Side-chain compression left turned on

The technique of using the kick drum as a side-chain to trigger the compression on the bass-line or other tracks is as common in today’s dance music as McDonald’s in the US. But to leave the compression on while turning the kick drum off for the whole track is a bold and innovative move.

If you are wondering what I am babbling about, listen for yourself to the new No Beats Mix version of Stimming’s excellent Kleine Nachtmusik. I’ve been playing the original for some time now (and probably still will be), so I was eager to find out how does the No Beats Mix sound? Surprising for sure! The kick is not there but still it’s triggering the compression and making the listeners dizzy… I didn’t have a chance to listen to the mix, maybe it make sense while player over some beats, but as standalone track it sounds really strange.

The track has been released on Sunday (Oct 26th) as part Buzzin’ Fly’s Chaos Restored Mixed and Messed by Justin Martin compilation/mix cd.

Pezzner’s “Almost Here” is… almost here

Freerange Records is definitely one of the most respected names in deep house. Not long ago celebrating their 100th release, now Jamie Odell and his crew are looking baldly into the future.

If someone has any doubt about the last sentence, they should peel their ears for the next release stamped with a dripping cloud and a swallow. In a weeks time the new single from Pezzner will see the daylight (Oct 13th on vinyl, Oct 27th digital). It’s called Almost Here and it’s been doing rounds on various podcasts around the globe.

On this release you’ll find 3 tracks and all of the are Dave Pezzner’s original creations (actually one in three different shapes). If you’re wondering why didn’t the label ask anyone to remix Almost Here, you really should listen to the music. I’m not even going to try to describe what it sounds like. Maybe I’ll just quote Shur-I-Kan, who said it’s a “brilliant piece of future looking production”. Exactly… future looking.

Pezzner – Almost Here – [Freerange Records]

1. Almost Here (Part 1)
2. Almost Here (Part 2)
3. Almost Here (Part 3)

Previews courtesy of Freerange Records.

For all those, for whom the name Pezzner doesn’t sound familiar, let me say that he’s a talented artist based in Seattle, where (aside from producing brilliant tracks for Freerange) he is creating music for computer games, TV shows and advertising. Together with Bob Hansen, he’s a member of Jacob London duo, which managed to release over a dozen of their own productions and remix even more music for people like: Johnny Fiasco, Justin Martin & Sammy D and Ben Mono.