Tsuba End Of Year Interview - Spencer Parker /

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Highlights of 2011?
 
On the production side of things, i would have to say that finally releasing my debut album and the reaction and support it garnered was definitely a  highlight. On the djing side of things - being asked to play the closing sunday set in Panorama Bar one wintry evening in october was pretty much a dream come true, albeit a 7 hour long dream  : )

What artists do you tip for great things next year?
 
Nyra - His debut ep on new label Never Learnt is insanely good ! during the last Rekids party i played with Radio Slave, i played one track and he played a different track (twice!!!)  - so that should give you some idea of just how dope it is.

Italo Johnson - This trio of berlin based uber-producers are not only responsible for 4 of this years greatest vinyl only releases but stupidly good dj's too.  In an era where production hype often overshadows djing prowess - these guys are the real deal ie - amazing dj's (but who can produce too !)

Behzad - Phenomenally talented French producer and live act that turns out the sort of quality techno you would expect to hear from Jerome Sydenham, Shed or Sandwell District. And yes, he IS that good !

Dana Ruh - Criminally underrated dj and producer that is surely due her well deserved props in 2012. i've seen her completely destroy way too many clubs to mention and her work on labels such as Buzzin' Fly and Ost Gut Ton always finds its way into the record boxes of the underground's finest dj's.

Boris - This Berghain resident doesn't produce (although im sure that may change soon) and so has built his reputation solely on his dj skills, a rare thing nowadays. But if you want a real lesson in everything from disco to house to classics to proper techno then you simply have to check out one of his legendary sets. Quite simply one of the best dj's i've ever seen or had the pleasure to play alongside. And i've seen or played alongside a LOT of dj's !

What's coming up for you in 2012?
 
More of the same really  - more planes, more trains, more aeroplanes. More gigs, and more releases on labels like Rekids, Cabin Fever, Ovum and even (i hope) Tsuba !
: )

Top 5 tunes of 2011 with a line about each?

In no particular order we have (drumroll).......

Levon Vincent "Man Or Mistress" Novel Sound

I'll never forget just how crazy an extremely full Rex club, in Paris, went to this record when i played it there this summer. Love it !

Stablo "Stablo 9996" Stablo

"9996" is a great opening record and i was lucky enough to get an early copy of this bomb before the vinyl even hit the shops, so I used it to start my set at  Womb in Tokyo, and the reaction was everything i'd hoped for and more. I would have to say that the whole Stablo series and the concept behind it has really been one of my musical highlights, this year.

 Ryan Elliot "steady rockin'/rock steady" ost gut ton

And speaking of Ryan Elliot... This ep is simply 2 perfectly executed house/techno hybrids that haven't left my box since the day i got them. Exactly the type of house i love to play.  I'm so happy that there are still some producers putting out quality, functional club tracks that you can actually DANCE to, when so many seem intent on making bullshit, wannabe candy-pop, r "n" b infused "house" that's only good for vaguely swaying along to while wearing a vest.  There. I said it. ; )

Larry Heard "winterflower" rebirth

I tend to never believe anyone nowadays when they say they make/play "deep house", but i was very pleased to see Mr Fingers pop up, to show the pretenders to the throne who was really king, this year.

Unknown "Late At Night" ItsNotOver001
Speaking of Tokyo, i picked up this mysterious white label test pressing there from the excellent Disk Union store. No info at all, just 2 tracks that sound like Omar S trapped in a lift with Carl Craig and Ryan Elliot. The only other person i've heard play it is Zip and he said he had no idea who it was either !?!?!

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