modernamusement

Music usually enters musicians’ lives in a number of ways. They are usually nurtured by a musical family, exposed to music from an early age through their parent’s love of music, or music finds them. Craig Bratley definitely falls into the latter category. While most of his peers were raised on their parent’s collection of soul, funk and disco records, Craig’s upbringing was more Barry Manilow than Barry White… Craig’s first introduction to electronic music was through 80's electro, a few years later he discovered acid house. Like many of his peers, a set of turntables led to an interest in production. Over the years Craig has been developing his production skills, releasing records on Console, Robsoul, Lowdown, Instruments of Rapture and Foto along the way. Each release has enhanced his reputation, his records being supported by many of today’s most respected DJ’s and producers including Peace Division, DJ Sneak, The Inland Knights, The Revenge, Craig Smith, Ali OOFT, X-Press 2, Steve Bug, Groove Armada, Rob da Bank, Jim Stanton, Rub and Tug, PBR Streetgang, Greg Wilson, Andrew Weatherall, Toby Tobias, Duff Disco and many more. Highlights of this year include Craig's release 'Birdshell' featuring on the mighty Andrew Weatherall’s Masterpiece compilation and a release on respected label Is It Balearic Recordings. He’s also busy with  'Magic Feet', the record label he’s just launched and it’s with this in mind he’s put together a delicious hour of music to show us a little more of what he’s about right now.

We are delighted to introduce episode 016 of the mA+ podcast, not least because it comes from a true hero of ours. Mark E has been consistently crafting a sound which is uniquely his own since his first forays into production via his early re-edits back in 2005. Since then the Birmingham based ‘E’ (as his mother probably never calls him) has gone on to release for influential underground labels such as Jiscomusic, Running Back, his own MERC and Spectral Sound, where he released his debut LP last year. Despite changes in tempo, sounds and approach Mark has maintained an identity throughout his music and his DJ sets which could only possibly come from him. His mix for the modern amusement series is no different, sounding fresh yet familiar and unmistakably, Mark E.

Our fifteenth podcast (doesn’t time fly!) comes in the form of an Early Sounds showcase. Early Sounds is the brand new label from the Italian trio of Massimo Di Lena, Leskin and Rio Padice. Distributed by the mighty Clone out of Holland, the stunning debut, Early Sounds 001, featured tracks from all three of the label owners and sold out upon release…we wait with baited breath to see what else the threesome have in store for us! The podcast was provided by Massimo and Rio, Massimo mixing the first half and Rio playing live in the second. The quality and variety on display is no doubt a glimpse of the things we can expect from the Early Sounds gang, taking in a plethora of influences yet maintaining a raw signature throughout. So as we wait for Early Sounds 002 to drop, turn this episode up and get lost in these Early Sounds!

Italian duo Lucretio and Marieu aka The Analogue Cops step up for episode 014 of the mA+ podcast. Launching their amazing Restoration imprint in 2007 and releasing music since around the same time you might think that it’s strange that they’re not a name that’s better known to you. Not so however, you see the thing is that The Analogue Cops are underground, proper! With a conscious effort to release music solely on vinyl and a real attitude of purism the duo are progressively making their name as champions of an attitude and approach to music that has been lost to many over the past decade. Upholding similar values as those held by the mighty Underground Resistance, The Analogue Cops are all about the music. With other projects such as Appointment and Third Side, alongside Steffi, to their name, they really are quite prolific. The standard of their output and the credibility of their approach ensures they are always worth checking as those of you who do know them will attest to. Those of you who didn’t already know them, you do now and the podcast they have provided is a snippet of their quality, taking in house, techno and disco flavours. Pure class!

It’s with great pleasure we welcome Andy Vaz on board the series. Vaz hails from Düsseldorf, Germany, the breeding ground of Kraftwerk. Since 1997, Andy has managed Background Recordings. As the years have passed, house music and techno have fused, segregated, split and recombined in countless ways. Both techno and house have drawn influences from one another to create hybrids that have changed the face of music as we know it. Andy could not ignore his undeniable appreciation for house music and therefore, decided to start a second label in order to help facilitate the growing relationship between global deep house and minimal techno. In march 2007 Vaz launched a new label called “YORE”, which will focus on the authentic old school Detroit Chicago House Sound with original artists such as Rick Wade, Chez Damier, Terrence Dixon, Todd Sines, Alton Miller and others, presenting a new platform for these artists as well as for himself, to ensure spreading his musical visions further to new audiences. Episode 013 sees Andy explore House music in his unique and indomitable style. We are delighted to have him on board! So sit back, relax and let the journey begin

Episode twelve sees us welcome the versatile and diverse talents of Conforce. Hailing from Terschelling, Holland Borris Bunnik (as his mother might call him) has succeeded in creating emotive and considered music across a number of genres. With releases for a number of highly influential and critically acclaimed imprints such as Delsin, Clone and Rush Hour amongst others, Conforce has already demonstrated real calibre. His approach is refreshing in a modern age of categorisation, in that Conforce consdiers music in a way that doesn’t think in genres or styles but allows the music to flow more naturally. It’s an approach that is clearly working as Bunnik has already formed a staunch fan base and with further releases under his Versalife moniker and increasing international appearances. We’re delighted to have him on board and there’s not a lot more to say other than - enjoy!

Next up in the series we welcome Disco Nihilist. Originally from Detroit he now resides in Portland, Maine and it’s with great pleasure we welcome him on board the series. Mike Taylor, aka Disco Nihilist, is a relatively new producer. His first, self-titled, 12-inch was released on US label Love What You Feel in 2009. Since then he has maintained a regular output on Construction Paper records and his latest EP has just come out on the seminal German label Running Back. Firmly rooted in the US-American electronic music traditions, Mike Taylor's records on Love What You Feel or Construction Paper roam the grey area between Chicago's Jack urgency, Detroit's funky machine soul and the raw magic of vintage drum machines. With his productions getting love from the likes of Lerosa, Rolando and The Revenge it’s clear to see that his work is getting recognition from the right people. This mix showcases Disco Nihilist’s talents as a DJ and shows his style to be natural, murky, filthy and raw to the core. It was recorded in one shot with a stack of vinyl on two 1200's and a Pioneer mixer to an Alesis Masterlink

Next up we have the pleasure of welcoming Le Systeme Records head honcho, James Duncan on board the mA+ podcast. A musician, producer, label owner and DJ Mr Duncan has been keeping himself busy. As a producer his house and disco led productions have found fans as wide and influential as Mr Fingers himself, Larry Heard to the modern day taste-makers Soul Clap. He’s released solo 12"s under his own name and has recorded as a trumpet player on releases by Metro Area, Morgan Geist and Kelley Polar for the inimitable Environ Records in addition to appearing on Morgan Geist's remix of The Rapture's ‘House of Jealous Lovers’ on DFA Records. James also plays in Glenn Branca's 100 guitar ensemble (99 Records) and makes the occasional live performance with Arthur's Landing, a group made up of collaborators of the late NY legend, Arthur Russell. This exclusive mix was recorded purely using vinyl from his adopted home of New York City. Enjoy

We are hugely excited to introduce the latest episode of the mA+ podcast, welcoming the talented and groundbreaking services of Mr Damon Kirkham aka Jon Convex.  As Kirkham has only recently unleashed his latest project as Jon Convex you may be still be more familiar with his work as one half of the hugely influential Instra:mental alongside Al Green (aka Boddika).  Instra:mental have been arguably the most influential artist for us at mA+ towers over the past year or so, we therefore unleash this episode with particular anticipation. Jon Convex exists to allow Damon full freedom into sonic exploration and as an embodiment of his take on the state of electronic music today, permitting him to no longer be confined by genres whatsoever.  The Convex release schedule is intense in the coming months as Kirkham unveils music for Martyn’s 3024 imprint and the ace, Naked Lunch as well as his own Nonplus and Autonomic outlets. With a sound that undoubtedly defies categorization expect him to further the concepts he's already built and continue to take his sound in new directions. In this exclusive podcast he has delivered a very personal and telling hour and a half of music that has played a part in influencing what it is the Kirkham does today so sit back and enjoy the selections of Jon Convex

Our next episode in the mA+ series welcomes Israeli-born New Yorker Elon Admony. Elon has played an influential role in shaping New York’s electronic music landscape since moving there in 2000. As resident DJ for the cutting-edge Resolute collective, he is known for his seamless, widely creative and danceable sets – whether he is headlining at a popular nightclub or playing a marathon set for an underground afterhours event. Since his first release in 2006 on Made to Play, Elon has continued to produce several successful EPs and remixes on Clink Recordings and Dumb-unit, as well as for several international imprints such as Apparel Music, Auralism, Infant, Sleaze Records, Airdrop, Rrygular, Metroline, Infant and RetroMetro. As well as production projects he also runs the Resolute imprint, scheduled to launch in 2011. Where does he find the time??!! Elon’s distinctive style glides between house and techno, from dark and emotive territory to the more rhythmic and uplifting character of electronic music. This mix is a perfect example of Elons’s musical palette: fresh, forward-thinking techno and house, keeping true to the charm of the music’s underground spirit.

The cool, smooth Mark Henning makes a explosively fitting appearance as episode 007 of the mA+ podcast. Mark has risen up as one of the underground's true players - recording for a volley of acclaimed international labels. Born in 1977 to English and German parents, he has spent most of his life in England, though has never forgotten his German roots and is now firmly settled in Berlin. Having released his debut album ‘Jupiter Jive’ on legendary UK institution Soma Recordings in the summer of 2008 to great acclaim, followed up with eight EPs in 2009, Mark is currently concentrating on DJing and touring his Live PA all over the world. This is one artist who is really breaking out of the mold, having been picked as a nominee for DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards for Best Breakthrough Act 2009. Mark's music does not abide by the book, with a sound that sits somewhere between house and techno, with a healthy dose of funk, swing, deepness and weirdness - all the required ingredients to have the crowds busting crazy moves on the dancefloor. He has established his artist career not just through his productions – on well-regarded labels such as Soma, Cityfox, Frankie, Clink, Cynosure, Trapez, Freude am Tanzen and Einmaleins - but also through his worldwide performances, having played at clubs such as Fabric, Watergate, Rex, Weekend, SPACE, Privilege, Bar 25, Panorama Bar, The Arches, Lux and Harry Klein to name just a few, as well as festivals such as Portugal’s BOOM, Vienna’s PraterUnser and Chocolate Festival Lausanne. Mark also plays regularly for Zurich favourite Cityfox... With music licensed to Bugged Out, Fabric, M-Nus and Watergate compilations amongst others - as well as achieving regular airplay on radio stations worldwide. His much-respected productions have been supported and played out regularly over the past few years by the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Luciano, Akufen, Steve Bug, Loco Dice and Richie Hawtin. As a remixer, he also keeps busy - having reworked tracks by artists such as Mike Monday, Gaetano Parisio, Mr. G, Lee Jones, Tigerskin and Chris Fortier. Not hard to see why we're delighted to have him on board with mA+

Oliver Deutschmann is undoubtedly one of the hardest working men in Berlin. Quietly and steadily he has managed to build two of today’s most solid and well-loved underground labels in Falkplatz and Vidab which he runs with Stephen Hill. His labels have provided a well respected outlet for increasingly renowned artists such as Marcel Fengler, Koljah, Ed Davenport as well as the likes of Brendon Moeller, Jerome Sydenham and Sascha Dive. For his mA+ podcast Oliver has provided us with a mix which is definitely footed in the world of techno but gives a glimpse of Oliver’s versatility as a DJ. These skills have not gone unnoticed either as Oliver continues to tour but more importantly has recently taken up a monthly residence at Berghain and Panorama Bar – very fitting following our recent event at VOX we think you’ll agree…

As promised we're here to furnish you with more aural pearls in this edition of the mA+ podcast. Drum roll please.....Penner+Muder step up with an exclusive DJ mix for your pleasure. The mix is made all the more special given that the guys normally only play live. Don't we spoil you?! Nils Penner and John Muder produced their first four-track demo in August 2007 which rapidly saw Sasse snap up two of the tracks of for his Mood- music imprint. In 2008 John and Nils made the decision to only play Live sets so the duo could concentrate fully on their own sound, rather than taking a line at the end of the ever-growing DJ list. Fast forward just a few years and the Penner+Muder star is fast rising with a series of 'for those who know' releases and an increasing profile as producers and as performers with appearances at those staples of musical excellence such as Panorama Bar and Watergate as well as across Europe. In this fabulous mix the boys give us a flavour of what it might be that drive their desire to create the sounds that we're increasingly loving them for.

After a bit of a delay the mA+ podcast gets back on track with a corker of a mix. Matthew Burton steps up with an episode which is a little off the beaten track but goes someway to displaying the deep and smooth sounds that he's managed to cultivate over the past six years. Matthew might not yet be a household name but he's been quietly carving a name for himself as a producer that should be taken notice of. With releases for the likes of Multi Vitamins, Connect Four, Ultrastretch and Jay Shepheard's Retrofit and appearances at Panorama Bar, Weekend and Club Der Visionaire Matthew's stock is clearly on the rise. For this mA+ podcast Matthew's mix takes in some of his varied influences from dub to electronica, deep house to dubstep and in the process displays some of his skills as an intriguing DJ - smooth indeed!

Rolando has surely seen it all?  When you look up his biography on myspace however, you’ll find a blank space.  Perhaps this is a sign of somebody who’d rather get on with tasks at hand instead of talking them up.  A person who cares more about the music than shouting about his influence on it.  When we approached Rolando for a mix for mA+ we thought it was a long shot…lo and behold, this little gem dropped into our inbox five days later.  Another sign of this man’s pure passion and love for what he does?  We would have to say yes.   It’s inevitable that when there’s mention of Rolando there’s bound to be talk of his inescapable classic Knights of the Jaguar.  Without doubt one of techno’s most important records however, we would be doing the man a huge injustice if we were to stop there.  Whether it’s deep to the bone music for the awesome Delsin or killer remixes for the impressive Rush Hour, Rolando oozes class.   He’s a little bit good behind the turntables too which is probably why he’s become a favourite at the infamous Berghain in Berlin and it’s also why we’re so excited to welcome him to play at the very first mA+ when we open our doors this coming Halloween Saturday