This Friday at Goodlife: BASSIC Celebrates 4 Years in the Game. 6.10.11

Four. Four years of inappropriate. Four years of irresponsable. Four years of setting the trend, and not following those trends simultaneously. As any promoter knows, it’s hard enough to run a electronic music night for four months, let alone four years in today’s competitive marketplace. This hasn’t been much of a problem for the BASSIC guys though, as their night continues to grow in terms of its recognition throughout the city.

Goodlife has been BASSIC’s home since their very first party, which I was lucky enough to attend, way back in the summer of 2007. Although it was a small group of people on a humid Wednesday night, everyone in that room had a certain degree of excitement for music in general. Many people in the room that night such as myself came from a drum and bass background and was curious to hear what dubstep sounded like on a massive system. Either way, there was definitely a vibe amongst the 50-or-so people there.

Over the years, BASSIC continued to build a following, but not by mass-flyering or facebook event spamming. They did it via word of mouth and letting the events themselves do the talking. In fact, much of the promotion has come not from founders Chris Ward and Damien Silva, but rather their customers! This is a sure sign of a successful night, and I have little doubt that whatever happens in the rapidly changing landscape of dubstep and bass music right now, BASSIC will be here four years from now, pushing the envelope of what is hot in the UK and beyond.

Although dubstep still plays a pivotal role at BASSIC’s events, it should be noted that these guys, along with many of the headliners they book, are crafting beats that do not necessarily fall within the framework of said style. As the walls between sub-genres melt away at a pace never thought possible several years ago, there’s lots of opportunity to hear everything from house, to UK funky, garage, juke, techno, minimal, and what some are simply calling “bass music” in the basement of the Goodlife. I think it’s best to simplify “bass music” to just “music” at this point!

The first BASSIC party showcased the DJ talents of Ward (C-Dubs), Damien, and the production wizardry of Dan Dabu, along with local favorites Selector Moldy and Grapes. Going back to, er, basics, for the 4-year, it’s going to be the C-Dubs and Damien, along with residents Scotch 1, Grizzly, and Steppo. 

Want a bit of a warm-up for what’s to come this Friday? Check out a fresh mix from C-Dubs, which he sent to me last week. This mix rolls nice and deep and it’s been the soundtrack to much of the blog writing I’ve been doing over the past several days. The dubstep he plays here is about as real as it gets: no anthems, no trendy stuff, no tracks that are “hot” today and forgotten about tomorrow. He shows several local producers, including Grizzly and Prism, some love, and is loaded with exclusives from one cover of the book to the other! Tracklist and download link below.

C-Dubs: No Respect (May 2011)
(320kbps, 59 minutes)

Transporter - Grizzly - DUB (forthcoming TUBA)
Cold - TMSV - BoxClever
Cicadia - DJG - DUB
Translucent - DJG - DUB
Crime Doesn’t Pay - Seven & Elvee - Subway
Tempted - Lurka - BLKBXXX
Protected - J. Kenzo - Tempa
Who’s There - Seven & Youngsta - Subway
No Respect - DJ Madd & Chris SU - BLKBXXX
No More No Less - KrypticMinds - Blackbox
Pressure VIP - DJG - DUB
Secrets - DJ Madd - Wheel & Deal
Nocturnal Feelings - J. Kenzo - DUB (Forthcoming TUBA)
Jungle Fever - Cymatic - Box Clever
Cane Cutter - Be-1ne - Area Recordings
Stabilizer - Lurka - Box Clever

And one quick sidenote from the man himself: All dubs are approved for this mix and have been cut to 10in acetates. All other tracks on this mix are vinyl. There was NO serato, NO traktor, NO cdj’s used whatsoever to record this mix. 2 technic turntables and a Vestax PMC07 mixer where the only devices touched. The mix was recorded using Ableton Live with some light mastering done via Izotope’s Ozone 4 plug-in. Ain’t no bullshit tricks here.

Oh yeah, get there early to avoid the line and score a T-shirt before they sell out. And dress FANCY to avoid the cover!!!

Goodlife, 28 Kingston St, Boston
21+
$5, if you “stay casual”

House & Dubstep Producer Martyn Returns To Goodlife, 2.11.11

Over the course of the past 7 years, Martijn Deykers has become quite a favorite amongst electronic music fans in Boston. Better known to most as Martyn, this guy spans the gamut with the types of music he has produced within that abbreviated time span.

He first caught my attention in 2005 with “Next 2 U”, a drum and bass track that was quite unique due to the heavy Detroit techno influence it had. The following year he slowed things down a bit after a few successful drum and bass releases, bringing both Detroit techno as well as Chicago house influences into dubstep music. The sound he constructed was so successful he not only started a label (3024 Records), but he also released a critically acclaimed LP in 2009 (“Great Lengths”), and is now experimenting with a variety of different rhythms and structures in his music. 

One of his recent releases on 3024, “Left Hander” & “Shook Up”, demonstrates his versatility; both tracks taking on more of a quality house aesthetic than even dubstep. 

Martyn comes to Boston at least once a year, and has always been a favorite for the Bassic crew. He played last year at their third anniversary party, and we got to witness tons of surprises in his set (even some old Inner City and Juan Atkins at the end!) Martyn returns tonight at Goodlife (28 Kingston St, Boston). Bassic co-founder Damian Silva and SUBduction member Codiac are opening. Cover is $5 before 11, 21+. As per the course, get there early, it will fill up fast for sure.

Bassic vs. Secrets Featuring Falty DL and Residents at Goodlife, 11.11.09

Boston’s classic dubstep crew BASSIC goes head-to-head with Basstown housey lil’ sis, SECRETS. 

Downstairs in the Afterlife Lounge, the BASSIC sounds will rock your soul. (BASSIC residents Damian Silva & C-Dubz open for guest Falty DL)

Upstairs the SECRETS groove will move your body, lose control. (SECRETS residents Lynch, Sarah Joy, and Carrigan dB spin with visuals by Ryan McDaid)

A little about FaltyDL taken from last.fm:
“FaltyDL is Drew Lustman outta New York City. He’s making garage ‘n stuff with his hands. Nostalgic tracks immersed in the old New York and Chicago sound yet creating a more subtle futuristic Big Apple version mashing together influences from hip hop, dubstep, garage, soul, jungle and electronica creating his own NYG. NYG. NYG.”

Good Life 
28 Kingston Street
Downtown Crossing 

$5 cover/ 21+

Promo mix!

SECRETS is NOV 11 @ Good Life by persuasion  

Anthony Collins - Reeves [Curle Recordings] 
Scott Ferguson - I Cried For You (A Walk in the Park Remix) [Deep Vibes Recordings] 
Move D - Crashed Jazz [Uzuri] 
Norm Talley - Exodus [Third Ear Recordings] 
Horacio - Talberna del Funk [Raum… musik] 
DJ Sprinkles - Grand Central pt. 1 (Deep into the Bowel of House)(MCDE Bassline Dub) 
Gadi Mizrahi - I’ll Set Your House [Wolf + Lamb] 
Flora Cruz - Let the Sun Shine Out (Jerome Syndenham’s Vocal Dub) [Ibadan] 
Pépé Braddock - Deep Burnt [Kif Recordings] 
Motor City Drum Ensemble - Raw Cut #6 [MCDE] 
Black Jazz Consortium - New Horizon [Soul People Music] 
Del Shannon - Gemini (Pilooski Edit) [Discograph] [Mule Musiq]

Bassic this Friday @ Goodlife! Ramadanman, Flack, Damian Silva

I've only recently become aware of Ramadanman's work via his recent release on Appleblim's new imprint Apple Pips; however if you're into the deeper, house-influenced microcosm of dubstep I recommend you check this cat out. His recent release on Apple Pips, Humber, is one of his stronger works, and the video isn't half bad either! Prior to 2009, much of his work embodied more of the standard dubstep blueprint that we are all familiar with, so you'll probably definitely hear a nice balance of the traditional sound mixed with the edgier, more experimental stuff.

DJ Flack (of Beat Research fame) is opening, along with Bassic resident and co-founder Damian Silva! Download a recent Flack mix here; tracklist below:

• Let Go Mi Shirt — Cotti (Brixton)
• Konichiwa Bitches — Robyn (Sweden)
• On My Way Home — Unkle Ho (Sydney)
• Sugarlips — Mad EP (Worcester, UK)
• Fear — DJ Q (Huddersfield, UK)
• Trust Nobody — SP:MC (London)
• Dum Maro Dum (original) — Asha Bhosle (Mumbai)
• Dum Maro Dum (remix) — Asha Bhosle (Mumbai)
• The Original Jamaican — Daleduro (Buenos Aires)
• Mi Confesion (Edu K Remix) — Gotan Project (Paris/Rio)
• No S+S Dubplate — Kid Did (Boston)
• Riffin on a Bassline — DJ Flack (Boston)
• Spark This — Sosolimited (Boston)
• Desocupacion Instrumental — DJ Nim (Argentina)
• Ill Behaviour — Deepsix (Toronoto)
• Ondtu Riddim — DJ C (Chicago)
• Kingfisher — RSD (Bristol)
• Might Be (Remix) — Dexplicit (London)
• Deep Under — Elemental (London)
• Lost Luggage — DeadBeat (Montreal)
• Scientifical Dub — DJ Flack (Boston)
• Plate — Scuba (Berlin)
• De Daaroo — Surinder / Mentor (London)
• Bona Vida — Cauto (Barcelona)
• Lot's Wife — Fosforo (Los Angeles)
• Silk Parachutes — DJ Flack (Boston)

Ramadanman Electronic Explorations Mix, March 16th 2008

Download

(01) - Grievous Angel - Move Down Low (feat. Rubi Dan) - [Dub]
(02) - Komonazmuk - Inside - [Dub]
(03) - Rod Modell - Aloeswood - ‘Incense & Black Light Album’ - [Plop]
(04) - TRG - Missed Calls - [Subway]
(05) - Benga - Zero M2 - [Tempa]
(06) - Meat Beat Manifesto - Lonely Solider - [Planet Mu]
(07) - Marlow - Dispute - [Contagious Recordings]
(08) - Barbarix - 12 People - [myspace/barbarixuk]
(09) - Claro Intelecto - Beautiful Death - [Modern Love]

———————–
Ramadanman - Exclusive Mix for Electronic Explorations

01. Pangaea - Antistatic (Ramadanman Remix) [Unreleased]
02. Pinch - Dr Carlson [Forthcoming Punch Drunk]
03. Ramadanman - Offal [Soul Jazz]
04. Pearson Sound - Dimes (Ramadanman Re-Edit) [Unreleased]
05. TRG - Generation (Breakage Remix) [Forthcoming Naked Lunch]
06. Quest - Arawak [Unreleased]
07. Untold - Walking Through Walls [Unreleased]
08. Ramadanman - Bidding War [Unreleased]
09. Ramadanman - Blimey [Forthcoming Hessle Audio]
10. Komonazmuk - Bad Apple [Forthcoming HENCH]
11. Headhunter - Royal Flush [Unreleased]
12. TRG - Put You Down (Ramadanman Refix) [Forthcoming Hessle Audio]
13. Martyn - All I Have Is Memories [Forthcoming Applepips]

———————–
(10) - Pinch - 136 Trek - (forthcoming on Punch Drunk)
(11) - Akashic 11 - Leave The Area - [Raw Records]
(12) - Quantec - Crescent Moon - [Echocord]

Bassic 2 year anniversary pics posted

Go get that shit!

Bassic 2-year anniversary @ Goodlife, 6.24.09 

Bassic 2 year anniversary- 6.24.09 @ Goodlife, featuring Starkey!

It's crazy to think that just a little over two years ago, dubstep music was still at the point where it was considered a very obscure form of music that most had either never been exposed to or had acquired a taste for. This was mainly because there weren't many events (if any) that were happening at the time that focused on this music, or any venue that had a proper sound system to even cater to the sound in the first place. This was certainly not an exclusive problem in Boston, it was common in cities across the U.S. and since 2007, many promoters such as the BASSIC crew took it upon themselves to step up their game and host events that focused specifically on the dubstep sound which helped it garnish the exposure it has today. In just two years dubstep has become one of the most popular and quickly growing forms of dance music out there. Definitely interesting seeing how dubstep has completely converted many fans originally involved in drum & bass, breaks, garage, bassline house, and techno! 

So next wednesday Bassic will be celebrating their second anniversary, and what better way to do it than to bring guest DJ Starkey from Philly up. Starkey has been on the up and up lately, getting several tracks released to high profile experimental label Planet Mu, along with getting to remix tracks for Armand Van Helden and Pacheko. For a taste of his sound, check out his Mary Anne Hobbs mini mix below and a link to some of his cuts you can cop off Beatport below that.

BASSIC crew warming things up! Next wednesday at the goodlife.

Bassic presents Clouds, this sunday 4.26.09 at Goodlife

One of the things I really enjoy about running this blog is that I'm constantly exposing myself to new music I've never heard before via trying to track down youtube vids and dj mixes on Internet land of dj's playing at events I promote here. Honestly I still don't consider myself extremely educated on dubstep but there have been so many talented producers I've been discovering over the course of the past several months, Clouds being one of them! Clouds is a production duo based out of Finland who have several tunes signed to the likes of Argon Recordings and Deep Medi Musik. Their tracks are deep yet catchy; check out the video to their forthcoming tune Worms below. Respect to Bassic for educating us on the up-and-coming talent in the dubstep scene on a bi-weekly basis.

Moldy, Dabu, and Damian Silva on opening duty!

Rise afterhours, Orchard Lounge & Bassic Crew! 4.10.09

The Bassic crew has a busy month this April, they've got a night happening at Rise on April 10th, followed by Kode 9 at Goodlife the following week. Orchard Lounge is a group of dj's from chicago who are well known for playing everything across the board, from funk to hip hop to house, because they know that boxing themselves into just one sub-genre of music is so 1990s and just isn't that much fun at the end of the day! With their experience as supporting acts for both DJ's as well as bands (such as the Disco Biscuits) alike, they have the experience of playing to diverse crowds with different backgrounds under their belt. 

You can stream Orchard Lounge's mixes here. And subscribe to their podcast here.

Check out Orchard Lounge opening for the Disco Biscuits:

Damian Silva at Elements, 3.12.09

One of the founding fathers of the dubstep scene in the Bean is on the decks this thursday at Elements. Don't let his involvement in throwing and playing at dubstep parties fool you- he's still buying jungle records left and right! Get there early and buy the man some shots.