Releases « Equinox Records

eqx-050

Various Artists “Counter Future – A Sound Exposure Vol. 3″ (3LP / Digital)

Release Date Digital: May 17th, 2013
Release Date 3LP Vinyl: June 21st, 2013

Counter Future is the third release in Equinox Records’ Sound Exposure compilation series, which debuted back in 2004. This album also marks the 50th release on the label and acts as the 10th anniversary compilation, making it a truly special and momentous affair.

“I wanted the selection to sound timeless yet still have a modern, futuristic vibe”, says label founder and compiler Günter Stöppel aka DJ Scientist. The first release in the Sound Exposure series, Welcome to the Neo Golden Age, defined the dual organic/electronic sound that the label has come to be known for. With this latest instalment of the series Scientist wants to set another important landmark for the label’s growing catalogue.

Counter Future is far from just a simple label sampler, composed almost entirely of exclusive tracks from the label’s roster and its extended, worldwide family. It is a coherent and unique album that showcases the broad spectrum and various facets of today’s electronic and beat scenes. Across 21 tracks from 17 different artists Counter Future is the most extensive and complete release on the label yet: you’ll find acclaimed French producer Fulgeance alongside long term Equinox artists such as 2econd Class Citizen and Deckard as well as close affiliates and friends including Los Angeles’ Dday One and Glen Porter. Each artist contribute their own unique musical mark to this anniversary release.

The compilation opens with the epic, film score-like introduction by producer and bassist Geste. It is followed by one of the label’s latest signings, Italy’s Godblesscomputers with his track Romania. Next is the turn of Greek producer Andreikelos and his Beautiful Mountain of Algos, a powerful downbeat and melodic composition. Germany’s Skyence contributes the haunting, neo space age electronica of Scars while Finest Ego Beat Championship winner Playpad Circus brings the splendid Megalomaniac. Fulgeance provides the epic Cypher with his trademark swing and bounce, Anthony Drawn teams up with Graciellita from L.A. on the stunning Lighthouse. 2econd Class Citizen then rediscovers his love for folk, hip-hop and uplifting but melancholic strings on I That I Am and Haunted Days & Witch’s Teat as well as Glen Porter provide their dose of instrumental hip-hop, uncompromising beats and guitar riffs which act as the perfect counter weight to the more electronic sounds on the album.

Counter Future is roughly divided into two parts with another Geste track, Exhale (Intermission), acting as the divider. Following this, come the vigorous Kill Ya Sound by L.A. producer Gone Beyond, Bit-Tuner’s bass heavy Getaway and Kopfklang’s Piet Mann 4, a very interesting composition from the upcoming Berlin producer. Next up, Deckard provides a stunning composition with St. Ella, while 2econd Class Citizen re-appears with another exclusive track, On Emptiness, originally released on his classic 2009 album A World Without. This new version reworks the original with added piano by Kevin Matthews. Underground L.A legend Dday One supplies Anechoic Chamber, J. Baracuz delivers Before The Storm, Andreikelos teams up with Bombers Of Consciousness and Kopfklang provides his second track Ave Mensch, a darker production that is followed by Canada’s David Vangel’s I Heard You Sing, the last track of the album. The song closes the compilation with beautiful choruses and vocals, accompanied with the kind of soulful drumming Vangel has made his trademark.

Despite its length Counter Future remains a cohesive listen and manages to once again showcase the amalgamation of sounds and styles that the label has become known and loved for. All of which makes it an essential album for fans of Equinox Records both old and new.

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▼ Tracklist ▼

(01) Geste – Inhale (Spitting Concrete Intro)
(02) Godblesscomputers – Romania
(03) Andreikelos – Beautiful Mountain of Algos
(04) Skyence – Scars
(05) Playpad Circus – Megalomaniac
(06) Fulgeance – Cypher
(07) Anthony Drawn – Lighthouse (feat. Graciellita)
(08) 2econd Class Citizen – I That I Am
(09) Haunted Days & Witch’s Teat – Landing Strip
(10) Glen Porter – The Devil’s Chariot
(11) Geste – Exhale (Intermission)
(12) Gone Beyond – Kill Ya Sound
(13) Bit-Tuner – Getaway
(14) Kopfklang – Piet Mann 4
(15) Deckard – St. Ella
(16) 2econd Class Citizen – On Emptiness (Keys Re-Work)
(17) Dday One – Anechoic Chamber
(18) J. Baracuz – Before The Storm
(19) Andreikelos – Roots Go Deep (feat. Bombers of Consciousness)
(20) Kopfklang – Ave Mensch
(21) David Vangel – I Heard You Sing

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▼ Shoplinks ▼

Digital:

Equinox Online Shop
iTunes
Soul Seduction
Amazon
Musicload
Juno Download
Beatport
DJShop.de (coming soon)

Vinyl (Pre-Order):

Equinox Online Shop
— 3LP + Flexi Disc Bundle
— Regular 3LP Version
HHV.de
— 3LP + Flexi Disc Bundle
— Regular 3LP Version

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▼ Pictures & Press Info ▼
http://press.e-q-x.net/eqx050/eqx050.htm

eqx-038

2econd Class Citizen “The Small Minority” (2LP / CD / Digital)

Release Date Vinyl: May 25th, 2012
Release Date CD: May 25th, 2012
Release Date Digital: May 25th, 2012

It has been a long time coming as they say and now the second full length album from UK producer 2econd Class Citizen is ready for release. Having spent the past year collaborating with and remixing DJ Food, touring Europe with US artist cars&trains and remixing artists such as Loka and Dday One, 2econd Class Citizen also managed to fit in some studio time and is back with his signature sound on “The Small Minority“, his follow-up to 2009′s lauded “A World Without“.

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Poised to disarm and conquer, “The Small Minority” is 50 minutes of pure aural delight: meticulously constructed drums, sublime mineral sonorities and cinematic moods immerse the listener in a huge pallet of sounds, rhythms and samples that create contrasted atmospheres, both cold and luminous. While standout tracks like the gripping “Stop To Wonder”, the intense string laden, slow builder “Change (What We’re Creating)” and the downtempo harmonies of “Outside Your Doorway” will keep heads nodding and should be favourites among the fans, 2CC also adds some beautiful folk ambient sounds to his opus such as the hypnotising choral “Metamorphosis” and the warming textures of “Inside The Cocoon”. At the same time, 2econd Class Citizen manages to fit in the uptempo and funky “Liberated Lady” and a pushing psych rock tune “Stay With Me” that should satisfy the djs as well.

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An alumnus of Ninja Tune’s iconic Solid Steel series, 2econd Class Citizen caught the ears of DJ Food’s Strictly Kev and last year the two worked together on the 9 track musical collage “Magpie Music” which was released as part of Food’s EP “Magpies, Maps & Moons” and also included in the following album “The Search Engine”.

“The Small Minority” is preceded by a single release, “Outside Your Doorway”, featuring vocalists and remixers such as L.A’s underground pioneer Dday One, Strange Famous‘ Buddy Peace – the nicest DJ you never knew about – and James Reindeer that neatly showcases 2econd Class Citizen‘s broad appeal, his cross-genre mastery and ever-widening audience.

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The album is slated for a May release on Berlin-based Equinox Records with the US release handled by the new indie hip-hop powerhouse Fake Four. A promo megamix will also be unveiled ahead of the release in late April, handled by none other than one of the best in this field: DJ Food’s Strictly Kev.

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About 2econd Class Citizen

Since his self-released debut EP, Divided Reality, caught the attention of some well-respected industry ears, 2econd Class Citizen has been keeping listeners spellbound with his unique psych/folk/hip-hop fusion. Snapped up by Equinox Records, his seamless hybridising bore two further EPs – Wyred Folk, One By One – and 2009’s sublime inaugural album, A World Without. Now on the cusp of his second album release, Aaron Thomason – aka 2econd Class Citizen – is poised to further beguile you with his beat-laden, ethereal sounds.

Raised in England’s rural north, this now London-based DJ and producer has captivated audiences and peers alike with his gorgeously-captured, audible emotions, most notable of which are the ears of DJ Food’s Strictly Kev, with whom he worked last year on the collaborative 9-track musical collage Magpie Music, released on the Ninja Tune artist’s latest output, both EP Magpies, Maps and Moons and album The Search Engine. To celebrate this anticipated album, 2econd Class Citizen contributed a bespoke space themed DJ set for the launch party held at London’s Royal Observatory Planetarium; a unique experience created in conjunction with the beloved venue’s own astronomers (stay tuned for the set on the Solid Steel radio show.) On top of this, he’s found time to accommodate another two Ninja Tune releases in the shape of remixes of The Electric Hoax (feat. Natural Self) and Loka’s The Sound Stars Make.

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Inspired by the folk-drenched mysticism of the rural past and a fortunately-timed intake of DMC competitions on MTV, 2econd Class Citizen has graced the stages of some of the best-known festivals, including two consecutive years at Glastonbury in 2008 and 2009. And having so far completed three European tours with fellow artists such as Ceschi Ramos, Noah23 and Buddy Peace, not to mention enviable stage-sharing with the likes of Nosaj Thing, The Hidden Orchestra, Loka, Dosh, and even prog rock legends Gong and Steve Hillage, has delighted crowds across multiple European concert venues.

With the vocalists, remixers and musicians present on his much-anticipated upcoming album, as well as the advance single releases, he is winning an ever-widening audience with his cross-generic audio mastery. As consistent as his sound is innate, his goosebump-inducing compositions have garnered a loyal and evolving fanbase and high praise from a tough-to-win industry. But hunted library samples and shattering strings are only part of what makes this artist’s enchanting appeal; this aural embodiment filtered through Thomason’s old soul perception construct a bewitching almost-world of near-forgotten mystical past and disaffected present.

With his second album, The Small Minority, set to hold familiar ears as much as it will convert anew, 2econd Class Citizen’s meticulously-crafted sonic conjuring will ensure this remains the music you will lose your heart to.

The album is released in the US and Japan in cooperation with Fake Four Inc.
Distributed in Europe and worldwide via Kudos Distribution (UK).

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Early Feedback (to be continued…):

“Really lovely moments on here. Nice…”
Fink (Ninja Tune)

“Your Album sounds great, congratulations! I definitely want to check out your record collection as you obviously had some crazy stuff!”
DJ Format

“okay man, I gotta tell you: your album is fucking BEAUTIFUL. I’m in love with it already. So lush! I’m about 2/3 in but I just thought I’d ‘live text’ it! Incredible work brother.“

Buddy Peace

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Tracklist:

(01) And Now, Nothing [mp3]
(02) On My Mind [mp3]
(03) Outside Your Doorway [mp3]
(04) Stop To Wonder [mp3]
(05) Change (What We’re Creating) [mp3] [video]
(06) Inside The Cocoon [mp3]
(07) Memory Page [mp3]
(08) Liberated Lady [mp3]
(09) No Destination [mp3]
(10) Sail Eternal [mp3]
(11) Metamorphosis [mp3]
(12) Fragments of a Dream
(13) Stay With Me [mp3]
(14) Beyond The Sun

You can also listen to the album snippets on Soundcloud:
http://soundcloud.com/equinoxrecords/sets/2econd-class-citizen-the-small-minority/

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Shop links for vinyl / cd edition:

Equinox Records Online Store:
— Vinyl
— CD
HHV.de Exclusive Bundle:
— Vinyl bundle
— CD bundle

(more to be announced soon)

Shop links for digital:

Equinox Records Online Shop
djshop.de
Musicload
Amazon
Soul Seduction
beatport
Juno Download
iTunes

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Press

http://www.e-q-x.net/releases/eqx038

Links

www.2econdclasscitizen.com
facebook.com/2econdclasscitizen
http://www.soundcloud.com/2econdclasscitizen
http://www.equinoxrecords.com/artists/2econd_class_citizen
http://www.myspace.com/2econdclasscitizen
www.equinoxrecords.com

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Also, visit the release page on discogs by clicking the logo bellow:

eqx-037

2econd Class Citizen “Outside Your Doorway EP” (12″ Ltd / Digital)

Release Date Digital: April 20th, 2012
Release Date Vinyl: April 27th, 2012

After a super limited postcard vinyl set which literally sold out within 5 minutes, the “Outside Your Doorway EP” is the second teaser for the outstanding new 2econd Class Citizen album “The Small Minority”. The vinyl 12” and digital release feature exclusive remixes by Dday One and Buddy Peace, a bonus track together with long time collaborator James Reindeer as well as two of the main album tracks.

The title track, “Outside Your Doorway”, is 2econd Class Citizen at his best with his trademark fusion of Folk and Hip Hop replete with chopped vocals, crispy drums and all manor of sounds and textures designed to get your head nodding instantly. Next up, “Liberated Lady”, another superb catchy vocal track with a more uptempo and funky feel, carries all the hallmarks of a 2CC production and could become a dj’s favourite in the clubs.

Dday One’s remix of “Outside Your Doorway” is an extensive musical journey accompanied by crashing lo fi drum breaks and aching strings. Again, listening to this will get your head nodding without even realising. Then, Strange Famous’ Buddy Peace takes “Liberated Lady” and flips it like only he knows how. Adding new vocals and chops to create a whole new beast of a track.

“Insect Forms” is an alternate and extended vocal version of “Identity”, a track which was featured solely on the aforementioned postcard package. 2econd Class Citizen, rapper James Reindeer and violinist Jenny Blackbird come together once again for a stunning deep and cinematic track.

The “Outside Your Doorway EP” is released in Mid April, while the complete album, “The Small Minority”, will drop in late May on Equinox Records, with the US release handled by the new Indie Hip-Hop powerhouse Fake Four. Need we say more?

Tracklist:

Digital

(01) Outside Your Doorway (EP Mix)
(02) Liberated Lady (Album Version)
(03) Liberated Lady (Buddy Peace Remix)
(04) Outside Your Doorway (Dday One Remix)
(05) Insect Forms (feat. James Reindeer)
(06) Outside Your Doorway (Know My Soul Mix)

Vinyl 12″

A|
(01) Outside Your Doorway (EP Mix)
(02) Outside Your Doorway (Dday One Remix)
(03) Insect Forms (feat. James Reindeer)

B|
(04) Liberated Lady (Album Version)
(05) Liberated Lady (Buddy Peace Remix)
(06) Outside Your Doorway (Know My Soul Mix)

Shop Links for Digital Release:

iTunes
Juno Download
Beatport
Equinox Online Store
soulseduction.com
amazon.com
musicload.de
play.com

Buy the Vinyl Release:

Equinox Records Online Store
hhv.de
Kudos Records
Grenade Offencive (Greece)

Links

www.2econdclasscitizen.com
facebook.com/2econdclasscitizen
http://www.soundcloud.com/2econdclasscitizen
http://www.equinoxrecords.com/artists/2econdclasscitizen
http://www.myspace.com/2econdclasscitizen
www.equinoxrecords.com

eqx-035

2econd Class Citizen – Perception / Identity (Postcard Set)

Release Date: February 24th, 2012

2econd Class Citizen is back in full effect and will release his 2nd album in early May this year. To head off the promotion and campaign for his outstanding new full length release we have a really special treat for you:

“Perception / Identity”, the second postcard package on our label, includes two beautiful vinyl postcards designed by the Amerian illustrator toobz and features two great new exclusive songs by 2econd Class Citizen, which will give you a preview into what you can expect to hear on his album “The Small Minority”.

The cards will be available for sale on the Equinox Online Store on friday, February 24th, and are limited to 25 hand numbered copies. Don’t hesitate to buy one of these as long as you can – they are unique and special and a perfect addition to your record collection!

More information about “The Small Minority” will follow shortly. In the meantime, make sure you follow 2econd Class Citizen on Facebook and Soundcloud:
http://facebook.com/2econdclasscitizen
http://soundcloud.com/2econdclasscitizen

Also, here is more info about toobz, who has provided the art for this release:

At an early age, Scott TOOBZ Noel began his creative lifestyle with observation and utilizing everything around him into something useful. Learning that he was colorblind initially molded his intimidation of color as he chose to stick with limited amounts. Through training and progression, his color limitations no longer created a disadvantage. In the early 80’s he was influenced by the graffiti culture. With ruleless abstract lettering and wildstyle expression, he explored this much needed outlet. Since this discovery, he has delved into new mediums, colors, and taking all that lies in the art world and incorporating inspiration to help learn himself and others.

Having no formal art education, Toobz started early in life teaching himself that all things have a similar process. By applying this rule, there is nothing that his hands would not try. He did not start his serious journey with visual arts until his mid twenties. Since then it has been a push and pull of understanding how these processes weave their similarities into different mediums. The debate of school and the money that it required led Toobz to self teaching. Although it has been a long road, he has taught himself the patience of finding the meaning of self expression and waking to everything around and inside the passion of this drive.

Homepage / Blog:
http://ifeedthedustmyskin.tumblr.com

Pictures by www.theresalegler.com

eqx-025

Various Artists “Equinox presents – The 25th” (Box Set, Limited / Digital)

Equinox Records celebrates its 25th release with a deluxe limited edition box set. Containing a 7inch as well as a custom USB Stick (only with the first 50 copies!!), the main part of the beautiful collector’s box is a 50-minute audio cassette (yes, a real tape!) featuring two incredible Equinox megamixes by Buddy Peace and Phonatic.

Enlarge picture

Buy the limited boxset right here: Deluxe Edition / Regular Edition

Not only that the two deejays had access to the original tracks from the past 24 releases on Equinox Records (plus tracks from the Equinox.Digital and Audiac catalogue), label founder Günter Stöppel a.k.a. DJ Scientist dug through the archives and supplied them with additional and seperated layers, instrumental versions and acapellas. This gave them the opportunity to really blend and mash up the tunes, resulting in a never heard before sound experience.

Free Download the Megamixes right here: Buddy Peace Vs. Phonatic – The Equinox Megamixes

Phonatic from Würzburg / Germany, whose mix can be found on side A of the tape, has been part of the Equinox fam for a long time. Having released well-received mix-cds on the sublabel Audiac as well as providing the last two album preview mixes for Ceschi and 2econd Class Citizen, he has now out-done himself with his 25 minute megamix. Including possibly more than 50 tracks and countless extra layers blended on top, it became a true masterpiece and example of how to use an ableton live / mpd set up in full effect.

Enlarge picture

To follow on side B of the tape, we find Buddy Peace. Buddy is far from being a no name DJ and has earned a huge fan base of mixtape and underground hip-hop followers over the years. Besides doing dj gigs around the world, having played some of Europe’s biggest festivals and being the support DJ for Prince Po (of Organized Konfusion), he has done several mixes for well-known labels such as Warp, Lex, Bully and Sage Francis’ Strange Famous Records (which he is currently signed to). With his version of the Equinox megamix he definitely took it to the next level: Buddy transformed and mashed the tracks to a completely new and original sounding 25-minute mixture. Using remarkable bits of the songs, chopping them up and adding new drums while maintaining a minimalistic and intelligent touch, this megamix became very special and brilliant.

Buy the limited boxset right here: Deluxe Edition / Regular Edition

Next up, the A side of the vinyl 7inch contains an unreleased remix by Deadpan Darling’s “Laugh Track” by Munich based artist Deckard. With this track, Deckard proves once more that he is one of the best downbeat producers in Europe, giving the track an even darker feel, surrounded by dense sounds and striking drums. On the flipside, 2econd Class Citizen’s classic “Wishing Well” gets reworked by The Raincoatman and Vangel from Canada. Although this tune has been remixed previously, this new version gives it a new groovy feel with its additional bass and wah wah guitars.

2econd Class Citizen – Wishing Well (The Raincoatman Vs. Vangel Remix) (eqx-025) by Equinox Records

Furthermore, on the digital version of the remixes release, we find a new version of the early 70s recording “A Year And A Day” by the legendary UK group The Peddlers (with Roy Phillips) by Twistedlogic & Pesticyde and also a new version of “A New Day”, another tune by 2econd Class Citizen this time remixed by DJ Phonatic, showcasing his producer skills as well. Concluding the remixes, electronic producer lodsb (of Karhu) re-works (or better “re-destroys”) Asup’s “Untitled”, that can originally be found on a 7inch picture disc recording on Audiac, into a devasting, uncompromising and thrilling new track.

And finally, the first 50 of the 250 copies of the sets include a USB stick that contains the long time lost and now recouped 2007 tour video with unseen live footage by Ceschi, Noah23, The Dedicated Beatheads, 2econd Class Citizen and more. However, if you miss the limited package with the stick, all copies include a download link for the video as well as the digital version of the remix release and more bonus material, making “Equinox presents – The 25th” a worthy package for all music lovers and collectors.

Free Download the Megamixes:

Buddy Peace Vs. Phonatic – The Equinox Megamixes (Free Download in 192 kbps, 66 mb) (Right mouseclick, safe target as)

Buddy Peace Vs. Phonatic – The Equinox Megamixes (Free Download in 320 kbps, 99 mb) (Right mouseclick, safe target as)

Shop links for vinyl:

hhv.de (Normal Edition)
hhv.de (Deluxe Edition)

Vinylkingz.de
Kudos Records
Sound-Station.at

Shop links digital release:
iTunes
Juno Download
soulseduction.com
amazon.com
musicload.de
finetunes.net

The box set release consists of the following parts:

PART I – THE EQUINOX MEGAMIXES (Audio Cassette, eqx-025ac)

Buddy Peace Vs. Phonatic – The Equinox Megamixes
featuring music by Ceschi, 2econd Class Citizen, DJ Scientist, Arcsin, Deckard, Geste, Kraddy, Vangel, Emynd, Free The Robots, K-The-I??? & many others.

|A|
(01) Phonatic – Equinox Megamix I (preview 1, preview 2 )

|B|
(02) Buddy Peace – Equinox Megamix II (preview 1, preview 2, preview 3)

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PART II – THE UNRELEASED REMIXES (7inch/Digital, eqx-025/eqx-025dgtl)

Various Artists – The Unreleased Remixes

|A|
(01) Deadpan Darling – Laugh Track (Deckard Remix) (listen)

|B|
(02) 2econd Class Citizen – Wishing Well (Raincoatman Vs. Vangel Remix) (listen)

Digital Release with Download Code:
(01) Deadpan Darling – Laugh Track (Deckard Remix) (listen)
(02) 2econd Class Citizen – Wishing Well (The Raincoatman Vs. Vangel Remix) (listen)
(03) The Peddlers – A Year And A Day (Metamorphosis) (Twistedlogic & Pesticyde Remix) (listen)
(04) 2econd Class Citizen – A New Day (Phonatic Remix) (listen)
(05) Asup – Untitled (Lodsb Remix) (listen)
(06) Deadpan Darling – Laugh Track (Deckard Remix) (Instrumental)

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PART III – THE EQUINOX 2007 TOUR VIDEO (USB Stick, eqx-025usb)

One Year & A Day – The Equinox 2007 Tour Video
featuring Ceschi, Noah23, The Dedicated Beatheads (DJ Scientist & DJ Snatchatec)
& 2econd Class Citizen

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release pictures by Sindy Kretzschmar

eqxdgtl-003

2econd Class Citizen “Divided Reality” (Digital / LTD 12″)

Release Date Vinyl: Mar. 19, 2010
Release Date Digital: Mar. 19, 2010

Manufactured in late 2004 and officially released in February 2005, the “Divided Reality” EP was 2econd Class Citizen’s first full release, privately put out by himself.

With a brand new cover and label artwork the last remaining original 30 vinyl copies are now getting a proper re-release via Equinox Records. Additionally, we wanted to share the EP as a free download.

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“Listening to it now, I believe there are many things I could have done differently, but I was just getting properly into making solo music at the time and it represents me finding my feet, so to speak.” 2econd Class Citizen

Still, with intricate arrangement, live instruments and sample-sources belonging to a vast spectrum of musical styles, “Divided Reality” was the first accessible example of the 2CC‘s incredible talents.

Used for this release are the original masters of the 12”, which, to be honest, could have been better, but no seperated layers or mixes are available anymore, so here we go with the truly original “Divided Reality” by 2econd Class Citizen.

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Tracklist Digital

(01) Jazz Break
(02) Real Therapy
(03) A New World (Divided Reality Version)

Tracklist Vinyl

(A1) A New World
(A2) Wishing Well
(B1) Real Therapy
(B2) Jazz Break

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Note: The vinyl release additionally contains 2econd Class Citizen’s classic song “Wishing Well” in an early version. This we decided to keep exclusive to the 12” release.

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Shoplinks

Digital:
Equinox Records Online Shop

Vinyl:
Equinox Records Online Shop Sold Out

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Also, visit the release page on discogs by clicking the logo bellow:

eqx-019

2econd Class Citizen “A World Without” (2LP / CD / Digital)

Release Date Vinyl: Oct. 30, 2009
Release Date CD / Digital: Oct. 23, 2009

Drawing from his palette of all things psychedelic, prog-rock, folk and traditional-song related, mixed with modern techniques of sampling and sequencing, 2econd Class Citizen aka Aaron Thomason creates music which transcends a multitude of genres to distil a wholly immersive experience.

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With “A World Without”, his epic, debut full length, 2CC has out-done even himself in terms of the scale of production and ambition of the vast journey of song he has successfully encompassed. The music is awash with soaring sections of string-led beauty, doused with brooding passages of disquietening ambience and driven on by crashing drums layered with such subtle textures as to create a densely-woven sound that might take many listens to fully realise. Punctuated only with snatches of lost folk songs and striking contributions from US based song/wordsmith Ceschi Ramos and the deeply unsettling jamesreindeer, the album is an ever-changing, ever-refining kaleidoscope of melodies and directions. Each track touches on a subtly different part of the whole which, in turn, has the album slowly draw itself out in one great all-encompassing movement, carrying the listener off into a brave new world rarely visited in this current musical age.

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Tracklist:

A|
(01) Step Inside mp3
(02) One By One (feat. Ceschi) mp3
(03) A New Day mp3

B|
(04) Wait For Me mp3
(05) On Emptyness mp3

C|
(06) Our Lady Of Solitude (feat. Reindeer) mp3
(07) The Day You’re Lost Or Found mp3
(08) Listen The Night (feat. Reindeer) mp3

D|
(09) From Where I Belong mp3
(10) A World Without mp3

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Order the album at hhv.de with free exclusive T-Shirt:
2LP with T-Shirt
CD with T-Shirt

Download a free 2econd Class Citizen Megamix by phonatic right here:
2econd Class Citizen – The Present & Past Megamix

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Shop links for vinyl/cd edition:
HHV.de
Vinylkingz.de
Kudos Records
Rough Trade UK
loop 23.de
Sound-Station.at

Shop links for digital:
iTunes
Juno Download
soulseduction.com
musicload.de
amazon.com

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About 2econd Class Citizen:

Twin loves for the psychedelic folk heritage of his fair isle blended with his great appreciation for all things boom bap and break related lead 2econd Class Citizen on to the inevitable path of composing his own works in order to combine these two seemingly separate musical strands. This diverse hybrid can be heard on both his EP releases “Divided Reality“ and “Wyred Folk” as well has the recently released “One By One” single which all have created a buzz of anticipation from a diverse collection of musical circles and gained him great reviews and quotes from well respected figures in the music scene. The astonishing debut album “A World Without” creates lavish tapestries of soundscapes, string melodies and driving acoustic guitar lines smelted together with rich bass and dusty drum-breaks to offer up wide-spectrums of emotive song-writing.

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2econd Class Citizen Live:

In his live sets 2econd Classs Citizen recreates the complexity and depth of orchestration he has become known for, utilising sound editing software with live drum/pad work, to keep a strong improvisational aspect. 2CC has toured Europe in 2007 with Noah23 and Ceschi and has performed at festivals including Glastonbury (UK) and Soundwave (Croatia). Furthermore, he has shared stages with an eclectic mix of artists including Gong, Ugly Duckling and John Robinson (Scienz of Life). On top of this, he was just recently invited to produce a mix for the Solid Steel radio show (Ninja Tune) which will, without a doubt, introduce his music to a much bigger audience.

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Also, visit the release page on discogs by clicking the logo bellow:

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2econd Class Citizen “One By One EP” (12″, Test Pressing)

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2econd Class Citizen “The Present & Past Megamix” (Download)

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2econd Class Citizen “One By One EP” (12″, Limited)

Departing from the highly acclaimed “Wyred Folk” EP debut on Equinox, this new release by 2econd Class Citizen bridges the way to his forthcoming album “Madrugada” (due out in fall 2009) and includes 6 great new tracks: 2 special EP mixes, a non-album tune and 3 exclusive remixes of “Step Inside“.

Focusing on sample based instrumental music on his previous works, the “One By One EP” now features the vocal talents of Ceschi Ramos, Reindeer (of Fbcfabric & Reindeer) and James pHoney. The title track is a hip hop, folk tinged masterpiece with Ceschi showcasing his inimitable style, switching effortlessly between stunningly beautiful harmonies and ridiculously good rapping. “For This We’ll Find No End” finds the two rappers/wordsmiths Reindeer & J. pHoney delivering their unique and totally original approach to the English language peerlessly over 2CC’s dirty drums. Next, on “The Day You’re Lost Or Found“, 2CC shows once again that he is on top of the game when it comes to creating instrumental Hip-Hop with deepness and power. Reminiscent of the vibe on “Wyred Folk”, this track might incorporate one of the most catchy samples ever found, built around a drumbeat and arrangement that leaves other contemporary beat makers far behind and proves that 2econd Class Citizen is in a class of its own.

Whereas the original compositions are in the vein of folk inspired instrumental hip hop and film score music, the remixes offer more electronic and “clubbier” versions, pleasing the DJ’s as well. Upcoming producer genius Christian Fischer aka Playpad Circus from Berlin goes first with his unique interpretation of “Step Inside”. Based around the vocal announcement of a maniac circus director: “Take a ride on a fantazmorgial carnival ride” – Chris plays around with this idea, twisting and distorting your mind with his complex bass and synth driven sounds taking you on a one of a kind sound trip unlike anything you may have heard for a while! Then, Bias (of Canteen Records and known for his works with Lewis Parker) sets the pace with his trademark style, combining hip hop beats with intricately arranged sounds to create a stunning laidback summer anthem. Finally, French beat maker Zoën offers another down-tempo version, that starts with a thrilling slow beat and transforms into a hypnotic drum and bass tune.

Please Note: Digital Release includes different Tracklisting and bonus remixes by Earthkeptwarm (amazing dub step remix!!) and Playpad Circus!

Shop links for vinyl edition:
HHV.de
Vinylkingz.de
Kudos Records
Rough Trade UK
loop 23.de
Sound-Station.at

A|
(01) For This We’ll Find No End feat. Reindeer & James pHoney mp3
(02) Step Inside (Playpad Circus Remix) mp3
(03) The Day You’re Lost Or Found (EP Mix) mp3

B|
(04) Step Inside (Bias Remix) mp3
(05) One By One feat. Ceschi (EP Mix) mp3
(06) Step Inside (Zoën Remix) mp3

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2econd Class Citizen “One By One EP” (Digital)

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2econd Class Citizen “Step Inside Remixes” (Digital)

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Various Artists “One Year & A Day – A Sound Exposure Vol.2″

Following the success of the teaser mini-album “One Year & A Day – The 5inch Files” that gained worldwide attention despite its limited pressing (a hand-numbered limited edition vinyl release, and the first ever 5inch series!), Equinox Records finally drops its second full length album, the second part of the sound exposure compilation series: “One Year & A Day – A Sound Exposure Vol.2”.

„This album is one of the biggest projects in my career. I have put together everything that defines my work for the label as well as what defines me as a DJ and a record collector. I am more than happy with the final result!” (DJ Scientist)

Handpicked from a motley stack of demos and promotional CDs, Günter Stöppel (aka DJ Scientist), the founder of Equinox Records, assembled a product that features 14 outstanding tracks by some of today’s most cutting-edge artists and producers. Spanning various genres and aesthetics, the compilation is as breathtaking in its breadth as it is in its execution. Whether it be a folk-rock inspired breakbeat banger such as 2econd Class Citizen’s “Wishing Well,” the forward-thinking electronic prog-rock tune “Times Like This” by Free The Robots, the original post-instrumental Hip-Hop track “Tibetisches Gutenachtlied” by Aqua Luminus III., or the thrilling “Octobre” by electro/IDM-wunderkind Geste, the second volume of the series succeeds in representing the pioneering ethos Equinox strives to uphold. Likewise, Arcsin’s rock ballad “Scarlet Fever” juxtaposed with the bitter-sweet lyrics of Deadpan Darling’s pop song “Laugh Track,” Emynd’s inexorable electro tune “Identity Through Alterity,” or the classical cinematic introduction by the famous 60s rock group The Peddlers, the “One Year & A Day” compilation covers a diverse range of styles and genres, illustrating the amalgam of sound Equinox is known for, resulting in nothing if not one of the most distinct and forceful collections of songs within the past several years.

The Peddlers – A Year And A Day (Metamorphosis)

This is the song that gave this compilation its name. Recorded in 1972 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and released on the Album “Suite London” it was sung by the legendary composer and lyricist Roy Phillips. His unique and inimitable voice makes it the perfect intro for “A Sound Exposure Vol.2”.

Vangel – A Different Direction

It’s time for a change and we’re back: bigger, better, and louder. Equinox 2008. “A Different Direction” is the wake-up-call of this album.

Free The Robots – Times Like This

“Times Like This“ is an insatiable drum inferno that leaves you begging for more. Taken from the very limited Free The Robots debut-cd “The Prototype”, this track is THE electronic progressive rock song for the year 2008 and beyond. The vocals are sung by Phil Nisco.

2econd Class Citizen – Wishing Well (Re-Wyred Mix)

2econd Class Citizen is the master of contemporary electronic folk rock, and “Wishing Well“ is the genre’s prototypical hymn. In true postmodern fashion, because of a harddisk crash, the final version of this seemed to be lost forever. Now, one year after the release of an unmixed version on his EP „Wyred Folk“, we finally get the official version of this classic. Descry or rediscover: “Wishing Well“ is one of these songs, that won’t let you pass by unaffected.

Arcsin – Scarlet Fever

Since the label’s early days, the music of New York’s Arcsin accompanied me and Equinox. Who said he was too progressive and dark? His most recent album “Oculus Fang“ is a paragon of perfection, and though the noteworthy anthem “Scarlet Fever“ might be more accessible than most of his other work, the song still reflects the cold, brazen sound of post-9/11 New York. This is this album’s love song.

Brenmar – Cavernous

“Cavernous“ is not a merely skit, but an awe-inspiring and fascinating fragment of sound–full of tension and energy, blazing with anger and stirring your blood to just let you return back into a fair and beautiful dream.

Deadpan Darling – Laugh Track

Deadpan Darling is the music of Kingston and Ian Taggart a.k.a Blue Sky Black Death with the vocals of Ceschi Ramos of Toca and Anonymous Inc.. Ceschi travelled with Equinoix on the 2007 Tour and “Laugh Track” finally solidifies him as a recorded part of the label, making him the first vocal artist on Equinox. The bitter-sweet lyrics and the dallying-minimalistic production make it one of the album’s centerpieces. “Laugh Track” tells the story of somebody trying to escape reality; a story about battling the monotony of life. Wouldn’t it be nice to be constantly followed by laughing or a soundtrack in your head – something that nobody else could hear – a little push to get you through our often mundane reality?

Aqua Luminus III. – Tibetisches Gutenachtlied

Aqua Luminus III., producer of the obscure 88:Komaflash, is one of the most challenging composers of the German abstract hip-hop and electronic scene. Who is layering ancient rap heroes’ vocals on brutal beats better than him? “You try to run away but you can’t!”

Deckard – Dignity Of Men

With “Dignity of Men“ Deckard takes his sound to the next level. His typical sequential drums, a pulsing, hummy bass, an energetic guitar sample and a perfect arrangement make it one of the most barnstorming tracks ever made out of a breakbeat.

Geste – Octobre

„Octobre“ was the last track chosen for this compilation and was the first track ever made by the electo/IDM wunderkind Geste out of Paris. To me, it kind of symbolizes the work on this album: the calm before the storm and the storm itself. A story within the story…

DJ Sept – Morning Comes (Revised)

The original version of this track is found on the first DJ Sept demo that I received from a mutual friend. Finishing the revisited version for his EP “A Promise Never Given” was a long, hard endeavour, but it was certainly worth it. In my opinion, “Morning Comes (Revised)“ is a perfectly composed instrumental masterpiece. It has tension, energy, and emotion, all combined in a way that only Sept is capable of producing, fitting complexity with minimalism flawlessly.

Emynd – Identity Through Alterity

Emynd’s quest for the perfect beat isn’t over yet. “Identity Through Alterity” is five action packed minutes, garnished with breaks and 808-claps. This is the grand finale.

2econd Class Citizen – Change & Motion (Outro)

It’s like a movie’s end at the cinema: you don’t want to get up from your cozy seat.

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2econd Class Citizen “Wyred Folk EP”

Music made by an anonymous, mysterious phantom is always interesting but there isn’t much information available about 2econd Class Citizen who’s emergence on the scene has created a buzz of anticipation from a diverse collection of music circles.

2econd Class Citizen (Aaron Thomason) hails from Huddersfield, England and makes music that he simply calls “Wyred Folk”: a hybrid of electronically produced folk combined with instrumental Hip Hop. So far, his only release has been a 12″ EP called “Divided Reality” – a private press record that didn’t reveal much about him, except a simple list of songs and an email address on the label. With this lack of information, all we have left is his music, but thankfully, this music has stories to tell.

Swinging between melancholy and pure anger, strong guitar riffs mined from old psych rock records and the weeping voices lifted from old folk music, 2econd Class Citizen seems to find his real home in a crate of old and dusty vinyl. There is a beat but this is not Hip Hop – at least not as we know it. Yes, there are guitars, but this isn’t folk music anymore. An anonymous voice sings of being lonely within a hundred other voices and there is this music with a new sound, yet, somehow, it is still the old sound — the old loneliness. It is just that now we are listening to it again, for the first time – and we want to listen.

2econd Class Citizen sees himself as an arranger or conductor standing in front of an orchestra of forgotten records, waiting for their time to be played. His music is made up of layer upon layer of beats and samples that become more and more complex as the song progresses, finally ending in a crescendo of sound. Perhaps the music may not have enough bass for the “heads” and may not have enough noise for the “purists”, but who really cares when the result will catch the aware listener’s ear like no other record has in a long time. After all, here are the accents. Here is the feeling that Hip Hop may have lost. But Aaron himself wouldn’t dare to say these things so loudly.

The fantastic 6-track EP “Wyred Folk” has now been released on Equinox Records from Berlin. 2econd Class Citizen is also working on an album to be released in late 2007. A live set is under development that aims to recreate the complexity and depth of orchestration he has become known for, whilst bringing in musicians and using live sound editing software to keep a strong improvisational aspect.

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