If you are stuck for something to do this fine Birmingham evening then why not get yourselves down to The White Swan for some fantastic jazz courtesy of the Kieron McIntosh Quintet?
Its a great atmosphere with cheap food and drinks but best of all its free. Having checked out the Big Band Christmas evening in December we heartily recommend getting down there and enjoying the friendly band and crowd. For the muso's out there you can bring your instruments and take part in the jam session after the show!
Check it out on Grosvenor Street West, just off Broad Street opposite Gatecrasher, there will be more Red Stripe than you can shake your Barbour at...
Well we've all been very busy over the holidays, spending our time getting nice and fat for the spring. Whilst we have indeed been a little bit lazy with our blogging of late (for this we apologise), we will be blaming it on our fingers being too fat to mash the keys and spew forth our wannabe-blogger banalities...
So first up in this most blessed of decades we've got a bit of linking to do. Our good friend Raffertie has put out a smashing new mix on a really rather fantastic blog called The Daily Street and we really think you ought listen to it and wet your pants like we did.
Not just content with being at the forefront of electronic music and everything he touches seemingly turning to gold; Raffertie has also been busy setting up Super Recordings whilst continuing to stamp his mark on the scene with releases on more labels than we care to list. Check out the article on the Daily Street for a more eloquent dissection of the man that you will be hearing more of throughout 2011.
In the meantime, keep dialled in to Audio-Freq as we really will be getting on top of all things Brum in days to come, starting with our local DJ profiles that will be coming to a screen near you soon!
Here is one to watch out for on the first Friday back of term, bought to you courtesy of some of the local lads from 1210, ladies and gents it's Seedy Sonics II!!! Get your arses down there for some quality music and quality vibes...
Rainbow Garden on the first friday of term (21/1/2011 @ 10:00pm)
Same deal as last time, quality intelligent underground dance music, brilliant sound system, £4 entry price, £2 drinks.... and all out rave atmosphere!
Back in the rainbow garden again with its funktion-one sound system and newly added heating and cover; it is also being kept open for an extra hour as no-one wants to leave at 3...
For those of you who didn't check it out last time, this is a definite must!! Great independent student night throwing out some excellent music and fantastic DJ talent, support your student brethren and get groovy for a bargain price.
Miss it and we'll hunt you down and set a llama loose on your Aunt, yeah you heard us...
Granted we have been a little lax with our blogging this month, but we have a sneaky feeling that you will forgive us....
The Reason? Well our lovely friends at csGASRecords (the label attached to BrikWorx Studios of which we spoke a few weeks ago) are releasing an artists’ studio album this week, and we happen to have a heads up for you! This release, entitled ‘theCollective’ is a new and comprehensive work from this established record label. Style-wise, you are looking at some rather tasty techno/deep house flavours.The album shows a distinct progression across the genres of each artist on the label, giving the album a unique flavour and sound. Well worth checking out! All tracks are available on Beatport from Tuesday December 21st, just in time for Christmas and New Year DJ Sets!
Thanks to the generous boys and gals at csGas records, here are a few tasters of the album tracks for you to get your ears around while you read a little more about our favourite new artists below....
With music moving as fast as it does, Patric Mclean’s production has been forward thinking, delving into tech house and melodic techno for the last 2 years under his mysterious alter ego Dark Chambers. After launching his label csGASRecords he released the huge ‘Pandora’s Box’ [which was featured on Radio 1 as a breakthrough underground track]. This was then followed by the groove based ‘Mes’h which soared high on the download charts.
His first artist album, A Walk in the Dark, stamped his mark on the electronic industry showcasing Dark Chamber’s different shades and as a result gaining huge support and acclaim. Now with 2 albums under his belt Dark Chambers gets better and better focusing his attentions heavily on his DJ'ing and the artists that he mentors on his label.
Influenced by favourite artists like Hawtin, Beyer, D'julz, Maetrik, and Hobo his music styles span accordingly catering for the wider market that he so loves to play in.
In a time where the UK has been engulfed with commercial dance music and the scene has been dictated by huge, predictable labels, the uprising of the underground has been imminent. Dark Chambers is proving that the scene is progressing as he begins to go over ground with his sound!
Cinderella Man
Cinderellaman (Arron Whall) has a telepathic taste for a track with a sound that is forever forward moving but also remains relevant to the past. A mixture of old and new. A fusion of techno, house and disco. A unique sound, but one that did not just develop overnight. Back in 2006, he gave himself a platform by forming ‘Glitch’ - an after hours party in their humble hometown of Cleethorpes, Glitch became a spring board for the Cinderellaman’s future success. Bringing DJ's such as Jamie Jones (Crosstown Rebels) and educating a dedicated and willing crowd on the way. But there were bigger things to come. Off the back of Glitch came a successful number of gigs at some of the best clubs and club nights in the North of England. Gigs at Sankeys in Manchester, which saw him playing on the same bill as Cocoon favourite Loco Dice, and the legendary Back to Basics in Leeds. This gave him a chance for them to showcase his ability to a wider audience. This didn't go unnoticed, as people from further afield started to take note. Cinderellaman became a resident at Eclectricity in Birmingham, playing alongside the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Cassy, Sven Vath, Dj Sneak and Dubfire. Not only this, but they hosted the after hours Eclectricity party at the infamous Rainbow pub in Birmingham.
One of his biggest influences has been the city of Berlin. His monthly visits to the German capital have allowed him to spend a lot of time in Berghain, which features the world-renowned Panorama Bar upstairs. The time spent in this club, and in many others in Berlin, has been an inspiration to him in regards to, not only his sound, but also his appreciation of house and techno culture. The trips give him the chance to visit the city's finest record stores, rapidly increasing his ever-growing vinyl collection.
The future looks promising for Cinderellaman after finishing his tour in the Ukraine and Belarus securing bookings next year in the Ukraine, Berlin and Russia .
D-Sub
After huge success with csGasRecords, the team at BrikWorx felt it has now come the time to push musical boundaries even further with an innovative and exciting new record label – D-Sub Recordings. D-Sub is the BrikWorx team’s alias for music that is to be associated with this label. Primarily this label has been launched launched to tap into fresh music coming from a wide range of different music genres including Future Garage, Dubstep, Deep Electronic House, Drum ‘n’ bass, Hip Hop and Grime. An element of this concept is present here on this album to give you a taste of things to come from D-Sub Recordings.
Uluru
Uluru aka Rob Commons, the youngest of the team, has his debut release here on this album. After being a prominent DJ in and around Birmingham over the last 4 years DJing as part of the Disc Junkies and enjoying residencies for both the University of Birmingham’s 1210 DJ society and Naked Lunch, Rob has decided it was high time to begin releasing some of his music. Playing a mixture of melody and groove based tech along with some harder techno, Rob has echoed the music he so loves to DJ in his production. With this surely being the first release of many, be prepared for exciting music to come from Uluru.
AAAANNNNDDDDD.....
AUDIO-FREq love local talent, so head to the Beatport, download the tracks and support your local boys. Look out for these gents both around Brum and more widely over the next frew months, they are sure to be blowing up.
Audio-Freq has long stated our aim to bring to you the best alternative scene that the 2nd city has to offer and as part of our resurgent campaign we are starting up a Local DJ's Profile section.
How can I be involved? we hear you cry...
Simple...
Just get us a 20/30min mix with a 200 word bio telling us who you are, what you play and where we can catch you along with your Best & Worst Part of Brum and we'll get you up on the site, it really is that simple! So come on lets get the locals some 'effin promo!!!
Send your stuff to afreaq@gmail.com and keep peeled for some exposure on the best talent you didn't know we had...
Something a little bit outside the remit of AUDIO-FREq came up today but we were so enthralled by the pretty colours and the fact that this embodies all we stand for that we couldn't bring ourselves not to share it... so here it is Nein Mann by Laserkraft 3D.
No man, I don't wanna go yet, I wanna dance some more...
We hope you have all noticed our new look and we have the wonderful Sarah to thank for our shiny new visage! Let us know what you think and stay peeled for more posts!
P.s. sorry we've been a bit lax of late, essays are the achillies heel of AUDIO-FREq!
Pandora's Box being rather nice chaps and chapettes have decided to chuck you all our songs from last nights show for previewing only. If you enjoy them please check out the show Friday evening 7pm-8pm and go buy them from the various sites dotted on the inter-networked-hyper-web.
It's Sunday Night. Sunday 5th December to be precise. You've had a heavy weekend. Not only have you partied hard, but essays and exams are fast approaching, and quite frankly things are beginning to get a bit hectic. AUDIO-FREq understands. AUDIO-FREq sympathises. However, AUDIO-FREq doesnt take no for an answer, especially when it comes to fantastic live music.....
Bearing all this in mind, take a break on Sunday 5th and head down to Urban Village on Bristol Road, Selly Oak for an evening of live unsigned music from some absolutely fantastic up and coming artists. LUMSoc (The Live and Unsigned Music Society) was "set up to bring more live (and unsigned) acts to the uni and to give bands/singer-songwriters studying here a platform to play on", says Claire Powell, one of the people AUDIO-FREq spoke to about the event, and they are proud to present three fantastic acts this weekend.
The evening as a whole has real folk/ rock/ acoustic vibe to it. Check out the acts below for a taste of the action on hand.....
From soulful, jazz infused sounds, to catchy folk-rock with just the right amount of pop sensibility, AUDIO-FREq is very excited about this event, with some great quality music on offer, and even drinks deal to keep the evening well lubricated..... PLUS as an extra special treat our good friends at Writers Bloc will be on hand with their excellent performance poetry, which regular readers of AUDIO-FREq will know is a firm favourite on the alternative scene in Brum.
So. It may be cold. You may be busy. But seriously, clear Sunday Night for a relaxed evening of good music and good people, and give next week a firm kick start.
Oh....and if you see us there, AUDIO-FREq will be drinking Morgans Spiced and Coke, with a touch of ice. Cheers.
Bands kick off at 8, night starts at 7, get in early to get a seat near the action.....best thing....ITS TOTALLY FREE!!!!!
Calling all aspiring musicians, DJ's and producers... Brikworx has landed in Brum, and is causing quite a stir...
Brikworx is a fully equipped commercial studio in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery quarters in an old Warehouse style building - offering a multitude of services from sound engineering, mastering, guitar tuition, artwork and photography to a fully fledged music production course.
One of the primary functions of this studio is to provide post-production finishing and mastering services. This is because the kids at Brikworx are aware that there are a lot of young producers out there who are creating music from bedroom studios. Mastering and mixing down of the final product however needs to be done in a professional environment. Consequently they offer the professional finishing of music at reasonable prices so that they are suitable to be played on big club systems. AMAZING!
BUT HANG ON.... IT GETS BETTER!.....
In order to mark the opening of the brand new BrikWorx Studio the team have decided to host a competition that could see YOU coming into the studio FREE of charge to have your track mastered and quite possibly released on one of the BrikWorx Studio labels!
The terms of the competition are simple – whoever creates what we judge to be the most original, most inventive and most potential-filled 3 minute piece of music, of any genre, from the chopped up parts of an old track will win that astounding first prize.
In addition, if you don’t quite make the top prize we will be offering a second prize to a number of other entries who we feel also have potential. This will involve free advice on engineering and production tailored to your genre and ability.
So boys and girls. There's no excuse is there?!? Take a look at the website for some more info and pictures (all looking very flash) and get involved with the competition on the facebook link
What a fantastic little night was had at Space2 on Saturday when the leg-end-dairy Booka Shade played to a packed out venue that went nuts for the massive tech-lectro tunes that the Shade threw into the teeming mass of mentalists. Also to be heard was the amazing Technasia, who has been a staple favourite on the Techno scene and Joris Voorn, a madman from Rotterdam who's exploded over the past year or two. All of this was bought to your ears via the lovely chaps at Eclectricity!
Booka Shade rocked out with a hugely impressive live set playing on electronic drums, fiddling dials, cranking levers (a bit like the musical version of Willy Wonka). Sensing massive-ness from the crowd, who were baying for bass, Booka stayed on for a 3rd encore and played well past their original 1 hour set times bringing you not only great sounds but value for money. The price was quite steep at £20 a ticket, for those who weren't quick enough on the draw to get student/early-bird tickets, however its hard to put a price on seeing such a stalwart classic as Booka Shade and when backed up by Technasia & Joris Voorn you really can't complain (so don't try).
If you aren't familiar with Booka Shade they hail from Germania and were forged in the dark heart of the Frankfurt electronic scene. This duo has managed to play to 10,000 people in the 2nd largest tent in Europe at Global Gathering, get one of their productions into pretty much every DJ's collection, collaborate with M.A.N.D.Y. to form Get Physical Records and perform with such vitality that it's hard not to fall in love with their roguish good lucks.
Joris Voorn has had a huge year also making him possible the hottest act on the underground house & tech scene! Releasing his first record on Keynote it attracted attention from huge names, including the late John Peel. Having destroyed pretty much any venue/festival you can think of his Birmingham debut was something very very special.
All in all, an excellent night for those into underground electro and techno, also excellent for those who were yet to be exposed to the malevolent music that made us weep with joy!
One of the best nights to be had in town went down at the Rainbow Warehouse last night (9 hours ago ish) with the rather shamelessly logo-emblazoned, but equally rather shamelessly awesome, Rizla re-crafted event. Wasn't quite sure what to expect when Audio-Freq checked it out but we were blown away.
First thing - as many free Rizla's as you can stuff your dirty pockets with.
Second thing - AMAZINGLY KICK ASS MUSIC
Third thing - so clearly been run at a loss for PR that nobody really gives a shit whether anyone pays...
The venue. alas, as so often is the case in Birmingham, didn't pack out much but was so full of delectably ravey people dancing like Germans that it was probably a good shout giving us all more elbow room. Which was important as this was a strictly electro/techno/disco vibe so no dub-dub-step was heard all evening. The line-up was massive with Mystery Jets, Simian Mobile Disco, MJ Cole, Le Corps Mince de Francoise and some local talent mixed in for good measure (all of whom got a rather cheerful nudge in the direction of checking out Audio-Freq, so if you have give us a comment, don't be shy, we're actually not as weird as we came across last night whilst stalking you all like prey...)
Massive shout outs must be thrown in the direction of MJ Cole, who definitely bore the brunt of our over-zealous dancing and, naturally, Simian, who looked as if they hadn't showered since 2 years ago and rounded up the excellent evening for the select group of people still "pepped" up enough to dance at 5am.
Look towards the next event and hopefully we shall see more people getting dialled in to this schema of techno-babbling gooch-dribbling brilliance. Naturally, keep it locked on to Audio-Freq for previews and a special article on the Rizla Re-Crafted competition-type thing where the best local B-town producers can get promo from this behemoth of a company simply by remixing a Mystery Jets song.
Special mention must go to the guy standing at the railings dancing like he was 5 years old and just seen Power Rangers/Teletubbies for the first time (delete as appropriate to age group). At first we weren't sure if he was trying to hump the artists from the barrier, but it soon became clear that he was just having a smashing time and all sense of rhythm, composure, self-respect had evaporated. Exceptional effort! If you know ravey-man, or are him, get in touch..
....we'd like to take you for a drink and then home for dinner with our mums.
Here at AUDIO-FREq we have been thinking what we most like in a night out; good vibes, stunning music, chatty crowd, great venue but most of all cheap! We 'aint afraid to say it, we 'aint ashamed to be it and we will hold our dirty, smelly mits in the air and shout, WE'RE POOR AND WE'RE PROUD!
So to help out our fellow Birmingham brethren, we've gotten hold of a couple of free tickets see the AMAZING Zero 7 this Friday night, all you have to do it comment on this post or our facebook page telling us why you best deserve the tickets and to come down to a great live music venue in Birmingham, The Hare & Hounds !!!!!
"With 3 consecutive Gold-selling albums and countless appearances on compilations and at festivals worldwide, Zero 7 are a household name. Their latest release, “Record” is a collection of favourites past and present, which also includes a disc of remixes- some previously issued, some brand new commissions- from luminaries such as Carl Craig, Metronomy, Photek, Joker and Madlib. This is a rare chance to hear the music that continues to inspire them. And in support we are delighted to welcome No Fakin’s Kwinzola and the deceptively slender, Lenny from Openmindedpeople / Organic. "
The winner will be notified by 12pm Friday by email so make sure you give us your address. See you there...
For those of you less blessed in the writing department you can purchase tickets from here.
So...... GET COMMENTING BIATTCHES! AND MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS!
AUDIO-FREq
Now, if there is one night in Birmingham that deserves your respect, it has to be the fantabulous Drop Beats Not Bombs. And Audio-Freq turned out to get the lowdown on what was happening last Saturday...
I will have to begin with a small disclaimer - we were a little concerned at Audio-Freq that the loss of certain aspects of the Custard Factory to commercial developers would have a bit of a detrimental effect on the layout of this year's 'Drop Beats' street festival spectacular. We could not be more wrong...
Spanning not only the Custard Factory, Boxxed and Space 2, but also out all over the streets of Digbeth, the 'Drop Beats' crew served an unmissable smorgasbord of music and underground culture fresh from Brumtown. 10 music arenas, kicking out all sorts: D&B, Dubstep, Techno, Minimal, Electro and a sneaky bit of Dancehall here and there, kept the throngs of hyped up boys and girls dancing into the early hours of the morning. An extra special mention must go to the University of Birmingham 1210 Society, who smashed out set after back-to-back set up in the Medicine Bar, where the atmosphere was jumping and the people sweaty.
And to keep everyone entertained whilst wandering from stage to stage, the whole of the Boxxed arena was section off for a fantastic display of graffiti art, from which the heady fumes of tinned paint crept out over the crowd (Audio-Freq has to admit it spent more than a fair few minutes sniffing the air, trying to get a quick buzz). We have to say, it was a bit of a shame not to see some stages inside Boxxed, due to the great quality Function 1 soundsystem they use on most of their nights, but you cant win them all! Incidently, Boxxed do some FANTASTIC stuff in Brum, so check them out here...
All in all then? Abso-bloody-lutely brilliant. Another corker from Drop Beats Not Bombs. We have to admit, there is nothing better than rolling out into the streets of Digbeth at 6.30am, Red Stripe in hand, shit-eating grin on face, and realising not only have you had the best night you've had in a long time, but that the money you spent doing so went to a good cause.
Bringing you an essential mix for the weekend and making it Drum and Bass in a seriously smooth way. Malevolent Mystic (a.k.a Nathan Young) is an aspiring DJ/Producer hailing from the B-Town who believes in anything sub and anything broken. Playing mainly DnB and dabbling in a bit of dubstep, you can check him out at Drop Beats Not Bombs this Saturday along with other B-Town faves in the 1210 stage.
You may have noticed our new fancy logo! We are currently in the process of updating our logo and layout so stay tuned to the blog for more modernity. The logo is currently under development but this is a sneak preview of what we are working towards in conjunction with our good graphical friend Mr. O! Many thanks in advance for all his hard work and effort!
Audio-Freq here bringing you a round up of last weekends big night at the Custard Factory, which of course was BIGGER THAN BARRY - Audio-Freq was there in force to check out the vibes.
The night marked a slight change from the staple Barry fave, The Warehouse @ The Rainbow complex, and brought two rooms of tunes from the underground world of bass music. First thing to say about the evening was the crowd was superb! Many many people checking out this night and some great craic to be had amongst the cornucopia of eclectic people, all dressed in a wide range of costumes getting their moves on.
Those of us who attended enjoyed the evening but felt that it was somewhat lack-lustre when put up against the other Barry nights we've regularly attended. Something just didn't quite gel in the massive venue of Space2 and it didn't get that packed. Not for want of people, it just felt a little bit spaced out and a bit too large a venue for us to get a sweat on. Also the music was good, but took a while to warm up, there's not really any excuse to be hearing massive tunes from LAST year when we are in the prime-time for new releases. Having said that though later in the evening some CLASS acts were to be found, SHY-FX, DONEAO & HUDSON MOHAWKE to name but a few...
Overall , a cracking night from some of the best Brum is offering at the mo'
HELLO! from Pandora's Box! A huge thanks to all who listened and emailed in last night, as promised here is our track listing from the show....
1. And Together (Midnight Conspiracy mix) - Innerpartysystem
2. Boom shake the room (Kanji Kinetic remix) - Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
3. Get Better - Da le Sac vs Scroobius Pip
4. Hudson Mohawke - FUSE
5. Hold You (Shy FX and Benny Page Digital Soundboy edit)- Gyptian
6. Perro Loco (Solo remix) - Forro in the Dark
7. The Sun (Midland re-edit) - Caribou
8. Too Fast (Zombie Disco Squad Remix) - Jamtech Foundation
9. Show Me (Skream Remix) - Von D. feat Phe Phe
10. Gas Fiend - Mckenzie
Enjoy......
Friday, 29 October 2010
After 2 years producing Mckenzie has only recently found the genre that he's loving best and it sure is deep, dark and techy! His main influences are the likes of Alix Perez Rockwell, S.P.Y and Sabre, who are currently keeping the drum and bass scene alive in his eyes! The deep rolling baselines and heavy percussive elements sprinkled with a handful of glitches are surely a recipe to get the crowds grooving! Steering well away from what could be considered the generic sounds of dance floor dnb and the 'aggy" vibes of the jump up scene that Birmingham loves Mckenzie is looking to bring a bit of the sound that is tearing up dances down in London at nights like Renegade Hardware. Mckenzie has started a new co-lab with the winner of Birmingham's Valve competition, Luke Mcgovern aka Yumbolt under the alias Black and White, there working in the studio now and have sets lined up this year in Birmingham and Bristol so watch this space!
