http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/index/ en chris@halfstereo.com Copyright 2012 2012-03-11T20:54:00+02:00 http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/trevor_jackson_pres_metal_dance/ http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/trevor_jackson_pres_metal_dance/#When:20:54:00Z Metal Dance gives you direct 'dark machine funk' from Trevor Jackson.One of the best creatives, producers & DJs from the UK, Trevor Jackson is again here with a very precious compilation formed up with years of effort and testing. Theses are the EBM, industrial and post-punk tracks which Trevor uses as secret weapons in his sets throughout the years.From DAF to, Nitzer Ebb, Cabaret Voltaire or John Carpenter is only of the few names you can see on the tracklisting with special edits and never before seen rarities firstly on this precious double CD album. 'Metal Dance' for sure is one of the most important and tasty compilations released in 2012. A prospectus and referance fro the ones who are young & eager enough to dig deep on EBM and industrial beauties of the 80's. Lovely album!Christopher Çolak11 March 2012  Music, Reviews, Albums 2012-03-11T20:54:00+02:00 http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/techno_ranger_from_westerwald_dominik_eulberg/ http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/techno_ranger_from_westerwald_dominik_eulberg/#When:20:47:00Z While not being a forest ranger, Dominik Eulberg produces techno that no one else is capable of. His earthly sound is surrounded by nature and fauna.Dominik Eulberg for sure is one of the best and most unique electronic music producers from Germany. He has found the perfect balance in his life, travelling back from gigs to the forest and having space for silence and relaxation. We caught him right after his little vacation and asked questions before his gig at Babylon İstanbul.How are you, what are you dealing with these days?Thank you! I have just came back from a short holiday on the East Frisian island of Langeoog.You have a monthly column at Faze Magazine. What did you write in the last issue?The monthly column is about current nature phenomena from our habitat. It is also a retrospective on my days as a forest ranger. In the March column, I wrote about animal phrases in the German language, as a whole zoo of those can be located in our day to day language. What about your opinions about contemporary dance music scene & releases? Techno is as much popular as the past now. Are you as well enjoying it?The commercialization or opening of the subculture has advantages and disadvantages. I think it is wonderful that genre borders are disappearing, that stereotyped thinking is lesser nowadays. I think there is great electronic music out there today. I also find the technical innovation great as it enables more people to produce. You don’t need hundred thousands to realize your ideas.On the other side the opening of the market had the consequence that the business side is at the front too much. Techno has become a thriving branch of the economy. That is why innovation in music and sub cultural standards fall by the wayside. David Guetta for instance is a fantastic musicians who understands music, but what he produces is not techno, it is pop music. What about your current approach and visions about your music. How has it changed during the years?I always try to go my own musical path. Trends and hypes don’t really bother me. Nowadays we know that music is like a language, that mankind at the beginning proclaimed his emotions through tonal sequences. Similar to what animals do today. Now we have an advanced language, nevertheless we still understand these ancient informations. This is the reason why some music makes us happy and other music makes us unhappy. I let these things flow into my music. I am always on the look out for ‘ancient music’, music which conceives a clear feeling. Doing this I work with lot’s of melodies. You are an ornithologist and using field recordings in your productions since the beginning. Is it still the most of your trademark sound?Not necessarily. I use acoustic recordings often to generate multidimensional structures. If you mix electronic generated sounds with something more subtitle and acoustic as for instance rustling of leaves then you get something much more approachable, even if it is only small. If you reduce my music to a common denominator then it is my personal touch. My concept of melodies and soundscapes. I pursue the feeling of creating an acoustic picture of nature impressions. What else are you doing and / or experimenting in your music or in your daily life?Alongside this I work for the nature organization NABU and do biotope mapping for them. I am also a lecturer at the Art Academy Offenbach in the area of bionic architecture. And since quite a while, I have been working on an ambient album, far from the techno circus.Do you still find time to stay in the forest side or do you usually travelling around from gig to gig?On the weekends I usually travel from gig to gig. I live in the Westerwald forest. Here I find time to load up my batteries with mother earth. This is a thing I really need. Can you talk about the new projects or releases coming?I have just finished remixes for Hot Chip and Jesse Somfay and am working on a new EP for Traum. You have been to Istanbul before, what do you remember? I have memories of the breathtaking Hagia Sophia and the stunning view over the Bosporus with a delicious cup of coconut milk in the hand. I remember the nice, open minded people I meet and also the lovely food like şaç kavurma! What will we be hearing from you in your show?I will pay an euphoric and very melodic set. Interview: Christopher Çolak03 March 2012     Features, Interviews, Music, Promote 2012-03-04T20:47:00+02:00 http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/tee_turzi_electronique_experience/ http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/tee_turzi_electronique_experience/#When:13:05:00Z French pyschedelia virtuoso Romain Turzi gone wild with his real synths and analogue recording techniques blended with high-end musical toys and fresh ideas. After his album named ‘A & B’, the French pyschedelia virtuoso Romain Turzi has gone solo, back to his original roots, as on his debut album but this time experimenting with his new musical toy Yamaha Tenori-On, digging deep on synths and real electro sounds. Coproduced with Pilooski, Turzi’s new solo album is full of energy and real electro rhyme. Let’s lend an ear to his abum ‘Education’ and fantastic new project, Turzi Électronique Expérience.What do you want to teach to your listeners with your newly project?Feel free to do with the music what you want without thinking about the other's opinion, without thinking about the fashion things, without respect to your influences, without respect to your parents.Just do your stuff trying to integrate your past and your actual feelings in terms of love, violence, and emotions. It is also a new way for you, experimenting and experiencing new ways of doing music right?It's a new way because I've made this LP alone (with a little help of Pilooski on production- a polish guy living in Paris), I mean all those songs were imagined, invented and created by me, although before I used to create the music with four others people, which results in a tourbillon of rock/electro/psych stuff.I was quite bored about reading chronicle saying that my music was only kraut or psych, at some point I decided to put my carrier in danger by touring to digital sounds and just doing the opposite that I did before… I just don't care about fashionistas and musical ways that everybody likes…. So I closed the door of my studio to make something personal, without thinking at the other's comments.Is it your comment to the current electronic music scene: A purified retro move which is more real than anything going around?As I was trying to say, I've got no basics in electro… I come from experimental/noisy indie rock scene, I was influenced by obscure French composers (as Catherine Ribeiro & Alpes, Catharsis, Hellion…) but also by the German 70's scene (Gottshing, Can, Kraftwerk, Harmonia) and by bands like Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine… but that was O.K. for previous LP (‘A and B’)… for that one as I wanted to start from zero I've turn into electro 'cause I had no baseline… I've never been a DJ and I've never collected obscure white label from Chicago or Detroit. So I had start from zero and that was exiting for me of course. I sometime came back to my "rock" reflexes but in an electronic way that's why some people consider this LP as Education LP as a new statement in electronic music, and to be honest I appreciate it!How long did it take to finish the debut?It took a year, although there's only 8 songs the beginning of the session was completely different from the final result. I came from something Berlin school to something really ambient ala Chill out from KLF, to something gabber to finally stop on this. Working with Pilooski helped to consider that my music was not just based on difference ambiances but based on real composition. I just didn't realized it at the beginning. I record new stuff everyday since three years now and my laptop is full of things that will never be released, until I die!What were the inspirations at the starting point and where do you think you reached at the end?The inspirations were all the things you've learned at school, history, sports, mathematics, geography, religion, sex, power, romanticism, love, drugs.What equipments did you use other then your Tenori-on and the old DX-27?The tenori-on is at the center of my actual configuration, I use it as a mdi step sequencer that controls everything from the tempo (as a master clock to my modified Roland TR-606 which also controls two simians brain) the notes, the tension plays five midi channels which are respectively : 1 : the DX27 and the Roland system 100 model 102 (expander which doubles the DX) also a vocoder2 : the Roland system 100 model 101 and the vocal section of the vocoder3 : The three o three and the bass section of this XXX vocoder.4 a Korg MS105 : another DX expander which is the TX7 which do some synthetic vocals.To conclude, it's a mix between FM and analog technology… Now that this album is done, I'm into 12bit samplers as the emulator II. it's totally new for me, so very "fresh". And that's it. When I play live I of course bring all that stuff if the promoter can pay the extra luggage. This set up allows me to improvise a lot, as if I were in the studio.Your new moniker T.E.E. does it have any allusion to Trans European Express?Ha ha … Trans Europe Express was a kind of starting point for me. Ten years ago it's by this LP that I started to consider the electronic music as an entire genre living by itself.What are your new and forthcoming projects? Will there be any new remixes from the album?I asked KLF, Michael Cretu (Enigma) and Robert Miles (Mr Dream) but they didn't want, so my friend Rebotini did one for me, I've done another myself and some other guys did too. I'm open minded for remixes but I've always preferred buying EP's with unreleased material instead of remixes. But that's the way record companies work so… I really like remixing people, especially genre that has nothing to see with my style (or tastes).Have you ever been to İstanbul, Would you like to be here again for the T.E.E. project?I've never been there but it will with a big pleasure. It's always good to travel with your music, meeting some new people and learning from them. If you invite me there, it would be with a great pleasure!Your press sheet finishes with 'The Rest Is Silence' Is it really?Yeah, because it’s just rime with experience and all the names of my tracks (‘deviance’, ‘enfance’, ‘connaissance’, ‘croissant’, ‘constance’, ‘en france’…).But if you deeply listen to the "Ecstatic Dub Mix" of the DM track "Enjoy The Silence" you'll understand this sentence better!Interview: Christopher Çolak28 January 2012   Features, Interviews, Music, Promote 2012-01-29T13:05:00+02:00 http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/two_decades_of_hardfloor/ http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/two_decades_of_hardfloor/#When:11:27:00Z One of Germany’s best techno outlets, Hardfloor has been doing electronic music for 20 years now.   “Two Decades of Hardfloor” album is a milestone in Germany’s techno and acid history because Hardfloor duo are really one of the most important figures in not only Germany’s but also European dance music history. The have been releasing music since the late early 90’s as Hardfloor and they are now a trademark for what we once called ‘the acid sound’. Ramon Zenker & Oliver Bondzio answered my questions about Hardfloor’s two decades. How did the T.D.O.H. album go, so far? Are you happy with it? We´ve sold 250.000 copies so far. That means ‘Gold Status’. Just kidding, we´re happy so far.  Why did you wait so long to release such an album? We think the timing to release a 20th anniversary album is perfect after 20 years! Do you still love acid? What do you think about the current techno scene & sounds? We still love acid and for us it’s always a challenge to create something interesting for ourselves while almost nobody else is doing it on longplayer format. We don’t think about the scene, we’ve just realized that acid is almost not happening on today’s parties and festivals. You also released an album called, 'Two Guys, Three Boxes' at the same time. Were you working in both projects at the same time? How long did it take you to finish it? “Two Guys Three Boxes” was released in 2010. After that we’ve compiled “20 Two Decades of Hardfloor”. You also collaborated with E.R.P. on some tracks. How did that happen? We’re fanst for years. Since he remixed two tracks from our 2007 album “The Life We Choose” we decided to work together again. But this time as a real collaboration. Electro also seems to be as important as acid for you right? What else? What do you listen and from which channels do you feed yourself? Oliver: All music is important to me but I mostly listen to hip-hop, funk, soul & jazz besides all electronic genres. What labels and producers do you like these days, could you please tell us your current picks and favorites from you case? Oliver: I’m only following vinyl releases. Most interesting are done by newcomers on new labels. Since most vinyl pressings are around 500 copies or even less, really interesting and a lot of new stuff is coming every week. What is the unforgettable club moment you had during those two decades? 1994 first time in Japan. We were sold out  at the Liquid Room in Tokyo. Two nights in a row, goosebumbs from screaming audience when entering the stage! What are the forthcoming projects and releases? More 12”s currently in the pipe line: HF015: "Eternal Tweak" / "T.D.O.H." HF016: Acper’ence 1  - Robert Babicz Remix HF017: "Skill Shot" Remixes What do you know about istanbul and Turkey? Would you like to play here? We would love to play there! Since it’s one of the countries we have’nt performed so far. Interview: Christopher Çolak 28 January 2012   Features, Interviews, Music, Promote 2012-01-29T11:27:00+02:00 http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/v_a_systematic_colours_vol3_mixed_by_phonique/ http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/v_a_systematic_colours_vol3_mixed_by_phonique/#When:19:37:00Z Phonique mixes the new Colours serie which is one of the best way to hear Systematic sounds.Marc Romboy's Systematic Records is already a trademark with it's unique and easily recognizable sounds scheme. One of the best records labels around, Systematic is home for uplifting and high-end tech house music with the deepest edge at the times. Talented Phonique keeps this scheme at it's best and with his selection of 14 tracks with the best names from the scene, he defines what Marc Romboy has wanted to build once. A true listening experience that any dance music listener would not stay without attention. A true romance!Christopher Çolak  Music, Reviews, Albums 2011-10-23T19:37:00+02:00 http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/till_von_sein_feat_tigerskin_lazarus_meggy_non_existent_love/ http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/till_von_sein_feat_tigerskin_lazarus_meggy_non_existent_love/#When:10:38:00Z Till Von Sein brings Soul's groovy tradition with the help of Tigerskin, Lazarus & Meggy. Suol continues to release such groovy & soulful music with fellow house man Till Von Sein who will also release his debut longplayer '#LTD' from the same label this october. 'Non Existent Love' lifts up our expectations for the Sein longplayer. With it's fat, groovy & melodic posture. With the help of vocal efforts from Meggy & Lazarus, Sein smoothly builds up an ideal house scene, backed by piano strings & disco kicks. This makes up a very good summer ending EP, supported by remix treatments from Jozif and El_Txef_A. I do not believe in seasons for albums so this EP is just more than right start for a forthcoming Suol longplayer. From a true beat dweller, Mr. Sein. 'Non Existent Love' EP gives trance moments mixed with pure Suol style sweet house music.Christopher Çolak Music, Reviews, Singles 2011-09-02T10:38:00+02:00 http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/v_a_berghain_05_marcel_fengler/ http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/v_a_berghain_05_marcel_fengler/#When:09:10:00Z Berghain mix series continues with the fifth installment from the resident Marcel Fengler.Marcel Fengler's sets are open minded and as the artist info says: 'opposites attract'. That means you can find every aspect of electronic music, from ambient to harsh electro gems within his ruff techno sets, which he is famous for.Berghain 05 is a scenically composition of the above told musical atmosphere, backed with lots of unreleased material ranging from E.R.P. to Skudge & Marcel Fengler himself. A purified snapshot of the Berghain music structure in 'camera obscura'.Christopher Çolak Music, Reviews, Albums 2011-09-02T09:10:00+02:00 http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/fraktal_110830/ http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/fraktal_110830/#When:10:42:01Z Christereo's Fraktal live at Dinamo 103.8FM Istanbul 30 August 2011 playlist;Turzi Électronique Expérience - Connaissance EP - Connaissance (Naum Gabo Remix) [Record Makers]Steilos Vassiloudis - Bite Down EP - Bite Down (Compuphonic Dub) [Moodmusic]Efdemin - Please EP - Farnsworth House [Curle]The Midnight Perverts - Hooker's Door EP - Hooker's Door (Miss Jools Remix) [Dame Music]Gregor Tresher - Lights From The Inside (Remixes) EP - Lights From The Inside (Nick Curly Remix) [Break New Soil]Roman Fluegel - Fatty Folders LP - Deo [Dial]Reagenz - Various - Berghain 05 EP - The Labryinth [Ostgut Tontraeger]Max Essa - Various - Roots For Rules 2 LP - Back To The Beach (John Daly Remix) [Bear Funk] Music, Playlists 2011-09-01T10:42:01+02:00 http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/solomun_stimming_challenge_everyday/ http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/solomun_stimming_challenge_everyday/#When:10:36:00Z Solomun's imprint Diynamic is one of the most dynamic and contemporary house music imprints as the name says for itself.Solomun and the partner in crime Stimming delivering two huge gems with dub versions in this spilt EP. Also Solomun's mother starring with her pretty English as an introduction. Sweet sounds here. Especially Stimming's 'Challenge The Air' is one of the best tracks of this summer and already in my September Top10 list.David Stoltzenberg's vocals poured within his soft guitar riffs, makes 'Challenge The Air' one perfect combination of contemporary song writing skills merged with ultimate clubbing sound. This track is truly extraordinaire! Solomun's 'See You Everyday Alone' also digs with the sweet vocals and field recordings catching Hamburg's polite rain. Diynamic is all about sweet discoveries in contemporary electronic music production always in touch with humanly side; vocals and instrumentation. Christopher Çolak Music, Reviews, Singles 2011-09-01T10:36:00+02:00 http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/v_a_hamburg_elektronisch_vol_01/ http://www.halfstereo.com/index.php/site/v_a_hamburg_elektronisch_vol_01/#When:10:31:00Z Germany's second biggest city may be the first when it comes to house music.HFN Music's new sister label Hafendisko is going to release a very strong compilation, representing Hamburg's finest & most precious musical predecessors in electronic dance music. To name a few; Smallville's Lawrence, Diynamic's Solomun & Stimming, Pampa's DJ Koze and many more who are related with the city and has a spice on that so called 'Hamburg Elektronisch' vibe, are incorporated in this 20 tracks digital compilation. I would say one of the best and biggest compilations for this month, 'Hamburg Elektronisch Vol. 01' is also an ultimate introduction for those who are in search of original and intimately pure house music. You are going to hear sounds and grooves from the river Elbe. All embroidered with passion and house music feeling at it's highest. You will find a wide range of sound spectrum within the compilation and be satisfied utmost.Check the sounds & the teaser on the new Hafendisko website: http://www.hfn-music.com/hafendisko/Christopher Çolak Music, Reviews, Albums 2011-09-01T10:31:00+02:00