Minimum Wastage

Darkhouse Family - In & Out EP

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:38 +0000

The Earnest Endeavours crew follow up on B. Bravo’s Kiss ‘n’ Tell - last year’s sublime label debut - with an EP by below-ground beat makers, Darkhouse Family.

Having made their breakthrough with Family Trees on Fat City, the Cardiff-based duo of Don Leisure and Metabeats have crafted a monstrous collection for EE002 that boasts input from eminent vocalist-cum-producer Om’Mas Keith on Take On The World, the aforementioned B. Bravo on Like No Other, and the sweet homegrown soul of Vanity Jay on Sticky Trees.

On first inspection it earns major style points; cosmic dutty synth-funk disjointed by drums that owe much to the expansive vision of the sound’s forefathers over in L.A.: Carlos Niño, Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Daedelus, Madlib et al. So it’s little wonder that the new breed of America’s West Coast, like Gaslamp Killer, Kutmah, Jonwayne and Salva are rallying support for the Welsh duo. While on domestic soil Mary Anne-Hobbs, Kode 9, Gilles Peterson, and Sinden have all certified their endorsement for the Darkhouse Fam.

The In & Out EP drops February 27th, available on 12” vinyl and digital.

Link here for the teaser:

http://soundcloud.com/earnestendeavours/darkhouse-fam-in-out-ep-teaser

Ian M.W.

Nas goes deep reminiscing about cassettes, mixtapes and musical...

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:05:03 +0000

Nas goes deep reminiscing about cassettes, mixtapes and musical influences.

Speaking of which, at the time of writing there’s only 4 days remaining to pledge your support for the creation of CASSETTE: A Documentary Film about the Cassette Tape. Watch the showreel here http://kck.st/uvgpxb.

Ian M.W.

Throwing Snow headlines our takeover at The Apothecary this...

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:10:52 +0000

Throwing Snow headlines our takeover at The Apothecary this Thursday evening. They say there’s a Funktion-One up in there…

MWR007: A Broadcast From Collingwood House Studio

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Minimum Wastage // MWR007 - includes Adjowa and [crack] live sets by MinimumWastage

For our first show of 2012 we dig out recordings from our launch event that took place back in early December of last year. Enclosed you will hear thirty minutes of fist-clenching funk from Adjowa, he did his thing live on the MPC and he did it correct. You will also hear an hour’s set of electronic devastation from [crack], and if you know us by now you understand that our support for this duo is committed and unwavering.

A huge thank you must go out to those who joined the celebrations and showed your support on the night. It was fun-filled. High fives to those who provided the entertainments too. More of the same over the coming months, we hope.

In amongst these recordings we pick out some selections of our own - a couple of tracks in there made our end-of-year favourites list.

And don’t forget to link us on Facebook, if you’re that way inclined - http://www.facebook.com/minimumwastage

Tracklisting:
DJ Rum – Undercoat [2nd Drop Records]
Fatima & Floating Points – Mind [Eglo Records]
Jazzanova - Look What You’re Doin To Me (Motor City Drum Ensemble Remix) [Sonar Kollektiv]
**Adjowa Live Set - From Minimum Wastage Takeover at Platform Bar 3rd Dec**
Linkwood - Secret Value [Shevchenko] (forthcoming)
Zed Bias – Music Deep Inside [Swamp 81]
Sepalcure – Me [Hotflush Recordings]
**[crack] Mix - From Minimum Wastage Takeover at Platform Bar 3rd Dec**

Reach out, take with you and share.

Circulate don’t percolate.

Jonny & Ian M.W.

Charity Shop Wins Dobie - Cloud 98 3/4 on 12” (Pussyfoot Recordings Ltd,...

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:13:16 +0000

Charity Shop Wins

Dobie - Cloud 98 3/4 on 12”

(Pussyfoot Recordings Ltd, 1998)

49p, Oxfam, Dalston, London E8

Ian M.W.

Best of 2011: Part 2.

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

It’s time to reflect on the year’s best. Here’s Part 2: singles and EPs.

___
5. DJ Rum - Mountains EP (2nd Drop Records)

A massively under-appreciated EP from the enigmatic producer. Mountains EP delves into tripped out bass with ripples of hip hop and juke to come out sounding like no one else. Sounding like the narrative from a forgotten film noir, the mesmerising EP is essential listening and yearns for repeat after repeat.
___
4. Omar S - Here’s Your Trance, Now Dance!! (FXHE Records)

Right now, no one really does this better. It’s something which may be far more than the sum of its parts but they weave together to build a sublime cut of Motor City soul; and despite this only being a one track EP, fully justifies its place in our top 5. He is the master, and we are not worthy.
___
3. Mosca - Done Me Wrong / Bax (Numbers)

Not much to say about this record which hasn’t already been written. Both sides are absolute party starters, wherever and whoever you are.
___
2. Fatima & Floating Points - Follow You (Eglo Records)

It’s been another stellar year for Floating Points, who’s talent seems to grow exponentially. It could have been any of his releases from this year on this list - particularly the Danger EP, whose far-reaching spaced out techno was just what 2011 needed. However we’ve plucked for this 4 track EP collaboration with Fatima. The depth of her vocals and laid-back delivery combined with Sam Shepherds’ cosmic boogie deliver that all important hairs-on-the-back-of-neck soul by the tonne.
___
1. Julio Bashmore - Everyone Needs A Theme Tune (PMR Records)

Killer EP from another champion of 2011. Each of his releases have been essential, but for us this EP and particularly Battle For Middle You is the one, and has soundtracked at lot of moments in 2011.

Jonny M.W.

Exclusive Acid Mix by Mark Archer (ex-Altern 8)

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:56:00 +0000

In eager anticipation of WANG’s huge NYE warehouse party, Minimum Wastage have been blessed with an exclusive mix by Mark Archer, formerly of seminal rave outfits Altern 8 and Nexus 21.

The selection binds track from the tougher end of the early house spectrum; moving from Jack Frost & The Circle Jerks onto the jacking rhythms of The Robot DJs, Armando, Mr Lee, the bleepy bliss of Steve Poindexter’s Computer Madness, through to undisputed classics from Phuture, Mike Dunn and KC Flightt; acid sounds that were embraced and subsequently mutated by Altern 8 and the rave contingent here in the UK in the late 80s, early 90s.

Exclusive Acid Mix by Mark Archer (ex-Altern8) by MinimumWastage

Tracklist:
Jack Frost & The Circle Jerks – Cool And Dry [FLEX Records]
Lidell Townsell – Get The Hole [Trax Records]
Jack Frost & The Circle Jerks - Two The Max [Trax Records]
Armando – Confusions Revenge [Trax Records]
Adrenalin MOD – Ecstasy (Wherever You May Be) [MCA Records Ltd.]
The Robot DJs – Energy [Underground]
Mr. Lee – Rock This Place [International House Records]
Mr. Lee – Pump Up London [Trax Records]
The House Gang – Cool J Trax [International House Records]
Mike Dunn – Magic Feet [Westbrook Records]
Steve Poindexter – Computer Madness [Muzique Records]
Phuture – Acid Trax [Trax Records]
KC Flightt – Planet E (Acid Mix) [RCA]
Julian Jonah – Jealousy & Lies [Cooltempo]
Lenny D & Tommy Musto – Everything Bamboo [Magnetic Dance]

We strongly recommend you catch a set from the man himself on NYE, alongside Simian Mobile Disco, Andrew Weatherall, Radioactive Man, Electro Elvis, Ben Lyford and Lula. Taking place at a secret East London location.

http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?316720
http://www.theransomnote.co.uk/ticket/wang-nye-warehouse-rave/77/
http://www.wanging.com
Info: 07587637304

Ian M.W.

Best of 2011: Part 1.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:25:00 +0000

It’s time to reflect on the year’s best. Here’s Part 1: the long-players that impressed.

___

5. Andy Stott - Passed Me By (Modern Love)

At just 7 tracks deep (the first of which being a 30-second intro), to classify Passed Me By an album is generous. However, the deathly crawl of Stott’s slow-motion techno - perhaps most evident on the title track and on New Ground - paired with the comedown dub doomsaying in Execution and Dark Details feels like some kind of drawn-out lucid dream.

___

4. Sandro Perri - Impossible Spaces (Constellation)

Over the past ten years, thanks to Polmo Polpo I’ve enjoyed some of the best distorted electronica imaginable. Though for whatever reason I hadn’t paid due attention to the body of work recorded under his real name, Sandro Perri. It being more post-rock, singer-songwriter in its treatment. That was until Impossible Spaces cropped up a few months back and stunned me with its finesse; a myriad of textures, melodies and balladry that felt already familiar. Uniting the best bits of Mystic Chords of Memory and Dirty Projectors with an identity of its own.

___

3. Patten - GLAQJO XAACSSO (No Pain In Pop)

The head spins trying to conjure up accurate references for this album in the confines of a few sentences. GLAQJO XAACSSO is, for the most part, a brilliant, complex beast of machine-made arpeggios colliding with broken-down drum patterns. Moments of clarity do come midway through in the form of & our Wild Paths Collide, a visceral, paranoid strain of kosmiche, and the huge undulating 4/4 groove found on the next track Fire Dream. All in all, the album is a treat for those who navigate the trails blazed by Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, Clark, Rustie and Actress.

___

2. Legowelt - The TEAC Life (Self-Released)

Some of this year’s best output was available to download for gratis, and for me The TEAC Life by analog techno patriot Legowelt ranks right up there. It was recently announced that this 14-track collection of deep, stripped-down house is to be given a vinyl pressing. We’re beaming with the thought that the retro-futurist melodies of Moonmist and the counterfeit Chicago classic The Soul of a City might be made even more vivid, in the way only vinyl can.

___

1. Clams Casino - Instrumentals (Self-Released)

New Jersey beat-maker Clams Casino (Mike Volpe) earned recognition this year due to his high-calibre productions for enigmatic rapper Lil B, Soulja Boy, and Main Attrakionz, among others. The self-released Instrumentals collection soon followed (another free giveaway making the list) doing away with vocals to showcase Volpe’s knack for crafting nostalgic, wistful beats that have scope and integrity.

Part 2 to follow.

Ian M.W.

Charity Shop Wins Nicole - Happiness (Ballroom Version) on 12” (Sleeping Bag Records,...

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:02:00 +0000

Charity Shop Wins

Nicole - Happiness (Ballroom Version) on 12”

(Sleeping Bag Records, 1989)

£1.49, Charity Shop, Hackney, London E8

Ian M.W.

FREE Launch Takeover - Sat Dec 3rd @ Platform E8

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:45:00 +0000

To toast a fun few months, this coming Saturday Dec 3rd we’ll be spinning soulful electronic sounds alongside some truly talented guests that we’re delighted to have join us.

It’s our launch event, taking place at our new favourite East London hangout, Platform Bar Terrace. Here’s how it’s going down:

————-

ADJOWA - LIVE
Adjowa recently piqued our interest when we heard his Eglo-esque take on modern funk, on local institution NTS Radio. We welcome the London-based producer for a special live show.

Letter to Sun Ra by ADJOWA

————-

[CRACK]
Footwork and techno are the keystone elements of this duo’s output. Top class productions. We’ve been championing these gents from the get-go.

Radical by [crack]

————-

KIT J GRILL (Vessel)
As the main man behind Vessel Music, Kit is the curator of some of the web’s most eclectic mixes from the likes of B.Fleischmann to Legowelt to Wooden Shjips. This man knows a good thing when he hears it. Expect a carefully crafted set.

————-

JONNY & IAN M.W.
A meandering selection from the Minimum Wastage men.

————-

There’s no charge at the door for this one, so we hope to see you there.

For all enquiries email ian@minimumwastage.com

MWR006: A Broadcast From Collingwood House Studio

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 13:50:00 +0000

Minimum Wastage // MWR006 - includes Benny Ill interview by MinimumWastage

We stack up some autumnal house sounds, for your listening pleasure. Followed by a brief encounter with Benny Ill of Horsepower Productions at the Boiler Room, to divert the show into shadowy, speaker-shaking territory. A show of two halves.

MWR006 also marks the arrival of our launch party, to be held on Saturday December 3rd. And we think we’ve found the perfect venue, Platform Bar Terrace situated in East London’s Netil House. It’s open to all and won’t cost you a dime to get in - Facebook event to follow, but in the meantime “like” our page to stay updated http://www.facebook.com/minimumwastage

Tracklisting:

Patrice & Friends - Obvious [Sulk Records]
Medlar - Terrell (Bicep’s Brooklyn Shuffle) [Wolf Music]
FCL - Let’s Go [We Play House Recordings]
Omar - Lay It Down (Andre Lodemann Remix) [Peppermint Jam]
Terrence Parker - Love’s Got Me High (Jimpster Remix) [Systematic Recordings]
Mark E - Call Me [Merc]
Art Department - Much Too Much [Crosstown Rebels]
Contra Communem Opinionem - A Radiance Of Love Part 1 [Mathematics Recordings]
Jullian Gomes feat. Bobby - Love Song 28 [Marketing Music]
Horsepower Productions - Gorgon Sound [Tempa]
*Interview with Benny Ill*
Horsepower Productions - Good Ole Dayz [Tempa]
Braille - Breakup [Hotflush Recordings]
Paul Woolford & Psycatron - Stolen (Dub) [Hotflush Recordings]
Ossie - That’s Mine [n/a]
Lando Kal - Maneuver [Rush Hour]

Reach out, take with you and share

Circulate don’t percolate

Jonny & Ian M.W.

5 Things: Fania Records

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:35:00 +0000

A love for New York City runs deep at Minimum Wastage, and this short tracklist shines a light on the distinct sounds forged by its Latin communities in the sixties and seventies. Vibrant musical styles that are native to Cuba and Puerto Rico were fused with jazz, soul and R&B in the legendary melting pot of émigré culture.

Fania Records remains the most celebrated and popular label to spawn from this golden era, and here are five picks from its back catalogue that have struck a chord with me. If you like what you hear be sure to track down the excellent 2-disc retrospective put out by Strut Records earlier this year, or Gilles Peterson’s Fania DJ Series from a few years back. OR just get diggin’ for the originals, we wish you luck.

1. Joe Bataan - ‘Gypsy Woman’

Gypsy Woman is the track that first brought my attention to Fania, and to music of Latin origin generally (although he is in fact Filipino-African American). Joe Bataan’s doo-wop voice, dapper dress and bad-ass reputation mark him out as one of the most exciting musical talents ever to emerge from New York. He even went on to register an early hip hop hit in ‘79 with the track called Rap O Clap O - replete with terrible low budget video, also worth a view on YouTube.

2. Benitez & Nebula - ‘Nightlife’

Nightlife is the title track from a wonderful LP released in 1976 on Vaya Records, a subsidiary of Fania. The artist is Eddie Benitez, and his band is called Nebula. Benitez was born in Puerto Rico, and as a young man travelled Europe until his family settled in Brooklyn, New York. It was here that his guitar playing talent flourished. Still only a teenager, he was spotted and signed up by Alex Masucci of Fania. Unfortunately it was to be a career blighted by serious health problems, yet Night Life and Essence Of Life hold up as some of the best Latin Jazz-Funk albums of that decade.

3. Ray Barretto - ‘Acid’

Ray Barretto did much to popularise the Nuyorican sound of boogaloo in the sixties, releasing a handful of breakthrough albums on different labels. Fania Records had their turn with Acid, on which Barretto turned to African American rhythms and jazz influences, merging these styles with mambo, guaracha and son that was native to the Spanish Harlem he grew up in.

4. Orchestra Harlow - ‘Grazin’ In The Grass’

This song received the Quentin Tarentino seal of approval when it featured in the movie Jackie Brown. Orchestra Harlow boasts a back catalogue stretching right back to ‘66, full of funk-laden rock and soul with a heavy Cuban influence. The band was the brainchild of salsa bandleader Lawrence Ira Kahn, a non-Latino New Yorker nicknamed “el Judio Maravilloso” (The Marvellous Jew), a production powerhouse at Fania who had his name credited to over 260 albums.

5. Willie Colón feat. Héctor Lavoe - ‘Che Che Colé’

Che Che Colé is plucked from his Cosa Nuestra LP, starring salsa singer Héctor Lavoe. Trombonist Willie Colón is thought to have sold more than thirty million records worldwide, but his popularity transcends music alone. Colón is also a successful producer, writer, actor, and much admired political player on his home turf of New York City.

Ian M.W.

Tiger & Woods - Wiki & Leaks free ep

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:08:00 +0000

Mystery duo Tiger & Woods, who we played on the show a while back, have dropped the generous offering of 15 tracks gratis. Deeper than American state secrets, The Wiki & Leaks collection contains exclusive slow burning disco and house cuts and is released as a thanks to all who have supported them so far.

Don’t sleep on this - their tracks are usually harder to track down than Julian Assange so who knows how long the link will be up for. Props to As You Like It for hosting the tracks, and Tiger & Wood for the treats.

Tiger and Woods “Wiki & Leaks” 01-15 by As You Like It

Jonny M.W.

Oneohtrix Point Never - Replica

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:43:00 +0100

Oneohtrix Point Never - Replica by Mexican Summer

Daniel Lopatin continues his beauteous forays into meditative electronica by unveiling a new composition named Replica, the title track of the forthcoming album on Software/Mexican Summer.

In Replica OPN sounds more celestial and nostalgic than I can ever recall, awash with his customary faded digital drone.

Album Tracklisting:

1. Andro
2. Sleep Dealer
3. Power of Persuasion
4. Remember
5. Replica
6. Nassau
7. Submersible
8. Up
9. Child Soldier
10. Explain

Replica is due for a November 8 release, pre-orders are available here - http://oneohtrixpointnever.bigcartel.com

Ian M.W.

Haack: The King Of Techno

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:21:05 +0100

I found this neat documentary on Bruce Haack.

The progressive composer was a true trailblazer, dabbling in the realms of psychedelic and electronic music way back in the sixties. His perplexing creativity is supposedly influenced by experimentations with Peyote as a young man, after being invited into Native American powwow ceremonies.

He was best known for his long-player Electric Lucifer - on which you’ll find Electric To Me Turn, featured in the embed below - not to mention his pioneering use of the vocoder… which is criminally not mentioned in this documentary. Still, it’s a very insightful profile of the man genius.

Ian M.W.

Minimum Wastage Interviews Juan Atkins

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:01:00 +0100

It’s only the man who invented techno, Juan Atkins. At some ridiculously late hour - following his glorious set at XOYO’s first birthday celebrations - we were privileged to be granted 5 minutes of his time. MW’s Jules Hallam asks the questions.

Thanks again to XOYO

Interview by Jules Hallam.
Production by Richard Carter.

M.W.

Minimum Wastage Interviews Silkie & Quest

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:55:00 +0100

Our man Jules Hallam finds time with Anti-Social Entertainment members, and Deep Medi label mates, Silkie and Quest. Fresh from a ‘versus’ set at Boiler Room #65, the duo chat exclusively to Minimum Wastage about a collaboration, their forthcoming production output, and surviving a gruelling schedule.

This video was premiered by www.kmag.co.uk

Interview by Jules Hallam.
Camera by João Retorta.
Production by Richard Carter.

M.W.

MWR005: A BROADCAST FROM COLLINGWOOD HOUSE STUDIO

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:37:00 +0100

Minimum Wastage // MWR005 by MinimumWastage

Fresh show from Minimum Wastage, MWR005 takes thing a little deeper, with cuts from Maayan Nidam, Move D and Levon Vincent. Jules also catches a minute with Four Tet to talk about his FabricLive CD and his love affair with London. In homage to summer’s end the show closes with some soulful sounds of Detroit from Theo Parrish and Omar S.

Tracklisting:

Barrington Levy - The Vibes Is Right (Om Unit edit) [CDR]
Maayan Nidam - Better Stop [Wolf + Lamb Music]
Pritch & Trim - Stereotype [Planet Mu]
Deep Space Orchestra - Vanishing Point [Use Of Weapons]
Move D - Felix. [Workshop]
Marcello Napoletano - Pianeta Juno [Mathematics Recordings]
Levon Vincent - Late Night Jam [Ostgut Ton]
Chicago Damn - If I Could [Wolf Music Recordings]
Four Tet - Locked [Text]
*Interview with Four Tet*
Four Tet - Pinnacles [Text]
Ramadanman & Midland - Your Words Matter [Aus Music]
Scuba - Adrenalin [Hotflush Recordings]
Sugar Hill Gang - Hot Hot Summerday (Theo Parrish Ugly Edits 5) [White Label]
Omar-S - Set It Out [FXHE Records]

Reach out, take with you and share

Circulate don’t percolate

Jonny & Ian M.W.

MINIMUM WASTAGE INTERIVEWS EMIKA

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:28:01 +0100

After a long and tumultuous journey that began with correcting spelling errors on promo slips, singer and electronic meddler Emika finally releases her debut album on eponymous label Ninja Tune. Her ear for provocative soundscapes, which appear to unravel a revealing tale of her life to date, has culminated in a truly unique long player that sees Ninja again supporting forthright and experimental talent.

I was invited to Ninja’s offices where, seated in their historic conference room, Emika opened up about her album and spoke candidly about her lifestyle.

This video was premiered by www.bangbangberlin.com

Words & interview by Jules Hallam.
Production by Richard Carter.
M.W.

Detroit: The Blueprint Of Techno

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:21:17 +0100

This video has been doing the rounds these past few days, having recently resurfaced on YouTube.

This rare video from the late 1990s features Terrence Parker, Mike Huckaby, Juan Atkins, Ritchie Hawtin, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson, Carl Craig, Rolando, Jeff Woodward, Gary Koral, Josh Glazer, Jon Ozias, Theorem, DJ Dunebugg, (with special cameo appearances by Mike Grant, Brian Bonds, Don Waxmaster D Smooth, Hugh C, and Todd Weston).

It serves as a great warmer for our soon-to-be published Juan Atkins video interview, after we caught ten minutes of his time at London’s XOYO.

Ian M.W.