Dj and Producer with over 15 years of tireless dedication to the scene, Steve Bug is proud to announce his fourth artist album – “Collaboratory” that will be out on Poker Flat Recordings during June. This work was based strongly on the ideas of collaboration, shared ideas and mutual respect for fellow artists and the strength of combining forces in the studio so Steve had to chose some special producers and vocalists to work with. From Berlin came Cassy and Clé (part of Martini Bros) and Paris The Black, one half of Detroit Grand Pubahs, ace producers that could assure quality! From the southern emisphery came Simon Flower featuring with Bug on their new teasing cut “Passing Clouds” while Minimise boss Donnacha Costello also went head to head in the studio to create “Still Music”. To mention also the stunning full-length vocals of Brazilian talent Virginia Nascimento on the slow-spun “Trust in Me”. Although the bulk of this addictive, instant classic consists of collaborative works, there’s still a handful of fresh solo Bug treats in store…
The album starts with “Trees Can’t Dance” transmitting instant warm vibes perfect to be spread on early morning sessions in the best clubs or open party’s around the world, this modern classic provides the perfect opening tones for the album. Next comes the textured “Swallowed Too Much Bass” featuring the twisted vocal talents of Paris the Black Fu in a highly funky and spooky straight-to-the-floor workout exploring perfectly acid flavors and some classic synth that we normally listen in Bug’s work. Cassy tones show up in the third track in a slow-cooking jam that combines acid house moments with deep dub pics reminding us some classic house traditions and how they can be suited to our times. The album continues with the tool “You Never…” building the energy and tension to approach the next set of tracks…
Produced by two long time friends and collaborators (Bug and Clé) “Month of Ship” evolves around profound dark-house vibes and some pitching rave-signals. Expect nothing but pure quality, beats that cut through the mix like a finely sharpened blade, and luxury synth work. One of the best works of the album. 6th track is “Mr. Suitcase” full of slowly progressing melodic movements and timeless layered synth themes. A harmonious moment, marking the middle point of the album. A track to listen in those long journeys full of thoughts, dreams and expectations. “Trust In Me” features the amazing vocal talents of Brazilian musician Virginia Nascimento, who currently resides in Berlin. This deep swung song is structured around a slow house vibe, but still works in a club environment with its hypnotic, ringing synth hooks and heavy bass elements. Simon Flower the New Zealand based artist appears on track 8 “Passing Clouds” teaming up with Steve to build a huge minimal groove in true Poker Flat style. The blossoming synth lines build up an organic fresh mysterious dancefloor adventure while the softer melodic moments draw attention to the finer ends of the production. Amazing tune!
An exciting collaboration between Steve and Donnacha Costello marks the last part of this genuine album. IN “Still Music” they were able to build the most immediate dancefloor cut of this set of tracks where an acid-line monster rises up from firm foundation along with a twisted rude beat and some surprising textural elements and effects. “Like It Should Be” is a stripped down Chicago-inspired cut that keeps the groove focused an restrained, allowing the wonderful, rousing vocals of Gigi (Finnish co-partner of Sam & Gigi) to really shine through in another track that really suits well to Poker Flat patterns. The last closing track of the album is “Cherry Blossoms” in a deep classic electronic style that have surely been absorbed into Steve’s core over the years of finding. It’s the perfect track to end this kind of work, an album that owes its musical strength to the roots of this scene, those early warehouse days, the wonderful moments of discovery and the treasured times shared among true friends…
The time and effort spent on this remarkable body of work is clear through the astounding quality, warmth and sheen of the recording. Steve Bug’s productions never disappoint, yet with “Collaboratory” his sound has been lifted to even greater heights, rejuvenating a ton of classic machines and analogue gear to enhance the production, giving every track a distinctive, lively and full aesthetic. Natural analogue harmonics and warm mid ranges color the mix with a velvet hue, making this a long-player that’s a joy to re-live, time and again! ..”Collaboratory” is a beautiful, refreshing and open-minded reminder why talents like Steve Bug are so hard to find… Thanks to his wealth of talent and dedication to his art, he’s ensured a whole new wave of fans, as he treads the bright, promising path of 2009 and beyond! Not to miss…
tracklist:
01. Trees Can‘t Dance
02. Swallowed Too Much Bass feat. Paris The Black Fu
03. Strong Moment feat. Cassy
04. You Never …
05. Steve Bug & Clé: Month of Sip
06. Mr. Suitcase
07. Trust In Me feat. Virginia
08. Steve Bug & Simon Flower: Passing Clouds
09. Steve Bug & Donnacha Costello: Still Music
10. Like It Should Be feat. Gigi
11. Cherry Blossoms
Poker Flat Cd#024
Rls Date: 08.06.2009
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