The Nite Owl Diner is putting out Nackt's first 12-inch on January 13th.
Johnny Igaz, who previously released a cassette on 100% Silk last year, was a prominent member of the Oakland electronic music scene before he died in last week's Ghost Ship fire, at a party he was DJing. He was a resident at the As You Like It party in San Francisco, and ran the Rare Form series in Oakland. He was just getting his production career off the ground when the fire happened—Night System was in the pipeline well before the Ghost Ship event. The four-track EP features collaborations with Jason Kendig and fellow Bay Area resident CM-4. Nite Owl Diner says the tracks straddle "the line between house and techno (with a healthy dose of acid for good measure)."
Label boss Chrissy provided a statement to RA.When Johnny first sent us a batch of tracks we were really impressed, and Alex [Burkat] and I jumped at the chance to release them. I've gotten to know Johnny over the last couple of years, and I've always been struck by what a kind, genuine, generous guy he is—exactly the type of person we try to work with at The Nite Owl Diner. I watched him build his local fanbase and start to make inroads outside the Bay Area, securing a residency with As You Like It and putting out a tape with 100% Silk. It was clear to me that he was on the road to big things.
I was heartbroken to hear of Johnny's passing in the Ghost Ship fire, as are so many other people in the scene whose lives he touched. Needless to say, this has put our next release in a new light. It's not just another Nite Owl Diner 12-inch anymore, but a memorial to our friend. We hope we can do Nackt and his music justice. I've been in touch with his collaborators and his family to make sure all the details are right. We're excited to introduce Johnny's music to people who didn't get to know him in life. We wish he were here to see the reactions his tunes will get. We'll miss you, Nackt.
Listen to the title track.
Tracklist
A1 Night System feat. Jason Kendig
A2 Need To Know feat. CM-4
B1 Depth Of Field
B2 Ocean View feat. CM-4
The Nite Owl Diner will release Night System on January 13th, 2017.