILBj
Honored to welcome a dub-techno powerhouse into the fold for this weeks entry into the series. Ohrwert, the acclaimed Netherlands-based producer, has put together over an hours-worth of original material.
A constant thumping, Ohrwert’s mix summons a thick, nebulous fog - the snares and high-hats serving as brief glimmers of lucidness. It’s an hour of deep rumination, with a consistent theme and ambience making time hurtle by. A set to help you mull something over.
Ohrwert’s latest vinyl release comes as the split ep with David Hausdorf (https://soundcloud.com/davidhausdorf), ‘Persecution’ out now on the impressive Grounded in Humanity imprint. Additionally, you can find the two closing tracks of the mix on his latest digital release, ‘Intrim’ over on his Bandcamp page. Ohrwert has been DJing and producing since the late 90’s, and his ability to channel emotions and thoughts shines through effortlessly on this.
Enjoy, and have a lovely weekend.
'Persecution' Split EP(via https://soundcloud.com/grounded-in-humanity) - https://bit.ly/2VHXlQm
'Intrim' EP - https://bit.ly/2JcQ7xi
dMIT.RY, label-head to https://soundcloud.com/neoviolence, takes us for a spin this week. Break-heavy; sporadic, acidic, and ballistic. A set curated with the idea of improvisation within the dance floor in mind. Packed like sardines, filling the room one moment; spaced out with room to breathe the next.
Neo Violence has recently put out a VA, free to download on their bandcamp.
NV020 VA - https://bit.ly/2WHhDGH
Sprinting out the gate this week with an unrelenting set from Munich-based artist, Marco Wachs (https://soundcloud.com/marco_wachs). Techno selections firing on all cylinders, surging tempestuously for an hour straight like a bullet train of sound. Juxtaposed readily with an intermittent soft-touch - a break from the wild, allowing a bit of breathing room and a chance to soak it all in and compose yourself, before diving back in.
What seems turbulent and unruly is governed lickety-split. What seems muted and subdued is competently utilized and molded into springboards - displaying an intimate familiarity with each cog that makes up this vinyl-only mix.
Marco Wachs plays a role in RFR Records (https://soundcloud.com/rfr-records), currently with a track on one of their ‘Bavarian Stallion Series’ VA’s - with more set in line to release.
Additionally, he is a part of IWW Music (https://soundcloud.com/iww) - a Munich-based label that just released the ‘One Million’ EP by AI.
Enjoy!
Cover Animation by Simone Pierson ---> bit.ly/2Nf9pBX
Recorded on a cloudy day in Tel Aviv, comes Idit Frenkel’s ‘Ode to Winter’ (https://soundcloud.com/iditf) - a rich and viscid mix of the dubby and deep. An all-vinyl set - it engulfs you in a warm, loose embrace like an oversized down jacket. Opulent tones roll in and out like an evening sun peaking from behind the clouds, later transitioning into a tonality more inky and brooding.
Living in Tel Aviv most her life, Idit Frenkel has been collecting records for a long time, however, only started DJing near her late twenties after she felt as though she had something to convey to the world as a DJ. Running bookings for a handful of clubs, managing an electronic music blog, hosting a local radio station, and having run a monthly night with her close friends called ‘Later’ - her commitment to the scene is exemplary. How she manages all this while working IT full-time is beyond us.
Having played at reputable outlets like Tresor and About:Blank previously, Idit will be making her Berghain debut this March at Panorama Bar for a Smallville Records (https://soundcloud.com/smallville-records) album release show. Additionally, she will be making her first appearance in Paris come April. Lots in store from this tremendously talented individual. Listen, and enjoy.
Artwork & Animation by Simone Pierson --> bit.ly/2Nf9pBX
Furnishing this week’s suspension from reality comes the whimsical sounds and selections of Ronan (https://soundcloud.com/ronan-music). A mix steadily bursting with gentle breaks and pearlescent melodies, the Bogota-based artist helps to soundtrack a vibrant lucid dream. Spatially aware, the set comprises a colossal set of lungs - feeling at times vast and unobstructed. As it breathes out, it quickly morphs the expanse into something enclosed and tightly-woven, bringing the dance floor closer together. Confronting a roster of emotions, Ronan has braided a spiritual cure-all.
Including upcoming medleys from the DJ’s own imprint, Eternal Ocean (https://soundcloud.com/eternalocean), Ronan is also soon to release on Seattle’s very own Budget Cuts label (https://soundcloud.com/budgetcutsseattle). Additional and essential mentions go to Dave Marroquin of Vanity Press Records (https://soundcloud.com/vanitypress), Caleb and Jared of Jungle Gym Records (https://soundcloud.com/jungle-gym-records), the trackmaster Ali Berger, and last but not least, Rave Man Akanbi.
Thoroughly humbled by this one. Enjoy.
Cover Animation by Simone Pierson ---> https://bit.ly/2Nf9pBX
Hitting the breaks hard with a drum machine whiz, a locally-renowned Aquarius, and electro royalty of Seattle, Xminus1. “Intended to capture the many feelings that accompany an all night party: from the anxious energy that exists in transit, to the raw emotions that are exposed after its end,” the DJ and producer chronicles the diverse story we have all encountered at the rave.
Maintaining a congruous rhythmic basis through-out, the producer applies the larger brushstrokes to a realizable narrative. The synthesizers that deviate from vicious growls, to acidic wallops; phantom perforations, to cherubic and whimsical melodies - all help lend to the finer details of a larger, moving picture. The rapid snares and recurrent amen breaks keep the breakneck pace - like streetlights hurtling past you through the neon-soaked thoroughfares of Neo Tokyo. A tour de force, Xminus1 has constructed a heart-rendering account of an experience so many have shared. And like your favorite party, it’s over before you know it.
For more, steer your attention to Dessert Alert, and Exchange Bias - two phenomenal projects the Aquarian has his hands in. This one’s very special - so take your time and enjoy.
https://soundcloud.com/xminus1 https://soundcloud.com/dessertalert https://soundcloud.com/exchange-bias
Cover by Nicola Scutt ---> http://nicolascutt.com/
Hello, and happy new year! We’re excited to get the ball rolling again, and we’ve struck gold with the first mix of 2019. Demonstrating a strapping competence in a vast array of melodic schools, Caffeine Worldwide has neatly comprised a set built almost entirely off his own unreleased originals.
Ranging from feisty breaks to subdued expanses; sultry mantras to formal automations - culminating as a thoughtful search into the soul.
Currently residing in Mexico, the promising musician is wrapping up a V/A for the San Diego party and label - Bouquet. Additionally, there are still a few copies left of his ‘Trinity EP’ recently released on the London-based label, Human Concrete Block (https://soundcloud.com/humanblock). If 45 minutes of garden-fresh, unsigned originals aren’t enough for you - his podcast for https://soundcloud.com/lobster-theremin should do the trick.
Starting strong, and looking forward to a solid year. Mind-bending cover art by Nicola Scutt - adopting the work of Mary Miss’ ‘Perimeters / Pavilions / Decoys’ and misplaced sources of other images. Enjoy!
Trinity EP ----> https://bit.ly/2ATy3TN LT Podcast 060 ----> https://bit.ly/2MfX6oE Cover Art ---> http://nicolascutt.com/
Squaring a circle this week, with one hell of a mix from Of Paradise co-founder, Paul P. A Herculean sound, he has weaved together a commanding set brimming with powerful, cutthroat selections. Zero to sixty from the very get-go, it emulates the heart-pounding excursion folks are searching for in the club. Tracks ranging from Hermetics, Sepehr, Adam Pits, Posthuman, Carlton Doom, Yan Cook, Johnny Island, Gary Beck, Cleric, Solid Blake and The Maghreban - Paul P is a veteran of the craft and it shines quite clearly with this one.
His aforementioned label, Of Paradise, co-run by show alum, Fade, has plans in motion for a release in early 2019 with a gang of EPs and a new V.A. to follow. Additionally, their biggest party to date is set for March in London, so keep your eyes peeled.
Cover designed by Nicola Scutt, incorporating the works of Jean Arp, Jo Hanson, and Stella Snead.
A tremendous note to end on in 2018. See you soon.
https://soundcloud.com/ofparadiserecords ---> https://bit.ly/2m1Ea2U
This week in the series comes an inimitable set from a local big wheel - US41. At an event, you’ll likely find him near the back of the floor conservatively stepping - preserving his energy for the long haul. A nimble DJ and a dexterous producer, his creations are meticulous and consistently unique - with no exception to this mix.
Akin to his tenets with dancing, US41’s selection of tracks is a diligent one - geared for drawing the experience out. Predominantly built off subtle and minute transitions, that make the unexpected entrances of gargantuan walking-bass lines even more rapturous. US41 is similar to a seasoned employee of a state dam, in the way he expertly controls a reservoir of left-field oddities - opening up the flood gates to produce an exceptional energy.
Copies of his release for Jungle Gym Records, ‘Almost Live’, are available via the imprints Bandcamp page. A huge thank you to artist, Nicola Scutt, for her work on this weeks cover - embracing Vito Acconci’s ‘Name Calling Chair’ and ‘Trapist-1 Artist Concept’ by Unknown Artist.
Have a lovely week
Depth ft Erika ---> https://bit.ly/2ATKm1A 'Almost Live' (Jungle Gym Records) ---> https://bit.ly/2KvWYAb
Artwork by Nicola Scutt ----> http://nicolascutt.com/
Seattle’s DJ Zumba, labelhead to the freshly-minted ‘Tech Startup’ imprint, holds responsibility for the latest addition to the mix series. The set is inspired by his recent travels, the folks he spent time with along the way, and ultimately, his return to the Pacific Northwest. Cool, calm, and collected sounds help compose the synth-rinsed hour, bubbling up with breaks and occasionally plunging deep down with dubbier grooves.
Tech Startup’s inaugural 12-inch, ‘TS000001’ by A Psychic Yes, points towards the labels complex and energizing sound - available currently on their Bandcamp. On the horizon, they’ve got a party lined up on November 24th at the Timbre Room with support from RX-0 Banshee, Streets 1:10, and one of Seattle’s clean-up hitters - Livwutang.
A stripling with his hands in a lot of pots, Zumba shows promise for what Seattle has in store. Enjoy.
TS000001 ----> https://bit.ly/2zdVLcN Above the K-Hole ---> https://bit.ly/2RZfpA5 Tech Startup ----> https://bit.ly/2Bax3eo Instagram ----> https://bit.ly/2BaPVdr
Artwork by Nicola Scutt ----> http://nicolascutt.com/
This week in the series we’re treated to a minimal, all-vinyl set from the Tokyo-based producer and close friend, Adachi (https://soundcloud.com/mshradc). Inspired by his recent escapade through Seattle and his undiluted affinity to the minimal, it’s an hour of mesmeric sounds and sensations. A deep-sea submersion with a dastardly quality.
Seeing Adachi mix vinyl is similar to watching a surgeon at work, but hearing it is just as breathtaking. His most recent release, ’Shonen EP’ is available via Ponza Records’ Bandcamp.
Enjoy.
'Shonen EP' (https://soundcloud.com/ponzarecords) ---> https://bit.ly/2JBOqrk
Artwork by Nicola Scutt ----> http://nicolascutt.com/
Up to bat this week comes the much-anticipated mix of a local cruiser and natural wine enthusiast. One half of Validation Dept., head honcho of Zoom Zoom Records, curator of the esteemed Zoom Mix series, and owner of a 1993 classic red Mazda Miata - it’s a real pleasure to have Miata Man in the fold.
Crusader of the dub, Mr. Miata has carefully whipped together a voyage of deep house. A sultry and viscose hour of rhythm - he manages to keep the energy comfortable, and the pace at a cruising speed. He knows his lane, he knows his brand, and he knows how to keep a floor moving. Seattle is beyond lucky to have him.
Stay tuned to the aforementioned Zoom Mix series, as it is already chalked full of first-rate sets and continues to highlight local talent. Additionally, keep an eye out for Miata Man keeping your neighborhood dance floor warm - deep minimal house cruiser dubs only, please and thank you.
Validation Dept. --> https://bit.ly/2kEU3Jt Zoom Mix Series --> https://bit.ly/2PHx5PR
Artwork by Nicola Scutt ----> http://nicolascutt.com/
This week’s set comes from Tacoma-transplant, and a Seattle main-squeeze - DJ Rat. A nefarious mix - what feels like a high-stakes game of cat and mouse through a dilapidated power-plant, is in actuality an hour of blistering electro, authoritative techno, and an occasional oddity to deliver a quick breather.
“This was recorded in 1 take in my bedroom one night on my friend Aashish's CDJ’s (thank you Aashish). I didn't include the full tracklist because it sometimes feels like people just look at that instead of listening, so if you want an ID, just comment and I’ll try to get back to you.”
Sincerely taken with this one, and we think you will be too. Enjoy.
https://soundcloud.com/deejayrat https://soundcloud.com/as_dfs https://soundcloud.com/cleansermusic
Artwork by Nicola Scutt ----> http://nicolascutt.com/
Tracklist: Beverly Hills 808303 - Untitled (Reference Analogue Audio, 1994) Electronome - Een Drumcomputer & Een Synthesizer (Interr-Ference Communications, 1995) LA Synthesis - Harmonic Disassembly (Evolution, 1997) Simulant - Wav . Form (Scopex, 1998) DJ Bone - The Funk (Metroplex, 1999) The Exaltics - Creep Over (Bunker Records, 2010) Drexciya - Dr. Blowfins’ Black Storm Stabilizing Spheres (Tresor, 2002) The Hacker - At Night (UMF Records, 1999) Mor Elian - Persona Non Grata (Hypercolour, 2018) Steve Bicknell - Untitled (Lost Recordings, 1996) Final Dream - Eternal Darkness (Audio Illusion Recordings, 1996) Latinoz! - Не останавливайся! (PRIVATE PERSONS, 2017) Culture Cruncher - Booty Shaker (Noodles Discotheque, 2001) Dynarec - The Courteous Mercenary (Electrix Recordings, 2014) Ubik - 1991 (Zoom Records, 1992) Mimas - Open Your Mind (Music Man Records, 1994) Tom Joyce - Aquaplaning (Lumbago, 2017) Regis - June 2003/U.Club Ends (Palicavonzvreca, 2005) Tomito Satori - Untitled (Exhibit Records, 1998) DJ Slugo - DJ’s On The Low (Dance Mania, 1995) Akilah Bryant - Eye Trip (Djax-Up-Beats, 1995) T.E.K-No! - Organsm (Atom Communications, 1995) H. Brunner - Senses (KMS Records, 2000)
This week in the series sees the mesmerizing work of Drake Forsyth (https://soundcloud.com/dtforsyth). Trance-inducing; the Seattle DJ has an uncanny knack for gradually putting the listener into a euphoric daze - comparable to descending slowly into warm honey. Yielding brief moments to come up for air, the set’s emphasis leans in to the hypnotic - the changes and transitions delicate. He takes his time, and masterfully so.
Forsyth is one of the contributing members to Bottom Forty (https://soundcloud.com/bottomforty), an outstanding label, party, and mix series - integral to the city’s underground scene. Additionally, he is launching a new late night party in 2019, Milk Market, in collaboration with another local talent, thEO (https://soundcloud.com/ettuto).
It’s too easy to get lost in this one. Enjoy.
Milk Market ---> https://bitly.com/ Bottom Forty ---> https://bit.ly/2NwTQco
Artwork by Nicola Scutt ----> http://nicolascutt.com/
Making the rounds this week with a mix from the talented, Tampa-based DJ, karl jaims (https://soundcloud.com/karljaims). Formulated while a storm was just opening up, and sunlight began to peak through, the virtuoso was reminded of his time in Northern Italy. As a result, the set incorporates a balanced supply of heady italo-themed tracks, and temperamental, underlit rhythms.
DJing in the Florida underground since 2007, karl jaims cut his teeth in the DIY scene when throwing a party in the woods, behind an abandoned suburb with just a moving truck and a generator - calling it a ‘Baby Shower’. This first “shower” being cut short after police arrived with a helicopter.
The DJ’s musical preference reflecting their immediate environments gleams through with a set like this, and we’re looking forward to what the rest of 2018 has in store for him.
mixcloud ---> https://bit.ly/2CZP02k mix for MORE Records (https://soundcloud.com/odempress) ---> https://bit.ly/2MwWObB
Artwork by Nicola Scutt ----> http://nicolascutt.com/
Local agent of chaos, DJ Gag Reflex (https://soundcloud.com/djgagreflex), has joined the series this week. A rambunctious set, structured to imitate the experience of vertigo; interpreting it’s shape and visualizing it as a vertical spiral. Through means of slowly decreasing the tempo, and utilizing tracks that suggest a trace-like state, she builds a sensation that borders on spiraling out of control but consistently snapping back into sanity at the necessary moments.
A trusted and revered talent, DJ Gag Reflex is another venerated individual that helps make up the remarkable TUF organization (https://soundcloud.com/tufseattle). She runs the monthly party ‘Bloom’ every first Saturday and is on track to starting a new rave collective dubbed ‘Gay Rave’. Coming up, you’ll be able to catch her on September 30th playing at The Stud in San Francisco for the Folsom Street Fair.
Have a safe and fun weekend. Enjoy!
IG ---> https://bit.ly/2oMoPCp RA --> https://bit.ly/2MZt24g
Artwork by Nicola Scutt ----> http://nicolascutt.com/
Keeping right along, we’re thrilled to present the stunning mix from https://soundcloud.com/dansudiscs label head, Max Wyatt (https://soundcloud.com/maxwyatt). A spatial and emotive mix, Max focuses on building vibrant soundscapes with pleasing amounts of valleys, plains, and peaks. Enjoying a lot of breakbeat, and euphoric downtempo over the past few months, his interests shine through on this one. An approach and sound that allows multiple return trips, giving back something new with each listen.
With a few releases slated for this year, expect to see a track of Wyatt’s on an upcoming https://soundcloud.com/00-am v/a - a label that’s done nothing but top-tier work. Additionally, Dansu Discs just finalized their next 12”, so expect to see some previews for that pop up very soon.
As a tip for the Soundcloud diggers, Max wanted to strongly advise folks to check out a local legend of ours, https://soundcloud.com/florafm, stating his “…production is some of the best out there in my opinion and certainly should have more recognition than it does.” Game recognize game.
Stream LCM051 and keep a close eye on Max Wyatt.
Artwork by Nicola Scutt ----> http://nicolascutt.com/
Mix number 50. For this very special occasion, we’ve asked two of our favorite, very special selectors to hop back on the saddle. ‘Ahold Of’ (https://soundcloud.com/ahold_of) and ‘Simone’ (https://soundcloud.com/simonepierson), both former contributors to the series, team up to form the DJ super group - Nice Touch.
Together, they’ve weaved a saga of monumental proportions. A two hour mix elegantly covering every hour’s needs in an all-nighter scenario. We couldn’t dream of a better set - it feels like a real celebration.
Nice Touch will be playing the upcoming FANCYFEAST, October 6th (location TBA) and have one more go of ‘Patio Season’, on Thursday, September 27th.
Thanks to all the artists and everyone listening for the support - locally and abroad. Here’s to 50 more.
Nice Touch ---> https://bit.ly/2LplXEp Patio Season ---> https://bit.ly/2wlYWwy
Artwork by Nicola Scutt ----> http://nicolascutt.com/
In the hot seat this week, comes the Brooklyn-based DJ, Lychee (https://soundcloud.com/lycheefrut). A friend of the show, and a friend to many here in Seattle, it’s been a long time coming and they have delivered tenfold. Hulking rhythms, fastened down with radiant melodies, shrewdly weaved together creating a wonderfully entrancing journey. Originally planning for a more linear mix, they instead let go of the notion and focused their attention on building atmosphere, while including tracks from friends they see as pushing the scene in their own respective ways - hitting the mark, dead on.
A monthly resident with Distrikt 1 at Bossa Nova Civic Club alongside Ne/Re/A (https://soundcloud.com/nereadelrio), Lychee has also collaborated with Sure Thing out of San Francisco and Boston with Aaron Jen - featuring the likes of Rrose, Legowelt, Marco Shuttle, and more.
With previous mixes for Honey Soundsystem (https://soundcloud.com/honeysoundsystem), Blankstairs (https://soundcloud.com/blankstairs), and c minus (https://soundcloud.com/cminuss); they also run a monthly mix, interview, and occasional event series - Spontaneous Affinity (https://soundcloud.com/spontaneousaffinity). Deeply involved, and embedded in the scene doesn’t quite scratch the surface.
Catch Lychee August 8th in Berlin for the first international ‘Spontaneous Affinity x Blankstairs’ event at Farbfernseher; September 12th in New York for the pre-Sustain-Release party, ‘ Distrikt1 x Techno Support Group’ at Bossa Nova Civic Club featuring special guests from Montreal TBA; and December 8th for the first ‘Spontaneous Affinity x Sure Thing’ party in New York.
Take a seat, and enjoy.
Spontaneous Affinity ---> http://spontaneous.zone/ Resident Advisor ---> https://bit.ly/2vauTs6
Arson Nicki (https://soundcloud.com/arsonnicki), one of Seattle’s most creative and aggressive drag artists, has fashioned a deeply personal and all-around seamless mix for us this week. The track selection, while playful, is viscous and heavy with soul - coinciding nicely with the current heatwave.
Arson, a stalwart amongst the queer community, is the producer and host of ‘Rapture’ - an evening of boundary-breaking drag performance with a dark, techno ambiance, hosted at the Timbre Room complex. Rapture will be celebrating it’s second anniversary on August 11th - a link to tickets provided below.
On cloud nine with this one. Enjoy.
Rapture 2 Year Anniversary ---> https://bit.ly/2LpuwUt