eqx-044dgtl
J. Baracuz “A Contemporary Witness RMXS” (Digital)
Release Date: November 9, 2012
Format: Digital (Free Download)
In 2011, J. Baracuz released his amazing “A Contemporary Witness EP” through our sublabel Equinox.Digital (eqxdgtl-005). This year, due to popular demand, we decided to put this out as a limited 12″ Vinyl on Equinox Records (see release eqx-044). In addition to the 4 original tracks we added some freshness with a couple of brandnew remixes. These remixes are partly included on the vinyl but we also decided to release it seperately as a 4-track remix EP entitled “A Contemporary Witness RMXS” as a free digital download.
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This new 4-track EP features “The Overture” in 3 versions, including the amazing Skyence Remix, the – almost forgotten – Green Trees Edit by Baracuz himself, as well as the remastered Original Version. Additionally, it includes “One Way Ticket“, gorgeously remixed by Russian beat wizard Damscray (formerly of Demokracy).
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The EP starts with the Skyence Remix of “The Overture“, where he provides a detailed and more glitchy version which takes the epic atmosphere of the original to another level. Next up, the Original Version juggles with string and piano samples while it is underlined by percussive and driving beats. On number 3, Damscray, who’s probably known best as one half of the producer duo Demokracy, remixes “One Way Ticket” into an almost tribal dubstepish tune that sounds like an Aborigines underground party. Finally, the “Green Trees Edit” of “The Overture” brings out an alternative perspective of the track and gives it an amazing refreshment which is no less than an equal to the original.
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This release will drop on November 9th via our Bandcamp page:
http://equinoxrecords.bandcamp.com
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Tracklist Digital:
(01) The Overture (Skyence Remix)
(02) The Overture (Original Version)
(03) One Way Ticket (Damscray Remix)
(04) The Overture (Green Trees Edit)
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Related links:
A Contemporary Witness (Limited 12″ Vinyl) (eqx-044)
A Contemporary Witness (Digital Release) (eqxdgtl-005)
eqx-044
J. Baracuz “A Contemporary Witness” (12″)
Due to popular demand, we could not resist to press J. Baracuz‘ 2011 digital release “A Contemporary Witness” on vinyl. So here it is again – this time on black gold, as we all love it the most.
The six track EP successfully blends crackling samples and futuristic sounds with heavy drums and beautiful vocal bits, while focussing on modern sounddesign, delicate arrangements and complex song structures. Additional to J. Baracuz‘ four original tracks from the digital version, the 12″ comes with two awesome and brandnew remixes by Hamburg-based Skyence and Russian Damscray, who’s probably known best as one half of the producer duo Demokracy.
The opening track of the 12″, “The Overture”, juggles with string and piano samples while it is underlined by percussive and driving beats. The tune is as much “on point” as the impulsive second track “One Way Ticket”. Regardless of the moderate tempo, the song is straight forward, includes vocal shreds and synth sounds und even manages to switch over to a Sci Fi Dub part in the middle. The track is followed by “Everyone’s The Same” which impresses with it’s beautiful female vocal samples and a melancholic Soul Folk Electronica Vibe.
The flip-side starts with the remix by Skyence who has put hands on “The Overture“. With his detailed and more glitchy version he’s able to take the epic atmosphere of the original to another level. Next is the organic “Jazzy Conqueror“, the longest piece on the EP that was called a “Masterpiece” by French producer Fulgeance, one of our favourite beatmakers out there. Finally, Damscray leaves us behind with his version of “One Way Ticket“: An almost tribal dubstepish tune that sounds like an Aborigines underground party.
Parallel to the very limited vinyl release there will be a free download version of the remixes that includes “The Overture“, both remixes as well as an almost forgotten edit version.
About J. Baracuz
J. Baracuz is an electronic music producer/beatmaker from Berlin. His debut album “Lasergun Romances”, released in late 2006, has already given proof of his talents and his sense for complex sample-based compositions somewhere between instrumental hip-hop and electronica.
“Lasergun Romances” also was the reason Equinox Records got in touch with him and licensed a couple of his tracks to be released on the “One Year & A Day” series alongside artists such as Free The Robots, Deckard or Emynd.
J. Baracuz’ music can be described best as a progressive, interesting blend of shredded obscure samples, heavy mpc-soaked drums and modern synthetic sounds refined with some glitches here and there. The sampling approach behind all of his tracks is based on the idea of giving rise to not just beats but entire songs out of a “pile of broken dreams”.
After a creative break he spent with studying, travelling and digging for records, J. Baracuz has found his way home in 2011 and released his EP “A Contemporary Witness” on Equinox. Due to popular demand, the EP was re-released in 2012 on vinyl.
J. Baracuz – One Way Ticket by Equinox.Digital
Tracklist:
A |
(01) The Overture mp3
(02) One Way Ticket mp3
(03) Everyone´s The Same mp3
B|
(04) The Overture (Skyence Remix)
(05) Jazzy Conqueror mp3
(06) One Way Ticket (Damscray Remix)
Selected Quotes
“The track “Jazzy Conqueror” is a masterpiece – rhythmically & the mood!! Nice!! It reminds me of the good years of Prefuse 73 & Forss! Addin it to my top 10 serato playlist!”
Fulgeance / France (Musique Large / MPM)
“A seriously head nodding groove layered with samples and melodies just as we like it.”
Rhythm Incursions
“I don’t know, maybe I’m in very good mood today, or maybe (quite possibly actually) A Contemporary Witness EP is one of the absolute best electronic releases I’ve heard in a long while.”
Trippin’ The Rift
„That’s goood!”
m.path.iq / We Are… On Air!
“There are big chances that we playlist the great “One Way Ticket” – but all the rest of the EP is dope too. Breaks, chops, groove, some well placed vocals, great themes and intensity explosions, what more could we ask for?”
Turnsteak / France
“Did it come from the year 2021 where all the people dance and sing to these kind of songs? Sounds like this.”
Demokracy / Russia
“This cut is sick as fuck! I can’t wait to hear the whole album.”
DJ Jesus Face
For the 2011 digital re-release please go here:
http://www.e-q-x.net/releases/j-baracuz-a-contemporary-witness
Shop Links
http://www.e-q-x.net/shop/equinox-records/j-baracuz-a-contemporary-witness-12/
Pictures & Press Info
coming soon
eqxdgtl-005
J. Baracuz “A Contemporary Witness” (Digital)
Within the big bunch of electronic releases in the field of the world wide spreading new beat maker scene, “A Contemporary Witness” by J. Baracuz could be one of the highlights this year. Baracuz is, which sets him apart from many of his peers, able to combine his sound design skills on controller and mpc with delicate arrangements and a good sense for song structures.
The opening track of the EP, “The Overture”, juggles with string and piano samples while it is underlined by percussive and driving beats. The tune is as much “on point” as the impulsive second track “One Way Ticket”. Regardless of the moderate tempo the song is straight forward, involves vocal shreds and synth sounds und even manages to switch over to a Sci Fi Dub part in the middle. Next up, “Jazzy Conqueror”, clocking in at 6 minutes, is the longest piece on the EP. In this track, J. Baracuz proves one more time his talent for structure and arrangement. It is primarily based on organic samples, while being equipped with some glitches here and there. The last song, “Everyone’s the Same” concludes the EP in an enjoyable way with its expressive Soul Folk Electronica vibe.
After a creative break Baracuz has spent with studying, travelling and digging for records, “A Contemporary Witness” is a big step forward for him. The whole EP impresses with detailed and meticulous production, while it still seems to be done with the greatest of ease. Being the 5th EP on Equinox.Digital, the sublabel of the Berlin based Electronica label Equinox Records, it successfully follows the previously released works by Deckard, David Vangel and 2econd Class Citizen.
About J. Baracuz
J. Baracuz is an electronic music producer/beatmaker from Berlin. His debut album “Lasergun Romances”, released in late 2006, has already given proof of his talents and his sense for complex sample-based compositions somewhere between instrumental hip-hop and electronica.
“Lasergun Romances” also was the reason Equinox Records got in touch with him and licensed a couple of his tracks to be released on the “One Year & A Day” series alongside artists such as Free The Robots, Deckard or Emynd.
J. Baracuz’ music can be described best as a progressive, interesting blend of shredded obscure samples, heavy mpc-soaked drums and modern synthetic sounds refined with some glitches here and there. The sampling approach behind all of his tracks is based on the idea of giving rise to not just beats but entire songs out of a “pile of broken dreams”.
After a creative break he spent with studying, travelling and digging for records, J. Baracuz has found his way home in 2011 and will release his new EP “A Contemporary Witness” on Equinox.
J. Baracuz – One Way Ticket by Equinox.Digital
Tracklist:
(01) The Overture mp3
(02) One Way Ticket mp3
(03) Jazzy Conqueror mp3
(04) Everyone´s The Same mp3
Selected Quotes
“The track “Jazzy Conqueror” is a masterpiece – rhythmically & the mood!! Nice!! It reminds me of the good years of Prefuse 73 & Forss! Addin it to my top 10 serato playlist!”
Fulgeance / France (Musique Large / MPM)
“A seriously head nodding groove layered with samples and melodies just as we like it.”
Rhythm Incursions
“I don’t know, maybe I’m in very good mood today, or maybe (quite possibly actually) A Contemporary Witness EP is one of the absolute best electronic releases I’ve heard in a long while.”
Trippin’ The Rift
„That’s goood!”
m.path.iq / We Are… On Air!
“There are big chances that we playlist the great “One Way Ticket” – but all the rest of the EP is dope too. Breaks, chops, groove, some well placed vocals, great themes and intensity explosions, what more could we ask for?”
Turnsteak / France
“Did it come from the year 2021 where all the people dance and sing to these kind of songs? Sounds like this.”
Demokracy / Russia
“This cut is sick as fuck! I can’t wait to hear the whole album.”
DJ Jesus Face
For the 2012 vinyl re-release please go here:
http://www.e-q-x.net/releases/eqx044
Shop Links
Juno Download
Beatport
iTunes (US)
Bandcamp
musicload.de
amazon.de
7Digital.com
Deezer.com
Pictures & Press Info
eqx-013
Various Artists “One Year & A Day – The 5inch Files”
The 12” and 7” vinyl single are common formats in the recording industry. And even the rarer used 10” has always been a favourite pick by labels for special issues and collector’s editions. But who has ever heard of the 5inch vinyl disc? The record in the size of a CD is very rarely made. And now, Equinox Records offers the first ever series in this format! “One Year & A Day – The 5inch Files” features ten awesome tracks on 5 different records that will be available in a limited collector’s box of 250 handnumbered copies.
The difficulty of putting this collection together was basically the length of time available on a 5” plate, meaning that each track could not be longer than 2:30 minutes! So, unless you are doing fast punk rock music this short time span is probably not an easy task for composing a nice well rounded track and not just a simple loop. Nevertheless, all artists on this series did a great job arranging fantastic songs, now assembled to a beautiful collection of contemporary electronic hip-hop beats.
The series starts with a real banging introduction title produced by Vangel from Canada. Due to its hard drums and freakish vocal edits it is guaranteed that you won’t need no more coffee to finally “Wake Up”. Next is Misanthrop, the MC and producer out of Munich who is pushing the envelope with “Commercialism”. Heavy bass, automated FX wizardry and a perfect composition keep the 2:30 minutes packed with excitement. Then, DJ Scientist – founder and owner of Equinox Records – sets the pace with his bass driven, britcore styled “Rewind And Refine”. Snatchatec – the 2007 German IDA Champion – who adds some of the fastest cuts known to man, accompanies him. Then, on the flip, Aqua Luminus III. (of 88:Komaflash) brings in some melancholic vibes. With heavy drumming on “Uplock The Poprock” he pleases the mature B-Boy as well as the electronic music fiend out there. Afterwards, Mnemotrauma is on the go with “Shining”. A challenging and diversified Instrumental Hip-Hop composition. He is followed by J. Baracuz – another newcomer out of the booming German electronic Hip-Hop producer scene. “Yellow Cab” is a dope remarkable track that was previously released as a longer version on his album “Lasergun Romances“. After a very smooth soulful skit by SmoKey131, there is B-Ju with “Soja Extra”. His track is one of our favourites on the album. The banging kicks, snapping snares and a fresh arrangement will please everybody. Coming closer to the end, it is Aqua Luminus III. again – this time together with Misanthrop. Regardless of its somewhat brutal and dark vibe, “Sternhagelblau” is nothing but pure pleasure and will keep your head nodding until the last hit. Lastly, there is an epic outroduction by the Raincoatman, concluding with the words “see you real soon”.
And that’s what we definitely hope for: to see you soon, as this short 5inch compilation is another teaser for the upcoming full-length album “A Sound Exposure Vol.2” due out in early May 2008 featuring brand new compositions by Vangel, Aqua Luminus III., DJ Scientist, as well as Free The Robots, Ceschi, 2econd Class Citizen and many others. So stay tuned!
eqx-012
Various Artists “One Year & A Day EP”
The “One Year & A Day” EP is a teaser from the forthcoming full-length compilation of the same name on Equinox Records due out in January 2008. This collection of 6 raw, beat-driven compositions will introduce the listener to the album’s aesthetic focus, giving them a fresh first-impression of what it will sound like. Moreover, the beautifully designed picture disc will not only satisfy the growing number of Equinox collectors, but it will also be a vital club tool for DJs while also sounding quite at home in your iPod headphones and on your personal turntable.
Starting off the release is Free The Robots from Santa Ana, who is one of the most in-demand dj- and production acts in Los Angeles right now. His energetic song “Times Like This” is an instant classic that was previously released only on CD. Once the first chord hits your speakers, it will draw you in, leave you begging for more. Next up is Deckard hailing from Munich, Germany who is already well known by Equinox-Fans from his “Noir Desire” EP. His song “Dignity Of Men” is another shining masterpiece among his deeply grooving sound collages. One more name recognizable from previous EQX releases is Emynd, the nomadic DJ/Producer from Philly. Those familiar with Emynd’s work who think they know what to expect from him on this release are of course proven wrong once again. His soulful “Another Postmodern Sunset” is a warm and animated instrumental Hip-Hop track that once again proves his rich stylistic versatility as a producer. Brenmar from Chicago is another artist to keep an eye on. Whether he is performing live on stage or working in his studio, he is always pushing the envelope and exploring how beautiful the combination of big drums, found instruments and noise can be. His contribution “Watermelon Chunks” is no exception. While Brenmar has become an essential part of his hometown’s music/recording-scene, SNTC. and J. Baracuz are still relatively unknown, but rest assured, these are two names that you will remember for years to come. Listening to both of their tracks it is obvious that the future will be theirs.
But, until then, let us enjoy the present, and spend some time with some fine, forward-thinking music… for one year and a day.
Note: 4 of the 6 tracks on this EP are exclusive to this picture disc.
