Digging through October with Skalm

I would say I’m better at expressing about music with the music itself rather than words. But here I am writing this.

So, if this text was a mix, what kind of mix would it be? How would I approach it? Catch the listener’s reader’s attention right in the beginning, making them all ears eyes, and then take it slow and save something unexpected for the end? Occasionally, I have an exact vision but when I start, it all goes away and happens differently. Let’s see how this attempt will turn out. Enjoy my mix edition of Digging through October.

2023–10–7 Crush

You know that feeling of secretly watching and admiring someone who you find very attractive and extremely special. A sort of burning desire … To have a crush on them but never really make the move. Well, you should also know there is no crush without movement.

This statement of Crush is my story with attending its movements. Because this time will be the third one I’ll miss due to my absence in town. It crushes my heart.

I could literally write this blog all about this RSVP-only gathering. Its thoughtful design, the entry questionnaire (with these mindful questions that can really make you stop and think) and the whole manifesto. I particularly like the aspect of diverse lineups that aim to surprise you and musically educate in addition to the entertainment alone. And I appreciate the education, because I’ve realized I was naive to think people come for music, as most of them usually come to party. (Disclaimer: no judgment here.)

This realization might not be only mine – I remember overhearing it during a backstage conversation in Brno’s Vitamin at Infame Radio 1st anniversary from phil in a maze. Yes, we’re moving to the music educators now, cause there’s going to be a lot of them on the first Saturday of October.

I liked phil before he was cool (haha). Having a soft spot especially for the dubby, murky and lingering side of his production, it makes me happy to hear these echoes also in his DJ sets now.

The odds are you will enjoy his music even when your music preferences are elsewhere – the energy he channels through sound is contagious. One of my experiences is from the Summer Seismic event, where I found out he had a technical hiccup with his main flash drive leaving him selecting only from the other stick. Ok, wow. I guess it was another illustration of how limitations in the creative process can often yield unexpectedly impressive results. 

Speaking of what can influence a mix: I met phil with Sanjin and Adri (the souls behind Crush) at Berlin Atonal a few days ago, and I’m curious if and how the musical acts they’ve witnessed there will have an impact on their upcoming craft. IMHO these little influences just happen, whether consciously or not. So, please go there, and let me know what it was like!

Whether the influence is a music festival or the weather, I wonder if I’ve ever heard anything from Sanjin I wouldn’t fall for. Yes, this blog should have been a public love letter. I (literally) dig you.

Moving on. A lovely digging surprise was Ay Lak. Al Yakubouskaya, cloth designer, visual & sound artist from Belarus now based in Prague – yes I had to do some stalking research – but does it even matter? When all you need to know about is this teleport to safe space. It’s time for a collective meditation.

Until now it might look like “the future is local” kind of night. And I honestly think it would be enough considering the other local crushes joining the movement (Ana Mi, NCOL, wolk, and almost local Steffen Bennemann).

But I didn’t even mention the best DJ name ever. Tbh, I remember only clicking through some mixes of DJ Fart in the Club on SoundCloud a few years ago because of the name. Didn’t remember much, but just found out what it is in the air. It’s going to smell like colorful house & techno. And it’s going to be a loud one.

You can fill the Crush questionnaire here.

20–10–2023 Infame Radio presents Markham Road

Believe me, I’m not highlighting this night because I’ll be behind the booth in my favorite room.

It’s special because:

1. Infame Radio and the brain behind Daniel Styles (who I’ll be sharing the decks with) have brought to life a music incubator of ideas, the Markham Road label, and this will be the baptism of its first project – VA release.

How would I describe it? Why reinventing the wheel when somebody else (hi Dan) has already said it right:

The consequent nine tracks vary along a scale of percussive rhythms both relating to established and experimental ideas. As a trial in itself, this project took shape through exponential conversations between all those creatively involved. All tracks are written and mixed by each respective artist.  

2. Warzou, one of the various artists on the compilation, will join us for its live premiere. Maybe you’re like me, and you’ve fallen for Warzou for the “metallic” sound which sizzles in his production, radio shows and Big Science Records. We can only assume what Road he’s going to take us on as the raw, electric and modular sizzle has started borrowing more from the club context. (Still experimenting though.) This constant evolution is inevitable, can’t imagine being in the same place forever but the comebacks feel nice.

To showcase the original “metallic” sound, I wanted to point out my favorite mix for Electric Shapes but then I realized it might be there because of the platform name and its focus. Another mix for LYL Radio residency from the same time is already disclosing what is yet to come with the breaks, dub and bass. And maybe it was always there:

Because if many influences can transpire from this record, Warzou was built with Acid, House & Techno, Bass and Dub productions, or even Down tempo and its industrial feeling. “W is for Wobble” is a generous record that allows to introduce the meticulous work of W.

If you’re interested in other meticulous work, check the lab catalog of Big Science Records. You might be pleased with noisy Troll from Warzabart (side project with Gil.barte) and Leo James’ unexpected heart opener.

22–10–2023 Deviant x Shoes off

How about some bulletpoints deviation now?

– the mentioned constant evolution in terms of music has reminded me also of just claudia and her “bass path”
– it’s always “fun” to observe and listen how the taste shapes, how it deviates
– but some elements and concepts stay, like Claudia’s quirky and slow-paced stories for various radios (<3)

– she will take her Shoes off and tell us one of these maybe on the Sunday edition of Deviant
– there will be another barefoot person – Abdullah Miniawy – who will come to share his solo live act with us
– I must admit I wasn’t familiar with him (yay to discoveries and further explorations like this)
– keywords like AD 93, Simo Cell, or the fact that it’s Deviant might buy you in

28–10–2023 Kosmic Care

Kosmic Skaut, the caretaker, surely takes care when he has invited this magical duo. Mirko Hecktor & Tom Sprenger aka Hektish Sprengen DJs, founders of Terra Magica Rec. And I care too, so I’m gonna save you the energy for reading. Maybe you should just listen and do some research too, okay?

Pluto

The unknown powers of the Vršovice universe have brought us something we have once known. pluto, planet declassified. The newly emerged listening space, formerly called Ze Mě, now with a bar. As there is only Petrohradská in the hood – which will unfortunately reach its expiry date at the end of this year (spend some time there while you still can) – pluto should provide a shelter for every Thursday evening. 

On the upcoming one on the 5th of October, Andrea Scarling and Eva Porating will take care of its soundtrack. But every other Thursday evening will be accompanied with soundscapes too. And considering the context of the listening space that by itself calls for a more introspective sound, it might be a surprise what the invited artists will share with us. Another reason to come and see listen for yourself.

 

Check the full programme for October here.