the gems

hopelessly addicted to music.

[vtjacobgems]

heat advisory: February 2021

the hottest of the hot from February, all wrapped up in a scorcher of a playlist.

top 5 of the month:

Mura (Br) - "Check it (Elliot Adamson 'Leazes' Remix)"

every track that Patrick Topping releases on his Trick label is gas but this track is rocket fuel. a raucous floor-filler with erratic vocal cuts, thumping bass line, and more lasers than a Star Wars flick - once this thing takes off there's no slowing down.

DJ Susan - "Body Right"

Repopulate Mars continues to impress with the most consistent tech house bops in recent months (don't tell Claude). an infectious sample, groovy bass line, and addictive high melody gives the straightforward banger some welcome depth. when the air raid siren hits you'll definitely feel it.

FJAAK, Elli Acula - "To the Peak"

Germany's favorite weed smoking "boy band" is at it again. tough to pinpoint as always, they diverge from their usual techno sound to some breaks that wouldn't sound out of place in the mid 90's. sure to get you working a sweat, especially when that whistle melody kicks in. trying to hear this in the depths on the underground at Movement as soon as possible.

Blackgummy - "Trouble in Paradise"

the soundtrack to a dystopian journey that I want to go on. this sounds like a blazing fast coupe driving through Night City in cyberpunk 2077. neon and chrome. big electro melodies, synthwave stabs that descends into a techno groove - this is Blackgummy at the top of his game. ever evolving and relentless.

I Hate Models - "Lazy in Hell"

oh we're going dark. pumping peak time techno for the real club demons, it brings a tear to the eye. piercing highs, pounding bass and aggressive vocals - the slight moments of trancey reprieve makes the track even heavier. death metal techno, if this is hell I am game.

[vtjacobgems]

DARK BOUNCE TECH VOL. 1

the first in a series exploring the bouncy, dark edges of techno where my mind lives at all times. first mix in years so be gentle. play it loud when driving fast for best results.

[vtjacobgems]

heat advisory - January 2021

electronic music is always about the next big thing. DJ’s searching for the freshest tracks for their mixes, the industry looking for new talent, and everyone chasing the hottest trend. every month I’ll be collecting my favorite tracks that cut through the noise - the ones I keep coming back to and think will be standing the test of time. get some sunscreen ya’ll....it’s the heat advisory

started off the playlist with my top 5 of the month:

Fontaines D.C. - “A Hero’s Death (Soulwax Remix)”

one of my all-time favorite groups, these Belgian brothers have been crafting their avant-garde dance masterpieces and renowned remixes for years. this remix of a recent Irish pop-punk bop is no different - catchy, unlike anything else people are making, but still undeniably Soulwax. a stream of rules to live by with a funky bongo line, psychedelic riffs and...is that a fucking harpsichord? on paper it makes no sense but all together it’s an uplifting anthem.

Ben Hemsley - “Through 2 You” 

sometimes simpler is best, and with tech house that’s usually the case. with a powerful vocal that will be burrow itself into your ear and a groovy bass line it already hits, but when that gnarly synth kicks in the back half... woo indeed.   classic peak time house smasher that needs to be played out as soon as safely possible. Chris Lake take note, Ben Hemsley is on his way up

Steve Darko - “Red”

with this single (and his album released last week) Steve Darko has cemented himself in the pantheon of Dirtybird greats. this is an acid house groover that slinks around the room with an air of menace. the alluring vocals make the descent into the drippy depths all the better. when I listen to this song all I see is red and I love it.

Raumakustik, Gene Farris, DJ Rae - “Breathe In”

I always look forward to the compilations from Mark Knight’s Toolroom records. the man knows how to collect house bangers from all biggest names, and this cut was my fave of the bunch. an all-star collab with tech house greats from all over the world, this is a heater. the punchy bass and commanding synths slowly ratchet up the energy before dropping into a driving groove that will have you breathing heavy whether they tell you to or not. 

Raxon - “Doom”

techno should be a little scary, and this one is verging on terrifying in the best way possible. growling with an almost demonic chant, this is what I imagine they play in the nightclubs in Hell. or maybe I’m just thinking of Basement (miss u bb). Raxon rarely drops new music, but whenever he does it’s a fire-starter that marches to the beat of its own drum. swagger and scary, wrapped up into one weird package.

peep the playlist for the rest of the best, starting from the vibey (Vegyn, manolo, Soul Clap), going to house (Illyus & Barrientos, Gorgon City, Dateless, VNSSA, etc.) techno (Fjaak, HAAi, T78) and bass (SOPHIE, REZZ, Troyboi). enjoy

[vtjacobgems]

EL3CTRONIGHT

this evolving playlist captures the sound of the bloghouse scene that exploded in the late 00’s. named after one of the first blogs I used to discover and download electronic music, this compiles some of the hottest tracks and overlooked gems of that bygone era. grimey electro, retro synthpop and harsh electroclash pushed boundaries and blurred the lines between rock and electronic music. as a metalhead and fan of alternative rock, this melting pot drew me into the darkness and never let go. enjoy.

[vtjacobgems]

techno tuesday #8

this Tuesday I am preaching the gospel of Oliver Huntemann, easily the most important techno discovery in the year 2020 for myself. those Germans just know techno - it’s a proven fact. he has been steadily pumping out moody minimal tech for more than a decade and releases some of the hottest groovers on his label Senso Sounds (best album art in the game too, fight me). this excellent mix from over the summer showcases some of these releases and some rarities as the king takes us on a descent into the darkness (with a cute guest appearance from his son). for more, the man has crafted one of the finest techno LP’s in recent memory Propaganda and this mix from 2016′s Fusion Festival in Germany gives the man plenty of time for a hypnotic journey to all corners of the void. join us

[vtjacobgems]

saturday vibes mix #1

something a little more lowkey to get your day going right. a soundtrack to whipping up a brunch, cleaning the apartment or a leisurely bike ride.

this warmup mix from Avision at Flash Factory (RIP) has the perfect mix of upbeat deep house and garage to get you grooving. as the mix progresses he digs deeper into some techno but keeps it light and keeps you on your toes.

[vtjacobgems]

techno tuesday #7

I’m back and so sorry for depriving you of fire for so long. 2020 was a lot for me and everyone else, and I think we all are in need of a reason to dance more than ever now. while the outlook for music festivals this spring/summer is questionable at best, hopefully by the time Drumcode Festival Malta in September rolls around the vaccine will be well-distributed and we can party together again. Adam Beyer and his label has been a driving force in the growth of techno over the last decade+ and is notorious for throwing top-notch bangers and this looks to be up there with the best. an island mecca with 8 stages, boat parties and one of the most well-curated techno lineups you could ask for (and this is phase 1??? Lmao), I can’t think of a better way to shake off last year. I will be diving into the lineup in the months leading up the fest to get you as excited as I am.

Julian Jeweil - Live from Space [Ibiza, 2014]

speaking  of artists on the Drumcode Lineup...this snappy mix from usual suspect Julian Jeweil is nonstop belters and a nice taste of what is to come. bouncy tech house with a techno edge, seamless transitions with an inescapable groove - it’s impossible not to be moving while listening. pulling mostly from his own library of tracks, Jeweil does more in just over an hour than  most DJ’s can do in a night. I’m ready to dance to this on a Mediterranean beach.

[vtjacobgems]

top electronic albums of the decade: 20-16

very fine and worth your while.

20: Walker & Royce - Self Help [2017]

the NY-based duo has been steadily pumping out heat together since 2011, but it was their debut LP which solidified their standing in the house music pantheon. a true hallmark of the Dirtybird sound – funky basslines, fuzzy synths, subtle flourishes and playful lyrics – and arguably the best full-length release on the label. loaded with dancefloor fire, many of the tracks are still played out today and go all the way off, with good reason.

Must Listens: Role Models, My Own Thang, Take Me to Your Leader, Can You Pass That?

19: Pat Lok - Hold on, Let go [2017]

when club-friendly dance pop is done well it’s a beautiful thing, and Vancouver producer Pat Lok is a master of it. his debut draws on 80’s power ballads and 70’s disco to create a sound that is both familiar and wildly refreshing. the dreamy and funky vocals from his collaborators (Claire Mortifee in particular is exceptional) drive the tracks and the catchy hooks will be stuck in your head for days. playing on familiar themes of broken hearts on the road, the songs would not be out of place in a top-40 club or a beach party and the bright versatility will have you coming back for more.

Must Listens: Oh no – Oh No, Mar Vista, Hollywood, True Power

18: Golden Features - Sect [2018]

many electronic music artists struggle to find an identity and distinct sound, but from the opening of Australian artist Golden Features’ first track you have a pretty good idea where things are going –dark deep house with an electro edge, and those thick bass tones just keep coming. despite the darkness, it maintains a warmness from the indie feel, and the tracks wouldn’t sound out of place in a soundtrack, nightclub or concert venue. heavy and always driving forward, with just the right amount of tension & release.

Must Listens: Always, Falling Out, Renewal, Worship

17: Mr. Carmack - Dimebag [2014]

from the opening notes, you know this will be a menacing beast and you’re not wrong. dark and brooding, Carmack is a master of crafting trap heaters that still have musicality and is keen at editing and keeping them tight. he also touches on more light, jazzy compositions perfect for late nights and early mornings. nothing feels contrived, and even the heaviest of his tracks still maintain a soulfulness. but yeah, they all bang in the whip.

Must Listens: NASA, Simpler, 1994, Blackbirds

16: Big Gigantic - Brighter Future [2016]

boulder-based duo Big G has been pumping out EDM-driven jazzy funk all decade, but their most recent release is the tightest of the bunch. spanning soulful hip-hop, brassy dubstep and bouncy midtempo space funk, listeners are taken on a journey to all corners of this highly distinct sound. a long list of collaborators (still not sure how they snagged Waka Flocka Flame…) brings additional variety to the cornucopia and a host of singalong moments. bring the funk back, indeed 

Must Listens: Got the Love, No Apologies, Bring the Funk Back, Wide Open

[vtjacobgems]

techno tuesday #6

Pig&Dan - November Mix

this duo was one of those techno artists that I was vaguely aware of, but never looked into, but after their inclusion on phase 2 of CRSSD Festival I figured I should check em out - and I’m very glad I did. maintaining the dark, driving sound found in much modern tech, but with a strong sense of groove and emptiness. this studio mix from November last year showcases their danceable sound that will still get a stank on your face.

HOT TRACK: Alex Gopher - “Aurora” 

ok this may not strictly be techno, but it needs to be shared. Alex Gopher was a leading force in the bloghaus/electro scene in the mid-2000′s, and this smasher from 2007 sounds fresher than most of the beatport top 100 today. a harsh but addictive melody rises along a rubbery bassline to an explosive peak. just the right amount of pure raw energy and forward motion, this would destroy any peaktime crowd. with the return to 90′s rave roots/style/sound, I am looking forward to hearing more rough electroclash on the dancefloor.

[vtjacobgems]

HEAT ADVISORY #4 - 2/15/20

spotify playlist: HEAT ADVISORY #4 - 2/15/20

Destructo, Yo Gotti - “Loaded (Walker & Royce Remix)”

another bomb remix from the always killer duo, the boys flip the straightforward g-house tune into a tech house cruiser. hits hard, and has plenty of their classic little flourishes that make their songs so engaging. lasers, whistles, I think there may be a dog yapping at some point? trip house at its finest.

Left/Right, Dread MC - “One/Two (E.R.N.E.S.T.O. Remix)”

big booty bounce acid roller from the Venezuelan producer. sitting somewhere between Miami strip club shaker and dance floor destroyer - prime percussion, thick bass and plenty of 303 action. different than his usual sound, but still has that breaks influence.

Green Velvet, Joeski - “BARBEE”

Green Velvet never misses, and this collab with Desert Hearts vet Joeski is no different. bouncy bassline, GV’s classic deadpan delivery, an earworm of a hook...everything you need for a guaranteed festival smash. 

Boys Noize, Rico Nasty - “Girl Crush”

somebody must be monitoring my dreams, cause when I saw this collab I lost my mind. I can’t think of a better producer to compliment Rico’s aggressive delivery - dark, industrial, and the effects to the vocals make it even more intimidating. the mid-2000′s rap bridge is a nice touch, and makes that final breakneck drop even more intense.

Moguai, Kai Tracid - “DT64″

I was pretty shocked when I saw that this was on Oliver Helden’s Heldeep imprint, as dirty acid techno is about as far from big room house as you can get, but good lord this slaps. powerful, always driving forward and building. when you think you have a moment to relax it just comes back even faster and more intense. I need to lie down after this one

rounding out the list we got plenty of heavy tech house (Sonny Fodera, Volac, Cloonee, a bass house tune from GRiZ????), deeper house grooves (Eli & Fur, Eris Drew, Wajatta), techno (Deborah de Luca, i_o) and some experimental bass for the weirdos (mr. carmack, Promnite, Jon Casey). keep grooving ya’ll

[vtjacobgems]

artist spotlight - SRVD

the future is here, and it’s wearing black on black. I first became aware of this fresh duo when Charlotte De Witte dropped their destined-to-be anthem “Black on Black” in NYC last weekend. intoxicating vocals, dark swirling synths that built to a feverish crescendo..it was mesmerizing. after ID’ing the track and looking them up, I learned that they were behind one of the most played tracks last year, the impossible to escape “The Yard Man” - with it’s war-like chanting and downward spiral the similarities were very clear. 

SRVD is a hot fresh duo between the enigmatic phenom Radio Slave, who has been churning out heavy Berlin techno for decades, and DJ/artist/creative director Patrick Mason. these two present a stark dichotomy between Radio Slave’s stoniness behind the decks versus Mason’s antics and gesticulating on the stage - but it works. the harsh, raw industrial sounds is reminiscent of classic 90′s raves (their rework of “Another Club” in particular is a tour de force) and provides the perfect backdrop for Mason’s vocals and calls to action. part singer, part dancer, par hypeman - he provides some welcome relief to how stoic and stuck-up techno has become. this duo seeks to break down the barrier between club kid and DJ, and forces everyone to get off the wall and start dancing. they are going to take the world by storm and I’m looking forward to being in their path.

[vtjacobgems]

techno tuesday #5

Charlotte De Witte - In the Lab NYC 

I realize it’s Wednesday, and my lateness can be partially blamed on the set above (and the open bar of gin). hit NYC last weekend and saw the beautiful Belgian legend in what is likely the most intimate space I’ll ever see her in. just 100 or so people locked into the reckless techno beats she threw down and enjoying it immensely. keep an eye out for the tall dude in a beanie flailing his arms in the air ;) after seeing this and her follow up set at Knockdown Center last night I can easily rank her among the top techno talents I’ve seen live. 

[vtjacobgems]

top 25 electronic albums of the decade: 25-21

[yeah I know the decade technically isn’t over yet depending on who you ask, but everyone else is doing their retrospects right now so shhh]

in the last ten years electronic music in the US has truly flourished and has continued to rapidly evolve - from brostep, to kandi kids jumping around to big room house to warehouse techno vibes. there’s no sign of it slowing down and I’m all for it.

undoubtedly, this music has been an integral part of my life and it will continue to be. with that in mind, I thought I’d share my top 25 albums of the past ten years. all art is subjective, and with that in mind these are the most impactful albums to me - ones that have shaped these years, pushed boundaries and influenced me and others. I limited myself to one album from each artist to give more variety and make things more difficult for myself. 

I’ll be continuing this list over the weeks and be adding the must listens to this spotify playlist: Top 25 Electronic albums of the Decade

25:  Skrillex - Recess [2014]

hate him or love him, Skrillex’s impact is undeniable over the last 10 years. while purists will say his screechy, laser-filled, head-banging sound isn’t true dubstep, the sound certainly hasn’t gone anywhere in the US. his only solo LP (for now) has many of these cuts, but also is influenced by the jungle/reggae the genre emulates, deep house, and plenty of the choppy goodness that was so prevalent in his early releases. pure rocket fuel with some fun features, and now with some distance from the brostep era, the album stands the test of time.

Must Listens: Stranger, Coast is Clear, Dirty Vibe, Fuck That

24: Great Dane - Beta Cat [2014]

some artists find a sound that works for them and they stick with it, and Great Dane is one of those artists. while many other trap producers were rushing to change their sound to “festival trap” or *shudder* screechy dubstep trap, he fine-tuned his stripped back, percussion heavy sound with his second album. feeling closer to the hip hop instrumentals the style originally emulated, the bay area bounce is strong with this one. the thundering 808’s & skittering hi-hats will have you wanting to cruise the town throwing trap arms, while the more emotionally-driven cuts are perfect for a late night smoke sesh. if it ain’t broke..

Must Listens: Swinger, Killum, Descent, Down

23. Boys Noize - Mayday [2016]

the sound of tossing a molotov cocktail through a police station window or driving a sleek black BMW at 120 mph on the autobahn. 90s acid rave for the new kids – hard-hitting kicks, pounding dark techno with moments of light house for balance – the enigmatic German producer does not let up. like being strapped to rocket destined to explode and you’re psyched to be on the ride.

Must Listens: Overthrow, Rock the Bells, Euphoria, Los Ninos

22. G Jones – The Ineffable Truth [2018]

the opposite of easy listening – G Jones has established himself as a wizard of complex, multi-textured experimental bass soundscapes that are overwhelming. despite being difficult to digest on even multiple listens, it’s hard not to be blown away by the sheer amount of creativity and ingenuity in his productions. nobody really makes music like G Jones. his first LP is brimming with these massive anxiety-inducing walls of bass, but also more melancholy and introspective compositions – and this contrast only makes the heavier tracks heavier.

Must listens: Aribiter’s Theme, In Your Head, Time, Iridescent Leaves Floating Downstream

21.  Gramatik – The Age of Reason [2014]

most producers draw their inspiration from other electronic artists, but Slovenian-born Gramatik was most influenced by hip hop, American funk and soul. After releasing a very successful string of trip-hop tapes, he went back to these genres that drew him to the United States and melded them with electronic music. the result is a record that is bluesy and soulful with a heavy nod factor from the funk/dubstep vein that runs through it. the album takes many unexpected turns (French house with killer guitar solo? chill jam sesh with vocoder? vaudeville?) but it’s all done with a swagger and improvisational flair that somehow pulls it together.

Must Listens: Brave Men, Bluestep, Obviously, It’s Just a Ride

[vtjacobgems]

HOT ALBUM: Tsanga Man - Zayed

Spotify: Tsanga Man - Zayed

piping fresh out the oven, this EP from the new guy on the block (I’m talking 80 monthly spotify listeners) is a bouncy tech house treat. deep rolling bass tones, crisp, clear percussion and atmospheric. it’s very refreshing to have a more experimental release that takes chances in a genre that has become so straight-laced. wastes no time and jumps all over the place in the best way possible. this guy is one to watch.

[vtjacobgems]

techno tuesday #4

Kudeki - Live at Burning Bar 2018

if you’re like me and you like your techno menacing and anxiety-inducing, boy do I have the chick for you. young SF resident Kudeki absolutely smashed this mix from a party for burners in a German castle - can’t get much more dark techno than that. the perfect soundtrack to your bad trip. plenty of slow descents and breakneck assaults. 

[vtjacobgems]

HEAT ADVISORY #3 - 2/1/20

man it’s a hot one. 

spotify playlist: HEAT ADVISORY #3 - 2/1/20

house heads rejoice, we had quite a week. among the slew of other excellent releases, we also were blessed with This Is Toolroom 2020 compilation from Mark Knight’s illustrious label packed to brim with tech house fire. tried to limit myself on inclusions from the release, but I also didn’t want to deprive ya’ll of any of the mania so sorry I’m not sorry.

BOT – “Break it”

one of my favorite up-and-coming labels Hot Boi Records has struck gold once again. a cheeky tech house smasher with effects that sound like they were pulled straight from an 80’s arcade game and a fun vocal sample that festival crowds will certainly relate to.

Get Real – “Jolean (Damian Lazarus Re-Shape)”

one of the best party-starter tracks of last year gets a remarkable remix from the always intriguing Damian Lazarus. flipping the happy tech house anthem into an almost menacing tone, trippy but still immensely danceable.

Eliminate - “Mula”

the latest signee to RL Grime’s Sable Valley label is trap/house king Eliminate. atmospheric strings build anticipation before a heavy bass house drop that descends into halftime trap with his signature squeaky, bubbly sound and a third house drops ratchets the energy up again. the amount of power packed into less than four minutes is a little overwhelming, but Lord it slaps. truly one of the most exciting producers in the game, hopefully this helps to push him into the much-deserved spotlight.

Sharam Jey – “Keep it Real”

my personal fave from the aforementioned This Is Toolroom 2020, this cut from Sharam Jey is perfect peak time acidy, tech house grooviness. goes to show that less is more, and sometimes a perfect 303 synth line is all you need

N.F.I. – “Don’t Talk to Me (feat. Riton)”

this mysterious new project from the uber-talented Riton is a perfect cut of summery UK house. with catchy vocals and a fun bouncy feel, the track is poised to be a crossover hit.

the playlist is rounded up with plenty of tech house (Aylen, Croatia Squad, Tom & Collins), new music from Duck Sauce for the first time in years, disgusting trap/experimental bass (Eprom, Allen Mock, Machinedrum) and some prime techno (Anakim, Schacke, Against All Logic). 

[vtjacobgems]

movement 2020 lineup revealed

movement has revealed its full lineup for 2020 and it is absurd. as expected, it features the hottest lineup of techno in the states (Adam Beyer, 9x9, Dax J, Matador, etc.), lots of tech house (Chris Lake, Lee Foss, Dom Dolla, pretty much every Dirtybird artist under the sun) and some more surprising acts out of left field (Jamie XX, A$ap Ferg, Joe Kay) - they really brought it with this lineup and made it one not to miss. detroit is the home of techno, the city loves it, and the talent from there is obscene (Carl Craig, MK, Ataxia, Kevin Saunderson), I I highly recommend anyone with a love of this music to make the pilgrimage to where it began. I’ll be diving more into these artists in the coming weeks as I count down the days till Techno Christmas/Memorial Day Weekend.