“Boogybytes – it’s about score, about clubs and pubs, about personality and the things that define us…” This vocal introduces the next instalment of the Boogybytes mix CD series. Volume 5 is the first CD not to feature a star from the label but to give a surprise appearance to the extremely charismatic and not-so-secret insider tip Seth Troxler. His top-drawer DJ, remixing and production skills, as well as his highly praised releases on labels including the Ghostly International sub-label Spectral Sound, have helped him attract considerable interest and great bookings in his home city of Detroit and his current surroundings in Berlin. BPC aficionados may be familiar with Seth through his collaboration with Ryan Crosson and Lee Curtiss. The trio delivered an extremely successful remix for Kiki under the name “Visionquest” which has been licensed for numerous other releases. After the success of their night at the Berlin club Watergate, the paths of Ellen Allien und Seth Troxler crossed once again. Seth was spontaneously given the honour of making a Boogybytes CD. After agreeing euphorically and without hesitation, Seth took the time to carefully reflect on his new environment in Berlin: “I wanted to do something which would set itself apart from all the trends, and yet paint a picture of this city and portray it the way I experience it.”

The track selection which came out of this process conveys this picture superbly. Its palpable deepness occasionally harbours a touch of melancholy, yet never becomes overwhelming, for at its peaks – which certainly include Seth’s Fever Ray mix – the tension is released in the most explosive and unbridled manner. Seth already considers certain tracks as classics. For him, Nicolas Jaar’s “Time For Us” and the epic “Birds And Souls” are works with a great future. Seth’s particular way of combining the most varied of musical elements is shown both in his fitting track selection and in his remarkable mixing technique. Not only are the individual remixes artfully arranged and intertwined, but single elements are also occasionally reemployed as material in a sound montage. Seth merges tracks into one another almost imperceptibly whilst constantly creating new angles in the way they overlap and retreat from one another. Other songs, on the other hand, follow one another abruptly and yet completely seamlessly. Sound elements are dispersed over the tracks, acting as recurring signals. In the case of the dancefloor stormer “Stricher” by Roman Flügel (one half of the duo Alter Ego), a complete section of the song is remoulded as a transition between tracks. The 4/4 kick drum does not remain fundamentally in the foreground; in the funk-jazz-tinged pieces by Bakara and Dinky its presence is withdrawn, although the compulsion to dance is never lost. Seth Troxler pays homage both to his Detroit roots and to the minimal house style of his new home, and as a result he moves his hallmark sound beyond the limits of 12” releases for the first time.

Minimaland Feedback: After Kiki, Sascha Funke, Modeselektor and Ellen Allien, Seth Troxler mixes this fantastic series of Boogybytes and we have to say he did it incredibly well! A clean mix, with a nice selection of tracks – going through deep, minimal and house – and  a perfect ending with a track that is already producing massive effects here in the minimaland: “Time For Us”.

Tracklist:
01 Seth Troxler – Intro
Ryan Crosson – Amb 1
02 The Royal We – Party Guilt (Dinky’s Arp-A-Pella)
03 Luciano – Fran Left Home
Mike Shannon – Sweet A Pella
04 Craig Smith & The Revenge – The Soul Part II
05 Baeka – Right At It
06 Dinky feat. Update – Westoid
07 N/A feat. Rosina – Fables and Fairytales (Deniz Kurtel Remix)
08 Spektrum – Freakbox (Richie Hawtin’s Uncontrolled Edit)
09 Alexi Delano – Molar One
10 Jabberjaw – The Connie Shake
11 Heartthrob – Signs (Thrill Cosby aka Seth Troxler Remix)
12 Birds And Souls – Birds And Souls
13 Roman Flügel – Stricher
14 Fever Ray – Seven (Seth Troxler Remix)
15 Kiki – Cinema Obscura
16 Nicolas Jaar – Time For Us

Release Date: 22.02.2010
BPC#210CD

“Are there DJs having more fun being a DJ than Seth Troxler? If so, we’d like to meet them. The Berlin resident defines the hedonistic nature of the city, reveling in the afterparty lifestyle and launching legions of “Did you hear what Seth did/said/played?” stories. Oh. Right, played. Yeah, that’s been amazing too. It seems like the word is out about the American jock: Troxler’s DJing style more often than not reflects his personality. Ebullient, fun, sexy. And a tiny bit out of control. Which, when you think about it, makes for some of the most memorable sets of all.”

The waiting is finally over! After all the ups and downs of the past year, we can happily report that Joshua Eustis now firmly intends to continue Telefon Tel Aviv as a solo project. In order to mark his decision with a bang, the wonderful title track ‘Immolate Yourself’ is being released as the second single from the current LP. The song has been entrusted to highly acclaimed and diverse remix artists who have skilfully stripped down the epic album track to more club-friendly formats.

The A side is delivered by label-mate Thomas Muller, whose finely detailed techno soundscapes can now be enjoyed on five BPC 12″ releases. His ‘Immolate Yourself’ remix takes a much more direct approach. He reduces the lush arrangement of the original to a powerful basic framework, leaves out the vocals almost entirely, and creates a surprise when the track
crumbles into sonic chaos towards the end.

Miss Fitz aka Maayan Nidam has had singles released on labels including Raum Musik and Freak n’ Chic, and these have been remixed by renowned artists such as Ricardo Villalobos. Her version of ‘Immolate Yourself’ also makes a clear break from the album track and serves up her very own brand of abstract, dancefloor-friendly house. Once again, all the opulence of the original is thrown overboard; a dry beat is placed at the centre of the arrangement and enriched with sinuous vocals.

Ben Klock needs no further introduction – he is the epitome of the bleak, hard minimal sound. His album ‘One’ is currently available on Ostgut Ton, and as a remixer he has earned the highest acclaim for his version of Depeche Mode’s ‘Peace’. Ben’s ‘Jack Mix’ is fittingly titled and lives up to all the expectations of the name. The track is stripped back to a resounding, hammer-like beat framework – minimised for maximum effect.

BPitch legend Sascha Funke delivers a surprise with another astoundingly reduced remix, at least by his standards. He turns away from the melodic richness of his current album ‘Mango’ in favour of repetitive fragments and an extended arc of tension which will surely make his ‘Immolate Yourself’ remix a massive after-hour hit.

Minimaland Feedback: Great pack of remixes, all of them with very good quality! Our favourite? Sascha Funke mix … he just keeps getting a great deal of inspiration…

Tracklist:
a1 – Immolate Yourself (Thomas Muller Burning Man Remix)

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b1 – Immolate Yourself (Miss Fitz Remix)

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b2 – Immolate Yourself (Ben Klock’s Jack Remix)

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Digital – Immolate Yourself (Sascha Funke Digital Bonus)

BPC#207
Release Date: 11.01.2010

The restless trip through countless clubs, numerous airports and on-going party insanity continues as the second soundtrack rendering of Hannes Stöhr’s premier drama film, Berlin Calling, takes on its awaited release. Paul Kalkenbrenner’s masterstroke, “Berlin Calling Vol. 2,” continues to accompany the protagonists from Stöhr’s moving and somewhat tragic depiction while surfacing a humorous and well-spirited undertone. Although the tracks, “Bengang” and “Torted,” lack their corresponding picture, they highly possess the authentic feverish atmosphere depicted in the film, plainly making them the blue prints to DJ Ickarus’s jam-packed dance floor. Don’t expect any fancy embellishment on this release. These two tracks flow nicely like a non-stop machine. “Bengang” transmits more of a classic house-element with subtle hints of percussion while “Torted” pulls the track’s speed, making it an uncompromising energy-booster. “Berlin Calling Vol. 2″ simultaneously offers a powerful and irresistible listening experience to soundtrack listeners, film observers and, of course, movie hero character, DJ Ickarus himself! Resistance is futile!

Minimaland Feedback: Collector’s stuff

A) Bengang

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B) Torted

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Bpitch#206
Release Date: 07.12.2009

Jay Haze – homme fatale, madman, exceptionally gifted composer and producer, owner of labels TuningSpork and Contexterrior, and mastermind behind numerous other musical projects – has done it again. The big surprise. Something no on expected. After two singles (plus remixes for Telefon Tel Aviv and Kiki), Jay brings Fuckpony back to the BPitch stable, offering a full-length album with intentions no less than world dominance. Sure, house music has always been king, but even if (as these days) some poser waiting around the corner claims his name is Jack, the subtlytrained ear can hear the difference, and the wheat is separated from the chaff. And instead of coasting comfortably off the success of his recent Fabric47 mix CD, Jay strikes again with what may be his most mature, cohesive artistic statement yet.

Hardly anyone knows the legacy of American-style house as Mr. Haze does. Despite a sense of tradition, this guy’s intention was never just to reproduce a well-known sound. His nonconformist principle has always been a recurring theme throughout his diverse projects as he crosses given boundaries. Futurism as a conceptual basis and Chicago as grammar, but even a bit more special than what is currently being rehashed with these ideas. And what Jay as Fuckpony has always excelled at is opening up to – what one would call commonly and from a distance – “pop”. Pop in the best sense, though: as an abstraction of accessibility, one that strikes your cheek gently while scraping stubble.
The slightly shifted, forward-driven syncopation in the title track “Let The Love Flow” would be a prime example. Angular, sharp-edged pop, on whose surface you could light a match – so much soul is pushing through that the dancefloor seems like it is about to collapse. But it won’t, because “Let the Love Flow” doesn’t become a pure dance album, at least not in its entirety. Instead Haze meanders into a strange realm somewhere between the gleam of Saturday night (like in the track “Orgasm On The Dancefloor Saturday Night”) and the pale daylight of a Sunday morning (as in “A Pill’s Medley”). The listening experience provides a sort of afterhours party for lovers, only that here the sweet taste of the club never dissolves away from the tongue. Everything stays positive here: despite the high altitude, Fuckpony lands in the crate softer than ever, with house tracks that resurrect old feelings, but despite all the grace and emotion, kick sharply with a super-tight bass drum. A collection of small epics that are never for a second flat or cheesy, despite their catchiness.

Because this album seems to be so sentimental and tender, it almost sounds as if Jay Haze has discovered his feminine side on BPitch Control. You could call it house with heart, an entire album without samples, made from scratch with his own two hands. The horns, the drums, and of course the dominating piano – all of these emanate from the mad spirit of the master, sustaining his genius, his unmistakable handwriting ever present. Only the vocals in “Fall Into Me” and “I Know It Happened” are not sung by Haze himself, but rather by Laila Tov and Chela Simon. The latter has already lent her voice to Kiki’s “Good Voodoo”, and her contributions to this album offer a few soulful moments, instantly making your arm hairs stand on end. Yes, it comes full circle- Fuckpony’s long-player for ravers in love and for raved out lovers who are still going long after peak time. A self-contained album with powerful melodic arches and a great dramatic underscoring of house, embedded in tradition but not dwelling on the past. Ten tracks, each unique and self-sufficient, held together through love: the love of music, of house, of Berlin, of parties, of all of you out there. So in this sense, love it also! Real love is forever…

TRACKLISTING:
01. R U Feeling Abroad 6:22
02. I´m Burning Inside 9:14
03. I Know It Happened (feat. Chela Simone) 6:25
04. Real Love Is Forever 6:16
05. Orgasm On The Dancefloor Saturday Night 6:33
06. Fall Into Me (feat. Chela Simone and Laila Tov) 5:12
07. A Pills Medley 6:32
08. You Can´t Touch But Feel Free To Look 6:35
09. Always Sunday 5:33
10. Let The Love Flow 3:25

Release Date: 26.10.2009
BPC#204

Minimaland Feedback: If you’re a Jay Haze appreciator than you got to have this album. As it says in the press release, this album really is the other side of mr. Haze, his most tender one. The Cd is great, all the track are quite good and all of them run through deep environments. This is not dancefloor directed, it could easily be played in an after-hours session as it could be featured as the soundtrack of a movie. One after another, the tracks seem to complete each other. I’ve always liked this Fuckpony experience and this release add’s the full guarantee that this project is here to stay for many and many years.

In perfect timing for the 10th BPitch Control birthday, Thomas Muller presents his third solo release. Born in Paris, the Berlin-elect has been in this city for about two years. Certainly his current location has left an indelible mark on Thomas’ creations – his deep and highly detailed soundscapes were already evident in the last release, „Seduction“ – a clear idiom into an increasingly dark realm. His current work continues consistently and ambitiously in the same vein. The title track „Rebirth“ hides house fragments in a tight beat, tribal-like percussion patterns come and go in waves, the whole thing spirals in dub echoes with complexity, but the crystal-clear construct is screwed with the help of spooky, deeply colored foghorns – dress warm… Track A2 „String Slap“ is dominated by a similarly heavily-detailed beat- right on point and minimalistic sound effects get it going. Suddenly a super-funky bassline begins, the track-machine is running and steadily evolves into a wild, spiraling house mechanism. If A2 is a beat off from the clockwork, then the flipside opener „Music 98“ is like a musical conversion from Jean Tinguely’s crazy machine art: through a twitching shufflebeat that is interspersed through vocal fragments and ear-decomposing sweeps with all sorts of craziness throughout. Towards the end it calms down just a bit, and there is a method to the madness – but beware – don’t play this at home, kids! B2 heads right towards the goal. „Institute of Shadows“ comes straight out with point-blank, perfectly balanced beats, sensational hihats and a geniusly simple offbeat bass from there. More classic and effective is not possible. In the same shade though, less traditional but equally effective psychotic sweeps that rush past together at a barely melodic level unmistakably remind us of the fact that we’re not here for fun.

Minimaland Feedback: The youngest Bpitch star is already showing a great level of production and this is certainly his best release so far, adapting his creations to the label standards. Typical German electronic techy music, that will suit well to nightclub dancing events.  ”String Slap” is our favorite!

a1 - Rebirth
a2 - String Slap
b1 – Music 98
b2 - Institue of Shadow

BPC#201
Rls Date: 14.09.2009

Berlin Calling is undoubtedly part of the film highlights of 2009. Hannes Stöhr’s fictitious drama based around the up-and-coming Berlin musician and Toxicomaniac Ickarus skillfully distances itself from ‘hip’ biopics and instead offers one hundred percent of authenticity and classic storytelling. What is surprising is the ease and the speed with which the dramatic – and even in parts tragic – story is presented. This balance act succeeds not only with images, but also with Paul Kalkbrenner’s congenial soundtrack accomplishes that feat effortlessly. Finally, after the “hymn” Sky and Sand, comes the second release as a 12” EP. Thematically, the title song is closely related to Sky and Sand, and the three tracks form an absolutely harmonious trilogy, not only perfectly transporting the film’s atmosphere, but actually generating it on their own. Even if you don’t know the images, you will soon get the impression of a subliminal, compulsively seething energy – and at the same time that of devouring emptiness, cycling faster and faster around aimlessness.

Square (A1) with its widely expansive structure incorporates the most of the anthemic character of Sky and Sand, meandering between forsakenness and calm, with a beat that works as relentlessly as a motor.
Aaron (B1) on the other hand, appears like a reflection of the A-side: a slightly acoustic sounding interlude with a bouncy beat that seems like a welcome opportunity to take a breath and put the spirits of the night back at a distance for a while.
Azure (B2) is a hit. Period. A gentle, almost conservative beginning gives way to the initially muted, but ever manically growing, big emptiness of the protagonist. The common theme of the whole soundtrack now emerges like an echo of all tracks – the beat unstoppably marches forward, but without the outlook of a relief, back into the mist of the night. To be continued…

a1 - Square 1

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b1 - Aaron

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b2 – Azure

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Minimaland Feedback: After almost one year, it’s a pleasure to get back to “Berlin Calling” steps again… the Cd really marked us and, in Vol.1 vinyl, we’ll all get the chance to buy some of the most gentle soft tracks that have been made during electronic musical history. We are trully appreciators of this producer’s work and we will always be waiting for his next move… for now lets way for Vol.2 because this is a perfect first!

BPC#198
Rls Date: 03.08.2009

The featured artist this week was very easy to choose. Paul Kalkbrenner, the old school German producer has recently released what is already considered his biggest album to date. He is easily one of top5 best live acts I’ve seen in my life and his music is able to transmit such feelings that nobody else does. Obviously Bpitch Control is the label behind this released, their work with Kalkbrenner has been going on for ages and the union seems to enhance the results in both sides.
This release is a special launch of an  OST to a movie called “Berling Calling” where the main artists of the cast are Dj Ickarus (P. Kalkbrenner) and his girlfriend Mathilde (Rita Lengyel). The movie portrays the life of techno dj as it really is including: gigs, relationships, record deals, touring and drug use. This is the closest you will get to real life. Seems like a movie that we all should watch and listen – the OST was all produced by Kalkbrenner. The plot is set, let’s talk about music:
The album starts with “Aaron” a low-pitch track perfect to start a set. Great Beat and soft melody to go along. The next two tracks also dive through soft rhythms, perfect to be listened in one of those special party’s. “Sky and Sand” was the first track that really caused a different impact on me when I listened the album. The accapela is great and all the power t

hat is created when the beat starts is simply amazing. I’m having goosebumps just by remembering it.
What more can i say? The album goes on and one with pure German productions, always presenting deep melodies with an arrow pointed to your heart (and soul) (e.g. “Square 1″, “Bengang”, “Moob”). There are also some Special edits of previously released tracks like “Altes Kamuffel”, “Atzepent” or “Castenets”. There’s even a new remix of one of the major Berlin hits this year – and that we so much appreciate – “Sascha Funke – Mango”. One last note to the Special Berlin Calling Edit on “Gebrunn Gebrunn” remembering us what music should be all about: feeling, enjoyment and attitude. This was the music that Paul Kalkbrenner ended his last set here in Portugal leaving us crying out for more.
Paul Kalkbrenner delivers a couple of great new tools and also some that we all knew from his sets but were previously unreleased! Berling Calling OST is already one of the best albums of the year. Don’t miss the movie also.

Tracklist:
1 Paul Kalkbrenner – Aaron 2 Paul Kalkbrenner – Queer Fellow
3 Paul Kalkbrenner – Azure
4 Paul Kalkbrenner – Sky And Sand
5 Paul Kalkbrenner – Square 1
6 Paul Kalkbrenner – Altes Kamuffel (Special Berlin Calling Edit)
7 Paul Kalkbrenner – Torted
8 Paul Kalkbrenner – Moob
9 Sascha Funke – Mango (Special Berlin Calling Edit)
10 Paul Kalkbrenner – Atzepeng (Special Berlin Calling Edit)
11 Paul Kalkbrenner – Castenets (Special Berlin Calling Edit)
12 Paul Kalkbrenner – Revolte
13 Paul Kalkbrenner – Bengang
14 Paul Kalkbrenner – Peet
15 Paul Kalkbrenner – Absynthe
16 Paul Kalkbrenner – Gebrunn Gebrunn (Special Berlin Calling Edit)

Bpitch#185
Rls Date: 02.10.2008

Ellen Fratz is one of our favourite producers. She began her career in 1995 and since that date she didn’t stop any more, always maintaining a pretty good level. All her major productions have been released on Bpitch Control and this is not an exception.
Elphine is one of the tracks that were most talked about concerning to Ellen Allien’s last Album – Sool (Bpitch175) released last May. To celebrate all it’s success the Bpitch Control guys decided to launch a 12″ of it inviting Zander Vt, Troy Pierce and Louderbach to remix it.
So, in the A side you have the original track released last may and the remix of Zander Vt. For those who don’t know the original I strongly recommend it! It’s one of those tracks that can’t get out of your head, very smooth, with pretty good vocals and an incredible deep soul. In Zander Vt’s remix you get a higher rhythm, a stronger bass and the same feeling of the first. Fritz Zander and Sven Von Thülen are the duo behind the name and they didn’t messed it up. The remix is quite enjoyable and perfect to the dancefloors. Pumpy! Next we have the American Troy Pierce! I don’t need to introduce him to you, you all know his work… i hope! In this remix he doesn’t let his reputation fail. When the track begins you immediately understand that this one is going trough another roads. The beat is huge, with a gigantic bass line and an acid rhythm that makes you wonder… how does he do it!? When you start to listen the Ellien’s vocal in the back with all those trippy effects and strong neurotic lines you realise: this is what music should always be! Finally you have Louderbach’s release, he takes Elphine to darker and calmer lines always with quality above the average…
After the remixes of “Mango”, Bpitch presents us another great pack of remixes, this time of “Elphine”.A Must Have!

a1 – Elphine
a2 – Elphine (Zander Vt remix)
b1 – Elphine (Troy’s One Eyed JAK remix)

Rls Date: 18.08.2008
Bpitch#182

Mango is one of the best works launched by Sascha Funke. His album with the same name was released last February on Bpitch Control and now it was time to do some remixes of this great success! This fantastic label doesn’t know how to let us down and, to maintain the high level of the original music they invited three producers that have a doubtless reputation!
In the first side we get to listen to a re-work from Stefan Kozalla aka Dj Koze’s. His Pink Moon remix is one of a kind getting you through different waves along the music… it starts very smoothly and in the middle of the music it has a break and than the rude dry beats starts doing their effect! This is a brilliant dark remix, able to make you fly through different coloured moons. If the a-side is good don’t expect different from the other… Superpitcher and Tobias Thomas throw in a spectacular old school mix, very intense and catchy, full of positive energies. And i think i’ts Superpitcher’s voice that appears at the end of the track… very catchy and seductive! In fact, it couldn’t go wrong with these two guys, they have been in the scene for a couple of years and their skills are recognised by everyone.
Don’t expect pumpy music in this release, this is the truest German style, directly made to hit he mind, to fly away and hopefully never get back! Release nr 180 on Bpitch Control, remembering one of their best launches of the year: Sascha Funke – Mango.

a1 – Mango (Dj Koze’s Pink Moon remix)
b1 – Mango (Tobia Thomas & Superpitcher’s Como Mango Version)

Rls Date: 04.08.2008
Bpitch#180