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Transitions 290
This week’s ‘T’ is essential listening and features some quite exceptional music.
One of the delights of Transitions is that it highlights productions, labels and artists that you would never otherwise get around to checking out. In the digital age of advanced software and home studios there's a mind blowing range of music out there. Each week Diggers does the hard work for us, with his finely tuned ear picking out a real cross section of music, each track bringing with it something that John feels he wants to share.
Case in point, we start with some ambient techno courtesy of Germany's Dominik Eulberg and the easily pronounceable "Daten-Übertragungs-Küsschen" on Traum Schallplatten, sister label of Trapez which focuses on a more melodic side of minimal techno. Eulberg uses nature as the inspiration for his productions which have embraced his ecological expertise organically with e.g. the sound of chirping birds in his tracks. Dominik has also been called on to remix the likes of Hot Chip, DJ Hell, Tiefschwarz and Nathan Fake.
The original from Dominik's Perlmutt EP [TRAUM V116] (released October 2009) is almost a work of art in itself - full of bitter-sweet melancholy melody and subtle textures which have been described as "fairylike romantic" with "gentle melodies as light as snow flakes". In 2010 we get an update as Minilogue , the Swedish Progressive House/Tech-House/Minimal Techno music project of Sebastian Mullaert and Marcus Henriksson really take things to another level.
The Minilogue name is a portmanteau of minimal (the musical style) and dialogue, which refers to music as a form of communication. The duo received acclaim for "Animals" which isn't simply a collection of single tracks but a musical journey.
Malmö's finest give 'Daten-Übertragungs-Küsschen' a hi-end tech-house remix with three exceptionally long and involving versions where Minilogue stretches out with basic channel styled bass pulses and spacious electro-acoustic arrangements, making great use of the time and space afforded over the length of the track. Here we're sucked into deep reverberant abysses and floated away on super-lush synth pads. John plays the 'Belledub' mix - if you like it I implore you to check out the even more epic 'In To The Light Mix' [19:24] which is simply stunning home listening. Electronic music seldom gets much better than this
.
German Pascal Vert has started to receive attention with the release of his Strange Days EP ("simple and very efficient -- will play this" // laurent garnier | "great work on c-rock's remix - I can't resist a proper acid workout like this... thanks!" // paul woolford | "good stuff" // john digweed) out on Lofi (which is under the exclusive distribution of Cologne based Kompakt) .... who have the coolest website for previewing releases http://www.lofi-stereo.de/ - it's got a turntable that you swap the records on and stream as the turntable revolves ... a really nice touch.
The original of Strange Days is a cool piece of tech house and real slow burner that builds and comes complete with one of those drawly downbeat voiceovers that seem to be en vogue. This track also sounds perfect for one of John's marathon sets.
Cocoon's great form continues with Tres, a three artist collective from the Frankfurt Tech House including Frank Lorber, who provided Cocoons first acetate back in 2002, Scene2Dollar Egg member Eric Besier and Bernd Maus (one half of Gadgets and co-owner of Freebase). After two Maxis for Lorber’s Nummer label, the three beat wizards are now pumping up the bass on four tracks with 'Tres' described as a 'modern interpretation of tribal Dub Techno'. Great feedback and plays already from the likes of Diggers, Tiefschwarz, Luciano, Laurent Garnier, Tim Green and Monika Kruse.
Martin Dawson (aka King Roc) received acclaim for the “Chapter” project on his Mutual Society label, creating (across four EPs) a new type of old-school concept album, taking in birth, death, and what drives people in the time between – running from an ambient opening to house to techno to electronica. Diggers has been carrying around the ‘Jericho Dub’ of ‘The Beginning’ in his CD Case, regularly flipping it into the 2000’s. King Roc has also remixed the likes of New Order and Future Sound of London.
Dimitri Nakov’s early Jazz and Brazilian/Bossa Nova influences led him to explore acid-house and Ibiza. In 1995 he assisted Sasha in the studio and co-managed Roger Sanchez's Narcotic Records before exclusively DJ'ing around the world (notably in Japan and Brazil) and focusing on remix projects such as the successful partnership with Gabe and Riktam.
Sometimes a melody gets in your head, especially when it’s been played out live - you hear odd snippets in your mind from time to time without knowing what it is or where it’s coming from. If you’re lucky you may subsequently find out what that track is and hopefully it brings back some great memories too – all part of the magic of music. King Roc and Dimitri Nakov's ‘Jardin Nights’ is such a special piece of music and has been a regular feature of John’s sets since the latter part of 2009 – when played at the likes of Fabric it really galvanises the club as everyone gets lost in the sound and deep vibe, knowing they’re in for a special musical journey and one of those great nights they’ll be talking about for years to come. Unsurprisingly this is also a release that has been exclusively signed to Bedrock with the ‘Sao Paolo Nights’ EP slated for unleashing April 5th.
There are so many great record labels out there (some no doubt surviving by the skin of their teeth in an age of file sharing) and Bedrock is a shining beacon amongst them, proving that anything the German labels can do the UK can do just as well, if not better (hey I’m biased). Bedrock label that had been revitalised by the great music being made – almost prolific these past few years there is a strict no compromise attitude - the label is also non-formulaic, embracing a diverse range of styles and producers. Yes there's the Bedrock hallmark of quality with every release, but there's also real variety too, making each new release hotly anticipated.
2010 is looking like a vintage year already, and more exciting releases are already in the pipeline. ‘Jardin Nights’ takes Bedrock into deep, lush melodic techno to house territory and is a stellar track. Sasha has also been playing the dub of their track ‘Alameda Jau’. Honourable UK mentions too for the likes of Buzzin’ Fly, Soma and Platipus while I’m at it.
Humano (Juan Rico | Kevin Pearson | Neither | Reeko ) is a new name on the scene – with the Musterian Ep debuting two tracks for Belgiums Music Man Records, John plays deep, moody and hypnotic A-side “Life”. Great reception so far.
gregor tresher: massive tracks, will play!
agoria: i like that detroit vibe!!
Len Faki: classical spinning chordy mood! both tracks be hit'n up for sure! nizzze!
Ripperton: I really like this eP! Both sides are amazing! Great Humano work. Will support it as usual with music man and it's gonna fit perfectly to my fuse gig saturday thanx!
Deetron: Life is the cut for me here.
Steve rachmad: Both are cool. Life reminds me a bit of me
Will play both
christian smith: will play life for sure! full support!!!!
Laurent Garnier: This is gonna be a biiiig record for me -- Full support
petar dundov: Nice and smooth. Life is my favorite.
jack de marseille: "Death" is my favorite !
Marco Bailey: i prefer "life" !
Samuel L Session: good soulful techno. life works best for me!
Estroe: Great release, I like both tracks but my favourite at first listen is Humano. Full support!
funk d'void: amazing as usual. Music Man always delivers!
Next up is Acumen (aka Time Has Changed Label owner - Antoine Garcin) vs Timid Boy (Damien Almira) with Grenoble’s Oxia (aka Olivier Raymond) in remix duty. Oxia always gets plays from John on Transitions and in a live setting, having contributed regularly to the Speicher series for Kompakt. 2006’s ‘Domino’ being a particular stand out and hit, Oxia has also remixed the likes of Smith & Selway, Agoria, Marc Romboy and Butch (the latter getting a top 3 place in Beatports remixes of the year). As you’d expect. Oxia’s re-interpretation of ‘Chicago Story’ is a solid slice of Tech House with a fat bassline and strong rhythms ideal for the dance-floor.
We end with another stormer c/o Swede and current Sao Paulo resident Christian Smith (one half of the legendary Smith & Selway progressive production legends). With a fantastic new artist album out on Tronic and Christian Smith is riding on wave of success, servering up the first single from his superb ‘Directors Cut LP’ with ‘Beluga’, backed with a remix from Dutch outfit Secret Cinema.
Smith’s long history within electronic music is well documented but the past two years have been outstanding for the globe trotting DJ/Producer with huge releases and remixes for the likes of Bedrock, 100% Pure and his own Tronic label. This run of form looks set to continue too, with his LP already seeing many a column inch and forthcoming remixes for Plastikman and Carl Craig in the bag amongst countless other projects.
John gives us the single ‘Beluga’ which is available in its original form, as a club mix and a banging techno-fused ‘Secret Cinema Mix’. John plays the infective and progressive original, which is no shrinking violet and showcases Smith’s production and musical talents to the max. Heavily melodic with a filtered riff running throughout, ‘Beluga’ is main room prog house at its best and makes no bones about it.
Yet another sign (like Union Jack last year) that the big big productions are coming back, aiming to take over the clubs and shake the sound systems from the ceiling to the foundations.
Great show .... and we're not finished yet - there's an awsome Spooky guest to follow in hour 2 - included their latest version of Northern Exposure anthem Little Bullet.
As always, both mixes are available for download.
John Digweed - Transitions 290 (Kiss100) 21st March 2010
01. Dominik Eulberg - Daten-Übertragungs-Küsschen (Minilogue's Belledub Mix) [Traum Schallplatten TRAUM V121]
02. Pascal Vert - Strange Days [LoFi Stereo LOFI046]
03. Tres feat. Frank Lorber - Tres [Cocoon COR12"071]
04. King Roc and Dimitri Nakov - Jardin nights [Bedrock BED87]
05. Humano - Life [Music Man Records MM149]
06. Acumen vs Timid Boy — Chicago Story (Oxia Reinterpretation Mix) [Time Has Changed Records THCV018]
07. Christian Smith - Beluga [Tronic TR49]
Spooky Guest Mix (Kiss100) 21st March 2010
No Tracklist as yet
Spooky Biography
( http://www.myspace.com/thebandspooky| http://soundcloud.com/spooky-uk| http://www.myspace.com/spookychilled )
Charlie May and Duncan Forbes signed to Guerilla Records in January 1992 for their first single "Don't Panic" under the name "Spooky". From the release of their first single, Spooky went from strength to strength and by the end of the year had finished recording the debut album "Gargantuan". From the moment of it's release Gargantuan received widespread critical acclaim and became a landmark album of it's time but still sounds as fresh today as it did then. Following a succuessful release in the UK for Gargantuan, licences were obtained around the world including IRS in America and Play it Again Sam in Germany and the Netherlands as well as Virgin in France.
Spooky then set about creating a live set up with which they could take "Gargantuan" to the live arena. Their first gig was to be at "Renaissance" at it's original home in Mansfield, the gig was given the gig of the week in Melody Maker. The second was at Roskilde in Denmark , on stage after Jamiroquai which earnt them product licence for Scandinavia as well as a short tour of Denmark with Aphex Twin and Autechre. Over the next five years Spooky continued to expand their live concept over three UK tours as well as two european tours and took part in the Midi Circus alongside Orbital, Underworld, Aphex Twin and the Drum Club. They also played many festivals around Europe including Glastonbury, Roskilde, Lowlands, Sonoria, Esential, Earth Energy, Womad, Phoenix, Live Link and the ET Jam in Prague to name but a few.
They've remixed tracks for the likes of Ultramarine, William Orbit, Sven Vath, Lush, Natacha Atlas as well as various collaborations with other artists. Spooky were stopped in their tracks by the untimely demise of the Guerilla Label . Picking themselves up out of the ashes of Guerilla Records they eventually reappeared in a new guise with their own "Generic" label through A&M releasing a set of three Ep's, one of which ( "Stereo") became Radio One's evening session single of the week.
The Ep's were then followed by the album "Found Sound" with which Spooky obtained their highest critical acclaim. A twenty-five minute short film was made for parts of "Found Sound" and was given video of the year at MTV Europe. The film was made by Grant Gee who then went on to make videos for Radiohead. The film was displayed on a continuous loop outside the Pompadou centre in Paris as part of it's re-opening display.
After Found Sound Spooky spent several years pursuing separate projects. Charlie met Sasha in 1998 ( who had already used Little Bullet, William Orbit and Sven Vath Remixes and Schudelfloss a track they produced for Dr Atomic on his Northern Exposure 1 & 2 and Renaissance compilations with John Digweed). The two collaborated on a range of projects including the soundtrack to Wipeout 3 for playstation and Xpander (Xpander was a reworking of a Spooky track that was part of the Spooky live set but had never been released) and Scorchio ep's both of which attained top 40 positions in the UK. The culmination of this period of collaboration resulted in the album "Airdrawndagger" in 2003. Charlie and Sasha continued to work closely on various recordings including the first "Involver" album on Global Underground.
Duncan began working on a new album on his own. He then joined up with Laurant Webb and together they completed the album "Tempting Fate" under the name Animated. Skelectro - the first Animated 12" was released on Dust 2 Dust records. Tempting Fate was released in 2000 on Deviant Records and the singles Wired, Container No.2 (which included an animated video made by the artist Mark Wigan) and "Grab The Rope . Animated remixes from Tempting Fate appeared on compilations from Lee Burridge, DJ Garth, James Lavelle and Cafe Mambo. 2003 saw the release of "Quivver" a 4 track vinyl only ep again on Deviant with tracks appearing on Cafe Mambo and James Zabiela's Sound in Motion compilation.
In 2002 Spooky began working together again and later that year "Belong" was released on Deviant records and received much airplay by day as well as night on Radio 1 in the UK . John Digweed included one of the mixes on his compilation MMII. Sasha then remixed Belong and included it on his Global Underground Cd "Involver".
2005 saw them team up with Sasha at their studio in London and together they did 2 remixes of Depeche Mode's single Precious - they were released as Sasha's Spooky and Gargantuan mixes.
The band have been playing live and DJing again since the beginning of May 2006.
2007 saw the release of their third studio album Open to wide critical acclaim. Having released Open Spooky toured the USA extensively and settled in New York where they based themselves along with Sasha in his mid-town Manhattan studio. They spent the best part of a year working with Sasha, recording the first 4 singles for the Emfire Label, Coma, Park It In The Shade, Mongoose and Who Killed Sparky and the Involver 2 album.
2008 saw the release of The Emfire Compilation as well as the Spooky single “Candy”. They are currently working on material for a new album for release Spring 2010 and released their “Nebula EP” for Renaissance.
Exciting times ahead.
This week’s ‘T’ is essential listening and features some quite exceptional music.
One of the delights of Transitions is that it highlights productions, labels and artists that you would never otherwise get around to checking out. In the digital age of advanced software and home studios there's a mind blowing range of music out there. Each week Diggers does the hard work for us, with his finely tuned ear picking out a real cross section of music, each track bringing with it something that John feels he wants to share.
Case in point, we start with some ambient techno courtesy of Germany's Dominik Eulberg and the easily pronounceable "Daten-Übertragungs-Küsschen" on Traum Schallplatten, sister label of Trapez which focuses on a more melodic side of minimal techno. Eulberg uses nature as the inspiration for his productions which have embraced his ecological expertise organically with e.g. the sound of chirping birds in his tracks. Dominik has also been called on to remix the likes of Hot Chip, DJ Hell, Tiefschwarz and Nathan Fake.
The original from Dominik's Perlmutt EP [TRAUM V116] (released October 2009) is almost a work of art in itself - full of bitter-sweet melancholy melody and subtle textures which have been described as "fairylike romantic" with "gentle melodies as light as snow flakes". In 2010 we get an update as Minilogue , the Swedish Progressive House/Tech-House/Minimal Techno music project of Sebastian Mullaert and Marcus Henriksson really take things to another level.
The Minilogue name is a portmanteau of minimal (the musical style) and dialogue, which refers to music as a form of communication. The duo received acclaim for "Animals" which isn't simply a collection of single tracks but a musical journey.
Malmö's finest give 'Daten-Übertragungs-Küsschen' a hi-end tech-house remix with three exceptionally long and involving versions where Minilogue stretches out with basic channel styled bass pulses and spacious electro-acoustic arrangements, making great use of the time and space afforded over the length of the track. Here we're sucked into deep reverberant abysses and floated away on super-lush synth pads. John plays the 'Belledub' mix - if you like it I implore you to check out the even more epic 'In To The Light Mix' [19:24] which is simply stunning home listening. Electronic music seldom gets much better than this
.German Pascal Vert has started to receive attention with the release of his Strange Days EP ("simple and very efficient -- will play this" // laurent garnier | "great work on c-rock's remix - I can't resist a proper acid workout like this... thanks!" // paul woolford | "good stuff" // john digweed) out on Lofi (which is under the exclusive distribution of Cologne based Kompakt) .... who have the coolest website for previewing releases http://www.lofi-stereo.de/ - it's got a turntable that you swap the records on and stream as the turntable revolves ... a really nice touch.
The original of Strange Days is a cool piece of tech house and real slow burner that builds and comes complete with one of those drawly downbeat voiceovers that seem to be en vogue. This track also sounds perfect for one of John's marathon sets.
Cocoon's great form continues with Tres, a three artist collective from the Frankfurt Tech House including Frank Lorber, who provided Cocoons first acetate back in 2002, Scene2Dollar Egg member Eric Besier and Bernd Maus (one half of Gadgets and co-owner of Freebase). After two Maxis for Lorber’s Nummer label, the three beat wizards are now pumping up the bass on four tracks with 'Tres' described as a 'modern interpretation of tribal Dub Techno'. Great feedback and plays already from the likes of Diggers, Tiefschwarz, Luciano, Laurent Garnier, Tim Green and Monika Kruse.
Martin Dawson (aka King Roc) received acclaim for the “Chapter” project on his Mutual Society label, creating (across four EPs) a new type of old-school concept album, taking in birth, death, and what drives people in the time between – running from an ambient opening to house to techno to electronica. Diggers has been carrying around the ‘Jericho Dub’ of ‘The Beginning’ in his CD Case, regularly flipping it into the 2000’s. King Roc has also remixed the likes of New Order and Future Sound of London.
Dimitri Nakov’s early Jazz and Brazilian/Bossa Nova influences led him to explore acid-house and Ibiza. In 1995 he assisted Sasha in the studio and co-managed Roger Sanchez's Narcotic Records before exclusively DJ'ing around the world (notably in Japan and Brazil) and focusing on remix projects such as the successful partnership with Gabe and Riktam.
Sometimes a melody gets in your head, especially when it’s been played out live - you hear odd snippets in your mind from time to time without knowing what it is or where it’s coming from. If you’re lucky you may subsequently find out what that track is and hopefully it brings back some great memories too – all part of the magic of music. King Roc and Dimitri Nakov's ‘Jardin Nights’ is such a special piece of music and has been a regular feature of John’s sets since the latter part of 2009 – when played at the likes of Fabric it really galvanises the club as everyone gets lost in the sound and deep vibe, knowing they’re in for a special musical journey and one of those great nights they’ll be talking about for years to come. Unsurprisingly this is also a release that has been exclusively signed to Bedrock with the ‘Sao Paolo Nights’ EP slated for unleashing April 5th.
There are so many great record labels out there (some no doubt surviving by the skin of their teeth in an age of file sharing) and Bedrock is a shining beacon amongst them, proving that anything the German labels can do the UK can do just as well, if not better (hey I’m biased). Bedrock label that had been revitalised by the great music being made – almost prolific these past few years there is a strict no compromise attitude - the label is also non-formulaic, embracing a diverse range of styles and producers. Yes there's the Bedrock hallmark of quality with every release, but there's also real variety too, making each new release hotly anticipated.
2010 is looking like a vintage year already, and more exciting releases are already in the pipeline. ‘Jardin Nights’ takes Bedrock into deep, lush melodic techno to house territory and is a stellar track. Sasha has also been playing the dub of their track ‘Alameda Jau’. Honourable UK mentions too for the likes of Buzzin’ Fly, Soma and Platipus while I’m at it.
Humano (Juan Rico | Kevin Pearson | Neither | Reeko ) is a new name on the scene – with the Musterian Ep debuting two tracks for Belgiums Music Man Records, John plays deep, moody and hypnotic A-side “Life”. Great reception so far.
gregor tresher: massive tracks, will play!
agoria: i like that detroit vibe!!
Len Faki: classical spinning chordy mood! both tracks be hit'n up for sure! nizzze!
Ripperton: I really like this eP! Both sides are amazing! Great Humano work. Will support it as usual with music man and it's gonna fit perfectly to my fuse gig saturday thanx!
Deetron: Life is the cut for me here.
Steve rachmad: Both are cool. Life reminds me a bit of me
Will play both christian smith: will play life for sure! full support!!!!
Laurent Garnier: This is gonna be a biiiig record for me -- Full support
petar dundov: Nice and smooth. Life is my favorite.
jack de marseille: "Death" is my favorite !
Marco Bailey: i prefer "life" !
Samuel L Session: good soulful techno. life works best for me!
Estroe: Great release, I like both tracks but my favourite at first listen is Humano. Full support!
funk d'void: amazing as usual. Music Man always delivers!
Next up is Acumen (aka Time Has Changed Label owner - Antoine Garcin) vs Timid Boy (Damien Almira) with Grenoble’s Oxia (aka Olivier Raymond) in remix duty. Oxia always gets plays from John on Transitions and in a live setting, having contributed regularly to the Speicher series for Kompakt. 2006’s ‘Domino’ being a particular stand out and hit, Oxia has also remixed the likes of Smith & Selway, Agoria, Marc Romboy and Butch (the latter getting a top 3 place in Beatports remixes of the year). As you’d expect. Oxia’s re-interpretation of ‘Chicago Story’ is a solid slice of Tech House with a fat bassline and strong rhythms ideal for the dance-floor.
We end with another stormer c/o Swede and current Sao Paulo resident Christian Smith (one half of the legendary Smith & Selway progressive production legends). With a fantastic new artist album out on Tronic and Christian Smith is riding on wave of success, servering up the first single from his superb ‘Directors Cut LP’ with ‘Beluga’, backed with a remix from Dutch outfit Secret Cinema.
Smith’s long history within electronic music is well documented but the past two years have been outstanding for the globe trotting DJ/Producer with huge releases and remixes for the likes of Bedrock, 100% Pure and his own Tronic label. This run of form looks set to continue too, with his LP already seeing many a column inch and forthcoming remixes for Plastikman and Carl Craig in the bag amongst countless other projects.
John gives us the single ‘Beluga’ which is available in its original form, as a club mix and a banging techno-fused ‘Secret Cinema Mix’. John plays the infective and progressive original, which is no shrinking violet and showcases Smith’s production and musical talents to the max. Heavily melodic with a filtered riff running throughout, ‘Beluga’ is main room prog house at its best and makes no bones about it.
Yet another sign (like Union Jack last year) that the big big productions are coming back, aiming to take over the clubs and shake the sound systems from the ceiling to the foundations.
Great show .... and we're not finished yet - there's an awsome Spooky guest to follow in hour 2 - included their latest version of Northern Exposure anthem Little Bullet.
As always, both mixes are available for download.
John Digweed - Transitions 290 (Kiss100) 21st March 2010
01. Dominik Eulberg - Daten-Übertragungs-Küsschen (Minilogue's Belledub Mix) [Traum Schallplatten TRAUM V121]
02. Pascal Vert - Strange Days [LoFi Stereo LOFI046]
03. Tres feat. Frank Lorber - Tres [Cocoon COR12"071]
04. King Roc and Dimitri Nakov - Jardin nights [Bedrock BED87]
05. Humano - Life [Music Man Records MM149]
06. Acumen vs Timid Boy — Chicago Story (Oxia Reinterpretation Mix) [Time Has Changed Records THCV018]
07. Christian Smith - Beluga [Tronic TR49]
Spooky Guest Mix (Kiss100) 21st March 2010
No Tracklist as yet
Spooky Biography
( http://www.myspace.com/thebandspooky| http://soundcloud.com/spooky-uk| http://www.myspace.com/spookychilled )
Charlie May and Duncan Forbes signed to Guerilla Records in January 1992 for their first single "Don't Panic" under the name "Spooky". From the release of their first single, Spooky went from strength to strength and by the end of the year had finished recording the debut album "Gargantuan". From the moment of it's release Gargantuan received widespread critical acclaim and became a landmark album of it's time but still sounds as fresh today as it did then. Following a succuessful release in the UK for Gargantuan, licences were obtained around the world including IRS in America and Play it Again Sam in Germany and the Netherlands as well as Virgin in France.
Spooky then set about creating a live set up with which they could take "Gargantuan" to the live arena. Their first gig was to be at "Renaissance" at it's original home in Mansfield, the gig was given the gig of the week in Melody Maker. The second was at Roskilde in Denmark , on stage after Jamiroquai which earnt them product licence for Scandinavia as well as a short tour of Denmark with Aphex Twin and Autechre. Over the next five years Spooky continued to expand their live concept over three UK tours as well as two european tours and took part in the Midi Circus alongside Orbital, Underworld, Aphex Twin and the Drum Club. They also played many festivals around Europe including Glastonbury, Roskilde, Lowlands, Sonoria, Esential, Earth Energy, Womad, Phoenix, Live Link and the ET Jam in Prague to name but a few.
They've remixed tracks for the likes of Ultramarine, William Orbit, Sven Vath, Lush, Natacha Atlas as well as various collaborations with other artists. Spooky were stopped in their tracks by the untimely demise of the Guerilla Label . Picking themselves up out of the ashes of Guerilla Records they eventually reappeared in a new guise with their own "Generic" label through A&M releasing a set of three Ep's, one of which ( "Stereo") became Radio One's evening session single of the week.
The Ep's were then followed by the album "Found Sound" with which Spooky obtained their highest critical acclaim. A twenty-five minute short film was made for parts of "Found Sound" and was given video of the year at MTV Europe. The film was made by Grant Gee who then went on to make videos for Radiohead. The film was displayed on a continuous loop outside the Pompadou centre in Paris as part of it's re-opening display.
After Found Sound Spooky spent several years pursuing separate projects. Charlie met Sasha in 1998 ( who had already used Little Bullet, William Orbit and Sven Vath Remixes and Schudelfloss a track they produced for Dr Atomic on his Northern Exposure 1 & 2 and Renaissance compilations with John Digweed). The two collaborated on a range of projects including the soundtrack to Wipeout 3 for playstation and Xpander (Xpander was a reworking of a Spooky track that was part of the Spooky live set but had never been released) and Scorchio ep's both of which attained top 40 positions in the UK. The culmination of this period of collaboration resulted in the album "Airdrawndagger" in 2003. Charlie and Sasha continued to work closely on various recordings including the first "Involver" album on Global Underground.
Duncan began working on a new album on his own. He then joined up with Laurant Webb and together they completed the album "Tempting Fate" under the name Animated. Skelectro - the first Animated 12" was released on Dust 2 Dust records. Tempting Fate was released in 2000 on Deviant Records and the singles Wired, Container No.2 (which included an animated video made by the artist Mark Wigan) and "Grab The Rope . Animated remixes from Tempting Fate appeared on compilations from Lee Burridge, DJ Garth, James Lavelle and Cafe Mambo. 2003 saw the release of "Quivver" a 4 track vinyl only ep again on Deviant with tracks appearing on Cafe Mambo and James Zabiela's Sound in Motion compilation.
In 2002 Spooky began working together again and later that year "Belong" was released on Deviant records and received much airplay by day as well as night on Radio 1 in the UK . John Digweed included one of the mixes on his compilation MMII. Sasha then remixed Belong and included it on his Global Underground Cd "Involver".
2005 saw them team up with Sasha at their studio in London and together they did 2 remixes of Depeche Mode's single Precious - they were released as Sasha's Spooky and Gargantuan mixes.
The band have been playing live and DJing again since the beginning of May 2006.
2007 saw the release of their third studio album Open to wide critical acclaim. Having released Open Spooky toured the USA extensively and settled in New York where they based themselves along with Sasha in his mid-town Manhattan studio. They spent the best part of a year working with Sasha, recording the first 4 singles for the Emfire Label, Coma, Park It In The Shade, Mongoose and Who Killed Sparky and the Involver 2 album.
2008 saw the release of The Emfire Compilation as well as the Spooky single “Candy”. They are currently working on material for a new album for release Spring 2010 and released their “Nebula EP” for Renaissance.
Exciting times ahead.
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