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mnmnn IWARTYN
Numbers/Fortified Sessions at Stereo, Fri 30 Jan
While Dutch producer Martyn Deykers does not strictly consider himself a dubstep artist, his innovative combination of the throbbing, soulful chord progressions of early Detroit techno and the percussive intricacy of 905 drum & bass have resulted in some of the most progressive additions to dubstep’s growing discography over the past few years. ‘It was strange that the first release on Revolver was labelled “dubstep”. When I made that I’d never really heard any dubstep except for the Burial album and some Kode 9. I wasn’t really aware that there was a scene. I kind of enjoy being on the periphery of things.’
Extraordinary critical acclaim for Martyn’s recordings has led to a number of recent collaborations with some
HOUSE
Layo 8: Bushwacka!
of the most promising figures in contemporary electronic music: ‘lt’s great working with the whole Brainfeeder family, with Flying Lotus, Hudson [Mohawke] and Daedelus. They all bring really interesting things to the table. Everyone brings their own personal vibe. It’s not really about genre with them, but more about intensity.’
Having relocated to America last year, Martyn is looking fomard to his European tour: ‘I’ve been in the US for six months, getting married and doing paperwork. I couldn’t work officially, but six months is a good time to make an album [Great Lengths will be released on his own 3024 label in March], so that’s what I did. It’s very exciting because I haven’t played any of the music from the album out. This trip to Europe is going to be the premiere of a lot of my new stuff.’ (Colin McKean)
STEREOTYPE Berlin, Edinburgh, Sat 31 Jan.
The Edinburgh clubbing institution that is Stereotype knocks up another successful year. making it six in glorious total. To celebrate this rather stunning feat they're throwing a birthday bash to knock you sideways. Along with their regular resident slots. they are handing over the main room to DJ gods and decknologist royalty Layo 8 Bushwacka! for what promises to be a night of full-throttle electronic mayhem. Stereotype resident and master of ceremonies Huggy is keen as Colman's to wax lyrical about the aural helpings on the night. 'Musically — as our motto goes — a little bit of this in one room. a little bit of that in another and everything else in between in the bar.” It's exactly this open-minded. fluid ethos that has kept the doors open for so long. as Huggy explains. “Six years is probably retirement age for most clubs but I think Stereotype is very different because we don't pigeonhole ourselves musically. We have three rooms of music. all very different and we have an open attitude that appeals to a lot of our regulars.’ he says. Guests over the years have included the creme de la creme of dancefloor magicians such as Switch, Booka Shade, Timo Mass and the wonderful Cassius. However it's the residents who are the lifeblood of the night Huggy assures us. ‘Most clubs are a closed door to new talent. but each year Stereotype keeps adding to the DJs and this year we have uncovered some really talented ones.’ (Sandra Marron)
Name: Marcel Woods Occupation: Hard house, trance and techno DJ. who has cut a searing path across the larger clubs in Europe throughout the 008. The future looks bright. Where is he from? The Netherlands. where Woods recently played both the White and Black editions of that country's famous Sensation parties. Woods is rightly proud of the invitation to play both, as it underlines his resistance to categorisation, and the versatility of his DJing style. Listen to any of his twelves and you’ll realise the depth of his production style. What next? The next concept (and it does feel a lot like a concept) is something called 'Musical Madness'. This is a full- blown, sustained attempt at exploring every facet of Woods' musical understanding. It's a multi-media affair that will incorporate releases on CD. internet postings. the transformation of the DJ's personal appearance, live work and a host of other ideas. It's exactly the kind of thoughtful, passionate project you can't really see Judge Jules investing much time in.
What might I have heard? Probably the most famous release bearing the man's name is the 2006 compilation “High Contrast Presents . . .’ which included a whole CD comprised of Woods' productions. Pete Tong made his tune ‘Monotone' essential, global players Marco V, Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk and Eddie Halliwell all pack a Woods tune or two when playing out and he also mixed this year's rather popular Trance Energy mix CD. No-one could accuse Woods of slacking off.
Any other business? Woods has an almost pathological dislike of labels. boxes and pigeonholes. His modus operandi seems to be the complete decommissioning of all types of categorisation. Now that trance is firmly out of the charts. he might have a greater chance of reaching a wider audience. (John Regan)
I Marcel Woods plays Inside Out at The Arches, Glasgow, Sat 31 Jan
22 Jan—5 Feb 2009 THE LIST 3