Midnight Shift

ARTICLES

Artist Interview: studioKALEIDO

Operators of 'Grapheme', an indie zine, 'Ceriph' a lit journal, plus a host of artistic exhibitions about town, studioKALEIDO is made up of Winnie Goh and Amanda Lee, our label artists present at this weekend's Now is Found.

By | Editor

Artist Interview: Vox ?

With influences from ska, R&B, acid jazz, funk, rock, swing and electro to name a few, our unnamed vocalist will accompany Masterpiece in a hotly tipped debut live set on 18 May. Read on to find out what makes this enigmatic and distinctive frontman a hot favourite.

By | Editor

Artist Interview: Masterpiece

Authenticity and sincerity characterise one-man band, MC, DJ and local phenomenon Masterpiece, who also organises all things funk and soul at his monthly 'Turn Up The Heat'. This Friday, we invite him for a special four on the floor-tinged appearance with a mysterious vox at the upcoming Midnight Shift. Read on for a hint of what to expect.

By | Editor

Artist Interview: Eddie Niguel

Midnight Shift x Zouk 03 on Fri 18 May will unveil Eddie Niguel, a Midnight Shift label artist who has been steadily climbing the ranks with chart-topping tracks on labels such as Get Physical, Nohashi Recordings and lately, Dig Deeper. Here we interview the DJ/Producer about making music from the heart.

By | Editor

Review: Handbook - Layerism

Introducing Bobby, the moniker of our latest reviewer to the blog featuring adventures from the left field of electronic music. First up is a little known artist called Handbook and his self-released 'Layerism' available on Bandcamp.

By | Bobby

Review: Sand Circles - Motor City

Formerly available only on limited run cassette, all-instrumental 'Motor City' by Sand Circles on the Not Not Fun label gets a 2012 digital release.

By | SSS

Review: TJ Kong & Modular K - Dream Cargoes

TJ Kong and Modular K debut as a duo on 'Dream Cargoes', released by Poker Flat. It is a teaser of an album with hints of a bigger sleeping giant.

By | SSS

Review: Shifted - Crossed Paths

Shifted's 'Crossed Paths' forsakes modern-day Techno's commonplace requirement for 'forward-thinkingness', and gifts us instead with a slab of beauty/archaeology, rehashed and brought to bear by a veritable craftsman of antiquity.

By | Justin

Review: Iron Curtis - Soft Wide Waist Band

"The musical arrangement and production on this is second to none and if this is anything to go by, a blueprint for other house producers to start re-building upon." Brendon P reviews Iron Curtis's debut LP entitled 'Soft Wide Waist Band', to be released on Mirau on 21 May.

By | Brendon P

Review: Claro Intelecto - Reform Club

Claro Intelecto is back with his third full-length album, Reform Club on Delsin Records. This is unflappable dance music; cool and composed as you like, yet heartfelt and tender inside.

By | Justin

The JUICE Playlist: APRIL

A mixbag of tunes from the selectors over at JUICE this April with one common sense: quality. Enjoy.

By | JUICE

Review: Vince Watson - Every Soul Needs A Guide

Thoughtfully deep and diverse, Vince Watson's 7th album, 'Every Soul Needs A Guide' shows the veteran producer's lighter, nu-jazz side.

By | SSS

Review: Ital - Hive Mind

Creative producer alert. Ital showcases his varied influences in shoegaze and noise with his album 'Hive Mind', which is used to dialogue effectively against house foundations in this post-genre world.

By | The Dash

Review: Pocket Magik - This Is The Place -

'This Is The Place' by Singaporean duo Pocket Magik is the dreamy product of a musical exploration born out of love and dedication for music, and pure hard work. Read on for an interview with the musical pair.

By | SSS

Review: Delano Smith - An Odyssey

"Without Delano there would be no Derrick" - Derrick May. Detroit's Delano Smith has been around the circuit since DJing in 1978 but only releases his first LP now (albeit after many singles). A real treat for fans tuned into his sound, but for new converts? The answer is 'maybe'.

By | The Dash

Review: Leo Zero - Acid Life

Do yourself a favour and pick up Acid Life, by UK DJ and producer Leo Zero. It's a fantastic throwback to acid house woven together by a man who couldn't be more comfortable in his own element.

By | SSS

The JUICE Playlist: MARCH

JUICE mag swings its heavyweight over to recommend a smattering of new local releases out of Singapore. Welcome to the sunny island, where a new moon is arising out of the stormy sea.

By | JUICE

Darker Than Wax : 3rd Party feat Andreas Saag

Brace yourself for this Friday 16 March 2012, where the crew from Darker Than Wax present Scandinavia's Andreas Saag at Velvet Underground with resident, Jeremy Boon. Special guests also include the one-man band extraordinaire, Hafez Masterpiece and a warm-up set by one-to-watch Marco Weibel. Read on for thoughts on where they're at. To get on the exclusive guestlist, email: dean@darkerthanwax.com

By | Editor

Review: Monolake - Ghosts

Is the future a triumph of sound over music? Monolake's new album, Ghosts, as reviewed by Justin, seems to point in that direction.

By | Justin

Review: Scuba - Personality

Surprisingly cheery output from the versatile Scuba. His latest album, 'Personality' takes a leap and lands in yet another dimension.

By | SSS

POSKOD.SG's SOUNDSCAPING: The Bedroom

Originally published by POSKOD.SG and republished here with their express written permission. SOUNDSCAPING is its special section that soundtracks Singapore's neighbourhoods. This edition sees the prolific Darren Ng aka sonicbrat tracking sounds from his idyllic neighbourhood: The bedroom.

By | POSKOD.SG

Review: John Talabot - fIN

A deeply emotive debut album from John Talabot, fIN, sounds like it's only just the beginning for this original producer from Barcelona. We can't wait for more.

By | SSS

Artist Interview: VFX

The strings of life. The mysterious VFX takes to the stage alongside djB and Brendon P for one night at Future Bound. Read on to find about this musician's influences and thoughts of the local music scene and watch out at the stroke of midnight!

By | SSS

Red Bull Music Academy Info Session 2012

The annual Red Bull Music Academy (RBMA) is back and accepting applications now for New York. Find out how you can get your way there at the Info Session this evening 24 Feb at Wine Bar, Zouk from Singapore's own past participants interviewed here, plus a talk by Midnight Shift's mystery guest on the art of sampling. Email workshop@mnshift.com to register.

By | Editor

The JUICE Playlist: FEBRUARY

It's a Fabuary with the JUICE team dishing out this month's must-hear music from Jacques Greene, Burial, Lapulux, Jam City and Battles. To be listened in order.

By | JUICE

Artist Interview: djB + Brendon P

There are few things that can beat knowledge and experience; and you can count on this veteran duo to deliver a sound education on the dancefloor. djB and Brendon P do a special reprise of their Houseysouldoingz outfit from back in the day at Future Bound on 25 Feb 2012 at their common playground, Zouk.

By | SSS

Artist Interview: Kevin Lester

Let's talk about Kevin Lester. At 26, Kevin Lester is a rap artist, songwriter and producer and 1/9th of the band outfit Sixx out of the Singapura. Also known as the Lion City Boy, he has been garnering serious attention around the world and it's about time you did too. Kevin Lester will be honourable man on the mic at Midnight Shift x Zouk 02: Future Bound on Sat 25 Feb.

By | Editor

Subaltern Soundbites

Recent releases by Benjamin Damage & Doc Daneeka, Throwing Snow and Octo Octa feature in this review collection of 3 Subaltern Soundbites to raise your listening experience with.

By | Justin

Artist Interview: DJ KFC

The local bar and lounge scene is ruled by the funk, soul brother sounds of DJ KFC (real initials), whose feel-good sets never fail to rouse both life and revelry. He graces us with the first set of the night at Midnight Shift x Zouk 02: Future Bound on 25 Feb 2012, plus a special preview mix recorded live at Overeasy that should get your mouth watering for more.

By | SSS

Artist Feature: Argy

With podcast number 7 comes an exclusive interview with label artist Argy (Argyris Theofilis), who talks about his recent masterpiece, Fundamentals, as well as the art of sampling, Ibadan Records, his inspirations and being honest. Listen to his podcast for signs of a house revival in the horizon.

By | Brendon P

Review: D'Marc Cantu - Fallen

Get ready to be sucked into a swirling vortex of jacking rhythms, a tunnel of sound pulsing with gritty synths, solid beats, and deep vocals growling in the background with D'Marc Cantu's Fallen.

By | SSS

Inter-Review: Octave One - Revisited (Here, There and Beyond)

The Burden brothers aka Octave One release an album of favourites remixed by their favourite producers. Brendon P reviews and interviews the beloved duo as we welcome in the year 2012 on the right note.

By | Brendon P

The JUICE Playlist: JANUARY

A brand new year and a new bag of tunes given the JUICE stamp of approval. Enjoy the selection, from dubstep to pop and nu disco.

By | JUICE

Artist Feature: Basic Soul Unit

The name on many lips and in as many record stashes by now, Basic Soul Unit aka Stuart Li graces us with Podcast #006 - a very cool, soaring techno mix also featuring his track 'Late Night Shift' soon to be out on the Midnight Shift label. We are grateful to have this insightful interview from our affable Torontonian.

By | Editor

Review: Boof - Shhh, Dandelions At Play

Released mid last year but only discovered now, reviewer The Dash makes a case for why everyone should be a Maurice Fulton fan with his futuristic funk album: Shhh, Dandelions At Play.

By | The Dash

Review: Pinch & Shackleton

Against the atmosphere of the festive season, Pinch and Shackleton deliver an album that locks down a passing cloud of darkness and sieves out 9 beautifully intricate, complex tracks.

By | SSS

The Juice Playlist: December

Another big drop from the JUICE team on what's hot for the last month of 2011.

By | JUICE

Artist Feature: Terrence Parker

Midnight Shift Podcast number 5 is none other than Terrence Parker. With more than 30 years in the industry, TP or Telephone Man as he is affectionately called has made his mark as a respected label owner of Parker Music Works, producer, remixer and DJ straight out of homeland Detroit. Legendary for his turntable skills and love for music (just watch his RTS.FM mix), TP has kept the fire burning bright for us all.

By | Editor

Review: Orphx - Radiotherapy

A brilliant hybrid of techno and noise, Radiotherapy is one of those albums where perhaps it's best that you discover the experience for yourself.

By | SSS

Review: Argy - Fundamentals

House club music is well and truly alive in the good hands of Greece-born and Midnight Shift label artist, Argy. Brendon P reviews his latest album on Ibadan Records, 'Fundamentals'.

By | Brendon P

Review: Reel by Real - Surkit Chamber - The Melding

Reel by Real aka Marty Bonds makes a first comeback after 20 years. What are we to expect from this Detroit veteran?

By | The Dash

The JUICE Playlist: NOVEMBER

Keeping the JUICEs flowing this November are Keep Shelly in Athens, Vril, Darkside (a Nicolas Jaar project), Andy Stott and Washed Out. Plug into these selections now.

By | JUICE

Review: Elektro Guzzi - Parquet

Parquet is an energetic step up from Elektro Guzzi's self-titled debut album in 2010, and an unconventional and fresh piece of work that deserves a thorough listen, for all techno - and even post-rock - fans.

By | SSS

Review: The Magic 3

There seems to have been a spate of great mixes lately. Here are another 3 to add to the bag, courtesy of veterans: Karizma, The Black Dog and Scuba.

By | The Dash

Review: Martyn - Ghost People

Label owner of 3024, Martyn steps away from dubstep to evoke the 'old Paradise Garage DJ life' with his latest album 'Ghost People' on Brainfeeder. An SSS review debut.

By | SSS

Artist Interview: Avneesh + Cymbal

If you were at our 2nd Anniversary, you would have been under the spell of these guys behind the visual controls. Midnight Shift takes a break from the music to find out a little of what goes on at the other side in the minds of co-pilots and VJs, Cymbal and Avneesh.

By | Editor

Inter-Review: Xhin - Sword

A postmodern fairytale adventure is exactly how Brendon P describes Xhin's critically received 3rd album, 'Sword'. Scroll down for an exclusive interview with the maker. Xhin will be performing at Midnight Shift's 2nd Anniversary tomorrow after midnight.

By | Brendon P

Artist Interview: Miss Mic + Van Detta

It is these two local songbirds who have made our scene that much brighter with their mesmerising talent. Miss Mic (Michaela Therese) and Van Detta (Vanessa Fernandez) will come together as collaborators and friends for a special performance on Midnight Shift's 2nd Anniversary this Saturday.

By | EDITOR

Artist Feature: Eddie Niguel

Singapore's Eddie Niguel drops the Midnight Shift Podcast #003. Winner of the Get Physical remix competition of Patrice Baumel's 'Roar' in 2008, Eddie (also known under his production moniker Edel) has since been working his way slowly but surely to the forefront of where we are at today. Check his intense mix combusting into sheer techno flames to hear what we're talking about.

By | Editor

The JUICE Playlist: OCTOBER

What does JUICE taste like? This month's juicy delivery includes Modeselektor, The Magician and Kuedo as well as remixes of Eight and a Half and Lana Del Rey by TOKiMONSTA and Jamie Woon respectively.

By | JUICE

Artist Interview: Ming

You might have already heard his 2-hour promo mix that has been the talk of the town. Now read the mind behind it. Since moving from the UK, Ming has quickly risen the ranks as Zouk's latest resident. Known for his spontaneous and sophisticated 3-deck mixing, he's clearly one to watch.

By | Editor

Artist Interview: Notion A

Introducing Notion A. Guided into music, he is the one who bangs techno with his heart. Hear this young upstart's debut at Midnight Shift on Nov 5 or preview his techno and house hybrid set below for a delectable taster.

By | Editor

Review: Deetron - Balance 020

Deetron releases the highly anticipated Balance 020 - an outstanding double mix CD featuring one part all digital; the other all analogue. Veteran DJ and producer Brendon P gives his review.

By | Brendon P

Artist Interview: X'Ho

There is probably not a Singaporean musician alive who has not been influenced, inspired or touched in some way by the iconic X'Ho. A revered hero among many, the radio DJ, club DJ, band member, filmmaker and author (and that's just scratching the surface) is a national treasure. Let's give it up.

By | Editor

The JUICE Playlist: SEPTEMBER

The team from JUICE does it again with its cherry-pick of this month's electronic flavours: Minnesota, Zenker Brothers, Deejay Mosca, The Drums and Marcel Dettmann.

By | JUICE

Artist Feature: Quell

Greece-born and Berlin-based Quell is well and truly at the tipping point. If you have not heard of him, you are just in time. Midnight Shift caught up with the humbly talented artist in Berlin for this interview.

By | Editor

Review: Omar-S - It Can Be Done, But Only I Can Do It

Omar-S, native Detroit DJ and producer, releases his second LP called It Can Be Done, But Only I Can Do It.

By | The Dash

The JUICE Playlist: AUGUST

Guest reviewers JUICE magazine single out Air Drops, Cosmin TRG, Four Tet, Regis and Saturn Never Sleeps as their top 5 to check out this month.

By | JUICE

A Higher State of Party: Dave Angel (UK) at Ku De Ta

For those who like to research on what they are getting themselves into, here are a few items on a need-to-know basis:

By | EDITOR

Artist Feature: Fran Hartnett

Fran Hartnett is possibly one of Dublin's best-kept secrets. Frequently featured in Surgeon's mixes, including Fabric 53, Fran's work is white hot. Here, he lays down an exclusive mix featuring his own jams plus the track 'Mutant Substance' soon to be released on the Midnight Shift album.

By | Θ23

Review: The Magic 3

The criteria of what makes a good mix, DJ or otherwise, differ from person to person. Agreed? Now that's out of the way, here are three mixes that have stood out and in no particular order.

By | The Dash

Review: Photek - Avalanche / Aviator / Closer EPs

'90s drum and bass legend rises from four-year slumber with new and up-to-date sounds: surely a recipe for disaster there. But as it is for Photek and his storied production legacy, it would be fairer to embrace his resurrection with the forewarning that 'results may vary'.

By | θ23

The JUICE Playlist: JULY

The staff behind Singapore's forefront music/club lifestyle magazine, JUICE, get down and share what's rocking their office boat this month, and every month.

By | JUICE

Review: Zomby - Dedication

Released for sale today (11 July 2011), Zomby finally delivers his rock-solid 16-track album, 'Dedication'. The wait was certainly worth the while!

By | (^o^)

Review: Global Communication - Back in the Box

NRK's Back in the Box compilation has consistently given underrated tracks a second spin, and Global Communication's premium delivery package is no different.

By | The Dash

MNS 04 Live Stream on Sonar.sg

If you can't make tonight's party, listen to MNS 04: COLLAB streaming LIVE on Sonar.sg from 22:00hrs onwards to catch all the action.

By | EDITOR

Artist Interview: Ulysses

"It's music for grown ups! Well, I don't like to pigeonhole myself. My musical style is pretty eclectic; I play all kinds of sounds within a 95-125bpm range. It's about connecting music from past to present."

By | Θ23

Xhin Debut Album Free Download

"Today, I have decided to release my 2004 debut CD album "Supersonicstate" as free download. Back then, it was only available in stores here in Singapore and now no longer for sale."

By | Editor

Review: Kangding Ray - Or

As a member of the raster-noton family, Kangding Ray and his music are necessarily concerned with the click-clacks of minimal electronic sound design; conceptualised through artistic missives and scientific sequences; and realised through experimental projects, publications and installation works?. etc., etc. and more etc.

By | θ23

Music from Midnight Shift

The MNS countdown begins. Download mixes from our guests, now available on Official.FM. Listen.

By | Editor

Artist Feature: Norman Chung

Fellow self-proclaimed house/techno fans, fret not if you're now feeling equally embarrassed for having missed out on such homegrown talent - we'll help you atone with this introduction to possibly one of Singapore's best-kept secrets.

By | θ23

Review: Surgeon - Breaking The Frame

"Ten years since his last album, Surgeon returns riding a nine-headed beast on 'Breaking The Frame'" - Boomkat

By | θ23

Review: Jackmaster - FabricLive.57

Bit of a change in tack around here, this week's review goes not to the next bright-young-DIY beatmaker, but a tastemaking Glaswegian DJ without a single record to his name.

By | θ23

Syndicate, The Birth Of

Against a sanitized backdrop of fast food music, Syndicate was conceived over rounds of beers to reduce the growing impact of harmful beats and caveman frequencies in the accelerated world today.

By | Syndicate

Review: Lone - Echolocations

In Part 2 of our neverending bedroom producers special, we take a look at the artiste known as Lone, aka Matt Cutler.

By | θ23

Ibadan Label Feature on Slices Issue 4-10

Watch a feature of Midnight Shift's Principal, Ibadan Records on Slices, the free DVD Magazine.

By | EDITOR

Review: Gold Panda - Lucky Shiner

Who is this Gold Panda? What is this hipster electronic music?

By | θ23

Review: Boxcutter - The Dissolve

Ireland's Barry Lynn aka Boxcutter's 13-track album The Dissolve has a very distinct style of its own with every track presenting its own unique identity!

By | (^o^)

Hi-Tek Soul: Kevin Saunderson & Derrick May

Event Alert: 7 May 2011 at music institution Zouk club sees the Detroit Techno pioneers going back to back on 6 decks, 2 mixers, drum machine and keyboards.