Leisure System return to Glasgow bringing a suitably heavy lineup for the occasion, with DJ sets from Hemlock Recordings boss Untold and Ostgut Ton / Leisure System resident Barker to boot. And for the main event they’ve also invited a true innovator in electronic music, the mighty Clark and with him the challenge of shoehorning his enormous live show into our intimate venue.
Leisure System itself is a renowned record label based in Berlin, Germany. Originally an event promoter and web-radio host, back in 2011 Leisure System decided to open a label division, starting with this 12″ EP from Russian artist Pixelord.
The label’s output is described in a tagline as “modern electronic music for dancing”, and explained in more details in the description of the first release: “Leisure System Record’s first release is a clear statement about the label’s simple, but nonetheless distinct commitment: To be a platform for timeless dance music in the folds of house, techno and electronica, disregarding media-hype and genre borders. Music that is thrilling and soulful.”
But as wide ranging and experimental as they may be, the Leisure System crew are ravers at heart. A cornerstone of the label is JETS, Machinedrum’s giddy production duo with Jimmy Edgar. For example they’ve always had a soft spot for Disclosure, who have played for them twice downstairs at Berghain.
The men behind the label invited us up the road for some after hours listening…
Robag Wruhme – Colby Nekk (Ned)
Proper chunky weird sorta electronic house from Robag. I like this for super late night when people can only dance slow.
Aphex Twin – Tha (Ned)
It’s an obvious one, but it still gets me every time I hear it. It’s otherworldly and when a bit zozzled after a good party it always teleports me to a lovely place.
DJ Slugo – Wouldn’t You Like To Be A Hoe Too (Michail)
I like my after parties 130BPM+++ and this one is a firestarter. Bit of a pity though that younger audiences are quickly overwhelmed with some of the faster Dance Mania stuff – dancefloors are just too comfortable nowadays!
Otto von Schirach – Teabagging the Dead (Michail)
Every party needs death metal kick drums and Otto’s “shake your booty on the dance floor“ vocals over vomit sounds made into basslines.
Hubie Davison – Mannequin Move (Aaron)
This was one of the last tracks added onto Hubie Davison’s debut I Won’t Be There release on Leisure System. It just has a really nice combination of melody and subdued energy, very much of a piece with the rest of the EP which as a whole is one of my go-to afterparty choices
Erykah Badu – My People (Aaron)
Playing this at an afterparty is risky depending on people’s moods – they might eat up the groove or alternately get completely spun-out by the mix. With surprisingly vicious sub-bass and psychedelic accents spinning over repetitions of “Hold on, my people,” it’s a highlight of Ms. Badu’s generally badass Afro-futurist manifesto New Amerykah Part 1.
LL Cool J – I Need Love (Sam)
Because everybody enjoys hearing raw feelings, laid down over a slick R&B beat.
Riskay – Smell Yo Dick (Sam)
Nothing gets past Riskay. I love her no-bullshit attitude.
Anything by Bjork is great when you really want people to go home! (Sam)
Kamixlo – Paleta (Peter)
Such a rowdy banger, perfect to get things poppin’ at an afterparty.
Sharp Veins – Missing Sun (Peter)
Also always gets hands in the air when it comes on
Ahead of his set in with Untold and Clark, Barker unearths an hour of twisted techno recorded live at Leisure System. Listen up…
The best experiences don’t happen without breaking a little sweat, so use your perspirationally beaded head and get an advance ticket quick smart and stylish. Advance tickets on sale HERE.
Heads up for the Berliners – Leisure System celebrate their seventh anniversary and 25th party at Berghain / Panorama Bar on July 10th. Dies wird gut sein!