Mika Vainio, one of electronic music’s most interesting craftsmen of noise and sound, sadly passed away recently. Most of those familiar with the enigmatic Finn’s work tapped into the extraordinary Panasonic/Pan Sonic collaboration, though his dynamic body of pseudonyms spanned a diverse range (Ø’s ambient/minimal soundscapes are truly beautiful). The analogue architect was 53.
In other news, I recommend DJ Rupture’s recent book Uproot: Travels In 21st-Century Music And Digital Culture. This is a specific, reflective illumination of digital cultures; of their relationship with the manifestation of the exotic in world music. His vignettes betray a refreshingly honest and critical approach to the effects of technology and its disruption of cultural constructs – in other words, well worth a read if you’re into music, ‘world music’ and questioning how we create and consume music. For one of the most interesting music history lessons you’ll ever listen to, check his Gold Teeth Thief mix for guaranteed beats.
If you’ve been craving a little bedroom boogie, Sadar Bahar is widely recognised as one of the diggers of quality tunes: his Boiler Room is testament to the amazing vibes he throws down on the regular. Aside his excellent DJing ability, he’s also a hell of a selector, as compilation Soul In The Hole on the BBE label might attest.
And we’re a little late on the uptake with these two projects, but better late than never… Corin’s shimmering sound designs evoke as much the video game synth stabs of Lone as they might channel the slamming bass thud of a grime banger. Meanwhile, Melbourne’s GL duo operates on a slightly more trodden path; ’80s revivalist synthpop matched to harder drums, and perfect cruising music.
This week’s playlist
Kindness’ World, You Need A Change Of Mind – the dude’s videos are a little self-absorbed but if this ain’t the grooviest mode of electronic singer-songwriter, then I don’t know what is. It’s a little melancholy (his cover of The Replacements’ ‘Swingin Party’ is simply great), a little more dancefloor, but as perfect for straddling the line between immense break-up sadness and the perma-grin of road trip anticipation. Plus, Danish synthpop-cum-reggae duo Laid Back’s …Keep Smiling is where dancey camp-reggae-pop white-boy sentiment hit its high point (featuring the huge hit ‘White Horse’).
Recommended
THURSDAY APRIL 27
Women // Electronic Music: Hear T People, Vetiver, P Twiggs
Freda’s
SATURDAY APRIL 29
Jayda G
Harpoon Harry
FRIDAY MAY 12
Javi Bora, Andy Bird
Jam Gallery
SATURDAY MAY 20
MCW012 – Mantra Collective Warehouse
Secret Inner West warehouse
SUNDAY MAY 28
Soul Of Sydney Feat. The Strides, Cumbiamuffin
TBA
THURSDAY JUNE 1
The Ladies Network
Harpoon Harry
