Test Pressing Podcast

Adrian Hoenicke, a.k.a. Honey K is one of Lexx's Swiss partners in crime. Long time collector and lad about (Zurich) town this is the third and final part of his 'Come To Marina Del Rey' trilogy. You can hear part one here (http://testpressing.org/2011/07/150-finger-magazine-come-to-marina-del-rey/) and part two here here (http://testpressing.org/2012/04/188-finger-magazine-come-to-marina-del-rey-ii/). Strong series. Enjoy and if you get there wear some flowers in your hair. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/286-HONEY-K.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/286_Marina_Del_Rey_3.mp3)

Alex from Tokyo - Parisian by birth, grew up in Tokyo, now a resident of NYC. Global. You can hear it in the music he plays. He's still got a residency in Japan that he flies back to every other month and has been key in linking the Japanese music scene out and also back in. He is also a music supervisor and a producer, working alongside Isao Kumano on the Tokyo Black Star project. Our Dr Rob is doing an interview with him soon so I won't go on about this too much hence to say that he has done the new upcoming "Originals" compilation for Claremont which is bound to be good. Here he has done us a mix of mellow summer sounds across the board. Enjoy. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/285-ALEX-FROM-TOKYO.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/285_Summer_Chill_Out_Mix.mp3)

(http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cafe-del-mar-cover.jpg) This tape came via Eddie Gordon who ran the Manifesto record label where they released some of the Cafe compilations and also Jose's solo album 'Souvenir'. It's classic Padilla as you would expect being tape number one. We also have tape number two (http://testpressing.org/2010/10/mix-jose-padilla-cafe-del-mar-number-2/) up on the site so if anyone can fill in the missing parts up to ten that'd be great. They seem to slowly turn up. Back to the music. We don't use the word Balearic much round these parts anymore but this is about as Balearic as it gets. Classic classic music from a master at work. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/282-JOSE-PADILLA.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/282_Cafe_Del_Mar_1.mp3) Massive thanks to Eddie for the tape.

Ilias Pitsios (http://testpressing.org/2013/07/ilias-pitsios-echovolt-into-the-light), DJs under the name Dynamons, and with his labels, Echovolt and Into The Light, manages to both release high quality modern Techno / House ( http://testpressing.org/2013/05/reviews-promod-31-05-2013/) and unearth the pioneering electronic treasures of his Greek homeland. I think the first Into The Light compilation ( http://testpressing.org/2012/12/tracks-on-the-rebound-012-akis-space-time-and-beyond-into-the-light) sold out on pre-orders. This mix is a taster of what to expect from the second: Minimal marimbas and Prophet Tangos; Robotic Operas and Arthouse ambience; Fukamachi “Jazz” and 1000 knives Funk; anthemic Yello Pop and Pedro Ruy-Blas Fusion; Sci-Fi Sambas and Noncollective Folk; Techno precursors; Industrial lies; Jungle menace; harbour lights; and sea blue Progressive Rock. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/280-ILIAS-PITSIOS.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/280_Ilias_Pitsios_Dynamons_Longing_Mix.mp3)

I was on my Instagram (http://instagram.com/apiento) the other day being all social media and Øyvind Morken who I follow had posted up the label for his new release on Full Pupp. It's his debut release and is to be followed with more tracks on Full Pupp and a new label that Prins Thomas has in the offing. The one below is out August the 5th so look out for that one. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/84142.jpg) This mix was done in the basement club at Jaeger around as Øyvind was sweating out a hangover from the previous day`s gig. In his words "it is basically a snap shot of some of the stuff that played from 2-3 hours in when the night gets busy and people get on the floor." Sounds good to us. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/281-ØYVIND-MORKEN.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/281_Test_Pressing_Mix.mp3)

It begins with a swing named after a stone, that seems to have become Alfredo`s theme (he played it in Tokyo when last he was over). Lizzy has her fire put out, and is left to smoulder, sing spirituals in a swamp. Raimundo & Rafael`s “Bluesleria”. The Purple One in peach and black, under a cherry moon. Sad beauty in the occasional snows of spring. “Blackout” played at 33. Posh fackers from a Balearic Beats comp that never was. Sleeve notes by Farley. Hugs & kisses. The Fine Young Cannibals do a Colourbox. Loose Ends get dubbed to Proto-House. The Soulsonic Force become a ringer for Tackhead. Dizzi goes off. George in battle. Robotnick pays tribute to `Trane, and Yello make a bandeneon bordello run. Political Popsters, push the boat out and dance. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/279-LEO-MAS.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/279_Leo_Mas_Amnesia_198SEX_Pt_3.mp3)

Graeme Fisher is one of those people that quietly gets on with things. He spent summers in Ibiza early on which seems to have made his ears attuned to a balearic ethos but very much in his own way, quietly selecting and sourcing music that he loves. Very eclectic (see balearic) but with a psychedelic edge. This one hits at a time when the weather couldn't be more perfectly suited. He has a superb ongoing series up on Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/the-extended-mix) under the name of The Extended Mix which is recommended. Suns out, stereo up. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/278-GRAEME-FISHER.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/278_Graeme_Fisher_Mix.mp3)

Music for Sunrise based on a Soul II Soul piano refrain. The Monkees. Again. Farley taking the cowbells. Who came first Snap!, Cool Rob G, or Rhonda Moore? Handclapping, Hair shaking. They used to give out tambourines at Flying. Farley was interviewed around the time of Bocca Juniors, attempting to explain to the NME that his background was not Indie-Rock but Reggae and Soul, despite having remixed That Petrol Emotion, Primal Scream, Happy Mondays, New Order, The Soup Dragons, and The Farm. It was just that the record companies wouldn`t trust him with someone like A Tribe Called Quest. A rare gentle moment from WestBam, that`s always made me think of Izit`s “Stories”. Smith & Mighty can`t pay, won`t pay. Quite a few of the tunes here are reflective and trance-like: Carlton, Satoshi Tomiie, Sly & Lovechild and Rubberman. Who didn`t have a moment to Arnold Jarvis facing the possibility that “Maybe the feelings I had, I shared all alone”. Perhaps these are just the records that I`ve ended up with. I don`t think I really needed to hang on to Morse Code`s “Thank God” or Rhythmatic`s “Take Me Back”, but I should never have let Jamie Principle`s “Date With The Rain” go. Fluke jump Joni Mitchell`s “Big Yellow Taxi” (a track I always assumed was an Eco-lament, but actually mourns the loss of a Hollywood Boulevard hotel). You don`t know what you`ve got `til it`s gone. “Palatial” has me slipping on The Milk Bar`s white tiles. The Rampling mix "inspired" Slam`s remix of The Voices Of 6th Avenue`s “Call Him Up”, and it echoes still in new music such as Tornado Wallace`s “Thinking Allowed”. Culture Club`s Jon Moss lifts Mike Oldfield`s “Tubular Bells” and another Farley rework swaps the “free your mind” exuberance of the original for samples from Aretha Franklin`s ”One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism”. “Rubberman Rock Da House” becomes a kinda “Can You Feel It?” Weatherall borrows Farley`s Aretha LP and similarly “de-raves” Sly & Lovechild. It might be dark, but the morning comes. Joey Negro deploys The Peech Boys to bring some Nu Groove sunshine. A Way Of Life keep “Flamenco Wave” alive. Victor Simonelli cuts up Lamont Dozier and McFadden & Whitehead amidst Disco Dynamite rave stabs. Was there a Progressive House record before Leftfield`s “Not Forgotten”? (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/BOY-S-OWN-AUTUMN-1990-SPRING-PART-TWO.jpg) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/277_Boys_Own_Spring_1990_PT2.mp3) “Boy`s Own. The Complete Fanzines 1986-92” is published by DJhistory.com and can be purchased directly here (http://www.djhistory.com/books).

Following his interview (http://testpressing.org/2013/05/20-questions-028-bill-brewster-dj-history-low-life), I asked Bill if he could put together something that would recreate the soundtrack of a Low Life gathering in NYC, and he very graciously responded with this mix, recorded live at Corsica Studios. The Superstars Of Rock`s “Orange Sunshine” starts a trip back to a Harlem Brownstone, has you hanging out with Bruce Tantum, Rob Di Stefano, Peter Rauhofer, Danny Tenaglia, Vanessa Daou, Mood II Swing, Adam Goldstone, and a crazy queen called Jeffrey. Basic Channel`s boompt. Rainfall in a Plez-like metallic amazon. A filtered Funk express, an A-Train to Sugarhill. Farley & Heller`s “Afrosleaze”. DJ Pierre paying tribute to Ron Trent. All paeans to a high. A wild pitch. A prelude to sex. Inspired by the Soundfactory and The Loft, and lifting it`s name from Luc Sante`s book, Low Life was, and is, not a club, but a professional house party. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/276-BILL-BREWSTER.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/276_Bill_Brewster_Low_Life_NYC.mp3)

Our mate Hampus has a killer roots, dub and reggae collection so we asked him to put us together a mix for the back yard on a hot sunny day and here it is. It follows the recent Producers Series on King Tubby in fine style. Hampus also has a radio show (http://ntslive.co.uk/shows/doing-time/) on London's pretty ace NTS radio station which you can check here. The show covers all bases from dub and reggae through to Chicago house stopping off anywhere inbetween he feels like stopping. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/275-HAMPUSTIME.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/275_Drifter_Selection.mp3)

Special Branch stalwart, original Shoomer, Future DJ (a club that changed the lives of many), Orb collaborator and general all-round sweetheart (I never really thanked Nancy enough for her help with the tribute to Nick Rock Bar (http://testpressing.org/2013/06/269-leo-mas-a-tribute-to-nick-the-rock-bar-ibiza)), I can only remember seeing Nancy interviewed once. A few brief paragraphs and a top ten, that included Japan`s “Visions Of China” and Prince`s “If I was Your Girlfriend”, in i-D, around 1990. Hopefully Test Pressing will redress that very soon. Until then here`s some music selected by Nancy for the sunshine, music that could just as easily soundtrack rain against a window. Memory on the inside. Flamenco, Bacharach choirs, weeping violins. La Raza. Percussion rattling in a heat haze on a dusty desert main street. Soaring strings. Tracy`s broken. Brixton dread and classic Ska. Morricone in the House Of The Rising Sun. Belvedere Rare Grooves and Sunday Best Dingwalls` dancers. London Warehouse beginnings and The Africa Centre. Smoky loops, Ibzia ambience and Brazilian brilliance. Gilberto Gil reminds me of listening to Giles on a pirate, pre-Kiss (Invicta?). “Stop Bajon” will always be the sound of looking round and realizing that you are in room of similarly minded individuals, high and smiling. A Cock Happy Jazz jokingly called “Acid” and Antipodean Beatles-eque Psychedelia. People like Nancy, and Leo, as far as I`m concerned, can play anything, so long as they`re feeling it, in any order, and it “be Balearic”, since they defined what “Balearic” is. Made with love. Love from Nancy. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/274-NANCY-NOISE.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/274_Nancy_Noise_Made_With_Love.mp3) By happy coincidence you can catch Nancy, DJing alongside former Future partner, Mr Farley, at The Gentleman`s Pinch, at The Half Moon public house in Herne Hill, on Friday, July 26. More details here (https://www.facebook.com/events/360552980739939). (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/NANCY-GENTLEMANS-PINCH-RESIZE.jpg)

Shriekback`s broken but undefeated soldier, sounding like Tom Waits` piano after a good drink. The Art Of Noise beaten. Penn & Ciccone`s wedding march. OMD use the then future to pastiche 50s family Pop and come across like Matt Johnson`s The The. Red-eyed from waiting for morning to come. Sylivan`s unmistakable croon. Blue Nile`s simple genius. KTP`s broken choir and “Third Man” Tango. Tracey and Ben`s Wag Club Soho Swing. Miss Jones` Zang Tuum Tumb Go-Go repro Jam played with a touch of Bamboo. Two S&M classics, the groans from one of which I`m pretty sure Weatherall sampled when forcing Meat Beat Manifesto into submission. Loose Ends cover Bowie, have him watching Badarou`s “keys”. Kuti-a-like Afrobeat, Spanish Punks and Sakamoto`s seminal alien Funk transmission. I think Leo must have played every track off that Redskins LP. Like a red machine. Keep on keeping on. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/272-LEO-MAS.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/272_Leo_Mas_Amnesia_1985_Pt_3.mp3)

Rooted in the Hardcore / Punk scene of Washington D.C., and with histories that encompass the underground Hip Hop of Food For Animals and Manhunter`s CBS-inspired Techno, Beautiful Swimmers are Andrew Field-Pickering and Ari Goldman. With remixes for Soft Rocks, Teengirl Fantasy and Runaway, amongst others, everything on their own Future Times label sells out in a blink: releases by Steve Moore, Huerco S., Protect-U and Andrew`s Maxmillion Dunbar alias. Sometimes lumped in with their friend, Ron Morelli`s L.I.E.S. there is far more of a Pop sensibility to The Swimmers subversion of the groove. Their mix for us is titled “Flavorful” in honour of Raekwon who seems to be suspended somewhere between life and death at the start here, as Laraaji jams with The Ganges Orchestra. The clouds outside the Pearly Gates give way to Fourth Floor, Tommy Musto sunrise House, and deep disorientating Hammond riffs. K.C.C. meet Heard and Owens on Blackmarket. Derrick May`s mixes of Funtopia and the sax from Alex Lee`s “Take It”. Garage abstract Mood II Swing beats, sub bass and loved up El Metro scream up pianos. Strings lifted from Shaka`s “Dub Symphony” mix with Proto-House and 80s TV show soundtracks. If the first half of this set is like a broadcast from London pirate radio circa 1990, Paul “Trouble”, praise indeed, then in the second it becomes something quite different, I`m sure reflecting a ton of experience of playing peak time to end of the night slots. The Swimmers` own “Gettysburg” provides the breather, time for a half-time orange. A reminiscence on a New Orleans childhood in a changing world. Stay strong. Tumbling timbales put you back in motion, back to an Africa, one imagined by an Italian House producer with a collection of Baldelli tapes. “Phylyps Track” influenced Dub floats like mist to carpet Mike Perras` Techno forest at dawn. Porno seduction gets worked into New Wave Rap passion, then there`s sugary Japanese Boogie, like some Jazz giant crossing over, with a fuck off guitar solo to prove it. Ending up somewhere that I don`t recognize but would hazard at Eastern Europe, with epic Pop that sounds like Mike Francis, before finally squeezing in a plea for return that isn`t Havens or Dozier, but does have a touch of Womack`s. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/271-BEAUTIFUL-SWIMMERS.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/271_Beautiful_Swimmers_Flavorful.mp3) Maxmillion Dunbar`s “House Of Woo” (http://testpressing.org/2013/01/reviews-promod-maxmillion-dunbar-house-of-woo-rvng-intl) is out now on RVNG ITNL., Andrew also has a 12 out as Dolo Percussion (http://testpressing.org/2013/06/dolo-percussion-l-i-e-s) on L.I.E.S., and the Beautiful Swimmers album “Son” (http://testpressing.org/2013/07/beautiful-swimmers-son-future-times) is available now digitally, with vinyl on the way.

Future Nuggets is a group of Romanian producers, diggers and musicians who have joined together with the hope of creating a local Psychedelic scene. In their own words, a scene “informed by the past but made for the times to come”. A scene with the aim of uniting different people, sounds and cultures to produce amazing musical stories. The collective includes Andrei Dinescu, Eugen Imecs, Horatiu Serbanescu, Ion D, Bogdan Stoian, and Camil, who, in various permutations, produce music in bands with names like Anahoretil, Steaua De Mare, Australopitecus Oltensis, Delusion Men, Anatol, Ing. Coman, Concentration Band, Departamentul Zero, C-Side, The Nuggers, Manastiea Comana, and Porno Bob Underground. Music that ranges from the soundtrack and library-inspired to Punk and Garage Rock (http://testpressing.org/2012/09/reviews-promod-future-nuggets-sounds-of-the-unheard-from-romania-volume-one-ambassadors-reception/), and to ON-U Digidub infused with Free Jazz and Gypsy passion (http://testpressing.org/2013/05/reviews-promod-steau-de-mare-ambassadors-reception/). Musical styles that are all reflected here on two mixes from members Ion and Camil. Ion`s selection brings Turkish song, Black Sea Fusion, and Romany Funk that sounds like Airto`s more out there moments, or Lula Cortes. Orchestral Harry Roche big band library flashes of strings and brass, Psyche Swing suites, and a heavy Jean-Pierre Massiera influence. 70s Horror film soundtracks, werewolves on motorcycles, Hendrix and John Bonham undead. Attacks by alien fleets. Space talk scat. Bollywood rumble and Lowrider grind. Ballads and sleaze. Licks and lusting. Breaks from the Beastie Boy`s “Flute Thing” and the Jurassic 5. The groove of Irakere`s “Chekere Son”, Guru Guru and Gong`s “Esnuria”. Camil adds synth–twisted Spiritual Jazz, Klaus Wunderlich summer time smoke keys, Shugie Otis` drum machine and plenty of fuzz guitar. Bohannon`s Disco Stomp hijacked by cosmic Brigade Mondaine angels. Spaceman 3 doing Bo Diddley. Skater Metal. Fuck you heroes. The Pop of Carole King`s “Corazon”. ABBA with rolling Rs. End credit chase themes forged by a meeting of The Emperor Machine & Ash Ra, and Scott Walker broken bullfighter Mariachi blues. All impossibly excavated. I didn`t recognise a thing. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/270-FUTURE-NUGGETS.png) Ion / Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/270A_Future_Nuggets_Ion.mp3) Camil / Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/270B_Future_Nuggets_Camil.mp3) Future Nuggets on Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/future-nuggets).

Two weeks ago, on June 13, Nick Rock Bar sadly passed away. Nick and The Rock Bar have been one of the few constants in the ever-changing nightlife of Ibiza for over 20 years. I have known Nick for 30 years and he was the best barmen and friend around. He will be sadly missed. - Trevor Fung Nick used to say, and he used to say this a lot, it shows how much he loved his bar and Ibiza, "What's it like to be in the best little bar on best little island in the universe". - Mark Zuka & Biff Bless Nick. It's difficult to comprehend his untimely passing. The image I hold in my mind is of Nick`s warm hospitality. Every time I'd arrive at start of Summer back in Ibiza his Cheshire cat smile, his banter, his open arms, big hug, and here's a beer for you. Nick was an amazing man. An Ibiza Icon. We will all miss his kind, warm, and fun spirit. - Danny Rampling. I`m still so shocked and sad that Nick’s gone. Nick is part of the fabric of Ibiza. If you were on holiday, The Rock Bar was the first place you went to. If you were there all Summer, then it’s where you would hang out. I can picture him sat outside on a stall with his big smile. There’s been so many heartfelt tributes to him, it shows how loved he was and how Nick touched so many peoples lives. He shone brightly and is part of us all. We're all gonna miss you amigo. - Nancy Noise. I first met Nick through our manager and hit it off with him straight away. He always made us feel so welcome. Even as recently as May, when I had to check out of a hotel early, he insisted that I come to the flat to leave my bags and get a shower, etc. It pretty much sums up how he was for me, a generous and lovely host. It really does feel different down on the port now, without his presence. Myself and countless others, as well as the Island itself, will miss him. - Rocky To a great guy who gave so many people a good time. You will be severely missed. Rest in peace. - Paul Oakenfold What about Nick? He was a special person, very friendly with a fun approach to life. In my last season at Amnesia, for me he was always an important support. A great man. When the bar was located in Calle De La Virgen it was a meeting point for all of us. - Leo Mas Leo has put together this mix as a tribute, a collection of Nick`s favourite tunes from the 1990 season at Amnesia. A celebration of a dearly missed, kind soul. R.I.P. Nick. Hasta luego. (http://testpressing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/269-LEO-MAS.png) Download (http://testpressing.org/audio/269_Tribute_To_Nick_The_Rock_Bar_Ibiza.mp3)