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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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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William Kouam Djoko returns to Voyage Direct with 'Deflourished'. After a year with a lot of high highs, William found himself on the dance floor listening to a set by Chicago Footwork specialists DJ Rashad & DJ Spinn. William experienced what religious people might call a divine moment. All the experiences, emotions and soul searching from the previous year came together in one emotional, energetic moment.

William tried to capture all of this in his studio the next day, and within hours ‘Deflourished’ was created. B-side 'Behind Closed Doors' completes the package, more subtle and refined than it's A-side brother. A synth-heavy, down-pitched and outstretched song that builds heavily on space, both physically and mentally.

On his Sophomore Voyage Direct release William Kouam Djoko truly sets out on a voyage to discover his inner-self. The result, whether it's the expressive energy of 'Deflourished', or the mesmerizing gloominess of 'Behind Closed Doors', is beautiful to say the least.

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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 legends woozy, deep house original.

While that rework was undoubtedly superb, Jacob's Lead offers a truer reflection of the shadowy producers 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 Darlings 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, it casts Darling as the Netherlands¿ answer to Larry Heard.

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.

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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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It's rare to hear a debut 12'' single that really blows you away. That's hardly a controversial statement; in truth, most producers take time to find their feet, developing a distinct style over a period of years, rather than months.

Magnesii, then, is something special. Currently based in Amsterdam. The previously unheard of producer has delivered a stunning debut 12'' for Tom Trago's Voyage Direct label. Raw, fuzzy and in turns melancholic, spellbinding and intense, its' three tracks bubble and hiss to the distinct sound of vintage analogue hardware.

You see, the young Dutch producer tends to avoid modern computers. ''I often feel like those screens suck my soul away,'' he says. Instead, he jams out tunes on a tasteful selection of analogue gear, sequencing with either the Alesis MMT-8 or the Akai MPC2000 - a favourite toy of many of the Netherlands' best electronic producers - and adding basslines, beats, acid lines and melodies on obscure synths and drumcomputers'. His creations are then bounced down straight to 1/4" tape or cassette.

Some of these resultant jams, as showcased on this impressive debut, are nothing less than inspired. Acid lines rise and fall, machine drums rattle, and distinctive synth lines weave in and out of the mix. These are raw tracks for the dancefloor blessed with all the colour and warmth associated with vintage hardware.

''RZTB Tantra'' sets the tone, layering bubbling acid lines and dreamy chords over a relentlessly nagging bassline and punchy, scattergun drum machine percussion. ''Lava Jam'' is decidedly deeper, with woozy, emotive melodies and alien electronics tumbling over a dusty rhythm pattern and tactile acid bass.

Magnesii completes a sterling debut with ''Van Dyke Island Jam'', whose squidgy bassline and long, drawn-out M1 chords work in complete harmony with the crispy rhythm track and densely building percussion hits. Like its' predecessor, it too seems to be tinged with sadness, as if Magnesii's machines are shedding a tear for glories past.

Clearly, Magnesii is a name to look out for in future. For the time being, we'll have to make do with one of the most impressive debut 12'' singles of 2014 to date.

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