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‘BASICALLY THERE f WILL BE A LOT . MORE BASS' '
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The sound of 2009
Henry Northmore talks to a cross section of Scottish DJs and producers about the trends in clubbing they predict for 2009
ouse music was born in the 80s and morphed into techno under the guiding hands of the Detroit masters. More recently, drum & bass and electro-clash swept though clubland whilst grime
and dubstep have are the newest configuration of
dance beats, not to mention a myriad of other styles and subgenres that have rocked club culture. But what can we expect pumping out the bassbins in 2009‘?
Silicone Soul’s Craig Morrison predicts ‘there is definitely a return to a more classic house sound.’ George MacDonald (aka G-Mac from Manga, Bass Syndicate and Edinburgh record shop Underground Solushn) agrees: ‘Deep House — warm and musical club tracks — have re-emerged as a reaction to the nihilism of minimal house,’ he says, but also sees a rise in popularity of instrumental hip hop, fidget house and dubstep also suggesting that: ‘Drum & bass is re-discovering jungle styles and party vibes.’ Soma’s Dave Clarke also sees a return to house but doesn’t count out the influence of techno.
Already established genres are evolving and combining to create new sounds. “I am not convinced that a brand new genre will become prominent in 2009,’ explains Mixed Bizness’ Boom Monk Ben, ‘but I think there will be some scenes that grow in prominence.’ He sees an emergence of the electro
dancehall sound: ‘I think you’ll start to hear more of
this wamped up ragga style cross into the mainstream.’ While the appeal of ‘the glitchy beats scene’ will continue to gather steam, ‘appealing to hip hop heads and techno freaks alike.’
We might be heading into a more fractured era in
36 THE LIST 8—22 Jan 2009
clubbing. with music splitting into yet more specialised incarnations. ‘There will be yet more subgenres and more diversity in dance music and club playlists, as mini-genres bubbling underground crossover,’ adds Hobbes from Trouble foreseeing a rise in new permutations of disco. ‘There’s also that funny little genre called “skwee” from Sweden and Finland. which is basically just like electro- funk/R&B etc with added sub—bass. and other. more bass-oriented. permutations of the dubstep/drum & bass/breakbeat formulae. Basically there will be a lot more bass.’
As you’d expect. Twitch from Glasgow tastemakers ()ptimo has suitably leftiield ideas of what he’d like to see tearing up clubland. “I think the next breakthrough genre will be anarcho—synth. because it’s time to forget the past. move on from the mediocrity of recent years. spit on the grave of electro. defy conformity and kick out the jams.‘
In terms of names to watch in the electronica scene. most people seem to be firmly behind local lads Rustic and Hudson Mohawke. But DJs/produccrs as diverse as Popof. Jet Project. Spencer Parker. 'l’oddla T. Linkwood Family. Heartbreak. Johnny 1). Gary Beck and Sei A are being tipped for success.
However. as house maestro Huggy (Stereotype) points out ‘lilectronic music always seems to take a u-turn once it crosses over into the mainstream. so you really never know what’s round the corner. Just keep your ear to the ground and anything’s possible.’
See listings for full details.
EGd A new weekly i Thursday night techno party at l the venue formerly known as ‘ The Beat Club, with Optimo’s _ Twitch as the opening guest on | 8 Jan. The V Club, Glasgow, week/y Thu. Inner City Acid High- i quality techno bill as the residents and local friends are joined by Planet Mu‘s i Syntheme. Soundhaus, i Glasgow, Sat 10 Jan. One More Time This instalment of OMT sees i residents Define Define joined by locals heroes Sunday Circus and Shaun fae Solar (Subcity). Blackfriars, Glasgow, Sat 70 Jan. Substance Free techno party to blast out the cobwebs with leftfield beats from Espion. Patrick Walker, Stick 430 and more. The GRV, Edinburgh, Sat 10 Jan. ; Trade Union The crowds at Trade Union are always up . for it with a playlist stretching ! from indie and soul to hip hop and techno. Joined by special guests The Brothers Beard on 12 Jan. Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Mon 12 & 79 Jan. 11:57 Fortified Sessions Dubstep. dancehall and more besides collide at Fortified, with Croydon producer Hijak ' (Tectonic) making a guest appearance. Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Fri 16 Jan. Death Disco Without doubt, the biggest club event of the fortnight. The Rapture’s Mattie Safer joins up with !K7's Joakim and Chicken Lips for a massive electro-disco party. Arches, Glasgow, Sat 77 Jan. Foundation Random Aspekts host this b-boy competition. The GRV, Edinburgh, Sat 17 Jan. Sick Note Indie and electro crossover madness taking things up a notch with Dead Boy Robotics (pictured) for a live set of alternative new wave. Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Thu 22 Jan.