All posts filed under: MUSIC

FILE 104 // GLENN ASTRO

Published by 5elect5

Glenn Astro is just one pseudonym of the German producer, DJ and passionate record collector. With a background as a hip hop DJ, Astro his known for his borderless sound which incorporates elements of Jazz and Disco across a wide spectrum of electronic music from past to present. Collaborative efforts with friends and producers like Max Graef, Hodini, Ajnascent and releasing on labels such as Tartelet, Ninja Tune as well as Money $ex Records, the imprint he co-founded with Max Graef and Delfonic, have established him as one of the house-hold names in the modern house scene. ‘Delta Rain Dance‘ is his new artist and label concept-based project to delve into more contemplative, and melancholic states: a different side of Astro. We hope to also reveal a new side of Astro through his essentials – a selection of items and routines he cares about most and inspire him to create. Find out more about Glenn Astro here: SOUND CLOUD / DELTA RAIN DANCE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER   MY ESSENTIALS 1. RING (GIFT): This ring was initially a gift from my girlfriend and then turned into an engagement ring. …

FILE 103 // OPAL SUNN

Published by 5elect5

Al Kassian and Hiroaki OBA are Opal Sunn. Before they started their endeavour as a hardware-only live act duo in 2015, Al and Hiroaki both had already successful solo music careers before they met in Berlin. Al released on labels suchs as Paramida’s Love On The Rocks and Utopia Records – Hiroaki was a bassist in a band in Tokyo, but went solo and joined the 2010 Red Bull Music Academy in London and released on labels like Ki Records. Their love for machines and boundless approach to music production gave birth to two Opal Sunn EPs released on their very own Planet Sundae imprint. After gaining stamps of approval from the likes of Andrew Weatherall, DJ Sprinkles, and many artists alike, this year, Opal Sunn was signed on former Ostgut Ton manager Nick Höppner’s new label Touch From A Distance. Now mainly based in Berlin, Al and Hiroaki both not only share their love for music but also their home Japan. The collection of essentials show some traditional Japanese items such as snacks and …

FILE 102 // SPENCER PARKER

Published by 5elect5

2018 was another busy year for London-born producer and DJ Spencer Parker. He is ending this year on a high note with the release of his second album “Dance Music” on Work Them Records. Founded back in 2012, the label has become the one stop shop for high energy house, techno and disco tracks – all you need in your record bag for a fueled dance floor. Supporting new talents such as P.Leone & Valya Kan as well as friends like DJ Deep, Rødhäd, ItaloJohnson and long-time partner in all crimes Radio Slave – whose label Rekids he very much considers home away from home – shows his wide network and talent for bringing people together to collaborate. For the photoshoot, we met Parker at his apartment in Berlin. Whenever we meet an artist at his / her home, we come to realize that a selection of essentials is merely a snapshot of the creative individual and not enough to paint the full picture. Parker’s home was filled with colors and fun rare items – mostly “best worst” souvenirs from every city he visits (which is …

FILE 101 // DAN CURTIN

Published by 5elect5

Cleveland-born producer and DJ Dan Curtin is one of the key figures shaping the Midwest Techno scene. He founded the label Metamorphic to mainly give new talents an outlet for their music. While continuing to support this scene and over 70 singles and 9 albums later, Curtin follows his passion for hip hop, funk and soul releases new music under one of his his many aliases such as Purveyors of Fine Funk. His refusal to lock himself into one style as well as his ability to collaborate with artists from a variety of genres has helped him to maintain  his status as a legend. Currently based in Berlin, his essentials are a genuine selection of items that portray his roots and source of inspiration to keep going  – “When the music stops your mind and body return to the world of the sentient but you never forget your Origins.” said the press release of his “Origins” EP which was released under his alias Planetary 25 years ago. The re-mastered reissue was just released on Metamorphic. MY ESSENTIALS 1. SUNGLASSES (MYKITA, CHECK HERE): Sunglasses.  Needed when there is …

FILE 100 // MAX COOPER

Published by 5elect5

UK-based artist Max Cooper merges electronic music, visual art and science through installations, live audio-visual and immersive sound experiences. Growing up, he pursued both of his passions – music and science, earning a PhD in computational biology. His background and education seems to now influence his creative process. Cooper shares that his projects start with an abstract idea / concept first which he explores further to make them tangible as well as relatable. His label “Mesh” is an embodiment of these passions and an outlet for music which is part of wider collaborations in the arts and sciences. Following the successful multi-media “Emergence” album and tour, this year he released his third album “One Hundred Billion Sparks” with an all new and evolved 270 immersive audio-visual shows – a light field installation of countless shimmering points, hovering overhead the audience, creating 3-dimensional moving forms in sync with music. Experience the next one at Funkhaus in Berlin. MY ESSENTIALS 1. FLIGHT ESSENTIALS (A PERSONAL COLLECTION): This is my flight essentials pouch to cover the travel basics …

RBMA // VŌX

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Los Angeles-based vocalist, musician and producer Sarah Winters AKA vōx (pronounced “wokes”) makes hip-hop-influenced spectral pop. Her productions and performances have a refined look and feel. Under the veil she wears on stage, Winters is hidden but present – guiding the audience safely through the unknown sonic world. She also has a talent for giving songs like Kendrick Lamar’s “i,” the unique vōx treatment while creating lasting moments. MY ESSENTIALS 1. NOTEBOOK + PEN (MOLESKIN, BUY HERE):  My music making background came about through writing poetry first, so I like to have a small notebook with me at all times for lyrical thoughts. 2. EAR PLUGS (ACS, CHECK HERE): I think it goes along with my introversion, but I tend to be very sensitive to sound. I like to carry my molded earplugs with me, mostly for going to shows, but sometimes even a plane or a train is a tad too loud for me. 3. GLOVES (DEL’HACIENDA, CHECK HERE): Wearing things that make people smile and wearing things that make me smile is key. These are satin gloves my friends from Los Angeles, Del’Hacienda, made. 4. VEIL (NO BRAND): Being veiled is a big …

RBMA // SOUL OF HEX

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Gerardo Cedillo is a producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist from Mexico. As one half of the duo named Kry-Lon, he defined the “new rave” scene in his hometown of Tijuana. As Soul of Hex, Cedillo’s solo project’ he enjoys playing and producing deep house incoorporating classic techno and jazz influences. He is the founder of the vinyl only label Vicario Musique Recordings to create an platform to share “music for the future”. His essentials are a refined collection to accompany him when he is touring around the world. MY ESSENTIALS 1. PERFORMANCE SAMPLER (ELEKTRON, BUY HERE):  It’s my most essential piece of gear and I take it everywhere with me. It’s such a wonderful machine which basically can sample and manipulate any sound or song and take it to the next level, with awesome effects and also it’s a composer so… it’s been in my bag since I got it sponsored by Elektron in 2016. 2. SUNGLASSES (RAY-BAN, CHECK HERE): These shades are cool I think, I always lose them but buy them again every now and then ha! 3. GRANULAR CONVOLVOR (RBMA, READ HERE): This little silver machine was given to the participants of this …