Stop.Look.Listen. Interview - Scarper (Plexus Records)

It was a few months back that I was introduced to the new Plexus imprint with their fantastic inaugural release from Pause, as featured on the Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast. Since then, I've been lucky enough to begin working with the label directly and was hugely excited to receive their second release from Scarper with the Unfurl EP.

This latest package harks back to the acidic, ambient electronica of old with a contemporary twist on the Detroit techno sound. Lush, soaring arps, arpeggiated basslines and old skool atmospherics dominate this 6-tracker, offering the listener a truly modern dance classic.

I was intrigued to learn more about the man behind the release, so here we go with the next Stop.Look.Listen. Interview, this time in a somewhat shorter format, providing the artist with a bit more scope  for creative expression. I'm delighted to introduce you to London's Scarper.

BC: What has made you Stop lately?



SCARPER: Thanks to the ever-reliable BBC6 Music (best radio station in the UK), 'Norway' by 'Style of Eye'. One of those tracks that you know is going to be special from the first few bars. Utterly infectious & addictive.

BC: What has made you Look recently?

SCARPER: The view of London from Primrose Hill. Beautiful place to hang out in the summer.

BC: And what has made you Listen?



SCARPER: It's an old one, but I keep going back to Drexciya's 'Neptunes Lair'. Absolute classic which is much more than a Detroit techno record. It's a wide, sprawling album which has all the elements of what I love about electronic music. It's full of juxtapositions: hard, clinical, robotic beats with beautiful melodies & lush ambience. It's funky & thoughtful, simple but complex, basically all the things that initially excited me about electronic music is crammed in there! There's also a high element of mystery & myth surrounding Drexciya, which for a music geek like myself is hard not to get obsessive about.

Scarper's 'Unfurl EP' is out today (24th June) via Plexus Records | plexusrecords.co.uk | Grab your copy from bleep.com

soundcloud.com/scarper | facebook.com/Scarpermusic | twitter.com/Stevescarper

Ella Chi - Gobstopper [Ben Cox SLL Dub Instrumental]

Tonight I'm delving into the archives.

Here's a wee dub remix I did on Ella Chi's 'Gobstopper' after meeting the lovely lady numerous times through my sets at WIRED.

A soul goddess if every there was one, and a beautiful lady to boot. Here's my dub version for free download. Enjoy and feedback peeps!

Szjerdene - Arrow(s) (Free Download)

As ever, I’m hugely excited to present another fantastic track from one of the UK’s most talked about up-and-coming songstresses: Szjerdene.

Having known the lovely lady for a few years through my work with WIRED, I've been lucky enough to experience her astounding talent on stage several times, as well as being truly inspired by her dedication to the craft and flawless professionalism in every aspect of her musical endeavour. 

A true soul diva for the modern age, this latest release sees Szjerdene showcase her incredible song writing and vocal talents atop the superbly produced ‘Arrow’ from Jacques Greene featuring Koreless. A deep, seductive beat pattern is laced with beautiful and somewhat haunting stabs and atmospheres, building to a euphoric climax, with Szjerdene’s unmistakable vocals lifting the entire composition to a higher level of intense reflective ecstasy. 

Available as a free download, head over to Szjerdene’s Bandcamp page and grab some soulful goosepimples for your weekend.

szjerdene.com | @Szjerdene