Special remarks: 3x12” / 4 VINYL ONLY TRACKS // 180G VINYL // CELLOPHANE WRAPPED

Tracklist:

A1 They All Say
A2 Video
B1 Frankfurt
B2 Routine Check
C1 Batiscaf (vinyl only)
C2 Storm Rider (vinyl only)
D1 Far Gone (vinyl only)
D2 Where You Are (vinyl only)
E1 Puzzle Box
E2 Kinetic
F1 By My Side
F2 Skye



Mihai Popoviciu, one of the most esteemed names in the deep house and minimal scene, is set to unveil his anticipated new album, ‘Puzzle Box’, on Bondage Music. As one of the label’s core artists, Popoviciu returns for his second full-length album release on the imprint following his successful 2016 album, ‘Home’ - available on vinyl from 15th November 2024.

With a career spanning over a decade and with releases on numerous influential labels such as 8Bit to Berg Audio, Popoviciu has firmly established himself as a go-to within the minimal-leaning realms of house music. Known for intricate soundscapes and deep, hypnotic grooves, his work continues to captivate audiences globally. On ‘Puzzle Box’, he delves deeper into his signature stripped-back yet soulful aesthetic, offering a diverse collection of tracks that traverse through various sonic textures.

“With Puzzle Box, each track unlocks something deeper with every listen” - Mihai Popoviciu.

Consisting of thirteen tracks in total, ‘Puzzle Box’ showcases the Romanian’s sound to its fullest. On the vinyl edition, fans are treated to standout tracks like ‘Batiscaf’, ‘Storm Rider’, and ‘Far Gone’ — vinyl-only gems that capture Popoviciu’s talent for layering subtle, dubby tones with groovy rhythms. The opening track, ‘They All Say’, sets the mood with smooth, atmospheric beats with a skippy groove, followed by the dynamic “Video” and the driving, pulsating energy of “Frankfurt.”

Popoviciu’s skill in crafting versatile productions is showcased throughout the album, with each track offering something unique.
From the sleek, melodic strains of ‘Puzzle Box’ to the hypnotic, rolling basslines of ‘Kinetic’, this LP is a journey into his meticulously constructed sound. The digital version also features the bonus track ‘Body Count 2’, offering a final, rhythmic flourish to round off the release.
‘Puzzle Box’ further cements Mihai Popoviciu’s role as a mainstay on Bondage Music, a label which continues to champion forward-thinking, minimal-leaning house music. With this latest LP, Popoviciu once again proves why he remains a favourite, building on his storied career with another masterclass in refined, deep electronic music.

















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Special remarks: 2 VINYL ONLY TRACKS // 180G VINYL // VINYL // PRINTED KRAFTPACK SLEEVE


Tracklist 12":

A1 Jewel
A2 This
B1 Echo Audio (Vinyl Only)
B2 Only (Vinyl Only)


Mihai Popoviciu returns to the label with an incredible new EP. Legendary Romanian producer Mihal Popoviciu broke into the scene way back in 2001, over 20 years later his back catalogue, including releases for Pokerflat, Berg Audio and Hedzup Records, showcases just why he’s considered one of eastern Europe’s most innovative artists. Given his gifted talents in the studio, it wasn’t long before he was travelling across the globe DJing at clubs and festivals as far flung as Thailand, Canada and everywhere inbetween.














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Special remarks: 2 VINYL ONLY TRACKS // 180G VINYL // LIMITED 400 COPIES // COLORED VINYL // PRINTED KRAFTPACK SLEEVE

Tracklist 12":

A1 Jewel
A2 This
B1 Echo Audio (Vinyl Only)
B2 Only (Vinyl Only)

Release Info:
Having released on Pokerflat, Berg Audio and Hedzup Records, label regular
Mihai Popoviciu makes a return to Bondage-Music, he delivers four new
original tracks to drops his next EP “Echo Audio” on Bondage-Music.
The vinyl comes as 180g limited green coloured vinyl.













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Special remarks: COLOURED VINYLS // 2 VINYL ONLY TRACKS // CELLOPHANE WRAPPED

Release Info:
Mihai Popoviciu: "The album’s called "home" because it is inspired by my experiences from my home city Sibiu in Romania. Home is also the place where the album was produced, in my stripped down studio. It is where I always return to rest and chill after touring the world and the place where I feel most safe and comfortable. The artwork shows an image of the airport lane in Sibiu with surrounding hills and mountains in the back. It is a metaphoric "gate" to both leave and return home."

Across the project Mihai delivers his signature dance floor focused, stripped back style with ‘ACK’, showcasing the hypnotic and percussive style Popoviciu executes so well. The project also drifts into smooth dubby realms via compositions like ‘Cannon Poets’ and ‘Sunshine’ while the likes of ‘Music 999’ radiantly display Mihai’s proficient production abilities as he wanders into a brighter more house centric sound.

All in all Mihai Popoviciu turns in a coherent long player whilst exploring a broad range of styles, ‘Focus and ‘Havana’ lay down a groove-led feel with subtle modulations and an unfaltering structure, while ‘Data On Data’ and ‘Hypnosia’ tip the focus over to dark and brooding territories with murky synth pads and chuggy low end tones. Once again Popoviciu has proven himself to be one of Romania’s finest electronic music exports.

Tracklist:
A1 Focus
A2 ACK
B1 Music 999
B2 Cannon Poets


C1 Hypnosia
C2 Sunshine
D1 Havana (Vinyl Only)
D2 Data On Data (Vinyl Only)










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Special remarks: LIMITED 2022 REPRESS // 2 VINYL ONLY TRACKS // 180G VINYL // PRINTED SLEEVE

Tracklist 12":

A1 Azul
A2 Tristesse
B1 Forces (Vinyl Only)
B2 Nipon (Vinyl Only)

LIMITED 2022 REPRESS

Mihai Popoviciu returns to Bondage Music with his Azul EP.

Kicking things off with the title track “Azul“, we start moody and deep, with a hypnotic
‘heads-down’ late night vibe from the off. A constant pad adds to the depth while tinkly tones hint at burst of warmth.
“Tristesse“ is a wondrous deep and warm slab of goodness. Deep yet oozing of sunshine with its bouncy vibe throughout.
“Forces“ is a sophisticated groover, with its swagger from the off setting the tone, interspersed with cool little blips and fx adding texture and bringing this timeless cut to the forefront.
“Nipon“ is one of those tracks that sets the tone. A skippy and energetic feel, yet with a restrained soundscape gentle caressing its workout. Bubbling and flavourful, and we like it!"



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Tracklist 12":
A1. I Should
A2. Twisted
B1. Fiction
B2. Interconnected
Info:
Mihai Popoviciu has carved out a reputation for being one of the most innovative producers of electronic music active in Europe today. The man from Romania has established himself both as a highly respected producer - releasing on labels such as Highgrade, International Gigolo and Dessous - and as a killer DJ performing all over the world. 'Fiction' is his 4th release on Poker Flat Recordings, and delivers four distinct flavours to sink your teeth into.
'I Should' is a slinky groover, with a slippery, evolving bassline, tight, funky percussion and a sultry female vocal. Working just as effectively early in a set as a peak time moment, it's bound to get rinsed in the coming months.
'Twisted' is a little harder - a straighter beat signals a more heads down approach, and the bassline is sure to trigger some dancefloor scenes wherever it gets played.
Next up is title track 'Fiction' which perhaps makes a reference to Mihai's background, with fragments of Eastern European melodies woven into the beautiful synth work, all tied together over a spacey yet driving rhythm track.
Last but by no means least is 'Interconnected' - a straight up deep bomb with echoes of classic Chicago deep and acidic house in its warm and sensual vibe.
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Tracklist 12":
A. The Swindle
B1. Rotate
B2. Feed Me
Info:
A decade on from his debut release, one of Romania's finest cultural exports returns to his favourite stomping ground with a transmission that showcases variety, technical skill and an intimate understanding of the dynamics of the floor. The stripped-down, moody menace of 'The Swindle' kicks things off, dancing semi-quavers panning left and right, a mysterious male voice incanting. A bass synth motif carries the tune to a climax before its buoyant, trancey conclusion. At all times, elements unfold organically, carrying the listener away. 'Rotate' casts a busier, jacking vibe, its analogue synth cycles pinging against each other. Glimmering layers of sound create an endlessly immersive, deadly deep groove. 'Feed Me' is slower, slinkier and rougher in equal measure. The sustained synths create a gliding sensation, the male vocal first mellifluous and sung then husky and spoken.
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Barcode 4250382426981 Rel date 28 April 2014
Tracklisting A. Time B1. Stay B2. Paper Box
More exquisite heat from one of the most consistent producers out there. Mihai Popoviciu has been racking up an enviable discography in the past few years, as releases on Highgrade, Hudd Trax, Bondage Music and Popcorn Records testify.
This, his latest outing on home-from-home Poker Flat, suggests we may yet have the best to come. 'Time' is a low-slung slice of electronic funk, featuring a dirty bass line and lazy, growling synth skirmishes. The feeling is tech-y, underground and analog - a perfect vibe for the Romanian’s killer grooves. 'Stay' drops a gear and cruises into even deeper territory. The melodies entwine to build a lush deep house groove, punctuated by a wonky lead and punchy, insistent drums. Popoviciu manages to hold plenty back, before unleashing a fierce drop.
'Paper Box' maintains the stripped-down sound design, leaving plenty of space of Popoviciu’s signature synth squiggles, stabs and fragments of melody. The result is a slick, grooving piece of futurist dance music.
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EAN 4250382416944 Rel date 25.3.2013
Tracklisting: A1 Call Me A2 Here B1 Curbat B2 Low
Straight out of Romania, Mihai Popoviciu has established him self as a producer and DJ of high repute in the past few years. His releases on labels such as Highgrade, Fear of Flying and Hudd Traxx have raised the bar pretty high when it comes to his own distinctive take of the tech-house sound du jour, but it’s this latest outing on Poker Flat Recordings where sparks really start to fly. The four tracks on the Here EP share a similar aesthetic and sound design, yet each is as essential as the other. 'Call Me' rides a dark and low slung groove, eventually unleashing a soulful, neo-prince vocal refrain amid the spacey, atmospheric synths. Title track 'Here' follows a similar dynamic, but with a more straight up focus – a fat, rolling house bomb for the floor. 'Low' takes things a notch deeper, and a shade darker, showcasing Mihai’s passion for Detroit and the techier end of the spectrum. 'Curbat' rounds off the release, maintaining a course for the funky sound Mihai is fast becoming a leading proponent of. More

Born in Romania in 1981, Mihai Popoviciu is one of the most talked about newcomers in the House and Techno scene. But to call him a ‘newcomer’ is a misnomer. Mihai has been releasing quality music for years, on labels such as Gigolo, Level Non Zero, Brise, Diynamic and, of course, Highgrade. Since 2007 he has sworn allegiance to the Highgrade flag, either alone or with production partner Markus Homm. He always has the ability to surprise with his music; tracks produced straight to the point with no unnecessary fluff – just the uninhibited thrill and euphoria of dancing seems to empower his work. After a busy summer season playing in the clubs of Europe, he is now back to work in the studio. And so comes “Trapped in Brakets” with three brilliant club tracks of outstanding quality, custom made for the dance floor. If you don’t believe us you’ll have to hear them for yourself… Turn up the volume and close your eyes! For those who still want more, Mihai Popoviciu will be releasing his debut album in May 2011 on Highgrade Records. Time to get excited and warm up the legs for maximum dance floor effect! More

UPC: 827170396081 Release-date: 15.09.14
Tracklist: A1. Panta Rhei B1. No Intrusions B2. Quench
Highgrade Records is coming back to record stores around the world with a strictly limited vinyl edition record from the Londoner Ben Hoo and his Japanese compatriot Iori Wakasa. Ben, well known for his remixes for Fever Ray, Moby, M.A.N.D.Y, Booka Shade and Tiga, has been working together with Iori for two years and will continue the collaboration in future. They have never met in person but they sound like they are old friends and partners who'v been working together in the same studio since forever. Through the wonders of the internet they are making their ideas and compositions a reality.

The most impressive thing about these three tracks are their timelessness. They are not looking out for any short lived digital trend or a chart position because of any cheap sensationalism. "Panta Rhei" for example is a real addition to every record case because of its funky deepness. The track will generate incredible energy even if you play it for the third time. With "No Instrusions", which is dedicated more to the house genre, the chords are playing ping-pong with the deep groove. "Quench" tops off the EP which you could buy sight unseen and still love it, even after many many years.

Earlybird feedbacks:
The Cheapers: i´ll play quench! thanks! Mihai Popoviciu: play and support! no intrusions is great! Taster Peter: super music as usual!! Animal Trainer: Panta Rhei is great! Ray Okpara: full support…! no intrusions is my fav!! thx RR Stacey Pullen: cool will try thanks Todd Bodine: Big one. Love it! Frank Eckert: wakasa has been a secret hero of deep with me already, good to see him on prolific highgrade!! Radio - Ibiza Sonica: wooohooo!!! Full support to my friend Ben Hoo. Awesome tracks. Many thanks. Full support for sure. Radio - NOICE! (Harry Ruffner): love Panta rhei Radio - Diversions, CHRY.FM Toronto: like the dense grooves and deep flow ! Radio - Altroverso (DJ Misk): playlist in altroverso radio Radio - Calin aka Catastrophic [Tunnel FM - Sweden]: Solid package, thank you. Magazine - Posivision: Dope! Magazine - Tsugi Mag: quench for me
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01. Simple Pleasure 02. Strange Day 03. Need U 04. Mosquito Coast 05. Give Thanks 06. Worn Planet 07. Permanent Love 08. Intensity Dub 09. Log Out 10. Voronoi Diagram 11. Fluid Escape
Already the record’s cover shows the way: Tangled lines result in an image of a dog’s head, with its mischievously contrary look: Perhaps the hallmark of Dachshund, who advertises on his Facebook page that this is, “music for dogs” - an artist who is obviously not taking himself too seriously. But he has every reason to. The Swiss native jets around the world as a DJ, is an extremely resourceful producer with an unwavering sense of rhythm and beats and has also now established his own label, “Clapper”. None of this seems to be enough for Dachshund. With “Eleven Ridims” he presents his debut album on the Berlin label “Highgrade”. Let us state clearly: The record is a victory for those who are tired of the sterile monotony that populates so much of the music to be found in the current scene. In each of the eleven tracks you can hear the heart and soul of a thoroughbred musician. Although “Eleven Ridims” is incredibly varied, from the melodic and quiet, to the pounding dancefloor killers and back, the album works as a unified whole. Perhaps this is a result of it’s method of creation. “It felt completely natural to make this album,” Dachshund says himself. In the beginning the beats and melodies were established in his head, and from there they almost seemed to evolve into tracks by themselves. For Dachshund, “Eleven Ridims” is a unique opportunity to show another side of himself: From the path of pure dancefloor tracks through to more melodic pieces. At the same time, the album is a tribute to his musical roots. As the title suggests: “Ridims” is a Jamaican slang term for an instrumental track. And very clearly from the sunny islands come many of Dachshunds musical influences: It was the Jamaican dub of the 70s to the 90s, which as a teenager inspired the budding musician and led him, as a 15 year old, to play guitar in a reggae band. From that point on, the music has never let him go: At the Konservatorium in Geneva, he took courses in electro-acoustics and learned pretty much everything there was to know about producing music. Gradually, his interest developed more towards Electronic Dub - he began to organize drum and bass parties and mixed records, and eventually ended up where he is today. The Reggae and Dub influence of his past is still clearly evident here. As with the track “Intensity Dub”, in which he brings the rough riding and natural sound of the past back to life. Analogue techniques result in distorted sounds, which radiate a unique energy. “I like it because it reminds me of my beginnings”, Dachshund says. The track is very different from the standard Dub Techno – a stroke of luck for Dachshund and typical of his method of making, music: “When I compose, I don’t like rules, but try to be spontaneous and open,” he says. For Dachshund, “Eleven Ridims” is a new step in his career. A step however, in which he feels no pressure. “It was great that I had the freedom with Highgrade to do what I wanted,” he says. He isn’t nervous, but simply excited about the upcoming reactions. And the reactions for “Eleven Ridims” can only be those of excitement and delight. More

As a DJ, Philip Bader is in demand around the globe, enrapturing crowds in Berlin and far away places like Tel Aviv and Rome. As a producer his release catalogue reads like a who’s who of the elctronic music scene, and his own label is also not to be taken lightly. Without question, this native Berliner is one of the most active and pioneering minds in the world of Techno. Now, Bader has recorded his first studio album for Berlin record label, Highgrade Records.
The title of the album, “Wishful Thinking“, already expresses one of Bader’s central desires: “I’ve tried to combine many styles, and also to bring in emotional elements to electronic music“. With this album he aims to leave behing any apparent restrictive boundaries and to simply let go creatively... wishful thinking? Not at all. “Wishful Thinking“ plays with conventional stylistic expectations, mixing what at first seem to be incompatible genres into a diverse and exciting album.
The excitetment within “Wishful Thinking“ is generated not least through the range of new and unexpected collaborations present on the album. So is the voice of jazz singer Anna Luca, herself with a new album “Listen and Wait“, soon to be released in spring, employed by Bader, where her soulful voice shines through on the the track “Shine On Us“. For the tracks “Sunshine“ and “Wishful Thinking“, we are treated to a voice never before professionally recorded: “I had this insanely good piano loop and my best friend’s girlfriend sang over it and I immediately had goose bumbs!“ recalls Bader. For him it was a stroke of luck - as it was with many of the collaborating artists. “I think it’s great because the others bring something of themselves, and something entirely new is created“.
“Wishful Thinking“ offers something completely new in every way. The album cannot be put into any one catagory, switching skillfully between electronic sounds, jazzy tones, and house rhythms, while other musical influences make themselves evident in the background. Nevertheless, the album exists as a harmonious whole that loses none of it’s power or originality through it’s creative diversity. From here, Bader’s audience will surely be curious about the content of his planned global tour.
For Philip Bader, “Wishful Thinking“ is the fullfillment of a dream that has taken a year to complete. “The longer you make music the more you want to get away from the standard 8 -15 tracks with the same contruction,“ This album therefore, is the right meduim at the right time. The album was produced without any pressure, and as such Bader was able to let his creativity run free, something also that Highgrade Records has given him the freedom to achieve. “So I could make music that not everyone would have expected from me.“ Says Philip Bader himself. The result: Anything except Wishful Thinking.
Tracklisting:
01. Whisper
02. Surfing Sabine
03. Good For Nothing (Album Edit)
04. Wishful Thinking feat. Ja Hier
05. When The Drunken Clown Comes Around
06. Miles High
07. American Boy
08. Shine On Us feat. Anna.Luca
09. Soul Food
10. Move On Me feat. Spoony Talker
11. Deep End
12. Sunshine feat. Ja Hier More

Label like Soma Records, Universal, Get Physical and also Highgrade, all contribute to the impressive credentials of the Spaniard, Prompt’s breathtaking Live sets and releases. But Prompt, himself the founder of his own label “7Noise“, is never one to rest on his laurels: Instead he continues to push boundaries with his new Live project: the “Prompt Live Band”, a fusion of electronic sound production and Jazz. This is not the first such step for the clasically trained musician, with his “Onuba Project” he has already mixed the flamenco sound of home country with electronic music.
The three tracks to be released on Highgrade Records, created in collaboration with the “Chop Suey Quartet”, bring to life what would appear to be almost impossible: A real connection between the highly concentrated nature of electronic rhythms and the loose and improvised sounds of Jazz instrumentation. The result is a very special kind of studio Jam Session: Victor Tarín on Piano, David Blanco on Bass, Daniel Del Val on the Drums - and Prompt on a computer! With so much pasion for musical innovation on show, it’s no wonder that Highgrade co-boss Todd Bodine wanted to get his fingers into the pie and deliver his own remix for the EP. More

For more than 10 years, Philip Bader has been mixing it up in the Berlin electronic muisic scene as a producer, DJ and label founder – no wonder then that his first studio album, “Wishful Thinking“, to be released on Berlin label Highgrade Records, is such an eagerly awaited piece of work. Philip, a native of the capital city, has taken a year to complete this debut long player that seemlessly juggles a wide range of musical styles. The record already casts a long and influential shadow, not only upon lovers of electronic dance music, but also over Bader’s musical colleagues, whose fingers now twitch violently with the prospect of this huge album debut. No wonder also then, that the track “Move On Me“ (feat. Spoony Talker) is now coupled with some very impressive remix treatment. So enters Fabrizio Maurizi, one of the most important voices in modern Italian Techno, who lends this wonderfully hammering track his own unique signature. Maurizi has just as little regard for rigid genre conventions as Bader himself, and the resulting remix is no less outstanding. Also no less impressive is Quenum’s contribution: The multi-talented artist who earned his musical spurs in London in the 80’s has now spread the sound of his eclectic tracks and DJ sets from Geneva all around the world. Highgrade CEO Todd Bodine also hasn’t missed an opportunity to lend a hand, and imbue Bader’s track with his typically fine tuned, hypnotic beat – a pinnacle of electronic music. More

The name Dachshund is one immediately associated with experimantation, an innate feeling for ryhthm and good dose of tongue and cheek. The Swiss DJ, producer and label founder can scarcely hide his musical roots in Reggae. The sunshine feeling from those days still shines through in his current productions and gives them a touch of dub.
His latest EP for Highgrade Records is no different. This leads to the first track “Extensive Talk“ with its reduced beginning sounding something like a false start. Gloomy voices implore us to ’ Come, sit down, forever’. This delusion establishes itself in a musical theatre, while simultaneously becomming more pressing as the track winds it’s way into the legs – moving inexorably towards the second groovy track, “Asymmentric Love“, with it’s sprinkle of varied and original sound ideas. The final offering, “Octogone“ goes even further and weaves original loops and straight edged percussion into a compelling carpet of sound. More

With new artist Noah Pred, the Highgrade family adds another exciting voice to the label’s musical cosmos. Although the Canadian producer, DJ and founder of his own label “Thoughtless“ is already internationally saavy, he recently decided to move to the world’s hub of electronic music and pitch his tent in Berlin. Included in his luggage: his very own creative perspective, a great sense for aesthetics and an unerring feeling for music, learnt in part, from his many years as a bassist.
Noah’s first EP for Berlin label, Highgrade Records sets an exciting precedent. The track “Motive Unknown“ trickles organically into the aural canals, before the drips become digital drops and the track comes crashing from the speakers in a steady flow. The entire piece is simultaeneously suspended and captivating. No wonder then, that the remixes from Deepchild and PhonoKemi manage to bring out further different facets of a already multifaceted track. While Deepchild brings a dub element, Phonokemi move the tune into darker musical territory. It’s brought back with Noah Pred’s “Folding Cranes“, which follows the thread through a musical universe infused with pounding and grinding percussion.
Tracklisting:
a1. Motive Unknown
b1. Folding Cranes
b2. Motive Unknown (Deepchild Deafening Dub Edit) More

From Celle into the wide world: These days Guido Schneider is one of the major globetrotters among DJs and producers worldwide, but he began his career 15 years ago in provincial Germany. However, instead of baking bread rolls, Schneider founded his own label “Neue Welten“ right from the beginning. It was a move that naturally brought him to the capital of electronic music in Berlin. What followed was a series of exciting and successful collaborations with other renowned artists, and after dissolving his label, Schneider began travelling as a sought after DJ, jetting all around the globe.
It is little wonder that such a reputable DJ and producer also belongs to the diverse Highgrade family. He has now produced another EP for the Berlin label which brings us the typical Guido Schneider qualities right before our eyes, or even better: before our ears! The two tracks navigate precicely from the first bar, the minimal sound universe that relies on elaborate percussion, without ever being over produced, and flow into fantastically harmonic vocals that lend the thumping beats an elegant softeness. Simply stated, typically Schneider. More

Philip Bader discovered his love for electronic music in 1998 – and it only took a year until he made his debut DJ appearance at the legendary Tresor club in Berlin. It didn’t take long before the natural born Berliner earned a reputation as one of the city’s most creative minds behind the tuntables, and the next step to production was only a logical progression. And it’s hardly surprising that Bader has regularly proven his originality and diversity, when he counts Led Zeppelin and De La Soul among his many musical influences.
The enjoyment of genre bending can be clearly heard on his newest Highgrade outing. This, his second solo EP for the Berlin record label, flatters the aural canals from the outset with an almost mystical sound, before suddenly popping out of the speakers, squeaking and peeping with urgent sound clips leading towards another musical realm. What might sound like an overwhelming potpourri, in fact fits perfectly to a custom designed original track with a steady thumping bassline. This is not just an indiscriminate use of effects, but a playful and experimental component. Also in the next track, Bader extends the conventional genre pigeon holes and crosses boundaries with audible pleasure. For whoever needs more on this theme: These two tracks are excerpts from a whole album, which will appear next March on Highgrade Records. More

Raise the curtain once more on a very special orchestral performance. How could Highgrade Records better celebrate it’s 100th release than with twelve tracks from the Highgrade Disharmonic Orchestra? The creative combo featuring both label bosses Tom Clark and Todd Bodine, alongside Philip Bader, Daniel Dreier and Dale, began over a year ago with the intention of celebrating the tenth birthday of the Berlin label. And the resulting gift: A musical experiment. The five artists have bundled their creativity together into a symphony unparalleled in the techno scene. Every performance is like a jam session: All five laptops are interconnected, so each of the artists has the opportunity to react to the others and modify each track as desired. Thus, new arrangements are created and constantly re-interpreted. Drum machines and synthesizers are also in play,
to further stretch the improvisational possibilities. No wonder then, that the 100th release follows in this creative vein. The Highgrade Disharmonic Orchestra, with ’Multilayer’, kiddnaps us away into vastly different musical worlds: from deep influences and custom recorded vocals to an array of technoid sounds and effects. Then back to groovy, swinging beats reminiscent of a balmy summer evening on the beach. Therefore the record is something of a rollercoaster ride, where we never know what might be waiting behind the next curve. Typically Highgrade.
Tracklisting:
01. Street In Madrid
02. Daybreak
03. Multilayer
04. Don‘t Lose The Heat
05. Ground Swell
06. Ultimate Fool feat. Jan Blomqvist
07. Queen Cat
08. The Other Night (Album Edit)
09. Way Too Far (Album Edit)
10. Third String (Album Edit)
11. Movin´ In A Backchat Room
12. Sunrise More

PhonoKemi are one of the most exciting electronic musical exports that Denmark has to offer. And that means really a lot, if we think that since many years now a very innovative and exellent techno music scene is growing up in our neighbour country. It is also no wonder that the duo regularly provides Berlin label Highgrade Records with some of our most exciting new releases. The pair has repeatedly demonstrated that the combination of an experienced producer (Jacob Phono Thiessen) and a first rate DJ (Kim Kemi) is a winning combination that ensures the production of intelligent tracks that always make more than their share of revolutions on the world’ turntables.
This latest EP is no an exception. While the first track “2000 Eyes“ hammers out of the speakers with an almost mystical hissing and clanging, “Black Comes The Day“ shifts things back a gear and mixes hypnotic voices with intoxicating beats and elegant loop structures. The result is a groovy track that is animated and optomistic, despite its rather grim title. As with their previous Highrade release “Decompose“, here again PhonoKemi prove to the world that the phrase: “Made In Denmark“, is really a seal of the
finest quality. More

Dachshund is a living example of a musician who doesn’t take himself too seriously: His lively productions, where his passion for experimentation in rhythm and sound are clearly evident, stand out as a welcome departure from the sterile work of so many other heads in the scene. Besides humor, an easy-going Jamaican feeling characterizes his sets and tracks: The Swiss DJ, producer and label owner has his musical roots in reggae, which he has followed all the way to the sunny Caribbean. No wonder then, that we can hear the dub influence in his current musical output.
True to form, Dachshund presents his latest release on the Berlin record label, Highgrade Records, where the beats will blister through the speakers in unexpected combinations and grooves. Around every corner there seems to lurk a new mad idea or sound sequence from Dachshund, who
leads his listeners equally as he misleads them on the dancefloor. With a sly musical wink, he offers us three tracks “Shall We”, “Soul Free” and “Tell Me” produced with sophistication and elegance. These tunes switch almost imperceptibly into a grooving mind-trip that perfectly fits the title of the EP. This is the equivalent of a relaxing invitation to dance: “Shall We”? … But, of course! More

In Denmark, there rages a lively and experimental techno scene - and it’s not only a recent phenomenon. The best proof are Phono and Kemi, two Danish imports to the Berlin record label, Highgrade Records. The two chaps complement each other in a musically virtuoso fashion: Phono,
Jacob Thiessen, spent his childhood playing around with sequencers and drum machines: Over the years he has stuck to this passion and as such, has developed a reputation as an experienced house and techno producer. Kim Kemi, by contrast, has been a DJ since the beginning, and since
the 90s has been one of the key figures in the Copenhagen club scene. Together they have not only performed regularly at the biggest events in Denmark’s capital, but have also ensured through their many releases, ever changing accents and atmospheres on the turntables.
This wealth of combined musical experience can be heard instantly on their latest outing for Highgrade – “Decompression“. The three tracks, “Decompression”, “Exterminators” and “Last Night” assemble rhythms that come from punk, elegant voices and dizzying loops a multi-layered sound excursion. The result is a perfectly produced EP, but one that has not been ironed smooth. With the “Made in Denmark” seal of quality, Phono and Kemi bring some extra depth to the party attitude. More

Philip Bader ranks as one of the old hands of the Berlin electronic music scene and also one of the latest recruits to the wide reaching Highgrade family. Bader discovered his passion for digital rhythms way back in 1998 and only a year later, made his DJ debut at the legendary, original Tresor
club. The electro-fever has continued to infect him ever since. During those years, the natural born Berliner has not only developed as a DJ, but also as a producer and more recently a label founder. The connoisseur, Mr Bader is also a part of “Max and Moritz”, a synonym under which he and other friends have organised countless renowned parties, not least the infamous “Karneval der Verpeilten”…or “Carnival of the Wasted”! Now comes the first solo EP from Philip Bader on the home-grown Berlin label, Highgrade Records. “wonderland ghost” is, not only due to it’s title,
a gift for all friends of electronic dance music. The three tracks: “For You”, “The Ghost”, and “what i´m standing for feat. toxic pearl” all exude the pleasure of working with the original beats and rhythms that rattle through Bader’s music. These are elegantly arranged sound montages that relentlessly push into the ears of an enraptured dance floor, taking surprising twists and turns on their way to a land of pure musical fun! More

Recently there seems to have been an easterly wind blowing through the electronic music scene: More and more artists, particularly from Romania, have staked an impressive claim on the dance floors of Europe’s best clubs and on the ears of it’s House music audience. Among the luminaries of the trend is Mihai Popoviciu, one of the most innovative producers in Eastern Europe. Mihai has already gained plenty of experience as a producer and DJ - he was only 14 years old when he discovered the electronic underground of his
homeland. “It was like a virus to me, it infected me immediately, “ he recalls. In 2001 he finally began with his own music production, a pursuit which is closely related to his work as a DJ - the one could not exist without the other - two sides of a creative symbiosis. In his first studio album “The Unexpected Truth“, to be released on Berlin’s Highgrade Records, Mihai Popoviciu shows two distinct sides of his musical mind. Accross the ten tracks we find, on the one hand, his private and reserved expressions, and on the other a powerful and surging musical attitude. The record is characterised by it’s unconcerned and easy going atmosphere, which transforms rapidly into driving percussion and minimal ambience. It is at once varied, original and catchy. Mihai himself considers “The Unexpected Truth” to be the essence of his artistic work: “A mirror of everything I do as a producer and DJ”. With this debut long player, he will appeal to both the party animal and the sofa connoisseur. As Mihai explains, “The club tracks get directly into the groove, while the quieter moments should provoke a ‘go with the flow’ feeling”. Regardless of whether you’re wriggling with the groove or chilling out at home, this debut album from Mihai Popoviciu will be making the rounds in your mind: Quite literally, since the accompanying tour will be coming to your neighborhood very soon.
Tracklisting:
01. View From The Outside
02. Riding On Electric
03. Underwater Hero
04. Harpoon
05. Pe Furisch
06. Slightly Pale
07. This Is For Us
08. Intralude
09. Central HK
10. View From The Inside
11. L-FO-ve More

Open the curtain for the next trick from the Highgrade Disharmonic Orchestra: For the last year the team have been busy refuting the notion that the DJ is a One-Man-Band in the booth… Tom Clark, Todd Bodine, Philip Bader, Dale and Daniel Dreier are an act that combines all their many and
varied qualities into one pot, stirring vigorously and serving up a hearty dish that goes straight to the hips! They have proven many times with their live performance that the musical ingredients are just right – and have also put the evidence on the record with an original EP. Now comes the follow up. The first track “Way Too Far”, is a Live recording which evokes an atmosphere of urban beats and pulsating flashes just behind the eyes and a dancing crowd who appear to sink deep into the dance floor. Then there’s a complete chance of scene for the second track “The Other Night”, that appears to hijack the veranda of a villa in the American South. Crisp rhythms are backed by muffled thumping beats, a trumpet laments, a sexy sleep-talking emerges in gentle piano sounds. This is Southern passion under the disco ball, cleverly approximated
by the Highgrade Disharmonic Orchestra! More

For their tenth birthday, Berlin label Highgrade Records gave themselves an amazing gift: With the compilation “Group of Connected Heads” they presented a kind of family meeting – a gift that now continues into its second round. “The Group of Heads Connected Vol 2” once again taps into the extensive and diverse network of the Highgrade family and combines a variety of artists and styles into a coherent whole. So within the 12 tracks in the second edition we find Highgrade residents like Tom Clark, Todd Bodine, Jens Bond and Daniel Dreier, old hands such as Markus Homm, Mihai Popoviciu and Ludwig Coenen. And the newcomers including Andri, Dachshund, Cab Drivers, Phono and Kemi and Julie Marghilano are also represented. The result is a cohesive and harmonious album; A glimpse into the innovative Highgrade universe. The common thread of all the artists is their originality: Everyone brings their own voice, their own unmistakable style. And so, a record is created that presents
thoughtful sound images followed moments later by funky rhythms that burst from the speakers, and finally returning to the deep down and dirty. The “Group of Connected Heads “ is however, more than just a compilation series. For here are not only various artists and their works, but the label is also creating a connection between art and craft - the artwork, which resembles a family tree of the various creative minds, is again presented by the artist Malte Hagen Olbertz. Another creative symbiosis and lasting relationship of like minds. And there’s still more: the “Group of Connected Heads” is going on tour! More information available soon from Highgrade.
Tracklisting:
01. Dachshund - Don´t Believe
02. Mihai Popoviciu - Riding On Electric
03. Todd Bodine - Stranger
04. Jens Bond - World Hold On
05. Phono and Kemi - Smile
06. Cab Drivers - Movement in Sound
07. Markus Homm - Silvermoon
08. Tom Clark - Night Creature
09. Andri - After Bar
10. Dale & Daniel Dreier - Meet Me Here
11. Julie Marghilano - One Night Drama (Dub)
12. Ludwig Coenen - La Reigna More

When two highly experienced producers and DJ’s like Guido Schneider and Jens Bond join forces you can guarantee that fans of electronic dance music will go weak at the knees. No wonder also, that their previous collaborations have always been extremely well recieved. Indeed, their dubut release “Oh My Buffer“ from 2004 can still be found residing in many record boxes around the world. After their recent exclusive release “Getting Sleepy“ on Highgrade, the Berlin label now eagerly awaits the next edition from the super duo. The two tracks “Bob & Curly” and “Out Of Sight” clearly showcase the rhythmic abilities of former drummer Jens Bond with crisp beats that get straight to the point. Coupled with the ability of Guido Schneider to create subtle arrangements with original compositions and a sophisticated sound palette, the result is a densely atmospheric work. The tracks travel a path through warm rhythms and psychedelic vocals to the heart of the musical jungle. More