Amsterdam-based producer and DJ William Djoko has announced his new EP ‘Whiplash’, on his brand new imprint, DJOKO.
His latest release follows the critically acclaimed reception of his stomping single ‘OMG’ on seminal New York house label Strictly Rhythm in 2017, a feature on the lead release from Loco Dice’s Love Letters LP and a remix of Cassius on Ed Banger last year. Whiplash EP is self-released on his newly incepted label, Djoko, an independent platform for William to showcase his fluid, eclectic and continually evolving style as a producer.
The four-track selection varies in style and tempo, from the motoric, muscular groove of dancefloor weapon Whiplash, to the funk-inflected disco house jam Bernice, whilst rooted within his distinctive synthesizer and drum-heavy blueprint. Whiplash features vocals recorded by William himself, in his own words: "Everytime you feel down and out WHIPLASH/ Everytime you wanna go out WHIPLASH/ Everytime the money's out WHIPLASH".
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Experienced Dutch producer Tom Ruijg rightly won praise for his first 12” as Tracey, Skyfall, which surfaced on Voyage Direct in early 2017. Combining elements seemingly inspired by vintage Detroit futurism, ‘90s ambient techno and his own love of colourful synthesizer melodies, the EP saw Tracey set out his stall in impressive fashion. Compare and contrast, for example, the two A-side cuts. While “Testarossa” is far-sighted and spacey, with Tracey wrapping intergalactic electronics and lilting synthesizer melodies around a darting synthesizer bassline and swinging, electro-influenced house drums, “Sidekick” is blissful and almost overwhelmingly melodious: all 16-bit new age motifs, head-in-the-clouds electronics and driving, locked-in machine drums. The contrasts continue on the B-side, too. Many DJs may instinctively be drawn towards “Made My Love”, whose energy-packed groove (think vintage Chicago jack with a dollop of slick NYC house soul) is peppered with spacey chords, undulating electronic motifs and glacial melodies. Yet the track that follows, the wild and windy electro workout that is “Interceptor”, is every bit as potent when played over club sound systems. The track’s inherent hustle, seemingly the product of Ruijg’s darting synth stabs and feverish audio textures, is almost impossible to resist. More

5 Track EP. Yamaha’s DX series of synthesizers has long been a source of inspiration for Tom Trago. The DX7, in particular, appeals to the Dutch producer thanks to a unique sound that he describes as “glassy but classic and icy”. 34 years after it went on sale – the same year as Trago was born, interestingly – the synthesizer’s sound still bristles with futurist appeal. More

Dope archival release of Steve Rachmad's long time side project where he exposes the more funk / electro side of his talents. This is musical machine-head side of the Amsterdam electro scene (also purveyed buy the likes of Comtron). Dense undertones of Cybotron/ Model 500 on this one... Top notch productions from a Dutch Master. Check! More

Follow up to last years 12" on Voyage Direct from this active Amsterdam DJ/Producer. Check it. More

Another side of Steve Rachmad. Preceeds and album of archive tracks that shows the far reaching talents of this master producer.. More

The interstellar electronics are once more pushed to the fore on closer “80 Axes”, where jaunty synth lines combine with soft bongo hits to create an instinctive rhythm, and intergalactic melodies sprint between the speakers. You can dance if you want to, but lying down is very much encouraged. As part of the label’s mission to champion Dutch talent, Voyage Direct has always promoted new, up and coming, and little-known producers. Boss Tom Trago’s master plan includes building a family of artists, in part through helping unheralded local producers to fulfill their potential. On the label’s latest release, he continues that approach, serving up a debut 12” from a mysterious young producer known only as Darling. Those paying close attention to the wider Dutch house and techno scene may have spotted his recent rework of Awanto3’s “Star Butchers” on Dekmantel, in which the man or woman of mystery added some killer keys to the Amsterdam legend’s woozy, deep house original. While that rework was undoubtedly superb, Jacob’s Lead offers a truer reflection of the shadowy producer’s previously hidden talents. As debut EPs go, it’s a bit of a cracker. The title track, in particular, is a beauty. Its’ restless, hypnotic rhythm tips a wink to classic Dutch techno of old, while the undulating, analogue electronics and swirling pads recall the far-sighted retro-futurism of vintage Motor City material. Throw in some of Darling’s trademark spine-tingling keys and a deliciously loved-up breakdown, and you have a choice chunk of life-affirming techno. On the flip, Darling heads towards deeper territory with the bubbling melodies, starburst electronics and saucer-eyed chords of “Video”. Unashamedly positive in sound and intent, it sounds like the kind of track that will be cited as a classic in two decades time. Melodious and infectious....... More