Welcome to the Glowcast blog, We are a professional audio mastering Service run by Conor Dalton, based in our Glasgow Studio. Here you will find out what we've been up to recently!
2011 was a massive year for Harvey McKay, as he released and remixed on labels like Drumcode, Saved, Octopus, 8-Sided Dice and of course his home-town label Soma Records. It was also a year where he defined his dark, heavy and rolling sound.
On his first EP of 2012, he continues on the road of toughness through the ‘Want You’ EP.
Rumbling sub-bass underpins both original productions, but really comes to the forefront on ‘Want You’. Clever rhythmic use of a vocal sample keeps the track fresh throughout, especially into the the short and effective break. One things you’ll notice about Harvey’s productions are the drop. And again it is nailed on this track.3
‘Body To Body’ sticks with the growling low-end but brings a little more jack to the table. Driving and loopy the track pushes throughout with crisp rides and high hats. The only break here come with the subtle removal of one of his many layered kick drums.
mastered at http://glowcastaudio.wordpress.com
Released by: Soma
Release/catalogue number: Soma330D
Release date: Feb 13, 2012
1. Alex Under – El Alma Del Tiempo
2. Alex Under – El Alma Del Tiempo (Slam Paragraph Mix)
3. Alex Under – Addendum [Digital only]
Spanish artist Alex Under marks the progression of his work with the release of second album, ‘La Máquina de Bolas’, released in March 2012 through Soma Records. The acclaimed producer and CMYK label boss returns a more experienced, complex artist after a seven year album hiatus following 2005’s Trapez LP release, ‘Dispositivos De Mi Granja’.
The Alex Under singles released on Soma Records are not taken from the album, but do maintain the musical ethos found on the forthcoming long player. The title track, El Alma Del Tiempo is a dizzying foray into the deep and somewhat disturbing Alex Under Techno, where the precise sonic production that AU is known for meets a rawer and more abrasive sound.
Slam step up for the remix as they welcome Alex onto their label of 20 years. Turning in one of their classic ‘big room’ works, Stuart and Orde maintain the darkness but turn up the subs in this muscular mix.
The closing track, Addendum, brings a little light to the EP with swinging percussion and grooving bass. Fear not though, this is balanced with a slice of distortion few producers are skilful enough to use in such a manner and draws the circle on Alex’s first aural outing on Soma Records.
Mastered by Conor Dalton at http://glowcastaudio.wordpress.com
Released by: Soma
Release/catalogue number: Soma328
Release date: Jan 31, 2012
Even in the depths of winter, the Soma20 celebrations show no signs of slowing down. A medley of Slam tracks are reworked by three of the hottest producers around.
Frenchman Oxia brings big bass and relentless rhythm in his remix of Slam’s Human track. The original track from 2004 was fast, tense and abrasive and lent its self to the sultry side of Slam’s productions. Oxia softens this tight original masterfully as he brings dubby tones and chords to the fore of his mix, while underpinning it with powerful low-end resonance.
Soma’s Harvey McKay is up next with as straight and heavy remix of the massive Alien Radio, from the Slam album of the same name. McKay keeps the sequence of the signature bassline true, but entirely changes the feeling of the hook from haunting to nasty. Beeline drums and percussion are what Harvey McKay excels at, and this remix is a prime example of his style.
Cosmin TRG has garnered a lot of attention in the last 12-18 months… and deservedly so. Releases on Rush Hour, 50 Weapons, Hessle and Tempa have seen massive success and have also ensured a busy diary of gigs across the world. His mix of Slam’s Visions uses the vocal samples and seductive tones of lyricist Dot Allison amidst filtering synths and loose, swinging drums.
As 2011 comes to an end, I’d love to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support this year. I consider myself to be a very lucky guy to do audio mastering for a living, and I couldn’t do so without my lovely clients, old and new.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some of my favourite artists this year, for example, Daft Punk, Carl Craig, Radio Slave, Slam, Andrew Weatherall, Silicone soul, and many, many more, but this doesn’t take away from the pleasure I get from working with bedroom producers and watching them improve with each track they send me, and seeing clients getting their first record released on a label or hearing their track played in a club for the first time. I know the feeling and I know how much it means to you.
I’ve opened my studio, and teamed up with the wonderful Simon Stokes this year, whose positivity, knowledge and patience has helped move the business forward into something i’m extremely proud of, and as I look back over the past 12 months, I feel like Glowcast has really come on in leaps and bounds in terms of reputation, confidence and calibre.
I find my passion has grown over the past year and that is thanks to working on music that I love, and working with people that I respect and appreciate, big or small, you all are the reason I can wake up in the morning and go to work with a huge smile on my face.
I wish you many happy studio vibes for 2012 and hope you find inspiration and vision for your music, and hope you all continue to invest in your talents and progress as artists over the coming year.
Thank you for choosing Glowcast as your mastering house in 2011. It means the world to me!
1) Slam – Eterna (Radio Slave Remix)
2) Slam – Eterna (Sebo K Remix)
3) Slam – Eterna (Radio Slave Beats Remix)
For 20 years, seminal producers, DJs and label owners, Slam, have brought a progressive and independent streak to the ever-developing techno and house scene, both in their own music and by representing other acts through their Soma records label. From beginnings as underground trailblazers, both Slam and Soma have employed the innovation and attention to detail, which, has enabled them to succeed in the state of flux persistent in the scene and helped maintain a consistently high standard of output. To celebrate this 20 year collaboration, Soma are releasing a selection of classic tracks from their extensive back catalogue, newly remixed by some of the most globally renowned and regarded producers in the house and techno scenes.
The origins of this twenty year progression are brought to the fore in Soma’s latest single release which contains three expansive and varied remixes of Slam’s classic track, Eterna – the first ever release on the Soma label and year zero for the aforementioned collaboration. Eterna’s influence in 1991 was born through its merging of disparate styles, underpinned by a balanced mix of driving bassline and euphoric melody.
Producer and label owner Radio Slave shares some of this kind of influence in the modern era fuelled by his own output and that of his label ReKids. Following an earlier remix of Slam’s Azure in 2007 the London based producer has again forged his imprint on Eterna with this latest remix. There is a darker, heavier feel to the remix with the rounded bass stomping between drops heavily and the manipulation of samples from the original, which are now more strung out and imposing than euphoric, adding a sense of controlled aggression.
Having previously remixed Radio Slave’s Bell clap dance, veteran German producer and DJ, Sebo K, turns his attention to Eterna to produce his first remix for Soma. Sebo K’s sound manifests itself clearly in the remix as the track is lifted with dynamic, shifting rhythmic patterns and a loping bassline. A focus on liquid synths smoothes and brightens the track to provide a very different interpretation and also creates a powerful and deep dancefloor remix.
mastered by Conor Dalton at http://glowcastaudio.wordpress.com
Released by: soma
Release/catalogue number: Soma 323d
Release date: Nov 21, 2011
1. Bee Bear
2. Deep Cut
3. Deep Cut (Mihalis Safras Remix)
www.somarecords.com
All the way from Western Australia, the young Joe Stawarz combines beautiful compositions with slick production making for a truly unique trademark sound. After getting Soma’s attention with his competition winning remix of Slam’s “We’re Not Here”, Joe released his debut EP ‘Cry’ with the label. Now he returns with Bee Bear, an EP that more than lives up to the expectation of such a talented young producer.
The EP is full of deep and delicate arrangements that demonstrate both Joe’s scholar ability as a composer and his master craftsmanship as an up and coming producer. The tracks indulge in their own musicality rather than conforming to the format of standard club tracks of the moment.
Bee Bear is in a world of it’s own. Another expertly crafted sequence of glimmering clicks and rolling snares while cleverly arranged horns give the track a unique sounding melancholy that lingers on the brain.
Deep Cut is a powerful yet composed track that patiently reveals itself over time. Finely tuned clicks set with clinical precision create a minimal atmosphere while deep sweeping synths build the track until it suddenly kicks into life with gripping tech house. The track then levels into a pensive reprise of sweeping syncopation concluding what is an epic track.
Mihalis Safras brings Deep Cut to the surface with a tech house remix that gives it a dance-floor edge. Whilst adding his own distinctive rhythmic sound, Safras pushes the melodies of the original further, creating a powerful groove that will satisfy basements and big rooms alike.
mastered at http://glowcastaudio.wordpress.com
Released by: soma
Release/catalogue number: Soma 325d
Release date: Nov 14, 2011
RELEASE DATE 2011-10-24
LABEL Paragraph
CATALOG # PARA013
Press release:
Slams latest double-track release through subsidiary label Paragraph provides the impactful sound of stripped down techno and sculpted dynamics. The duo have managed to create and explore new sounds and produce two engaging, challenging yet firmly idiosyncratic tracks. The first track, Chasing Shadows bristles with creative hi-hat structures; a constant theme of the track, the sounds of which weave their way through the bigger sonic exchanges.
These stark high-end elements freshen up the sound and merge with the splashing synths carrying through the breakdowns and pulsing into the rhythmic shifts. Throughout the track the melody line transitions shift the focus and keep the track moving. There is progression towards a deeper, powerful sound as the track continues with fx-laden synths, backing up the driving rhythm.
In the second track, Black Arts we are immediately met with a housier sound. A hint of swing in the interplay of percussion really helps to deepen the tone, when pitched in counterpoint with wooden percussion notes reminiscent of early xylophone samples. A sweeping, held lead line helps to add a sense of the ethereal to this more grooving sound when the track reaches its varied crescendos and floats through the seismic transitions.
mastered by Conor Dalton @ http://glowcastaudio.wordpress.com
Soma20 – Phase 14 [Soma322D]
1. Eastmen – U Dig (Cassy and Chris Carrier Remix)
2. Universal Principles – Latin Stroll (Pooley’s MPC Remix)
3. Rejuvination – IBO (Dan Curtin ‘Love That Universe’ Remix)
Soma’s new three track EP 322 supplies stunning interpretations of classic tracks released on the label. The three remixes give top contemporary Djs and Producers the chance to get firmly to grips with a diverse range of music
The first remix on the EP is a collaboration between Cassy and Chris Carrier. Both of these artists, one a Netherlands-based Brit, the other a lynchpin of the French scene enjoy great acclaim in various global dominions of House and Techno. Both enjoy various residences and have combined to create a fantastic reworking of Eastman’s 1994 release U Dig. Cassy and Chris Carrier have brought the track rushing up to date reflecting their constant engagement with contemporary sounds. A really fluid remix adds bubbling bass sounds and upbeat grooves to the distinctive original piano melody. The vocals have a hint more soulful ambience to them, developing the smooth nature of the original.
Next up Ian Pooley provides a strikingly different take on Universal Principles’ Latin stroll. This focused and intense artist imposes his great subtlety and complexity on the infectious Latin sound of the original. Pooley has created many remixes of late and this, another DPC remix takes edges of the original track and fills round them with a deft touch. A reworking of the rhythm patterns keeps the up tempo feel and elements of the trademark keys solo of the original are treated deferentially as they are cut into various new forms. The track hones in on the original themes and genre before smoothly veering away to expand the impact and revitalise the work.
The last remix to feature on the EP reiterates the diverse range of sounds which were originally championed by Soma. The heady 90’s track Rejuvination by IBO, which is steeped in Oldskool, blissful style is remixed by electronica pioneer Dan Curtin. Curtin has moved seamlessly through a range of musical styles. Thus informed by various sonic influences Curtin is the ideal man to take on yet another different sound. Curtin manages to invoke a great sense of the original track whilst bringing depth and progressive edge to the remix. The vocal track is lifted to greater prominence and sustained throughout so that the manipulated melody and bass spiral down with this stretched sample. The outcome of this balancing act is a smoother more polished sound which, whilst paying homage to the original goes into deeper more expansive realms of sonic interaction.
Released by: soma
Release/catalogue number: Soma 322d
Release date: Oct 31, 2011
Daft Punk – Drive Unreleased 1994 is track 1 on the Soma 20 Years compilation triple CD release, and is joined by selected Soma Records classics, including tracks by Slam, Silicone Soul, The Black Dog, Funk D’Void, Samuel L Session, Percy X and Desert Storm.
CD 2 is a Slam DJ mix of the back-catalogue remixes we received in our twentieth anniversary. Remixers include Adam Beyer & Jesper Dahlback, Nick Curly, Mark Broom, D’Julz, Paul Ritch, Pan-Pot, Oxia ++++ all woven together by label bosses SLAM.
CD3 is an DJ Mix from Silicone Soul, Their DJ mix is a representation of the tracks they saw from the dancefloor, be it the first record they bought; Otaku’s (Ralph Lawson, Fraser Brydson & Carl Finlow) Percussion Obsession, or DJ Q’s masterful mix of Counter Plan’s 90 Degrees. Peppered through their mix are snippets and acapellas like the beautiful keys of Daedalus or the vocals from Inspiration and Light, Tonight, and U Dig. You’ll also see Mark Henning’s Last Night, a personal favourite of the boys from the last few years of Soma stock.
mastered by Conor Dalton @ http://glowcastaudio.wordpress.com
Released by: Soma Records
Release/catalogue number: SomaCD095
Release date: Sep 19, 2011
For over 2 decades Slam, together with Soma have been pushing the envelopes of house and techno. Their constant innovation along with their independent ethos has allowed them to prosper in a constantly changing business. To celebrate their 20 years in music, Soma are releasing a selection of classic tracks from their extensive back catalogue, newly remixed by some of the best producers on the label and in the world today. September also sees the release of a special 20th anniversary 3CD compilation featuring classic tracks and 2 mixes by Silicone Soul and Slam.
The 11th single in this classics series features two remixes of Slam’s classic track Stepback. The track, which sent shockwaves through the underground in the mid-90s, encompasses the classic early Soma sound; raw and stripped techno.
Adam Beyer is no stranger to Slams work, releasing two of their EPs on his own Drumcode imprint. For this special release however, he has teamed up with his fellow countryman Jesper Dahlback to bring Stepback their Swedish shine. The pair add a new dimension to the track, making it even more brooding and atmospheric whilst retaining that driving rhythm that makes the original so prominent.
For the second remix, Soma artist Mark Henning takes Stepback in a different direction. The deep house groove blends the original track’s industrial sound with Henning’s typical off-kilter basslines making for a brighter and more purposeful sound that will light up every dancefloor.
Released by: soma
Release/catalogue number: Soma 324d
Release date: Oct 3, 2011
