Asian Dan

LoneLady is Warp Records latest addition to their expanding sound and empire. LoneLady is a singer/songwriter that channels the likes of Kate Bush, Suicide, Annie Lennox, and the Fall especially on this tune “Immaterial” that she is giving away off her album Nerve Up out 2.22.2010 on Warp. She is to me what La Roux should have been – an edgier and a more true to the New Wave/Synth Pop sound that the UK pioneered in the 80s. The Human League would be proud.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Jan%202010/06%20Immaterial.mp3]
LoneLady – Immaterial

Bibio’s “Ambivalence Avenue” caught me off guard this past fall. I am familiar with his past work but this album is the perfect blend of introspective lo-fi electronica with beautiful guitar work. Exactly what I need in these banger times. “All The Flowers” and “Lover’s Carvings” are perfectly written pop songs that I just can’t stop listening to. “Ambivalence Avenue” is up there for album of the year for me (Check out the blog next week for all my obligatory end of the year/decade lists to see who made it, as well as a few lists from some guests)

Stephen was kind enough to answer a few questions for Asian Dan giving us all a peek into his musical mind, naming some of his favorite guitar compositions by the likes of Steve Reich and Tortoise as well as explaining his musical philosophy.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Dec%202009/Bibio/Bibio/Ambivalence%20Avenue/03%20All%20The%20Flowers.mp3]
Bibio – All the Flowers

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Dec%202009/Bibio/Bibio/Ambivalence%20Avenue/07%20Lovers’%20Carvings.mp3]
Bibio – Lover’s Carvings

Asian Dan Q&A: BIBIO

1. Who is Bibio?

Bibio is Stephen James Wilkinson from Wolverhampton, England.

2. What are your influences, musical or otherwise?

Imperfections in technology like spherical aberration in lenses, wobble on tape, distortion in valves, crackles on vinyl. Also, beautiful common occurrences in nature like flickering shadows caused by overlapping leaves wagging in a gentle breeze. The smell of damp foliage. The sound of wind through leaves and the chorus of bees, lawnmowers and blackbirds.

What was your first musical memory?

Learning ‘Silent Night’ on my brother’s old bontempi electronic organ.

3. You set the guitar in a very interesting and refreshing context. When did you pick up guitar?

I started to learn guitar chords at the age of about 11 or 12.

Who are some guitar heroes?

Dave Murray (Iron Maiden), Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine),Jeff Parker (Tortoise), Joao Gilberto, Joe Pass.

Who are some non-guitar musicians/composers you love that inspire your playing?

Steve Reich, Boards of Canada.

[Read more]

The summer has faded and the fall is now upon us. In my search for some introspective/chill fall tunes I finally gave Washed Out a listen and am quite impressed. I enjoy his lo-fi, DIY electronic productions vibe that channel a smooth, musical sensibility that I feel Breakbot has pioneered and brought to the forefront of electronic music.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202009/01%20Belong.mp3]
Washed Out – Belong

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202009/Washed%20Out%20-%20Feel%20It%20All%20Around%20(Toro%20Y%20Moi%20Remix).mp3]
Washed Out – Feell It All Around (Toro Y Moi Remix)
Via Pitchork

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I just got hold of the new Bibio album (which came out in June – on Warp of course) and I am blowin’ away. It is the perfect mix of downtempo, chill, thoughtful/introspective beats mixed with some amazing guitar work that reminds me of Jim O’Rourke. I cannot stop listening to “Lovers’ Carvings”.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202009/07-bibio-lovers_carvings.mp3]
Bibio – Lovers’ Cravings

Enjoy these tunes on a lovely stroll on a crisp fall afternoon 🙂

I’m all about breakbeat/hip hop beats made by white boys from the UK lately – Hudson Mohawke and Bullion are really doing it for me lately. I am looking forward to Hudson Mo’s album – it is some futuristic, space-hop that Outkast and the Stones Throw crew would be very proud of. Pre-order your limited edition “Butter” bundle here.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202009/warpnet_Hudson%20Mohawke_hudson-mohawke-butter-snips.mp3]
Hudson Mohawke: “Butter” Sampler

Tyondai is channeling his Leonard Bernstein on this tune – love it.

Lovin’ this new tune by Hudson Mohawke. Just throw some female vox and some dude rapping and it is a modern hip hop/RnB tune ready for the radio. I love the sound of the drums and the the sitar.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Aug%202009/hudson-mohawke-rising-5.mp3]
Hudson Mohawke – Rising 5

Cheers, Johnny Hockin

Warp Records is my favorite label still around today that has proven itself as a label with longevity with the ability to find and foster amazing acts. From Aphex Twin, Jamie Lidell, Nightmares on Wax to Battles and Grizzly Bear – they are a label that understands great music and what it takes to allow these artists to grow and produce amazing music. I will definitely be at this show and am looking forward to some new music from Battles. This show is just a small part of the 3 day event in NYC celebrating Warp’s 20 year annivesary. Check out more Warp20 events here.

Warp20 featuring Battles, !!!, Prefuse73 and Pivot: Buy Tickets Now

Checkout this ill mix by Australia’s own Harmonic 313. Super chill, glitched out 8-bit, Prefuse 73 vibe. His album When Machines Exceed Human Intelligence is out now on Warp Records. Also checkout his website. Great design and concept.

Harmonic 313 x RCRDLBL – Mix

Harmonic 313 Website

Harmonic 313 Myspace

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Jan%202009/squarepusher_-_illegal_dustbin.mp3]
Download a new Squarepusher MP3 – “Illegal Dustbin” from “Numbers Lucent” EP
Out 1.19.2009 on Warp Records
Squarepusher Myspace