First Listen :: Pleasure Model & The Cyclist on 100% Silk

100% Silk celebrates the beginning of Spring with two new releases from two bright UK producers. Both being dropped on April 6th, we got a little tease for the heads from each release.

First up, hailing from Birmingham, UK; The Cyclist follows his premiere track featured on the Silk To Dry The Tears compilation last month, with a four track EP entitled, Alabaster Thrones. Formulating the "tape-throb" listening experience, The Cyclist consistently delivers those succulent lo-fi frequencies in each number of this record. Specifically the second track, 'Ivory', conjuring acid belched basslines with wavy ebm induced vocals and swifting synth melodies. It's safely one of Morrison's most promising compositions to date. The limited 12" also comes with a bonus tape, Beat At The Heart Of The City - you can listen to a track from it here. Take a listen to 'Ivory' below...



Alabaster Thrones is out on digital, limited 12" (+bonus tape) on April 6 via bandcamp.

Tracklist ::
1. Alabaster Thrones
2. Ivory
3. Aladdin Insane
4. Autochrome




Lastly - all the way from Bristol, UK - Pleasure Model follows his stellar album from last year, Kendo Dynamics on 100% Silk with a new 8-track excursion called, The Executive. Technical cyber-jack for the futurist dancefloor industrialist is a good way to explain this one. Maiovvi toys with hypnotizing synths and rhythmic hardware wirings to create a utopian virtual reality of sorts. 'Body Double' does that and more for the listener by way of its shifting matrix attitude. Check it out...



The Executive is out on digital and limited edition cassette April 6 via bandcamp.

Tracklist ::
1. Labelmouth
2. International Geographic
3. Body Double
4. Belinfurbellt
5. Elaborate Hoax Detector
6. Sound Investment
7. Wires 05:00
8. Alumni Precursor

First Listen :: Vidiian - '/am Spliff'

Oakland based producer Vidiian gears up for his upcoming EP on Michael Claus' new imprint Silva Electronics. With the label on suit to focus on the harsher sounds coming out of Northern California, Vidiian's four track release paints those hard-hitting techno rhythms in the most pristine for the label's vision. We got a fist listen exclusive into the closing track, '/am Spliff'; a beltering 303 cosmic groove that takes you on a ride whether late-night or early morning light. Mysterious and intriguing for the thrill seeking ears. Listen below...



Salvaged Systems EP is out on digital Monday March 26th via bandcamp.

Tracklist ::
1. Day Before
2. Mining Camp Survival
3. Virus Incubation Chamber
4. /am Spliff

First Listen :: Kosmik - 'The Kraken'

The Black Lodge has been having a great year so far, with the debut of their first record, Spirits of The Black Lodge Vol.1, to throwing some epic one-off warehouse parties with legends such as Billy Nightmare aka Mystic Bill, Bill Converse, JTC, & Justin Aulis Long; it's super exciting to see and hear what party and record they will put out next.

Kicking off 2018 with a bang The Black Lodge will release its second 12" on Black Lodge Recordings conjuring some more spirits for, Spirits of the Black Lodge Vol.2. Featuring four tracks from BL residents, Kosmik and Simonowsky as well as BL veterans TX Connect, Jasen Loveland, and One Child Policy - this release is a force to be reckoned with to say the least.

We got a first listen into the last track on the B-side which is from BL co-founder Kosmik with 'The Kraken'. The six minute sultry club tool embarks on a journey of the legendary sea monster unearthing from the depths of the murky waters. Making jackin' rhythmic waves and echoing her orgasms throughout the seven seas, 'The Kraken' eats you up and spits you back out in its mesmerizing duration. Take a listen below...



Spirits of The Black Lodge Vol.2 will be available on vinyl and digital, January 2018.

Tracklist ::
A1. TX Connect - Enhanced Fujita Scale
A2 . Belligerents [One Child Policy + Simonowsky] - CRACK99
B1. Jasen Loveland - When Memory Fades
B2. Kosmik - The Kraken

Also :: This Saturday at Hyperion Tavern in L.A. The Black Lodge will close out their monthly residency with a final gathering of the year. B2B sessions all night with some undeniable L.A. talent and east-coast debuts. Find out more info here.


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Previously :: BL001 - Spirits of the Black Lodge Vol.1

DECKast #68 x Solotape

SF's Solotape linked together a raw cassette mix for this issue of the DECKast. When I approached Solotape regarding a mix he was hesitant and explained he needed sometime to curate and muster up some inspiration. After a couple months he sent over this loose almost hour long tape mix that's as innovative as his avant-garde productions. Read what he had to say about it below...

"Each little plastic tape casing carries its own history with it, and being limited to seeking through FF and REW reminds you that the individual tracks are unavoidably linked together in sequence. With this mix I wanted to share some of the tapes I have a history listening to and maintain that feeling of one song coming after another, sometimes smoothly and sometimes abrupt. While some of them I cued up to specific points I had in mind, others I just popped into my Walkman and played from the last random spot I stopped listening to them at. Through this I hoped to simulate the experience of grabbing an old tape and not knowing exactly where you will end up -- beyond the fact that wherever you pick up is where you or someone else left it off before."



Also :: Solotape contributed a heavy tune to Seagrave's newest compilation, Hospital Corners, check out it out below...



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Previously :: video :: Solotape - 'Jamie'

Thought Tempo - ¶¶¶

Thought Tempo just put out a new release on Zoom Lens featuring three new tracks. The OC/LA based producer has always had a knack for showcasing the best of ethereal synths consistently throughout his work. This new release is no exception. Ever so chilled and rightfully noir, ¶¶¶ is a short and sweet combo of tracks suited for the wind-down or healing mediation. Like the Blade Runner soundtrack in ways, the spatial textures and elongated synth progressions in all the three tracks are easily sedating and pleasing to the mind's eye.

100% of the proceeds made on bandcamp from the release will be donated to the Michael Douglas Foundation. There is also a limited run of dope tee's you can buy with the digital tracks. Album art created by Brian Vu.

¶¶¶ is available now on digital via Zoom Lens bandcamp.



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Previously :: Thought Tempo - I Can Fila

heavy rotation :: One Child Policy - Cultural Transmissions

With an extensive background in classical music, electrical engineering, and sound design - Los Angeles based producer One Child Policy finally unearths his debut release, Cultural Transmissions on Droid Behavior's sister label VRV. Conjuring up a tasteful array of five productions, 1CP channels a unique narrative being a Chinese American, transmitting his experience into a cultural electronic playing field.

Introducing this field is 'Yin || 阴' a mysteriously ominous arpeggio number setting the tone for the story to be told ahead. Leading the listener to a stellar collaboration with Harrison Holt on the track 'Red Coast Base Surveillance' further accentuates the transmittive arpeggio instrumentation in a hypnotic 303 bassline that relentlessly hits the soul with all the right emotions and feels.

'Only Me || 孝' reflects as a call and response regurgitating 'I' and 'Only Me' repeatedly in a mantra manner. Through the echoing vocals and reverberating thought-pondering melodies - this is an easy one to have on loop. Closing out the tape, 'Chase The Dragon' & title track 'Cultural Transmissions' make nods to a hybrid mystical breakbeat UK garage vibe, sifting through the chillest of 4 by 4 rhythmic patterns.

Cultural Transmissions is available now on tape and digital via VRV bandcamp.



Tracklist ::
1. Yin || 阴
2. Red Coast Base Surveillance
3. Only Me || 孝
4. Chase The Dragon
5. Cultural Transmissions

Also :: Check out 1CP's recent hybrid live DJ set recording at The Black Lodge earlier this month!

RWD.FM x Yuzo 11-13-17

Co-hostess/DJ, Yuzo of Dim Sum radio show on Seoul Community Radio mixes in for an hour with some supremely deep cuts and chats for a bit about Seoul's underground scene while she was recently visiting Los Angeles this past month.

Urulu - The Armadillo EP

Amadeus Records bossman Urulu is back at it with a brand new EP titled, The Armadillo, on his label commemorating his first 12" for the imprint. Compiling these 4 tracks in his home away home in Berlin, the productions exude a playful moodiness that are gripping in their easing modest tone and texture. With 'The Nautilus' on the A-side taking the listener deep into the subterranean world of cosmic synths and underwater drums to the pensive microwavable number, 'Cold Ravioli' on the B-side - Urulu merries the down-tempo to a groove that is rightfully undeniable. Highly recommend this one.

The Armadillo EP is out now worldwide. Buy it here.

DECKast #67 x Malt

LA based producer/DJ/label co-founder, Malt aka Andrew of Leisure Sports Records mixes in for this issue of the DECKast. With a recent EP called Acidict on LSR as well as throwing monthly parties with JukeBounceWerk at Tokyo Beat called ARTBOX - Malt is constantly creating and curating new sounds for the local and global ears. With the tinge of euphoria, 303 basslines and house induced techno patterns - this mix he crafted up for us bangs incredibly deep. Turn up the speakers for this one. Check it out below and see what he had to say about the mix.



"This mix is comprised of a selection of different songs I have been listening to lately. Theres a lot of different flavors that are blended in, a bit of house, techno and of course Acid. Its always a fun and interesting time to go into tracks not knowing what will work out, but ends up being a tasty result. Hope you enjoy the mix!"

Tracklist:
The Capsule’s Price - Bwana
Kobalt - A Sagittariun
Influxxxx - Gnork
Angst - Realitycheck
Circlon - Spatial
Layer Process - Reflec
State Of Matter - Umwelt
Acid Stomp - Robin Ball
It’s A Fine Day - Opus III
Spazzmatik Bass - Proper Villains
Crosstalk - Matt Whitehead
Alien Acid - DJ Haus
From Below - Junq
Compute - TR-666
Hashtag (Radioactive Man Remix) - Carl Finlow
Don’t Leave Me - Fjaak
UNTITLED - MALT

RWD.FM x Fit of Body 10-30-17

Atlanta based Harsh Riddims founder Ryan Parks aka Fit of Body contributed a sweet mix of sounds he's been currently digging for this radio episode. Here's what he had to say about it:

"I made this mix in honor of our 13th release, Louke Man's Lil Devil. My favorite song off that tape, You knoww, is in the mix. There's a lot of youtube rips, there's a couple of vinyl rips. Shout out to Fantasyland and their tiny, little house section. Got a new track from the artist formerly known as Blunt Fang on there. New Galcher on there. Also, this is the first and last time that I use my own song for a mix."



Tracklist ::
​Gene Farris - My Oyster
Gene Farris - Magic Potion
Galcher Lustwerk - Yeeno
Louke Man - You Knowww
Divine Interface - Designer Desire
Dana Harris - As We Lay
DJ Taz - That's Right
Lil Tracy - Prom Queen
Smoke Purpp ft. Juicy J - Streets Love Me
Souls of Mischief - Step to My Girl
Negashi Armada - So Many Stories
Andy Rantzen - The Universe is Compelled to Move
Twin Shadow - Slow
Fit of Body- Heavens
Angelina - Fermezie Ou

video :: Avalon Emerson - 'One More Fluorescent Rush'

Avalon Emerson returns on London's Whities label with a 2-track 12"/digital release due at the beginning of November. This follows her most recent EP, Narcissus In Retrograde on Spectral Sound late last year. 'One More Fluorescent Rush' debuted yesterday with a brilliantly colorful VR induced video directed by Hayden Martin and Camera/3D work done by Josha Eiffel & Felix Silvestris. The QR codes on the album artwork corresponds with each track on EP facilitating a digital engagement with the physical release. Check out the awesome video below...

First Listen :: Louke Man - 'Me_You'

Toronto based producer Louke Man is to release his debut album, Lil Devil, on Harsh Riddims tomorrow. The 8-track tape blends glimpses of rap scats and r&b sampling into eager four to the floor sequences. Clever, calm, and reflective house tracks with raw tinges of old-school dance nostalgia.

We got a first listen premiere into the second track, 'Me_You' from the release. Warm and melancholic with it's heartbreak pitch and melody that's engulfed in this push and pull of punchy kicks, snares, and hi-hats. This star track follows suit of the lo-fi breakbeat house sound that is resounding around the internet these days, and its brilliant. More please.



Lil Devil is out on October 6th, 2017 via Harsh Riddims bandcamp on cassette and digital.

Tracklist ::
1. Creepin
2. Me_You
3. A535
4. Somebody's Lyin
5. Take It Slow
6. Beach
7. You Knoww
8. Pro Guns

video :: Solotape - 'Jamie'

Sounds from Orange County/SF producer and visual artist Spencer G aka Solotape. 'Jamie' is a brand new track on his soundcloud which follows his Winter Blues EP he self-released earlier this year. Following in suit with his other sounds, Spencer makes music videos for his music using a VHS camcorder. This track beautifully spews colors and VHS pixelation in harmony with the hyperactively jacked 303 house cadence that entrances throughout the number. Solotape is to be a guest on That's Deck radio sometime next month -  stay tuned. Check out a recent live recording of him banging it out at Underground SF for Asterisk...

DECKast #66 x Michael Claus

Bay-area producer & Outpost resident Michael Claus is to release his debut album, Memory Protect, on 100% Silk next week. With releases and collabs on Jacktone Records, Outpost, and Charmin Records under his own name only in recent years, Claus has been actively making music since 2004. On this new album, Claus secures emotionally charged house and techno variations spanning between 2014-2017, telling his musical journey in an 8 track narrative of loose sedative rhythms and scenic synth euphoria. It's like "Bodies of water, oceans of memory – what collects, continues" - 100% Silk. Listen to two singles off the release below...

Memory Protect is available on cassette and digital September 22 via 100% Silk bandcamp. Also on September 23 at the Elbo Room in San Francisco Outpost will be hosting a 100% Silk takeover featuring Auscultation (LIVE), Maria Minerva (LIVE) and of course Outpost residents Michael Claus and CM-4. They will be celebrating the new tape in full force - not to be missed if your in the area - find all the info via Resident Advisor.





In light of the upcoming release, Michael generously contributed a short & sweet mix for our DECKast series. Showcasing an unreleased track of his own, alongside a track from late Outpost founder & close collaborator, Nackt; the tranquil array of tracks hit a calm reflective state in the mind. Purely transcending beginning to end. Listen below and read what he had to say about the mix...

"A collection of music to unwind to, chill out to, fall asleep to, or ride the train to."



Tracklist:
1. Jorge Reyes - Sazilakab
2. Journeymann Trax -Ice Sheets
3. Smackos - The Fire That Will Always Burn In You
4. No Death & Sangam - Senses High
5. Yves Tumor - Limerence
6. Michael Claus - The Source Within (Unreleased)
7. Studio OST - Parsec
8. Nackt - Sonime ( 💓  I love you Johnny)
9. Tin Man - Washing Acid
10. Rezzett - Zootie

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Previously :: Michael Claus - Assorted Tracks Vol.2

BL001 - Spirits of the Black Lodge Vol.1

The Black Lodge launches their own imprint with a 5-track compilation titled, Spirits Of The Black Lodge Vol.1. The release features BL residents Kosmik and Force Placement, as well as BL veterans Vexation aka Dirty Jak [Hoe Down/Creme Organization/Dust Traxx], Brown Irvin aka Ashtre Jenkins [Apron Records/Motion Ward/NCA], and Frequencia aka Esteban Adame [Underground Resistance/Yaxteq/EPM/Planet E].

From Vexation's renegade-techno anthem, 'Commercial Whore', to Brown Irvin's dubbed out analog banger, 'Things Sharp'; Kosmik's hypnotizing acid entrancer, 'The Endless Void' rounds out the A side. Frequencia's, 'Fall Trax', perculates the start of the B-side with its punchy techno bass hooks, while Force Placement's regimented rhythm mantra sampler, 'Missing Words', closes out the record. The collection of tracks conjure up those particular energies and spirits that on may experience at a Black Lodge gathering.

It's a solid debut from The Black Lodge crew. Stream and purchase it below.

Spirits Of The Black Lodge Vol.1 is available now on digital and 12" via bandcamp.




Also ::
If you live in LA - this Saturday be sure to check out The Black Lodge at Hyperion Tavern with a live set from SF hardware queen, Fanciulla Gentile aka The Creatrix [No-Tech, Jacktone], and Jacktone Records co-founder Doc Sleep. They will be joined by DJ sets from He Valencia and BL residents Simnowsky, Kosmik, and Force Placement. Find out more info here.