Events

Now its Time for Unlock round 2

Unlock. A new party created with a simple purpose: Getting all of us together for a good time. Unlocking the possibilities and opportunities that good music and even better people bring. It is about the new generation as well as it is about the now generation, or any generation, creating a place of connection and connecting, music and dancing.

The event will feature an incredible lineup of the industries most cutting-edge artist.

★ Perc (Perc/CLR/Stroboscopic Artefacts)

Perc is one of electronic dance music’s reference points: an internationally touring DJ, label owner and one of the most respected producers in techno today. From his early demos being signed by James Holden back in 2012 to his current position as one of the most forward-thinking individuals in techno Perc (aka London based Ali Wells) has always fused current sounds with his extensive knowledge of electronic music’s past to create something relevant to the time yet also fresh and challenging.

In 2007 Perc was noticed by the taste-making Kompakt records. His first release for the Cologne-based powerhouse was ‘Up’, one of the summer hits of that year receiving festival plays from everyone from Erol Alkan and Simian Mobile Disco to Chris Liebing and Green Velvet. After this Perc was commissioned to remix DJ Hell’s own “Buttersäure”. The result was an industrially fortified techno remix that sparked interest across the scene, in particular Adam Beyer who approached Perc to ask for a release on his Drumcode imprint. In autumn 2007 Perc’s 'Sticklebrick' EP came out on Drumcode, which lead to another remix for a heavyweight, this time for the then white-hot Trentemøller. By the end of 2007 Perc was rightly established at the forefront of underground electronic music as his first release of Liebing’s CLR imprint cemented his position further.

As a DJ, Perc has taken to the decks across the world in seminal clubs such like Berghain, Fabric, Cocoliche in Buenos Aires, Space Ibiza, Tresor, Unit in Tokyo and many more. His sound is a fusion of the cream of current techno mixed with choice selections from electronic music’s forefathers. When it comes to playing live Perc performs purely his own productions both released and unreleased, reconfiguring them into something new; drone becomes big room techno becomes broken-beat becomes jagged Birmingham techno. Perc creates DJ and live sets that are industrial landscapes optimized for the dance floor. His podcast for Resident Advisor’s scene leading mix series is Perc at his very best and a perfect example of his fusion of bleeding edge techno and classic industrial and experimental influences.

His label, Perc Trax, was started in 2004 as a vehicle for his own productions, but over the years it has evolved into much more than just that. Under Perc’s careful guidance Perc Trax has developed a core roster of Sawf, Forward Strategy group, Truss and of course Perc himself with heavyweights like Ancient Methods and Factory Floor appearing regularly. The label reached a new level of success since mid 2011, winning Resident Advisor’s renowned label of the month title in December 2011 and being the subject of a feature in the Guardian newspaper in June of 2012. A recent move to album releases has seen Perc Trax reach more people than ever before as the label embraces unique packaging concepts and has commissioned videos for all key releases.

Production-wise 2011 can be described in two words 'Wicker & Steel' - the title of Perc's debut album, released on Perc Trax in June of that year and which has lifted Perc to a new level of respect and recognition. Following launch parties in London, New York and Tokyo the album picked up plaudits from everything from the expected dance-press coverage to breaking into the UK national newspapers. In 2012 Perc has diversified with remixes for Factory Floor on DFA, Tim Burgess on Oh Genesis, Black Asteroid on Electric Deluxe, Mike Parker on Edit Select and Oscar Mulero on Warm-Up, plus two EPs; the searing statement of intent that is ‘A New Brutality’ on Perc Trax and Guardian single of the week ‘Pure & Simple’ on Sleaze. This coupled with his busiest ever year of gigs including debut appearances in Argentina, Australia, Singapore and Finland has meant his sound is better known and more influential than ever before.

★ Shifted (Avian/Mote Evolver/Semantica)

2011 has seen Shifted rise swiftly from the murky shadows of UK Techno. Little is known of who the cryptic producer is, but rest assured of his credentials. 'Drained', his first of two EPs on Luke Slater's esteemed Mote Evolver imprint instantly grabbed the attention of the Techno fraternity. A heavy, muscular and stripped sound was born from what was to become one of 2011's most exciting Techno artists. Releases under the pseudonyms Pacific Blue and Relay soon followed, continuing along Shifted's Techno lines, but built on a deeper, more understated sound.
Appearing on a limited blue vinyl, 'Industry Part 1 & 2' was the opening release on the Pacific Blue 12” series, with remixes following from Sandwell District artists Rrose and Silent Servant at the tail of 2011. Shifted's growing demand as a remixer himself led to reworks of UK Techno legends The Black Dog as well as peers Sigha and Cio D'Or amongst others. Several 'secret' white labels were also released with which no name was attributed.

2011 also saw the launch of his Avian imprint. Confirming the calibre of Shifted's productions, the début (vinyl only) release 'AVN #001' struck a chord with its thudding drums and deep, pulsating stabs. The EP received weekly plays from Techno's top players and became a record that didn’t leave the bag. The equally illusive London-based producer, Ventress, laid down the follow-up release cementing the Avian label as 'one to watch' in 2012. With these productions and remixes gaining warranted attention on the dancefloor, Shifted's gig diary matured accordingly, DJing at some of the world's best clubs including the fabled Berghain (Berlin) and Fabric (London).

Looking forward, Shifted continues on from his second Mote Evolver 12”, 'Control', with his début album being released on the label in March 2012. Shifted has found home from home on the illustrious label and fits perfectly into its tough, hypnotic and often experimental style of Techno. On top of the Mote Evolver LP, 2012 will bring another solo production under the Pacific Blue alias, a remix for Planetary Assault Systems and undisclosed activity on his own Avian imprint.

★ Truss

London based producer, Tom Russell aka Truss has been releasing music since 2007, and writing and composing for over 10 years. With an uncompromising output of British influenced techno, his music takes inspiration from artists such as Subhead, Cristian Vogel, Neil Landstrumm, Regis and Surgeon.

Following numerous releases with long time collaborator Donor on such labels as Dumb Unit, Synewave and Thema, his fist solo EP, 'Osbasten' was released on Perc Trax, setting the tone for his attention to detail and percussive swinging rhythms. Further records have appeared on Sigha's label - Our Circular Sound, Shifted's Avian imprint with forthcoming material on R&S records.

In 2011, he began work on his MPIA3 project, with the intention to create striped back, old school acid Techno. The project is a raw industrial take on a retro rave sound and an experiment in distortion. Subsequently, MPIA3 has received support from the likes of Blawan, Perc, Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock and other techno stalwarts.

Other activities include a collaborative project with his brother, Tessela and various remixes including Samuli Kemppi on Perc Trax and Lucy on Stroboscopic Artefacts.   

Truss sits comfortably among his contemporaries as part of a new school of producers emerging from the murky depths of the UK underground.

★ Joop Junior (live) (Entail/Minus/SCI+TEC)

Joop Junior's career is still young, but he has already made a flying start. His passion for dance music began at an early age and he has been DJing and producing bassline-orientated and infectious techno ever since. Joop Junior's remarkable talent has not gone unnoticed and his tracks have been released by none other than technopioneer Richie Hawtin on his renowned record label M-nus. Besides producing, this free spirit from The Hague has been setting up his own label and organising events. With these milestones already behind him, we can't wait to see what Joop Junior still has in store for us in the future.

Growing up in The Hague, it didn't take long before Joop got the chance to show off his DJing skills. After familiarizing himself with house music, his love for techno began to grow. He managed to develop his already-mature sound quickly because he learned the tricks of the trade from an experienced producer. His own productions with their distinctive rolling grooves, hypnotizing percussion, ringing synths and tight beats soon garnered attention. Fellow The Hague boys and well-known tech-house acts Remy and Patch Park recognised Joop's talent and released his EP on their label Fone Audio. The EP was well received by world-famous DJs such as Adam Beyer, Joseph Capriati, Karotte and Marco Bailey. From that moment on, his career rapidly gained momentum.

It wasn't long before Richie Hawtin caught on to Joop's music too -literally. When Hawtin was playing at a festival, Joop threw a USB stick with some of his tracks at the superstar DJ. A release on the album New Horizons, a M-nus complitation distributed by renowned magazine Mixmag, followed not long after. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Joop's raw and dark but always danceable tracks are now regularly played by established names, including Adam Beyer, John Digweed and Umek. Playing Joop's records is like shooting fish in a barrel: his tracks never miss and are guaranteed to cause mayhem on the dance floor.

Setting up his own label Access and organising Access label nights have allowed a wider audience to get to know Joop's passion for and commitment to music. Visiting one of his events is guaranteed to stimulate all your senses: quality music for the ears, an overwhelming LED show for the eyes and pumping basslines for the body. That being said, Joop is nowhere near done with the world, or the world with him.

★ Malandra Jr. (Cocoon / Sudbeat)

An organic mix between classical musical culture, clarinet-player and underground of electronic music, Simone is truly and utterly unique in his approach to music making. One listen to any of his sets or a brief talk with him is enough to make you realise the passion and the deep involvement he has in what he does. Knowingly alternating dark and deep percussive rhythmics with fantastic angelic melodies, Malandra Jr. paints the underground in his own style. You need to hear him!

★ Emeskay (Entail / King Street)

Emeskay consists of Mark Pierce, Scott Pierce and Kris Bowden

In 2011, after a number of years being good mates and sharing a passion for anything with a big beat the trio of dj's and producers from Kent formed Emeskay.

With individual skills ranging from talent behind the deck's, mc'ing, writing lyrics to the creation and brains in the studio this next step was inevitable

Bringing ideas and sounds from three different backgrounds, minds and imaginations gives the trio a real armoury when in the studio.

Their influences are taken from right across the musical spectrum from old school, funky house, electro, tech house, deep house, right through to garage/speed garage, drum n bass and hip hop. This mix of personalities and musical taste always makes time in the studio a laugh!

Emeskay have released tracks in 2012 on Unrivaled Music and Sounds of Juan and the lads are making huge waves in the scene with future releases in 2013 due on Arch44, Stosh Music and the massive New York label King Street Sounds with a track that features the vocals of the amazing Amber Jolene!

Their 2012 releases each hit the top 10 in various Deep and Tech house charts and have been featured on radio shows including Manchester Global Radio, Ministry of Sound Radio and BBC Introducing Kent and have received support from some of the industry greats including Roger Sanchez, Luciano, Danny Tenaglia, Timo Garcia, Paco Osuna and many more!

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Unlock. A new party created with a simple purpose: Getting all of us together for a good time. Unlocking the possibilities and opportunities that good music and even better people bring. It is about the new generation as well as it is about the now generation, or any generation, creating a place of connection and connecting, music and dancing.

Unlock your mind, and the rest will follow.....♥.......!!!