Plus 8 Tribute Part 1: Dubfire, Tiga, Umek, Pete Tong

Plus 8 Tribute Part 1: Dubfire, Tiga, Umek, Pete Tong

19 August, 2010 | 8.50AM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News: john acquaviva, pete tong, plastikman, plus 8, tiga, umek

Twenty years ago, Richie Hawtin and John Acquaviva launched Plus 8 Records, a scrappy little label from Windsor, Ontario that would go on to become one of techno’s most iconic imprints.

In the label’s first year alone, it released now-classic material from States of Mind (Acquaviva and Hawtin), Kenny Larkin, Cybersonik (Acquaviva, Hawtin, and Daniel ”DBX” Bell), F.U.S.E. (Hawtin), and the Dutch producer Speedy J, and throughout the ‘90s, Plus 8 kept innovating, release after uncompromising release. And of course, we can’t forget about Hawtin’s Plastikman project, the label’s most famous alumnus, which returned from a lengthy hiatus this year for a spectacular world tour.

Long unavailable digitally, much of Plus 8’s back catalog has been trickling into Beatport over the past couple of months, and it sounds as relevant now as it did then. From now through August 26, 2010, get 20% off the entire Plus 8 Records catalog. Click here for the coupon code and instructions on how to use it.

To celebrate Plus 8’s 20th anniversary, we asked a handful of producers to share their favorite memories of the label. Our first installment features Dubfire, Tiga, Umek, and Pete Tong—plus gas masks, chemical suits, and condoms. Read on to check it out.

Dubfire

I vaguely remember calling the number printed on the label and was surprised that it was Rich who answered the phone. I had been transfixed by the sheer quality of releases up to that point, not to mention the distinctive label art. I thought the records were from Detroit, but they hailed from Windsor and beyond. And since then an incredible amount of gifted producers have emerged from that region. There must have been something in the water! Happy anniversary Rich, John and all the Plus 8 artists!

States of Mind, ‘Elements of Tone’ (1990)

Tiga

In 1992, I was 18. I was also wearing a homemade gas mask and a German chemical suit. And I went out dancing, to the club that started it all for me: CRISCO in Montreal.

We were fed a steady diet of house, but I wanted techno. I put up with it, knowing my time would come and one day I would crush them all under my rave-boot. I was militant. Then one night, as I was dancing away on my podium to Robert Owens’ ‘I’ll Be Your Friend’, three guys stepped out of the darkness onto a little stage, and without warning they changed my life.

Dan Bell, John Aquaviva, and Richie Hawtin had loaded their gear up in a car and driven to Montreal, and I was soon witnessing Cybersonik live (I think). After seeing this kid going mental in front of them all night, they kindly gave me three white labels (which I still have on my wall) and some +8 condoms. I don’t think I was ever that happy to be handed a condom by somebody named John. It changed my life, and I’m still living the dream. Thanks, +8!

Cybersonik, ‘Technarchy’ (1990)

Umek

I was just a young boy when the label started releasing music, but the lasting impression tracks such as Cybersonic’s ‘Technarchy’, F.U.S.E.’s ‘F.U.’, and Final Exposure’s ‘Vortex’ have left on me has, in many ways, heavily influenced the way I (and countless others) perceive techno. A pioneering, consistent and legendary imprint that is as just as relevant and important today as it was all those years ago!! Here is to the next 20!!

Final Exposure, ‘Vortex’ (1991)

Pete Tong

I think when I heard the very first release, States of Mind’s ‘Elements of Tone’ (PLUS8001), I knew that this was going to be a very special label.  One that you would collect and trust to keep delivering unique and groundbreaking music. Its also a testament to Richie that this record still sounds contemporary today 20 years later. I need to play this out again!!

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