THE PLAYGROUND is proud to present it's 10th release by JOHN TEJADA & ARIAN LEVISTE, two long standing & revered American figures who have been producing together for over 2 decades. TEJADA's signature sound mixed with LEVISTE's musical background makes them a strong team. They deliver a well rounded four track EP that spans from the minimal sounds of “EMPATHY FOR SENSORS” to the driving energy in “ROCK THE TRANSPORT”. Vinly-only and limited. More

John Tejada and Arian Leviste are back on Areal after their much celebrated release “Reactance“. These guys are working for 25 years together meeting up weekly in the studio to try new things. They say themselves that it is their longest and most special collaboration. They use mainly hardware with an old school mind set that comes more from the early 80s NYC hip hop culture than anything else. Early pioneers misusing gear and making the best of their limitations. Their newest release “Hysteresis“ comes along strongly functional for the club. More

It was a hot summer day, no clouds in the big blue sky, as I suddenly got up to return my friends basketball after not returning it for more then 10 years. I don't know why I did it, I don't know why I had to do it right now. As I walked down the street holding that ball I was flooded with memories. The party at Michael's house. Those crazy Technokids from upper Austria. The drinks, the drugs, the girls, the blurry parts... One memory was especially blurry, the one where I pick up that basketball. I was alone in my friends garage, the repetitive sound of filtered kickdrums coming from inside the house. I remember feeling like I am not really alone. Flashy lights. My memory seemed to be coming back more and more the closer I get now. The garage door was open. I got inside. I try to put the ball back in the cardboard box where I took it from as the garage door closes. Darkness. A voice whispers: "I smell your sound and I eat your colors" More

Palette 71 kicks off with legendary Warp artist Plaid on remix duties. Transforming the title track, re-synthesized 909 samp-les and lua scripted sequencing, Plaid builds melodies and ar-rangement to epic proportions in classic Plaid fashion. Tejada’s new EP is an homage of sorts to the sample heavy production style of the late '90s. "Limiting the options and just creating and manipulating a batch of samples is my happy place,” says Tejada. The title track hints back to a personal favorite, Optical’s "Moving 808s." While the sound is quite different, the approach is similar: samples, editing, some fil-ters and not a whole lot more opens up a lot of creative possi-bilities without too much getting in the way. Of course, the bass plays an important role. Combing through some older influences of varying styles, the production became more in line with Tejada classics like “Timebomb” and “Western Star-land,” both sample collage pieces focused on groove. The final track, "Infinity Room" also follows this production process while resulting in a slightly moodier sound. More

As Palette Recordings approaches its 23 year anniversary, John Tejada returns to the label he started in 1996 with a new 4-track EP entitled “Performance Review.” From the distinctive sound of the opening chords on the title track, it is clear we are in Tejada’s patented world of melody and harmony. Each track highlights Tejada’s artful approach to crafting grooves that blend deep origins with soulful new ground. His unmistakable sound drives the four songs throughout with a focus on layering samples, rhythm and sound design. More

in celebration of Palette Recordings 20 year anniversary, Palette releases a special re-issue of John Tejada’s timeless classic “Timebomb” and the “Timebomb VIP mix”. Both versions were originally released in 2001 and 2002 on Daniel Bell’s 7th City Records. With permission we now for the first time have them together on the same 12” release. Remastered by Stefan Betke at Scape Mastering they now sound better than ever.
Both versions became instant classics, have been played over the years by the world’s top DJs and have been licensed to numerous compilations. Timebomb original and VIP are 2 classic Tejada tunes that have stood the test of time More

"The End of It All," released in 2006 on Palette Recordings, is one of the most iconic John Tejada songs ever produced. It is instantly recognizable and has been played by top DJs of different genres the world over. Selling thousands of copies on vinyl, it hit #2 on the Beatport overall chart as well as garnering a lengthy stay on it's classics chart. It's been imitated, covered (unauthorized), and until now only one official version was ever released. There have been multiple unreleased versions over the past 9 years, including a version Tejada performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with a 100-piece male chorus (LAGMC) in the summer of 2010. Why after so many versions did he finally decide to release a new mix? Simply because this one just felt right and seemed to stick. The new 2015 mix originated as part of Tejada's 2015 live hardware set that he has been touring around the globe. This new mix stands on its own yet avoided receiving a brand new title since its strong emotive theme and connection to the original were undeniable. "Reactivation" and "Sheven" are two additional new works featured on the B side. Originating from his 2015 live set, the two tracks showcase Tejada's strong sense for the dance floor. "Reactivation" is a Casio CZ-101 and Roland TR-909 locking into a strong bass line driven groove that draws elements from Tejada's own influences. "Sheven," named for its use of a Roland SH-7, features a sickly sounding riff with punchy 909 drums. This new release of The End of It All will continue to ensure the track's legacy as one of John Tejada's most valued classics. More

PAL 065 opens with "Dramamine" and "Code Ext", a refined blend of haunting phrases and grooves that flow with vibrancy and challenge familiarity. Each track is uniquely its own yet thrives with a warm cohesiveness. "Cipher" and "Clairaudience" tie up the release with engaging rhythm-al-ism and well-crafted synth melodies. "Cipher" builds upon the emoted pulses of the preceding tracks and transitions hypnotically into "Clairaudience". The final track touches visions from a listener's deepest sleep and weaves those ideas into sounds and beats that breathe beyond the limitations of dreaming. More

Following the success of his recent Kompakt single "Somewhere," John Tejada returns to his own Palette Recordings imprint with "Anaphora." After a series of collaborative projects with fellow artists, Tejada distinguishes "Anaphora" as his first solo release on Palette since 2009 and presents a double headliner of his trademark musicality and driving rhythms, delivering a set of two eruptive grooves with a focus that has earned Tejada the respect of both listeners and peers alike. "Anaphora" continues where John's 2006 smash "The End Of It All" left off, showcasing Tejada's trademark use of hopeful melodies and emotive sequences. It highlights his undeniable quality of crafting arrangements that rise above monotony.Continuing where Tejada's "Mono On Mono" and "Eurotunnel" left off, "Bode's law" explores a darker, more driving side of the two songs. Furious analog synths and drums orbit each other in syncopation to create an engaging rhythm that is hypnotic and inspiring. More

Pulse Locker refers to the analog method of synching analog modular instruments and drum machines, a method of working John Tejada & Josh Humphrey have embraced to generate their trademark sounds and grooves. Preferring to work away from the computer as much as possible, John and Josh have adapted a more old school approach to their work, syncing analog gear together, not from a computer, but the way it was synced back in the day. The results are a tight, organic analog sound showcased particularly by the 2nd track "Bifur Gates." With a TR-808 as master clock, syncing the modular system, the sound takes you back to the mid 90s era of techno. Real 808 beats, punchy bass and an ever so shifting classic chord line will leave you lingering for the days of old. On the A side, "Pulse Locker" with its big and warm groove, gets things moving with a blend of house and techno. Rounding out the ep, "Unanimous Arc" showcases the mad acid sounds possible on the SH-101 while modular chords elevate the track to a manic pace. "Pulse Locker" marks the duos third collaboration on Palette Recordings. More

Tejada & Maxwell are back with their unique approach to collaboration using a hardware modular synth setup. More