Circle 10 Years

Some people crave the public adulation and trappings of stardom that a successful career in the electronic music industry can bring. But some people are too busy being creative to worry about these things. Sometimes, people come in under the radar, conscientiously building worthwhile things in their own quiet way. These are the true masters, people who, when you dig deeper, you discover famous productions, genius collaborations, exciting record labels and legendary club nights. This is where you will find Alex Flatner.

Since Circle Music’s debut release from Markus Mehta & Stephan Riedel, this Mannheim-based label boss, DJ, producer and A&R maven has spent a hyper-productive decade releasing standout singles and albums by some of the most talented electronic artists around, joining the dots between a myriad of musical styles, alongside his own highly distinctive productions. So far, the Circle Family includes… Gui Boratto, Sébastien Léger, LOPAZZ, Robert Babicz, Chris Venola, Chaim, Valentino Kanzyani, Umek, Marc O’Tool, Michel de Hey, Oliver Klein, Hermanez, Daniel Bortz, Santos, George Morel, Joey Beltram, Ken Ishii and many, many more… And it is still growing!

“Music is a circle of emotions. Circle Music is that and much more.” – Chris Venola

2015 sees Alex Flatner mark Circle Music’s landmark “10 Years”, by compiling and mixing together a suitably superb selection of exclusive productions from some of the label’s talented family and also introduce some exciting new names to the party. Referencing past achievements, but with an eye (and an ear) firmly on the future, this is a creative mix of both the subtle and the stupendous.

“Alex is a super cool and a loyal dude and did I mention the free Disneyland tickets??? That totally convinced me to join Circle Music. And Acid. And Mickey Mouse. And more Acid.” – LOPAZZ

From the throbbing grooves of “See You Next Saturday”, Alex Flatner’s collaboration with Blue Amazon (an association that dates back to the 1990’s, when, as individual artists, they were signed to the legendary MFS Records in Berlin), this is a party with attitude. The playfully hypnotic, percussive energy of Chris Venola’s “Spacedoma”, leads into to the teasing, acidic stomp of “Life Arise” from SLOK (who has been a member of the Circle Family since 2009) and the pure future funk of Junk Yard Rhythm Section’s “Louisiana Hayride”, before upping the energy levels with the playful party-style antics of Kotelett & Zadak’s “Fatboy Thin”.

“The Chase” is another genius, deeply twisted creation from George Morel, whose “The Ride”/”Father Speech” (Circle042-6) remains a huge selection for many DJs today. Belgium’s Hermanez moves things forward with “Ginder”, his infectious trademark tribal-influenced grooves topped with subtle acidic motifs to hypnotic effect. Then, Berlin-based DJ/Producer and master of experimentation, IOAKIM SAYZ, delivers some superb off-kilter swagger with his cheeky “Joker”, before the arrival of those unmistakable, show-stopping vocals of Cari Golden on David Jach’s electro-tinged, Wild Pitch referencing “Somewhere”.

“Alex approached me to write for David Jach and I wrote this after coming back from a really interesting trip to Peru and I was pondering my place in the universe and also my perception of it. This little diatribe came from that experience.” – Cari Golden

Multimedia Artist, Composer and MixMastering magician, LOPAZZ, who has previously collaborated with Alex Flatner to create some amazing Circle releases, joins forces here with fellow German Composer/Producer Steffen Neuert (aka Casio Casino) to create a stunning 183 seconds of pure acid…

“Although coming more from the 404 side of Roland’s legendary devices, I am also familiar with the 303. For this modern classic I also took my vocal skills far beyond my Afro-Germanic heritage. Simplicity and beauty always were and will be the driving force behind my artistic work for Alex and the Circle imprint.” – Casio Casino

Next up, Alex’s kindred spirit from Holland, Warren Fellow, presents “Reflexion”- a perfect, stripped-back, funk-fuelled, percussive workout – while Patrick Podage, who launched his production career on Circle Music three years ago, offers up the downright dirty-funkin’ “Don’t Know My Style” – a track that points to a very exciting future indeed. Finally, the engaging technoid moods of “Back2Back” by Julian Ganzer slip into Erhan’s Kesen’s “Secret Lover” – a laid-back, sexy, melodic groover and perfect finishing touch for the CD.

“I’m so glad to be asked by Alex Flatner to release my music on his label. I’m in the company of all these legendary artists who also started their careers from here.” – Julian Ganzer

Digital freaks have the extended bonus of Der Effekt’s menacing “Solo Man”, featuring a stunning vocal contribution from collaborator Mehrklang (their debut “Reloaded

EP has already been a label highlight in 2015); the sparse, percussive “Get Right” by martínek (who has been in the Circle Family for the past 4 years); superb swirling delights in the form of “Myriad” from rising UK star and previous label debutante Jadele; and the decidedly twisted “Sodium Channel” from Pav Parotte – four excellent reasons to stay locked into the Circle “10 Years” party vibe for a while longer.

But the party doesn’t end here! Circle Music is now embarking on a worldwide tour. Full details coming soon.

Circle 10 Years – Selected and Mixed by Alex Flatner (Circle Music) Circle 016-2 is released on CD & Digital from 12th June 2015

Circle 10 Years – Selected and Mixed by Alex Flatner
(Circle Music) Circle 016-2
CD & Digital
Release: 12th June 2015
CD Tracks:
01. Alex Flatner & Blue Amazon – See You Next Saturday
02. Chris Venola – Spacedoma
03. SLOK – Life Arise
04. Junk Yard Rhythm Section – Louisiana Hayride
05. Kotelett & Zadak – Fatboy Thin
06. George Morel – The Chase
07. Hermanez – Ginder
08. IOAKIM SAYZ – Joker
09. David Jach – Somewhere feat. Cari Golden
10. LOPAZZ & Casio Casino – Three-O-three
11. Warren Fellow – Reflexion
12. Patrick Podage – Don’t Know My Style
13. Julian Ganzer – Back2Back
14. Erhan Kesen – Secret Lover
Digital Bonus Tracks:
15. Der Effekt feat. Mehrklang – Solo Man
16. martínek – Get Right
17. Jadele – Myriad
18. Pav Parrotte – Sodium Channel