SURE THING upcoming gig + new mix series

Poster by: SK

Former DECKastee and music enthusiast/DJ Aaron J established his own dance night in San Francisco late last year called, Sure Thing. The new underground endeavor picks up momentum and nears its second gig with more surprises and excitement, intending to showcase some of the most talented and forward-thinking artists in today's vast electronic music genre.

This time around on January 31st, Aaron will be treating Underground SF with a debut from Detroit's first lady DJ/producer of techno, Kelli Marie Hand aka K-Hand. For over a decade K-Hand has contributed in harnessing some of the finest techno and house to come out of Detroit's history, founding her very own label Acacia Records, in 1990. She is best known for her releases on Warp, Studio !K7, and Tresor; consistently pushing innovation and soul in all of her body-jacking productions to date. This will be K-Hand's first time playing in San Francisco alongside Don't Be Afraid member, Jack Murphy and Sure Thing curator Aaron J. If your in the area don't miss out, it will surely be one for the books. Details here.

Also :: Sure Thing recently established it's own mix series kicking it off with occasional Thats Deck contributor and L.A. sound selector, Force Placement. Combining textures and tones of deep soulful house to cosmic signaling techno, the RWD.FM radio host (Tues. 11PM-1AM PST) serves up an hour long authentic all vinyl mix. Loose yourself...

giveaway :: BANANAS No.2 - Huerco S. + Sage Caswell + Dr. Sleep

Bananas installs their second party this week in LA and SF with NYC house dabbler Huerco S. (Software / Future Times / Proibito), LA's hypnotic house originator Sage Caswell (Peach / Decabaret), and Jacktone SF underground lady dance selector, Dr. Sleep. That's Deck was lucky enough to get a mix from Banana's founder and resident, Ford Prefect aka Tahl Klainman in promotion for his upcoming b2b party going down Jan.16th & 17th in LA at Jewels Catch One and the next day in SF at Underground SF. The guest mix will be aired around 10PM tomorrow.

You can get discounted RSVPs over at Restlessnites or have a chance at winning a pair of tickets during the That's Deck show on Monday Jan.12th between 9PM-11PM PST. The phone lines will be open around 10PM. Stay up to date via Thats Deck's Twitter and Facebook. In the meantime get in touch with some of the vibes that will be heard...

Month In Mixes

Recent Thats Deck contributor, Force Placement, just installed the newest Transit mix just in time for the New Year. Thats Deck is really looking forward to what Transit will bring to Los Angeles in 2015, as Marshall Lake knows how to prep a solid underground soiree. In the meantime dip into Force Placement's cosmic journey and get lost in his transcending dance rhythm selections. You can listen to Jason aka Force Placement online every Tuesday from 11PM-1AM PST via RWD.FM.



One of Thats Deck's favorite label's of the year would definitely have to be up and coming Lobster Theremin from London. Everything being released on this imprint has been consistently pushing the boundaries of off-kilter dance music. It's glorious. Label head Jimmy Asquith recently subbed for Daniel Avery on Rinse.FM, where he was able to share two hours of raw gritty acid and techno. Its something quite amazing and great to keep you up early in the morning or late at night. Indulge in it...



Tasteful sound selector and skilled producer, Nikola aka Cromie made a mix for Tijuana's Vicario Musique Recordings new project Where House. Installing part 4 of their WhereTapes series, Cromie had the pleasure of playing one of the record label's warehouse parties in Tijuana earlier this month. Surely the best of vibes must have been felt as Croatian born brought his flare to the decks. He continues to do so in this mix below, and will guaranteed get you up and grooving. Many great things coming from this guy in 2015, watch out.



Dublin, Ireland techno fiend, Sunil Sharpe got invited to guest mix on Invite Choice's 227th podcast late this month. Luring in relentlessly dark and consistent techno patterns, the a little over an hour long mix will have you wondering how hypnotizing the sounds of techno can truly be. With a driving 130 BPM and above, this mix will have you in warp speed all the way to 2015 and then some. Release those wings and fly free...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

_________________________________________________________________________________
Previously :: Month in Mixes

Local Talk vs. Garito - Music Joined Us + Interview w/ Tooli

Stockholm, Sweden based house music label, Local Talk, is one that should need no introduction if you have been keeping up with the resurgence of classic dance music over the past couple of years. Tooli aka Tobias Lidström and Mad Mats aka Mats Karlsson founded Local Talk in 2011 and since then have become a world renowned contributor to House music and its various forms. The two passionate individuals have shown their eclectic taste in music by DJing around the world for many years at some of the top spaces that cater to A-class underground music.

One of those spaces is Mallorca, Spain's best kept secret for 16 years called the Garito Café/Bar/Club. This place has had DJs/producers like, Chez Damier, Gilles Peterson, MCDE, Ian Pooley etc returning year after year to spin some of their favorite sounds. Mad Mats is one that has been invited to play the great venue several times and has created an unfathomable connection with venue owner Nacho Velasco aka Grand Reserva. In celebration of the Café/Bar/Club's sixteen years of existence, Local Talk and Garito Club have embarked on a compilation concept titled, Music Joined Us. The two brands enlisted Gran Reserva himself to mix 14 joints from Local Talk's best releases to date and also do the prestigious task of curating the tracklist.

Tracing elements of jazz, soul, disco, and funk the fourteen tracks that made the cut are ones that are timeless compositions of house music that have come out of Local Talk's unforgettable discography. There's an undeniable vibe and atmosphere around the selected tracks that naturally carry out positivity and excitement successfully giving the listener an idea of how a night at Garito Club would go down. Its quite glorious from Jesse Futerman to HNNY to Fred Everything and all the other talented originals in the mix. You may or may not have heard some of these tracks before but regardless the compilation is a great way to reacquaint and experience the Local Talk back catalogue in a way never heard before.

Music Joined Us was released early November of this past year and is available now on CD & digital. Purchase via Juno and hear snippets of the whole thing via Traxsource below. Also check out some That's Deck favorites from the release right here...













I got to chat with Tooli aka Tobias briefly about Local Talk's vision, Stockholm record stores, Music Joined Us, and some his favorite records at the moment. Hit 'Read More' for the full interview!
__________________________________________________________________________________

giveaway :: BANANAS No.1 - Austin Cesear + LEECH + Guillaume & Framework w/ Carl Craig + Stacey Pullen

Los Angeles is being treated with some very great talent this weekend that will want you to make the dancefloor your home for the next few days. That's Deck has got two pairs of tickets for two different gigs on the same night!

First off is a brand new establishment called BANANAS, which is a LA underground party curated by the awesome founder of Risky Vision (event held in LA), Tahl Klainman aka Ford Prefect. He has lined up a solid bill of up and coming producers/DJs out of the west coast and the east that deserve some attention. Headlining is Public Information, Proibito, and Opal Tapes superstar Austin Cesear from Brooklyn, NY. His elegant off-kilter house and techno sound is an exceptional experience to witness live as he lit up the dancefloor the last time he was in LA for States Of Being (this Saturday w/ ICEE HOT RSVP!). Not only that but this dude's productions are truly otherworldly and worth a good listen if your into thought pondering sounds.

Cesear's electronic originality will be joined by LA based 100% Silk affiliate and hardware scientist, Leech. Joining the two will be San Francisco's Spring Theory label head, Guilliaume, who is a true sound selector taking part in putting out some great records by some awesome talent. All three of these cats will be backed by the BANANAS residents, who managed to not only have them play tonight Dec.19th but also tomorrow night Dec.20 in the heart of underground San Francisco! That's the same show in two different cities B2B...now I'd say thats pretty BANANAS! Check out Guilliaume's most recent mix on Viva Radio as well as a tease of Austin and Leech's ace musical excursions.







If whats above isn't going to be enough for you in one night out in L.A. be sure to venture out to the infamous Sound Nightclub for their great Framework evening. Detroit techno legends Carl Craig and Stacey Pullen will be educating the new and old dance heads how groove out on the dancefloor with power, soul, and innovation. There's no doubt that these two will be entrancing those who come in contact with the speakers and leading an evening to be one of Framework's best yet. It going to be purely delightful as Bystander sets up the vibe before the two legends control the decks, minds, and body movements. Get pumped with some of their most recent mixes...





Thats Deck will be doing a ticket giveaway on EMS Radio this afternoon, December 19th between 3PM-5PM PST for this exciting evening of underground electronic music in L.A. The phone lines will be open around 4PM, so tune in for a chance at winning. The phone number to call will be given out during the radio show. Stay up to date via Thats Deck's Twitter and Facebook.

heavy rotation :: Life on Planets - A Public Affair

Fusing rock sensibilities with dance-oriented rhythms; Baltimore indie art-rock duo, Life On Planets, put you in a joyful light with their EP, A Public Affair, released earlier this year on Double Standard Records. Incorporating live instruments and gearing them up in a up-beat soulful funkadelic nature, Life On Planets, manages to make their new record one of my most played in 2014. Not only is the duo bringing back authentic songwriting to dance music, they have uniquely created their own sound and act, making them a dynamic force to be reckoned with.

This duo really has a talent to absorb any bad energy shrouding on the listener's demeanor freeing them with the love and soul embedded in their groove stricken, life pondering tracks. 'Love So Fleeting' starts off the EP on a bright balearic tone with eastern breaks where as the following track, 'Mulberry Bush', settles down and becomes a classic indie tune. The next two tracks on the release follow the same patterns as the first and continue their musical story of, A Public Affair. It's bloody relaxing and pleasing to listen to. Don't underestimate these cats. Their touring act is equipped with live vocals and guitar alongside a DJ/producer. Purchase the 12" here or download the whole thing via CREWLOVE.

video :: Avalon Emerson - 'Honest Gangster'

Avalon Emerson recently shared her newest music video, 'Honest Gangster', off her EP Let Me Love & Steal released earlier this year on Spring Theory Records. The music video was directed by Caitlin Denny. Caitlin collages desert landscapes and its mysteries to shine light on the honest forms of discovering nature through dizzying acid drenched VHS overlays and visually pasteurizing flashy stimuli. It pairs quite wonderfully with Ms. Emerson's soundtrack. What a mysterious beauty this one is. Purchase the EP on 12" or digital via bandcamp now.
________________________________________________________________________________
Previously :: stream :: Avalon Emerson - Let Me Love and Steal EP

giveaway :: Feels Music Presents - Chez Damier & Michael Zucker

This coming Saturday, December 6th, Los Angeles will be adorned by legendary deep-house godfather, Chez Damier of KMS, Perscription, and Mojuba. He will be joined by fellow label mate, Michael Zucker of Balanced Alliance and Final Sessions as well as the exceptional FEELS MUSIC residents; Harrison, Michael, and Phil. The party will be taking place in an underground disclosed location that will be given out the night of the event via email. You can RSVP and get discount tickets for the epic evening via Restless Nites now. Considering Chez Damier's well established and pioneering role in underground dance music, it only rings true that the FEELS dudes chose the right guy to headline their recently replaced "Paradise House Garage" in a back to the basics workshop for proper house music.

Damier is known for his pivotal warehouse gigs back in the 80s and 90s in Chicago and Detroit, so having him on Los Angeles soil in a similar atmosphere will be an experience not to be missed as Damier and Zucker lay down an all night deep dance rhythm affair. Don't sleep on it. Thats Deck will be doing a ticket giveaway on EMS Radio tonight, December 1st between 9PM-11PM PST for this exciting FEELS soirée. The phone lines will be open at 10pm, so tune in for a chance at winning. The phone number to call will be given the out tonight of via Thats Deck's Twitter and Facebook. In the meantime get in tuned with Chez and Michael's savory musical vibrations...

video :: Moodcut - 'Stuck In Socks'

Berlin based record label Nous Disques recently debuted an awesome EP from Machester producer, Moodcut. The Tame Cats EP, blissfully pays homage to Detroit in its deep crunchy man made machine productions. Its a ripe sound that has been resurfacing around the globe in recent years and Moodcut is one in a bunch that has successfully crafted some memorable fits in the eclectic genre of House. Emotionally deep and groove fitted, the EP's tracks are an absolute delight to the ears and the body.  Be sure to check out the grainy black and white city documentation visual for the lead single, 'Stuck In Socks', above. Purchase the 12" via Rush Hour now. Also check out snippets from the release below...

DECKast #53 x Kilos

Fellow music lover and tasteful electronic head, Kevin Kim, recently joined the Thats Deck team in efforts to help explore and expose the lesser known sounds from around the globe. The all around good guy and appreciated sound selector, has crafted up a fine forty-eight minute mix under his new DJ pseudo, Kilos. The mix encompasses a great variety of newfangled house music that was sprung up over the past couple of years. Read what he had to say about the mix below...

"This mix is to give you a glimpse of the particular sounds i’m feeling lately. Every song here strikes an emotional chord with me. I’m in love with soulful samples and emotional house music. This is the type of mix you want to drive late at night to, or get some work done with the lights turned down. I decided I didn’t want to have too many tracks for this mix as I didn’t have the heart to cut them out so short. I’m letting this one ride out and hopefully you’ll appreciate them in this manner. Track highlights: Ripperton - Unfold, I heard this song while at Detroit’s movement festival during Dixon’s set this year and I was about 10 feet off the ground,having a good time and buzzing from the sights and sounds. I swear the sun glistening over the detroit river, the crowd’s energy sent me into pure bliss for those 5 minutes. Traumprinz - All The Things, try NOT to cry to this one — an absolute tear jerker. I hope you enjoy this mix as much as I did making it. Stay tuned for more from me in the future here at That’s Deck.

- kilos"



Tracklist ::
Palms Trax - Houses In Motion (Tin Man Remix)
Midland - Before We Leave (Gerd Janson Remix)
Leon Vynehall - Butterflies
Ripperton - Unfold
Anthony Naples - POT, Side A
nthng - Vision Us
Route 8 - I Can’t
Traumprinz - All The Things
Romare - Taste of Honey (From the City)
Mount Kimbie - Made To Stray (DJ Koze Remix)
Bicep - Bicep & Hammer | I Believe
Jacques Greene - After Life After Party
MOVEMENT - Us (Kotown Remix)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Previously :: DECKast #52 x Cooper Saver

preview :: Ricky Tinez - Baby U'Kno EP

The first time I heard Ricky Tinez was on his split EP with Joe Bickle that came out earlier this year on Mallory's (grab a copy if you haven't already, shit is bangin'). He's also a mainstay in LA's underground party scene, working with established crews like Far Away and others. Ricky comes out swinging with the basement vibes on this new EP for Something Else, title track is a bumpy surefire party rocker reminiscent of classic Kerri Chandler. My personal favorite is “Planet”, a superb deep acid jammer with plenty of muscle where it counts. Available for purchase on Beatport.

stream :: DJ Pierre - 'What Is House Muzik' (Ricardo Villalobos What Is Remix)

One of my favorite electronic producers of all time, Ricardo Villalobos, recently shared his rendition of Chicago dance music legend, DJ Pierre's 1994 banger, 'What Is House Muzik?'. The 32 minute rework will be available on 12" starting December 1st but digital copies are out now via Get Physical. Get lost below...

heavy rotation :: OL - Scape Border EP

One of Moscow's finest producers, OL aka Oleg Buyanov, released his EP, Scape Border, on London based imprint Meda Fury a couple days ago. Meda Fury is a label that is distributed under R&S Records,  where OL successfully debuted his EP.

The EP begins with 'Lum', a bouncy grained out old school house sweeper that can easily be repeated without any annoyance on its horizon. This bleeds into 'Around' (download on XLR8R), a off-kilter R&B production with a funk house flare that releases endorphins in the brain, making it easy to get loose and down to the beat. The next three tracks fearlessly take on a jazz, deep-house, and 90s bass approach formulating them to be absolute bangers for the dance floor. The closing track, 'Melt Down', literally winds down the release to a lower BPM and focuses on a more ambient hip-hop vibe which is a perfect relaxant to the prior more upbeat heavier compositions on the EP.

OL is clearly no stranger to conducting deep off-kilter beats as he continues to embark on new ways of production to elevate is unique cordial sound more than ever. You can purchase the record when in stock again via Phonica Records. In the meantime stream clips of the EP below...


__________________________________________________________________________________
Previously :: Watch OL's Boiler Room Moscow set

video :: DJ Haus - 'Comin' On'

One of my favorite UK producers at the moment, DJ Haus, label head of Unknown to the Unknown, recently surfaced a music video for, 'Comin' On', a single off his upcoming 12", Feel The Change Comin On. The video was put together by talented Amsterdam duo Born & Borgesius, who took DJ Haus' bass bouncing production and put it alongside grainy VHS video frames, blurring acid filters, and a computer generated space mission. Its pretty mesmerizing. The new 12" is officially out now on Juno.

giveaway :: Far Away #016 - JACQUES RENAULT b2b JUSTIN MILLER

This Friday Nov.7th Far Away will be kissing 2014 goodbye with its final party of the year. Cooper Saver dished out an awesome bill for this one as he does everytime; featuring Lets Play House co-founder and Brooklyn native, Jacques Renault. Renault runs the great forward thinking house, disco, and techno imprint along side friend and business partner Nik Mercer, where they recently put out Renault's newest record, Out of Sync. You can stream the full EP via XLR8R's soundcloud now and get it on digital format, November 10th.

Jacques will be going B2B with fellow NYC inhabitant and Have A Killer Time label head, Justin Miller. The two are effortlessly going to be moving minds, bodies, and souls on the dancefloor at Friday's get-down. Thats Deck will be doing a ticket giveaway on EMS Radio Wednesday, November 5th between 6PM-8PM PST for this final Far Away party. The phone lines will be open at 7pm, so tune in for a chance at winning. The phone number to call will be given the out day of via Thats Deck's Twitter and Facebook.



Be sure to listen out Miller's lovely mix for The Standard NYC's night club, Le Bain, as well as Jacques Renault's recently installed cosmic dance lit Far Away Tape #002 down below. Both mixes are sure to get you in the mood to catch them on Los Angeles soil this Friday in downtown's hottest upcoming venue, Jewel's Catch One. Indulge in these rhythms of thought-erasing dance music...




_________________________________________________________________________________
Previously :: DECKast #52 x Cooper Saver