5 Years of NFOP

Come celebrate with us: Urban Spree, May 24, 4pm

Listen to the NFOP Radio Show on Berlin Community Radio

Every Friday at 4pm CET

Karen Gwyer “No Moondoggies for 3 Weeks”.

24 Apr 2012 — Henning Lahmann
Kaleidoscope is the still relatively new imprint founded by London beat mastermind Patten, a venture devoted to cassette offerings that come in preciously tiny editions (accompanied by unlimited, and moreover free, digital versions). After the initial release of the excellent Slime Code by Sculpture aka Dan Hayhurst and Reuben Sutherland (listen to two extracts here and here, and get the highly recommended whole piece here) in February, which out came physically on seven unique C20 cassettes, the label has just announced its second publishing, a C30 by London via Michigan experimental synth artist Karen Gwyer, named I've Been You Twice. This time the tape version is strictly limited to 13 copies, while every single C30 is again unique insofar as Gwyer produced the four tracks in a master version - the one which will be available digitally - that was then dubbed through to tape with additional effects that were recorded live, with the result that no tape sounds like any of the others. Listen to the opening track "No Moondoggies for 3 Weeks" below, a highly intriguing piece of expansive, clear and sharp synth patterns over intricate, multi-layered drum structures. The sonic experience is further augmented visually by the accompanying video which features geometric figures and a series of mysterious objects that resemble colorful totem poles. The 13 C30s and the free unlimited digital manifestation of I’ve Been You Twice will be available through Kaleidoscope from May 2. Read more → Kaleidoscope is the still relatively new imprint founded by London beat mastermind Patten, a venture devoted to cassette offerings that come in preciously tiny editions (accompanied by unlimited, and moreover free, digital versions). After the initial release of the excellent Slime Code by Sculpture aka Dan Hayhurst and Reuben Sutherland (listen to two extracts here and here, and get the highly recommended whole piece here) in February, which out came physically on seven unique C20 cassettes, the label has just announced its second publishing, a C30 by London via Michigan experimental synth artist Karen Gwyer, named I've Been You Twice. This time the tape version is strictly limited to 13 copies, while every single C30 is again unique insofar as Gwyer produced the four tracks in a master version - the one which will be available digitally - that was then dubbed through to tape with additional effects that were recorded live, with the result that no tape sounds like any of the others. Listen to the opening track "No Moondoggies for 3 Weeks" below, a highly intriguing piece of expansive, clear and sharp synth patterns over intricate, multi-layered drum structures. The sonic experience is further augmented visually by the accompanying video which features geometric figures and a series of mysterious objects that resemble colorful totem poles. The 13 C30s and the free unlimited digital manifestation of I’ve Been You Twice will be available through Kaleidoscope from May 2.

RxGibbs: “Silver (Bam Spacey Remix)”.

24 Apr 2012 — Tonje Thilesen
Originally on Ja Ja Ja Music Cascine, our dear label friends housing Scandinavian names such as The Whendays and Shine 2009, is also the home of Michigan's experimental outfit RxGibbs, who put out the splendid Futures EP a few months ago. Uh oh, we're almost leaving our Scandinavian link behind here, but don't you worry: the Malmö based minimal house producer Bam Spacey got a brand new remix out today, a delightfully deep electronic production that will have you longing for the weekend already. Read more → Originally on Ja Ja Ja Music Cascine, our dear label friends housing Scandinavian names such as The Whendays and Shine 2009, is also the home of Michigan's experimental outfit RxGibbs, who put out the splendid Futures EP a few months ago. Uh oh, we're almost leaving our Scandinavian link behind here, but don't you worry: the Malmö based minimal house producer Bam Spacey got a brand new remix out today, a delightfully deep electronic production that will have you longing for the weekend already.

Hype.

24 Apr 2012 — Henning Lahmann
This has happened while we were sleeping: Which shouldn't be a surprise for anyone of you as it has already been reported by basically everyone else, too. But of course there's a reason for it. Purity Ring aka our dear friends Megan James and Corin Roddick make some of the freshest, most exciting and above all most original pop music in 2012, music that sounds so "now" that we should be thankful for this fact alone. Seriously, think about it. The duo's highly anticipated debut Shrines is due July 24 via 4AD. But you already knew that. So just listen: Purity Ring - Obedear Read more → This has happened while we were sleeping: Which shouldn't be a surprise for anyone of you as it has already been reported by basically everyone else, too. But of course there's a reason for it. Purity Ring aka our dear friends Megan James and Corin Roddick make some of the freshest, most exciting and above all most original pop music in 2012, music that sounds so "now" that we should be thankful for this fact alone. Seriously, think about it. The duo's highly anticipated debut Shrines is due July 24 via 4AD. But you already knew that. So just listen: Purity Ring - Obedear

Video: Birthdays - “Howolding Girls”.

24 Apr 2012 — Tonje Thilesen
I was lucky to catch two amazing gigs with NFOP favourite Birthdays as I visited Boston a month ago, the moniker of FMLY local Samuel Yager, making excellent, psychedelic pop songs from the decks of his portable suitcase setup. As given to us by Altered Zones (RIP) back in 2010, "Howolding Girls" (that once upon a time was available on 7 inch) has finally gotten itself some slick visuals, directed by loroto below. To our Japanese readers: Birthdays is heading to Japan in just a few days, playing a total of four sets in select Tokyo venues. If you're around at one of these dates, we highly recommend you to drop by. And Boston locals, you know where to be on Wednesday. 4/25 Boston, MA | Gay Gardens (Birthdays' birthday show) 4/29 Shibuya, Tokyo | Festival Express Tokyo 5/01 Tamachi, Tokyo | Studio Cube 326 5/02 Kouenji, Tokyo | UFOclub 5/06 Tokyo | Studio Familia Read more → I was lucky to catch two amazing gigs with NFOP favourite Birthdays as I visited Boston a month ago, the moniker of FMLY local Samuel Yager, making excellent, psychedelic pop songs from the decks of his portable suitcase setup. As given to us by Altered Zones (RIP) back in 2010, "Howolding Girls" (that once upon a time was available on 7 inch) has finally gotten itself some slick visuals, directed by loroto below. To our Japanese readers: Birthdays is heading to Japan in just a few days, playing a total of four sets in select Tokyo venues. If you're around at one of these dates, we highly recommend you to drop by. And Boston locals, you know where to be on Wednesday. 4/25 Boston, MA | Gay Gardens (Birthdays' birthday show) 4/29 Shibuya, Tokyo | Festival Express Tokyo 5/01 Tamachi, Tokyo | Studio Cube 326 5/02 Kouenji, Tokyo | UFOclub 5/06 Tokyo | Studio Familia

Video: Thug Entrancer - “Netrun”.

23 Apr 2012 — Jesse Thompson
Ryan McRyhew makes enjoyable, conceptually ambitious electronic songs as Thug Entrancer using analog drum machines and synthesizers to carve out a cyber punk alternate reality on the south side of Chicago. Below is the digitally pleasing video for Thug Entrancer's song "Netrun", created by Denver-based multimedia artist Milton Melvin Croissant. The track is part of Tropics of the Mind Vol. 2, (you'll find Vol. 1 & 3 on McRyhew's bandamp). You should also check out Thug Entrancer's newest track, "Ready to Live", which, according to McRyhew, asks the question: What if Biggie had survived? If that's not enough to peak some interest, I don't know what to tell you. Read more → Ryan McRyhew makes enjoyable, conceptually ambitious electronic songs as Thug Entrancer using analog drum machines and synthesizers to carve out a cyber punk alternate reality on the south side of Chicago. Below is the digitally pleasing video for Thug Entrancer's song "Netrun", created by Denver-based multimedia artist Milton Melvin Croissant. The track is part of Tropics of the Mind Vol. 2, (you'll find Vol. 1 & 3 on McRyhew's bandamp). You should also check out Thug Entrancer's newest track, "Ready to Live", which, according to McRyhew, asks the question: What if Biggie had survived? If that's not enough to peak some interest, I don't know what to tell you.

Nicholas Desamory: “Move Your Assets”.

23 Apr 2012 — Henning Lahmann
Nicholas Desamory is the name of the latest project of composer and musician Nicholas Bussmann, one of the distinctly unobtrusive mainstays of the Berlin electronic scene. Like You, the debut LP under his new recording moniker, is a surprisingly lush and lavish house album, with four of the seven tracks exceeding the eight-minute mark, each of them relying on restrained yet compellingly intricate arrangements and supported by a numer of respected guest musicians. Listen to opening track "Move Your Assets" as well as "All the World" below. Like You will be out June 18 via m=minimal. Read more → Nicholas Desamory is the name of the latest project of composer and musician Nicholas Bussmann, one of the distinctly unobtrusive mainstays of the Berlin electronic scene. Like You, the debut LP under his new recording moniker, is a surprisingly lush and lavish house album, with four of the seven tracks exceeding the eight-minute mark, each of them relying on restrained yet compellingly intricate arrangements and supported by a numer of respected guest musicians. Listen to opening track "Move Your Assets" as well as "All the World" below. Like You will be out June 18 via m=minimal.

Bodyguard: “Sex With AXE™ On”.

23 Apr 2012 — Henning Lahmann
Mr James Ferraro continues to drop autotune-driven, deranged R'n'B misunderstandings as Bodyguard that might or might not serve as comments on and/or critique of contemporary pop culture. Listen to "Sex With AXE™ On" below, a tune which will apparently be part of "Raiden", a single release that's out on Hippos In Tanks tomorrow, April 24. Read more → Mr James Ferraro continues to drop autotune-driven, deranged R'n'B misunderstandings as Bodyguard that might or might not serve as comments on and/or critique of contemporary pop culture. Listen to "Sex With AXE™ On" below, a tune which will apparently be part of "Raiden", a single release that's out on Hippos In Tanks tomorrow, April 24.

Video Premiere: Jaws - “Sufferer’s Song”.

23 Apr 2012 — Henning Lahmann
When Los Angeles resident Robert Girardin isn't involved in the creative output of the acclaimed Brooklyn-based experimental outfit Excepter, he pursues solitary synth and noise ventures as Jaws, a project that gave birth to its first LP Stress Test last year. Taken from that release, "Sufferer's Song" is a raw and bleak cut that's loaded with menacing, barely suppressed violence, perfectly depicted in the track's new video, shot on location in LA and featuring "elements of horror, television marketing, and online dance trends". Watch it below. Stress Test LP is out on Hundebiss Records. Read more → When Los Angeles resident Robert Girardin isn't involved in the creative output of the acclaimed Brooklyn-based experimental outfit Excepter, he pursues solitary synth and noise ventures as Jaws, a project that gave birth to its first LP Stress Test last year. Taken from that release, "Sufferer's Song" is a raw and bleak cut that's loaded with menacing, barely suppressed violence, perfectly depicted in the track's new video, shot on location in LA and featuring "elements of horror, television marketing, and online dance trends". Watch it below. Stress Test LP is out on Hundebiss Records.
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