Author: Danny Cook

Danny has been DJing since the age of seventeen and plays a style high energy, underground Tech house. While at university he became involved with promoters which led to several bookings at some of Portsmouth's underground dance events. You can now find him playing regularly at venues across Essex and London for Arcko Digital, Locker Room Records and several other underground house promotions. Danny is looking forward to working with these labels and Public House UK to help develop the brands further into London's dance music scene.

Simeon Belle ft SJ – Huarache Hoes EP

Another great release from a label which is only going from strength to strength. Locker Room Records are back with this highly anticipated three part EP from Simeon Belle, featuring vocals from SJ and two different style remixes from Dmarco and DEV:ROX.

Original Mix – The original mix is another high quality production from London based DJ and producer Simeon Belle. Catchy lyrics from SJ work perfectly with the dark bassline and percussion sounds used throughout the track. Simeon’s signature UK garage inspired chords are used to mimic the bassline and create another catchy element to the track. An almost techno sounding synth then develops later into the track to add another effective layer. The amount of creativity put into the track is evident from the quality of the result, making it an essential weapon for use in a deeper or underground style DJ set.

Dmarco Remix – The remix from Arcko Digital’s Dmarco features an energetic drum kit, groovy bassline, classic house horns and piano chords to provide a perfect combination for a more upbeat style house track. This remix is definitely one of my favourite productions from Dmarco and can see this being played in a lot of DJ sets over the coming months.

DEV:ROX Remix – Locker Room boss DEV:ROX also features on the EP with his own remix. Literally within hours of it’s completion, was instantly receiving support across the globe from the likes of Sam Divine and Sonny Fodera. The most prolific element on this remix is clearly the bassline, which repeats throughout the track with several bass layers and stabs being introduced as the track progresses. These work well with the vocals to create a nice deep-tech roller, which has already been keeping many dance floors moving.

This EP has been the biggest release from the label so far, with each one of the versions sure to do well over the summer and the remainder of the year.

Click here to buy on Traxsource:

Astin, Waveshape – Lazzaro’s Shoes EP

The much anticipated launch of Hustler Hype has arrived with their first release – Lazzaro’s Shoes EP by Astin and Waveshape. Hustler Hype is the sister label to Hustler Musik, run by D. Napolitano and Astin. This two part EP gives us two slightly different style tracks which makes it a more versatile EP to fit in to a variety of sets.

The first track entitled Lazzaro’s Shoes, gives us a very strong drum kit with the kick, hats and rides all working well with the bassline to provide a nice high energy techno track. Omega Drill is the second track on the release and is certainly a contrast, with a more laid back tech house vibe. The filtered effects used in the track do a very nice job of gradually taking the energy down before the drops bring everything back in with full force. I like this EP the more I listen to it and is a very strong first release for Hustler Hype. This will certainly be getting support at upcoming events and I cannot wait to hear future releases from this label.

Click here to buy on Beatport:

EVENT :: VADE @ The Magic Roundabout, London – Sat 12th March

Locker Room Records presents VADE Saturday 12 March 2016

The first event from Locker Room Records this year comes in the form of VADE. After the label’s hugely successful launch event in December, Locker Room Records are back with VADE – a day party at The Magic Roundabout, Old Street, London. This event comes highly recommended for any underground house/techno fans and with a strong lineup, alongside the team of Locker Room resident DJs, will certainly be a sell-out.

Tickets are available from Resident Advisor, more info and event description below –

Join us on Saturday 12th March
@ The Magic Roundabout, Old St, London EC1Y 1EB
From 12pm – 11pm

Tickets available on RESIDENT ADVISOR by clicking HERE

JACK SWIFT (Juxx)

Jack Swift is best known for his up tempo sets where his skills behind the mixer are up there with the best. A Real Dj’s Dj, Jack’s dynamic mixing style sees him draw on House, Techno and Garage and has taken his sound to some of the countries most iconic clubs including Sankeys (Manchester), Studio 338 (London), Canal Mills (Leeds), XOYO (London), Stealth (Nottingham) and the Rainbow (Birmingham). A regular on the festival circuit the last few seasons have seen Jack spin at Lovebox, Unknown, Ceremony, Outlook and Hideout. Jack has also had the pleasure of putting together the official ‘Journey to Hideout mix’ for the past three years. Alongside Dj Listener and Devstar, Jack also runs London based clubnight Juxx. Over the last 12 months they’ve hosted some of the most credible names in dance music including Gerd, Dale Howard, De Sluwe Vos and DJ Klose One.

With a packed calendar of upcoming shows and some fresh productions ready to drop it’s set to be a bright future for Jack Swift.

JIMMY SWITCH (ABODE)

A self taught DJ & Producer from Manchester. He has been making a big impact with his energetic DJ Sets on dance floors all over the country, Playing in Sankeys Manchester & the infamous Studio338 where he has a Residency at ABODE. 2015 saw Jimmy start his residency at Sankeys Ibiza for Solidgrooves & Abode. Jimmy’s upmost passion & determination for the music has seen him play at some of the most established clubs in the world. Since hosting his own event brand at Sankeys he’s been support for the likes of wAFF, Josh Butler, Art Department, Phil Weeks & Dyed Soundorom. He started out by Winning Data Transmissions DJ comp back in 2010 which resulted in him playing at the Opening Pre Party at Hideout Festival in Croatia where he warmed up for Death On the Balcony. After spending the summer of 2015 in Ibiza, Jimmy has been on the legendary Pete Tong Show on BBC Radio 1 as part of the Club Scouts with Steve Lawler (Viva Warriors) where he was interviewed about playing at his favourite venue Studio 338 in London.

He also has started a new residency in Leeds for Prism which is held at MINT Warehouse, where he plays once a month.

HARRIET JAXXON (Locker Room Records)

South East London born DJ Harriet Jaxxon plays across the genres. Starting out a few years ago playing strictly bashment, trap and hip hop she has since progressed onto mixing across a wider spectrum of music with sets featuring house, ukg, drum and bass and jungle. Expect to hear quick, high energy mixing with heavyweight basslines, catchy vocals and a carnival influence.

SECOND NATURE (Locker Room Records)

Franko Moliterno and James Razda first met through there love of Drum n Bass, Franko was a dj and Razda was an MC , they instantly clicked and ended up working together. 3 mixtapes later, Razda was discovering a new found love for house music. He started getting into production. Turno guided him through the basics but Razdas drive and passion helped him through. This sparked the birth of “Second Nature”. They new they were destined to continue there musical connection and this seemed right. This sparked a new energy and love for the music grew and grew. Expect deep/tech flavours and a capturing performance as these two have a vibes to sell.

DMARCO (Arcko Digital)

Producer, DJ and one of the original founders of Arcko Digital, Dmarco has a history of supported releases and remixes from artists such as Mark Knight, ATFC, Andi Durrant, Omid 16b and many more. Dmarco DJs across London and Europe and has graced the decks at the notorious NYE Full Moon Party in Thailand.

SUB DEUX

The collaboration of Dmarco & DEV:ROX. It is the blend of alias’s and alter ego’s in its finest form. When the two combined in the studio, Sub Deux was born. A fresh and exciting combination of many spectrums from the musical world.

JOE BONNER (select uk & Locker Room Records)

London based DJ Joe Bonner has over 20 years DJ experience specializing in Deep & Tech House. Joe is a regular in Ibiza and the UK club scene playing at the Leisure Lounge and Kinky Malinky plus many more. He often tears up dancefloors alongside Danny Rampling, Brandon Block & Terry Farley.

Catch Joe every Monday night from 6pm-8pm on www.selectukradio.com

DANNY COOK (Locker Room Records)

Essex based DJ, Danny Cook plays a style of energetic, underground Tech House. The addictive basslines and high energy percussion in his sets always make for an engaging addition to any underground event.

CHARLIE GRUMBRIDGE (Locker Room Records)

From the outskirts of London, Charlie Grumbridge has been mixing for over 10 years. He Loves switching up hard rolling basslines with vocals guaranteed to get any crowd going.

LAWRENCE FRIEND (Public House UK)

With 20 years of music production and djing under his belt, Lawrence is no stranger to packed dancefloors and crowd interaction. He has previously held residencies at Ministry of Sound and Pacha, and with brands such as Connected and Gifted, all under three different guises. After performing regularly as a scratch dj, Lawrence travelled the world twice under sponsorship from Skyy Vodka, which has collectively helped shape his unique sound & style today.

These days Lawrence runs the house music review website ‘Public House UK’, as well as pushing out his own tech house / techno production on some of the industries most credible labels, and having numerous tracks feature in Beatport’s Top 100 charts.

KGreen – Ecstasy EP

This next release from an what is fast becoming a very established underground label, delivers two techno tracks primed for a hard hitting afterhours set on the dancefloor.

KGreen’s Ecstasy EP, released on Locker Room Records from 22/01/16, offers two high quality techno tracks aptly named Ecstasy and Afterhours. Ecstasy, the lead track on the release provides a solid beat with a driving subbass, which pumps a huge amount of energy into the track. The breakdown and buildup makes effective use of an arpeggiator, which combines well with the bassline progression and deep vocals to give a slight euphoric feel to the track. After the drop, the driving beat and bassline switch up this sense of euphoria back into the underground bomb that this track is. The second track, Afterhours is my preferred on the EP. Lots of traditional sounding techno stabs with some very nice filtered piano chords, contribute to a high quality production with just as much energy as the first track.

All in all, this is an excellent release from KGreen and Locker Room Records. We hear the label has some big things lined up for 2016 and look forward to reviewing future releases later in the year.

Click here to buy on Beatport:

Demarzo – I Like It EP

Leeds based producer DeMarzo one of my favourite producers, always delivering high quality tunes with powerful techy underground vibes often coupled with some really nice vocals. With this new EP out on Tube and Berger’s label – Kittball Records from 12th January 2016, he is delivering more of the same. This is a versatile EP which is already being well received and could fit well into a variety of different types of DJ set.

The lead track on the EP – ‘I Like It’, features very strong bass stabs with vocal ad-libs and chops which sets the scene for a nice and heavy underground feel . A catchy vocal bridges the track into the drop with some retro sounding synths also giving a groovy feel to the track. This is my preferred track on the release and I will definitely looking forward to playing this at forthcoming events.
The EP features two versions of ‘Another Day’ with the Original Mix, already receiving support on BBC Radio 1 and also the Heartless Dub version without the vocal. The vocal on the Original Mix would certainly give this track appeal to a wider audience, however the typical Demarzo addictive bassline means that either version would also make a nice addition to a rolling tech house set.
In my opinion DeMarzo is one of the most underrated producers in the scene. Overall this is a great addition to his collection and a really strong release with a lot of potential. I look forward to hearing what else he will bring to the table later in the year.

Click here to buy on Beatport:

Alex Rubia – Pitch EP

Milan based DJ/Producer, Alex Rubia has released a four track EP on London Tech House and Techno label, Hustler Musik. The release, entitled Pitch EP features four tech house tracks, any of which would make a really effective addition to an underground house set.

The tracks on this release all feature deep subs, techy vocal chops and hard hitting drops perfectly designed for powerful club sound systems. Pitch, the lead track for the release, has a hard drum groove and combined with the minimal baseline, gives a nice tribal feel to the record. Young Beat however, is my preferred track and has the most groove on the release. It features a powerful bassline which repeats throughout and works really well with the vocal loop. It then leads into a nice minimal chord progression on the breakdown, before the drop kicks in. This track would fit perfectly into a high energy underground tech house set and is a great addition on the release.

London based Hustler Musik specialise in combining the Italian and London techno and house scenes together. The label’s owners D. Napolitano and Astin are also launching a new eagerly anticipated sister label called Hustler Hype. We look forward to the launch of this and continued releases on Hustler Musik in 2016.

Alex Rubia – Pitch EP out now available from Beatport.
Click here to buy on Beatport: