RIP Nisvara

A sad day today, as I found out a promoter friend of mine from LA had passed away in a motorbike accident.  Not gonna go into too much detail about his departure, but I felt I should make this post in his honour.  Rest in peace Alfredo.

YouTube selection: Hip Hop

I figure I'll keep doing these little random selection of some of the most amazing music to ever grace my life, and since it's a lot easier to remember things by genre, I'm gonna start doing that.  Here's the first bunch of hip hop stuff that really do it for me.

The Pharcyde - Emerald Butterfly

J Dilla - Won't Do

Mobb Deep - Shook Ones, Pt II

U.N.K.L.E - Guns Blazing (Drums Of Death Part 1)

Dr. Octagon - Technical Difficulties

Eric B & Rakim - Follow The Leader

Mos Def - Umi Says

Update and stuff

I finished off the mix for Mary Anne Hobbs show today.  I've managed to cram 8 tracks into 15 minutes, which will be a nice little showcase of what you can expect on the forthcoming LP, Nothing Is Certain.  The mix will air on Mary Anne Hobbs' show on BBC Radio 1, Wed March 17th at 02:00 (GMT).

I've been contemplating doing another studio mix, since it's been August since the last mix I put out, excluding the promo one for Fabric in November.  I'll have to get on the case with something in the next few weeks.

As for the next 12", just had confirmation of the artwork, so things are moving.  Once again, look out for NONPLUS006 - ASC - a) Phobos / Oort Cloud / aa) Matter Of Time - hitting stores hopefully end of April.

I love this!

For the Blade Runner heads among you

Oh yes

Remix time

Got a bunch of remix requests come through recently, so today I've started work on something for my old friends who run Translation Recordings.  Look out for a remix of Mindmapper - Orbital Orchestra on 12" at some stage later this year.  Sounding pretty damn good so far!

Toronto

Just got back from Toronto and I had a great time out there.  Had fun dropping a ton of my new bits on a huge sound systems for some great people.  Just want to take time out to thank Wendy and Chris for being amazing hosts and taking care of me while I was in their lovely city.  The night went really well, except for a few minor hiccups with the booth monitors blending in with the PA, which caused a few tricky mixes, but other than that, it got brought - as they say.  Here's a little picture to liven up proceedings.

Mary Anne Hobbs - 18th Feb 2010

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qr18q

BBC Radio 1's Mary Anne Hobbs drops a world exclusive radio first of Fade Away Seasons, a collaboration I did with Consequence for my forthcoming LP.  Listen again by clicking the link above if you missed it.  There's also a nice little dBridge Exit Records showcase featuring a few new bits you won't have heard yet.

Realisations

..are good.  That is all.

More Inspirational Music

LFO - LFO

808 State - Sunrise

Future Sound Of London - Life Form Ends

Hallucinator - Red Angel

DeepChord presents Echospace - Sunset

Carbon Based Lifeforms - Exosphere

Peter Benisch - Skymning

Telefon Tel Aviv - At The Edge Of The World, You Will Still Float

THX 1138

I must have seen this film a handful of times at least now, but I watched it last night for the first time in a while.  I have to say the sound effects were so far ahead of their time and the score sits perfectly in the background accompanying the bleak dystopian feel to it all.  Lalo Schifrin and Walter Murch - I salute thee.

Together We Will Live Forever

Studio bizzle and other random stuff

Huge studio session this week.  7 days of solid work and I feel like I've got some good results to show for it so far.  I can't wait to have this new one ready to drop on Toronto next Saturday night - codename: bass heavy. 

I'm sat here listening to Clint Mansell's OST for The Fountain, just amazed at the beauty of the music and how it works so well with the film.  I should really get to bed, but I need to hear this right now as it's been too long!  Sleep can wait.

Valentines Day tomorrow, well right now actually, should be a good one.  Treating Christine to this Versace purse that she's had her eye on.  Nothing else to report really, so I'm gonna sit here and absorb Clint Mansell's masterpiece.

It's too bad she won't live... but then again, who does?

More NONPLUS003 Reviews

DJ Mag

The Autonomic sound - BPMs and vibes lurking between the no-man's land of dubstep and drum & bass, and propagated by D-Bridge and Instra:mental - is quietly but confidently making its mark. Non Plus+, the label run by the latter duo, and an outlet for their unique material, intrigues in many ways. Never quite convincing in the dance, but always inspiring in the intricate detail. This release, very much like Burial, comes into its own in the headphones.

Boomkat

If you've been following the essential Autonomic podcast series from Instra:mental and DBridge, you'll have no doubt heard the productions of ASC. For the last 10 years he's forged a hi-tech steppers sound for Covert Operations, Ohm and Offshore, heavily informed by the textures of techno and IDM. For his first release on Instra:mental's Non Plus label he approaches his sound from two different tempos. 'Porcelain' is the more typical tech-stepping sound, programming clinically syncopated breakbeats with darkened atmospherics. On 'Focus Inwards' he explores the dubstep tempo at 140bpm, crafting a lurching halfstepper with slick double-timed hi-hats and a sound sphere reminiscent of T++.

(although I must point out that Focus Inwards isn't 140bpm. lol) 

Some of the feedback recieved for NONPLUS003

So as many of you know, the release of Porcelain on NonPlus+ really opened my sound up to a LOT of new fans, listeners and industry people in general.  Since then, the it's been a bit of a snowball effect, and things have been getting better and better with everything I do.  I was just going back over some old emails, when I found this one which I thought I would share.

ATM Review

As we eagerly awaitin ASC’s album forthcoming on NonPlus+ we are treated to a 12 of the future and whats to come.  With the wave on excellent new music coming out of the NonPlus+ stable its hard to keep up with it, but try you must as Focus Inwards & Porcelain have made serious impressions on many with the angle that ASC is coming, proper music – unique sounds/soundscapes and the tightest of mixdowns make this 12 one for the long game, with every listen you will hear more, go where you want to go with it and never come back !

I'll add more reviews when I can find them, but here's some quotes Rocket Science Media received back from some very big names in regards to the 12"

Laurent Garnier (F Com/Worldwide) “Wow. 2 great electronica tracks. Will playlist.“
Robert Owens (Compost) “Really digging both of these tracks. Opening my mind further, thanks for these again.”
Mary Anne Hobbs (Radio 1 Breezeblock) “love both.. especially ASC 'Porcelain' which i will play next week on Radio1.”
Pete (Mixmag) “What a 12, Non Plus carving their own scene. Will submit a review for you.”
Andrew (Ubiquity) “really liked the moody ASC tracks, will play on my radio show and DJ sets.”
Jazzanova (Worldwide) “Wonderful and different music coming from this camp. “
Jame (Ninja Tune) ”This ASC 12 is bigg! Will support on show and in the club.”

I highlighted these ones aside from the usual drum & bass people's quotes, just to show how what I'm part of is really bridging gaps and genres.  It really is just electronic music that most of the time happens to be at 170bpm and I'm so pleased to see people who I've grown up listening to, like Laurent Garnier and Jazzanova supporting my music.  Definitely a proud moment reading this for me.

Hi

It's a great time for electronic music. A lot of people are experimenting and being original. This is something I strive to do with every production dating back to when I first picked up a microphone, a pad and a pen, I mean, turned on my computer. So yeah, just lot's of original work coming out right now. It's great to open up my AIM and Soundcloud inbox's and hear some wonderful music, regardless of tempo. Long may this trend continue. That is all. Just felt like being positive.

Fokking prawns

Free tunes from last year

I was generous enough to give way three of my audio compositions last year.  I like that; audio composition.  It sounds totally professional.  In fact, I'm gonna stop referring to everything as tracks or tunes from now on.  Look out on AIM, cos I will only be accepting audio compositions, not tunes.  Yeah.  Anyway, I digress, and I'm typing absolute codshite.  So, without further ado, here's the linkage:

After Hours

Fairbanks

The Narrows

Fairbanks was an experimental version of Focus Inwards, but more centered around droning meditation music.  Hardly likely anyone was gonna pick it up for release, so I thought it would be wise that you could all hear it for free.  Personally, I love it, but then again, I'm my own biggest fan!  Woooo!  Ahem.   After Hours was signed to 31 along with another tune I did called Treadstone, but I canceled the release when I signed with NonPlus+, so now it's yours to own in all it's fabulous digital glory - all three hundred and twenty kilobytes per second of it!  Oh yeah, The Narrows.  Clicks and shit.  Nice.

Yup

Promo steez

NONPLUS006

Phobos by ASC
Matter Of Time by ASC

Available now...

NONPLUS003 - ASC - Porcelain / Focus Inwards.  Available from all good record shops and online digital stores.  Don't miss out before it sells out!

dBridge & Instra:mental Juno interview

One of many interviews that will be popping up all over the net to promote the FabricLive 50 CD out on the 15th. A good read and insight into what's going on and what's to come.

Click Here

Autonomic

autonomic - 4 dictionary results
au-to-nom-ic [aw-tuh-nom-ik]

–adjective
1.     AUTONOMOUS.
2.     of or pertaining to the autonomic nervous system.
3.     Physiology. under the control of the autonomic nervous system.
4.     Cell Biology. produced by internal forces or causes; spontaneous.

Sparth

www.sparth.com

Amazing. Nothing else needs to be said.

Shoegaze YouTube Selection

As many of you probably know, I'm big into indie and shoegaze stuff in particularly.  Here's a current selection - well, what's available on YouTube to link to.

Slowdive - Catch The Breeze

The Daysleepers - Threnody

Cocteau Twins - I Wear Your Ring

Slowdive - Shine

A Shoreline Dream & Ulrich Schnauss - Hypermode

..and I'll finish with one of my fave tracks EVER written.

Isis + Aereogramme - Stolen

I'll keep doing these sort of posts and go through stuff in all sorts of genres - just mainly music that means so much to me.

Feb Top Ten

I just realised that I haven't done a top ten in a long time.  Usually, I can't be bothered with them anymore, as on forums they usually turn into a 'look who's on my AIM list' thread, but since I'm trying to get things moving with content for this blog, then what the hell!  Crazy huh!?

In no particular order:

Instra:mental - Catch A Whisper

Alaska - Denali's Realm

ASC - Black Hole Collapse

Instra:mental - Sunk Lo

dBridge - Cold Hands

Signal & Brandon Riggs - Cliche

dBridge - Love Hotel

Consequence -  Marlo

Vaccine - Untitled

ASC & Vaccine - Somnolence

Is that 10?  Yeah I think that will do.  I think I might do a post later with some really inspirational/influential tunes for me including YouTube videos.  Now wouldn't that be great?  Well I think so, so I'm gonna do it anyway.

Oh yeah, Autonomic Studio Mix Pt.2 coming soon and if I have the time, Deep Space Mix 14.

Nothing Is Certain

damon instra (3:06:30 PM):    nothing is certain yet
asc (3:06:48 PM):    'nothing is certain'  - good lp title
damon instra (3:06:52 PM):    will also benefit everyone
asc (3:06:57 PM):    kinda like that
damon instra (3:06:57 PM):    yea
damon instra (3:07:00 PM):    that is

asc (3:07:42 PM):    yeah i think that might work you know
asc (3:07:53 PM):    i'll write it down
damon instra (3:08:12 PM):    yea i quite like that 

...

and the rest, as they say, is history!

Disclaimer: AIM names have been changed to protect the innocent

Facebook fan page up and running

So yeah, I'm only about 3 years late on setting this up, but better late than never.

Here's the link!

CLICK ME AND BECOME A FAN!

Vaccine video & news

Here's a video of my partner in crime and other fun stuff, such as life, providing New York with the sonic delights of her productions.  The track you can hear is a 140bpm thing entitled Cascade Failure.  This will be on the flip side of Ochre on NONPLUS007.  If you want to hear Ochre, it is also featured on the FabricLive 50 CD.  Enjoy!

There's also the 170 edit of Radiate which is due for a release on the new Autonomic label too.  Once things are more clear, I'll let you know.

Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?

I am reading it at the moment.  About fucking time.  That is all.  Bye

Collaborations

Be on the look out for new collaborations with Vaccine & Consequence.  Just finished one up with Vaccine, which if you are clever enough, you may or may not be able to recognise in the last Autonomic Rinse show.  The new one with Consequence just needs a final mix pretty much, but I gotta wait for Cam to get back from his current European tour, speaking of... he's playing with dBridge & Instra:mental this Friday at Fabric in London for the launch of the FabricLive 50 CD.  It would be very wise to go and check it out if you are in the area, especially as Jimmy Edgar and James Blake are also on the lineup!

Autonomic Podcast ID's

I'll start giving out a few ID's for my own tunes featured in the podcasts from time to time on here.  Let's start with Layers 3 and 5:

Layer 3 you should all know and probably own by now, but if not:

18:38 - ASC - Porcelain [NONPLUS003]

Layer 5 has 4 of my tracks in, only one released so far though:

18:17 - ASC - The Touch [AUTONOMIC003] (Forthcoming)

20:54 - ASC - Starkwood [AUTONOMIC003] (Forthcoming)

35:15 - ASC - Absent Mind [NONPLUSLP001] (Forthcoming)

39:11 - ASC - Focus Inwards [NONPLUS003]

I'll do an update with Layers 7 & 8 when it's safe to let the cat out of the bag!

FabricLive 50 - dBridge & Instra:mental present Club Autonomic

Here's the promo mix:

DOWNLOAD

The actual mix itself will be available to buy on Feb 15th from all the usual places.  It's been getting glowing reviews and if you're a fan of the podcasts, then you already know what to expect.  If you've stumbled upon this post, then grab the mix, give it a listen, and then go buy it!

You'll be able to find the following ASC related tracks on this CD:

ASC - Starkwood (Consequence Remix)

Consequence - 11 Circles (ASC Remix)

ASC - Phobos

ASC - The Ubiquity Incident

Plus, the awesome Ochre from my lovely wife, Vaccine. :)

Update

'Nothing Is Certain' has been completed and mastered.  There's a couple of clips from the LP sampler on Soundcloud now (check the link section - lower right) for a taster of Phobos & Matter Of Time.  Anyone who has already heard the FabricLive 50 CD, will already be familiar with Phobos & The Ubiquity Incident, which also features on the LP.  There will be more clips going up over the coming weeks and more information about the album and the artwork and all the other important things, such as release dates etc.  I'll post more when it's time!

As for my all of my projects this year, here's what you can expect right now:

NONPLUS006 - ASC - Nothing Is Certain LP Sampler

NONPLUSLP001 - ASC - Nothing Is Certain LP & CD

AUTONOMIC003 - ASC - The Touch / Starkwood (I think this is 003!  I'll edit if it changes!)

Then there's a bunch of other stuff waiting in the wings, but it would be jumping the gun to let you all know about plans that aren't 100% confirmed yet!  but look out for more music on Autonomic, NonPlus+ & Exit this year.

Recent Mixes

Seems only right to christen the first proper post on here with a link to all the mixes that I have done recently, so get your ears around these:

August 09: ASC - Autonomic Studio Mix

DOWNLOAD

November 09: ASC - Fabric Promo Mix

DOWNLOAD

November 09: ASC - All FM Promo Mix

DOWNLOAD

Incoming transmission!

Suppose it was time for a new blog after being away for a bit.  Expect lots of content, ramblings, links, mixes, information, and generally anything and everything to do with the musical movement I'm part of, known as 'AUTONOMIC'.  Lots to add to get this started, so 2010, watch out.