The New Zealand-L.A.-Boston Connection: Upbeats & Armanni Reign @ Elements, 2.9.12

Image source: http://www.incision-recordings.com/

We take a lot of things for granted in electronic music nowadays, but it wasn’t long ago when the majority of the music garnering props in niche genres like drum and bass came from only one location - the UK. Following the precipice of drum and bass’s widespread recognition in 2001 came social networking sites and message boards. The Internet essentially allowed producers outside England to network with the top dogs, tearing down what some cited as a boys club and expanding the genre to one of worldwide magnitude. Again, we take all this for granted a decade later, but the Internet has allowed producers from places as far away as New Zealand, to have a bite at the cherry. Enter the Upbeats.

Dylan Jones and Jeremy Glenn, the duo who comprise the Upbeats, have been at this drum and bass thing for the better part of a decade. Getting their break from Bad Company alumni Maldini and Vegas around 2003, these guys essentially picked up right where the well-respected Bad Company collective left off following their hiatus the previous year. With the support of highly-esteemed labels such as Bad Taste, Habit, and Dieselboy’s US-based Human during their fledgling years, it took little time for the Upbeats to build a fanbase.

One of the first cuts I heard (and owned on vinyl) from these guys was “Vodka Bender”, which emphasized a very basic monophonic synth riff you couldn’t get out of your head even after 4 bars of listening. I might hate vodka (don’t ask, too many college hangovers from that noise), but the skipping drums in the song give me all the buzz I need without the pesky headaches. Whiskey and beer taste better anyhow ;)

Since Vodka Bender they continued crafting heavy hitting rollers with gnarly basslines and pounding percussion. Ed Rush & Optical, Klute, TeeBee, Hive, Gridlok, and New Zealand mates Concord Dawn all signed the Upbeats to their respective labels, making the last half of the ‘oughties quite the successful one for them. Remixing gems like “Flame Thrower” by Gridlok and “Screw Up” by Ewun didn’t hurt either. And while the vast majority of their output comes from the vein of the darker, yet-still-funky techstep micrososm, they also threw down the occasional liquidfunk chiller, like the vocal “More Than One”, probably my favorite Upbeats jam.

So the Upbeats are making a stop in Boston tomorrow night at Elements (Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave). Elements founder Lenore has certified both Jeremy and Dylan’s capabilities behind a set of not two, but THREE turntables, so prepare to be lonely if you decide to go outside for a cigarette when they’re on! MC Armanni will be on vocal duty, ensuring crowd interaction at all times…this guy has worked with a ton of different producer and DJ combos around the world, so he’s got the talent to back this duo up.

Get there before 11, avoid the line, and pay only $10! Facebook event flyer here for more info.

Mirrorshades @ Goodlife, DJ Hype @ Elements, Fens @ Make it New, 12.15.11

Mirrorshades | Goodlife (28 Kingston St, Boston) | NO COVER. 21+. 9PM-2AM.

*********FREE DRINK TICKETS TO EARLY ARRIVERS!!************

THE PARTY: Ice Cream Castles, Acid Thunder, Voodoo Ray, A Meeting in the Ladies Room, that East Street Beat, Love Lights, and ALL NIGHT PASSION.

THE MUSIC: A Time Machine. From New Romantic to Nu Disco. Music Box to Paradise Garage. Italo-disco to SYNTH POP. 80s soundtracks and melodic new wave DANCE.

THE DJS:
:: Dusty Digital ::
:: Colbourne ::
:: Kurt Sloan ::
:: Rufaro ::

VISUAL STIMULATION provided by VJ JAY MEDINA! BODY ART by V.Ka$h! 

The mighty DJ Hype touches down Elements this week!!! Come peep the legend who’s won countless DJ championships since the 1980s. Not to mention his Playaz imprint continues to put out some of the most acclaimed tunes you hear inside Elements every week! To top that off, Hype is bringing along the seminal MC Daddy Earl, who dates back to the principle UK sound system days, and whose vocals have been featured on numerous tracks by Hype and the renowned Shut Up And Dance in the last 20 years. It’s going to be insane!
Opening set by Lenore. 

Phoenix Landing (512 Mass Ave, Cambridge) | Cover $12 before 11pm, $15 after.

One of the many new young DJs blowing up the city, Fens takes no prisoners in his DJ sets, which he releases via the internet and his regular radio show at WRBB. A mix of modern bass music, technical house and soulful techno, he’s been priming his way up the scene via Banana Peel Records and now as a Mmmmaven artist. After Elkid, Doctor Jeep and Mzungu, Fens is the last of the BPR family to grace our decks. Also: It is his birthday.

He’s joined by the always innovative Baltimoroder and Mr. DJ Die Young. Join us in welcoming another bold new vision to the Boston scene: Fens.

MAKE IT NEW WITH FENS | Middlesex Lounge (315 Mass Ave, Cambridge) | 9PM/21+/FREE

MiN 7th Anniversary, TC @ Elements, Blend Boston @ Red Sky, Martin Buttrich @ 131 Broad, 10.27.11

There is a LOT going on tonight. In the essence of time, I’m straight copy-pasting the info from the events. Due to photography commitments I can’t be in Cambridge tonight, but specifically want to extend the Make It New team a congrats for running their Thursday night ship for seven years. As we all know, running a repeating dance music event on a weeknight is hard enough to do for a single year, let alone seven! But without further ado, here’s the haps on the craps:

Seven years is a long time in the weekly world. That would be every Thursday at the Middlesex Lounge, a series of resident DJs have brought you the newest music from Europe and around the world.

It began with the Forced Exposure Sound System, supported by the latest vinyls from the esteemed distributor in Malden. Residents Billy Kiely, Caulder (aka Baltimoroder), David Day and Mike Uzzi (Unlocked Groove) made the most of the new minimal sound.

As the trends changed, so did the residents. As a larger sound took hold, local superstar DJ Alan Manzi joined the crew. Soon enough, he was joined by the dark mistress of Boston techno: DJ Volvox and the “Slumber Party” crew DJ Die Young and Baldur (aka DJezus).

Things got more “electro” for a while but once serious techno was back into vogue, the always-on-top of it residents brought the heat.

Now, with various residents off to future gigs and other cities, we’re proud to celebrate our seventh anniversary with you. For free.

DJ Die Young. Baltimoroder. David Day. Volvox. Alan Manzi. All in one special night celebrating our seventh year. We hope you can join us. And get us a bottle of Veuve ok?

SEVEN YEARS OF MAKE IT NEW | THU 10.27.11 | MIDDLESEX LOUNGE | 9PM/21+/FREE
http://facebook.com/basstown

Legendary producer/remixer TC is in the house this week! If you were there last year, then you know it’s time to get it on! TC is a highly talented DJ besides his renowned studio prowess. Don’t miss the chance to see such a heavyweight lay it down at the Phoenix (512 Mass Ave, Cambridge)!

$10 before 11, $12 after. Visuals by VJ Bonk. Opening set by Lenore.

It’s and EMD kinda pregame celebration! Join DJ Cousin John, batwings and a special guest DJ Garebear to get warmed up for the big Halloween weekend!

NO COVER all night long!

Bring yourself and friends (in costume preferred but not necessary) and a great attitude to enjoy so great music and drink specials all night long!

There is table reservations as well as bottle service available. Call 617-453-8656

Late night menu served until 1AM

www.redskyboston.com | www.BlendBoston.com

WeNo.. Presents MARTIN BUTTRICH [Desolat // Germany] with Tamer Malki and Sergio Santos!

Thursday Oct. 27 Halloween Masquerade @ 131 Broad St. (Downtown Boston)

For info: Pepe Elias: 617 785 2514 | Fabiana Arselan: 857 389 8142
PRE SALES: Early bird $20 

Martin Buttrich is something of a mystery. Quiet and unassuming in real life, Buttrich is the quintessential silent studio partner. Or at least he used to be. 

In collaboration, he’s produced pop (The Sugarbabes), Italo house (Sounds of Life) and progressive (over one hundred collaborations with Timo Maas). He’s even been nominated for a Grammy (remixing Tori Amos ‘Don’t Make Me Come to Vegas’). But it wasn’t until 2006 that Buttrich came to prominence under his own name, releasing 12”s on Four:Twenty, Poker Flat and Carl Craig‘s Planet-E (‘Full Clip’). Buttrich still collaborates, chiefly working behind the studio desk for Loco Dice. 

Martin Buttrich runs Time Tools studio in Hannover, Germany but is currently based in New York.

www.facebook.com/wenomusic

DJ Friction Makes Debut Boston Appearance at Elements, 8.11.11

Another drum and bass legend makes his way to Boston tonight to play Elements at the Phoenix Landing (512 Mass Ave, Cambridge). DJ Friction will be reporting for duty, with three turntables to show everyone what some of the next cutting-edge tracks on his label, Shogun Audio, will sound like.

Friction, based out of the U.K., is no stranger within the genre, and therefore remains a busy man even in dubstep-dominated world in 2011. Although initially garnering credits for his production work on top shelf labels such as 31, Renegade Hardware, and True Playaz, he was equally revered for his flawless DJ skills. Often playing on 3 or even 4 turntables, Friction has been known to incorporate all sorts of mixing tricks into his sets, satisfying even the fussiest listeners. He plays across a very wide gamut of the genre as well. He is best known nowadays for his label, Shogun Audio, which has worked its way into the A-list for dnb imprints over the last five years. 

Friction - Minimix (June 2009) by DjFriction

With running Shogun and DJ-ing all over the world, it’s no wonder he only has time to only make 1 or 2 tracks of his own each year!

Also, Dynamite MC will be landing his skills on vocal duty.

Cover: $15 before 11, $20 after. Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, 10pm-2am, 19+

Drum & Bass Legend Dylan Makes First Boston Appearance in Years, 7.14.11

British-by-way-of Philadelphia producer/DJ Dylan, one of the pioneers behind some of the darkest, most abrasive drum and bass in existence, is making an appearance at the Phoenix Landing for tonight’s installment of Elements. I believe his last appearance in our neck of the woods was in 2006, and if the pattern holds water, who knows when the next time we’ll get a chance to check him out in the convenience of our own backyards.

But get this: he will be playing a vintage, old school set! In his own words:

“Hmm expect me obviously, the whole no u turn crew, dillinja, source direct, photek, Danny breaks, lemon d, j majik, blah blah…..plenty of not so obvious tracks too, a few obvious ofcourse but I want to bring out some tracks that need to be heard! So yessss gonna be a good time! Get the old heads back out!” 

Sounds good enough for me.

Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, Cambridge. 19+, 10pm-2am. Cover: $7 | Facebook event page 

Marcus Intalex Returns to Elements Tonight To Promote Debut LP, 6.16.11

Drum and bass producer Marcus Intalex returns to Boston to play Elements tonight, his first visit to our city in several years. Intalex is no stranger amongst fans in the genre; he has been releasing tracks for the past 15 years that have helped bridge the gap between the soul of house, the synthetics of techno, and the grit of the much faster-tempo drum and bass. At the turn of the century when everyone was trying to imitate what was coming out on imprints such as Virus and Renegade Hardware, Intalex was helping pioneer the liquidfunk genre with releases such as “Love and Happiness”. Soon afterwards, he launched his label Sou:R, which has enjoyed the same amount of success and longevity that he has. 

MI 21 Preview mix by marcusintalex 

Intalex recently released his first (and hotly anticipated) debut LP, “21”. Featuring a slew of guests, from garage legend Zed Bias, to Ras Tweed, S.P.Y., and long-time collaborator and vocalist DRS, 21 trancends just dancefloor fodder that gets played today, and forgotten about tomorrow. “21” includes several nice attempts at experimental techno in tracks such as “TB or not TB”, an obvious homage to Roland’s 303 and 808 as evidenced by the sounds used here. Then there’s a respectable Radiohead cover of “Climbing Up The Walls”, which retains the somberness of the original while approaching it from more of a rhythmic angle. Vocalist Riya makes an appearance in “Regrets”, which is pure soul in the fast lane. The album is remarkably cohesive and is bounded by Intalex’s love of the 303, 808 and 909, the drums and acid squelches from these machines can be heard across all 12 tracks on here.

And make sure to get there early: Shawn Conte, aka “Furious Styles” aka one part of the Statesmen, is opening. Intalex is one of his key influences, so you better believe he is going to have a special set laid out to help set the tempo for the man himself. 

Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, Cambridge. 19+
Cover: I *THINK* it’s the regular $5

Redlight, Toddla T, Untold & High Contrast, 2 Parties, 1 Night. 3.31.11

Broken beat fans have the pick of the litter to choose from tonight. Embrace has Redlight, Toddla T, and Untold passing through; the first two of the three making their debut appearances in the city. It’s not very often these guys even make it to America (let alone Boston), so this will be a tough one to pass up. Tickets are $14 and can be bagged here. More info on the Facebook event page.

Drum and Bass producer High Contrast will also be in town headlining Elements right down the street (Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, Cambridge). He was responsible for helping define the liquidfunk style of the genre a decade ago. Liquidfunk is loaded with jazz licks and soulful grooves while maintaining the same breakneck-speed drums the darker styles shared. Following 3 successful full length albums, this will be a chance for fans to get a refresher on what he’s been up to during the last three years. $10 cover.

Drum & Bass Producer TC Makes First Boston Appearance, Elements, 3.24.11

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/reasons2share

If you’ve listened to drum and bass for more than two years, you know TC. And if you’re one of the few who don’t, you would probably instantly recognize his songs, which have proven themselves to be cornerstone pieces of many a DJ’s set over the past five years.

The height of TC’s activity was during 2006-08, where he was literally a hit-making machine, churning out anthem after anthem: Rock Star, Jump, Where’s My Money, Get That Girl, his remix of Crookers/Kid Cudi’s Day and Night, Borrowed Time (with Sub Focus), the list goes on and on. In fact, his debut album “Evolution” from 2007 is such a tough act to follow that it doesn’t surprise me he’s been quiet over the past two years: he’s ensuring the second album he is about to release raises the bar a step further!

TC’s debut appearance in New England takes place at Elements (Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, Cambridge) tonight. Cover is $10, and be sure to get there early to avoid what will surely be a long line. He will be packed to the teeth with exclusives from various other A-list drum and bass producers, and if we’re lucky, possibly get a sneak peak of his sophmore album in the process. See you there.

Drum & Bass Pioneer Goldie Plays Elements Tonight, 2.10.11

Image credit: http://www.freewebs.com/brokenbeatarena/goldie_mk.jpg

If you have been listening to dance music for longer than the last 5 minutes, then you probably should have come across the name Goldie at least once in your musical explorations. Originally a well-known graffiti artist who resided on both sides of the pond, his return to the UK in the early 1990s allowed him to witness the early days of their exploding rave scene. He hooked up with members of the Reinforced crew, released a couple of seminal 12”s (such as “Terminator”), and by the time he finished his 20-minute opus “Timeless (Inner City Life)” in 1994, the rest was history.

The title “Timeless” says more about the endurance of both that song, as well as the same-named debut LP, than anything else. Goldie doesn’t just ride trends or make songs that people want to hear now then forget about six months from now. He has a knack for making such a bold statement in his work, both musically and lyrically, that enables much of his music to stand the test of time. And that is aside from the fact that he introduced a number of people, especially in America (such as myself), to drum and bass for the first time with many of the mainstream channels he had access to (MTV, Columbia Records, Stussy, etc.)

Never ONCE did Goldie compromise his artistic vision in order to achieve mainstream recognition; this isn’t something you see from an artist every day.

And let’s not forget all of Goldie’s other endaevors outside of music production and DJing. Acting. Dancing. Writing. Painting. Even conducting a classical orchestra. Goldie also founded the Metalheadz record label, which is one of the most enduring labels in drum and bass, releaing almost 100 singles and a dozen albums since 1995. He’s done it all.

Goldie plays Elements (512 Mass Ave, Cambridge) tonight. Cover is $15, it is a 21+ night (as opposed to 19+). This is going to sell VERY quickly. Get there early, like 10pm. It is the first time Goldie has played Boston since 2006, and the largest scale DJ to ever be booked at this specific night. It’s going to be a rager for sure!

Elements 12-Year Anniversary Party Pics Are Uploaded

Respect to Bill and Lenore for doing their thing week after week! 

Elements 12-Year Anniversary :: Phoenix Landing :: 1.27.11

Blue Boy Presents Emancipator & Blockhead, Elements 12-Year, 1.27.11

Forget the snow! There’s parties going on in downtown tonight.

The Brain Trust Presents: Emancipator and Blockhead 
feat. Blue Boy Productions 
at the Church (21+) 15$

Set Times:
Blue Boy Productions 8:30 - 9:30
Blockhead 9:45 - 10:45
Emancipator 11- 12

tickets: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/23887

Emancipator:

To some, it must seem like this young electronic producer came out of nowhere. Emancipator (Douglas Appling) played his first live show in July 2009, opening for Bonobo at the Roseland Theater (cap. 1500). Since then, he’s toured with Bassnectar, drawn crowds at festivals like Trinumeral and Symbiosis, and closed out Sound Tribe Sector 9’s late night parties in Denver at the request of the band.

www.myspace.com/emancipator
http://emancipatormusic.com/

Blockhead: 

Blockhead (born Anthony “Tony” Simon) is an American Hip hop producer based in Manhattan, New York. Aside from his solo efforts released on the Ninja Tune label, he is most associated with producing for Aesop Rock, a rapper for the Definitive Jux independent hip hop label. He has also previously worked with rappers C-Rayz Walz, iCON the Mic King, Mac Lethal, S.A. Smash, Slug, and MURS, and is also a member of the hip hop/comedy group Party Fun Action Committee. He is the son of the late Sidney Simon, a well known sculptor in New York City.

Ninja Tune Page: http://www.ninjatune.net/ninja/artist.php?id=106
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theblockishot

Blue Boy Productions:

BBP is an audiovisual project specializing in intense bass heavy dance music that spans the genres of EDM, blending live instruments with samples and original productions in a way that allows for real improvisation and unrehearsed moments of creativity and spontaneity.

Since their live debut in April 2009 BBP has played shows with Ott, Bluetech, Heyoka, Mount Kimbie, Jazzsteppa, Eskmo, RAQ, Telepath, Pnuma Trio, Big Gigantic, Marco Benevento Trio, Eliot Lipp, Psylab, Biodiesel, Jeff Bujak, Zebbler Encanti Experience, Afro Monk, Superfiction, The Hippocampus, Joe Nice, and many more, as well as delivering memorable late night sets at underground afterparties for acts like STS9, The Disco Biscuits and Shpongle.

Promotional support from our friends:
The Untz - http://www.theuntz.com/

The earth has made another revolution since Elements was born in 1999! To celebrate, Crook & Lenore will be droppin’ drum n’ bass bombs all night alongside Elements’ original VJ: the Curious Spy, who is preparing an awesome tag-team set with none other than current resident, the fabulous VJ Bonk! Get ready to peep our new t-shirts too…they’re sick! And we’ll have some lovely items to give away as well. See you Thurs, Elements crew!

Feb
03 The Statesmen (Variant, Point 9 Audio) Boston
10 GOLDIE (Metalheadz) UK
17 Nickdawg (beantownboogiedown.com) Bostom
24 Residents Crook & Lenore

19+/ $5
10pm-2am
Residents: Crook & Lenore
Visuals by VJ Bonk

Drum & Bass and Hip-Hop Producer Adam F Plays Elements, 12.16.10

Adam F is a legend in the drum and bass scene; in fact he was one of the first to branch out beyond the genre in the 1990s to work with a variety of American hip hop producers, including LL Cool J, Method Man, and Redman. His best known work, including “Circles” and “Brand New Funk”, are records that collect dust in very few a DJ’s record collection. 

He touches down at Elements tonight. (Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, Cambridge). First set in Boston in about two years if I can recall correctly. Expect to hear a variety of forthcoming music on his label, Breakbeat Kaos. He continues to be a tastemaker within the genre today…and I’m morbidly curious if he’s going to drop some dubstep? (If he doesn’t, he will be one of the FEW mainstream dnb cats not toying with it at least a little)

A couple of his lesser known tracks above: “Music In My Mind” was the very first song I ever heard from Adam F. His colors album was distributed on Astralwerks in the US, and heard clips of it while browsing their site in ‘97 by accident while trying to find out more info about U-Ziq. Mother Earth is a fantastic downtempo/ 140bpm piece he did, complete with rhodes and jazz licks, that originally came out on Goldie’s label Metalheadz in 1996. And, to cap things off, a classic Redman joint that Adam produced and wrote the beats for.

“Adam f is one of the most blazing producers out there..he’s official.” -LL COOL J

19+, 10pm-2am, Residents: Crook & Lenore, Visuals by VJ Bonk, $10 Cover.

New Photos: Benny Page @ Elements and Basstown Visions @ Goodlife

Benny Page @ Elements :: Phoenix Landing :: 11.11.2010

Basstown Visions @ Goodlife :: Boston :: 11.13.2010

The B Is Back! John B Plays Elements, This Thursday, 10.14.10

I’m a little bummed that this will be the SECOND time I’ll be out of town and unable to catch John B touch down at Elements, but he’ll keep the floor jumping regardless. In case you’re unaware, John recently signed local drum and bass producers Terravita to his label, Beta Recordings! Look out for tracks from them soon there, along with plenty of top quality business from Xilent and Camo/Crooked. 

In the tradition of other John B posts I’ve done here, I’m posting a mix of some of his recent work, followed by a video of Double J one of his early/lesser known/forgotten pieces from years past…strictly for the drum and bass heads!

John B Podcast 070: September 2009 ElectroTechno Studio Mix by JohnB

19+, 10pm-2am
Residents: Crook & Lenore
Visuals by VJ Bonk

Klute Pics From Elements, 9.30.10, Are Uploaded

Sorry they took so long!

Klute @ Elements :: Phoenix Landing :: 9.30.2010