Tracklist

A1 - KiNK - Wake Up
A2 - KiNK - Beep Beep

B1 - KiNK feat. Redeye - Room To Jack
B2 - Raredub & KiNK - Scrambler

KiNK's first release on Sofia Records this year lives up to its title and its creator's reputation. The relentless energy, love of musical adventure and undamped enthusiasm of a KiNK live set can be found here in all its glory.

Wake Up is not only an instruction and a hidden compliment to Laurent Garnier, it's also evidence of the Bulgarians uncanny ability to deliver steamrollers with various twists and turns, while hitting the peak effortlessly.
Beep Beep adds a certain element of mania to the menu. For the lack of a better description, please imagine Mr. Oizo and Steve Poindexter making a record together. Not for the faint at heart.
That can be said for the rest of the EP as well. Featuring Redeye, Room To Jack is on the same level of Beep Beep. Traditional topics of Chicago House get a bench test on a speed farm.
Dancing to Scrambler one would probably need the same room to jack. Swapping the Windy City with British raving fields, KiNK and Raredub deliver a take on the early sound of UK that might miss breakbeats, but manage to re-use all the other ingredients to a hair: fine-tuned and updated. Quotation without modern misinterpretation. Hyper and epic at the same time. And always remember the future!



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Tracklist
A1 – KiNK – Disco Spectrum
A2 – KiNK – Clap On 2

B1 – KiNK - Turbo
B2 – KiNK – Almond Break

Shortinfo:

KiNK is back with number six on his sometimes experimental, often exemplary, but always exciting Sofia outfit. The driving force of Clap On 2 are the tropes of acid and its numerology (101/202/303/). The opener Disco Spectrum shows why the sound rose from the shards of smashed mirror balls in Chicago – updated and optimized for today. Turbo – nomen best omen – takes it even further, faster and fiercer, while the theme song completes the pogo picture. Finally, Almond Break lulls you into a false sense of security (think yoga camps, namaste cults, kale drinks and Balearic sunsets), before it turns into a pagan ritual to complete this acid test. Remember: wo wants to own the future needs to conquer the past!

SOFIA: Founded by Strahil Velchev and Konstantin Petrov, Sofia is not only the physical location where this music was made, the city where they met and developed as artists, but also a paradox that is reflected in the art and music that comes from the place. Beautiful and ugly at the same time, clean and dirty, brutal as well as romantic, it’s a place where aesthetically seemingly incompatible styles come together in a twisted, yet unifying form. The photographs for the sleeves are made by influential local selector DJ Valentine, effortlessly capturing the local reality.

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Tracklist
A1. KiNK – 101 Reasons
A2. KiNK – Set The Mood Right feat Rachel Row
B1. KiNK - Dreamer
B2. KiNK – Dreamer (Frits Wentink Remix)

Shortinfo:
The 4th release on Sofia by KiNK is all about warmth. The harmonies are deep, the instruments are muffled, the rhythms are humanised. Even when some of the tracks are getting a bit aggressive, they are not hurting, but giving the right amount of energy and surprise. This record is built from some of the live streams Strahil was doing during the pandemic lockdown in April. "101 Reasons" is a track with disco epic-ness and techno attitude. It captures KiNK's dream of being on the sweaty floor again, surrounded by dancers, one big family, like it used to be. "Dreamer" is low key house music, with melodies, leaking between the notes and the rhythms are somehow derailing, but instead of chaos, you get that dreamy feeling like if you watch a ribbon in the sky. The phenomenal Dutch artist Frits Wentink delivers a tighter version of the track with his unique swing on the drums and extra chords, which uplift the track with new energy. The closing song "Set The Mood Right" is recorded with his usual collaborator Rachel Row on the vocals. It's a very relaxed downtempo track, which takes an unexpected turn and it's a perfect open end for the record. A warm record for the cold days.
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Tracklist
A1. KiNK - Chaka Raka
A2. KiNK - Aerotrim
B1. KiNK - Pista
B2. KiNK & Rachel Row – Call Nasco
B3. Kink - Kobudai

Shortinfo:
For the third release on Sofia Strahil Velchev is offering a selection of five diverse tracks, developing the concept of the label: rambling beats and alternative tunings, a feeling that the tracks will fall into pieces any moment. What keeps the compositions together is the artist's sense of melody and relentless groove. House, Techno, Disco and Electro, twisted through a KiNKy mind. More

Special Remarks : Full Colour Sleeve


Tracklist
A1. Bug
A2. A.C.I.D Feat Red Eye
B1. KiNK & Kei - Nagore
B2. East Wind Feat. DJ Valentine


Shortinfo:

KiNK returns with the second release on the still puerile label Sofia. The second of many to come, „Nagore“ features four tracks again that are incentive, innovative and ingenious at the same time. Based on the incantations of KiNK and guests like Red Eye, Kei and Sofia’s guiding spirit DJ Valentine, you get a mix of free-flowing techno, bass bumpers, ravey IDM tropes and pitch-wheel house or four smart bombs, if you will. Graced with technical prowess and creative powers, this is once more proof that the man cannot set a foot wrong. Remember the future!

SOFIA: Founded by Strahil Velchev and Konstantin Petrov, Sofia is not only the physical location where this music was made, the city where they met and developed as artists, but also a paradox that is reflected in the art and music that comes from the place. Beautiful and ugly at the same time, clean and dirty, brutal as well as romantic, it’s a place where aesthetically seemingly incompatible styles come together in a twisted, yet unifying form. The photographs for the sleeves are made by influential local selector DJ Valentine, effortlessly capturing the local reality.
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Tracklist
A1. The Sun
A2. The Clock
B1. The Grid
B2. The Beauty Feat. Rachel Row


Shortinfo:

KiNK presents Home! This aptly titled EP is the debut release on the newborn label Sofia. Founded by Strahil Velchev and Konstantin Petrov, Sofia is not only the physical location where this music was made, the city where they met and developed as artists, but also a paradox that is reflected in the art and music that comes from the place. Beautiful and ugly at the same time, clean and dirty, brutal as well as romantic, it’s a place where aesthetically seemingly incompatible styles come together in a twisted, yet unifying form. The photographs for the sleeves are made by influential local selector DJ Valentine, effortlessly capturing the local reality.

Those pieces of a paradox also are reflected in the music. The typical fine-grit of KiNK’s production skills meets his love for the elements of surprise and the classic building blocks and plaster of house and techno to create something that is very much his own, while breathing the spirit of early days and pioneering times. Hinged just before and after peak time, the tracks on this EP are cohesive, made to last and rounded off by the contemplativeness of yet another collaboration with Rachel Row called „The Beauty“. The first of many to come. And as always: Remember the future!

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Repress / black and white sleeve.

Tracklist
A1. KiNK & Rachel Row – To Love You
A2. KiNK & Rachel Row – To Love You (Instrumental)
A3. KiNK & Rachel Row – To Love You (Acappella)
B1. KiNK – I Remember(303 Version)
B2. KiNK - RAW

Shortinfo:
The return of…KiNK. His first original record after the latest album and a few bits here and there, is an ode to the miraculous grip that a piano still holds over almost any dance floor. Unmistakably titled „Piano Power Ep“, the Bulgarian hit factory does what it does best: infectious melodies, moving bass and gnarly acid lines as well as the ill beats around. Born out of studio rehearsals for live sets, „2 love U“ is a freestyle jam with regular collaborator Rachel Row (see Hand Made EP or „Follow The Step“): KiNK on keys and Rachel in the vocal booth results in pure positivism, energetic hooks and a certain pop magic. Think Rozalla, Bizarre Inc. or any other sign long and you are almost there. Instrumental included for the faint at heart.
„I Remember“ on the other hand, which is also available as one of KiNK’s beloved video workouts, is presented here as a „303 Mix“ that loses the classic house sample of the first version, in favor of - well, another classic dance music ingredient - the squelchy sound that DJ Pierre invented.
Last, but not least. „Raw“ is the kind of happy-go-lucky piano-bazooka that revokes the spirit of Baltimore’s production outfit Basement Boys in todays’ pagan parties. Using the minimum amount of music tools (lack of effects, volume changes creating dynamics and no more than four instruments), it als feels like KiNK’s reply to Herbert’s infamous dogma. If the ingredients are good enough, you don’t need any spices.

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Tracklist:
01) KiNK - live improvised intro
(02) KiNK - The Russian
(03) kirilik - Guitars
(04) KiNK - Kink In De Kabel
(05) Owain K - A Test (KiNK Mix)
(06) KiNK - Trans
(07) KiNK - Dynamo
(08) KiNK - live session with Valeri
(09) Rachel Row - Use The Rhythm (KiNK Mix)
(10) KiNK - Rave Transition
(11) KiNK - Perth
(12) KiNK - Five
(13) KiNK feat. Krista - I Remember
(14) KiNK - Romantics
(15) KiNK - Disco Transition
(16) KiNK - Chorus
(17) KiNK - live improvised outro




As we reach the 19th year of Cocoon's residence on Ibiza, the location may have changed from Amnesia to Pacha, but the enthusiasm for perhaps the most enduring party on the Mediterranean island is guaranteed to continue. Actually, only the sun, sea and wind are more reliable!

The celebrated live sets of Bulgaria's life wire Strahil Velchev aka KiNK have been a vital ingredient for the ecstatic nights over the years. With unprecedented regularity, the man from Sofia has been voted best live act by readers of Groove magazine for the last three years, and in 2017 he was also crowned best electronic music producer. As KiNK, together with Sven Väth, celebrate one of the most popular evenings of this year's season as well, what could be more logical than to repurpose the famed Cocoon Ibiza Mix CD series into another live document of the event?
No sooner said than done, and so here the Bulgarian offers a 70-minute cross-section of his skills. Well-known tracks, especially from last year's "Playground" LP (Running Back) meet exclusive, unreleased material in a spontaneous tour de force through the history of electronic dance music. There are distinctive nods to Chicago and Detroit, jazzy organs spiralling into string-drenched skies ("The Russian"), insatiable acid excursions ("Five") and heavy duty discoid workouts ("Use The Rhythm", "Perth") as KiNK's irresistible nature strikes repeatedly at the heart of the dance floor.

The message as always is "gute Laune!" (good vibes!), if we are allowed to borrow that sacred phrase for just a moment...




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Tracklist
A1. KiNK - Perth (Dusky Remix)
A2. KiNK - Teo Techno (Radio Slave Disco Dub)

Shortinfo: No introduction needed, KiNK gets the remix treatment from Matthew Herbert, Josh Wink, Dusky & Radio Slave... Two volumes cut for maximum impact.


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Tracklist:
A. Feeling It
B1. Spector
B2. Scatter

Short info:
One of the founding fathers of Chicago house, himself a grandson to a DJ and frequently alongside other greats such as Ron Hardy on the decks, Gene Hunt summons a 3-tracker for the Midnight Shift label. True house and techno direct from the source and in his own words, a rather 'jungly' take of it due to the tracks' chaotic percussion.

'Feeling It' takes you back to the original old school, with all the classic elements in place, it's a house lover's wet dream, 30 years after the fact. 'Spector' twists things up while keeping that pumping jacking groove a perfect intersection between then and now. 'Scatter' punches through the noise like a clarion call to arms - where are all our jacks and jackies at? Report to the dancefloor, please.
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Special remarks:
-Special spot UV cover, double-pack LP packaging
-Black inner sleeves
-Limited run
-All proceeds go to Andreas Gehm's memorial affairs

Tracklist:
A1. KiNK - 1st Electric A2. Marco Bernardi - Diffused Partitions
B1. Mark Forshaw - Further B2. Basic Soul Unit - Running in the Night
C1. Tzusing - I Do Not Own This Song C2. L/F/D/M - Beaks in Zen
D1. Umwelt - Praise to Insanity D2. Rivet - Shards will Shine

Short info:
A tribute to Andreas Gehm (1972 - 2016), German producer, king of acid and inspiration to many including the artists in this compilation. All proceeds will go towards funding Andreas Gehm's post-mortem affairs, managed by his best friend, Joe Kurta. Long live the king.
Vital Sales Points:
- Tribute album to acid king, Andreas Gehm, who took his own life in 2016
- Andreas released one of his last few EPs with Midnight Shift
- All artists in this compilation have been influenced by and are deeply saddened by his passing
- All proceeds will go towards funding Andreas Gehm's post-mortem affairs, managed by his best friend Joe Kurta
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Tracklist:
A1. Reputations A2. Hold It In
B1. Decisions (Mike Dunn's M.A.M Instr. MixX) B2. Decisions (no vox)

Short info:
Crunchy, funky techno trax from the workshed of Ford Foster. Featuring a Mike Dunn remix for ‚Decisions' with two other versions for digital release.
Early support from Hodge, Fabrice Lig etc
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Tracklist:
A1. Role One Myself
A2. From The Rough Ends
B1. I Feel You (Mark Forshaw remix)
B2. I Feel You

Short info:
The 3rd release completes a series by Tapirus aka Charlton featuring a remix by Mark Forshaw, part of the Phantom Planet Outlaws.
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Tracklist:
A1. Offal & Sellotape A2. Spirit B1. Fruit Slob (Bleaching Agent remix) B2. Fruit Slob

Short info:
A secret weapon from London featuring a remix from Bleaching Agent.
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Tracklist:
A1. Brzzzl
A2. The World Ends in 3 Minutes
B1. Little Funk
B2. Boxx


Short info:
Andreas Gehm aka Elec Pt. 1 serves up a 4-track blitzkrieg (no remixes) for the Midnight Shift X series.
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Tracklist:
A. Ravisher
B1. Let Me Be feat. Jerry The Cat
B2. Let Me Be (Kirk Degiorgio Instrumental Remix)
Short info:
The Midnight Shift White Label series (MNSW) features full EPs from the label's artists. Where mood meets melody.

Following the emotive and personal 'The Journey' EP from Eddie Niguel, Kaspar (Lisbon, Portugal) and former RBMA participant in '05 now brings his 'Sisyphean Rage' EP to the table.

Of the legend of Sisyphus and his endlessly laborious and futile effort this EP is not. Instead, it is a remarkable breakthrough for the long-standing artist, with combined light from both Detroit's Jerry The Cat and the ever uncompromising Kirk Degiorgio for the remix.

The leading track, 'Ravisher' sees Ka§par flexing his mettle under the spotlight. The ruff n' tuff house-meets-techno tumble will perk the ears of even the most seasoned listener as ripe for the dancefloor. An original composition is paired with comfortable expression, and casts a new stone in the heart of both genres.

The B side shows the other side of Ka§par and delightfully, makes just as a powerful impression. One may know Jerry The Cat as a producer, DJ or percussionist on Theo Parrish and Moodymann productions, but the multi-talented cat puts on his singer-lyricist hat here for the personal anthem 'Let Me Be'. Backed by Ka§par's mod take on proto electro, it's a revival gem captured on vinyl.

On B2, Kirk Degiorgio completes the all-rounded package with a less-says-more emotional instrumental, waiting needle to groove for that perfect moment. A vocal version remix of 'Let Me Be' is also available from Kirk Degiorgio as a digital bonus.

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Special remarks: 12" with printed sleeve
Tracklist:
A1. Roswell Case A2. Synthesized Priorities B1. Mexican Madness (Hodge Remix) B2. Mexican Madness
Short info:
The MNS X series returns for its 4th issue after a blistering John Heckle EP with one from the Spainard mystic: Eduardo De La Calle. Featuring full EPs from the label artists, the MNS X series plays in the field of the analog, acid and techno. For this, Eduardo De La Calle has put forward a tougher stance from his other silky productions, heading into the rough, analogue and raw terrain for Midnight Shift. The result packs a punch, rounded up with a remix by Hodge. Getting straight into business out of his Ashram studio is 'Roswell Case' on A1. A relentless pulsating and slithering acid bassline anchors the raw and percussive track, making it a peak-time earworm roller that will resonate across dancefloors. 'Synthesized Priorities' takes the respectable second position and is another builder where the soul of the machine makes itself heard amidst a temple of ethic drumming. What is it spelling out to you? Don't get hypnotised! On the flip, the title track 'Mexican Madness' gets the Hodge aka Jacob Martin remix treatment, turning the opening synth groove into an all-out rugged union jack. Fire and another winning move from the Bristolian producer. B2 goes to the original 'Mexican Madness', a twisted journey into the chaotic mind, led by an analogue synth and its friends. Get dizzy standing in the Mexican heat, as the crowd noise builds and claps around you. Too much tequila can just about begin to describe this peculiar product, waiting to wreck insane havoc on the floor.
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Tracklist:
A1. Wet Noises A2. Alpha Deux B1. Wet Noises (Tapirus remix) B2. Frozen Planet
Short info:
Hot on the tail of two prior releases by Tapirus aka Rotterdam's own Charlton, the MNSX series presents its 3rd instalment with none other than yung John Heckle from Merseyside, UK with a remix by Tapirus. Three incredible tracks from John Heckle make up this blistering hyperactive EP. Raw, acidy landscapes and analog drum programming are the trademarks of this artist and he displays his mastery in full force. Together with Tapirus, the result is a meeting of minds; an energetically harmonious release in similar spirit. The title track 'Wet Noises' takes us full throttle into Heckle's domain. Upfront drumming, acid bassline and soaring synths mix and melt in a dancing cosmic soup. Tinkling notes add signposts throughout the oceanic chaos, before the song reaches its ultimate arrival on shore. 'Alpha Deux''s beginning and deceptive ambient soundscape unfolds deliciously, evolving organically into a full blown Chicago acid workout. Let it reverse and play on for a secret easter egg ending! On the B-side, Tapirus takes 'Wet Noises' to his territory on just as rough terrain. An acid bounce start slowly snakes its way into higher Asiatic ground with a hand of the mystical. Less of a remix in the traditional sense but an equally honourable version. A special treat is reserved for last. B2's 'Frozen Planet' is an evocative piece anchored by a broken beat and deep bassline. Brought alive by helter-skelter notes and wrapped up in soaring, mountain-high synth lines, it is a bright asteroid in the galaxy of John Heckle's discography for us.
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Special remarks: 12" white label
Tracklist:
A1. City 2 City A2. Where Do We Go From Here B1. The Warehouse B2. Where Do We Go From Here (Locked Groove remix)
Shortinfo:
Presenting the first release in Midnight Shift's White Label series. Full EPs from the Midnight Shift stable of artists. Where mood meets melody.
The different shades of Eddie Niguel are discernible in his first full EP for Midnight Shift and the launch of the label's White series. From the melancholic 'Where Do We Go From Here' to the authentic tribute 'The Warehouse', we are taken through the changes in the seasons with each track casting further light on this producer. The polymorphous opener 'City 2 City', like its name suggests, has a character that is anywhere yet everywhere. From the dancehalls of Berlin to the festivals of Krakow to basement dens in Singapore, it is a track that travels as far as it is hard to pin down from whence it came from. The Warehouse' on B1 has a special touch that fills up any space it reaches from wall to wall, warming up the surrounds with classic drum work, uplifting vocal and synth lead, plus wide, spacious breathing capacity. A future classic encapsulating the holy production grail of 'simple but effective'. Young Belgian Locked Groove aka Tim va de Meutter who has been rising up the ranks does the honours on the remix of 'Where Do We Go From Here'. With the hand of an alchemist, he transforms the original's sincere and pensive yearning on A2 into a heroic statement. Turning the arrangement inside-out and spreading the track to its farthest edges without losing its essence, it is a lifting response we have on B2.
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The second instalment in Midnight Shift's remix series sees Eddie Niguel and Juju & Jordash put their magic touch on already well-received tracks by Iron Curtis (Johannes Paluka) and Detroit veteran Terrence Parker. On the A-side, duo Juju & Jordash let their love for the jazz and experimental shine through. From a straight-up melodic house number by TP to some form of beautiful ugly, the track leads in with a deceiving pop bassline before turning into a broken, asylum hideout for the deranged. Thankfully for us listeners, it fades off with grace. 'Never Give Up' is Iron Curtis's contribution to the label (Shift 002), which saw two versions of a deeply complex composition and an inclusion in Ian Pooley's Raveline Mix Session. Here, Eddie Niguel of 'Absolute' fame turns the intention into a full onslaught aimed at the clubber's jugular, pausing just long enough for a twisted break. Another hit out of the ballpark by Eddie? More

Moving to a house formation, the fourth release from Midnight Shift combines the forces of Detroit veteran Terrence Parker with small German hometowner Simon Hinter, plus an additional remix by Turkish Philogresz. Covering the spectrum of the ever-evolving genre from classic to techy, jazzy to deep, it’s one for both the recently initiated and original house music lover. “It Hurts”, we are told is Terrence Parker’s tribute to the 2011 Japanese Tsunami. A multi-layered instrumental composition expressed over a chugging beat successfully conveys the complex and highly strung emotions involved in a tragic event. A heavyweight tune from a key player of the music world. From Siegen, Germany, a town with a population of 100,000 comes Simon Hinter, as yet an underrated artist with a talent for subtle melodies. “Finding Home” is as exploratory as its name suggest; a tribal trip in the twinkling wilderness of space. On the flipside, “Leave” employs microsampling to jazzy effect, using choice bites to create a hypnotic groove out of loop heaven.
Philogresz (Ilker Soylu) adds the tech flavour to this bag of tricks – an arresting crossover waiting to unleash its magic spell on the dance circles of the world. More