This sampler to Glimpse’s album ‘Runner’ and it is a truly inspiring, superb album that weaves elements of jazz and soul with house and techno to create something wholly innovative and mesmerising. Already hotly tipped by DJ Mag and Mixmag, Glimpse’s album ‘Runner’ is an amazing body of work that is sure to become one of the albums of the year.

Glimpse is a DJ and producer’s favourite, a true innovator who is able to explore and master various genres in his own inimitable style. Blurring the distinctions of traditional genres, he appeals to even the most obstinate listeners through his tireless dedication to continual reinvention. His debut studio album is a beguiling, heady mix of house music drawing on the true essence of its rudimentary influences to produce an album of true magic.

‘Runner’ is the conclusion of a decade of production for Glimpse. Touching on the experimental improvisation of jazz, with the endless spiraling loops and fluid instrumentation of ‘I Know I Show It’, and the marimba driven monster of ‘Walk Tall’. ’Things To Do In Denver’ has a rougher urban edge, while Enjoyable Employable’ has dubby electronica feel. Christopher Spero (AKA Glimpse) has been bubbling gently amidst the waves of the underground dance scene for the past few years, with records released on Carl Craig’s Planet E, Cadenza, Kindisch and Buzzin Fly last year alone.

Glimpse’s album ‘Runner’ is a truly inspiring, superb album that weaves elements of jazz and soul with house and techno to create something wholly innovative and mesmerising. Already hotly tipped by DJ Mag and Mixmag, Glimpse’s album ‘Runner’ is an amazing body of work that is sure to become one of the albums of the year.

Glimpse is a DJ and producer’s favourite, a true innovator who is able to explore and master various genres in his own inimitable style. Blurring the distinctions of traditional genres, he appeals to even the most obstinate listeners through his tireless dedication to continual reinvention. His debut studio album is a beguiling, heady mix of house music drawing on the true essence of its rudimentary influences to produce an album of true magic.

‘Runner’ is the conclusion of a decade of production for Glimpse. Touching on the experimental improvisation of jazz, with the endless spiraling loops and fluid instrumental solos of ‘Feel OK’ and ‘I Know I Show It’, while flirting with the purity of world music in the ethnic outcries of ‘Alone Again’, and the marimba driven opener ‘Walk Tall’.

A new album version of the single release, ‘If I Was Your Girl’, comes decked with opulent vocal harmonies and compliments the subsequent energy-charged ’Things To Do In Denver’, both scored with a rough and urban edge. Still rooted in the underground, ‘Runner’ concludes with the dubby electronica cuts, ‘Enjoyable Employable’, and the crackling sparks of ‘Thank You’, before the mystical terrain of ‘Train In Austria’ proclaims the final curtain.

“I have always been drawn to the smokey lo-fi aesthetic of old recordings. This was something I wanted to capture on the album, warm and rhythmical but never abrasive or intrusive and hopefully something that you will want to come back to,” explained Glimpse on retrospection of the project, “As an artist it’s very important to me to be as honest as possible when I produce and I wanted to show people my influences and portray exactly the way I feel about music on the album, aiming to narrow the gulf between thought and expression.” Burning with fire in its soul, ‘Runner’ intends to restructure the essence of house music.

Christopher Spero (AKA Glimpse) has been bubbling gently amidst the waves of the underground dance scene for the past few years, with records released on Carl Craig’s Planet E, Cadenza, Kindisch and Buzzin Fly last year alone. Preferring more traditional production techniques, he uses only analogue equipment and records most of his tracks live, editing only afterwards, thus giving his music a more improvised quality. “The process in which I work in the studio has always been paramount to the end product. When I started the album I was experimenting with sampling again and I decided to sample in a more traditional sense, leaving the tails and imperfections in.”

His sound is hugely influenced by his early obsessions with blues and jazz music, represented by the classic soulful spirit captured in his music. Concocted during his move from London to Berlin and back again, Glimpse’s debut studio album, ‘Runner’, also bookended the start of his own family. “Many of the background sounds on the album are field recordings made while on tour or from Berlin or Ladbroke Grove where I now live.  It became very important to stamp my environment and current situation on tracks. With ‘Runner’ I want people listening to feel in some way the music or situation that inspired me, whether that be a train journey, lo-fi electronica, jazz, pop, dub, techno or a Single Malt whiskey.”

Christopher studied sculpture at Central Saint Martin’s art college until 2000, but with music in his heart, he made it his focus and has spent subsequent years fine-tuning his skills, experimenting under different aliases (Attic, Olek, and Spero), and creating his own Glimpse Recordings, with a policy to release solely his own output. He gained a loyal following in Japan early on, where they picked up on his intricate abilities, and Europe and America have begun to follow suit over the past few years. ‘Runner’ marks the point where the world will, quite rightly, direct Glimpse some major attention.

Metrika returns for his second Crosstown Rebels release, ‘Paradox’, a deluge of exhilarating dancefloor magic, complete with a Spencer Parker mix.

Simple yet effective, ‘Paradox’ lives up to its name. An unapologetically driving monster of a track, it is charged up with placid vocal snippets and unremitting melodic basslines. This is a record made to elevate the mood on the floor and destroy it in the next breath. The acid-tinged sounds are reminiscent of the early energy in dance music, while the grand production brings it bang up to date. Metrika delivers a fine example of his skills for Crosstown Rebels again, sure to light up dancefloors worldwide.

Spencer Parker morphs the original into a slow-burning dancefloor bomb. Engaging the listener from the outset by introducing the bare bones of the production, until gradually the skeleton becomes full-bodied and alive with sound. Spencer’s rework charms with a deep sincerity and illustrates a strong and original flair from this gifted producer. Familiar for his work on Rekids, and more recently Saved, Spencer is a globally recognized talent that seamlessly accomplishes a diverse range of styles.

Diego Cevallos AKA Metrika first released with Crosstown Rebels in 2006 with the Khin EP. His productions incorporate a clever use of micro-sampling, which uses snippets of voice and field recordings to build a recurring and often infectious bed of rhythm. Metrika is the harbinger of a new generation of sample-driven house music currently finding its feet.

The young Mexican initially found favour as a part of Digi & Gabo, a deep house act that achieved fame in South America with a string of successful releases in the late 90’s. He has since made a serious impression on the world of international electronic music with releases on German imprints Sunset Diskos, Eintakt and multiple labels from Mexico City. Diego’s remix work includes several pop and rock artists from Latin America including Gustavo Cerati, Natalia Lafourcade, Songs For Eleonor, Motel and others.

House Music Legend Rob Mello releases his debut single on Crosstown…, ‘Does It Feel Good, Baby? Hell yeah!!!

Having previously executed a couple of remixes for Crosstown, house music don Rob Mello now releases his debut single and what a corker it is! ‘Does It Feel Good Baby?’ makes a conscious nod to the past whilst charging full steam ahead with this unstoppable slice of hot house pie. A superb, spine tingling, earth shaking 4 to the floor house anthem featuring a stupendous vocal mix which is guaranteed to raise the roof on any floor old and new! The inspired vocal mix screams and shakes with old school classic resonance while those analogue stabs and keys pump the rhythm awn and awn. On the flip and we have another fantastic treat in the shape of a classic ‘No Ears Dub’. A drugged-out, dubby, detroit techno inspired monster of a dub, this is one for the heads…‘watch yer bassbins, i’m telling ya!‘

Rob has been releasing records since time in memorial, under various guises with various people as Disco Elements, Sensory Elements, Reel House, Black Science Orchestra, Sensory Productions, and in his own right most notably with the legendary ‘Fantasize’ on Classic Recordings and ‘Give Me’ on Disco 45. One of Rob’s early creations, Heaven and Earth (alongside Luke Solomon and Zaki D) ‘Space & Time/ Prescription Every Night’ originally released on Chez Damier’s Prescription imprint in 1995 has been re-released this month on Gerd Janson’s brilliant Running Back label. Rob has also recently released the excellent ‘Things Ya Doin’ single of Disco 45, is currently working on a remix of the classic ‘Sense of Danger’ by Presence for Juno and has also has a forthcoming single with with the legendary West End Records star Taana Gardener! Finally Rob and old school production partner Zaki D are resurrecting one of the UK best every House Labels, Luxury Service… the label has almost mythic status amongst certain fraternities… so watch this space for more news!

Rob’s esteemed and diverse career has witnessed him release and remix hundred of singles over the years encompassing and mastering various genre’s and sounds. From his illustrious career with Luxury Service and Derrick Carter & Luke Solomon’s Classic Recordings to getting nominated for a BAFTA for his work the original score on the movie ‘Human Traffic’ with Matthew Herbert. This release marks his return to production after a short break as Rob explains, “After taking nearly two years out working on an album project for Beulah Heights and nurturing the new addition to the Mello family, I really wanted to release some new material of my own and show where my head is at.”

‘Does It Feel Good Baby?’ is one of a series of new singles Rob has set for release. “I’ve done a couple of remixes for Damian but never actually released a single… Some might say well over due!” This is release is hot as hell, and indeed it does feel good, very good.. baby!

Spiced up with warm luscious pads and delirious vocals, ‘If I Was Your Girl’ introduces an exciting new relationship between Glimpse and Crosstown Rebels. A talent capable of turning his hand to many styles, this hot new release heralds a modern day house classic. Powerful in its simplicity, Glimpse reinvigorates a current sound while skillfully imprinting his endearing signature.

“If I was your girl’ was made when I had recently purchased a Roland Jupiter 8 so I really wanted to explore this synth in the track,” says musical mind Christopher Spero AKA Glimpse, “The original mix is very raw and was written and recorded live over a 2 day jam session.” The original version will only see the light of day on the forthcoming album, while this EP brings an alternative Glimpse Cielo Beats mix to the table.  “Due to the lo-fi dubby aesthetic of the original I remixed the track in a much more functional vein aimed more at the dance floor,  again mainly using the Jupiter 8, which leant both versions an undeniably warm loose sound.”

Simon Baker reworks the track into a melodic piano laden affair, stabbing epic chords to create a deliciously warm production. iTunes charted two Baker productions in their dance remixes of the year and he further cemented his reputation as one of the future pioneers of electronic music in 2009. Glimpse shares a strong bond with the Leeds producer, “My good friend Simon Baker was my first choice in remixers and delivered a stunning piano lead version that I think really complements the original.”

Glimpse has built up a strong reportoire of releases over the past decade, the last 12 months seeing him appear on seminal labels Planet E, Cadenza, Buzzin Fly and Get Physical’s Kindische. ‘If I Was Your Girl’ is Glimpse’s first release for Crosstown Rebels and pre-empts his stunning debut longplayer, ‘Runner,’ to be released on the label early next year. Crosstown Rebels was voted into Resident Advisor’s label of the year in 2009, after continually reinvigorating the label with a slew of new talent and dependable artists.

This very special concert will be broadcasted live on Saturday 13th March at 7PM GMT. Hear the live version and see the video broadcast at: www.citedelamusique.fr & www.sallepleyel.fr

Returning with his side project, ALASKA, with which Garnier released previously as early as 1993 and most recently 8 years ago in 2002, ‘It’s Just Muzik’ is pure dancefloor magic, featuring two cuts of epic craftmanship that we have come to expect and love from Laurent Garnier.

The leading track is a brooding ten minutes monster, apocalyptic from the outset and set off with the recurring vocal, ‘It’s Just Muzik’. True to the statement this is a simple, honest and mind-blowing production. ‘Stargazing’ is its dreamy sister, playing out other worldly atmospheres to truly cosmic effect. The result is a sincere Garnier package, shamelessly larger-than-life and endlessly impressive.

“I made ‘It’s just music” for my live shows as some kind of an answer to the first track of the live show called ‘No Musik’,” explains Laurent, “the reaction was so strong from the crowd that I decided to release it as a single.” He will be touring in the UK at the beginning of March to tie with the release including a date at Salle Pleyel in Paris, the celebrated centre for classical music.

Laurent Garnier has won the hearts of every electronic music fan through his gift of seamlessly blending a multitude of styles of music, piling up many years of memorable performances in every far corner of the world. From producing countless anthems including ‘The Man With The Red Face’, and strings of albums to fronting seminal imprint F-Communications, Laurent has remained at the forefront of the dance music scene for over twenty years.

‘It’s Just Muzik’ is Laurent’s first release with Crosstown Rebels. With many labels clambering to ink a deal, Rebels’ boss Damian Lazarus beat off big competition to sign this EP to the label. He says “I am so delighted to finally call Laurent a Rebel, after years of admiring the master I am delighted to get to work with him on two absolute dancefloor monsters.” The six-year-old label went through a renaissance last year with breath-taking new music from Seth Troxler, differentGear and the award-winning debut artist album from Jamie Jones, as well as being voted one of the labels of the year from Resident Advisor. The new decade promises even more results with artist albums lined up from Glimpse, Deniz Kurtel, the next episode of Get Lost with Dyed Soundorom. The Rebel crew are about to launch the 2010 Rebel Rave World Tour, with 2 months of parties across the US followed by a European leg beginning in April. This partnership between heavyweight legend and experienced leading imprint is sure to spark waves of delight into the depths of the dancefloor.

The lead single from the forthcoming debut album from Crosstown Rebels’ new leading lady, Deniz Kurtel, starts the year on a high, with the energising ‘Yeah’ feat Guest of Nature, complete with remixes from Jamie Jones.

‘Yeah’ is the record that makes your hairs stand on end, the track that you remember from the night, effortlessly anthemic in its delivery. “This track was my first shot at a high energy dance track.  I’ve been excited to hear it in my friends’ sets and to see people really getting into the groove of it. It definitely stands out from my other tracks,” explains Deniz, techno’s newest female recruit. Indeed the likes of Seth Troxler, Dixon, Lee Curtiss and Jamie Jones have all been giving the track prime positions in their sets for months.

“I’m super excited about Jamie’s remixes of it, very classy and cool twist on both versions,” says Deniz. Jamie Jones had a big year in 2009 with two DJ Mag Awards and his debut album coming in high in the end of year polls. His two reworks each offer a new direction to the original track. His ‘Shower Curtain mix’ chops up the vocal and beats, building more energy into a straight dancefloor classic. While Jones’ ‘Aquafunk mix’ cooks up a funk-infused guitar riff alongside his trademark sci-fi sounds and hooky bassline, lifting the mood into an exhilarating party atmosphere. ‘Yeah’ is simply huge!

Damian Lazarus discovered Deniz Kurtel at the Wolf + Lamb parties, which she has played a major part in over the past few years. On hearing her music he knew immediately he had found a striking and uniquely gifted producer and set in motion the release of her debut album on his Crosstown Rebels label. The daughter of mining magnates turned championship racehorse breeders in Turkey, Deniz went to study in USA, quickly finding success as an interactive sculptor. During this time she developed a deep love and connection to the sentiments of electronic music and soon began experimenting with her own unique style, leading to a release on Wolf + Lamb and huge remix of the last Crosstown single by N/A, their biggest track of the year. Constantly evolving, Deniz’s music continues to become more mesmerizing, creating more anticipation for her first full-length project next year.

Deniz will be showcasing her debut live performances at specially arranged pre-events during the forthcoming Rebel Rave tour in 2010. The blend of her fresh, unique musical ability and her incredible LED art installation is certain to put her firmly on the electronic map forever.

The Rebel Rave crew, the ultimate in musical oddballs and misfits, are responsible for some of the most exciting sounds and new directions in dance music, both behind the decks and as cutting edge producers. The Rebel Ravers will lead club goers on a musical odyssey, displaying their unique twist on the electronic scene. Well known for their love of the rave, the Rebel Crew will ignite dancefloors with their fresh sound and fun party antics.

Kicking off February 4, 2009 in Newport Beach, the tour will take in over 20 North American dates across USA, Canada and Mexico, culminating in the 5th birthday of the Crosstown Rebels’ infamous Get Lost party at Electric Pickle at Miami’s WMC on March 27, 2010 before heading off to Europe. The tour will feature killer DJ sets and special back-to-back sessions, as well as the debut live performances from Rebels’ latest shining star, new signing Deniz Kurtel.

The Rebels are ready to unleash the incredible new electronic musical hope, Deniz Kurtel, on the world. With her debut single ‘Yeah’ already being hailed as an all time classic, Turkish born Deniz, will present her first ever performances alongside a self-made LED light installation which she has created for the tour.

In early 2010, Crosstown Rebels will release artist albums from London based soulful producer Glimpse and newcomer Deniz Kurtel. Also scheduled for release are brand new singles from Laurent Garnier, Freaks and stunning new singles from Seth Troxler, recently named number eight DJ in the world by Resident Advisor, and Jamie Jones, who took home DJ Mag’s Best of British awards for best producer and best single of 2009.

Damian Lazarus, whose ‘Diamond in the Dark’, the third single from his critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Smoke the Monster Out’, will be released in February, says:

“The Rebel Rave tour is a great opportunity for all the Rebel family to gather together for awesome parties at some of the best clubs in the world. We bring a special sense of fun to the dancefloor, our combined sound is second to none and our followers across America know to expect the unexpected. Get ready to Rave”.

The Rebel Rave tour will be accompanied by a double Rebel Rave compilation CD, showcasing the very best of Crosstown Rebels, past, present and future. A special issue of the visually stunning Rebel Rave TV series, from director David Terranova, will be filmed throughout the tour for broadcast in April.

Rebel Rave TV recently inked a deal with one of America’s largest cable TV providers Comcast. Rebel Rave TV will air on Comcast’s A&R Channel, beaming all the magic and mystery of the Crosstown Rebels to over 17 million US homes.

Other artists joining in the fun during the 2 month US tour include Glimpse, Mr C, Matt Tolfrey and Konrad Black… with a massive festival style line up gathering together for the last date of the tour at Electric Pickle in Miami.

• thu 4 feb
  code, newport beach
  Damian Lazarus & Jamie Jones
• fri 5 feb
  centro convenciones, mexicali
  Damian Lazarus
• sat 6 feb
  pace, miami
  Damian Lazarus, Jamie Jones, Mr C, Matt Tolfrey & Andrei Osyka (Droog)
• thur 11 feb
  aqua, washington
  Damian Lazarus & Jamie Jones
• fri 12 feb
  pacha, nyc
  Damian Lazarus, Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, Deniz Kurtel (live), Matt Tolfrey
• sat 13 feb
  the works, detroit
  Damian Lazarus, Jamie Jones & Seth Troxler
• sun 14 feb
  rise, boston
  Damian Lazarus
• mon 15 feb
  green dolphin, chicago
  Damian Lazarus, Jamie Jones & Deniz Kurtel (live)
• thur 18 feb
  loope part1, guadalarajara
  Jamie Jones
• fri 19 feb
  coahuila #149, mexico city
  Damian Lazarus, Jamie Jones & Deniz Kurtel (live)
• sat 20 feb
  city hall, denver
  Damian Lazarus & Jamie Jones
• fri 26 feb
  mighty, san francisco
  Damian Lazarus, Jamie Jones, Deniz Kurtel (live) & Andrei Osyka (live)
• sat 27 feb
  avalon, los angeles
  Damian Lazarus, Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, Deniz Kurtel (live), Droog & The Sonic Manipulator (live)
• tue 2 mar
  century ballroom, seattle
  Damian Lazarus & Jamie Jones
• thur 4 mar
  cobra, toronto
  Damian Lazarus & Jamie Jones
• fri 5 mar
  stereo, montreal
  Damian Lazarus & Jamie Jones
• thur 11 mar
  loope part2, guadalarajara
  Damian Lazarus
• fri 12 mar
  club 101, el paso
  Damian Lazarus, Jamie Jones & Deniz Kurtel (live)
• sat 13 mar
  wired live, houston
  Damian Lazarus & Jamie Jones
• fri 19 mar
  quinta dalsay, cuenca, ecuador
  Damian Lazarus & Jamie Jones
• sat 20 mar
  hola ola beach, montanita, ecuador
  Damian Lazarus & Jamie Jones
• sat 27 mar
  electric pickle, miami
  All REBEL CREW

‘UMakeNoSense’ is a distorted trip into psychedelic territory through a minefield of cosmic energy. This is music that appeals to the mainstream and the dark underground, a formula that Freaks have achieved time and time again. Radio Slave has become renowned for his epic reworks, producing some of the best-loved remixes of the past few years. He doesn’t disappoint with an expedition through low-end and high-octane stratospheres shaking out the groovy beast within the track through two original reworks.

Freaks was originally the brain child of Bournemouth’s Justin Harris and London-based Luke Solomon, but mutated through its live format into a 6 piece outfit incorporating the infamous Jonny Rock on guitar, Sascha Darroch Davies on drums, vocalist Stella Attar and Rub on bass, journeying through filter disco, quirky mid tempo house and minimal techno to cement their own revolutionary style.

With three albums behind them and a seminal label we know and love as Music For Freaks, they created the top 10 hit, ‘The Creeps’, built around a story written by a friend that had accompanying music and animation to boot. However, the success of the record created an underlying pressure that weighed very heavily on the band and it was through sheer frustration they both decided to take Freaks back to it’s roots. The time where there was no pressure, just fun to be had. The result was ‘UMakeNoSense’ - a two fingers to their struggle and a mad record that they wanted to make as Freaky as possible.

It was like an epiphany and a new awakening all at the same time. This new chapter lead to them go back over old ideas, realising that they had a mass of material they needed to be heard and reheard and so as a precursor to the forthcoming single on Crosstown Rebels, Freaks are releasing a “Best of Times” compilation. This includes songs from all three studio albums, some unreleased stuff, and a masterfully mixed free studio set that will accompany the album on iTunes. There will also be the gift of a free EP of unreleased instrumentals to accompany the promo of this release. Promising to mesh of all their electronic, disco and leftfield pop influences, this will undoubtedly re-introduce their fans to a whole new level of freakish behaviour.