Having grown up with his father and grandfather both being musicians, and after beginning to play the drums at the age of 3 years, it seemed to be in the cards, that Sune Vosbein-Jensen aka Gaze ill would end up making music. In 2000, his interest for electronic music production started growing after years of playing the drums within the genres of rock, fusion, jazz, and funk, and experimenting with almost any instrument. Since then Gaze has had a fair handful of releases out in both digital- and vinyl format. “The clue’s in his name - Gaze ill really is sick.
GourmetBeats 011 features four selections: "Stalactite” and “Stalagmite” by E3, "Stalactite Remix” by Alter Echo and “Stalagmite Remix” by Tetrad. All four tunes are available to buy on 12” vinyl and digital formats.
Alter Echo / AKA Sound Secretion (Josh Derry), has spent the last fifteen years working as a dub scientist of the highest order and performed in the United States, Mexico, Canada, France, and Senegal. Creating a highly distinctive sound and collaborating with DJ Spooky, Lee Perry, Mad Professor, Scientist, Twilight Circus, Dr. Israel, and Systemwide, he often works as the “Hidden Hand”, perfecting and alloying disparate materials into completely new dub forms. Alongside E3, he was one of the founders of world-renowned future-dub label BSI Records, and has released music on ZamZam, Khaliphonic, Moonshine, Lava Lava, BSI, M Records, Six Degrees, Thirsty Ear, Sub Rosa, and Bangarang.
E3 (Ezra E Ereckson) is a producer, DJ, and co-boss of the ZamZam Sounds and Khaliphonic recordlabels. A founding member of Portland’s pioneering agit-dub band Systemwide and the president of now retired BSI Records, E3 has been collecting records since the age of 13 and DJing for over 15 years. Past Portland residencies such as Deeper Roots, Bassism, and Atlas (one of the earliest and longest-running global bass parties in the US), as well as regular rotation at Various and now Signal, have cemented his reputation as a sonic tactician without boundaries, borders, or genre constraints - all of it is rooted in a deep love of reggae and dub. E3 has remixed Ishan Sound for Bristol’s Hotline label, and has 7” vinyl releases on 45Seven, Bella Union, and Boomarm Nation, and has represented ZamZam from Echo Chamber in Brooklyn, New York to Subdub in Leeds, England.
Alter Echo & E3 have extremely deep roots in dub and are in high demand in the world of underground sound system music since their first 7”, “Kufic Dub” backed with “Dub Is Not Easy," dropped on ZamZam in early 2013. Their signature productions have varied tempos with thick, heavy atmospheres, masterful dubbing, vinyl archaeology, and loads of sonic detail and intrigue. Whether floor-filling or abstract, the Alter Echo & E3 sound is unmistakable. Their second ZamZam release, “Nubian Dub” backed with “Warning Dub” created worldwide appeal, championed by selectors from Dub War to Joe Nice, Pinch to The Bug—and received a glowing 9 out of 10 in Mixmag. Both tunes spawned remixes on Khaliphonic from Ishan Sound, Egoless and DJ Madd. A third 7" release followed in partnership with Young Echo’s Rider Shafique, and the Bristol bonds grew even tighter with a B-side remix on Ishan Sound’s “Rush On The Tonic” 7”. In December of 2016 Alter Echo & E3 debuted their mutant dancehall hallucinations on Ossia's new Lava Lava label, and in January 2017, a 12” on Moonshine gained mass appeal.
Tetrad is the dubstep and bass music project of L.A.-based musician, producer, songwriter, and DJ, Cheyne Bush. A lifelong musician, Cheyne learned jazz on saxophone and guitar in school, and punk and experimental music at home. Gaining experience as a youth, starting a band called Issue 89, playing a fusion of street punk and ska, and joining a metalcore band MidMourn on vocals and synthesizers, he turned to electronic music when he experimented with music software, tinkered with Ableton Live, and began listening to Aphex Twin, Autechre, and Boards of Canada. Cheyne spent his first year of college at Berklee College of Music and completed his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music Technology at California Institute of The Arts (CalArts) in 2012 and a Masters of Fine Arts in Film and Video in 2015. As he developed his style and listened to deep minimal techno, a new sonic influence came from his burgeoning interest in 4x4 and 2-step Garage music -- dubstep, most specifically Burial and Shackleton. Discovering the Hyperdub and Skull Disco artists, and listening to early DMZ, Deep Medi, and Chestplate releases, Tetrad shifted his sound in this new direction. Following multiple collaborations with Brukha as Friendly Strangers in 2007 and LMNOP as Cybertooth in 2009, Cheyne started recording solo as Tetrad in 2015 and released a clutch of deep and weighty dubstep tunes Sure State in the United States and Heavyweight in the United Kingdom. Most recently, he released his vinyl début with the 7” single “Awaken Dub” on Portland, Oregon’s vaunted ZamZam Sounds label, and a follow-up 7" with newly debuting Bay Area label Material Sound with his tune "Eazy Street."
The duo DubDiggerz, hailing from the depths of Slovenia, have been stirring up soundsystem culture a fair bit the past few years. Even though the two-headed moniker has been taking part in this movement since its inception in 2011, both Mark and Daniel have already given life to some of the heaviest dubplates. These have been in steady rotation since their very first productions were finished and cut to lacquers. Their tailored focus on the meditative properties of basslines, to-the-point percussion and perfectly executed dub effects make every ‘DubDiggerz’ cut a special occasion. Without surprise, this has already led to support from some of the most established names in Dubstep, including Joe Nice, Distance, V.I.V.E.K, J:Kenzo and Sleeper. Mark and Daniel have a promising release schedule in 2017; releasing their first music on vinyl thanks to the trust of America’s Dubstep Ambassador Joe Nice and his acclaimed Gourmetbeats imprint – something both producers are very grateful for. Their involvement in the DeepEnd! movement, ‘a like- minded group of individuals conspiring to advance their soundsystem culture concepts’, will result in their consecutive vinyl release – and more be unveiled later this year. BazzWarz is the producers’ bi-monthly radio shows, which is broadcasted via the DJ’s live-streaming community Chew.TV. This and their respected DeepEnd! sessions have given them the opportunity to invite international producers to the show and play exclusive material from around the globe, soon streaming their 100th broadcast - with the first broadcast aired in 2011. Therefore make sure to keep an eye on DubDiggerz; a promising moniker that has a lot in store for you and the rest of the world.
Inyoka (Roland Massey) is from Richmond, Virginia and has been an electronic music producer since 2005 and a DJ since 2009. Roland’s earliest musical influences were hard rock and heavy metal, which led Roland to learn and play guitar for the past fifteen years. Roland started making electronic music in 2005 and graduated from the Omega Studios School of Applied Recording Arts and Sciences in Rockville, Maryland. During that time, Roland learned how to record and mix on several consoles and use different software programs and hardware for electronic music production. Roland uses his skills and talents as an audio engineer for post-production, sound design, and creating original productions for large soundsy stems. The word “ inyoka” translates to “snake” in the Nguni/Zulu language. Roland’s dubstep productions strike efficiently and precisely, like a snake, with crisp bass and minimal instrumentation. With releases on Silent Motion Records and Sure State, Inyoka is ready to share his signature sound and prodigious talent with the underground bass music community.
EshOne (Donnie Valdez) is a 31 year-old graphic designer, music producer and dubstep DJ from Albuquerque, New Mexico now living in Poland. EshOne has performed in twenty states and several countries, including: Canada, Denmark, Poland, The Netherlands, and Slovenia. Donnie's earliest musical memories were his electric guitar playing days and listening to heavy-metal bands from twenty-five years ago. Learning this instrument and listening to heavy-metal expanded Donnie's musical horizons to signal processing and sound manipulation. Armed with technical knowledge, Donnie shifted his focus to music production in 2004, specifically, drum and bass. EshOne makes tunes quickly because of his innovative production techniques and instant application of his craft. His frenetic production pace is closely related to his high-energy live three deck sets. Donnie learned how to mix in 2003 and had plans on becoming a turntablist. Currently, Donnie prefers to mix and blend his productions; which focus on heavy basslines and anthemic grooves while keeping a dark vibe and gritty texture. Donnie's love of nature and music gave him incentive to create his record label, Elk Beats. The elk is very similar to Donnie's music, internet presence, and online persona: peaceful, present, and powerful. Donnie enjoys spontaneous activities, such as: fly fishing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. His other passion is music, and EshOne's productions are custom-made for large rooms with low-lights, loud sound systems, and an intense emotional experience.
Gourmet Beats 007 is the Los Angeles EP featuring Introspekt, Mesck, Oxossi, and Subtle Mind. The idea behind the EP was to bring together some of the hot talent emerging out of the LA bass music scene. Support from: JoeNice, BunZero, Raggs, E3, Kursk, Mesck, Gantz, Emmo, InfraDub, VIVEK, SapLeo, Dub DIggerz, Basstrace, DubPhase SoundSystem, Nousless, Malleus, Moonstones, FKOF, Trusik, True Soldiers Productions, DataSetClothing, SubFM.
With each release, GourmetBeats gives money to a charity or organisation of the artist’s choice. Introspekt, Mesck, Oxossi, and Subtle Mind's charity is The Children's Music Fund. This 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation brings musical instruments and provides musical therapy to children and young adults suffering from chronic and life-changing illnesses in the United States. Learn more about The Children's Music Fund at: http://www.thecmf.org
Support for this release comes from JoeNice, BunZero, Raggs, E3, Kursk, Mesck, Gantz, Emmo, InfraDub, VIVEK, SapLeo, Nousless, Malleus, Moonstones.
With each release, GourmetBeats will give money to a charity or organisation of the artist’s choice. Malleus' and Saule's charity is Homes For The Troops. This charity builds mortgage-free, specially adapted homes throughout the United States for severely injured Post 9/11 veterans.
Fill Spectre (Frederick Chicoine) is twentyfive year old DJ, radio show host, selftaught producer, and sound engineer from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
He is a decadelong guitarist and mastering engineer who also composes original music. His earliest songwriting influences were heavy metal bands, such as Martyr and Megadeth.
Fred’s affection for riffbased music along his burgeoning interest in underground dance music creates his exclusive bass heavy and percussion laden sound. Spectre’s compositions shine with audio based synthesis, creative vocal samples, and fastpaced drums, with a focus on sound system depth and energy. GourmetBeats is first record label to sign Fill Spectre’s music.
The 12” vinyl release contains "Mutations" by Moonstones and the "Mutations Remix" by Malleus.
ARTIST BIOS:
Moonstones is a three-piece dj collective and a production duo who, from youth, are strongly connected musically. Risen from the ashes of high school metal bands, they digitalize their sound and delivered it to clubs, festivals, parties, and turntables. For nearly two years, Moonstones hosted a local rave called ‘Klub Dub’, which gave them a chance to take the music they love to the big system. Beat-making-wise, there really isn’t much to it: Moonstones are some guys who just like to build raw space music beats. Their studio (which is no more than a laptop and some monitors) is located in a farmhouse in the far east of the Netherlands. Here, Moonstones cook up jams and shoot them into orbit.
Malbleus is a 29yearold producer, from Fredericksburg, Virginia, who delivers bassline genius and solidifies his reputation and growing status in the global bass music community. He is a decadelong guitarist, drummer, selftaught producer, and sound engineer. His love of UK influenced bass music started in high school, when he heard The Streets “Original Pirate Material” and since then, he immersed himself head first into UK music culture. Having a hiphop background in his college days, as well as his involvement with several musical projects across different genres, Malleus honed his production and sampling skills. He became captivated with dubstep and focused his attention on creating his signature dark and melodic sound with a focus on raw percussion sampling, odd time signatures, forward thinking syncopation, as well as sound system vibes.
CHARITY:
With each release, GourmetBeats will give money to a charity or organization of the artist’s choice.
Moonstones and Malleus' charity is the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is a non-profit organization which provides research support and clinical and educational programs for children with diabetes.
Learn more about the CDF @ www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org.
GourmetBeats 002 features three selections from Sepia: Music Box, Harp Song, and Glisten VIP. The 12” vinyl release features Music Box and Harp Song. The digital release features Music Box, Harp Song, and includes Glisten VIP as an exclusive digital bonus track.
Theo Bennett, whose production name is Sepia, is a 25 year-old self-taught producer and DJ from London, United Kingdom. Sepia grew up from the free party and rave scene on the Isle of Wight. At 17 years old, he moved to Brighton for university, where he found his sound — creating a discography ranging from grime, dub, reggae, hip hop, r&b, drum & bass, and footwork. Additionally, Sepia maintained DJ residencies at several well-respected nights, such as: Subsplash, Supercharged, and Vagabondz. The inspiration behind Sepia’s music is his late mother, Julie Bennett, who passed away in 2006 when Sepia forged his musical journey. Currently, Sepia lives in Bristol, United Kingdom — a musical hotbed of varied tempos, textures, and talent. Fusing deep sub-bass frequencies with polyrhythmic percussion, Sepia champions his exclusive brand of sound system music with a focus on melancholy melodies, harmonies, and instrumentation. Theo is an established artist on line-ups across the United Kingdom and continues to build his musical legacy in the months and years to come.
With each release, GourmetBeats gives money to a charity or organization of the artist’s choice. Theo’s chosen charity is The Earl Mountbatten Hospice, on the Isle of Wight. This facility cared for Theo’s mother until her passing in 2006. Learn more about the Earl Mountbatten Hospice at: http://www.iwhospice.org.
The dubplate king, the dubstep ambassador, Joe Nice has finally decided to start his record label, GourmetBeats. For the first release, Joe does what he does best - selection - and this choice does not disappoint. GourmetBeats 001 finds two exclusive tunes from DJG.
‘Swazi Rhythm’, a staple of Joe’s live sets and radio shows for more than a year, is a tribalist slow burner that trots to an attention-grabbing woodblock pattern. Various cyclical additions complete the pivots in between, and, a driving, steam engine-type whistle, and a warbling theremin tone increases the tension. Building the intensity, DJG reloads the stomping subs with aggressive and tasteful snarls to complete the melodic content.
‘Drumma’, a new DJG production, has a polyrhythmic rolling gallop with a serious low-end. A choir of voice drones float above an angry, but controlled metallic melody. Offset snares and occasional synth stabs move the music amidst waves of industrial textures.
Charity:
WIth each release, GourmetBeats will make a financial contribution to a charity or social cause in the name of the artist. The chosen charity for this inaugural release is Little Kids Rock. This charity funds lasting musical education programs in United States public schools by donating instruments, providing curricular resources, and training faculty.