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Welcome to Level Headed. I’ve reviewed some recordings
of the “electronic” nature on the site recently but wanted
to provide you with a little bit more coverage in the way
of interviews, commentary, news, and vinyl reviews. Level
Headed will have a lot of artists featured on the site
and will be discussing plenty of incredible music with good
stories and new features every month. I’d love to hear your
thoughts so you feel free to drop me a line. Hopefully everyone
that attended WMC schmooze-fest this year had a great time.
I’d love to hear from anyone with some good stories.
I’m sure you’ve already seen the racks of crap releases that
are shoveled into your local record stores so I won’t waste
your time slamming them. There are so many quality releases
out that I feel it is pointless to spend time covering the
bad ones. Unless of course some long waited album finally
comes along and ends up terrible. This technically is a news
section but I’ll try and offer a little more than your typical
gossip and release dates.
New Chemical Brothers Single
 "It
Began In Afrika" will be the first single from the forthcoming
Chemical Brother's album set for a limited release September
11, 2001. The material was originally released as a limited
white label test pressing under the alias 'Electronic Battle
Weapon 5' and has been in heavy rotation by such DJs as Pete
Tong, Danny Tenaglia, Francios K, Fatboy Slim, and Roger Sanchez.
The overwhelming demand for the track prompted the limited release
but will sure to sell out quick.
A New Aphex Twin Album?
 It
was believed that after his last album, Aphex Twin AKA Richard
James was done producing any more material and was quitting
the music industry all altogether. However, it has been confirmed
by Warp records that he has just wrapped up a 30 track double
album entitled 'DRUKQS' in London last week due. No release
date has been confirmed but a fall release next year is most
likely and may be followed up by UK appearances.
Luke Slater Mix Album
 UK
producer and DJ, Luke Slater will be releasing his first two
CD mix album on the React label in September. Much like the
aggressive nature of his last album, Wireless, the first CD
will feature tracks from artists like Ben Simms, James Ruskin,
and Regis while CD two will be more chilled out with tracks
from Two Lone Swordsmen, Youngsters and Felix Da Housecat. Details
of a supporting tour will be coming soon
Artful Dodger Split
The hugely successful UK garage duo, Artful Dodger have parted
ways coming just before the release of their new single 'Twentyfourseven'
featuring the guest vocals of All Saint's Melanie Blatt. Mark
Hill will continue to write and remix under the Artful Dodger
name while Pete Devereux will write and produce for his own
projects and continue his work as a DJ. Devereux wishes to continue
a radio career, which won a Sony award earlier this year for
the Dodger's Capital Radio show.
A new Artful Dodger album is scheduled for tentative release
in the summer of next year.
DJ Vadim Censored
 The
FCC proposed a $7,000 fine against non-commercial KBOO-FM in
Portland, OR for broadcasting the song "Your Revolution,"
a collaboration between Ninja Tune recording artist DJ Vadim
and spoken word artist Sarah Jones. The song comes from the
DJ Vadim album USSR: Life >From The Other Side released in
1999.
The commission claims that is contains "unmistakable
patently offensive sexual references." KBOO-FM counters
that its mission is to provide a forum for "unpopular,
controversial neglected perspective," and that "Your
Revolution" is "a feminist attack on attempts to
equate political revolution with promiscuous sex" - the
opening lyric is, "Your revolution will not happen between
these thighs" - and thus is not indecent. The FCC rejected
that argument and has given KBOO-FM 30 days to respond.
The move has, of course, forced other non commercial and
otherwise progressive radio broadcasters to ban their programmers
from playing the song. Thus, permanently silencing one of
the most important feminist hip-hop songs of the last decade
from ever reaching FM listeners.
This is a heavy-handed blow from the FCC against the First
Ammendment rights of the citizens of the United States, positive
hip-hop artists, and anyone striving for increased equality
for women in this country or worldwide.
Listeners of the song will note that Jones in no way endorses
or promotes any "patently offensive sexual references."
Quite the opposite. Hear
the song for yourself and read
the FCC filing.
We ask that you contact FCC Chairman Micheal Powell at mpowell@fcc.gov
or 1-888-225-5322 to voice your concern and support independent
music and free speech.
Sound Design V.2 Tour
 Following
the success of sold out dates for the 1st Sounds of Om Tour
(feat. Marques Wyatt) at such venerable venues as The Metro
(Chicago), Centro-Fly (NY), Motor (Detroit), Eleven 50 (Atlanta)
and The Grand (LA), comes Om Record¹s quintessential round
two in the continuing saga of bringing deep soulful house music
to the nation! The Sound Design 2001 Tour will follow the July
17th release of Chicago deep house legend Mark Grant 's long
awaited "perfect mix", Sound Design v. 2, and will
visit over 25 cities throughout North America throughout July
& August.
TOUR DATES:
July 30th Cleveland, OH Fantasy Night Club
July 14th Miami, FL GODDESS
July 15th Key West WAX
July 17th Tampa, FL Hyde Park Cafe
July 21st Atlanta, GA Club 1050
July 27th Seattle, WA I Spy
Aug 4th San Francisco, CA SFO & ESDJCO
Aug 5th Los Angeles, CA Deep
Aug 11th Detroit, MI Motor
Aug 15th Chicago, IL 3 Degrees/Ultra Lounge
Aug 17th New York, NY Manhattan Center
Aug 18th Washington DC The Edge
Aug 24th Portland, OR OHM
Aug 25th Vancouver SONAR
Aug 30th Houston, TX Club Diesel - "Community"
Aug 31st Austin, TX Element Night Club
Tricky Diagnosed With Rare Illness
 According
to NME.com, during a recent interview with Uncut magazine, Tricky
spoke about being diagnosed with Candida, a rare disease which
creates imbalance within the body and according to Tricky, will
break down the immune system and can cause "paranoia, stress,
and insomnia." He even considered shooting someone in the
leg so he would be forced to go to jail and seek treatment.
Evidently the illness is caused by an allergic reaction to sugar
and breads. Tricky has since made the necessary adjustments
to his diet. His new album, Blowback will be available on June
25th on Epitaph.
Waiting for that big break?
 The
Warp label is currently on the lookout for new music for a compilation
series showcasing the best electronic music from around the
globe. You can send your best two tracks on CD or Minidisc to
Warp records (Compilations Warehouse) P.O. Box 25378 London
NW5 1GL UK. Also, check out Warp artists and friends like Squarepusher,
Anti-Pop Consortium, Richard Devine, and Chris Clark in New
York on June 22nd. More details to come.
Twilo Closes Its Doors
 Bad
news clubbers. New York's Twilo club has lost its battle and
has been revoked of its cabaret license. For a few years Twilo
has been under a close eye from city officials over assorted
legal issues including overdose-related deaths. Twilo recently
launched a record label, playing host to a number of top DJ's
including Sasha, John Digweed and Carl Cox.
Carl Craig Honored
Even though Carl Craig was fired from his position as creative
director for the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, he received
honors for his work as a Detroit artists. On Monday, May 28th,
just before Inner City performed on the DEMF main stage, Craig
was presented a special commendation from the offices of Detroit
Mayor Dennis W. Archer:
The Proclamation read:
 Carl
Craig has endeared himself to an international audience of
electronic music lovers with his artistic vision, intellectual
curiosity, and his willingness to identify with and promote
the work of other artists. These qualities made Craig an ideal
choice for Creative Director of the inaugural Detroit Electronic
Music Festival, and its successor, the Detroit Electronic
Music Festival. Craig's worldwide reputation, international
network, and experience as a recording artist and producer
have served him well. He has put the DEMF on the map and enhanced
the image of the City of Detroit by assembling a superb lineup
of veteran artists and relative newcomers. The performers
Craig has attracted both years reflect the music's wide range
of styles, featuring not only Detroit techno, but also house,
hip-hop and jazz influences. Craig, a Detroit native and resident,
attended Detroit’s Cooley High. He entered the electronic
music world after sharing tapes of his music experiments with
Detroit techno legend Derrick May. Craig, performing as Psyche
assisted May as May developed his Transmat label. Craig, branched
out on his own by forming his Planet E label in November 1991.
At Planet E, Craig has performed as 69, as Paperclip People,
as leader of the Innerzone Orchestra and under his own name.
His most influential tracks include "Jam the Box,"
"My Machines," "The Floor," and "Bug
in the Bassbin." Craig has also signed and developed
other electronic artists at the Planet E label. Craig, has
been an articulate spokesman for electronic music and for
the redevelopment of Detroit, as well. He worked with Carol
Marvin of Pop Culture Media to develop the vision of a successful
DEMF.
Therefore, I, Dennis W. Archer, Mayor of the City of Detroit,
issue this Proclamation saluting Carl Craig for his leadership
of the DEMF and dedication to the artistic advancement of
electronic music. Signed Dennis W. Archer and sealed with
the Mayor's seal.
Other Recent Levelheaded Headlines
I have recently received some incredible material from our
Canadian neighbors so why you are so hungrily fixed on the
U.K., Vienna, and U.S. scenes, don’t forget about the folks
creating great material elsewhere. Vancouver based Upstairs
Recordings has released Volume 2 of their ‘Hedlands’
compilation featuring tracks from producers Ian Duke a.k.a.
E.D. Swankz, and Pat Dodds (Telefuzz, TheVerbrilli
Sound). Clearly these two are connoisseurs of dubbed out
breaks and warm climate down-tempo. You’ll find their tracks
ideal for those hazy Sunday morning hangovers or to entertain
your guests for kick back party use in front of the Hi-fi.
Many of the tracks unleash some dizzying atmospheres and morphine
induced breaks that are topped with some hilarious dialogue
samples. www.upstairsrecordings.com
There’s also some strong material coming out of Montréal
via Haute Couture Records. DJ Maüs pieces
together some wicked drum and bass selections on her mix compilation
‘Intersections’ featuring storming tracks by the like
of Amon Tobin, Phoneheads, Tee Bee, Omni Trio, and
Plug just to name a few. Her mixing skills are flawless
and her selections are a refreshing and diverse. If you like
the bleeps and blips of retro Electro check out David Scott
and his debut ‘Sex Machine’ (reviewed last month)
or try the Tech- House material from Les Jardiniers.
Their album ‘Cafeteria’ is an ass-shaking assortment
of effect filtered House tracks outfitted with disco samples,
vocal snippets and those rolling bass lines. www.hautecouturerecords.com
 Back
here in New York, ISM RECORDS and their sub-label Agriculture
have released a couple dubbed out heavy hitters by artists
Sub Dub as well as Lloop. Originally recorded
in ‘93-’95, the source material on Sub Dub’s ‘Original
Masters’ are from three EP’s (coming soon on vinyl) that
are comprised of the duo’s heavy dub style blended with traditional
instruments from around the world. The wonderfully intoxicating
combination of the chants, strings, horns, slow-mo breaks
with the racks of effects they pipe them trough is enough
to knock you out on your ass for a couple of days. In the
same sort of style, Lloop’s ‘Bulbbs’ CD is a re-release
of a mix-tape DJ Olive created for some friends in
1994 and good thing he did. Like the ‘Original Masters’ release,
‘Bulbbs’ combines the same sort of worldly and otherworldly
sounds into abstract and cinematic proportions. References
to the Orb have been made and rightfully deserve the
comparison. Both of these releases are a must for anyone doing
a little soul searching. www.ismrecords.com
As far as current music news goes, Moonshine Music
has announced that in addition to their DJ mix roster of artists
like Carl Cox, Frankie Bones, Keoki and others, DMC champ
and Beastie Boy affiliate, Mixmaster Mike is set to
release his first-ever (commercial) mixed CD on July 24th.
You can expect another release on the horizon from Howie
B. He has just wrapped up his third album for Polydor
last month in New York. There are supposed to be some "fascinating
collaborations" but no names have been released. On a
side note Mercury France commissioned Howie to remix French
pop legend, Serge Gainsbourg for 'I Love Serge: Electronicagainsbourg,'
a remix album to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his death.
 Goldie
announced this month that he will be re-launching his Metalheadz
label with a new single “Stormtroopa VIP” under his Rufige
Cru moniker. However, a couple of days later, London records
dropped him and Armand Van Helden as the result of
a new merger. While Goldie will not be releasing his solo
material through London, the Metalheadz deal should remain
the same.
 DJ
Krush has finished his sixth album ‘Zen’ featuring
collaborations with Black Thought if the Roots,
EI-P of Company Flow (R.I.P.) in addition to vocalist
N'Dea Davenport. The album has been released in Japan
currently and is set for U.S. release in early July followed
up with some live dates. Another abstract hip-hop act, New
York's own Anti-Pop Consortium has signed to the honorable
Warp label and they've headed off to Europe for a number
of live dates.
Orbital is working on their new album ‘The Altogether’,
which will feature vocal collaborations with David Gray
as well as ex-Doctor Who, Tom Baker. Stereo MC’s
we be making their return with a new album ‘Deep,
Down, & Dirty’ on June 12th and Massive
Attack and David Bowie have collaborated on a cover
of Nat King Cole’s ‘Nature Boy’ for the Baz Luhrmann
film, ‘Moulin Rouge’, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.
Another collaboration to look out for, the Dub Pistols
have brought on Specials frontman, Terry Hall to record
vocals for a track on their upcoming album.
 Thievery
Corporation’s ESL Music label have a number of
upcoming releases to check out, one of the recent 12” by Farid
is in covered in the Vinyl reviews section. Here are some
dates:
May 29...Various Artists - Modular Systems - CD
May 29...Nicola Conte - Souno Jet - CD
June 26...Various Artists - Bossa Nova - CD
June 26…Ursula 1000 - Beatbox Cha Cha - 12"
June 26…See-I - Why Not Tonight - 7"
July 10...Thunderball - Penthouse Soul - CD, LP
If you’re thinking of checking out the Berlin Love Parade
this summer, forget it. The event was canceled to due complaints
about environmental damage being done during the event because
of the ever increasing number of attendees but you can check
out Moby’s U.S. tour this summer with guests New
Order, Outkast, and The Roots.
Those of you eagerly awaiting  Bjork’s
new album ‘Vespertine’ will have to wait a little longer.
Work won’t be completed in time for the original May 22nd
release date and has been pushed back to late August.
 There
were a couple of injuries to report recently. Sasha was
injured in a cab accident in London but made out with some
bad bruises and a ruptured eardrum, leaving him no choice
but to cancel his appearance at Fabric. I’m sure his
fans were disappointed but at least he made it out alive.
Amon Tobin took a spill snowboarding and busted his
wrist but still managed to DJ at his scheduled appearances.
Tricky’s new album, ‘Blowback’ will be released June
25 on Epitaph and will feature guests such as
Alanis Morissette, Red Hot Chili Peppers and
Kowalzyk on vocals. This seems like an odd line up
but Tricky always seems to pull it off.
-Justin Hardison
send your news to: justin@hybridmagazine.com
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