BY TAD HAES
For a couple years, the enigmatic producer behind the act Man Power kept his real life identity secret, while releasing critically acclaimed works on established labels like Hivern Discs and Throne of Blood. But once his masterful recordings became sought-after hits in the underground dance scene across the world, it was clear it was time for him to step out of the shadows.
Following his identity reveal, the Berlin-based producer Geoff Kirkwood shared his debut full-length album this year as Man Power, on the German label Correspondant. And surfing on the waves of the album’s success, Man Power has been working on a series of remixes for different artists, the latest being a techno rework of Kiwi‘s ‘Atlanticus,’ focusing on the original’s haunting bass melody and eventual high hat appearances. The progression of the track from a dark hypnotic, nearly primitive beat into fully realized melodic synth breaks creates a compelling narrative on the dancefloor.
- Barotti shares the first single in anticipation to the release of his debut album, reportedly created in collaboration with a classical orchestra as well as using rare vintage synthesizers. ‘She Once Knew,’ the first single, features a spacey remix by Berlin-based producer Massimiliano Pagliara.
- Hailing from Australia, Tuff Sherm shares ‘Greenhouse Dance,’ a synth-heavy house track with a dark tropical influence which is available for free download.
- Takuya Matsumoto‘s ‘Seasons,’ off of the artist’s upcoming EP Places of Colours, is a wonderfully constructed,light-hearted house record that feels perfectly suited for a nice outdoor walk in the summer – although in the hands of the right DJ, I can see this being a used as an early-hour “welcome to the dancefloor” moment.
- No stranger to this column, and responsible for one of my favorite albums of the year so far, Fort Romeau announced this past week a new label founded by himself and Ali Tillett. The debut release features Fort Romeau’s ‘Untitled’ track on the A-side, a dreamy tech-house song that is true to his unique style. The B-side, still waiting to see the light of day, is by Panorama Bar resident Nick Höppner, another producer who also released another one of my favorite album this year. Needless to say I’m really looking forward to this one.
This Saturday: Spank + Honey Dijon @Cameo Gallery
This Saturday, OXD is hosting a night with some of our favorite DJs in NY, Spank and Honey Dijon, as part of this year’s Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival. Also, this will be one of the last dances at Cameo Gallery before they close so come join us for an epic send off night. More information and tickets here.
OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD) is a gay, New York City-based DJ collective who got their start curating alternative night life and music events for the LGBT community. The OXD Mirror serves to showcase house, disco and techno tunes that are definitely off-the-beaten-path but rightfully deserve the attention of the gay ear.
Check out these tracks and more on our Soundcloud. For more information on OXD, visit our website at www.occupythedisco.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter/Instagram: @OccupyTheDisco.
