New Brvtalism No. 172 - M. + Q&A

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from M. The label boss of the Netherlands’ Enfant Terrible delivers an excellent mix as the label celebrates 15 years of operation. Over this time, the label (as well as sub-labels Gooiland Eleketro and Vrystaete) was one of the first to give recognition and attention to the pioneers of minimal electronics, proto-elektro, avant-garde pop and experimental electronic pop music from the early 1980’s in addition to developing emerging talent from around the globe. To mark the occasion, we are thrilled to host this mix plus a Q&A with M. himself about the history of the label and what’s coming up next. See below.

For more information visit: https://www.enfant-terrible.nl/

-JRS

The Brvtalist: Tell us about the label's beginnings. Also, what was the scene or community for wave/electro/etc at the time?

M.: Basically it is quite simple, I started my label as I am a collector, and I came across music I wanted to have on vinyl as a DJ, event organizer and writer for various (web)zines. A lot of what I got back then was on CD-R. So one day I decided to start releasing some of that music on vinyl. And still, after 15 years this is what I do. I release music I myself want to have on vinyl. At the end I am just a record collector and I will always be…

Scenes, I do not like scenes, They are dogmatic and I avoid being part of any scene. I always have. Scenes will always be the same - defining things and thus excluding others. They make you become like everyone else even if you think it’s not the case. It's all just very boring to me.

TB: How has running a label like this changed over the last 15 years? What has stayed the same?

M.: What changed the most is this - when I started back in 2004 not so many people were doing vinyl so when I placed an order at the pressing plant it was all done and delivered in like 4-5 weeks. Now with/after the vinyl hype and with this “nostalgic” trend everybody is doing vinyl (and tapes!!) and I have to wait for 4-5 months to get a record done.

Also many people ask for files/digital versions of releases or just one track in digital format from a certain release. A lot of people seem less interested in a well curated EP, album or even 7” which comes along with fitting artwork. This is at times frustrating if your aim is to create and put out more than just a nice tune. Still I never do digital releases and this means my label is less present as many others. At the end of the day I do not care though. I create things for a small group of music lovers who are looking for a bit more as just another/the next record.

TB: What’s coming up next for you?

M.: I am always preparing a lot of stuff. In this mix is a lot of forthcoming releases from Monocorpse, Roberto Auser and FOQL. I’m also preparing records by new names like Sturqen, Futuro De Hierro and Unhuman on Gooiland Elektro and ET. For Vrystaete, up next will be a weird psychedelic folk drone sort of record and also a lo-fi/lo-tech dark ambient release. I also have some early ideas for a new series/sub-label. Things are always on the move as my wish to play new vinyl at home never stops…

Malocculsion - "Wormfood" Video Premiere

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new video from Malocculsion. The Oakland-based sound, visual and performance artist explores the relationships of sound, the body and the exterior space in which they exist, psychosis, mortality, the prison system and the omnipresent entropic trap door of life. "Wormfood" is a powerful selection off the recently released compilation, Sacred Spells (Pyschic Eye), which brings together some great artists operating in the dark wave and experimental electronic realms from the Bay Area and beyond. In addition, all proceeds from this release benefit benefit TGI Justice Project, a group of transgender, gender variant and intersex people—inside and outside of prisons, jails and detention centers—creating a united family in the struggle for survival and freedom.

“Wormfood” is both a sonic and visual assault, fueled by social and political aggression, using DIY electronics to deliver a poignant message. Read a statement from the artist below.

Visually, "Wormfood" utilizes analog and digital footage, video synths, stop motion animation, illustrations, as well as found and original footage to tell the story of once non-violent prison inmates being freed in a dream and burning the prison down in protest for their own liberation through various stages of chaos and destruction enacted against a violent, racist, oppressive institution. "Wormfood" explores the horror within Oppressive institutions and magnifies it through a high intensity amalgamation of sound and images."

Although the sound and images can be construed as "Violent" and overwhelming, they represent the highly chaotic, and oppressive situations that inmates, especially transgender, non binary and intersex folks have to face every day and I wanted to represent that in as an intense of a way as possible , as well as demonstrate that the only liberation in many cases incarcerated folks will receive is through abolition, hence the fire and destruction.

Sacred Spells is a very important compilation as it helps shine a light on the many oppressive tactics of the prison industrial complex and the danger that many trans, non binary, queer and intersex people suffer at the oppressive hands of the system through abuse, wrongful incarceration general ignorance and racism and sexism of the prison industrial complex. I am thrilled to contribute my track to the effort to help raise money for the TGI Justice Project through this track and video.

- Malocculsion

Sacred Spells is out now and you can order it through Psychic Eye here.

-JRS

New Brvtalism No. 171 - Fractions

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from Fractions. The cryptic project from Prague delivers a mesmerizing mix which highlights their diverse sound. From techno to electro, acid to EBM, there is a little bit of everything. After a smash release on Fleisch last year and numerous upcoming shows, there is a lot more on the way from the duo.

-JRS

D. Hygen F/W 2019-2020

Made for the elements, the new collection from D. Hygen fuses outdoor tactical equipment with fashion forward street looks. For the Fall/Winter 2019-2020 collection, the Osaka brand took inspiration from the grace and stillness of permafrost and the designs and treatment of the materials reflect this natural occurring phenomenon. We think of plants covered in snow, lakes frozen over and even earth that does not defrost for decades at a time.

The campaign images exude this stillness, while also using lighting to obscure our view ever so slightly. The designer also infused his interest of alpine climbing into this collection. A closer look at the details reveals hardwearing and functional design elements from zippers, closures, and protection from nature’s toughest conditions. Whether it’s heavy leather or nylon, these are clothes which hold function and design in equal regard.

After a couple standout exhibitions in Osaka and Tokyo, we were instantly drawn to D. Hygen’s world. The designer keeps a very understated approach while clearly being inspired by industrial elements and our environment. Keep an eye on this one. For more visit: http://saddamteissy.com/

-JRS

New Brvtalism No. 170 - LISSA

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from LISSA. The emerging Glasgow-born, Berlin-based DJ recently caught our attention with her dark, versatile sets, infusing everything from industrial and EBM to experimental, noise and post-punk. New Brvtalism No. 170 puts her sound on prime display, taking us on an ominous journey into the abyss.

-JRS

CRT - "Blister Pack" Video Premiere

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new video from CRT. The solo project of Atlanta's Mike Keenan, CRT (Copyright Register Trademark) is a foray into modular electronics that blends together a well-versed mix of Industrial, Techno, and EBM with the raw energy of Punk. Keenan has been active in the U.S. underground for over a decade and is now set to release, CS2, a nine track cassette which fuses the artist’s eclectic background and features everything from synth-punk, basement ready jams and much more. Out March 8th on the great DKA. For more information and pre-order visit Bandcamp.

-JRS

The Brvtalist Premieres: Arad - "Sea of War"

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from Arad. “Sea of War” is a devastating selection off the forthcoming compilation from UK and Berlin-based collective MOTZ. A pummeling, militarized techno banger, “Sea of War” goes beyond the norms for one of our favorite tracks on a massive comp which also features contributions from the Swarm Intelligence, Huren, Lolita (Jasmine Azaraian) and more. Out February 14th. For more information please visit: www.technomotz.com

-JRS

*compilation artwork by Brodie Kaman

New Brvtalism No. 169 - Lapse of Reason

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from Lapse of Reason. The French-born, Berlin-based artist comes forth with a dark, crushing mix ahead of his set at our Six Years of The Brvtalist anniversary party on February 8th at Ohm Berlin. Also known as 1/2 of Imperial Black Unit, Lapse of Reason has released music on Khemia Records and has a forthcoming release on Aufnahme + Wiedergabe among other collaborations in the works. We are thrilled to have him playing our anniversary night and it will be one you don’t want to miss.

-JRS

The Brvtalist Premieres: Figure Section - "Teutonic Knights"

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from Figure Section. “Teutonic Knights” is the debut single from the Brussels-based duo comprised of Austrian-born musician and actress Olivia Carrère and Belgian industrial/techno activist Yannick Franck (Raum, Orphan Swords). The two artists quickly discovered their twin-like musical tastes and this lead to recording together. The result is Figure Section - a project rooted in cold wave, synth pop and more with an injection of modern sensibilities and spirit into the genres. “Teutonic Knights” is a great first track of infectious wave with an eerie atmosphere and frigid vocals.

Be sure to catch the duo’s debut performance on February 9th at Festival de Liège in Belgium. For more follow, Figure Section on Instagram.

-JRS

Totem - "Figment" Video Premiere

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new video from Totem. The project of Copenhagen's Christoffer Bagge, Totem is electronic post-punk which draws from multiple genres and deals with life and death, cleansing and catharsis after tumultuous years. Previously fronting acclaimed Danish band Metro Cult, "Figment" is a hypnotic work which beautifully highlights Bagge’s vocal and production prowess. The single precedes the upcoming self-produced album, Passage, and comes just ahead of a handful of live dates across Northern Europe. The powerful clip was directed by Sally Dige and filmed on Super 8 in Berlin, Stockholm and Copenhagen. For more music visit Soundcloud and Bandcamp.

-JRS

Totem - Figment (Official video)

Starring:
Christoffer Bagge & Sally Dige

Filmed & directed by:
Sally Dige // Sanne De Neige // Trina Echidna

Editing & Post-Production by:
Trina Echidna

Super 8 Producer:
Adrian Cousins

Filmed in Berlin, Stockholm & Copenhagen 2018

Music credits:
Composed, performed, produced & mixed by:
Christoffer Bagge

Mastered by:
Steven Smith

Totem is Christoffer Bagge & Trina Echidna