It was always clear from that opera sample, that the Italoboyz’ imagination stretched further than most. The lonely female soprana on 2007’s ‘Viktor Casanova’ helped introduce paradoxical samples to techno and house, a small spark ahead of today’s wacky sample furnace.

Irony and contrasts are everywhere now, but the Italoboyz were one of the first to cause surprise – and laughter – on minimal techno dancefloors with a beautiful curve ball, and with the release of the Italian duo’s debut album ‘Bla Bla Bla’, Marco Denato and Federico Marton have moved on, yet again.

This time there are no bizarre samples, because the pair created their own strange and exotic musical flourishes from scratch by recording live jam sessions with musicians.

Denato explains from his studio in London, how the pair arrived at their debut album.

Read more on Beatportal

It was always clear from that opera sample, that the Italoboyz’ imagination stretched further than most. The lonely female soprana on 2007’s ‘Viktor Casanova’ helped introduce paradoxical samples to techno and house, a small spark ahead of today’s wacky sample furnace.

Irony and contrasts are everywhere now, but the Italoboyz were one of the first to cause surprise – and laughter – on minimal techno dancefloors with a beautiful curve ball, and with the release of the Italian duo’s debut album ‘Bla Bla Bla’, Marco Denato and Federico Marton have moved on, yet again.

This time there are no bizarre samples, because the pair created their own strange and exotic musical flourishes from scratch by recording live jam sessions with musicians.

Denato explains from his studio in London, how the pair arrived at their debut album.

Read more on Beatportal

It was always clear from that opera sample, that the Italoboyz’ imagination stretched further than most. The lonely female soprana on 2007’s ‘Viktor Casanova’ helped introduce paradoxical samples to techno and house, a small spark ahead of today’s wacky sample furnace.

Irony and contrasts are everywhere now, but the Italoboyz were one of the first to cause surprise – and laughter – on minimal techno dancefloors with a beautiful curve ball, and with the release of the Italian duo’s debut album ‘Bla Bla Bla’, Marco Donato and Federico Marton have moved on, yet again.

This time there are no bizarre samples, because the pair created their own strange and exotic musical flourishes from scratch by recording live jam sessions with musicians.

Donato explains from his studio in London, how the pair arrived at their debut album.

Read more on Beatportal

Following two huge remix contests with Depeche Mode and Black Eyed Peas, Beatport.com has teamed up with one of the world’s biggest DJs – Tiësto from The Netherlands, for a new producer challenge.

Read more on Beatportal

Simon Dunmore craved security and independence, so he left his well paid job at a major label to launch London’s Defected Records a decade ago. Fueled only by a love for quality house music, he formed a collective of artists and DJs who share a similar passion for house, and in the process they became one of house music’s most accomplished brands.

Defected is now the very definition of house, a globally recognised entity with roots in soul and funk, a company obsessed with dancing. They gave us Kings of Tomorrow ‘Finally’, ATFC ‘Bad Habit’, Roger Sanchez ‘Another Chance’, and countless other sundrenched house music moments, and behind it all, Simon Dunmore pulls the strings.

We decided to recognise Mr. Dunmore’s ongoing commitment to house music by going deep into his record box, and finding out what tunes make him tick.

Read more on Beatportal

The Dull Age / Victims is a new record by John Mendez (better known as Silent Servant) and Camella Lobo, aka Tropic Of Cancer. Mendez is one of the most consistent and exciting producers in techno right now and this record further proves his genius. Both tracks are beautifully dark compositions driven by Suicide-style drumbox sound, early ’80s post-punk electronics and floating guitar drones – a hybrid of kraut rock, shoegaze and doom metal? Maybe. Limited edition 10″ vinyl is out now on Downwards. Amazing release well worth seeking out!

Buy: Boomkat, Clone

“The Dull Age”:

“Victims”:

The Dull Age / Victims is a new record by John Mendez (better known as Silent Servant) and Camella Lobo, aka Tropic Of Cancer. Mendez is one of the most consistent and exciting producers in techno right now and this record further proves his genius. Both tracks are beautifully dark compositions driven by Suicide-style drumbox sound, early ’80s post-punk electronics and floating guitar drones – a hybrid of kraut rock, shoegaze and doom metal? Maybe. Limited edition 10″ vinyl is out now on Downwards. Amazing release well worth seeking out!

Buy: Boomkat, Clone

“The Dull Age”:

“Victims”:

For this month’s installment of House Music Circles I decided to use an opportunity a few weeks back while DJing in Buffalo, NY, to interview one of my favorite new acts, Soul Clap.

They came to my attention earlier this year with their remix of Crazy Larry’s ‘Gargiulo’s Scarf’ on Fade Records.

Eli and Charlie, the two charming members of the group, were a pleasure to chat with. Our relaxed and laughter filled conversation covered a lot of topics including their initial meeting, their connection with the hotter than hot Wolf + Lamb Music imprint, their current European tour, their weekly club night in Boston and their love of exotic junk food.

Read more on Beatportal

Our buddies over at RA recently uploaded a feature called ‘The esoteric art of the opening DJ’, in which they discuss the importance of warming up the dancefloor.

With quotes from Magda, Craig Richards, and Lee Burridge, it’s well worth a read if you’re a DJ.

Beatportal also covered this topic last year, with an excellent set of DJ tips from Drumcode’s Joel Mull.

Read more on Beatportal