ByCarlCox Music is medicine

Pan-Pot

Tassilo and Thomas met at Berlin’s renowned SAE, and were drawn together as they were the only two in their studies who had their sights set on the sound of techno. Their initial musical efforts placed a primacy on integrating electronic experimentation with minimal stylings while simultaneously establishing the ominous, murky sounds that have since become synonymous with their name. The next few years saw the release of a steady stream of original tracks and remixes on both Mobilee and Einmaleins, each demonstrating the duo’s commitment to precise, undulating and kinetic grooves accompanied by a steady expansion of their sonic palate.
The defining moment of Pan-Pot's career came in 2007 with the release of their debut artist album, Pan-O-Rama. The aptly named long player offered a 360-degree view of techno that was unique, uncompromised and most importantly, their own. The body of work perfectly balanced heavy, peak time club stormers to deeper, more intricate atmospherics and birthed the overground hit "Charly". More recently "Confronted" and "Captain My Captain" have demonstrated their classic, bold and timeless production style, presenting them as the producers at the top of their game, both sonically and conceptually.
Pan-Pot hasn't gotten to where they are on their productions alone. When the two aren't spending countless hours in the studio remixing or creating original work, they are relentlessly touring. This is how they have truly gotten to where they are: by touching the writhing, euphoric, dancing seas of bodies at countless gigs every year. Not only do they have an electric vibe to watch, but their grasp and keen understanding of each and every dance floor is unparalleled. Whether it's an intimate club night or a massive festival like Awakenings, Timewarp, or Creamfields, Pan-Pot know exactly what to do. Unconstrained by boundaries, they traverse techno, house and everything in between with a masters touch.
Although their name comes from a basic element of studio equipment, they have rewritten notions of form and function through their own idiosyncratic language and are now stepping completely into a new world with the launch of their own imprint, Second State. Second State is not only a platform for Pan-Pot to release their own music, they are creating a family of like minded artists around them to create, imagine and travel the world with, spreading the Second State vision. It's a place where all ideas can flow seamlessly. From music and events to art and fashion, it's a place where there is no ceiling. No limits to what can be achieved or dreamed. Now is the time they are truly coming into their own. Not only as world class artists and performers, but as tastemakers and masters of their own destiny.

John Digweed

Originally hailing from England but having clearly arrived on the global scene nearly a decade ago, John has long since cemented his name in the pages of dance music history. His list of achievements is groundbreaking to say the least.
Highlights would be the first proper dj mix compilation (“Renaissance”, done with Sasha), being the first British dj to hold a residency at what was then the world’s most well known club in NYC (Twilo, also with Sasha) as well as having remixed tracks by Danny Tenaglia, Underworld and New Order.
John Digweed is a DJ's DJ. The beauty of what he does lies in just how different he really is from his contemporaries. From his early beginnings in Hastings, England at the age of 15 in the blossoming scene of acid house to the apex of the international dj'ing world, he has created and maintained a level of integrity that is the benchmark for both dj’s and producers globally. In fact, he has reached the very top of his profession, being voted #1 in a voter's poll by DJ magazine in 2001. John Digweed has become the people’s choice while maintaining his longstanding presence in underground dance culture. His popularity as both a dj and a person seems to have no limits, but his efforts transcend dj'ing alone, he is as much a producer and promoter. His moniker “Bedrock” is actually three things: a record label, a promotions company and a studio production partnership (with Nick Muir).
His management and creative direction for the Bedrock record label has helped launch the careers of Danny Howells (with Dick Trevor as Science Department), Jimmy Van M, Chris Fortier and Phil Thompson (Moonface). He has had the vision and creative insight to seek out mixes and remixes from artists as varied as Rui Da Silva, POB, Freelance Icebreakers and the Second Hand Satellites. The label has effectively served as a foundation for artistic expression and a medium for creative output, allowing underground artists to break through to a much wider audience. To have a record released on Bedrock serves as the global stamp of production quality, ingenuity and integrity for producers worldwide.
In fact, the name John Digweed is synonymous with quality, ingenuity and integrity. From the nights he has either created or been a part of (Bedrock, Northern Exposure, Renaissance) to his world renowned mix cd's (Renaissance, Global Underground, Northern Exposure, Communicate and Bedrock) he has consistently produced characteristic products that stay in demand, himself included. Even with all of his global traveling he has still been able to hold down two monthly Bedrock residencies in both London (Heaven) and Brighton (The Beach). As one half of Bedrock the production duo he has landed two tracks in the top 40 (“Heaven Scent” and “For What You Dream Of”) the latter of which made it into the hit movie “Trainspotting”. He has even tried a bit of acting himself ("Groove"). He and Nick Muir as Bedrock the production team also recently scored a Hollywood film (“Stark Raving Mad”).
His Kiss100 radio show is quickly coming up on its second year as one of the most successful dance music shows in all of England with internet broadcasts to all of the world. It has achieved a near cult status with listeners trading cd’s and mp3’s of the various broadcasts across the internet. John shares his platform weekly by bringing in worldwide guest dj’s.
As a person John's lack of pretense is enveloped in imagination and invention. Good reason for John being one of the most respected, analyzed and imitated dj's in the world. Digweed is both solid and durable with unyielding precision. His sinuous dj'ing and production sound has become its own convincing dance ethic. He is centered to the principles of life, living and friends in such a way that he generates an aura of self-explanatory excitement and enthusiasm. Without heroic pretensions his sets are filled with moodiness and musical mystery but held down with a punchy distinctiveness and earthly rhythm. Always emanating a sense of boundlessness he overlaps dream events that spill into reality with an enormous certainty.

Marko Nastic

Welcome to the world of Marko Nastic, the leading South Eastern European DJ. In a troubled Serbia of the 90’s, Marko and his buddies built one of the most vibrant club scenes in Eastern Europe, the one that inspired writers of Mixmag, The Face, DJ and NME to write accolades many moons ago. They resisted dark forces of political madness with electronic music and a celebration of life.
DJing and music were always part of Marko Nastic’s background: even in his pre-teen years he was fascinated with synthesizers, drum machines and other sound making gadgets. When techno started filtering through to Serbia in the early 90’s, Marko eagerly entered the scene.
Soon word on a teenage techno prodigy started spreading around town and this energy channeled into a young & aspiring DJ team called Teenage Techno Punks – all of whom were under 18, but performing like they were born on the 1210s. Nastic was the leader of the pack; soon to become the hottest talent of South Eastern Europe’s electronic scene. The queues to enter clubs in the region on the nights they performed were longer than ever. The word soon started to spread beyond the boundaries of Serbia.
Just as techno music was becoming popular in Serbia, the Balkan conflict escalated. Marko admits that he was too young to fully realize the gravity of the situation, but it did have an impact on his life. “Things were tense, but a lot of it luckily went over my head,” he admits. “It also meant that buying records then was very difficult and the choice was poor”.
These circumstances shaped and strengthened Marko just like other kids there. The free parties they threw during those times are still an urban legend in Belgrade.
After the war, the club scenes in neighboring countries became aware of Nastic’s unparalleled DJing skills and his distinctive three-deck style. Marko has since matured into a DJ who cannot be labeled as purely techno, house or minimal; he’s all of that, and more.
Marko was a member of the original Recycled Loops crew. After that label stopped, Marko joined Valentino’s ‘Jesus Loved You’ and started three labels himself, Recon Warriors, which put Marko on the charts, followed by Recon Light and Traffica.
Also Marko has loads of projects running. For example Space Explorers with Marko Milosaljevic, Tango and Cash with Kobaya and don’t forget the projects with Dejan Milicevic. Marko did his first non-European tour in 2002, which started in Brazil. Now he regularly plays gigs all over the world. Since 2006 he is the author and host of the radio show “Music For Body And Soul” on the leading Serbian radio station B92.
His authorial album is due to be released.
 

Pig & Dan

Pig&Dan continued to increase their influence on the scene in 2013 with superb releases and DJ gigs around the world. Some highlights of the year were spanking new tracks for the 100th release on Sven Vath’s Cocoon Records and Monika Kruse’s Terminal M techno imprint; two superb Pig&Dan remixes of Inner City's all time classic "Good Life" (KMS); and “Morphism”, a collaboration with John Digweed & Nick Muir on Bedrock. 2013 also saw Pig&Dan’s ELEVATE label going from strength to strength, with six stunning releases in the first six months of the year alone, including tracks by Patch Park, MiniCoolBoyz, Broombeck & Felix Krocher, alongside their own huge productions. Pig&Dan are now establishing ELEVATE parties around the globe, developing a new concept linking the label releases and exciting events.
Prior to that, 2012 was an incredibly exciting year in Pig&Dan’s history, marking the decade milestone in their illustrious partnership. After releasing their critically acclaimed fourth studio album, “Decade” (Soma), the dynamic duo celebrated with numerous Beatport Top 10 hits and even more Top 100 releases during the year. Their amazing flow of monster productions on the world’s top Techno and Tech House labels - such as Soma, Bedrock, Cocoon, Suara and Tronic - was usurped in November 2012 when Pig&Dan launched their new label ELEVATE.
If you know Pig&Dan’s work, then you know that they are well known for producing and playing music that is far from linear. They're always looking to push the envelope with genre-bending music and are devoted to creating something special that gets right under your skin and elevates the spirit, as a result, Pig&Dan are constantly spreading their word by playing at some of the best clubs and festivals worldwide week-in-week-out.
Looking back to where it all started, the meeting of minds during a chance encounter of Igor Tchkotoua (Pig) and Dan Duncan on a flight to Spain in 1999, sounds like the opening scene of a Hollywood movie. Certainly, neither musician could have the written the script for what happened next. Recognizing a mutual philosophy, and using their own musical background that dated back to the start of the dance scene, they combined to create a slick production outfit that would entrance clubbers and soon win compilation support from the likes of Sander Kleinenberg, Felix Da Housecat, John Digweed and Nic Fanciulli, amongst many. Most significantly though, their tech tour de force, “Oh Yeah” (2005), signaled the start of their ongoing relationship with Sven Vath’s Cocoon Recordings, which has seen their status as DJs and producers soar on a global level. From humble beginnings in the late 80’s, playing the tea boy and exploring the workings of a recording studio, both Igor & Dan’s experiences stem from an era of primitive technology and old-fashioned production techniques. Dan’s own history saw him as part of the hugely successful drum-n-bass act Intense, during which time he also played alongside luminaries such as LTJ Bukem and Fabio & Grooverider.
When Pig&Dan decided to join forces, they began a truly prolific production schedule – with 18 releases in just over a year – establishing their reputation as producers of pulsating electronic music that straddled dark house and high-energy techno, whilst creating their signature style of twisted and experimental breakdowns. These releases on their first label Submission would prove to be merely a steppingstone though. In 2005, they launched their Sonic Society label and focused more towards the edgy minimal sound that would attract Cocoon Recordings, as well as all the leading DJs such as Sven Vath, Loco Dice and Tiefschwarz. As testament to their continued masterful production skills the disturbingly dark “Oh Yeah” has been followed by 8 more releases on the seminal Frankfurt imprint, including their own artist album, “Imagine”.
During their journey, Pig&Dan’s profile as in-demand remixers reached the point where electronic pioneers such as Underworld were coming back for more! Since those early days, they have created a repertoire that not many can match and have constantly been releasing their music on the most respected labels and playing at the best events worldwide.

Anna

“ANNA is one of Brazil's finest exports and she's quickly climbing the ranks with her seductive yet heavy-hitting brand of techno and tech-house.” - Mixmag
Brazil-born and Barcelona-based, ANNA is in high global demand – creating success out of everything she turns to whether producing originals for well-respected labels, remixing top-flight acts or moving dance floors the world over.
Recent releases on the likes of Tronic, Yoshitoshi, Terminal M plus a tech house signature etched on remixes for NERVO through Ultra Records and Gorgon City through Virgin EMI are cementing ANNA’s rightful place at the forefront of dance music and a credibility validated around the world after years of dedicated hard work and uncompromising dedication.
ANNA firmly believes that everyone has a purpose, and at the age of 14 she found her own calling; growing up behind the controls of her father’s popular nightclub in rural Brazil, absorbing the clubbing atmosphere and developing a strong connection to music.
Having not much of a reference point for underground music in her rural DJ booth, it took moving to Sao Paulo for ANNA to dive in to the electronic music scene - quickly joining a local booking agency and getting to grips with producing her own original tracks. Hard work often isn’t glamorous, especially in the face of financial difficulties and playing for free at a young age, but ANNA’s persistence and love for what she does began to pay off as she landed a huge residency at D-Edge, a global stronghold for quality music in Sao Paulo. Early production support came in the form of Christian Smith and his renowned Tronic label, where ANNA is still a regular collaborator. After meeting Christian once he relocated to Brazil, “Behind The Groove” was a name establishing release in 2011, with highly acclaimed follow ups on Kraftek, Bla Bla, Witty Tunes and Toolroom Records reaffirming her deft studio talent.
“Let’s get one thing straight: we f*cking love ANNA and her beats.” – Mixmag
Continuing with a relentless touring and production schedule, she is intent on exceeding expectations in all aspects of music. Performing to packed crowds in her home of Brazil, Greece, Hungary, France, South Africa, Germany and even China, ANNA expertly draws party goers in to a frenzy.
ANNA also graces the Beatport Top 10 sales charts on a staggeringly regular occurrence and has enjoyed heavy endorsements over the years from the who’s who of DJing including Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin and Damian Lazarus with regular airplay through BBC Radio 1.
“ANNA has arrived and is here to stay” according to THUMP, so watch out for a Brazilian whirlwind of grooves coming to rock a dancefloor near you.

Ben Sims

From early formative days earning his stripes spinning hip hop, house and rave on pirate radio, and at parties around Essex and East London, through the 90's as an ever more in demand DJ, and on into the new millennium as a label boss, producer and internationally recognised techno legend in his own right, Ben Sims has spent all his conscious life exploring all facets of underground dance music
Throughout that time, the man has honed his reputation as a tight, energetic mixer who skilfully weaves together his own distinctive blend of tough funk and hardgrooves, often using three-deck wizardry and plenty of dexterity. Be it at clubs like Fabric London, Atomic Jam, Berghain, Florida 135, or any number of festivals around the world, Sims' sets are powerful, memorable, and unique, while constantly pushing the boundaries of a DJ set - utilising a mesmerizing blend of vinyl, CDs, and software.
As well as carving a reputation as one of the world's leading techno DJs, Ben has curated many of his own revered labels over the years. Chief amongst them is Theory - an imprint this year celebrating it's 40th release, that counts amongst it's supporters contemporary connoisseurs like Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, and the old guard of Dave Clarke, Robert Hood, Rolando and more - proof, then, that Sims is on the form of his life production wise.
Riding high on the wave of critical acclaim from his cultured debut long player on Drumcode, 2011's Smoke & Mirrors, an album that voyages into Sim's unique take on techno, coupled with authentic house outings, thanks to guest appearances from Chicago's Tyree Cooper and Detroit's Blake Baxter, whilst also showcasing plenty of dubbed-out and grainy textures.
Sims has put his name to more than 50 releases in the last two decades. During those years, there has also been a steady stream of high profile remixes of scene heavyweights, including Jeff Mills, Adam Beyer, Kevin Saunderson and Chris Liebing, on labels du jour like AXIS, KMS, CLR and Drumcode, all of which have won as much critical praise as they have crossover success.
Despite his veteran status in the scene, Sims has always been keen to evolve. Alongside Kirk Degiorgio, he is co-founder & curator of Machine - a clubnight which focuses on new, unreleased, & upfront music; it's primary home in London, but with editions all across Europe each year. His 'Run it Red' radio show, broadcast via NTSlive and podcasted afterwards, also serves to solely highlight new music.

Speedy J

Jochem Paap (the Rotterdam artist owes the nickname Speedy J to his DJ skills) is unanimously considered to be one of the first techno producers to come from the Benelux. Together with people like Laurent Garnier, Aphex Twin and Richie Hawtin he helped raising the genre just after it had escaped the Detroit delivery room.
Since the early nineties, Speedy J releases on labels like Plus 8, Warp and Novamute. But while techno develops into a dominating force on many dance floors worldwide, Jochem Paap, after the albums G Spot (1993) and Ginger (1995), turns left and heads for other exciting places.
On Public Energy No. 1 (1997) and A Shocking Hobby (2000) the sound wizard exchanges flowing, harmonious techno for a much more complex sound, filled with colliding samples, crackling rhythms and tremendously thrilling turns.
After fifteen years of techno Speedy J now has come full circle. But what a wide circle it was, and how fickle the trodden path. Over the years he has collaborated with video-artists, filmmakers and advertisers, made the pioneering DVD Umfeld, an audio-visual, electronic trip, which sets the standard for many composers who want to compose for six speakers in the coming years – remarkably made available as a free download on the internet.
But not only that, Speedy J has continuously been pushing the boundaries of electronic & experimental dance music. Blurring the lines between Live performance and Digital Djing, he fuses subversive electronics and peak time Techno. Together with his partner in crime Chris Liebing he started using Traktor and other Software technology on 4 laptops with hardware such as Machine Drum and 303’s to create a fully integrated set. Again he is spearheading a way of DJing that is picked up by a lot of other forward thinking electronic artists.
Logically, the releases on his label Electric Deluxe all feature tool versions, introducing the concept of creating unique live sets from parts as a natural evolution of Djing. Not only setting the bar for peak hour Techno madness, Electric Deluxe becomes the platform for his Collabs series that started on Novamute, as well as releases by open minded artists like Chris Liebing, George Issakidis, Tommy Four Seven and Terrence Fixmer to showcase the value of creative synergy using newest technology.
Another strong part of this idea is the introduction of a new series of techno events called Electric Deluxe presents, which in a young history of just a couple of editions brought major artists like Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola, Radio Slave, Matthew Dear, Chris Liebing into play.
Speedy J’s musical vision is genre blurring, creative freedom at the highest level of innovation and quality, it is providing a platform for artists operating within any conceivable genre in the broad spectrum of techno to fully explore and embrace the ever-expanding technological possibilities

http://www.marcobailey.com/

http://www.cristianvarela.com/