Weekend Weapons…John Digweed

Weekend Weapons…John Digweed

13 October, 2009 | 7.28AM

• Written by: Zack Rico
• Filed under: Music News: bedrock records

John Digweed is an expert of the long game; a wise journeyman. Famed for his dynamic and escalating DJ sets that develop subtly over many hours, the British jock has led the dark electronic house movement since its very inception.

Never one to rest at the top, this week sees the release of Digweed’s annual mix compilation from his respected label Bedrock Records, which has had a remarkable 12 months of big releases.

“We are on a bit of a roll at the moment,” says Digweed, who managed to secure 28 exclusive tracks (available as individual downloads) for ‘Bedrock Eleven’, from the likes of Spooky (back in the progressive house limelight after what seems like an eon), Christian Smith & John Selway, Santos, Marc Marzenit, Rowdent (aka Rowan Blades and Dennis White), Peter Heller, and others.

“There has been a lot of interest from people wanting to hear this compilation as it’s all pretty much unreleased material, and for around £12 [14€] this is a great value for money album,” says John, who mixed the tracks into two twisted and thoughtful journeys, that also appear as part 1 and 2 on a traditional mix CD.

To support the release, Digweed has commissioned an interactive digital sleeve for the compilation. “I believe we are one the first dance labels to do something along these lines and I think it’s a great step forward in bringing some of the design aspect back to the music. Most download albums only offer a little jpeg of the artwork,” says the Bedrock boss.

The interactive sleeve, designed by Andre Kreft in The Netherlands, includes biographies of each artist included on ‘Bedrock Eleven’, as well as audio clips and images.

It creates a compelling and educational multimedia montage that plays to digital’s strengths, and it brings a sense of purpose to the release. The free separate download hints at a possible future for digital album cover art.

With Bedrock having had a magnificent year, and John Digweed’s record box brimming with exclusive tracks from the compilation, we begged the Bedrock boss to reveal some of his current Weekend Weapons. He gave us eight, because as always with Digweed, some of them are unreleased.

John Digweed’s Weekend Weapons

Local Daddies ‘Sjeesh’ (Applescal’s New Perception Mix)

This sounds like a rougher and tougher Underworld. I heard Danny Howells play this and I had to find out what it was called. It’s a real crowd pleaser.

Alan Fitzpatrick ‘Reflections’

Alan has had a great year and this track shows that he can deliver a great piece of uplifting techno alongside his tougher tracks. This record never fails to put a smile on faces.

Timo Maas ‘Bite The Dust’

Timo gave this to me at the start of the summer and it has been a mainstay in my set ever since, He is really back on form with his productions, and Nick and myself were lucky enough to get to remix this for him as well.

Oxia ‘Whole life’

I really love the way the vocal is used on this track. It’s got a great rolling groove and hypnotic vox that just seem to trip you out - it’s very infectious.

Vince Watson ‘A Very Different World’ (Funk D’Void Epic Mix)

What can I say, this is the sort of record that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Lars has really delivered a truly great remix - search this one out and you will not be disappointed.

Hell + Pommer ‘Freak It’

Hell and Prommer turn out a wicked trippy house track that breaks down into a ‘French Kiss’ style riff that really takes the roof off.

The Spencer Parker remix is also getting some heavy rotation.

Steve Parker ‘Mexilhão’ (Alan Fitzpatrick Remix)

This is proper heads down driving evil house music for dark rooms with big soundsystems.

I would recommended not being left by yourself while listening to this.

Abe Duque ‘Hypocricy’ (John Digweed & Nick Muir remix)

I loved the original of this and started my set for ages with it, so I jumped at the chance to get in with Mr. Muir to add our vibe to this great track. It won’t be out for a while yet.

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