Weekend Weapons: Deetron

Weekend Weapons: Deetron

16 November, 2011 | 1.55AM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News: balance, deetron, weekend weapons

The latest mix in the Balance series comes from the esteemed Swiss DJ/producer Deetron. A maker of deep, dramatic house and techno for labels like Music Man, Rebirth, and Joris Voorn and Edwin Oosterwal’s Green and Rejected imprints, Deetron is one of those DJs whose command of the dancefloor is extended by his adventurous selections, authoritative grasp of dance-music history, and a storyteller’s knack for turning a session into something far greater than the sum of its parts. All this makes him a natural fit for the deep-diving Balance series.

We asked Deetron to walk us through some of his favorite selections from the Balance, to be released soon on Beatport; read on for the interview, and don’t miss the ”Balance 020” EP, out now, with four exclusive Deetron cuts, including edits of Romanthony and Radio Slave.

DJ Koze, “The Geklöppel Continues” [Kompakt]

This track is a bit of a secret weapon for me, and it’s travelled with me to all the four corners of the world. I’m in love with the throbbing bassline and the crisp chords, which make for an irresistible groove. My favorite Koze track up until now.

Virgo Four, “It’s a Crime (Caribou Remix)” [Rush Hour]

Everything this man touches turns into gold, whether it be as Caribou or under his Daphni disguise. The remix he made of “It’s a Crime” creates the perfect balance between the beautiful vox of the original, the Poindexter-like hats and the ecstatic acid hook in the breakdown.

Nicolas Jaar, “Space Is Only Noise If You Can See (Dave Aju Remix)” [Circus Company]

Mr. Aju really killed it with this remix; I can’t think of many sets without this tune. The sharp, punchy claps and snare drum instantly reminded me of Throbbing Gristle, which is how I made the connection and came up with the mix with the following track on this list.

Throbbing Gristle, “Hot on the Heels of Love (Ratcliffe Remix)” [Mute]

The original had already been a firm favorite of mine for quite some time when I first heard this simply amazing version by Basement Jaxx’ Ratcliffe. He manages to capture the atmosphere of the original and to lift it to another level with the help of the beautiful pads. The art of remixing in perfection.

Wbeeza, “A116” [Third Ear]

Wbeeza proves that you don’t need much more than a kick drum, hats and a bassline to come up with a great track. It’s certainly a tool track, but with an intelligent and unique twist to it. I feel uneasy without having this track in my box.

Surgeon, “The Crawling Frog Is Torn and Smiles” [Dynamic Tension]

I’m quite obsessed with Surgeon’s productions to be honest. He’s been making some of the most dynamic, hypnotic and forward thinking techno tracks for well over a decade now. This one is certainly no exception as the track is dominated by a hypnotic arpeggiated bleep sound and excellent layered percussion elements. Played at the right time and in the right place this track can be a real mind bender.

Simon Garcia, “Tears in Vain” [Perspectiv]

As you might or might not know, I have a soft spot for basslines, and Simon came up with an exceptionally tasty one in this track. Add a very clever arrangement, spacey trumpet sounds as well as good, old-fashioned 909 hats, and there you go—with one of the best techno tracks this year.

Cosmin TRG, “Fizic” [50 Weapons]

It was quite difficult to make up my mind when I was going through Cosmin’s tracks in order to find a suitable one for the compilation. His tracks are always to the point, really diverse, and extremely energetic. Another firm favorite of mine from his catalogue is his remix for Housemeister—it’s well worth a listen!

Lone, “Coreshine Voodoo” [R&S Records]

I instantly fell in love with the vibraphone-ish sounds in the beginning of the track and the great stabs coming in after the first break. A purveyor of what I would call the new school of rave.

Check Beatport for more recent releases from Deetron, including remixes for Miguel Migs and Versatile’s Roots Panorama. See Deetron’s official Facebook page for tour dates.

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