Frankfurt’s Max Buchalik is in the early phases of his production career but has many years of experience throwing parties in his hometown, where he is a pioneering force. With his deep understanding of dancefloor dynamics, he now pairs his love of the 80s with rich sound designs on his debut release for Brooklyn-based imprint Melodize.

Opener ‘Higher State’ is a bright house cut awash with sugary, pixelated chords and twinkling pads. Its retro-future charms and colourful, uplifting arps all serve to get hands in the air and heads amongst the stars. Remixer Venice Arms is an alias of accomplished dark disco don Curses, who has long been a fixture in the Berlin underground. His take on ‘Higher State’ is a snappy proto-house cut with 80s synth work and natty chords that are busy and full of fun.

The second original ‘Midnight Passion’ is another vibrant track with throwback synth progressions and retro textures. The melodies shine bright as they rain down over snappy drums and melancholic leads packed with exciting emotions. Remixing this one is Italian DJ, producer and label owner Fabrizio Mammarella, who has a fine discography that takes in releases on DFA, Permanent Vacation and Correspondant, as well as his own Slow Motion Music, Wrong Era Records and Emet. His lively disco-house version is lit up with shiny chords, chattery percussive patterns, woodpecker-like hits, and sustained chords that will dazzle the dance floor. More

German artist Martin Matiske’s start in music came at the hands of the legendary DJ Hell, who invited him to his first DJ gigs in 1999 at one of his Gigolo label nights in Munich. His own productions, inspired by early electronic pioneers like Kraftwerk and Jean Michel Jarre, soon followed on International Deejay Gigolo Records, as have many more since on Frustrated Funk, Bordello A Parigi, Moustache Records and Central Processing Unit. Matiske has had high-profile support from the likes of Dave Clarke and Helena Hauff, and this new EP for Brooklyn-based label Melodize is another one that will likely find wide acclaim.

The fantastic ‘Moments’ opens up with ice-cold snares and drum sounds that are backlit by celestial pads as retro-future synth work brings colour to this catchy and optimistic proto-electro groove. ‘Moments’ then gets a sublime remix treatment from the prolific and endlessly creative Legowelt, who has explored every different style possible under a myriad of aliases on a range of cult labels like Clone, LIES and Crème Organization. The Dutch maestro’s superb take on ‘Moments’ is an astral electro workout with killer acidic lines, squelchy bass and daubs of psychedelic colour.

On the flip, ‘Dimensional Space Travel’ is another cinematic electro journey that taps into the motorik tick of Kraftwerk with distinctive melodic phrasings, forming a playful call-and-response with the background chords. Closer ‘Analogue Being’ taps into early electro with lovably tinny rhythms and sugary, pixelated analogue chords that bring a sense of nostalgia and ruefulness. More

French producer Panthera steps up to Melodize with a pair of Italo inspired cuts that come remixed by the legendary Lauer and Endrik Schroeder.

Panthera prefers to remain secretive about his identity, but his music has plenty of people talking. It has come out on labels such as Bordello A Parigi, Polaris and Correspondant so far and contains a distinct, synth-heavy, euphoric sound.

This is evident from the beginning with ‘Hustle’, a colourful and cosmic cut with rich melodies, occasional vocal touches and shimmering arps. They bring sugary rushes of joy to the mid-tempo nu-disco drums and will douse dance floors in subtle euphoria. Remixing this one is the underground stalwart Lauer, who always brings his retro style to his disco and house on labels such as Permanent Vacation and Running Back. His version is faster and more direct, though still packed with starry melodies and subtle synth motifs that bring it to life.

Panthera’s ‘Western Union’ then brings more raw percussion and slapping drums but again takes flight through the cosmos on sleek synth lines with hints of 80s nostalgia. It’s a track that is always on the rise and full of bright, irresistible melodic suspense. Remixer Endrik Schroeder also hails from France and is a fast-rising talent with credits on the taste-making Bordello A Parigi, Ritmo Fatale, and Roam Recordings. He flips the original into a more propulsive and urgent nu-disco weapon with crashing drums and synth loops spiralling around the track as extra melodies fall like stardust to light up the groove.

There is real quality as well as plenty of feel-good energy to these four shiny, synth-heavy tracks. More

Undo & Casiowaves return to Melodize with the ‘Casiobass’ EP backed with a remix from Nhar.

A long-time resident at Barcelona’s legendary Razzmatazz and label head of Factor City for two decades, Undo is a Spanish mainstay with countless releases that have garnered support from the likes of Andrew Weatherall, Roman Flugel and Erol Alkan. He teams up with fellow Spaniard and synth-pop wizard Casiowaves to return for their second collaborative release on Melodize after last year’s ‘Predict The Future’ EP.

The straight-forward ‘Casiobass’ kicks off with fizzing synth lines, chugging dark disco drums, a fat bass and
circling pads. ‘Overcruiser’ is a pumping, Italo-influenced cut with retro-future chords and a clean, cosmic feel, while ‘Something Blue’ layers up the crispy analogue drums with sonar pulses, deadpan cold wave vocals and majestic leads that bring color and vibrancy.

Drummer-turned electronic producer and live act Nhar, who boasts an impressive discography spanning two decades, makes his debut on the label with a remix of ‘Waves to Come’ that brings a widescreen serenity and calm to the original through pensive chord work and starry keys twinkling in the distance. The original then closes out with Balearic guitar licks, punchy drums, and rich bass for a fusion of retro sounds with futuristic sentiment. From the driving Casiobass to the Balearic, serene ‘Waves to Come,’ Undo & Casiowaves have served up offerings for all hours with the versatile ‘Casiobass’ EP. More

Melodize label boss Beartrax announces his ‘Repertoire EP’ this February with remixes from Iron Curtis and ROTCIV.

Leading the release, the title track ‘Repertoire’ features Beartrax’s signature violin melodies along with haunted, atmospheric synths. Fresh off the back of multiple releases on Frank Music, Iron Curtis delivers a chunky, electro-tinged remix which provides a fresh interpretation of the original.

On the flip, ‘Metro Vice’ combines interplaying synths with sizzling percussion and hard-hitting drums to kick off the B-side. Rounding out the release is Berlin-based DJ/producer ROTCIV’s remix, which sees the versatile producer transform the original into a pumping cosmic trip.

Since its inception in 2019, Beartrax’s Melodize imprint has consistently pushed deep, musical house, techno and electro. With contributions from John Tejada, Fort Romeau, Carl Finlow, Lauer, and many more standing alongside Beartrax’s original, violin-led productions, the label’s back catalogue has picked up support from DJs such as Jennifer Cardini, Laurent Garnier, and Roman Flugel. More

Fresh off the back of their excellent ‘Meridian’ EP from Bristol’s Zobol, Melodize head to the cultural petri-dish of Berlin for a label debut from Micropacer.

The aptly titled lead track ‘Zeitgeist’ opens with its pulsing synths and analogue drums. Fragile melodies and pressurised hi-hats tailor the tempo as well to deliver iconic dancefloor emotions. Super-talent Vhyce allows the original melody to dance behind his pitched-down, growling bass synth to create the perfect alter ego.

On the flip, Seelenruhe creates a Summer-esque midtempo crowd-pleaser with its thick bass, oscillating synths and whip-cracking 808 stabs, all layered with guitar licks and distorted feedback. With added luft and cyber-vocals, Italian duo Marvin and Guy add their trademark glitter-drenched touch to create a glorious retro-future rework. More

From Bristol to NYC – Zobol makes his debut on Melodize with two vibrantly coloured electro jams complemented and enhanced by two powerful remixes from Carl Finlow and Plant43.

‘Meridian’ draws the line straight down the dancefloor between electro and techno. Light in foot but heavy in trunk, there’s an alluring spring in the breaks and subtle sense of hope and euphoria as Zobol eases us into a positive mindset. Sheffield stalwart Carl Finlow flips the coin for a more sober perspective. A much more classically informed slice of electro, swollen with poignancy, it’s the dark side of ‘Meridian’ bright moon.

‘YCKL’ turns up the contrast once again. Warm, bright splashes ooze in chord-form over a lava-like bassline that gently pushes up the drama and theatre as the track progresses. Once again, there’s a sense of triumph running throughout as Zobol edges us higher and higher. Remix-wise, Bleep43 founder Plant43 keeps that brightness but adds his own sense of spring and wily funk, bringing an unpredictable attack and utilising the euphoric keys of the original much earlier on in the arrangement.

Two beautiful originals, two precision remixes; one important reminder that electro can be one of the funkiest, most uplifting styles in the electronic cannon when crafted in the right hands. Melodize have created some exceptional alchemy right here. More

“You don't need to predict the future. Just choose a good future. A useful future…”
Not our words but those of iconic and hugely influential science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, a legend who forecast and inspired so many things we take for granted today. A legend who believed everyone had the right to foretell the future. A legend who is sampled on this stunning re-link between Undo and fellow Catalonian Casiowaves – ‘Predict The Future’
Following their debut collaborative EP on Undo’s label Factor City ‘This Is Not The End Of The World’, the pair once again collide with startling effect, this time on NYC-based label Melodize. Created on Casiowaves’ enviable collection of retro synths, swathed in oodles of acid, and backed up with a sledgehammer disco remix from Italian stallion Massimilano Pagliara, for something so future-focused it is absolutely timeless.
Meanwhile ‘Nothing To Say’ plays the perfect foil. Both a sparkling slice of twinkling synth bliss AND a pragmatic slab of realism, it brings us firmly back into the now. Undo & Casiowaves aren’t scientists, don't know what the future holds and have no data to create accurate forecasts… But they have soul, imagination, serious talent and a love for living in the now.
Choose a good and useful future… But live, dance, and create the best possible present you can. More

From Grenoble with love: rising newcomer Endrik Schroeder makes his debut on Beartrax’s Melodize with two brazen blasts of technicolour synth luxury which are accompanied by two sublime remixes from Chinaski and Benjamin Fröhlich.

Following releases on the likes of Zone, Ritmo Fatale, Bordello A Parigi and most recently Mélopée, Endrik’s fizzy fusion of Italo, new wave, disco and good old fashioned house music hits the feels as we’re whisked away on a bubbly, upbeat synth disco trip with big sweeping chords, dubby kicks and an essence of Yazoo to the riff. Meanwhile on the remix, Robert Johnson’s Chinaski keeps the positive flavour but gives it a Metro Area coat of arms for good measure.

‘Same Day’ carries a little more poignancy. Moving through scenes like the soundtrack to a chips-are-down sequence, there’s a sense of momentum and faraway triumph to the groove, which is consequently flipped into a whole other perspective as Permanent Vacation co-boss Benjamin Fröhlich applies the breaks for a remix that sits somewhere between Bicep and cinematic breaks legends Hybrid. Same day, next day, every day – we live for feels like this.
Feedback:
Marco Passarani - "I've grabbed the whole EP and will report back soon on my favourites to play. Thanks!"
Adriatique Benjamin's remix is gonna work for us..Thanks!
DC Salas Same Day is a cool track for sure!
Terr Full support for Foundation. Thanks for sending!
Joyce Muniz Nice tunes here for sure. Going for Chinaski's at this stage.
Matthias Meyer Good release here guys. Benjamin's Remix working for me!
Craig Morrison (Silicone Soul) I've been really enjoying Endrik's music esp. on Ritmo Vitale. The lead track will fit very nicely into my deeper sessions. Thanks with support!
Johannes Albert Super!!! Show me this lagooon and I will stay forever :)
Lauer Lonely Lagoon from Chinaski. Very nice.
Jeremy Olander Nice tunes across the whole EP here! Thanks for sending my way
Henry Saiz Yeah these are great... Same Day especially. More

Since its inception in 2019, Beartrax’s Melodize imprint has consistently pushed deep, musical house and techno with contributions from John Tejada, Fort Romeau, Carl Finlow, and many more standing alongside Beartrax’s original productions throughout the label’s back catalogue.

Leading the sixth release, ‘Phantom Night’ sees haunted atmospherics nestled amongst ethereal synth licks, before a cinematic violin takes centre stage. Johannes Albert’s remix peppers elements of the original with slick acid lines and punchy drums, re-imagining the dramatic violin for a fresh and highly entertaining take.

On the flip, the uplifting ‘Valor’ runs through a series of modulating basslines, glistening pads, and sizzling drums, topped off with a majestic cello performance throughout.

Rounding out the release, Lauer adds rubbery low end, floating keys, and hands-in-the air piano stabs to ‘Valor’ for a high-energy end to another stellar EP from Melodize. More

Beartrax is back on his own taste-making electronic label Melodize with a pair of fantastic new singles that get fine remix treatment by the cult underground figure that is Carl Finlow.

American Beartrax has been experimenting with electronic music for 10 years now, and has built up a fine reputation and discography that often leads to Beatport chart toppers and gets big support from high profile DJs.

Up first is Dream Riff, a low key roller with nice melancholic pads and crisp, crunchy hi hats as well as killer bass. It's a melodic musing that really carries your mind away from this world while keeping your body locked to the drums. Remixing is Carl Finlow, who has been an electro mainstay for decades. His version is haunting and minimal, with spooky bass notes and clacking hits that makes for a deep and atmospheric jam. Repentance closes out with nagging bass and a lead melody that is cautiously optimistic.

This is another classy EP from all involved. More

Barcelona to Brooklyn via UK: following two very special releases from Beartrax, for their third release (and second of 2020) hot new NYC label Melodize welcome one of Spain’s most consistent electronic ambassadors, Factor City co-boss Undo, and Cin Cin bossman Fort Romeau for remix duties.

Hot on the heels of his stunning ‘Dark Woods’ EP earlier this summer, Undo comes packing some stunning electronic tackle. Sitting somewhere between Border Community and Underworld, both cuts are lavishly layered as myriad synths bubble and ripple away in their own little co-existing worlds.

Baggy, charming and just nicely off-grid, both sides of the coin can be flipped; those looking for a darker jam will be all over ‘Sixty Days’, a powerful cut where the basses melt into swaggering loose kicks. Need things even darker? Then jump on Fort Romeau’s remix where the kicks are cemented into place with a stark acidic twist.

Meanwhile those of us hungrier for more of a cosmic head trip will find serious pots of gold at the end of the rainbow that is ‘Just One Day’. A twinkling, shimmering odyssey, tracks like these don’t come round all that often. Melodize realise total bliss once again. More

Melodize builds on a fine first release with a new one from Beartrax that comes with big remixes from Clarian and Lauer. Having worked with labels such as Lost Diaries and Motek and seeing numerous releases appear in the Beatport charts, American artist Beartrax is a man in form right now.

Ethereal is a slick melodic house cut with far sighted chords and rolling drums. It's about getting lost in the majesty of the musical colour and allowing the emotions to wash over you. Clarian then remixes after many years making a name for his synth heavy sounds thanks to releases on the likes of Kompakt and Anjunadeep and here comes correct once more. His offering is deep and melodic, with a slick cosmic lead over shuffling, icy beats taking you away.

Lauer then closes out with a more edgy remix that has big synth chords riding up and down the scale and plenty of retro feels to the beats. More

Melodize is a brand new label that kicks off with a mighty EP from Beartrax that includes a remix from US house legend John Tejada. Beartrax has already rebased on Motek Music, Lost Diaries and Deeper Love and makes a real impression here.

The US house legend and Kompakt regular that is John Tejada opens the EP with the moody and synth laden Clarity remix. It is a roller that takes you deep and has lush chords stretching to the heavens. Clarity in original form is a tender, piano laden tune with a vulnerable vibe and deep, resonating bass. Last up is Haunted Chalice, a track with a rasping lead synth that mesmerises as the warm drums roll on below.

This is a classy EP to kick off this exciting new label

feedback so far:
- Animal Trainer - "Haunted Chalice sounds awesome!"
- Huxley - "Like the remix."
- Nick Warren - "A fine mix from John and Haunted has great charm."
- Jamie Jones- "Sounds cool, will give proper feedback if played."
- Joyce Muniz- "John Tejada remix is sweet!“ More

Realize the Melodize: Beartrax's explorative new label returns for its first foray into 2021 with rising Spanish talent Univac.
Spotted by Beartrax through his release on David Vunk’s Moustache Records, he knew Univac’s cold but melodic style would be the perfect fit for the label. Both written on Univac’s Moog Rogue, these two crisp originals (amplified by incredible remixes from none other than Extrawelt and John Tejada) prove it…
‘Mandelbrot Set’ takes the lead with confidence. Upbeat, sinister and tense, it zooms right in on the details as sci-fi flurries glitch and spasm over the neck-snapping breaks. Extrawelt is a great choice for remixer as he loosens the belt and brings in layer upon layer of flabby bass that brings a whole new level of funk to Univac’s numerical complexities.
‘Polar’ is premium electro best served cold. Pneumatic beats, steam roller bass and cascades of acidic layers, it’s every bit as icy as its name suggests. Finally, Tejada throws a few bugs in our bassbins with his own jazzy, freeform take on ‘Polar’. Spacious, swinging and powered by breaks that sing from the good book of Photek, it’s the sweet glacier cherry on a deliciously More