I wanted to post something that would transition into my next interview, with Eleven8 of Solace Records (look out for that tomorrow). He’s a dubstep dude, and what better way to set the tone than with Joker’s slick Essential Mix.

 

Many of Joker’s tracks amaze me, from “Tron” to his remix of Simian Mobile Disco feat. Beth Ditto’s “Cruel Intentions” to “Purple City” and his recent “On My Mind” (Part of The Vision album on 4AD). I suggest you go find Rustie’s remix of the last track I mentioned, top notch shiz.

Jokerofficial.com

– Jimi Jaxon

 

Whatsup! I’m all about Douster today on Disco Droppings. Hop over to Beatport and listen through Douster’s Triassic EP, released in January of this year on Waxploitation Artists. Jeffree’s Volume One also features this producer, with tracks “Pop That Bubble” and “Boom Shaka Laka”. He also has a diverse label called Bebup, look through their Tumblr for information on releases and such. Fresh interview with this talented man below..

DD Hello Douster! What are you doin’ right now?

DOU I’m just about to eat a mad homemade BLT and avocado sandwich, bacon is cooking right now, it’s gonna be a good one. I love to make and eat sandwiches.

DD I absolutely love the energy of your “I Want Your Blood” remix for Seattle’s Mad Rad. I included it in my set at Paradiso Festival over here in Washington last weekend. Did you meet Mad Rad through coming over here to play? Seattle is my home city! 

DOU I met Darwin for the first time in 2008 on a tour with the ZZK guys from Argentina, Since then I try to catch them every time I’m in Seattle. Last time I went there we thought about doing that rmx ep and I worked on it back home.

 

DD The upcoming release on your label Bebup from Nau.lot is being described as “cinematic dub-techno”, sounds fascinating. I listened through his Podcast #4 on the label’s Mixcloud and enjoyed the gritty feel. Is this a peek into the mood of Nau.lot’s new tracks? 

DOU His tracks have that deep stomping techno vibe but the whole textures of his sound make the tracks very cinematic. Most of them remind me of that Moby Dick book..like you’re fighting aginst a gigantic deep sea creature in the middle of a storm. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a post apocalyptic movie.

DD You see certain colors when you hear music. I wish I had that! Have you thought about taking the colors you see in your tracks for a release, and making artwork out of it? Letting us see what you see in a way..

DOU Ahah definitely not but still, my Triassic EP was kinda that way. I was thinking about prehistoric age and the 4 tracks were really into that mood..well, it wasn’t colors, but dinosaurs.

DD In all your travels, which crowds are the most open-minded? Whose down for whatever? 

DOU Drunk crowds are down for whatever, maybe that’s why I like the Belgium crowd a lot.

 

DD I’m very interested in this new EP you’re finishing up. I like those genres you’re going to mess with like french filter house and garage. Are there some specific songs you could mention where you’ve thought, “I’d like to do something with this kind of groove”?

DOU When it comes to filtered house, I’m definitly into the Thomas Bangalter style, “Spinal Scratch”, the whole Roulé catalogue actually. Then I love the soulfull MK vibe, The cut up garage of Todd Terry,  or even late 90’s uk speed garage (BIG FUCKIN TUNE RIGHT THERE). I think I just love the shuffle percussion that comes with all those styles of house, everything doesn’t have to be that straight!

 

 

 

Douster – Twitter Soundcloud Facebook

douster.net

– Jimi Jaxon

 

As I’ve mentioned before, Erol Alkan is my favorite DJ. His mixes are weirdly distinct, and he’s got this quirky personality that I really appreciate. He’s comfortable being in the background, recording for bands and running his label, Phantasy Sound. When he’s behind the tables, he presents a savage combination of genres and moods that wake me up anytime I listen in.  I’ll do a more detailed feature on Erol as an artist soon, but for now I’ll focus on “Disco 2006”. If you’re unfamiliar with Mixmag, it’s a DJ/club culture focused magazine that comes with a mixed CD in each issue. They named Erol Alkan “DJ of the Year” for 2006, and commissioned him to put together a mix. This set came out before Justice released “Cross” in 2007. As you’ll hear, Erol was very close to the Ed Banger Records crew around this time, including his remix of “Waters of Nazareth”, and tracks from SebastiAn and Mr. Oizo.

 

Erol Alkan – Twitter Facebook Soundcloud

erolalkan.co.uk

phantasysound.co.uk

– Jimi Jaxon

 
After an eventful weekend working/playing at Paradiso Festival, I’m back with new Disco Droppings features. A big thank you to anyone who checked out my set. If you enjoyed it, I’ll be playing at Space with Sphyramid for an afterparty (6/30). Unfortunately, the boys over at Space are moving to a new location. After this last string of shows for their Gentrifest, they will be on hiatus. Space has had me play more times than any other venue, and I’m happy that Sphyramid and myself will be there to represent 7 Deadly Records and Disco Droppings.

Now, this compilation from Ed Banger Records came out in February 2011. I was listening to it over the weekend and realized I never posted about it. If you’re unaware, Ed Banger Records is a highly influential, majorly badass french label run by Busy P. Their pro roster includes Justice, Mr. Oizo, Uffie, Feadz, Breakbot, Mr. Flash, SebastiAn, Kavinsky and the late DJ Mehdi among others. Instead of going the route of their previous Ed Rec volumes, the label changed things up, including Skream, Flying Lotus and Zombie Nation in the L.T.C.T compilation. The diversity of artists in this release is very refreshing. Get hyped..

 

 

Ed Banger Records – Twitter Facebook Soundcloud

coolcats.fr

– Jimi Jaxon

Been reppin’ Acid Unicorn for a little while now. Take a look at this one man organization..

DD Whatsup Joel? I first met you when I opened the Boys Noize Records showcase. You were in the artist lounge giving out Acid Unicorn clothes. All of us dug your stuff, I remember giving my hoodie of yours to Djedjotronic who was hyped on the design. How often do you get involved with shows like this?

AU I never go to shows and give stuff away. I’m usually selling my merch or I’m wearing it. The BNR show was something different because I was really excited about the music, as a fan. I would have been there with or without t-shirts, but when I can, I like giving back to the artists who inspire me. I think BNR has a great sound right now, as a whole. Kinda crossing over between Nu-skool acid and German techno (stuff I really like) with big room electro house and fidget that the kids are into, and it works. I respect the music. The funny thing is; I kinda got the feeling that Housemeister thought I was some opportunist duche bag, just trying to get exposure.

DD Eh, he seemed like a jokester, wouldn’t take that too seriously :]  A lot of times when I see nightlife inspired clothing it’s kind of cheesy. Your work stands out as a wonderful exception. The glow in the dark element is done in a classy way, and your designs have a distinct feel. How would you describe your aesthetic for Acid Unicorn?

AU Thanks, and now that you mentioned it, I think aesthetics alone is what sets my brand apart from novelty items and souvenirs. It’s not just a neon t-shirt with a catch-phrase, I put a lot of thought and emotion into each design, and the inspiration is sincere. I started listening to Techno, Industrial, and NewWave music around ’93 and I still do, along with tons of amazing new styles currently. I take elements from my past, growing-up in the ’90s, and blend it with the future. I take a lot of risk in doing that, but it’s genuine, and I think more people are starting to get it. I’m not trying to target the rave scene, per se, I’m just being me, and some people identify with that. I’m not a business man, I’ll never be rich and I don’t really care. If all I wanted was money, I’d make shirts that say “Dub Step”, or something else popular, that I don’t really care too much about.

DD The shopping site you have is very well made, and I see lots of designs going up on your Instagram. It may look like a factory of workers at Acid Unicorn, but you do it all on your own. Could you explain how much time and effort are devoted to Acid Unicorn?

AU I started this on Halloween of 2009, and got fired from my job at a restaurant on January 2nd 2010. Since then, I’ve devoted my life to making t-shirts, and I do it all by myself. The design, the printing, the website, I even sew-in my own labels and stitch letters on hats. It’s a struggle everyday, but I love it, and it keeps me off the streets and out of trouble.


DD I’m happy to announce I’ll be modelling some of your new clothes for your site soon, with  Ivan Lesko doing the photography. I’ve also been wearing one of your tees at almost every show I’ve played at since we met..come see my set at Paradiso Festival this Saturday on the “NW Favorites” stage from 2:45-3:30, I’ll be rocking Acid Unicorn. Do you hope to increase these kinds of collaborations with artists in the future?

AU Yeah, thanks for your support and I look forward to finding the time for that shoot, It’s been a rough month. 
 
DD Last words?

AU Yeah, RAVE is dead; so I invented a new word. Cut and paste this word into your search engine: ΓΔVΣ

Acid Unicorn – Twitter Facebook

– Jimi Jaxon