Anyone who's been to the infamous Berghain can attest to what a special place it is, so it makes sense that when a team of Scottish promoters came across a a disused fort on the River Thames, they'd wish to turn it into their very own version of the Berlin club.

And that's exactly what Aberdeen promoters Minival are attempting to do. Their crowdfunding campaign hopes to raise £750,000 to purchase and renovate the building (which is on sale for £500,000) and convert it into a “Berghain in the middle of the sea”.

“Imagine a place you could go to, to get away from it all. With the worlds best DJ’s and music running continuously," the campaign page reads. "A place where you are allowed the true freedom to express yourself among friends. Lets do this."

The 19th century fort is located off the Isle of Grain at the mouth of the Thames estuary and was built as part of a chain of coastal defences. If Minival's dream comes to life, we're not exactly sure how they're going to transport punters there, as the fort is completely surrounded by water at high tide. But hey, all power to them. If their dream comes true it would be an amazing club.

[Via FACT]

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Fuzzy has announced that Sydney favourite Harbourlife will be returning in 2014 on Saturday 8th November.

Last year's event saw a massive lineup of Art Department,Carl Craig, Jacques Lu Cont, Moodymann, David August and Finnebassen grace the picturesque harbour side venue of Mrs Macquaries Point, and the full roster for this year is to be announced on Wednesday 27th August 2014 - so stay tuned to Pulse.

Ticket info:
Earlybird $105 + $7 BF| On sale NOW until Midday, Wednesday 27th August 2014
General Admission $115 + $7 BF| On Sale 2pm, Wednesday 27th August 2014
Harbourlife + Listen Out Sydney Bundle* $227 + $7 BF | On Sale NOW until sold out

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We're almost halfway through this decade, so why collate a list of the best LPs of the '90s? In case you haven't been paying attention, at the moment music is drenched in the sounds of the '90s. It's everywhere; pop, hip-hop, house, techno...you literally can't swing a headphone cord without bumping into a diva vocal, a joyous staccato piano riff, or a dark and brooding beat.

Furthermore, this year some of the era's biggest players and game changers are either celebrating album anniversaries (Portishead) or releasing new ones (Tricky, The Prodigy, Aphex Twin). So really, there's no better time than now to celebrate dance music's most fertile decade.

50. Regurgitator - 'Unit'(1997)

The alternative Aussie trio show off their love of hip-hop and dance music with large lashings of humour thrown in for good measure.

49. Dr. Octagon - 'Dr. Octagonecologyst' (1996)

While his contemporaries Dr. Dre and N.W.A were rapping about blunts, 40s and bitches, Kool Keith’s homicidal, time-traveling gynaecologist was waxing lyrical on abstract horror imagery and chimpanzee acne.

48. Mr. Oizo - 'Analog Worms Attack' (1999)

The eccentric Frenchman’s debut full length served up quirky oddballs like ‘Last Night a DJ Killed My Dog’ and introduced the world to that loveable little ball of yellow fluff, Flat Eric.

47. The Crystal Method - 'Vegas' (1997)

When EDM kids were just lil’ spermatozoa swimming about in their Dad’s sack, America had The Crystal Method.

46. Eminem - 'The Slim Shady LP' (1999)

Graphic, misogynistic, and pretty much controversial across the board, Marshall Mathers’ sophomore effort forever dispelled the notion of the white rapper as something to be scoffed at.

45. Propellerheads - 'Decksandrumsandrockandroll' (1998)

The big beat duo’s first and only album is so good that after 16 years they’re probably still sitting around wondering how they could ever make anything that could possibly top it.

44. Enya - 'Shepherd Moons' (1991)

Celtic folk melds with ambient to stunning effect on the Irish singer’s Grammy Award winner.

43. Hybrid - 'Wide Angle' (1999)

Acclaimed for melding stomping breakbeat with stirring string arrangements, the Welsh outfit’s debut is a classic of the UK breaks genre.

42. Freestylers - 'We Rock Hard' (1998)

Ragga, dub and big beat never sounded so good together, and still haven’t since.

41. Pnau - 'Sambanova' (1999)

The Aussie duo’s debut was one of the first to put Australian dance music on the world map.

40. Beck - 'Odelay' (1996)

The alternative rock musician throws a curveball by enlisting the talents of LA production duo The Dust Brothers (of the Beastie Boys''Paul's Boutique' fame). The gamble paid off.

39. Global Communication - '76:14' (1994)

76 minutes and 14 seconds of blissful, thought provoking ambient.

38. Bob Sinclar - 'Paradise'(1998)

Bob Sinclar’s funky French house debut set the tone for his multi-decade career, topping the charts and propelling him into the spotlight.

37. Fugees - 'The Score' (1996)

A perfect time capsule of commercial hip-hop and R&B in the 90s. Faultless from start to finish.

36. Moodyman - 'Silentintroduction' (1997)

Released on Carl Craig's Planet E Communications, 'Silentintroduction' was Moodymann’s first full-length album and comprised of previously released tracks.

35. LFO - 'Frequencies' (1991)

LFO's debut album houses the cult dance floor hit ‘LFO’ and remains one of the pivotal works in the Warp Records catalogue.

34. Jamiroquai - 'Emergency On Planet Earth'(1993)

Led by the cat in the funk hat, Jay Kay, the English group’s first outing combines funk and R&B with a pure pop sensibility.

33. KRS-One - 'KRS-One' (1995)

A potent concoction of East Coast hip-hop from one of gangsta rap's founding fathers.

32. Shpongle - 'Are You Shpongled?' (1998)

The English duo’s debut set the tone for psychedelic downtempo (or psybient) and revolutionized psychedelic trance, in turn inspiring an entire generation of producers.

31. Tricky - 'Maxinquaye' (1995)

Named after Tricky's mother, Maxinquaye is a dark collage hip-hop, soul, dub, rock and electronica. Several singles from the album have appeared in eight motion picture soundtracks.

30. UNKLE - 'Psyence Fiction'(1998)

What do you get when you combine the stunning production of DJ Shadow - who chops up an array of samples and drum loops to brilliant effect – with the guest star vocals of Thom Yorke, Ian Brown and Richard Ashcroft? Something close to a masterpiece.

29. Basement Jaxx - 'Remedy' (1999)

A fast-paced amalgam of house, garage, pop hooks and of course, ‘Red Alert’; still one of the UK duo’s biggest and a bona fide festival favourite.

28. Nas – 'Illmatic' (1994)

Celebrated for its raw production and the gritty realism of Nas’ lyricism, ‘Illmatic’ chronicles urban life in the US with bleak and articulate detail.

27. Groove Armada – 'Vertigo' (1999)

An eclectic journey providing a snapshot of the musical sensibilities of the ‘90s, from the funky guitar of opener, ‘Chicago,’ to flirtations with big-beat and UK hip-hop to the lazy trip-hop groove of ‘At The River.’

26. Massive Attack - 'Mezzanine'(1998)

Distinctly darker and more menacing than previous efforts, Mezzanine is a slow-motion excursion through trippy and murky landscapes, clever sampling and lazy hip-hop beats that combine to morph into a truly groundbreaking body of work from the Bristol crew.

25. The Prodigy - 'The Fat Of The Land' (1997)

With three of the band’s biggest hits - ‘Breathe’, ‘Firestarter’ and ‘Smack My Bitch up’ - all included on the one album, ‘The Fat Of The Land’ was an unstoppable behemoth that smashed its way to the top of the US charts, which at the time was unheard of for a UK dance act.

24. The Orb - 'The Orb’s Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld' (1991)

The Orb’s first full length of ambient and trippy atmospheres proved perfect comedown fodder for the ravers of the ‘90s.

23. Swayzak - 'Snowboarding in Argentina'(1998)

A sublime collection of dubbed out minimal cuts from 1998, covered in deep wavy textures and a distinctly warm atmosphere.

22. Beastie Boys - 'Ill Communication' (1994)

Led by the power of ‘Sabotage’, Ill Communication perfectly highlights the New York trio’s gritty lo-fi punk roots and the compelling way they morph it with hip-hop.

21. Goldie - 'Timeless' (1995)

Goldie’s debut album is one of the most pioneering bodies of work in the history of drum n’ bass, combining spacious atmospheric and light elements with the inherent shadowy nature of jungle to strikingly beautiful effect.

20. Moby - 'Play' (1999)

By combining gospel and folk with house, Moby became a true pop phenomenon. Every track on ‘Play’ was eventually licensed for film, TV or adverts, and with catchy-as-hell songs like ‘Honey’ and ‘Natural Blues,’ it’s easy to see why.

19. Plastikman - 'Sheet One'(1993)

Born out of a reaction against the harder, more aggressive direction techno and acid were taking at the time, Richie Hawtin’s first Plastikman album slowed the tempo and changed the game.

18. Faithless - 'Reverence'(1996)

Spawning classics like the love ballad ‘Don’t Leave’ and the ubiquitous ‘Insomnia’ with its timeless, spine-tingling arpeggio, Faithless’ debut album catapulted the trio into worldwide fame and the halls of dance music history.

17. Fatboy Slim - 'You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby'(1998)

The album that introduced a generation to the beat and helped redefine electronic music’s place in the world, it also transformed Fatboy Slim from a DJ into a bona fide superstar.

16. Roni Size & Reprazent - 'New Forms' (1997)

Bringing the underground sounds of drum n’ bass to high street, and subsequently, pop culture realms after a Mercury Prize win, this soulful yet futuristic albums still stands as one of electronic music’s masterpieces.

15. Bjork - 'Homogenic' (1997)

With a brand new producer, Mark Bell, and a new musical direction that fused string instruments with electronic beats, Bork’s fourth album turned wildly different elements – recording on the porch of the studio, employing the babysitter on production, and the Icelandic String Octet – into pure, haunting magic.

14. Underworld - 'Dubnobasswithmyheadman' (1994)

Marking a new phase in the band’s style, and a new band member with Darren Emerson, Underworld’s third album embraced fluidity, fusing elements from acid, techno, dub, rock, – anything they saw fit – into one of the most complete and important electronic music albums of all time.

13. The KLF - 'Chill Out'(1990)

Fusing American Gulf Coast inspired sounds with ambient space, KLF’s third studio album was completed in one continuous live take, leading listeners on an ethereal, gospel journey that was light years ahead of its time.

12. Primal Scream - 'Screamadelica'(1991)

This Andrew Weatherall and Terry Farley produced LP was the third studio album for Primal Scream, departing their indie past and embracing the sound of the time. Druggy, house-inspired, gospel tinged, groove laden perfection.

11. Chemical Brothers - 'Dig Your Own Hole' (1997)

Opening with the blisteringly funky and manic ‘Block Rockin’ Beats,’ the Chemical Brothers’ second studio album chops, cuts and dissects its way through 63 and a half minutes of throbbing, wickedly sliced beats, and never looks back.

10. Wu-Tang Clan - 'Enter the Wu-Tang' (1993)

Raw, uncompromising, humorous, serious, intelligent, inspired – Wu-Tang’s debut tapped deep into all the gritty energy of New York City in a way few had done before – or since. This is the album that taught us who the M-E-T-H-O-D Man was, gave us Old Dirty Bastard live and uncut, proved why RZA was the genius, and put East Coast rap back on the map, making way for Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Mobb Deep, and Jay-Z. Underground as it may have been, their martial arts inspired work hit 41 on the Billboard 200 chart, and made way for the Wu-Tang revolution.

9. Daft Punk - 'Homework' (1997)

When a pair of talented French musicians came up with the ingenius idea of combining filter-house with the striking visual element of two funky robots, pop music would never be the same again. 'Homework' wasn’t just a success for Daft Punk, it was the album that put French house music on the international map. Singles such as 'Alive', 'Da Funk' and 'Around the World' topped the charts around the globe thanks to clever and original videos that received heavy MTV rotation and turned a new generation of kids onto dance music.

8. Air - 'Moon Safari'(1998)

While most of the world focused on France for the hot new French House' sound Daft Punk was helping create, Nicolas Godin and Jean Benoit Dunckel were busy bringing a bygone era back to life. With the help of plenty of retro gear and French sensibility, Air made smoke filled, gin and vodka soaked lounge something more than what your parents listened to when feeling nostalgic, and more perfectly than just about anyone had before. Full of sexy, ‘60s sheik, ‘Air’ effortlessly floated lounge music into the 20th century, martini glass in hand, high atop a shag carpet.

7. DJ Shadow - 'Endtroducing…..' (1996)

An Akai MPC60 sampler, a Technics SL-1200 turntable and an Alesis ADAT – three pieces of gear was all it took for DJ Shadow to create this groundbreaking, sample based album. Well, unless you include the countless vinyl he used, which DJ Shadow spent several hours a day searching for in his native Sacramento, using everyone from Björk to Metallica to Nirvana. But this minimalist, methodic approach paid huge for the Californian. DJ Shadow is credited with creating the first album only using samples, which may sound drab on its face, but the end result is a smooth ride through tripped out funk, spacey grooves, and even pumping up to glitched out drum n’ bass for ‘Napalm Brain/Scatter Brain’.

6. Boards Of Canada - 'Music Has The Right To Children' (1998)

The ultimate defining hallmark of a great album surely is timelessness. When Scottish brothers Michael Sandison and Marcus Eoin’s debut LP landed in 1998 it was simultaneously of its time and not; the trip-hop and electronica aesthetics of the era were present, but awash with dreamy melodies and pastel soundscapes reminiscent of ‘70s Tangerine Dream. It’s this marriage that makes ‘Music Has The Right To Children’ such a compelling and undated experience some 16 years later.

5. Portishead - 'Dummy' (1994)

Debuting to the world a fully formed, raw, strange yet familiar album, Bristol-based Portishead brought trip-hop to a whole new audience, and netted Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons, and Adrian Utley the 1995 Mercury Prize and a Brit Award nod for Best British Newcomer. The album slowly churns along with codeine-like bliss, Gibbons’ haunting voice pouring out on ageless tracks like ‘Sour Times,’ ‘Numb,’ and Glory Box,’ all the while conjuring thoughts of dark, smoky clubs, film noir, or any number of off colour dreams that stay with listeners to this day.

4. Massive Attack - 'Blue Lines' (1991)

As much as Massive Attack and their Bristol Sound contemporaries loathe the term, ‘Blue Lines’, led by the seminal ‘Unfinished Sympathy’, is widely regarded as the first manifestation of trip-hop; the UK’s unique and distinctly British take on the American music phenomenon. A near flawless example of right people (3D, Tricky, Daddy G, Mushroom), right place (Bristol) and the right time (post second summer of love), Massive Attack’s debut will forever be considered a masterpiece of DIY culture.

3. Aphex Twin - 'Selected Ambient Works 85-92' (1992)

There aren’t many albums that can claim the title of "the birthplace and the benchmark of modern electronic music", as Warp Records so aptly summed up Richard D James’ seminal ambient techno opus. The reference couldn’t be more fitting, as his 1992 LP is regarded by a countless number of respected and revered electronic and ambient producers as a key inspiration, second only to Brian Eno’s ‘Music For Airports’ from 1979. The key to ‘SAW 85-92’ is its simplicity, and it’s this simplicity that Aphex Twin somehow crafts into such ethereal beauty that makes him one of the greatest musical minds of our time.

2. Leftfield - 'Leftism'(1995)

Described by Dom Phillips as dance music’s ‘Dark Side Of The Moon,’ Leftfield’s debut opus brought Paul Daley and Neil Barnes closer to superstardom than they’d ever dreamed, or wanted. Packed with guest singers ranging from John Lydon of the Sex Pistols to Toni Halliday from Curve, the album redefined genres, even coining a new term that’s still with us today. But most importantly, Leftfield showed what dance music, still in its relatively early stages, could really do.

1. The Prodigy - 'Music For The Jilted Generation' (1994)

"How can the government stop young people having a good time? Fight this bollocks."

Disillusioned with the UK free party scene - which was under attack from the Criminal Justice Bill - and influenced by rock bands like Rage Against The Machine and Soundgarden, with ‘Music For The Jilted Generation’ Prodigy mastermind Liam Howlett transformed the group from a bunch of candy ravers into a band of electronic punks.

The spirit of rave was still alive on MFTJG, but the tougher beats were infused with punk, funk, hip-hop, and wailing guitars. It spawned four massive singles, and at its core was the collaboration with Pop Will Eat Itself, ‘Their Law’; a sweaty middle finger to the Thatcher government. It was a game changing moment that set The Prodigy on the path towards conquering America and becoming one of the biggest bands in the world, all the while showing that dance music was no longer to be fucked with.

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TOYTOY is turning three and to celebrate this they are hosting Berlin based DJ and producer Efdemin at And Club in Braamfontein.

His DJ sets have been described as “A lecture in tightrope walking, transporting you from being lost in a trance all the way through solemn waves to pure pleasure.” Efdemin releases music mainly on DIAL Records and runs the labels naif and LirumLarum (with RNDM).

TOYTOY residents Fabio,Gforce, Dogstarr, Sound Sensible and Andi Dill will be supporting Efdemin on his sonic journey through minimal darkness that will appeal to your mind as much as to your feet.  Having remixed Tobias, Depeche Mode, Simon Flower and Sascha Funke to name but a few, as well as many original releases including the album "Decay" and the well known "Chicago", this birthday party is sure to be mind blowing. 

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A decade after becoming one of the world's most recognisable online dance music retailers, Beatport has gone from simple marketplace to marker of success.

The site's Top 100 charts are commonly referred to when talking about any given artist's accomplishments, and banner space and featured tracks are highly coveted my many. 

But who's been truly dominating Beatport's sales? Somewhat surprisingly, Deadmau5 reigns supreme. Not only is he the top selling artist, but also has the most number one tracks, and his remix of 'Community Funk' is the top selling track of all time. 

Not on the list is the highest earning DJ in the world, Calvin Harris, which likely means he sells most of his music through more mainstream outlets like iTunes.

Mark Knight, whose Toolroom Records dominated the big room tech house market for years, ranks in at the second highest selling artist, with Umek coming it at number four, and Hot Since 82's remix of Green Velvet's 'Bigger Than Prince' wound up working its way into the number 10 spot for all time top selling tracks. 

See full results below. 

All Time Top 10 Selling Artists
Deadmau5
Mark Knight
David Guetta
Umek
Avicii
Tiësto
Laidback Luke
Axwell
Afrojack
Nicky Romero

All Time Top Selling Tracks
Burufunk & Carbon Community – Community Funk (Deadmau5 Remix)
Josh Butler – Got A Feelin (Bontan Remix, Pleasurekraft Edit)
Martin Garrix – Animals
Coldplay – Paradise (Fedde Le Grand Remix)
Lana Del Ray – Summertime Sadness (Cedric Gervais Remix)
Florence & The Machine – You Got The Love (Mark Knight Remix)
Asaf Avidan – One Day / Reckoning Song (Wankelmut Remix)
Purple Disco Machine – My House
Tube & Berger – Imprint of Pleasure
Green Velvet – Bigger Than prince (Hot Since 82 Remix)

Most Number One Tracks
Deadmau5 (13)
Hardwell (10)
Axwell (9)
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike (9)
Mark Knight (8)
Dirty South (8)
Alesso (8)
Tiesto (8)
David Guetta (8)
Avicii (7)

Source: Mixmag

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Sónar Cape Town and presenting partner Olmeca Tequila are pleased to announce that English producer Jon Hopkins will perform at The Good Hope Centre on 16 December 2014, while SA’s own Sibot and Trancemicsoul are the first two local artists to be added to the Cape Town lineup. All three artists performed at Sonar Barcelona in June this year and are pioneering the current landscape of electronic music in their own right.

Jon Hopkins began his music career at the tender age of 17 when he bacame keyboard player for Imogen Heap. He has contributed to such artists albums as Brian Eno, Coldplay and David Holmes amongst others. He has released 6 albums, three EP's and has collaborated with a host of industry heavy hitters. In 2010 he was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award for Best Original Score for Monsters. All in all, this is a performance not to be missed. 

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For the first time, SoundCloud will introduce advertising to its service, and allow artists and labels to collect royalties. 

The move will come on Thursday as part of a new deal with entertainment companies, including Sony and BMG. The site also has plans to introduce a paid subscription service, allowing subscribers to skip ads, much like Spotify. 

According to The New York Times, the first advertisers will include Red Bull, Jaguar and Comedy Central, running ads with licensed content only. 

Major and independent labels are in negotiations for equity stakes in the company as part of the licensing deal, though due to the complicated nature of works posted on the platform, major labels like Universal and Warner still haven't reached a licencing deal with Soundcloud, even after months of negotiations. 

Having become one of the most popular sites for pop stars and bedroom musicians alike, Soundcloud has helped launched singers like Lorde, and reaches some 175 million listeners each month, according to the company.

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Kudos to Culoe De Song and Black Coffee for being added to this Saturday the 23rd August's Mysteryland in Haarlem, the Netherlands. Mysteryland is one of the longest running dance festivals in the world, having begun in 1993. 

Hosting everybody from Richie Hawtin, Junkie XL, Paul Oakenfold, Armand van Helden to Felix da Housecat, this mainstay on the international dance diary always delivers quality events. Black Coffee and Culoe De Song join the likes of Boys Noize, Sigma, Hardwell, Pan-Pot and many many more in a jaw dropping electronic music lineup that caters to all tastes.

Flying the South African flag high are two of the best the country has to offer, with their deep afro-house stylings they are set to win thousands of new fans. With Black Coffee's recent remix of Avicii's "Lay Me Down" getting extensive international airplay and Culoe De Song's recent award for Best Male Album 2014 for his album "Exodus" by Metro FM Music, they look set to the stage alight. 

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Getting his start back in the late '90s, the UK's Matt Walsh has gone on to become a 6 year veteran of the infamous Bugged Out!, and released on many of the lauded labels associated with the party brand. 

Raised on the electroclash sound associated with the likes of Erol Alkan and his label, Phantasy Sound, Walsh's acid and disco infused house and techno style is perfectly at home with the label, along with the likes of Tiga's Turbo Recordings and Kill The DJ. Walsh also runs the lauded Clouded Vision Recordings, releasing Matt Walsh Presents: The Clouded Vision Experiment' in 2012, which received rave reviews and gave way to a follow up compilation due for this September. 

Ahead of the compilation's release, and a series of high-profile remixes on labels like The Exquisite Pain Recordings and MEANT, Matt provided us with an exclusive Fresh Blood mix, and chatted with us about his early days at clubs like Nag Nag Nag and Trash, his studio setup, what we can expect from the upcoming compilation, and tells us what's next for his label. 

For those who don't know you, please tell us a little bit about yourself. I am a DJ, producer and label owner based in London. I like nice clothes, have my hair cut once a month and enjoy playing slow acidic techno for prolonged periods in sweaty basements across the globe.

How did you get into electronic music? My first musical love was indie, baggy and early Brit-pop. I went to college in Colchester, not far from where the Prodigy are from. When I first heard "Experience" it blew my mind and I got into rave. I then went to university with a record collection consisting of UK hardcore, soul, disco, funk and indie, and one deck to play them with. In my second year I lived with three aspiring DJs: one that liked hard house, one trance and one progressive house. After trying to blend some of my records with theirs, I bought a second deck and away I went.

I understand you were influenced heavily by the electro-clash sound, and are a resident of Bugged Out! Where do you see that sound today, and does it still influence you in some way? Yes, I have been resident at Bugged Out! for about 6 years now and it was one of the first club nights where I heard that type of music, alongside regular visits to Nag Nag Nag, Trash and Return To New York.

It was the perfect fit for me as a lot of the house and techno at the time seemed boring and labels like Gigolo, City Rockers and Output were taking risks by putting out music with guitars and vocals, alongside techno and acid house elements. The development into minimal house and the rise of Crosstown Rebels, Playhouse and Klang during the second half of the noughties became a stripped down version of what I had been playing and the two together, along with early acid house, is what has influenced my sound and my record label the most today. I still find myself playing a Kompakt or a Klang record from 2004 week in, week out now as really the sound hasn't changed that much, apart from becoming 10 BPM slower, giving the basslines more time to breathe.

The first time I went to a nightclub was actually to see Blur on Clacton Pier at the legendary "Oscars". The club was known as one of the most underground dance music haunts outside of London at the time and people like Carl Cox, Grooverider and Slipmatt were playing weekly. I went a few times as a young boy but felt really out of place without a ponytail.

 

The follow-up to your highly lauded “Matt Walsh Presents: The Clouded Vision Experiment” is due for release this summer. What can you tell us about it? It has become a bit of a Factory Records story to be honest! To most label owners, the thought of putting out a limited heavyweight triple vinyl compilation with included mixed CD in this day and age would cause them health problems. But it's a return to how I started to learn about new tracks before the MP3 and blog age.

In 2000-2004 there were some amazing box-set compilations such as 'The Sonic Mook Experiment,''The Glimmers Eskimo' comp, Tiga's 'DJ Kicks' and numerous 'Kompakt Total' packs. It was a great way to discover new tracks that DJs were playing and get hold of them easily yourself. 'The Clouded Vision Experiment: Level 2' is the same formula, but with only exclusive tracks from the label. The included CD has a few extra tracks, but is all mixed by myself and any purchase direct from the label's Bandcamp page will give you all of the 6 digital only tracks as well as the physical release, totalling 22 in all. The record is out on September 15th and the full digital pack will be out in late October.

What's your studio setup like at the moment? Are you an analogue fan? Very much so. I have my own equipment at home, but like to work alongside other producers, too. There are always new methods to learn and new equipment to try out.

I like to have a mixture of analogue and digital, sometimes tracks can be a little too nostalgic so I prefer a good mix of the old and the new, otherwise we would be going backwards rather than forwards. Most of my tracks use a Roland 707 drum machine and an SH101 - many use a Roland 303 - coupled with a selection of carefully picked soft synths that work well together.

What else is on your horizon for 2014? A lot of touring around the album. I have just come back from Tel Aviv and Marseile, this week I travel to Barcelona followed by a mini tour of North America. As for production, I have two remixes coming out next month on The Exquisite Pain Recordings and MEANT. I hope to have some kind of original EP put together by the end of the year too.

And for your label, Clouded Vision Recordings? After the comp there will be an EP each month, starting with Justin Robertson. He sent me some really weird slow builders that I love and have been playing out a lot. It will be followed by an EP from Gameboyz with a killer remix from Sam Russo as well as one from Vosper. After that there will be releases from Moralez, Vicky Montefusco, a full release from Id!r & Tunnel Signs and many more that I am going to keep under my hat for now.

Can you tell us about the Fresh Blood mix you provided for us? This one is inspired by a few sets I have done recently where I have played more than an hour longer than planned. I love to go deep into the early morning and twist with peoples heads, as well as bringing out a bit of emotion at the end. There are a couple of killers from the Huntely's and Palmer's label, as well as an exclusive track from Sam, and a some of the CVs I have already mentioned. 

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Okmalumkoolkat premiers his latest video "iJusi" shot in Vienna and Johannesburg. From his debut release, Holy Oxygen I, this is an introduction to the world of "Future Mfana", he does "future concepts in the now".

The "iJusi" video was made by Gregor Lehrl, using footage exported and looped onto VHS tape and then pushed back digitally with thick and distorted layering. The next video off "Holy Oxygen I" will be directed by Chris Saunders, the Johannesburg based photographer/director who did Warp artist Nozinja's "Tsekeleke" as well as Okmalumkoolkat's 2012 video of the year "Sebenza".  

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Kudos to Culoe De Song and Black Coffee for being added to this Saturday the 23rd August's Mysteryland in Haarlem, the Netherlands. Mysteryland is one of the longest running dance festivals in the world, having begun in 1993. 

Hosting everybody from Richie Hawtin, Junkie XL, Paul Oakenfold, Armand van Helden to Felix da Housecat, this mainstay on the international dance diary always delivers quality events. Black Coffee and Culoe De Song join the likes of Boys Noize, Sigma, Hardwell, Pan-Pot and many many more in a jaw dropping electronic music lineup that caters to all tastes.

Flying the South African flag high are two of the best the country has to offer, with their deep afro-house stylings they are set to win thousands of new fans. With Black Coffee's recent remix of Avicii's "Lay Me Down" getting extensive international airplay and Culoe De Song's recent award for Best Male Album 2014 for his album "Exodus" by Metro FM Music,they look set to set the L'Afrique stage at Mysterland alight. 

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In the height of August we know it’s going to be busy, and with Richie Hawtin appearing we were certain to see the big crowd drawn in. This was immediately evident on arrival as swells of people gathered at the entrances to Amnesia Ibiza. The buzz was there, it was just down to Sven and Richie to serve up the good times.

And why would you ever doubt them? Two masters of techno on one of the world’s greatest dance floors. All the ingredients for an incredible experience were there.

As we stepped inside, Mathias Kaden was treating the main room to the biggest techno track of the summer, Floorplan’s ‘Never Grow Old’, of course. The pull of Sven was powerful as ever though, and before long my legs were walking me through to the Terrace, weaving between the heaving mass of revellers in both rooms – it was time to get right to the front for some of the proper action. Cocoon has been busy all season, but the extra special excitement due to Richie making his one appearance of the summer ensured Amnesia was not only full, but the heady atmosphere was pervasive.

We’ve echoed these sentiments on many occasions, but there’s no harm in reinforcing the point – Sven is a true master of his art. Flawlessly mixing his awe-inspiring collection of records, the vast majority of the time you’d be hard pressed to even notice he was mixing, such is the fluidity that he transitions between tracks. Not to mention the flow between his expertly selected tracks, the tight grip he has on serving up euphoric moments and the pervasive feel-good atmosphere that permeates every room he occupies.

The steady stomp of Glimpse’s ‘L.E.D.’ pumped from the sound system as Sven stared out at the crowd, taking in their reactions, smiling to himself and continuing to shape this journey.

Each track Sven selects grabs your attention –there’s no bobbing around waiting for the next track to come in. From shuffling rhythms that skip along at pace, to scattered colourful synths and dynamic waves of techno energy, Sven provides innumerable moments where you find throwing your hands in the air is the only way to express your uncontainable excitement.

That ubiquitous crystalline vocal cut across the Terrace and again hands were in the air – DJ Koze’s remix of ‘Bad Kingdom’ was of course providing more moments of dance floor elation. With the momentum well and truly on his side, Sven continued to deliver the truest of techno – it was pure and delivered with an electric energy. Alan Fitzpatrick’s ‘Truant’ proved the perfect foil for this euphoric techno gathering, as Richie Hawtin emerged and shared a joyful embrace with Sven along with a glass of champagne – there was cause for celebration after all.

Richie opened with Recondite’s moody yet uplifting ‘Caldera’ before settling into a steady tech groove. It was a contrast to Sven’s offering, with less of the colourful euphoric moments – these were replaced with a more black and white, straight-up minimal techno sound. Rolling bass lines combined steadily with rigid beats as Hawtin slowly built the pace and the manic anticipation of the crowd morphed into vigorous dancing and cheering. Hawtin quickly settled into peak-time offerings, encouraging the Amnesia revellers with subtle drops and forceful percussion.

Over in the main room Sweden’s techno hero Adam Beyer was thrashing out his blend of techno and dark tech-house with a mix of vitality and clinical efficiency. Beyer has made a number of appearances in the Main Room this season and he’s truly owned the room. Yet again, the Main Room was packed, which is testament to Beyer’s draw seeing as Hawtin was playing opposite him.

Back in the Terrace, Cocoon’s star guest for the evening was controlling proceedings in his uniquely gripping way. Weaving his way through his minimal cuts, Richie had the crowd reacting joyously to each subtle progression and change, slowly becoming more and more lost in the sound. They were the kind of selections that lock you into a hypnotic state and guide you through the journey in a less up-front way. Richie’s less-is-more approach proved to go down a treat on the Terrace yet again this year, with the famous room’s atmosphere nothing short of infectious until the morning came.

Thursday’s ENTER. will see the roles reversed as Sven Vath joins Hawtin for another special night – we’re more than ready to witness the two techno giants together again.

Listen to Cocoon Ibiza on Pulse Radio.

Electric Zoo will return to its home at Randall’s Island this Labor Day Weekend. Festival organizers have just revealed set times for 2014’s edition of the three-day electronic music marathon, and it’s time to start planning and figure out your schedules.

From August 29th through August 31st, approximately 150 diverse dance music acts will take the decks at the festival’s two main stages and four specialized tents. Catch David Guetta, Zedd, Jack U, Knife Party, or Kaskade closing out the main stages or listen to the deeper sounds of Sasha, Hot Since 82, or Pete Tong at the Sunday School Grove. 2014 marks the introduction of a new Vinyl Only tent which will feature the likes of Behrouz, Frank & Tony, and Terrence Parker.

Visit Electric Zoo’s official website for the full list of set times. Who’s at the top of your list?

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After keeping us all on the edge of our seats, Richard D. James, better known as Aphex Twin, has revealed more details about his highly anticipated new album titles ‘SYRO.’ This time the announcement is refreshingly straightforward in comparison to his cryptic hints in the form of a mysterious blimp, spray painted stencils, and a confusing website.

‘SYRO’ will be Aphex Twin’s first album since 2001 (the first in 13 years!) not counting ‘Caustic Window’ which was brought to live by a crowd sourcing campaign. It is set for release this fall on September 22nd via Warp Records, and will be available digitally, on CD, and as a triple vinyl set. It will contain 12 tracks – check out the tracklist and album art below.

'SYRO' Tracklist:
01. minipops 67 (source field mix) (aka the manchester track)
02. XMAS_EveT10 (thanaton3 mix)
03. produk 29
04. 4 bit 9d api+e+6
05. 180db_
06. CIRCLONT6A (syrobonkus mix)
07. fz pseudotimestrech+e+3
08. CIRCLONT14 (shrymoming mix)
09. syro u473t8+e (piezoluminescence mix)
10. PAPAT4 (pineal mix)
11. s950tx16wasr10 (earth portal mix)
12. aisatsana

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Despite your feelings about the Ice Bucket Challenge, it’s evident that it has been a very successful fundraising campaign. The ALS Association has seen record donations because of the viral campaign, and everyone from President Obama to Justin Bieber to the New York Rangers have participated raising awareness for the cause and cooling down this summer.

The craze has caught on in the electronic music community as well with several prominent DJs taking part, pouring a bucket of cold ice water on their heads and nominating fellow industry figures. We’ve collected some of our favorite DJ Ice Bucket Callenge videos below. Enjoy!

The Chainsmokers 

Tiesto

Calvin Harris

Tritonal 

Steve Aoki

Martin Garrix

Nicky Romero

Dada Life

Afrojack

Deorro

deadmau5 Donates Instead

Who knew dumping buckets of ice cured Lou Gehrig’s disease. And all this time, i thought stupid things like “research” helped...

...so on that note, i’ll be donating 10k to Lou Gehrig’s disease research while the rest of the circus does fuck all.

Gareth Emery

Sebastian Ingrosso

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Gui Boratto
Joker Remixe
Kompakt

7.0/10

In 1998, three purveyors of a refined, minimalistic sound bought Cologne techno to the rest of the world when they pooled their combined talents and experience to create Kompakt. Since then Michael Mayer, Jurgen Paape and Wolfgang Voigt have delivered a vast range of EPs, singles and full lengths from the likes of DJ Koze, Partial Arts, Maceo Plex and Blond:ish, both online, and from their now infamous record store in Cologne.

One such name that has charted album releases on the label for some time is Brazilian groove architect Gui Boratto, whose 2009 minimal tech house suite 'Take My Breath Away' left both purists and pop fiends hungry for more.

After spending a few years releasing only singles, which include Kompact releases Take Control’ and ‘Too Late' - Boratto returns with 'Abaporu,' his newest LP due out this September.

Ahead of that release comes the first single from the LP, ‘Joker’ which retains the obligatory Cologne-style techno bass line but simultaneously makes way for a barrage of synth and piano breakdowns that build to a crescendo at around 4:25, and is perfect late night into early morning material.

Both Dave DK and Michael mayer have added their own reworks to the package; the former takes the track on a darker route with a soundscape breakdown midway through for added melodrama whilst Mayer employs all of his dance floor savvy to make for a track with slightly more of a rave mentality (everything is turned up essentially-tighter synths, harsher snares and deeper pads).

The track, and undoubtedly the entire album, seems to be a microcosm of both Kompakt and the city it was built on; injecting the deep and dark with a relentless flurry of soul.

Tracklist
1. Joker
2. Joker (Dave DK Mix)
3. Joker (Michael Mayer Mix)

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Circoloco at DC-10 resident DJ W!LD is set to release a new double disk album. 

This marks the Parisian born's return to the LP after a 2 year haitus. Dubbed 'When You Feel Me,' the two-disk album contains an impressive 27 tracks. Much like the style that makes him a favourite at clubs like DC-10, the album weaves disco with tech-house, vearing into stomping, upfront techno with tracks like tracks such as ‘Humid.'

“I just have a very creative flow at the moment’, W!LD explains. ‘The current double album is reflecting my more housey, sexy, summer side on one part, and a darker techno sound on the other… but all still around 118 BPM.”

CD1
1. Intro
2. Sweet Like Your Pussy
3. Breathe
4. Love Every Day
5. Totally Fucked
6. Pool Party
7. End Of My Summer
8. Rue De Paradis
9. Sunshine
10. Lucky
11. Si Si
12. Quand Tu Te Touches

CD2
1. Dans Ta Main
2. Blurred
3. Au Bout Du Tunnel
4. Hauvre-Caumartin
5. Come To Me
6. Creamy
7. Alarm
8. Humide
9. Ac!dmat!k
10. If You Are
11. Ou Est-Il
12. Get Busy
13. When U Feel Me (Album Version)
14. Trop Vite
15. Wind Summer

When You Feel Me will be released September 19th through W.

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Joined by Ghostly’s Com Truise, Rone will kick off a massive tour next month on Saturday, September 27th at Decibel Festival in Seattle playing alongside Richie Hawting and Gui at Hawtin’s showcase. The North American tour will see the French electronic music artist, whose sets have been described as colorful and uptempo, hit major cities across the United States and Canada including Vancouver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, and New York. The tour wraps up on October 17th in Brooklyn at Music Hall of Williamsburg.

The tour follows Rone’s recent spring trip to the US, and will be his longest tour on the continent to date. He is will traveling in support of his recent ‘Apache’ EP, released on InFiné. If you haven’t already, give it a listen.

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