Ted Alexander was raised in both New York and London in his childhood, exposing his musical palette to a diverse array of soundscapes and influences, now Alexander has taken the step into producing, which has led to releases for the likes of Life & Death, Mood Music and now Stem here. Stem Records was launched in late 2012, and although only three releases deep, has already garnered support from the likes of Jennifer Cardini, Mr. G, Deep Space Orchestra, Neville Watson and Cosmin TRG to name a few. The single opens with the original version of title track 'XXX', a brooding, mood-driven cut, employing dark and eerie synth tones, shuffling drum programming and dubbed out vocal lines. Alexander introduces an amalgamation of raw synth stabs and evolving chord progressions to the focal point of the track to create a blossoming dynamic full of unique and subtle intricacies. Visionquest's Ultrasone steps up to remix 'XXX' next, reshaping things with an natural feel, achieved through stripped, organic percussion, warm piano tones and boomy sub-bass hits, creating a classy, contrasting interpretation. Entering the B-Side of the release we have, 'Love Walls', Alexander drops the tempo slightly and opts for simplistic 4/4 drums, allowing the melodic elements to take control, as ethereal, atmospheric synths, gritty saw-wave bass hits and heavily processed vocal snippets compliment one another and build a profound depth to the record. Lastly to close things, Philip Priebe reworks 'Love Walls', again creating a brilliantly unique remix, keeping things understated and intelligently crafted with raw acidic bass licks, classic 909 drums, dreamy pads and jazzy pianos. More

Manchester's Stem Records returns this June with Kurt Baggaley's 'Line Of Sight' EP, backed with remixes from Legowelt and Steffen Kirchhoff. Stem Records was launched in late 2012, with 'Dive' by Mooryc, picking up support from the likes of Tale Of Us, Francesca Lombardo, Mr.G and Maceo Plex. Here the label pushes forward with its second release, from Brit producer Kurt Baggaley, formerly of electro outfit, Scape One. Baggaley has been producing raw, analogue, electronic works since the 80's and recently released a single with Italo label, Hotmix run by Simoncino. Dutch producer Legowelt, and German, Steffen Kirchhoff step up on remix duties adding further weight to an already rock-solid package. The EP kicks off with the original version of 'Line Of Sight', seeing Baggaley delve deep into analogue explorations with punchy drums, spaced out synthesizers and a stripped back aesthetic. Trippy vocal lines meander around the solid groove while a heady arp line and chord progression drives the melodic movement along keeping things deep and emotive. Legowelt steps in to rework 'Line Of Sight' next, stamping his unique mark on the original, opting for acidic bass tones, loosely programmed, raw drums and dubbed out delays instilled in the depths of the background, resulting in a profound depth to the interpretation. As expected from the proficient producer the end product is no nonsense penetrative Techno. Entering the B-Side of the EP, Baggley offers up 'Touching Your Mind', tipping the focus towards a more sparse. minimal state with basic drums building the foundations, while smooth, ethereal pads and resonant synth sweeps add a cosseting atmosphere. Closing the release, Stefan Kirchhoff turns in his 'Perspective' on 'Touching Your Mind', Kirchhoff throws in some off-kilter percussive elements, hooky melodies and growling low-end tones to create an intelligent, understated remix full of delicate intricacies. More