Both a fan of the number and the machine, Michigander Music boss Brian Kage has always related eight to the paths we take in life — and being on the right one. For the label's eighth release, Kage pays homage to electronic music's futuristic past by bringing it up to speed with the present, including reimagining one of his own releases from when net labels were a thing.

Opening with "808 and the Great Lakes State," there's a clear influence — in title and sound — from a certain seminal pioneering Manchester techno group, 808 State — who formed and debuted in '88, by the way. With the recent passing of one of its members, Andy Barker, the track exists as a tribute to the formative moments and blissful memories of those '90s experience. The most iconic touches of this new age techno and acid sound are all there, but the end result is something more subtle, more spacious, and more patient for the modern ear.

Kage follows up with a new mix, re-envisioning "Eight Ways" — a deep, pulsating techno journey originally released on Thinner almost 20 years ago. With the "808 Mix," Kage takes the mentally stimulating hypnotism of the original and emboldens it into something more body driven by way of 808 bass kicks and sharpened hi-hats — a matured version begging for immediate dance floor play. The underlying liquid pads remain, with symphonic layers of increasingly dramatic piano chords, fluttery synth lines, and a heavens-opening ebb and flow of angelic melodies.

Finishing off the release, "Learn to Surrender" is pure electronic Detroit techno through and through. Electrically charged dub chords build on top of a revolving synth and rhythmic bass line, interwoven to constantly propel the track forward. Midway through, meditative vocals provide a mantra for surrendering to life, having already led listeners to becoming lost in the fully immersive sea of sounds.

“808 and the Great Lakes State” is a purposeful, mental, and physical trip connecting the many points of electronic music — and of life itself — as only a truly timeless approach can. More

Detroit producers Omar S & Brian Kage team up to bring you “Thru the Madness EP.” “Thru the Madness” has all the elements of a classic dance music collaboration. The tune showcases Omar S raw and funky analog bass playing and drum programming combined with Brian Kage signature warm melodic synth lines and chord structures. The clever use of a catchy 90’s vocal sample helps solidify and unify the composition. “Thru the Madness (Honk & Nik Mix)” takes a deeper approach by adding a deep Detroit-style DX pad, Nile Rodger-esque funk guitars parts, and vintage drum breaks that will keep the party moving into the late night hours. Like Dutch & Dillon from Predator, some times you gotta “Get Thru the Madness!” More

Brian Kage returns on Michigander with the, “Best Kept Secret EP.” Kage once again provides three deeply emotional dance tracks filled with his signature warmth that immediately draw connections between personal memories and Michigan’s natural splendor. Best Kept Secret starts the record off with tones of hypnotic bells that cascade down from within minor chords that hypnotize the listener until they are met with swelling strings to tie the infectious grooves to intelligent vintage percussion. Lush vocals continue building into an atmosphere of nostalgia and eventually gives way to that moment of intimacy that can only be felt outdoors while exploring with a person they love. Lost on Old Free-soil Road features a detuned analog synth-line that winds up and down over a bed of spooky night-time forest field-recordings which are encompassed by a jackin’ 909 beat . Suddenly, juno stabs straight from the 80’s pierce through sending the syncopated grooves back the direction they came from taking dancers along for the joyful ride. Cruise Control on US-31 rounds out the record with an infectious blend of pitched wooden toms, warm mid-range bass, deep 303 lines, and a smoky pad straight from a vintage rhodes. All these elements help keep the composition positive & relaxing, while expertly conjuring the feeling of sun on your face. This tune is the perfect tool for any DJ interested in luring day-partiers to a space where they can’t resist bobbing their heads and enjoying their summer outside. More

After releases on FXHE, Deeplabs, and Planet-E, Brian Kage returns with “The Arc EP,” a new record on his new label, Michigander. “The Arc EP” is dedicated to celebrating hopeful and inspiring times in the city of Detroit. The Arc - Dark minor chord stabs emerge and echo around a solid concrete foundation of classic 909 style drum patterns and deep pulsating bassline hits. The structure builds until giving way to a break of lush symphonic strings that pay tribute to Detroit in a nostalgic manner. The Arc (Stringless Mix) has been crafted for creating and releasing cascades of tension in the darkest of warehouses. D Drive – A saturated synth lead effortlessly bounces through two octaves in a classic groove that is unmistakably from an alternative universe where the 80s never ended. This feel-good jam will get even the toughest of crowds smiling and rocking out. Transcending – This contemplative soundscape flings percussive hisses rippling through a deep melodic realm. An atmosphere of timeless synthesis provides reassurance that it was a great decision to come out wearing comfortable shoes and dressed to sweat. More