Crosstown Rebels Presents REBELLION RAVE

After leaving their indelible Rebel prints all over Miami WMC, Off-Sonar Barcelona, Berlin, LA and beyond this summer, Damian Lazarus and co. get back to basics this October by kicking off a brand new series – REBELLION RAVE.

Rebellion is the more underground sister label of Crosstown Rebels showcasing some of the most cutting edge, forward-thinking artists on the planet and 10 releases strong, it has fast become a brand on true tastemakers lips. The theme for a Rebellion rave is to take the party back to its grass-roots - to dark cavernous warehouses where there’s sweat on the walls…

Inviting Londoners, London lovers and creatures of the night, REBELLION RAVE will deliver guaranteed attention to sonic detail and an array of global talent. Damian Lazarus will preside over an all-nighter of weird and wonderful club music alongside Tim Xavier, Acid Pauli, James What, and Aidan Lavelle.

As label boss and master of musical misfits, Damian Lazarus is on an unrelenting mission to unite artists and make rave history with the future in mind. You won’t want to miss what the man has up his wizard’s sleeve on this hallowed night…

Saturday 6th October: 10pm to 6am
Warehouse Party, London
Tickets: £10 Limited Early bird tickets
Standard tickets: £15 to £20 + bf
TICKET LINK: http://londonwarehouseevents.co.uk/crosstown-rebels-presents-rebellion-rave/

Just Be - Annabelle (CRM101)

Next up on Crosstown Rebels comes the second outing for British institution Matthew ‘Bushwacka’ B under new guise Just Be. The ‘Annabelle’ release is a rumbling jungle of percussion. From moody and deep to down right stormy, these are high-octane cuts that deserve a cave rave soundsystem.

Title track ‘Annabelle’ is a dubby, atmospheric late night jam with grubby sub-bass snarl and morphing bleeps and effects weaved around molten vocal cuts. As the muffled voice creeps up from the abyss, all elements work in hypnotic symbiosis for the dancefloor.

On the B-side, ‘More and More’ gets two incarnations. The ‘house mix’ works an irresistible tribal roll, a loop of twinkling keys raining on Bushwacka’s signature drums. Deftly layering touches of the strange with disembodied vocals, Bushwacka certainly has an intrinsic gift for unearthly moods. In the ‘deep mix’ the percussive storm takes hold again as dark stabs puncture abstract, eerie melodies.

An integral figure in UK rave culture, Matthew B aka Bushwacka! and the man behind The End Soundsystem and esteemed duo Layo & Bushwacka! is still on a tireless mission to make people dance, settling for now on doing so as Just Be. Having emerged in the late 80s, making his indelible mark as a DJ with four residencies in London every weekend most notably at the legendary End nightclub that became his spiritual home for 14 years, Matthew was catapulted into the International circuit. Making music was always in Matthew’s blood however and the artist has a phenomenal six artist albums under his belt (a seventh on the way this year) as well as over 120 remixes, and 160 tracks. Moniker Just Be is making its mark on 2012 with releases signed, sealed and delivered on Get Physical, Maison D’Etre, Plus 8, and Intec Digital and with gigs at some of the best clubs and festivals on the circuit.

Label: Crosstown Rebels

Cat no: CRM101

Web: www.crosstownrebels.com

Distribution: Above Board Distribution

Released: Wed Sep 26th, 2012

LINK TO THE TRACKS

Tiga - The Picture (CRM100)

For the momentous Crosstown Rebels #100, one of electronic music’s great innovators makes his long-awaited comeback as Tiga. The Montreal avant-gardist’s first original work in four years ‘The Picture’ is big, bad and heavy in every sense. Factor in an outstanding remix of ‘Pleasure From The Bass’ from Rebels wonder boy Subb-an and you have a very special landmark release indeed.

Tiga has always had a knack of injecting freaky character into the tantalizing late night music he crafts and with ‘The Picture’, Tiga literally bulldozes all expectation giving Crosstown Rebels an unforgettable flash of rave imbued dark pop-electro tech. Assuming the transcendent verse of Prince, Tiga’s echoing vocals glare like iridescent petrol as the trippy, molten sound wall of bleeps and beats propel this inexorable dancefloor slayer.

Killing it on every level right now, Rebels favourite and One Records boss Subb-an brings Tiga’s dance classic ‘Pleasure From The Bass’ up to date with a wonky logic and deeper swing on the drums adding spaciousness to the groove. With Tiga’s penetrating vocal in tact along with fresh tweaks of acid, Subb-an’s badboy bassline bumps towards a medley of spooky keys evoking a Ghostbusters rave scene. Although undeniably groovy, Subb-an’s rework still fizzes with electric shocks and twists.

Tiga has wowed the electronic universe with his ghostly fluorescent sonic beams since ‘Sunglasses At Night’ first dropped on City Rockers in 2001, when a long-standing friendship with then label boss Damian Lazarus was born. Now with Lazarus about to enter the tenth year of his pioneering Crosstown Rebels imprint, it is fitting that the two should entwine in this destiny for the milestone #100 - on a label that has raised major league artists such as Jamie Jones and Maceo Plex and spawned seminal club records throughout its history.

Besides a head spinning career as DJ and producer, Tiga has been running Turbo Recordings since 1998 - home to some of the most cutting edge, genre-crossing brilliance out there with releases from Chromeo, Azari & III and Tiga himself - as well as lately delivering a smoking trail of high-profile remixes. It would take all night to even glaze over the story of Tiga’s career but it’s safe to say it’s been one full of colourful decadence and a disregard for the norm. Both Tiga and Crosstown are true trendsetters and together they are a potent combination.

Label: Crosstown Rebels

Cat no: CRM100

Web: www.crosstownrebels.com

Distribution: Above Board Distribution

Released: Mon Sep 10th, 2012



LINK TO THE TRACKS

Tim Xavier - Arco-della Devozione (RBL010)

The RebelLION imprint, younger sibling to the firmly established underground leader Crosstown Rebels, has reached its 10th release as the daddy label edges towards its tenth year and 100th release! Nurturing the more leftfield club music catching the radar of Damian Lazarus, RebelLION next delivers the creative juices from American heavyweight Tim Xavier with the driving, tribal master stroke ‘Arco della Devozione’.

Loved and respected by many, Tim Xavier’s passionate personality and lifestyle have kept him at the forefront of the techno scene since his first releases almost a decade ago. On the stage Tim is known for his undeniable talent as a once-hard techno mixer turned minimal trend-setter but behind the scenes, the expert sound engineer and key artist for the fast-rising imprint Clink Music, runs a highly successful mastering company based in Berlin. Also working with Tony Rohr as one half of The Afternoon Coffee Boys, Tim’s production style overflows with maturity and fluent simplicity and the results are always deep, dark and emotional. This RebelLION installment is no different.

The ‘Main Prime Time’ mix of ‘Arco della Devozione’ is a deep and brooding tribal roller nestled in a dense and dubby sound bed of rich percussion, distorting bass and howling sonic winds. As the disembodied vocals descend and echo through the pulsing beats, the atmosphere drives into murkier waters. On the alternative mixes, the ‘Paint-The-Sky-Dub’ lends a heavy dose of sub-bass and wonky FX while the ‘Dub Version’ allows the track to throb unbounded by the shuddering voices - a magnificent weapon for any DJ wanting to inject some freakiness into the dancefloor.

 

Label: RebelLION

Cat no: RBL010

Web: www.crosstownrebels.com

Distribution: Above Board

Released: Mon Jul 30th, 2012

LINK TO THE TRACKS

SIS - Round pen EP (CRM099)

An aficionado’s household name ever since riding a well-deserved wave of hype in 2008, SIS has continued to impress with his instantly recognisable percussive grooves and unmistakable production style, making him a favourite amongst highly revered players such as Ricardo Villalobos and Luciano. Stepping up for the 99th release on Crosstown Rebels (having previously appeared on the first ever RebelLION) the German producer delivers ambitious four-tracker - the ‘Round Pen EP’.

Shakers and bongos open things up on ‘Faces’, before a big, unwavering 4/4 kick enters the floor coupled with a hazy bassline. An evocative vocal loop is used creatively in trademark SIS style and will no doubt have the same devastating effect on the floor. For A2, things get a little darker with a minimal, almost micro house intro on ‘Unforty’. Spacey pads and a menacing bassline lead the way hypnotically until an organ synth line snaps us out of the trance, giving the track a new perspective.

On the flip we dive straight back into some more vocal-led, peak time madness on ‘Miles From Me’. SIS displays his renowned propensity for manipulated vocals, chopping up a blues sample beyond recognition and then releasing the full vocal later on; whist a gratifying combo of warming distortion, elongated reverb tails and echoed stabs ensures that sounds twist and turn for the duration. Finally we return to the deep for ‘Forward Line’, a driving and relentless piece characterised by a slick percussive groove and hypnotic synth lead.

Born in 1980 in Michelstadt, southern Germany, Burak Sar aka SIS was from a very young age Inspired by his musician father, who introduced him to a myriad of musical instruments and rhythms with his Turkish musical group. SIS formed a rock band and played the drums, but an experience at the hands of DJ Karotte in Frankfurt led him to the inevitable dancefloor epiphany and SIS turned his passion to electronic music. With big club records on esteemed labels such as Cecille, Cocoon, 8Bit, Connaisseur and a live mix for Get Physical in 2011, SIS is a refined producer unswerving in his prolific output.

Label: Crosstown Rebels

Cat no: CRM099

Web: www.crosstownrebels.com

Distribution: Above Board Distribution

Released: Mon Aug 6th, 2012

LINK TO THE TRACKS

Fur Coat - Mind Over Matter (CRMCD019)

Fur Coat explore the power of thought in their first album for Crosstown Rebels ’Mind Over Matter’ after a steep climb into mainstream consciousness.

Fur Coat are about that space where darkness meets the groove. Their combination of live vocals and psychedelic synths create dance floor magic. The Venezuelan duo was spotted by Crosstown Rebels head Damian Lazarus little more than eight months ago, and they have since been on lockdown to complete their first studio album.

Bringing together some supreme guest vocalists such as Mel Blatt of All Saints fame, the young NYC star Rap Lisa, Big Bully known for his previous work with Jay Haze, Cari Golden, Argenis Brito and Stee Downes, the result is primed for taking charge of the dancefloor at the end of 2012.

Fur Coat plant the colour of their own continent - ‘Interlude’ takes a sample from the Venezuelan talking clock - while adding their own twist from their travels and supernatural experiences in mind-bending cuts such as ‘Spirit’ and the anthemic ‘You and I’ featuring Cari Golden.

“Mind Over Matter is a way of thinking that we have. We believe if you think what you want and you visualize it you can get it, and with the power of mind you can overcome any obstacle. Our inspiration is life itself, traveling, eating, knowing new places, new countries, meeting people, our girls (my girlfriend & israel wife), art, cultures.” Sergio Muñoz (Delete)

Fur Coat is the brainchild of Sergio Muñoz (Delete) and Israel Sunshine, two fresh producers from Venezuela. Their first single ‘Space Ballad’ feat. Argenis Brito featured a huge remix by Totally Extinct Enormous Dinosaurs and kept all eyes firmly focused on the duo.

The worlds of Sergio and Israel collided in 2004 in their hometown of Caracas but crunch time came in Barcelona, summer 2010 when the pair decided to develop their sound collectively. Intent on making something fresh and futuristic, they work with shades of the soul, funk and disco music they share as influences.

Combined with the omnipresence of Latin music growing up, a formative cocktail of Giorgio Moroder, Larry Levan and La Fania All Stars and Salsa Brava led to a vibrant musical philiosophy and powerful desire to work their magic on the dancefloor.

Label: Crosstown Rebels

Cat no: CRMCD019

Web: www.crosstownrebels.com

Distribution: Above Board Distribution

Released: Mon Sep 17th, 2012

TRACKLIST:

01. Mind Over Matter (Intro)

02. Those Days
03. Pettit Pillow feat. Rap Lisa
04. She’s All Good feat. Big Bully
05. Falls Away feat. Mel Blatt
06. The Man Of The Hour
07. Spirit
08. Going Nowhere feat. Stee Downes
09. Change Resistance
10. You And I feat. Cari Golden
11. Space Ballad feat. Argenis Brito
12. Understand What I Do feat. Big Bully
13. This Is The End

LINK TO THE TRACKS

Francesca Lombardo - Changes EP (CRM098)

98 releases strong and showing no signs of slowing when it comes to unearthing fresh talent and delivering high quality house music, This time Crosstown Rebels might just have discovered the new lady of house in Francesca Lombardo, judging by her exquisite debut - ‘Changes EP’.

After a fateful meeting with Damian Lazarus at WMC 2011, London based DJ, Vocal Techniques graduate and classically trained pianist Francesca Lombardo began a 12 month process that has culminated in an incredibly diverse and accomplished debut EP. Having gained over 17,000 plays in the past few months on her ‘Introducing’ podcast for Crosstown Rebels (soundcloud.com/crosstownrebels/crosstown-rebels-introducing) and with an album in the pipeline for the label next year, there is much excitement surrounding this musical protégée.

‘The Change’ kicks off the EP energetically, in traditional Crosstown fashion - straight up underground house aimed directly at the floor and characterised by a beasty kick drum, neatly arranged vocal snippets and a wonky synth lead.

Evolving with a more song-based quality, ‘Is It True’ moves the EP into ambient textures, sweeping the listener away into a lush, Burial-esque soundscape encapsulated with Francesca’s own haunting vocals and eerie synths, before dropping you straight back onto the dance-floor for an epic climax.

Hitting the peak time, ‘Old School Anna’ is a heads-down, motor-city style, deep house affair, and for the fourth and final cut, the electronic sculptress displays an acute skill for toying with emotions, bringing the listener back down for the ethereal intro of ‘Sofiel’, and very gradually introducing a warm, deep groove to see the EP out.

As Crosstown edges closer towards its 100th release, Francesca Lombardo upholds the indelible standard of the label, showcasing intricate technique and personal style. Effortlessly switching between dance-floor workouts and more song-based material, Francesca is a major electronic artist on the verge of global stardom.

 

Label: Crosstown Rebels

Cat no: CRM098

Web: www.crosstownrebels.com

Distribution: Above Board Distribution

Released: Mon Jul 16th, 2012

LINK TO THE TRACKS