Jack The Box

Visit Kate and see her Artist Page at Ghostly/Spectral here

http://ghostly.com/artists/kate-simko

This weekend – Saturday, March 13th Particle People Mpls Present Kate Simko Live! Joining Kate on visuals is the Minneapolis lighting wonder boy, Math Static along with two amazing new comers, Loveless Aphrodite, and COMPLICIT Live!  For this run at Jack the box we turn our focus to Kate Simko and later to Loveless Aphrodite.

Kate Simko…

I could sit here and re-post all the typical things you would read about Kate on any random Google search.  Well… I am not going to do that, I’m going to ask Kate what I think most people want to know. They want to know “Who is Kate Simko really?” Does she like to party or is she some nerd that likes to plug away at the studio day and night? OR, Is it a little of both?  Time to ask Kate and find out!

When I first heard of Kate Simko it had to be when she first started showing up on Spectral compilations and later on her own EP’s.  For quite a while I thought she was from Detroit and didn’t know too much about her besides her smooth, mellow style that always made me buy the record. It wasn’t until I drove to Milwaukee for a Projekt show to hear her in action that I found out how amazing her music is.  Her Live PA blew me away!

Very few things really excite me (ok that’s not true – I am excitable!) but that set was amazing and not what I expected from her. The music was full of life and energy and had a deep and undeniably sexy vibe to it that just made you dance uncontrollably. I knew then that she had to come to Minneapolis.

Kate was kind enough to also share a recent DJ Set with us and I have to say, it shows that she is not only an amzing artist but a class act DJ as well. We were able to get it and share with you today. For the track listing see below the article.  This is a studio promo mix made late last year and is a compilation of some of her favorite tracks from 2009.

 

DIRECT DOWNLOAD HERE

So…

I hear a ton about how she grew up in music and is trained in classical, her heritage and family connections to music and so on, but I really think it would be nice to hear about her background in electronic and in dance music. What I would really like to know and show our readers is…

*When did you start getting into the electronic music scene? Did you start off a party kid, a dancer? How were you introduced to the everything?

A friend of mine introduced me to dance music when I was a sophomore in high school.  She was one year older than me, and had been a pretty hard core raver
during Jr. High (at the age of 12 or 13- pretty crazy in retrospect).  In the end, I think her parents sent her to rehab.  She stopped listening to the music and went straight edge, so she gave another high school friend and me all of her mix tapes.  There was everything from DJ Keoki, to raga jungle, to Diz, to Underworld, to booty house.  We had an older friend with a car (because we were too young to drive), and he’d drive us around while we listened to the tapes.  Then, it went from that, to him driving us to the parties in Chicago and around the Midwest.  When we turned 16, we would drive to parties around the Midwest pretty much every weekend.  We heard so much great music back then, it’s a little surreal looking back at some of the line-ups.

*When and what started you into the world of producing electronic music/DJing?

I started buying records and DJ’ing on the radio in college.  I wanted to stay involved with the electronic music scene, but my rave days were over due to a demanding college schedule studying classical piano.  So, I became an “apprentice” on the dance music show as a way to keep up with electronic music.  Just like for many people, college was a time to figure out what I really wanted to for a career, and after some soul searching I realized that I was more passionate about electronic music than classical music.  So, I decided to switch from studying classical music, and take a risk to learn how to make my own music.

*I heard around that you used to be the director for the electronic music side of WNUR radio in Chicago. How was that experience?

WNUR is one of the very best college stations in the U.S., so it was a real honor to be music director of the dance and hip-hop formats for a couple years.  I learned a lot about music, and really grew as a person through that experience.

*What role did WNUR play in your growth as a DJ/Producer?

WNUR is the place I learned about a lot of labels and producers.  The former music director, Dave Siska, put together a family tree of house and techno record labels from different countries in Europe and North America, and gave it to me when I started.  I did a lot of studying to get up-to-pace, and tried to learn the context of everything  Then, from there, it turned into the weekly pilgrimage to Gramaphone Records, Dr. Wax, Dusty Groove, etc. where I would pick out records for the station.  I bought a lot of records and listened to tons of music at that time.

*Being a Chicago party kid, where did the deep influence from Detroit come into play for you and your style?

I always loved the Detroit sound.  Derrick May, Claude Young, Jeff Mills, and Richie Hawtin were all some of my favorite DJ’s in the 90’s, and we saw a lot of Detroit DJ’s play in Chicago (or travelled to Detroit to bigger parties).  The Detroit sound was always raw, futuristic, and fresh.

*Tell us the connection to Spectral/Ghostly, how did that become?

I met Sam (label owner of Ghostly/Spectral), at MUTEK in Montreal, around 2004.  We were looking for a label for our second Detalles album (project with Andres Bucci), so it started by me sending that material to Ghostly.  From there, I sent links to my first solo productions,  which were the first ones the label picked up.  I’m very grateful to work with the labels, it’s been a great home base for my music.

*What are some other artists and labels are you working with?  Any new projects on the horizon for our readers to keep an eye out for?

I just did an EP for Eklo, a really nice label out of Paris.  The EP is called “Lost In Time” and has a remix by dOp.
Collaboration-wise, I have a new project with a talented Chicago house producer, Tevo Howard.   It’s a deep house project, with a very Chicago vibe.
Besides that, I’m finishing up my first full-length solo album.  This project has been a cool challenge- excited to get the music out there, for sure.

*I hear that this next Live show in Mpls is going to be a rare one.  That you have decided to take a bit of a break from Live PA and are playing more DJ gigs.  Being so well known for your live sets… What made you make this change?

As a performer, I think your job at a show is do the best possible performance for the time.  DJ’ing gives you more flexibility to adapt to the moment.  So, unless it’s a show that really publicizes that it’s a live set, I don’t think people often have the right level of patience or understanding to appreciate a live set at a club.

Promo Of Kate’s Live PA from last year  

*Can you tell us about some of the artists and music that you’re really into at the moment?  Whats in the DJ Bag?

I’m playing a mix of tech-house, minimal, house, and techno.  I’ve been enjoying some French producers especially- Masomenos, Dyed Soundorom, Seuil (from Eklo), as well as the releases on Cityfox, Spectral (of course..), Inxec and Matt Tolfrey.. and much more.

*Whats not in the DJ bag?  What’s in the Ipod/in the car stereo?

Well, I’m just returning from 6 weeks in Buenos Aires, so have been listening to a lot of tango music, classic rock, classic love songs, and Latino music in taxis and at restaurants.  It’s been a nice change.  Very emotional taste in music down there, in general.

*Excited to play Mpls?  Any Expectations about our crazy scene?

Yes, looking forward to it!  Well, you’ve told me that people enjoy live sets in Minneapolis, so it will be fun to play live for some music lovers

*What are you most excited about in 2010 besides rockin out in Mpls?
I’m excited to finish my album, and to tour Europe and Japan this spring!

Track Listing from Kates DJ mix!

01. Kasper – Vibrations [Bass Culture]
02. Tini – Thats Right [Desolat]
03. Andre Crom & Luca Doobie – Snake Seven [Off]
04. Butane – Little Helper 1 [Little Helpers]
05. Georg Levin – The Better Life (Jerome Syndenham Remix) [BBE]
06. Perc – Throb [Ovum]
07. DJ Wild – Ahora [Soweso]
08. HOSH – Better And Sweet (Audiofly Remix) [NRK]
09. Ben Klock – goodly Sin Feat Elif Bicer (Robert Hood Remix) [Ostgut Ton]
10. District One – Dubcrystal [100% Pure]
11. Thodoris Triantafillou – Morningrama (DJ Wld Dub Mello Remix) [Quantized]
12. Masomenos – Juhuu [WTM]
13. Radio Slave – Orchestrating Maneuvers In The Dark [OM]
14. Shonky – Mama Queen [Contexterrior]
15. And.ID – Ephoria [Mobilee]
16. Alexi Delano – Adjust The Frequency (Par Grindvik Remix) [Clink]
17. Jabberjaw – The Connie Shake [Spectral Sound]
18. Nick Curly – Pujante [Cocoon]
19. Loco Dice – How Do I Know (Cassy Remix) [Desolat]
20. Kate Simko – Take You There [Spectral Sound]
21. Tevo Howard – Northside Part One [Beautiful Granville]

A few weeks ago I received an email from Alexia to check out some new and old mixes of hers on Soundcloud. I wasn’t sure who she was so a quick peek on FaceBook and I realized “Hey! I know this person!” I just realized that I see her on the dance floor all the time and see her so into the groove week after week at the Black shows so I figured..  “lets check it out”

A click on the first mix recorded in SanFran some time ago and by the first track I was hooked! By the third track I was actually moved on a deeper more emotional level. Her track selection was like none I had heard before and needed more.  I emailed her back and asked if she would play at Black, needless to say…  She said yes.

Take a moment to here this amazing DJ in action and see just what I did.

http://soundcloud.com/loveless-aphrodite

:: Loveless Aphrodite ::
You may have noticed this warrior on the dance floor at events throughout the city, since her return to the twin cities from Los Angeles, a little over a year ago.

Alexia Rodriguez’s, energy translates to nothing less when she is behind a set of turntables. Her all vinyl, journey style, storytelling speaks of dreams, compassion, love and loss. And, the joy and passion that flows though out one of her sessions is both compelling to watch and infectious.

Join us this weekend for another installment of Black – this Week presented by Particle People.

Featuring:

KATE SIMKO LIVE, MATH STATIC, COMPLICIT LIVE*, and LOVELESS APHRODITE!

Kate Simko at Black

Words by Aaron Bliss and Loveless Aphrodite.

In the beginning there was Jack, and Jack had a Groove…  Ok, ok,  I know, heard that before but…

I will never forget the first time I heard that played on a big system. When I hear it,  there are a few people that come to mind and Doc Martin is one of them.

To me, Doc Martin has been a musical mentor in a way. I will never forget getting my first Doc Martin tapes after a friend returned home from a visit to California.  The music was soulful, deep and techy at the same time, it really has a taste of everything.

Every time I saw he was in an issue of URB Magazine I would buy on site, anything and everything. If it had Doc Martin on it I would NEED it.  I still do!  I have great memories of buying his mix tapes, as a matter of fact I would obsess over them and call every record store I could find (pre-internetz) out of the back of scene mags and buy all the tracks I could off the track listings. I would even go as far as to play the tracks over the phone to the clerk and say “what is this? I need it!!”

As a matter of fact,  the one time controversial “Flammable Liquid” mix tape I am proud to say I own every track on that tape and cherish everyone of them. Took me years to accomplish this goal, to me, they are not tracks by the artists but “tracks from Doc’s tape” its funny how that works out.

Why Doc Martin at Black???

I really wanted to get people in our scene to know who Doc is and why he is so important. His professionalism, modesty, and passion for the music are second to none. Hes been rocking the decks since 1986 and shows no sign of slowing down. Rocking some of the worlds best clubs and staying relevant as ever almost 25 years later.

To Round it off Doc left us with a little gift! I recent recording from San Fran. You never know what to expect from Doc Martin Other than quality but here is just a little taste of one of the many sides of Doc Martin, Enjoy!

 

DIRECT DOWN LOAD

*Doc, you have played a key role in the US scene (and world wide) for close to 25 years. What do you think has been the key to staying relevant especially in a time when so many young artists and DJs are coming up?
I think one of the reasons for that is not to sell your sound out every time a new trend in music comes along. I personally love all kinds of music, if it’s saying something. In a set from me you could hear house, acid, techno, disco, on the new,and old tip. There are many DJ’s coming up who have something to offer. I think that’s a healthy thing.It keeps things interesting.There’s no need for attitude. It’s not a contest,of who’s the best. To me it’s about getting people involved in a groove. I think that’s why I get along with a lot of the new producers, and DJ’s.

*You have seen lots of changes in the music, What are the biggest changes you see recently?
I think one of the biggest things is all this fragmentation amongst types of music. There are so many different types of House, and Techno. To me this is ridiculous, To let things like this divide a dance scene. In EUROPE it’s more about the party. Coming together for the common good of the music. I’m friends with many different type’s of DJ’s. I tend to look at the person first. There are many dj’s in my own genre that I stay clear of, because they are not good people, or always running someone else down.

*What are your thoughts on the American dance scene?
I think there are a lot of people who care again.I see people from all parts of the US. coming together to save, and rebuild their scenes. A lot of clubs who were owned by people who were into the music, are now owned by businessmen. So they look at the top 100 dj’s according to some magazine, and book their clubs accordingly.I’ve seen the return of the massive as well. Big all night dance events, for the 18,and overs. I think for the most part there is no radio support for dance music. There are mix shows for commercial artist with dance remixes. House has been around for over 25 years!
I have never given up on the US scene,and never will!

*Tell us about some of your projects, Sublevel the store, Sublevel the Party and your connection to Stussy..
Sublevel the party has been going strong. Lillia,and I decided on New Years 2001 that I should stay in LA,and do an event. We wanted to something outside the clubs, that would represent the kind of party we would like to go to. So we got a loft in downtown Los Angeles. We went in and fixed the venue to our liking. We brought in the kind of sound ,and light’s we wanted. We created a place you could go in and lose yourself for nine hours , or so. We opened the doors at 10pm,and I put my last record down at 11am. Nine years later we are still going strong. The Stussy Connection came from,someone who used to go to all the shows in the early 90’s. They like the parties, and what we stand for.

*Do you have any current music productions or remixes in the works?
There are a bunch of Sublevel songs coming out this year. We are also going to be releasing tracks through Sublevel Berlin. I’ve been getting hit up for a bunch of remixes as well.

*You also do a live set now with your singer Lillia. What is this project and how is it performed?
Lillia and I have been doing Sublevel Live for 9 years. We’ve performed in the UK, US, DEMF, Japan.Berlin, and everywhere in between. It’s been really good to perform,as well as DJ. We also Performed in Denver for a show after O’bama’s acceptance speech for the democratic national convention. We perform with Live Vocals, Effects, Mackie mixer, CDJ’s, and turntables. There is no stop start between every song.Just a constant flow.

*You have played here in Mpls in the past, usually a much larger venue, We cant tell you how happy we are to have you play for us in a more intimate setting. For an artist that travels as much as you do, can you share some of the pros and cons of both?
For me it makes no difference. The music I play usually translates in both settings. I’ve had amazing experiences in both type’s of settings.For example I played a 12and a half hour set in a small club Osaka Japan , Or at Sublevel with 1000 people for 7 hours that felt like 2 hours. If the crowd is into the music It always goes by to fast.

*There are a few questions I love to ask in all my interviews because I really think it give some insight to the person and their music tastes…

*When your not listening to house and techno, what non-dance music are you listening to?
Reggae, Funk, Rock.

*What are a few new artists that you think are really blowing your mind right now?
The new Freaks stuff(Ouch)  Jamie Jones, Argy ,Peter Kruder(Not new,but a new sound for him),Dixon,Henrick Schwarz, Revenge, Melon, Michel Cleis to name a few.

*What are a few of those artists that seem to always blow your mind after all these years?
Robert Owens, Brothers Vibe, Tyree, Chez Damier, Blake Baxter, Carl Craig, King Britt, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

*Gear question:  What are those big knobby things I see in all the youtube videos that you have on your records?
They are record weights. I use them to keep feedback issues down to a minimum. Your records are also less likely to skip with them.

Thanks Doc for the time and thank you for coming to play for us.

Story and interview by Aaron Bliss

Be sure to Come out to Black Saturday February 27th Located at First Ave’s  VIP Room!

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JACK THE BOX

A year ago Particle People had our buddy Derek Plaslaiko out to party.  That night we recorded the set and forgot all about it!  A few weeks ago Derek sends this email…

“Look!  I forgot we recorded this!”

A little surprise for all of us and we would like to share it with you!

From the vault…  A special exclusive mix from Derek Plaslaiko!

DIRECT DOWNLOAD

 

I first found out about Voodeux in the winter of 2007 when I heard “The Curse” on a promo mix by Claude VonStroke. Right away I was blown away by the spooky and sexy sound. The creepy synths and the big pads just stuck with me. I think I played that track in every set for about 6 months and just craved more.

When I found out that they were launching their new full length album with a rare live performance in Detroit last year I had to hear it! I ran around like crazy that night, a psycho cab driver, and a huge line later there I was front and center, hands in the air once again blown away by their sound. I knew right then that I had to get them to Minneapolis and when I found out they were available during a fellow Particle Person’s birthday it was an obvious choice.

Not only are they amazing song writers and producers they are also funny and personable, I was happy to take some time for an interview with James and Tanner of Voodeux. What follows is our conversation as well as a special after hours JackCast from Tanner Ross and a stream of Voodeux’s promo set just to get a taste of what is to come this Saturday at Black.

Voodeux Promo live mix

 

Guys…  To start I would like to get you introduced, Could you tell us a little bit about the concept behind Voodeux?

James: The concept sprouted from the combination of my hermetic obsessions with the occult, and Tanner’s horror flick affinity.  It sorta grew on its own, and the whole thematic idea of what Voodeux stands for is still evolving.  I’m really into combining the funkiness of raw dance music and the deep hypnotic nature of techno.  It’s about creating tension and dramatic sequences and engaging the listener with white knuckles, unclear what’s around the corner.
Tanner: Ditto

You both live in different states, how is that? What is your writing process?

Voodeux: We just share project files and send them back and forth via internetz.

Tanner and James, The last 3 years have been quite eventful for you two, from taking off on your own productions, a remix of the biggest underground track of 2007 (Tanners remix of “Who’s afraid of Detroit”) To the first big single on Mothership Records (the Curse) and now one of the hottest full length albums of 2009 on one of Americas top techno labels.  How does that feel?

Tanner: The past few years have been a huge whirlwind of craziness. I spent my last semester of college on an airplane doing the Voodeux tour and dj gigs. I was a music arranger and producer for a National Geographic Documentary. All of these experiences have really shaped who I am now. To be exact, I cannot put a finger on those details. My work ethic has really improved over the years. I used to just pick at ideas here and there and now I am staying focused. The result of the concentration is, productivity.

James: It’s been pretty exciting, but sometimes overwhelming when everything’s thrown at you at once.  It’s definitely given me the chance to discover what I like and don’t like, and how to find longevity within it.  Tourwise, eyes are open for meaningful events, where promoters pour their hearts into building creative experiences and creating landscapes for optimal listening.  As for the music, it’s great to have the wonderful support and vision from Barclay and Dirtybird/Mothership, as they put so much careful work into intelligently pushing things forward on a global scale.  Knowing The Paranormal is so well-received is great, and we’re harnessing that energy for our 2nd album.

Are there any new Voodeux projects in the works?
Voodeux: We are in the brainstorming process for the next album. Recording starts in Feb.

How did the relationship begin with Mothership and DirtyBird?
To make a very long story short…
A magical beam of light came out of the sky, following the beam, a seimic low frequency wave produced by an 808 bass hit me to the ground. I found the answer and everything has been absolutely fantastic since.

Voodeux: We are brothers from different mothers.

Tanner,  I recently read in an article where you mentioned you were just recently getting in to DJing the last few years.  What encouraged you to pick up such a nasty habit?

Tanner: I think it is just a natural progression for me. I love playing and I will continue to until I physically unable.

James, you have been producing records for years now.  I remember playing your records and reviewing them on Nu-breaks forum back in the early 2000’s.  How has your music progressed over the last few years and what new projects are you working on?

James: I hope it’s progressed and still progressing.  I’m working on EPs with Thoughtless and Harmonious Discord, and just finished a vocal album with Amagine, a time-traveling multidimensional MC here in Philly.  I’m staying busy, and one of the main focuses for 2010, and what I’m getting very excited about, is the Voodeux followup album.

Tanner, you seem to be busy as well, I heard a rumor of even a dubstep project, what can we expect from you in the near future?

I did work on about 6 dubstep tracks. After some thought I decided it wasn’t my calling. That said, I have learned a lot of new things by experimenting with that sound and it is starting to really effect the way I approach music. I am working on a bunch of new projects this year. I released an ep on Airdrop with Sergio Santos at the end of 09 and we are starting to work on our next ep along with a few remixes. Sergio and I are also working with Soulclap as a group called SECT. SECT is going to be releasing an ep on Culprit early this year followed by more eps. SECT came about because Chalrie of Soulclap has been my roommate for three years now aswell as Sergio and it wouldn’t make sense for Eli of SC to not work with us. I am really excited about this project, I think we are making something really special.

Both of you have amazing use of sound and sound design, Tanner I believe you even went to school for sound design. Its abundantly clear in both Voodeux and in your own productions. Any chance of a Sample Pack from you guys?

James: I dunno…  I like sample packs, but I found I have an incredibly short attention span for putting them together.  It seems like something that would better be created by us sitting in a room for 12 hours just recording strange and eerie noises nonstop.  That in itself could be dangerous.
Tanner: I don’t really have the time to do a sample pack. I have always wanted to make some really cool kits and such. Some day I will get around to it.

James: Lots of granular synthesis.  Granular-To-Go, Grainstates, KTGranulator.  I’m also really digging Camel Audio’s Alchemy right now.
Tanner: Ditto and lots of reverb.

Another thing I love to ask and I think it really gives people some idea as to where you come from…  Whats on the Ipod, what do y’all listen to when its not Techno time, or is it always techno time for you?

Tanner: Missy Elliot is always on rotation along with Grave Diggaz, Timbaland and Magoo, Lil Wayne, Detroit Grand Pubas and random things. I don’t listen to techno much these days, more underground house music and music for the party after the after party.

James: No way, you can’t listen to techno all the time because it’s a dead-end street.  Inspiration comes from everything else.  You have the experiences, you hear the music, you’re moved by the music, and you go into the studio and pour out what you’ve learned.  Techno is a continuous ever-flowing tapestry of sound, a global collaboration of sonic synthesis.  Techno inspires more techno of course, but if there’s no other music, we reach a point where we’re just recycling the same sounds over and over.  I guess when that happens, we call it a “sub-genre” and move on.  For me though, right now I’m listening to the works of Jacaszek, Offthesky, and Steinbrüchel.  And I just had a spontaneous 12-hour Nine Inch Nails listening session the other day.  Dunno where that came from.

As an extra special treat, Tanner was nice enough to record a special after hrs mix for Jack the Box!

 

Goldwill – Matikal
Nina Kraviz – I’m Gonna Get You
Wolf + Lamb – If U Had ( Shaun Reeves Edit )
Baeka – Right At It
Taron-Trekka – Shiori
Adrien – Underground
Nize & Nyce – Levon Whitney
SECT – Man Of Wisdom ( SECT=Soulclap, Sergio Santos and Tanner Ross)
Tanner Ross & Sergio Santos – Space Cakes
Nicolas Jaar – Time For Us

Join us this Saturday at BLACK for Voodeux Live with Residents Arron Bliss and Milosh

Interview by Aaron Bliss

For this edition of Jack The Box, we’ve decided to part ways from our standard interview and really delve into the boxes (or laptops) of our next guests at Black.  Dustin Zahn and Steve Centrific will be doing a special 4 hour back to back set this Saturday and we have to say, we’re pretty excited about this pairing…Zahn is at the forefront of a talented new crop of US artists that are beginning to make waves in the international techno community and Centrific hands down is one of the best DJ’s in the Midwest techno community.

**********

Dustin has released music on notable labels such as Adam Beyer’s Drumcode and Truesoul labels as well as Radioslave’s Rekids imprint. (Len Faki’s remix of his track Stranger (to stability) has been charted by pretty much everybody this year).  Having two heavyweights like Beyer and RS in your corner really speaks volumes to what Dustin has accomplished.  Fresh off his first gig at Berghain this past Saturday, we caught up with Dustin to see just what music the Enemy label boss is digging right now.

Dennis Ferrer – Hey Hey (dub) – Objektivity

I don’t really give a shit about deep house, but I rate Dennis Ferrer fairly highly. While more recent tracks of his like ‘Transitions’ and ‘Sinfonia Della Notte’ were undeniably heavy on the sunshine emphasis, this track sounds like Carl Craig went on a 3-day bender at Berghain. The vocal version is a bit too mainstream for me so having the instrumental available is great. The bassline is epic (in a good way) and the white noise blasts don’t make me want to shoot myself. I will be playing this for a while.

Gary Beck – Over to You – BekAudio

I have been playing about 5-6 of Gary’s tracks in each set the past few months and they’re equally great. I picked this because it’s the debut for his new label and he deserves some free publicity. Honestly, Gary’s tracks aren’t rewriting techno and they’re not completely innovative, but they’re still great stripped down, hypnotic club tools that fit very nicely into my sets. What can I say? They’re just cool! They’re jams and I will take quality jams over hits any day of the week! He and Edit-Select are also teaming up for a remix on my label which I am very happy about. Stay tuned.

Newworldaquarium – The Force (Ame Remixes)

Here’s the problem, with Ame…’Rej’ was such a huge hit that much of their work released after it has been under appreciated. I’ve been playing the dance floor mix from this record, and when it hits me at the right time, it’s one of my favorite tracks of my set. The synth falls in that weird category of neo-Detroit/soul/whatever and the percussion is more reminiscent of jazz or funk band rather than a 909 workout. When it comes to the classic definition of techno, “man vs. machine” this is arguably the most “techno” record I’m reviewing here. The reality is, most techno heads will pass over it for the latest side-chained white noise fest on Beatport.

The Detroit Experiment – Think Twice (Henrik Schwarz Remixes)

This record isn’t new…it came out in February but for me, it’s the record of the year. The only people I’ve seen play this record besides myself were the Wighnomy Bros at DEMF ‘09, and it was a show stopper. Henrik Schwarz is an amazing producer but he always puts cheesy vocals over his tracks so I can’t really play them. With this EP, he skips the vocals and heads straight for the jazz-techno explosion. Saxamaphones and techno can go sour real quickly, but I have watched even the toughest critics lose it once the track climaxes about 2/3 of the way through. While most producers rely on the typical tricks of big reverbs, whitenoise, delays, filters, and more to create dynamic tension (admittedly myself included), Schwarz proves that all it takes is a little human funk to blow the place up.

Levon Vincent – Late Night Jam – Ostgut Ton

Levon has been making quite the name for himself lately. Like Dennis Ferrer, he generally surrounds himself in the deep house scene but lately his productions have taken more of a techno turn. Much like “Snakes On A Plane,” the title is a literal description of what it really is. A track like this probably doesn’t stand a chance of catching on here in the states. It’s long, drawn out, and substitutes consistent groove for dynamics. In my opinion, that’s a perfect formula for making a stand out, show-stopping track to play mid-set during the early morning hours. Don’t let this description fool you, it’s about as big room as big room gets. I love it!

Gary Beck – Yah Yah – Figure
Another record from Gary that should be out soon. It’s the flip side to a record shared with Edit-Select and also contains a digital only, “Lime wire” or some shit like that. Anyway, it’s total “in the zone” hypnotic techno which is exactly what I prefer to play when I’m out of town. This one has sampled some sort of super weird record, possibly from the 30s or 40s is my guess. It may not be for everybody, but it’s for me and it’s perfect for those times of the night where everything no longer makes any sense.

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Steve’s Centrific’s production career kicked off with releases on seminal midwest label, Drop Bass Network.  Dark, hard, mindbending, midwest acid techno at it’s finest.  Steve is a DJ’s DJ…long known around these parts for his marathon sets and the ability to pull tracks that not many others would, and make it work.  Steve is also the man behind Intellephunk, one of the Midwest’s longest running event crews.  We now get to take a little sneak peak into what goes into a Centrific set…

Speedy J & Chris Liebing – Klave – Rekids

Speedy J tracks are always a huge tool for me! I am always excited for a new one to appear….

Just as much as I love an old forgotten one to resurface!!!!

This new one is the best!!!   F**K a cowbell, more Klave!!!

Dustin Zahn – Bees – True Soul
Zahn and I have been collaborating throwing events etc since 2003. But I didn’t always play many of Zahn’s tracks.

Then about 2 years ago his tracks became a huge part of my sets. This one really has been my fave for several months because it sounds like a rattle snake! I could loop up the intro to this forever before playing the rest.

DVS1 – Running – Klockworks
I have always loved Zak’s DJ sets. Over the last couple of years his music has become better and better.

I’m glad the rest of the world will finally know how talented he has become. This whole release makes me shiver, and sometimes it rules to be from Minneapolis!

Jpls – Combination-02 – Minus

This track has also been looped forever in most of my sets for the last 6 months or so.
Super hypnotic in such a cryptic way!

I really connect with this track, It takes me where I wanna go and has a sort of vertigo effect on my brain!

Willie and the Family “live” -Whiskey River- Columbia
I know its a country record but its no mere country record really trust me!
I always love to play a fish out of water at the right time. I played a at a psy trance campout
a few months ago. Every few hours we would crank this gem up and drink from a bottle of “Jack Daniels”….
It made for a great time I have to say!

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Be sure to Join us this Saturday for Zahn and Centrific, amazing vibe and tons of sound and a chance to get one of our new Black shirts!!

Link to FaceBook invite

**Post by Aaron Bliss, Jesse Jakob, Centrific and Dustin Zahn**

As part of an on going effort here at “Jack The Box” to expose what amazing things are happening in the Midwest, our next Interview and Jackcastcast is no exception. In honor of his birthday and his recent release on Klock Works (Time Fog release out in the coming weeks) we took the time to have a few questions with The DVS1.  If you are from the area you know who he is and if you’ve been to a techno show recently then the odds are you have heard him since his music is making it into the bags of many respected DJs around the world.

A party promoter, club owner, sound designer, DJ, and producer, I can’t help but proud of our very own DVS1. Please Join the Particle People Mpls and Hush this Saturday, November 28th 2009 for a special night of music and celebration with Aaron Bliss, Jesse Jakob, Math Static on visuals and DVS1 .

As an extra special treat we have an exclusive podcast! Now, this is no ordinary podcast; but a very special blend of original and unreleased cuts from the man himself. In this podcast you will hear forthcoming music from TimeFog, Transmat, Klock Works, and Others.

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What are your feelings of the Midwest dance music scene? Specifically Minneapolis…

Obviously I’m biased because it’s my home! The Midwest is great and specifically Minneapolis in my eyes is the sleeping giant, the city that has so much talent that most people just overlook and I’m not saying that      just to pump our ego’s, most  other’s who come here to perform/play say the same thing about our energy, our venues and our opportunities, sure we don’t have everything…but what we do have is pretty good!!

As far as our party scene, it goes just like most other cities…Things always go up and down and go through phases of change.  Currently it feels pretty good; we have a healthy dose of club nights and a decent amount of underground spots!  We still get away with throwing all night parties and we play our music as loud as we want…All in all I think we’re all right.

Lately a lot of Minneapolis people have been gaining attention outside of our city.  There have been a few people branching out and putting out original production and it feels like we have a little momentum going right now with our locals!

Your first release on Klockworks (klockworks 05) seems to going well. How has that experience been for you?
It’s been interesting!  I never set out to make music for release; I really just made things for myself and spent time creating the couple live sets that I have done.  From doing those live sets things have really spawned into a lot of opportunities. I have to say I’ve always been a DJ first.   My love and passion is for playing vinyl and I’m really just now gaining  a new admiration for the production side of things. I would say as a DJ I feel pretty fluent and able to show my emotions. As a producer, I’m still learning how to speak and how to express myself.

I have said this to a few people already in regards to my first release and meeting Ben Klock.  I couldn’t have connected with a better person to give me insight and answers to my questions when it came to putting out music.   Ben Klock is not only an amazing DJ/producer, but he is a very down to earth guy who was open to my questions and was really good about helping me get this release for Klockworks ready!  He has a great ear and really helped me focus my ideas for the release.

Speaking about connections – the story surrounding your chance encounter with Ben Klock is a really fun story; would you like to share a little about that?
I’ll give you the short version…I’ve only done 3 live PA’s EVER.  1 over 3 years ago and the other happened to be the weekend that Ben Klock was playing in Minneapolis.  After he got done playing at Black, he was brought over to the underground party where I was about to perform.  I think he literally walked in as I was starting.  That night was magical for me, cause that was the 2nd live set I had ever done.  I had a great crowd, great sound and the vibe was on fire that night!!  After Ben heard the set, we started talking and it appeared that he genuinely liked what I was doing and my approach to making music.  We kept in touch afterward and the rest is history…Klockworks 05 stemmed from that live set he heard me perform that night…

Are you currently working on any new music projects?
Yes.  I just finished a release for the Timefog crew, its should be coming out soon.  (timefog04 flight to no where EP).  3 tracks of mine with a remix from Drumcell of the DROID crew in LA. (DIGITAL ONLY)

I’m also doing a very limited 7 inch record for a crew in Sweden.  I’m doing a remix of Van Rivers (of sublimal kid and van rivers from SWEDEN).  This release is being done in conjunction with a party I’m going to play for them and the pressings are for the people who attend the party. But you know I’m grabbing a STACK of em to bring home!

The next release I have slated is something I’m really proud of as well…I actually gave some of my early tracks to Derrick May last year before meeting Ben Klock and he sat on them for a long time.  After deciding to resurrect Transmat he offered me a release with 2 tracks that he was playing out…  I cant really explain the feeling of having a record come out on Transmat.  Derrick May and that entire era of DJ’s and record labels is what I grew up on and what became such a huge influence on what my style and taste is today…I’m seriously honored and humbled to be a part of the re-start of Transmat!  DVS1 love under pressure EP MS96 comes out VERY SOON!!

I’m also working on a follow up to the Klockworks release.  There are a few other projects on the horizon for people that I have been following for years, but for now they are top secret!!

Are you planning on touring soon in support of the new music?
I wish/hope!!!  All though things are starting to pop up and I’m getting some really unique opportunities from the record release with Klock.  I’m playing in Sweden November 14th and Berghain in Berlin on January 23rd.  I’m hoping to get another gig while over in Berlin!

Since this interview you recently returned from Sweden, tell us a little about your first official international gig, how was it?
It was great!  The people were really nice and the gig was good.  They lost the original space about 2 days before the party and at the last minute got another one.  Unfortunately they had to turn the sound down due to noise complaints early on at this new space…I still played for nearly 4 hours to a packed underground party though!

What are your expectations of Berlin and Berghain? (Or just pick Europe in general if you prefer)
Really I don’t have any expectations.  I can’t….  I keep going back and forth with how much I should expect, or how much I should prepare or how much I should tailor what I do with what I expect…In the end I think I really just need to go over there and do what I do best…ME.   That’s not meant to be Cocky, its really meant to try and convince myself of that being the right thing to do..J  If I cant convince myself of that I might just go crazy over thinking it!

One of the things we support on this Blog is gear!  I know, I know, Its so cliché, but hey, the fact is, people really do like to know.  What is your current DJ and music production set up?
For Djing…I prefer 2 tech 1210MK5G. (+-16). A Pioneer 800 Dj mixer and some type of Isolator strip (vestax DCR 1200pro 4 channel EQ).  I PLAY WAX!!!! So I just need a good mixer and a good set of DECKS!!

In the studio it’s just REASON 4.0 with a full keyboard and a UC33 controller.  I try and use reason as organically as possible recording live mix downs and live manipulation, nothing is preprogrammed or laid out as far as programming.  Unfortunately I had to get rid of a lot of my analog gear from back in the day… All though I recently picked up a MINT emu sp12 sampler.  I’m thinking about going on a binge of sampling old disco and soul cuts and making some twisted old techno jack tracks… (That’s my Midwest roots!)

How can people find out more about hush/dvs1/your events and all the other things you do…
www.hushsound.com
I’ve always procrastinated on my website, but I finally have it up.  It’s in the early stages now, but I am adding content and already have a bunch of mixes posted from myself and almost all the DJ sets from my guests at the future classic parties I’ve been throwing.  I’m also about to start a monthly question section on the website for people to interact and talk about music on a deeper level.  I first saw Jeff Mills do this on his AXIS site and I used to really appreciate the comments people had.

Other than that…you can find me on myspace.com/thedeviousonempls or facebook under DVS1.

Interview by Aaron Bliss

Right click and save here for Direct JackCast Download

Be sure to Join us all at Black this Saturday Nov 28th, 2009 to Celebrate our friends Sharie, and Zak’s Birthday. Join Aaron Bliss, Jesse Jakob, Math Static and DVS1 himself for an amazing night of great music, lights, and sound.

Back in April The Particle People were visited by Ben Klock. While on a short visit to the US (NYC and Minneapolis only) with a special night at BLACK we were able to find out why he was on the tip of everyone’s tongue. He was modest, nice and simply blew the dance floor away with an amazing mix of new and classic techno and house. This set was a perfect example of the raw gritty underground sound of US (mostly Midwest) and German dance music coming from Berlin at the moment, most noticeably a little club you may have heard of recently called Berghain.

While in Minneapolis Ben not only was able to see what the Midwest was about, Ben even took home a little piece of Minneapolis by signing our very own DVS1 for KlockWorks005. While here he interviewed for Tanya Norman from IPR and recently with us at Jack The Box for a followup. What Follows is the followup interview and below is the original interview from Tanya and Ben Klock from April.

To top it all off we were also able to get hold of a recording of that night for JackCast002 Ben Klock Live@BLACK…

 

Right Click and save here for Direct Download

You recently visited  Minneapolis, What were your impressions of the American Techno scene before coming and what are your impressions now? Specifically  Minneapolis …
Well I have to say before I had the impression that it’s a very small scene there and this was approved. But in the end it’s more about quality than quantity. And there were some people who were really into it – especially in Minneapolis. And it was great fun playing there, because people seemed to really appreciate.

Your latest release on Klockworks (klockworks 005) is from one of our own locals and is very exciting for us.  Is klockworks005 the first release from artists other than you?
Yes it’s the first release from someone else. So it’s something special for me too. I was really impressed by Zak (DVS1). He is minimalistic in it’s original sense. And very energetic. I loved his short but intense performance he did at that party in Minneapolis. And I’m glad I didn’t go straight home after my set and had the chance to meet this guy. I will bring him over to play at Berghain in February.

Do you plan on bringing more artists into the Klockworks roster?
Always depends on the music. If I find something that really fits into the concept that I have in mind for Klockworks then maybe there will be other artists. In fact I’m just planning something with a new artist but it’s to early to tell more.

Do you plan on visiting the  US  in 2010?
I’m not sure about that yet. We’ll see.

You are known for playing a very wide range of records. I remember hearing a number of classics in your set from your visit.  What is your favorite dance floor track, the one you almost never leave home without?
Yes I like mixing old and new stuff. But it always changes. I can’t tell you the one favorite classic. There are too many great records. But if you ask me which one never left the bag since I bought it in 1995 it’s Tyree on Dance Mania: Nuthin Wrong.

Are you currently working on any new music projects that we should keep an eye out for?
I’ve only been doing remixes since my album came out in February this year. Brand new in the stores is a remix for Function on Sandwell District.
And then there will be a record on Deeply Rooted House, distributed by PlanetE with two older tracks of mine coming out before the end of this year.

One of the things we love to talk about on this Blog is gear. Some people are gear enthusiasts and some are minimalists.  What is your current preferred DJ and music production set up?
I’m sorry to disappoint you if you expect a large analog production park. For my productions I’m using Logic Pro on a Mac and lot’s of digital plug Ins. That’s all I need at the moment. For me it’s more about music than loving machines. My DJ set up is two turntables and two Pioneer CDJs 1000 and a Soundbite loop player.

Thank you Ben!  Interview by Aaron Bliss for Jack the Box.

Below is the interview by Tanya Norman the night Ben Klock Played in Minneapolis.

Particle People Bring Ben Klock To First Ave VIP Room by Tanya Norman

On April 4, 2009 local promoters Particle People welcomed Ben Klock to the First Ave VIP Room. Coming to the USA all the way from Berghain Club in Berlin, this respected producer and deejay was here to promote his new album One and EP Before One out now on BeatPort and where vinyl is sold. Ben was kind enough to grant Tanya Norman an interview opportunity, allowing a glimpse inside his world of Berlin techno and sharing insight into why sometimes less is more…

TN: Who inspires you?  Mentors in music?

BK: I don’t know where to begin.  I’ve been making music all my life.  I listened to all kinds of music.  In the 80’s I loved Prince.  In the beginning of the 90’s I was beginning to look for new sounds.  There are some heroes: old US guys, Jeff Mills, Carl Craig, Robert Hood.  Basically, that’s where it comes from.

TN: What kind of technology and tools do you use?  Describe your studio.

BK:  It’s not that interesting. [laughs] I changed to complete digital. I really like total recall recording.  When I worked on my album I worked on different tracks at the same time.  I don’t want to have to reconnect cables…..with digital you can really do a lot of things.  I use Logic, a little Ableton… usually a Logic user.  And some plug-ins.

TN: Your current record label, Ostgut Ton, how long have you been with them?

BK: Since I’ve been a resident DJ at Berghain, about 3 years. Ostgut Ton is the label of Berghain. The venue they had before the Berghain was called Ostgut, that is why the label is called Ostgut Ton.

TN: You’ve been deejaying for over 10 years now?

BK: For a little over 10 years.  The international bookings started about 4 years ago, coinciding with the beginning of my residency at Berghain.

TN: Did you play any instruments as a child?

BK: When I was a kid I played piano. Before I became a DJ I also played in a band and did some songwriting, playing guitar and singing…

TN:  Did you find those experiences helpful with your current productions?

BK: Yes and no.  Sometimes it is not helpful when you are too educated in music and you want to make a good techno track…you don’t want it cluttered with too many solo parts, well, iIdon’t want it… [laughs]
See the full Interview at…
http://www.ipr.edu/blog/2009/04/particle-people-bring-ben-klock-to-first-ave-vip-room/

Be sure to see Tanya’s post for video and pictures from the night as well as visit Particle People on RA for more pictures here…

http://www.residentadvisor.net/photo-gallery.aspx?set=6248

and on http://www.myspace.com/particlepeoplempls