3LP in gatefold sleeve + download code including the full mix. Created over the span of two years, Balance 032 marks a creative high point in the career of Madrid-based artist Henry Saiz, and this marks his third appearance for the hallowed compilation series.

TRACKLISTING


A1. Hal Incandenza - I Know What You Are
A2. Guillermo Medín & Henry Saiz - In Jeopardy
A3. Robert Feltman - About Gravity
A4. Karmon - Continuum
B1. Royksopp - This Time, This Place (Henry Saiz Downtempo Egodeath Version)
B2. Genius of Time - Sungswell (Henry Saiz's Cuban Acid Trip Remix)

C1. Milio - Dew
C2. Henry Saiz - Entre Dos Mundos
C3. Brassica - Celestial Suspension
D1. Marshall White & Henry Saiz - Stargazer
D2. Henry Saiz & Imalgi - Kickboxer
D3. Moonlight Wolves - All I Need (Third Son Remix)

E1. NVSBL - Purple Dawn
E2. Henry Saiz - Mindtrap
E3. Polygonia - Implosion of the Known (Henry Saiz Remix)
F1. Moonlight Wolves - Mantra (Henry Saiz Remix)
F2. Somfay & Henry Saiz - To Steal a Star From the Night
F3. H. Haze - La Fuerza



INFO

Created over the span of two years, Balance 032 marks a creative high point in the career of Madrid-based artist Henry Saiz, and this marks his third appearance for the hallowed compilation series. Spread over an expansive three discs, it has given him the space to curate a truly stunning odyssey of creative expression-one influenced by everything from AI to his recent ADHD diagnosis.

As ever, he has gone above and beyond to ensure that the mix is crammed full of exclusive, unreleased material-nearly 75% of the music included-both from himself and many of his favourite producers and collaborators, from unknowns through to household names like Röyksopp.

"Since I've done two Balance compilations already, I didn't want to repeat myself" he says. "My first, 'Balance 19', was very important for my career and I knew people would be comparing it with this new one, so I put a lot of effort into it to make it more attractive and to be able to gain more control in the final product sound-wise." - Henry Saiz

Created in Ableton, which he uses for his DJ sets due to its unlimited creative functionality and precision ("I get bored easily with CDJs"), the mix makes great use of many effects, layerings, and production techniques to enhance the beautiful sounds that lie within.

The first part takes a freestyle approach to find a sweet spot between home listening and club warm-up vibes, all woven together through a narrative about the connection between the past, the future, the reinterpretation of old concepts and AI.

"I used a lot of AI techniques to add creativity to the songs, from cloning vocals to generate atmospheres, to creating grooves using text-to-music always like a tool in order to add to, and not to replace human creativity. Ideally, we will work with AI as a co-pilot also in the studio to make boring technical process faster and focus more on what really matters: ideas to bring our human experience into the music form." - Henry Saiz

Packed with symbols and messages, its changing tempos span the creepy vaporwave intro of Hal Incandenza's 'I Know What You Are' - setting the tone perfectly with an AI voice telling a human "I know what you are, I know where you come from" - through to chugging electronica, dubby grooves, Indian rhythm, Balearic spoken word, sparkly breakbeats and teases of the clubbier sounds that await in the next disc. The euphoric climax of Saiz's rework of Swedish duo Genius of Time's recent release 'Sunswell' is the perfect bridge into Disc 2, a whirling firework of pretty melody and spine-tingling arpeggiation. The breadth and surprises of this first disc would have made it a standout piece of work on its own, but of course that's never enough for Saiz...

The second part leans towards the sounds of Henry Saiz in club mode, beginning with the warm blanket of sumptuous Milio's 'Dew', building gradually and flitting between the deep and the soaring. From lush progressive house to the heavenly breaks of Brassica's epic 'Celestial Suspension' through some truly staggering new psychedelically tinged material from Saiz, it's a mix packed with magical melody. The disc crescendos with the scintillating riffs of Henry Saiz & Imalgi's 'Kickboxer', where synths are made to weep digital tears, and the stunning liquid breaks and heartfelt vocals of Moonlight Wolves 'All I Need (Third Son Remix)'. As ever, all is not what it seems in his sets, with heavy editing making these truly unique versions.

"People try to Shazam my sets and usually don't get the ID because of all the heavy editing I do while I play. Lately I learned this hyperactivity and need for challenging projects that motivates me comes from my ADHD. So, I guess the DNA of my sets would be coherent eclecticism but also a melodic journey that changes and evolves straight to a climax." - Henry Saiz

The final chapter of this sprawling compilation explores the increasing tempos of the current era, expanding Saiz's DNA into new territory while maintaining all the classy elements of his sound.

"The current vogue for faster tempos may be due to the constant stimulation we get from technology and how we process information nowadays. My DJ style has become faster because the world is going faster. My DJ sets are now moving through 110 to 140 bpm territories. I didn't enjoy much music with faster BPMs a few years ago because it felt very overwhelming and had too many elements, but now people are producing music that works great at faster speeds because they have less elements and a groove that works that way. As long as the track takes you somewhere and makes you feel something through melody, that's what counts for me." - Henry Saiz

A deep and spacey feel early on with plenty of dubby touches gives way to meatier sounds, psychedelic tones woven into the heavier rhythms as the tempos gradually creep upwards and elements of trance abound through a flurry of Saiz exclusives. A grandstand finish is guaranteed by way of his incredible chugging-based rework of Moonlight Wolves' 'Mantra', the light dreamy beauty of Henry Saiz & Somfay's 'To Steal a Star from The Night' and the intense synth overload of H. Haze's 'La Fuerza'. A perfect end to a truly remarkable body of work. More

2LP + download code to the full mix of Balance 030 mixed by Max Cooper. This double vinyl package contains a handpicked selection of Cooper’s favourite tracks from the Balance 030 compilation.
TRACKLISTING

A1 Bing and Ruth - The How of it Sped
A2 Nils Frahm - For (Max Cooper Remix)
B1 Max Cooper - Music of the Tides
B2 Rob Clouth - Shedding Layers

C1 Max Cooper - Resynthesis
C2 Com Truise / Kimyan Law - Ternary / Luba
C3 Max Cooper - Balance (Perc Tool)
D1 Rob Clouth - Transition (Ben Lukas Boysen Remix)
D2 Alix Perez - Blips
D3 Atoms For Peace / Vaetxh - Default / Unfolding Mechanism
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Influenced by the music of Basic Channel and Detroit Techno's generation of Italian-influence Electronic musicians , Roberto Bosco has been able to successfully launch his career in only five years. With releases on many international labels, such as Night Vision, Be As One Imprint, Applied Rhythmic Technology (ART) and the Wave Music, a platform created and managed by house music pioneer Francois K. Now, Boscocomes to Balance with an exclusive project, "Introspective", engaging with more tech-house inspired sounds than any of his previous releases. The first song from this project is "When the Rain Comes Down", a collaboration with Jenifa Mayanja that offers a smooth deep tech production with spoken vocals and a hook of eternal qualities. Also included in this project is a remix by up and coming young Italian producer Peter JD, who brings more of a club-ready vocal to the table. Side B is deeper, mind-tingling techno, consisting of two tracks called Untitled. These offering are only available on this vinyl release and will not be included on the album, nor will these tracks be available digitally. The first is an appropriately introspective affair, offering hypnotic tribal drums that burn slowly amongst haunting synths chords. A real slow burner, it undulates slowly and subtley whilst unfurling delicate and complex percussion. Never quite committing itself to the club, Untitled (1) finds its only forceful moments in robotic string stabs that recall Drexciya's early work, alongside an overarching aesthetic of being in the water. Untitled (2) is appropriately analogue in its sound for this vinyl only release, shrouded in tape hiss and driven by cascading percussion. Dull and sharp drums bounce off each other against an orchestral melody that brings to mind the work of Kyle Hall. But Boscohas an exceptional ability to handle simple elements lovingly, and pushes the tone of Untitled (2) towards the euphoria of 5am sunrises over stark industrial settings. Simply put, there is much to be indulged in here, with a rhythmic complexity well suited to repeat listening.
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Non Exclusive.

Tracks :
A1:BLACK FOREST EP
B1-MEGANOID
B2-ILLOGICAL

Notes from the artist :

The album "Black Forest" is a captivating sensory experience that embraces the listener's soul and transports them into a world of contrasting emotions. Its fusion of intricate and hypnotic sounds offers a journey through evocative and haunting soundscapes.
The tracks of "Black Forest" unfold like intricate paths winding through the mysterious and magnetic atmosphere of the black forest, with rich and engaging harmonies opening up like spaces of light among the trees, offering moments of reflection and contemplation.
With its combination of pulsating rhythms and evocative melodies, this album offers a unique experience that enchants and fascinates the listener, transporting them on an unforgettable journey through the darkness and beauty of the human mind.


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Los Angeles wordsmith Pawz One teams up with German producer DJ Dister on the collaborative album "Watch & Learn" via Below System Records. "Watch & Learn" captures scenarios of street life, hustling and paranoia all painted over well-crafted production. Pawz One has come off a string of recent releases that have sharpened his song writing ability while Dister has produced various projects expanding his diverse sound. For Pawz One "Watch & Learn" has given him a chance to speak on topics that were close to heart having lost friends and family to the streets and prison as well as serving time himself. DJ Dister showcases a wide range of production that combines a classic sound with progressive elements. The first single "World Champion" moves listeners with the energetic track fused with a dash of reggae and Pawz's combination of punchlines and wordplay. On the follow up single "Out Here", Pawz One and Guilty Simpson lay out the often ignored rules of the streets over a sinister soundtrack. "No Contest" is the last single pitting Akrobatik and Pawz One against all challengers. Next to Guilty Simpson and Akrobatik, other guest appearances by Napoleon Da Legend and Space Honey. "Watch & Learn" provides a blend of vivid storytelling and melodic beats giving audiences of Hip-Hop something to add to of their collections. More

PHANTOM OF THE AFTERS is the 3rd album from Irish rapper Kojaque, out on his very own Soft Boy Records. With landmark projects Deli Daydreams and Town’s Dead, that saw him 2x nominated for Choice Music Prize, receive support from Radio 1, 1xtra, 6Music, support Loyle Carner & Lana Del Rey and headline festivals across Ireland, Kojaque changed the rap landscape (and Irish culture) for good. Collaborations on his latest project include Biig Piig, Wiki, Charlotte Dos Santos and Gotts Street Park. The album traces blurred outlines of childhood trauma, depression, grief and love, interweaving the physical and emotional journey of central character Jackie Dandelion with bigger questions about immigrant identity, homesickness, cultural stereotypes and ultimately the reconciliation of self. Kojaque has created a cinematic-universe that is bigger in scope but also more tender and intimate in approach than ever before. It’s this willingness to be vulnerable - grotesque, even - that’s captured in the album’s iconic artwork, which subverts the bigoted depictions of Irish caricatures in 19th and 20th century Punch Magazine cartoons and sees this particular Phantom of the Opera remove not just those distorted masks, but also his own.

With songs that are cocksure and contemplative, brutally honest but also refreshingly myth-making, PHANTOM OF THE AFTERS marks a new era from Kojaque: one of his generation’s most unique talents. In suitably audio-visual style, the album traces blurred outlines of childhood trauma, depression, grief and love. It interweaves the journey of central character Jackie Dandelion from Dublin to London with bigger questions about immigrant identity, homesickness, cultural stereotypes and ultimately the reconciliation of self. It’s this willingness to be vulnerable - grotesque, even - that’s captured in the iconic artwork, which subverts the bigoted depictions of Irish caricatures in 19th and 20th century Punch Magazine cartoons and sees this particular Phantom of the Opera remove not just those distorted masks, but also his own.

The record drops alongside one of its more brooding moments, ‘WHAT IF?’: a soulful ode to anxiety, and the crippling impact of fear in moving forward in life or your relationships. “I’ve been obsessed with Charlotte Dos Santos ever since I heard her project Cleo,” Kojaque comments. “She’s just got such a distinct voice and sound. I sent the track over hoping she’d be into it and she sent me back a near perfect hook.” A fully independent artist, Kojaque has brought a stellar lineup of guests together on his latest work: from Biig Piig, Charlotte Dos Santos and NY rapper Wiki (who featured on ‘JOHNNY MCENROE’) to Gotts Street Park (‘BAMBI’) plus production credits such as Calvin Valentine (Ryan Beaty), Tony Seltzer (Eartheater, Freddie Gibbs) and Karma Kid (Hak Baker, Shygirl).

PHANTOM OF THE AFTERS will see Kojaque continue to blaze a trail around the world. He first came to prominence with the genre-bending concept record Deli Daydreams: it became the first mixtape to ever be nominated for the Choice Music Prize, and demonstrated his prowess not only as a polymathic artist, but DIY label-head (co-founding Soft Boy Records, which was subject to a Boiler Room documentary) and visual artist (Kojaque has received a prestigious Royal Hibernian Academy Award for his film-making). Even as the rest of the world sat up and paid Irish Art some long-overdue attention, Kojaque’s creative output has remained thrillingly uncompromising. Tour-de-force debut album Town’s Dead examined everything from gentrification, masculinity and mental health to a gnarly love-triangle unfolding on New Year’s Eve, held together by a multi-hyphenate attitude. Once again nominated for the Choice Prize, Kojaque played a sold-out UK & European headline tour around the restrictive local lockdowns, with the album landing additional support across the likes of Radio 1, 1xtra, 6Music, plus shows with Lana Del Rey and Loyle Carner (who also sampled Kojaque on hugo). With his landmark projects to date, Kojaque changed the rap landscape (and Irish culture) for good. On PHANTOM OF THE AFTERS, you sense he’s just getting started.

Praise for debut album, Town’s Dead
“A brilliant, personal, urgent record that confirms Kojaque as one of the leaders in the current wave of great musicians emerging from Ireland” - NME ****
“Sharp, poetic...few albums this year can be as potent as this - Loud & Quiet, 9/10
“Dripping with humour, personality and cinematic storytelling, Town's Dead is all you could ever want in a debut" - DIY ****
“The raw reality of sex, violence and depression” - The Face
“A dizzying debut…so many ideas, influences, moods, mates, silly scenarios and gritty social politics that you’ll need a lie down” - Sunday Times Culture
“Channels Kanye and Kendrick…Kojaque’s time is now” The Observer

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Gremlinz & Jesta present their long-awaited debut album on Metalheadz.

Although the music itself spans only the last few years, it would be sufficient to say that this album is the culmination of almost 2 decades of work. So much history in one project, this is without doubt Gremlinz & Jesta's biggest and finest triumph.

First meeting as teenagers in the multicultural streets of Toronto, the duo were both already well exposed to the world of raving and jungle music in particular. It wasn't until years later however, following Jesta's slight hiatus, that they would hook back up and form what would eventually become an alias at the very heart of Metalheadz.

Their first appearance on the label as Gremlinz & Jesta wouldn't come until 2018 but it wasn't long before talk of an album gathered pace. Prior to then they had been meeting at a staple Chinese restaurant, Lee Garden, in downtown Toronto where they would discuss not only music and writing

ideas but also life. The spot became a permanent fixture in their calendar and following its closure in 2017, the pair affectionately became known as 'The Lee Garden Historical Preservation Society' as a way to keep those special days alive. It's from that fondly remembered and much missed period in their lives that the album justly takes its name.

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Malmö’s Mod Sens arrives on Programm LDN with an electric intersection of soundsystem styles and taut techno and electro. Pushing inventive, bassweight dance music through his Melt club night in the city he calls home, the wildly talented Swedish producer brings an international outlook to his subtly crafted workouts.

“These four tracks were all made at a time in Malmö when electro was completely dominating the underground scene,” says Mod Sens. “That had a strong influence on the creation of these tracks, but I was definitely more urgent to create my take on ‘UK’ Sounds.”

The sound on Misperceptions EP is introspective by design, cast in melancholic pads which balance the rugged impact of the crafty drums and upfront low-end. Mod Sens himself describes exploring the tension between wanting to run and feeling ‘stuck’, and that yearning sensation culminates in four elevated cuts that uphold Programm’s commitment to advancements in club music.

Visual director Blackwall and graphic designer Alfie Allen responded to the tangible mood of the EP, resulting in an accompanying visualiser and sleeve design which round out the emotion Mod Sens was reaching for while working on the music. As a complete package, it’s an audio-visual statement which leaves a lingering impression, as any art worth making More

Tracklisting
A1 Intuition - Arcana 17
A2 Intuition - Soulstealer
B1 Aeryeen - 6AM Transmission
B2 Aeryeen - Earendel
B3 Aeryeen - Alchemy (Emerald Mix)

Sales Note
Next up is Intuition, a contemporary techno/trance duo from the coast of Catalonia, Spain. This hard-hitting release features the iconic Arcana 17, a pure hard trance anthem that debuted at KI/KI's Amsterdam Boiler Room back in2022, as well as Soulstealer, their take on a rolling, hypnotizing monster.
Aeryeen (1/2 of the duo) is in charge of the B-side, taking a more emotional approach with dreamlike pads and ever-evolving arpeggios backed by psychedelic atmospheres.
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Repress!

Francois Kevorkian is a name that should need no introduction. With over 40 years in the game FK has occupied numerous roles in his long and storied career - drummer, DJ, A&R man, remixer and producer - his skills know no boundaries. Having DJ-ed during the nascent days of club culture in NYC alongside Walter Gibbons, Larry Levan and more, Kevorkian has been there from day one. Years spent in the seminal clubs of the day sharpened his ears and his prowess behind the mixing desk saw him become the A&R man at the legendary Prelude records in the early 80's, this in turn led to him working with everyone from The Eurythmics, Depeche Mode, Erasure, D-Train, Yazoo, The Smiths, Kraftwerk and many many more. A true NYC original and legend, Kevorkian is still active today and the respect he commands amongst his peers has never waned, his adventurous extended DJ sets, seminal mixes and remixes and his open ears and open mind have ensured that he will go down in history as a musical pioneer.

Rewind to 1995. Kevorkian's 'Wave Music' imprint has come into existence with a handful of releases. No-one could imagine that his self-produced 'FK EP' - the next release on the label - would be a stone cold classic. Easily one of the most consistent, exciting and solid EP's to come out of NYC during this golden era of dance music. Across 4 tracks we are taken on a sound journey through a world that is undoubtedly informed by FK's time as an engineer, DJ and most importantly, a music lover.

EP opener 'Hypnodelic' brings us into this world, a deep, driving cut that fuses the dubbed out vocals of Freddie Turner against FK's keyboards and immaculate drum programming, oozing cosmic electronic soul, this track was destined to be a future classic. 'Mindspeak' also boasts some tough drums and with a respectful nod to Chicago is an incredibly mixed and arranged peak-time cut that will drive your dancefloor into deep space again and again. 'Edge Of Time' welcomes us to the flipside of the EP, wild Latin percussions, tablas and old school horn stabs drive this monstrous cut, not to mention cavernous dub FX and that huge bassline that just doesn't let up. Essential. 'Moov' rounds things out on a more subdued, stripped back vibe. Reversed percussions and spaced-out synth chords lace this beautifully understated and warm track, one that builds into a crescendo of melodies and hypnotic rhythms and the perfect way to close what has been a truly special musical journey.

This essential reissue of the 'FK EP' has been fully licensed, sanctioned and remastered in conjunction with FK from the original master sources by Optimum Mastering, Bristol UK, repressed onto high quality vinyl and packaged as the 1995 release was. A truly classic record indeed, available again for 2018. Welcome back Wave Music! More