USQ Mix I 034 I Alexander D'niel

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1988. Alex at the age of just 12 years old he grew interest in electronic music through early versions of computer music programs. Even back then the style that was emerging from these early works was hard techno. Since then he has experimented with many sounds, searching for his own identity that is true to him.
Maturing with his passion for music, his journey brings him back to techno some years later, after experiencing imported records from Berlin and Detroit. Along with like minded individuals in his local scenes he has been spreading awareness of this in Argentina.

Tracklist:

1. Synus 0006 – October
2. Phase - Binary Opposition (Ben Klock Remix)
3. Bleak- Scanners (Skudge Remix)
4. Oswld - Dic11f (Unreleased)
5. Alexander D'niel - Farbauti (Unreleased)
6. Alexander D'niel - Leind Xela (Unreleased )
7. Alexander D'niel - Klona (Truncate Remix)
8. Captain Morning -M (Matt Saderlan Remix)
9. Jonas Kopp -Nibirus
10. The Rogue Squadron - Track a1 (Unreleased )
11. Matt Saderlan - Rac (How May I help)
12. Head High - Rave (Dirt Mix)
13. 2707880910 - Seine Crossing (Unreleased)
14. Minimora - Fearless (Unreleased )
15. Rebekah - Cult Figures 1-2

Untold Sequence Interviews Unbalance

USQ: What setup did you use to record the USQMX33 and why do you prefer that setup?

This mix I made at home and used my PC, I wanted to concentrate on creating a small but complete story.

USQ: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in Siberia and still living here, I love music, a nice vacation, kind people and findin' a new friends, and from this year I love to travel.

USQ: What is your music background? Do you consider influences by your background music when creating and playing your music?

Oddly enough, but a great influence on me made a rock'n'roll music, after it was a big love for the early break-beat and breaks, and with the advent of the big clubs and the underground scene in my city - the love of straight rhythms. I think the inspiration comes from all of my music background, but most of all my influences on the German scene.

USQ: How is the process of making your music? Do you have a pre-idea before making something or just let everything come out in the moment? Tell us about that?

Most often, the creation of the track - it's improvisation, impromptu, but depending on my mood, I know in what way will the track will develope. The good mood - my main reference point.

USQ: If you have to describe your sound, how would you do it?

Fight between light and darkness.

USQ: What do you think about the digitalization issues, production and mixing. Digital is a good way to innovate or tools will always be better to use analog?

The question at issue, because these things are inextricably connected, and one follows from another. I do not accept that - mindless bigotry in judgment. I am for the preservation and, moreover, the development of analog, but I'm not an opponent of the digital world. Moreover, without digital, I would not be able to do what I done.

USQ: The last year you released the '001' version of your 'UNBALANCE' label, tell us about the initial idea of how did you create the project and the concept that is behind it.

This is a joint idea of me and DBH-Music, to the moment of making a first vinyl I had enough unreleased music, and I thought about how I can correctly implement all this material. The guys offered a concept that I really liked, we started working on the implementation and you can see the results.

USQ: What about the electronic culture and scene in Russia? Tell us the pros and cons for you?

I can say for sure - our electronic scene is quite different from the others, in good and in a bad way. There are many talented people who have their oun opinion on the music and are ready to evolve, but as this scene appeared quite recently and is developing slowly, not everyone has the opportunity to develop rapidly within Russia. And very often it turns out that the first artists gain recognition outside the country, and then them became recognizable here.

USQ: What can we expect from Unbalance in the following months?


The next release on Unbalance Records in the near future, as well as several singles and remixes on another labels. As for the performances - the first gigs in Europe and further development of my live performance.


USQ: Top 5 of best tracks ever for you?

2562 - Unbalance (Album)
Sigur Ros - Samskeyti
Radiohead - Idioteque
Aphex Twin - Vordhosbn
DVS1 - Arrival

USQ Mix I 032 I Bukt

Tracklist:

1. 2562 - Desert Lament
2. Monolake - Aligning The Daemon
3. Function - Obsessed (Substance Remix)
4. Pigon - Kamm (Tobias Version)
5. 79 76 - Six Ten
6. Marcelus - Super Strength (Original Mix)
7. Delta Funktionen - Redemption
8. AnD - In Just A Small Moment
9. Rebekah - Cult Figures 1.3
10. Karenn - Lime Wash (Barrelled)
11. RFS - Laboratory
12. Blawan - Tuesday's March
13. NX1 - NX1 02 006
14. Xhin - Blinding Truth
15. Motor & Martin L. Gore - Man Made Machine (Planetary Assault Systems DNA Interpretation)
16. Queake - Device Overload (Marcel Fengler Remix)
17. The Traveller - Bypass

Untold Sequence Interviews Sev Dah

USQ: What setup did you use to record the USQMX31 and why do you prefer that setup?

I usually mix on vinyl, but this mix was recorded in middle of my moving to a new apartment, so this mix was recorded on software. I have 2x Technics mkII 1210, Behringer DJX700 and two pairs of Pioneer CDJ 100. I prefer this because I am using the same setup since 6-7 years for now, so it’s hard to let it go

USQ: Tell us a little bit about Sev Dah?

Well, there is not really much to tell I guess…I’m a regular guy, vinyl fetishist and music lover. I started with music back in 2002. I was born in a country that doesn’t exist anymore, so I moved from one place to a other for many times in my life – now I’m settled in Sweden since 2009.

USQ: Which is the main reason to remain anonymous?

I would not say that I’m anonymous, I would rather say that I don’t like to talk much about me as a person. I just want to stay more in the background as a person, more in the first plan as an artist. I want to create good music without talking who I am.

USQ: What about the electronic culture and scene in Sweden? Tell us the pros and cons for you?

I moved to Sweden just 3 years ago, so I’m still not really settled. But in those 3 years I like what Ulf from Kontra Music does.
He is really a good promoter and label owner, I am a big fan of his work so far.
Regarding artists, I am following the work of Skudge, MRSK and Bleak very closely. I wont hide the fact that im a big supporter of this group of young individuals! In fact, there is not enough time and space here to tell how much influence Swedish artists – and in general Swedish techno- had in the past for the scene, and this country has a new generation following the same steps for sure! I just don’t like the law here, most of the clubs are closing early - way too early! And the neighbors are a pain in every musicians ass!

USQ: Where are you living today and how much do your surroundings influence you?

Im in the south part of Sweden, near Malmö. I cant tell anything special about the people here, but the wind is killing me I'm still „fresh“ here, so lets see how in 10 years my surrounding will influence me. Let's hope in a good way!

USQ: Which are your main influences at the time of producing and what tools do you use for it?

I’m mainly influenced about the political situation in the world. We just live in a difficult time and place where many unfair and sorrow things happens where its hard to find a bright spot, so I try all the time to convert all my anger in something positive – in music. I’m also politically active, I would not say im a revolutionist – but i am active in those circles, so lets see, maybe one day I will change the world! There are many other things and emotions that makes me work on music – when I’m happy, sad or drunk I would rather say that MUSIC influenced ME to stay normal.
Regarding my producing tools – for now I use one pair KRK Rockit5 and my PC, will try to build up a better studio in my new apartment with more gear and equipment.

USQ: What do you think about the digitalization issues, production and mixing. Digital is a good way to innovate or tools will always be better to use analog?

Technology is the future of mankind! May everybody do what he thinks its best for him. I personally promised to my self to never play on a gig on digital equipment! I only use traktor and other software when I need to record something. I personally don’t like the “chatting DJ” with his laptop. I’m just too much in love with the old-school thing of DJing. Digitalization – not really much to say about. Every thing in the world has its good and bad sides. And here we go – the never ending analog vs digital – let people decide what they like to use as long the music is good and innovative.

USQ: If you have to describe your sound, how you would do it?

Hmmm, that’s the part I hate! I hate my music, honestly I think I’m too much a perfectionist. I really don’t like to judge my own music. It’s better for my ego to get some critics/feedbacks from people who buy/play/consume it heheh

USQ: Tell us about your latest release in Naked Index? How do you did your participation in this label and mean to you?

I liked the fact that Naked Index released 2 artists I really like. I also liked that I can be Sev, I can release my own sound, without any remix or restrictions regarding my sound. I’m really happy about this release. I will keep on with Naked Index for sure in the future just because I can be my self. I got Jeff’s contact from a friend, I sent him some tracks, and he liked it, and that’s how our work together started.

USQ: What we expect from Sev Dah in the following months?

Well, as I said on the beginning I will move out in end of May, so now I need to focus first on my personal life. But I have 3 releases planed for the near future. One is coming soon on Re(FORM) with a remix from Detroit People Mover, then I will have a releases coming later this year on Komisch, and of course – a new EP on Naked Index. I am also doing a remix. So lets see, will be a busy year for sure!

USQ: Top 5 of best tracks ever for you?

Rivet – Sundry
Freundeskreis – Esperanto (Album)
Primal – Truth without Pain
The Anxious – Sixfold Symmetry
Cypress Hill – Temples of Boom (Album)

USQ Mix I 030 I Skcribled

Tracklist:

1. Mike Dehnert - Intro
2. Overcast Sound - Nirate Base
3. Trus'me - Good God (Norman Nodge Dub)
4. Kowton - Untitled (Tom Dicicco Remix)
5. Sascha Rydell - When You Play It
6. Conforce - Be - There At Night
7. Roman Lindau - Plavix
8. Raffaele Attanasio - Black Bloc (Manzel Version)
9. Unbalance - Fluid (Jonas Kopp Remix)
10. Truncate - Transients V2
11. Delta Fuktionen - Torpor
12. Dsum - Desde El Tallo (Blotketch Remix)
13. Sigha - Finding Myself
14. The Traveller - Ber

Untold Sequence Interviews Donor

USQ: What setup did you use to record the USQMX29 and why do you prefer that setup?

2x Technics SL-1200MK5 and an Allen & Heath Xone:92.
This is the DJ set up I have been using for years. I also made some edits in Ableton which is what I use when performing Live.

USQ: Tell us a little about yourself

My name is Greg Schappert. I work for Apple and live with my wife in Brooklyn, New York. I spent about 8 years living overseas in Spain and Japan.
I am 33 years old and have spent exactly half of my life listening to Techno. I've have been making music for close to 10 years now.

USQ: We clearly note that your productions are heavily influenced by Detroit and Chicago sounds, accompanied by very deep sounds. What is the process to reach this unique sound you have now?

I would say that the sounds of cities like Birmingham and Detroit have been major influences. I record my own sounds with my Edirol R-09 field recorder and use similar effects to process them. I guess this is how I have been able to create a unique sound.

USQ: What about the electronic culture and scene in New york? Tell us the pros and cons for you?

I really like the Techno scene in New York at the moment. I rarely go out, and when I do, I prefer small clubs or warehouses with unique acts. New York has plenty of that for me thanks to some solid promoters making that possible. I would prefer better sound in some of the clubs that I frequent though.

USQ: When it’s time to create music what HARDWARE and SOFTWARE do you use for it? And do you consider analog equipment the best way to find better sounds?

I have a good size studio, it's a shame that I am only using about half of it. I guess it's just because I have found a system that works at the moment, which includes Ableton Live & Logic, my Roland TR-909, an Edirol R-09 field recorder, an Eventide Space Effects Pedal, a UAD-2 card, Guitar Rig and some other Native Instruments software. I have a bunch of other kit as well but this is all I am using to produce at the moment. It's not about hardware or software, it's about whatever works - for me it's a combination of the two.



USQ: In 2011 you re-launched Minuscule along with your friend Bob Rogue. What is the main idea behind the project?

Miniscule has and always will be a free internet-based label, a platform for new and established artists to experiment with new sounds and ideas. That's it really. I met Truss and many others through Miniscule so it's been a good ride.

USQ: You have nice DUO with Tom Russell aka Truss, The two of you have seen releases on labels like Dumb Unit, Synewave, Perc Trax and Thema. How is the relationship with TOM and what advice would you give producers that want to start a DUO.

Not sure if I can give any advice but… Tom and I immediately connected because we come from similar musical backgrounds and had an understanding of each others desired direction. Unlike most Duos, we live across the Atlantic from one another so we rarely work in the studio together. Our projects are more about exchanging parts and building of each others ideas.



USQ:What can we expect from Donor in the following months?

I have been working on some new stuff but the only solo material I have confirmed at the moment is remix for Inigo Kennedy that will be out on Prosthetic Pressing in the near future. There is also some confirmed Donor / Truss material and more in the making.

USQ: Top 5 of best tracks ever for you?

How about I give you 5 electronic albums that have not left my iPod in a very long time or since they were released anyways.

1. Aphex Twin - Selected Ambient Works Volume 2 - Warp Records
2. Porter Ricks - Biokinetiks - Chain Reaction
3. Robert Hood - Internal Empire - Tresor
4. Kangding Ray - Automne Fold - Raster-Noton
5. HTRK - Work (work, work) - Ghostly International

USQ Mix by Blotketch

Tracklist:

1. Merino & Rat - Paramo - [Monofónicos]
2. Szare - Edi - [Horizontal Ground]
3. Sev Dah - Premium - [Naked Index]
4. Szare - Nell Lane - [Krill Music]
5. Chris Page - Used (Mattias Fridell Remix) - [Affin]
6. Bleak - Ekko - [Deeply Rooted House]
7. Brendon Moeller - Wanderer (Jonas Kopp Remix) - [Electric Deluxe]
8. Shifted - Spire - [Mote Evolver]
9. Abstract Division - Floating Point - [Dynamic Reflection]
10. Setaoc Mass - Olgatu - [Unreleased]
11. Roberto Bosco - I Just Can’t Breathe - [Figure SPC]
12. Samuli Kemppi - Trans Neptunian - [Mote Evolver]
13. W2 – A1 - [Unreleased]
14. Sigha - How To Disappear - [Hotflush]

Untold Sequence Interviews Samuli Kemppi

USQ: What setup did you use to record the USQMX27 and why you prefer that setup?

It was pair of Technics SL1210’s and Ecler Nuo 4 mixer. That’s what I have at home. I’ve been playing vinyls for over 20 years now, kind of difficult to think it any other way. Ofcourse I also play digital stuff on radio and on gigs, it’s always about the music, not the media. But for this I felt like going 100% vinyl..

USQ: Tell us a little about yourself

Closer to forty than thirty, family man, working at advertising agency as art director. Pretty damn good chef if I may say.

USQ: How long have you been involved in the world of Techno?

I started playing records in the late 80’s and pretty much got hooked to acid house and early techno & electro sounds since the beginning, so twenty something years. As a young kid it was a bit different back then. Everything was new and not so accessible as music is today. I had to work for it; it was truly DIY kind of thing.

USQ: What is your music background? Do you consider influences by your background music when creating and playing your music?

Reason why I started playing records was my dad’s VHS (yeah, the thing before lasers) tape that had Herbie Hancock with the Rockit Band concert on it. There was legendary dj DST scratching an doing a little show case as an intro for the track ‘Rockit’. I was blown away. How the hell could someone do stuff like that on a turntable? That was -86 or –87 and I was 12 years young. Living in a small place you can imagine that there wasn’t many other kids that were into Herbie Hancock around, so I didn’t have anyone to talk or share the music with. So I started discovering music on my own and following every possible channels that was available in the 80’s. That was the start and I kind of feel being on the same path still these days. Learned to do things on my own way. I love music, I listen to it always. I also learn always something from music I hear, so in that sense my background do has an impact on my own writing playing.




USQ: How do you see the evolution in your music since you started until now?

Only constant is that it’s evolving all the time. Ten years ago when I did some deep house tracks with my girlfriend (wife these days) as Sam & Gigi, I had totally different approach to making music. I was trying to make tracks with certain appeal for the floor. Now it’s about self expressionism. I do music because I have to get that out of my head. When I’m in the studio, I try to finish the track within the day. All I do does have an effect on what I’m writing; you know, if I had a shitty day or ate brilliant food or did something special with my son or you name it. So, I try to get that moment in time captured.





USQ: if you have to describe your sound, how you would do it?

Snap shots of time and personal things.

USQ: What about the electronic culture and scene in Finland? Tell us the pros and cons for you?

Lots of really great producers and dj’s come from Finland, although the scene is quite scattered. I live in Helsinki, so I operate here. I actually play more often abroad than in Finland. Stuff that I play has a small audience in Finland, just enough to make our DSH parties worth doing. I don’t go out that much over here. If I have a free weekend I spend it with my family and friends. So, I might have a bit biased view on what’s going on in clubs over here.

USQ: Tell us a little about Deep Space Helsinki, the radio show you have with your friend Juho Kusti. How long have you been with the show and what’s the purpose with the program?

We’ve been doing it together now for 3 years. Also we’ve been doing DSH club nights for the same time. Primary purpose is to play good music and give an option to people who are seeking something new. We’re also trying to bring up new names from the underground. There is some great young producers in Finland at the moment. You’ll hear from them soon. Basso Radio is really great station. Over 100 dj’s, everybody specialized to their own sounds makes it quite unique station. No playlists, no bullshit.



USQ: Wich has been the place you remember the most, among all those places you have been playing? And why?

Really hard to pick up one. My first gig ever in late 80’s? My first time outside Finland? My first time playing in Berghain? So many memorable moments during these years. Of course when doing something for the first time, it feels quite special. And I have to emphasize the meaning of all the people who are involved. So many nice people out there.


USQ: What’s coming from Samuli Kemppi the next months? Releases, Remixes, Giggs, etc?

Split ep with Shifted coming out on Mote-Evolver this month, then an ep on Komisch and ep on Chronicles, sub label of Thema, based in NYC. Lots of remixes on the way. Now doing one for Phonogenic for Jesper Dahlbäck’s ISL Records. Remix for EarToGround is next on the cue. And couple more in the cue. On the gig front quite easy winter, then from april/may some interesting bookings on the calendar. Getting more and more bookings, thanks to Kinetic crew and all those promoters.


USQ: Top 5 of best tracks ever for you?

If I just name top 5 bands for me? Or, can I just say top 5 genres? I’ll give a go, this is always difficult. I recommend reading Hi Fidelity by Nick Hornby; he’s truly making art of top 5 lists.

1. Joy Division – She’s Lost Control
2. Depeche Mode - Big Muff
3. Kano – It’s a war
4. Gino Soccio – There’s a woman
5. Doors – Riders on the storm