Tracklist:

A1 BDK - I-Gotta
A2 BDK - Swimming
B1 BDK – That Sound
B2 BDK - Attention

Shortinfo:

BDK lands on Footjob for his label debut, serving up a four-track EP of disco-laced dancefloor power. The Belfast producer delievers high-octane, funky-driven, floor-focused cuts packed with punchy drums. A guaranteed lift to any house/disco set.




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Tracklist:

A1 Phonk D, Sascha Ciminiera – Perspective
A2 Phonk D, Sascha Ciminiera – Perspective (LTJ Xperience Remix)
B1 Phonk D, Sascha Ciminiera – Sax Mode
B2 Phonk D, Sascha Ciminiera – All Night

Shortinfo:

Driving, disco-infused sample House including feel-good vibes – with Footjob’s 30th release,
the Darmstadt-based label delivers another prime example of its signature sound.
The studio jams by label head Phonk D and Sascha Ciminiera are set to exhaust legs more than a thousand squats and are just waiting to be pumped through the club PAs of this world. From groove monsters (“Sax Mode”) to peak-time tools with vocal
cuts (“All Night”), you’ve got everything you need to raise eyebrows and arms.
For the milestone catalog number, none other than Italian legend LTJ Xperience joins the
group. The master of dirtgrooves lends his own unmistakable touch to “Perspective” and
embeds the title track in a slower hypnotic setting.




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Tracklist:

A1. Phonk D – Cheek
B1. Phonk D – Cheek (Soundstream Remix)


Shortinfo:

With Cheek, Phonk D serves up another good vibe sample work. A catchy disco loop meets funky percussions, a few filter tweeks and off you go...
For the 10th anniversary of the label, a long-awaited wish has come true:
House and Disco icon Soundstream from Berlin has a take on the tracks and left his magic on one of his ultra-rare remixes.





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Tracklist:

A1. Phonk D - Vertico
A2. Phonk D - Restless Legs
B1. Phonk D - Calypso
B2. Phonk D - That's What She Said


Shortinfo:

For the twentieth Footjob release label honcho Phonk D launches his third solo EP on the label.
Four sample based disco house tunes that will get your feet moving.
The opener Vertico utilizes Italo sounds of the 70's and kicks in with heavy drums,
followed by Restless Legs that won't let your feet stand still with its playful melodies and bouncing percussions.
Calypso is a party tool that captivates you with lovely moods for guranteed heartwarming joy on the dancefloor.
Finally That's What She Said builds up with a wonderful string melody that gently grooves its way into your head.





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Tracklist:

A1. Tilman, Phonk D – The Hustle (Original Mix)
A2. Tilman, Phonk D – Take My Time (Original Mix)
B1. Tilman, Phonk D – Lotus (Original Mix)
B2. Tilman, Phonk D – Joint Venture (Original Mix)


Shortinfo:

Footjob strikes back after a short release break with concentrated power.
Tilman and Phonk D join forces on the „Couple Therapy“ EP with four crisp house tracks, from peaktime bangers to dreamy after-hour tracks.






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Footjob is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a great double 12" remix compilation with contributions by Gerd Janson, Hans Nieswandt, Shan, Phonk D, Le Rubrique, Lukas Lehmann, Ise Jr. and Sascha Ciminiera

Tracklist:

A1. Pallaspeople - Airotic (Gerd Janson Remix)
A2. Shan - On & On (Phonk D Remix)
B1. Ise Jr. - Fresco (Le Rubrique's Killer Jiller Remix)
B2. Pallaspeople - Black Motive (Lukas Lehmann Remix)
C1. Phonk D - Keep Dancin' (Hans Nieswandt Remix)
C2. Lukas Lehmann - Solid/Fragile (Coexixtence) (Ise Jr. Remix)
D1. Sascha Ciminiera - Nightsteps (Shan Remix)
D2. Glance - Great White (Sascha Ciminiera Remix)





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Tracklist:

A1. Phonk D & Sascha Ciminiera – Waves In The City
A2. Phonk D & Sascha Ciminiera – From Pallas With Love
B1. Phonk D & Sascha Ciminiera – Tribes Of Shiloh
B2. Phonk D & Sascha Ciminiera – Tribes Of Shiloh (Johannes Albert Remix)


Shortinfo:
Once upon a time, the footjob crew moved into a new studio space in their hometown Darmstadt. This location was previously used by a religious community that found its purpose in the worship of Shiloh.
Phonk D and Sascha Ciminiera have somehow absorbed the spirit and created this EP as if by magic. In order to enjoy this spiritual journey even more, they asked Johannes “the wizard” Albert for his support. He was immediatly hooked, threw a few herbs together and brewed them a tasty remix.




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Tracklist:
A1. Lukas Lehmann - maBri
A2. DJ Friction – Turn Me On
B1. Hans Nieswandt – Run For The Edit
B2. Sascha Ciminiera – Italoamericana
B3. DJ Service - Diamonds


Shortinfo:

Footjob is releasing its second various artists sampler called “Footure Classics Vol.2“. The latest edition complies 5 tracks - traditionally genre-specific between house and disco.
This time fresh names are presented besides the established suspects Sascha Ciminiera and Lukas Lehmann such as legendary Hans Nieswandt (Whirlpool Productions) as well as acclaimed DJ Friction from Benztown. Both debutants lend a helping foot in order to add two wonderful tunes. As if this would not be enough, the compilation is wrapped up with a very special trove from the archives of DJ Service.





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Tracklist:

A1. Shan - On & On
A2. Shan - Filterjob
B1. Shan - Serious
B2. Shan - Ruff Draft Pt.2


Shortinfo:

After keeping an eye on Shan as a desired candidate for a while now, we proudly announce to launch his latest release via Footjob. His records on Running Back, Beats in Space & The Healing Company during the last 5 years were critically well received and put him on the musical map - a highly gifted producer who's capable of going into many directions. His "Filterjob EP" takes us back to the golden era of Sample House. Driving beats combined with filtered Disco melodies never get out of style. If anyone it's Shan who's able to play with this type of sound and manages to deliver three superb dance floor bangers in Filterjob, On & On and Serious. To rounds things up, the EP finishes with a raw and dusty Deep House Banger called Ruff Draft Pt.2


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Tracklist:

A1. Glance - Doors Open
A2. Glance - Strong Enough
A3. Glance - Without You (Singing Dub)
B1. Glance - Missing You (Dub)
B2. Glance - Great White
B3. Glance - A Short Light


Shortinfo:

After being absent for a while, Glance is returning with a uncompromising authentic record on Footjob. It recently has become quieter around the man who used to be a founding member of Running Back, but for this occasion he went and dug in his archives and came back with some beautiful old tracks, just to compile them in a classic, full of groove second Footjob EP. As a bonus he finishes and ends the record with two Downbeat sounding songs in reminiscence of his former genre crossing alter ego Siro. So this goes out to all the realkeeper, oldschooler und newcats. Glance is back on the map.



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Tracklist:
A1. Le Rubrique - Pata Pata
A2. Phonk D & Triorität - Another Piano Song
B1. Lukas Lehmann & Pallaspeople - Jean-Pierre Papin
B2. Sascha Ciminiera - Don't Bring That Low

Shortinfo:
The producer crew around footjob completes catalogue number 12 with the first ever label-sampler, highlighting their love for a variety of styles. Le Rubrique starts the journey with an afro disco banger, followed by a funky piano piece from Phonk D and the jazz formation Triorität for all the old school lovers out there. The flipside continues with an extraordinary dancefloor filler by Lukas Lehmann and the label's own supergroup Pallaspeople. On the last track Sascha Ciminiera takes us into the deepness of meditative house music with a sexy sax line. You better cop that!

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Tracklist:
A1. Q & H (Original Mix) A2. Q & H (Lorenz Rhode Remix)
B1. Solid / Fragile (Coexistence) B2. Nothing But A Heartache
Shortinfo:
With Lukas Lehmann, a new face joins the footjob-squad. Out of his estimated 7.436 unfinished projects, he managed to complete three tracks, bag a remix and bundle it all up to what will hit the stores as "This Is Why" EP.
The A-Side kicks off with the discoish banger "Q&H" and a beautiful synth-heavy remix by Lorenz Rhode - not only famous for his releases on Compost Records or Exploited but also for taking Detroit-Swindle-Liveshows to another level with his godlike keys-skills.
The deeper side of Lukas' sound is represented on the B-Side. Starting with edgy piano chords, "Solid/Fragile (Coexistence)" introduces an enchanting arpeggio midway through the track. With its distinctive strings, "Nothing But A Heartache" makes for a semi-sentimental yet still hips-moving finisher.


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Tracklist:
A1. Lights (Original Mix) , A2. Lights (Tuff City Kids Remix)
B1. Lights (Phonk D Remix) , B2. Lights (Tuff City Kids Dub)

Shortinfo:
Sascha Ciminiera is a familiar face from Footjob, member of the label's own Supergroup "Pallaspeople" and also famous for his tasty Bolognese sauce. With "Lights" he created a dreamy balearic tune that found its way into Gerd Janson's Groove Podcast. As a consequence, Janson and his partner in crime Phillip Lauer AKA Tuff City Kids played around with the 808 and turned it to a great dancefloor version. Phonk D completed the jubilee release with a classic House rework and on top, the Tuff City Kids Remix is added as a dub version.

FOOTJOB
german record label launched in 2014. run by Phonk D - focussing on house music made for dancing


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Tracklist
A1. Who Came To Boogie (Original Mix)
A2. Who Came To Boogie (Phonk D Remix)
B1. Jack Your House
B2. Buzz The Doctor

Shortinfo:
No one else but one of Chicago's finest DJ Lil 'Tal is responsible for the ninth Footjob release. The underground veteran has brought himself to attention in the 90s by releasing on the legendary label Dance Mania.
"Who Came To Boogie" on the A-side is a pretty disco loop combined with tight and uncompromising drums - undeniably an ear-piercing banger - followed by the label owner Phonk D's insane filtered remix version.
The B-side consists of the rough, reduced-to-minimal drum track "Jack Your House" plus the funky sample tune "Buzz The Doctor" with a beat that makes your dancing feet run straight to hospital.


FOOTJOB
german record label launched in 2014. run by Phonk D - focussing on house music made for dancing feet.


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Tracklist
A1. Flying Circus
A2. Flying Circus (Borrowed Identity Remix)
B1. Latenight Flight
B2. In The Air

Shortinfo:
Phonk D connects with his buddy Le Rubrique. They created three real floor bangers with some heavy punch. Raw MPC drums, disco samples and classic synths melt into a deep funky mixture. As a very special goodie they could team up with the great Borrowed Identity, who contributed a pretty nice remix to this EP. Watch your feet!


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TRACKLIST:
A1 Black Motive - 06:49 B2 Set Out Your Lovin' - 06:16 B1 Odyssee - 07:15 B1 Piano Romantic - 06:00
Info:
The Small Town Boys are back again with an EP full of lovely music straining your feet.
Synths ran hot, beer cooled down, old school became new school surrounded by tons of deep atmospheres.
They put it all together on these four tracks taking you on a journey from the heart of the town around the world.
Get on your feet!


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TRACKLIST
A1 Morning Glory - 06:24
B2 Pachanga - 06:49
B1 Midnight Bumper - 06:09
B1 It's Killing Me - 06:15
Info:
Phonk D presents his second Solo EP on "Footjob" and it's a "Goodjob" once again. Four sample-based tracks are cutting up Disco and Funk and bring it back as classical partystompers.


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TRACKLIST
A1 Airotic (Original Mix) - 07:20
B1 Airotic (DJ Duke Remix) - 07:38
Info:
Phonk D, Sascha Ciminiera and T-Rax joined forces again: They've created some 80's flavoured tracks down the line and put them in the mix. The outcome is just pure synth-sex on airwaves, simply purely AIROTIC. What they've also found is their old idol, legendary DJ Duke of Power Music, Sex Mania. He organised an absolutely insane and fabulous remix - ready to massage your feet. Drrrop it!!!


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2LP

A1. Turn Up The Heat feat. Dolo Desir
A2. Groundshake
B1. Choose Your Destiny
B2. Runaway Railway
C1. Assim
C2. Drift Control
D1. Aurawave
D2. Hypnotizing



Info (EN):
The album of the year – and the beginning of a new era at Gigolo Records.

Ten club tracks packed with pure impact, crafted by one of today’s most talented and innovative producers: Aziz Haddad from Tunisia.

His sonic fingerprint breaks all genre boundaries — impossible to categorize — and fits perfectly into the Gigolo Records family and history.

Aziz’s uniqueness lies in his anarchic definition of sound:
4-to-the-floor house, 80s synth pop, techno, and hypnotic beat programming merge into a cinematic, magnetic whole.

Selected Bangers rewrites the rules for 2025 —
every beat counts.



Info (DE):
Das Album des Jahres – und der Beginn einer neuen Ära bei Gigolo Records.

Zehn Club-Tracks voller Energie und Durchschlagskraft, produziert von einem der derzeit talentiertesten und innovativsten Künstler: Aziz Haddad aus Tunesien.

Sein klanglicher Fingerabdruck sprengt alle Genregrenzen – kaum einzuordnen – und passt damit perfekt in die Gigolo Records-Familie und ihre Geschichte.

Aziz’ Einzigartigkeit liegt in seiner anarchischen Definition von Sound:
4-to-the-floor House, 80s Synth-Pop, Techno und hypnotisches Beat-Programming verschmelzen zu einem cineastischen, magnetischen Gesamtwerk.

Selected Bangers schreibt die Regeln im Jahr 2025 neu –
jeder Beat zählt.

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Vinyl Only!

Genre: Techno / Acid

Third radioactive batch of untitled, previously unreleased techno from the 1990s and 2000s on the vinyl only imprint Kilotoni. From minimal acid techno funkiness to Detroit influences on the flip side.

Tracklisting:
A1: Untitled
A2: Untitled
B1: Untitled
B2: Untitled

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Tracklist 12” :
A1: Reminisce
A2: Thee alarm
B1: Life’s running
B2: Osaka morning train


Short info:
2025 has been the comback year of Borrowed Identity! Nearly a decade ago, this super talented producer and DJ from the German Black Forest was omnipresent. Crafty beats, driving basslines and a deep raw feel was his tradmark then. And still is! After his collab EP with the Mechanical Soul Brother some months ago, it’s now time for a full solo EP called „Reminisce“. 4 tracks of powerful and raw House music, Borrowed Identity style! He’s back to stay!











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This newly started Voyage Direct series is about all about feel good club music and iscurated by Tom Trago. Hence the name Voyage Direct, which was also the title of his debut double EP. Dexter kicks off this series in a classy style with his Junofest EP. This is easily his best work since his genre breaking electro-funk hit ‘I Don’t Care’ from 2000.

And now its time for ‘Junofest EP’. The title track is a steady, yet smooth club groove with enough swing to make anyone dance to the music. A true party starter. On the AA sidewe find ‘Not The Only One’, an infectious vocoder vocal track that makes you smile. This is one of those rare tracks that has a poppy, commercial feel without losing its underground raw appeal. It could just be his biggest track since ‘I Don't Care’.

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Following a summer of fifth birthday celebrations, Tom Trago's Voyage Direct label returns to action with a brand new 12" from Amsterdam scene stalwart Simon Weiss.

Although a new member of the Voyage Direct family, Weiss is no newcomer to production. He's previously delivered high grade deep house EPs for Rush Hour, Deepermotions and Home Taping Is Killing Music, and his contribution to First Mission, Voyage Direct's fifth anniversary compilation, was one of the undoubted highlights of that set.

It's that track the gloriously positive 'Tele-Vision', and its cyber-house fusion of darting synthesizer arpeggios, Detroit-influenced percussion, and thrusting acid bass that heads up Weiss first EP for Voyage Direct.

Dutch veteran and longtime friend of the family Dexter turns in a stunning remix, putting a well-placed boot up the backside of 'Tele-Vision' via speaker-shaking sub bass, kaleidoscopic electrofunk motifs and thumping techno rhythms. It's a stunning re-make, and one that takes Weiss' fine original to even greater heights.

Flip the record for two previously unheard Weiss productions. First up is 'Ghost', a supernatural house shuffler full of alien synths, wayward melodies, intergalactic electronics and crunchy drum machine hits. Weiss flips the script slightly on 'Super Sub', pairing his now trademark vintage synthesizer refrains and tumbling electronics with a heavyweight, bassline-driven groove. It's a sweet and evocative track, but critically also packs a punch.

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William Djoko is in a frisky mood. On “Dirty Talk”, he delivers an X-rated dancefloor bomb that’s as unashamedly filthy as an all-night rave at one of Amsterdam’s most salacious brothels.

Djoko is no stranger to Voyage Direct. Having first appeared on the label way back in 2012, he’s returned numerous times since, becoming an integral member of the imprint’s growing family of artists. Elsewhere, he’s delivered material on Tuskegee, Mobilee and Leftroom, amongst others, developing an approach that takes inspiration from numerous styles of house and techno. However, little he’s previously released can match the raw, eyebrow-raising lust and sexually charged funk of “Dirty Talk”.

Driven forward by Djoko’s sleazy, whispered spoken-word vocal, the original version combines the rubbery, bass-heavy rhythms of classic Dance-Mania-style ghetto house, the delay-laden guitar flashes of vintage NYC proto-house, and the kind of darting, funk-fuelled keys – provided by fellow Dutch producer Kid Sublime – that recall the glory days of ‘80s electro-funk. Djoko provides an alternate version in the shape of the thrusting, stripped-back “Club Dub”, with his breathy “Accapella” rounding off the A-side.

On the flip, two Voyage Direct stalwarts take it in turns to rework the track. First up is label boss Tom Trago, who builds on Djoko’s elastic percussion with some dense new drum hits of his own. These are combined with spacey synths and sharp string stabs, giving “Dirty Talk” a more classic techno/house fusion flavour. In contrast, Werner uses the opportunity to turn in a triple-X-rated interpretation full of bounding, Chicago-influenced beats, intergalactic pads, sleazy acid lines, and sweaty, surging drum fills. It’s a fittingly breathless remix.

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All record labels have their own particular mission statement, but few boast quite as singular vision as Voyage Direct. This vision comes through loud and clear on the label’s first compilation, a collection that takes in both unreleased tracks and a hand-picked selection of classics from the imprint’s first five years.

Founded by DJ/producer Tom Trago in 2010, Voyage Direct was created with two key aims: to promote independent-minded Dutch house and techno, and to provide an outlet for music by young, talented producers from the Netherlands.

“I loved the music being made around me, and it wasn't getting released,” Trago explains. “I thought somebody had to get it all together and put it out on a label. There’s so much stuff happening here, for me it’s unnecessary to look elsewhere for good music. It’s a very personal thing. I know everybody I release music from personally, we hang out, they come with me to clubs, and we do parties together. It’s not just a label, but also a community.”

The label’s back catalogue, now over 20 releases deep, bears witness to this unique mission statement. Voyage Direct’s discography to date features a unique mix of tracks from long-established Dutch legends (Dexter, Aardvarck, Awanto 3, Boris Werner, Danny ‘Legowelt’ Wolfers under the House of Jezebel alias), and producers who are still earning their stripes (the likes of Maxi Mill, Elias Mazian, Magnesii, Interstellar Funk).

This latter aspect is particularly important to Trago, who understands the importance of being guided by those you respect within the local scene. During his early years as a budding DJ/producer in Amsterdam, he was fortunate to be supported and encouraged by a range of influential local DJs and producers, who freely gave their time to collaborate, listen to demos and offer advice.

“In some ways, what some young producers need is a mentor,” Trago says. “When I grew up in Amsterdam, a lot of older cats took me under their wing – Steven De Peven from Rednose Distrikt,, the guys from Rush Hour & KC the Funkaholic, who's an old school DJ. I was lucky to be mentored by all these older Amsterdam gurus, and now I want to share what I've learned through that, and my career, with young kids who are in a similar position to where I was when I was starting out. I believe this is the way to build a scene."

The musical make-up of Voyage Direct’s first compilation reflects Trago’s wish to look to the future of Dutch dance music. Although it features headline-grabbing contributions from House of Jezebel and Awanto 3 (the 12-minute house-goes- synth-funk epic “The Girl IsHot”), the vast majority of material comes from younger, lesser-known producers. In this category you’ll find familiar Voyage Direct artists – Maxi Mill, Overlast, Magnesii and William Kouam Djoko (whose twinkling, garage- influenced deep house jam “Hold Me Close” is a genuine highlight) – and label debutants.

It’s this aspect that gives Voyage Direct’s first compilation such vibrancy. Check, for example, the spacey deep house bliss of “The Slightly” by newcomers Efde and Tom Ruijg, the melodious, synthesizer-heavy “Raw Funk” from Melon, or the cascading sweetness of Ebokai’s “Metae”. These are contributions from artists unfamiliar to those not schooled in the intricacies of the Dutch scene, but whose talents are obvious. These are producers who represent the future of the Dutch scene, but whose influences from within the country are often obvious.

“People listen to each other a lot, and that's inspiring too,” Trago says. “With Voyage Direct, I want to join the dots between my history in Holland, and the future, trying to make a bigger story."

It is, then, a very personal collection, but one that offers a glimpse of the growing strength of left-of-centre electronic dance music in the Netherlands – and, of course, Voyage Direct itself. The collection is split into two parts: a selection of 11 previously unreleased tracks, which will be available on CD and a trio of 12” vinyl samplers, and an 11-track run down of label highlights to date. The latter will be made available as a download, for those who purchase the CD version.

Voyage Direct’s first compilation, then, is not only a celebration, but also a taste of what’s to come. The future looks very bright indeed.

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Some things are just too good to be hidden from view. That’s certainly the case with ‘Things To Think About’, the first album from Dutch electronic music legend Steve Rachmad’s lesser-known Sterac Electronics project.

Rachmad first rose to prominence in the late 1990s, spearheading a surge in Dutch techno that was heavily inspired by the futurist intent and machine soul of Detroit. Since then, he has continued to successfully explore a wide range of dancefloor-centric electronic styles under a dizzying array of aliases.

It’s a while, though, since the public has been treated to a heavy dose of Sterac Electronics material. He first established the alias at the turn of the millennium, primarily as an outlet for hardware-driven electro music shot through with funk and soul.

A handful of highly regarded 12” singles were released on Music Man and Interpersonal XP, before Rachmad began focusing on other projects. When inspiration struck, he returned to the project, jamming out tracks using a mighty collection of vintage synthesizers and drum machines. Recently, Rachmad and Tom Trago decided to revisit the Sterac Electronics archive, discovering a killer collection of cuts created at different points over the course of the last 15 years.

Now 9 of those spellbinding hardware jams have been gathered together for the first time on ‘Things To Think About’, a warm, rich and evocative collection of electro-fuelled workouts that giddily pay tribute to the music of Rachmad’s youth.

‘Things To Think About’ will be released as a limited-edition double album, preceded by this 12” single featuring another previously unheard gem from the vaults

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Next up on Tom Trago’s Voyage Direct series is Overlast. This Amsterdam based producer returns on Voyage Direct with two synth driven club tracks!

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Some things are just too good to be hidden from view. That’s certainly the case with Things To Think About, the first album from Dutch electronic music legend
Steve Rachmad’s lesser-known Sterac Electronics project.

Rachmad first rose to prominence in the late 1990s, spearheading a surge in Dutch techno that was heavily inspired by the futurist intent and machine soul of Detroit. Since then, he has continued to successfully explore a wide range of dancefloorcentric electronic styles under a dizzying array of aliases.

It’s a while, though, since the public has been treated to a heavy dose of Sterac Electronics material. He first established the alias at the turn of the millennium, primarily as an outlet for hardware-driven electro music shot through with funk and soul.

A handful of highly regarded 12” singles were released on Music Man and Interpersonal XP, before Rachmad began focusing on other projects. When inspiration struck, he returned to the project, jamming out tracks using a mighty collection of vintage synthesizers and drum machines.

Recently, Rachmad and Tom Trago decided to revisit the Sterac Electronics archive, discovering a killer collection of cuts created at different points over the course of the last 15 years.

Now 9 of those spellbinding hardware jams have been gathered together for the first time on Things To Think About, a warm, rich and evocative collection of electrofuelled workouts that giddily pay tribute to the music of Rachmad’s youth.

From the thrusting, synth-driven machine funk of “Original Pattern” and mutant electrofunk revivalism of “Game Changers”, to the baggy West Coast boogie of “Metratron” and intergalactic hustle of “Archetype” (which sounds like Cybotron covering the 1988 version of The KLF’s “What Time Is Love”), Things To Think About is an lesson in the emotion-rich, mood enhancing possibilities of spontaneous hardware jams.

The highlights don’t stop there, either. Check, for example, the crystalline synthesizer melodies, body popping drum hits and spacey chords of “Tuning Into Frequencies” and the breezy humidity of opener “Altruistic Endeavor”.

Like the rest of the tracks on the album, they feel timeless, as if they could have been made at any point during the last three decades. From Steve Rachmad, we wouldn’t expect anything less.

Things To Think About will be released as a limited-edition double album, preceded by a 12” single featuring another previously unheard gem from the vaults.

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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.

Trago, who was partially trained in how to use the DX7 by studio friends Bok Bok, Sterac Electronics and Juju and Jordash, has decided to pay tribute to this most distinctive of synthesizers by using it as inspiration for Serene Waters, his first EP for Voyage Direct since 2014 epic Hidden Heart of Gold.

Across the course of five sparkling, spacey and melodious tracks, the Voyage Direct chief showcases the variety of sounds that can be teased from the DX7. Compare, for example, the delicate and rush-inducing melodies of dreamy, deep electro opener “Harvest” and the two contrasting mixes of “Opulent”’; variations on a throbbing, futurist techno theme rich in glacial melody lines, bustling synth-bass and spacey chords. The dancefloor possibilities of the synthesizer’s sound palette comes to the fore on the stripped-back “Within Mix”, where Trago’s rolling stabs and cascading melodies are wrapped in tougher, denser drums.

The sparkling nature of the DX7’s trademark sounds also come to the fore on “XYZ”, a crunchier and snappier electro outing that recall the effervescent brilliance of Trago’s sometime label mate, Sterac Electronics. The track’s combination of darting bass and mind-altering, alien electronics is as kaleidoscopic as they come.

Nestled slap bang in the centre of the EP is “Rain Room”, where Trago manipulates his machines to get a far more psychedelic sound. While there’s vibrant warmth thanks to some seductive background pads and stretched-out chords, it’s the bubbling electronics and futurist tunefulness that catches the ear. Like much of the rest of the EP, it tiptoes the fine line between poignancy and rush-inducing colourfulness.

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Benny Rodrigues seems to delight in confounding critics. Since making his debut alongside Darko Esser with 2007's Underwater Records-released 'Paradox', the Rotterdam-based DJ has surprised and excited at every turn, variously delivering woozy tech-house, rave revivalism, stripped-back minimal, 'jackin' acid, wide-eyed deep house and, under his occasional ROD alias, shirts-off warehouse techno. Along the way, he has released music on some of Europes most prestigious labels, including Desolat, Soma, EC Records, Be As One and Wolfskuil Records.

Here, he makes his debut for Tom Trago's Voyage Direct imprint with two undulating, hypnotic, heads-down tracks that blur the boundaries between house and techno. Rhythmically loose but impressively tough like all of
Rodrigues' best productions both cuts are built around mesmerising late night grooves and intoxicating chords.

'Master French' kicks things off, lacing nagging shakers, subtle synth strings and fluttering chords over a robust, shuffling tech-house groove. Rodrigues works the mix like a master, bringing elements to the fore before sliding them into the background. It's a simple, heads-down, 4am groove, but its executed brilliantly.

'Z', on the other hand, is an altogether breezier affair, with repetitive, new age-inspired synthesizer melodies seemingly drifting over a rock solid house groove. Notable ride cymbals and warm beats proper the track forward, giving it a humid, tropical feel. This is music to move the body, mind and soul.

Those who've followed Rodrigues' career to date won't be surprised by the quality, feel or execution of his belated Voyage Direct debut. As for newcomers, they'll be transfixed by his mastery of the groove.

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