DJ Koze sucked into The Big Crunch Theory

03/03/2010 / Ari Stein

Just what is the Big Crunch theory? Science tells us that it’s the never-ending expansion-reversal of the universe, ultimately resulting in a doomsday scenario, the end of the world. But then, it’s also the new partnership between Versatile artist Lisa Li-Lund and label boss DJ Gilb-R aka Gilbert Cohen.

A serious French love-in, the collaboration involves team-ups with other Versatile artist like Zombie Zombie’s Etienne Jaumet and Bertrand Burgalat amongst others. The lo-fi poptronica outfit was recently worked over by Hamburg’s DJ Koze with some very exciting results. Different to Koze’s other works, the remix ‘Distortion’ is a more pop orientated affair, different to his more four-to-the-floor styled edits.

This classy mash-up is part of The Big Crunch Theory’s debut EP What To Say EP with also includes two remixes by Roman Flügel out on March 10th 2010, of course on Versatile.

Have a listen to DJ Koze’s remix of ‘Distortion’ and the single ‘What to Say’ here:

Tiesto, no love for the glowsticks?

03/03/2010 / Ari Stein

How we love Tiesto. The Dutch trance phenomenon just keeps on surprising us. Only months after releasing his crossover album, ‘promoters’ on his current Kaleidoscope Tour have started making devious demands, including one that is very preposterous… No glow sticks!

Yes, the man that kicked off the glow stick movement has been debilitated by a cruel call to lose those iconic trance emblems. They were banned from an upcoming Liverpool Echo Arena show on March 13th.

Mixmag reported that “Arena officials fear the small plastic sticks could be dropped and crushed underfoot, spilling the small amount of liquid onto the floor causing slips and injuries”.

Yes, sure…we speculate if a conversation something like below was responsible for the ban:

Tiesto: I just can’t stand my image anymore, I need to change!

PR: No problem, just do a crossover album and lose the glow sticks!

Roman Flügel kicks out the Robert Johnson jams

03/03/2010 / Ari Stein

Well known Frankfurt based club Robert Johnson will appoint one of its own natives Roman Flügel to head up its ongoing live series. Surprisingly, this will be Flügel’s first mix CD as solo artist, and will feature two of his own productions "N.M.I.S.M.D." and "Brian Le Bon" which will go along with the mix CD as a separate EP.

One half of Alter Ego, Flügel has been an active und successful participant in the electronic music scene since the early 90s, acting under many different guises including Soylent Green and Eight Miles High.

Only a recent initiative, the Robert Johnson club started their live mixes series last year and became well known for their beautifully designed box set, which you can see here.

Artists that have also partaken in mixing a Robert Johnson live mix CD include Chloé, Ivan Smagghe, Prins Thomas and Thomas Hammann & Gerd Janson. The limited box including the first 4 mix CDs can be ordered here.

Tracklist

01. Freund Der Familie - Pewars

02. Itzone - Azul Magico

03. Roman Flügel - N.M.I.S.M.D.

04. Armando feat. Sharvette - Don't Take It (Thomos Edit)

05. Molex - Kick C

06. Ink and Needle - Five

07. Ben Klock - Before One (Original Mix)

08. Nail - Optimus

09. Idioma - Landscapes

10. Forevereaction - U People (Dance Mix)

11. Maetrik - Show Me

12. Soylent Green - Humpty Acid

13. Ratsnake - Swedish Woman

14. Soulphiction - Rise

15. Roman Flügel - Brian Le Bon

Roman Flügel will release his live mix CD just in time for the summer season on May 10th, 2010.

TODAY WE LIKE: Light Graffiti

02/03/2010 / Marc Zedler

Occasionally, there are times when you find works of art that leave you awestruck. Light graffiti, otherwise known as light painting, is a growing trend amongst budding photography and video artists, commonly found in urbanized centers of Paris and Cologne. This vibrant subculture harks back to artist Man Ray from his series “Space Writing” but has been developed with a contemporary twist.

Usually made at night or in a darkened room, a hand-held light source is used to draw in front of a camera or video recorder with extended exposure time. Invisible to the naked eye, artists have to rely on instinct in order to manifest neon beauties that rang from comical to sublime.

Lichtfaktor is one of those groups that embody such creative splendor. Their playful approach has already made them arguably one of the best-known artistic teams. Utilizing their interactive imagination, they morph trashcans into robots and train stations into neon highways.

Michael Bosanko is a Welshman with over ten years of photography experience. His forays in advanced light graffiti show a deep understanding of scope and placement. Incorporating purple cities behind natural backdrops.

iPhone users become producers

02/03/2010 / Marc Zedler

iPhone users have yet another reason not to make eye contact. A new app from Swedish company AudioRealism, called technoBox, will allow a virtual techno studio in the palm of your hand.

The program emulates vintage equipment of the Roland TB-303 Bassline, TR-808 Rhythm Composer, and the 909 Rhythm Composer. These pristine sets of sounds have been rolled into one app, allowing your fingers an endless techno workout and should make the long commutes home a bit easier and fun.

What’s even more surprising is the decent audio engine and how nicely optimized the app runs on your smart phone. Affordable and nifty, let’s hope not everyone claims to be a ‘producer’ after the technoBox.

Curious on how the device works? Check out the video below.