One such mysterious artist, producer (or indeed group of producers) to have surfaced recently is Akkord. With just a Facebook page, a Soundcloud and a Tumblr, Akkord’s presence is minimal. Just three tracks have surfaced thus far, and so far support has largely (almost suspiciously!) come from Synkro, Indigo and their cohorts in Manchester. Based on that fact alone, it’s almost certain that Akkord is set for a rather large 2012.

The recent appearance of an “Akkord.001″ announcement has caught my ear, and I expect will most certainly strike a chord with a number of others. Due soon on limited white 12″ vinyl, I presume this one will be the first big excitement of 2012, and no doubt pave the way for numerous other releases.

Δkkord.001 by Δkkord

Hearing Synkro and Indigo talk about their forthcoming night “11/11/11″, both in person and via email has made it very clear that this is not just another clubnight. This is something so much deeper. Not deeper in the musical sense, but deeper in that it represents their passion.

A few years back both Synkro and Indigo were invited to do a show at a place called Rascals in Bangor. It was hosted by Locked Soundsystem, who subsequently kept up connections with the duo, and had them back to play a venue called Hendre Hall. On their return, they fell in love with the place and since then have been itching to put on an event there. There had been talks for some time, and Liam was keen to take advantage of the importance of the 11/11/11 date, so with a few phone calls the date and timing worked out perfectly.

The first Mindset event was scheduled, and one with an incredible, unique venue. Somewhere outwith the saturation and confines of the noisy city. Somewhere people could let loose. Only a couple of hours from Manchester, yet out in a beautiful part of Wales. Miles apart.

“Formerly a Victorian farmyard built in 1860 by the Lord Penryn of the Penryn estate, many of Hendre Hall’s features are still present today, however without the dedication and determination of Hendre Hall’s owners, the Innes Family, the exquisite stonework and workmanship would still be in a state of disrepair and serious neglect. The Innes family lovingly and sympathetically restored Hendre Hall to its former glory and it is now considered to be the finest and best preserved Victorian farm building in North Wales.”

Liam states:

We are taking a massive risk here, but that makes it far more worthwhile.”

He goes on to explain some motivation:

I have personally lost all faith in clubs and ‘clubbing’… The people it attracts (sometimes the lack of), the engineers that work there, the soundsystems, excessive alcohol, shit and fiendish drugs that have no effect on your consciousness and only on strengthening the ego. No soul, no love.”

Clearly, with the night, they’re hoping to push some of the love back in to the music. I for one, could not agree more. I asked Liam about his aims for the night, the possible point he’s trying to make, if any:

Everyone is welcome to take their own meaning, point or statement from the night but from our perspective it’s a celebration of life and purpose.”

This becomes abundantly clear as he continues:

Nothing is random. Order IS. The world and our lives are full of signs and symbols. These signs and symbols have followed myself and many people around for a very long time. Seeing these repeatedly to the point where I began to seek understanding and wonder about the meaning of it, led me to consider the reality of my true nature and discuss these things with other people: we are spirit having a human experience, and to consciously participate in our own and others evolution. We are a lot more powerful than we are led to believe.

We are energy. Numbers and sequences of numbers have an energetic quality and essence, like music or sounds – all of which are vibration; which when organized and coherent are beautiful and transmit meaning through experience and through content / information. This information comes directly through the “melody” of such “music” and also our cells receive overtones we cannot even comprehend with our physical senses. We internalise the intelligence and structure of this energetic transmission holographically.

1 is a magical number: A number of wholeness, unity, and new beginnings. 1 tends to primarily be associated with pure, positive energy… Consider what 111111 means in terms of the amplification of this energy. These energetic structures communicate directly to our DNA. We have been manipulated for a very long time, through TV, Films, food and a mass of other means to dumb us down, so we don’t question. This is to keep the structures in place, without us knowing. I can prove to you now that this is in place. There is a fear-mongering film “11-11-11″ which is out on the same date to throw off and distract as many people as possible. Trying to flood fear, hatred and negativity through our minds at a very significant and powerful time.

I would love to head towards expanded consciousness and the creation of a civilization based on unity and love, 11/11/11 cannot help but create within us an anticipation of an enormously powerful point at which our cultural and energetic templates may jump to new, more expansive and love filled versions… Literal tipping points in reality. Things are changing dramatically, you can see it for yourself all around us. People are waking up, as it has been anticipated for thousands of years, at this exact time.

Each time you, or any other consciously raises their awareness to a more loving, accepting, grateful frequency you transform an aspect that is causing the global pain. When more awaken to vibrate a pure clear frequency of love, joy and appreciation there is transformation in the dense vibrations of hatred, fear and judgment. There will be a shift in the global and universal pain.

We are creating a new beginning right here, together. Awareness is collective; we all draw from a common unified field. The direction of life is flowing from duality toward Unity and Wholeness. The key is to be aware what direction you’re looking in, what you are thinking about and thereby creating.

At this intersection of the known and the unknown, is the essence of every NOW. As you evolve so does the Universe evolve. As we identify more and more with our collective awareness we move increasingly into freedom. Love. The more you act knowing your influence, your “song” is heard everywhere and affects everything, the more alignment, inspiration and ease you experience. Ironic but true. Your own vibration, the geometry and sensibility of your “song” and how you choose to focus it have more impact on this day than you may realise. Claim what is yours to create and be unique.

To welcome the energy to transform in this powerful time is what is important. Begin by loving and honoring yourself. Then love and honor others. Something amazing is taking place that we are an important part of. I think we are in a time where we will discover something beautiful about ourselves, which has been hidden. All of this could be the start of something entirely new. Bringing a mass of people with this in mind could create something that is extremely effective in this time. To feel whole and connected with the people 11/11/11 attracts is what we would like to achieve.”

So there you have it. I suggest you give that another read and really digest the words and meaning. It may seem like a lot to take in, but there’s truth and passion in what Liam explains.

It’s something that fills me with excitement and really, something i’d like to see more people talking about.

Reeling this in for a minute to the night specifically, I wondered if there were plans or discussions to follow up the event, after all – if it’s a success, then why not continue to promote this culture?

Liam says:

New Year’s Eve might be on the cards depending on how this one goes. I would like to bring people together as often as possible.”

Bringing people together is a major part of the night, and evidence of that alone is seen with the lineup. Everyone involved being connected in some way. Whether it’s Synkro, Stray, Mode, Consequence (who’s celebrating his album launch at the night) and Indigo all releasing on Dbridge’s Exit label, or AnD, Versa, Troy Gunner, Eleven8 and Until Silence all having releases on Mindset.

Liam explains:

Illum Sphere (+the special guests) & PYC collective are long time friends and some of the most down to earth, passionate and honest people I know.”

It’s clear that a great deal of love has gone in to putting this night on, and making sure that it’s something worth remembering. For me, it’s exciting just writing about the possibilities it could open up.

Here is all the information on the night. If there’s one night i recommend you go to this year, this would be it.

Event page on Facebook

Mindset

Based out of Leeds, these guys are making serious moves right now, and if you’ve not heard their output, then now is as good a time to check them out as any. They’ve just dropped their new single “Always” on a rather keen fan base complete with remixes from Manchester bass-peddler Synkro, and Oxford producer Laxx.

I’m struggling to decide on the pick of these three. The original cut is a delight for sure, but Synkro spreads some trademark intricacy, vocal snippage and synthy-emotion on his reworking, while Laxx seems to take the whole thing in a really nice 4-4 driven modern dub style.

I’ll let you be the judge – check the EP out on iTunes now.

And please, dear people, go and check them out live. It’s a great way to support the musicians, and I guarantee you’ll enjoy it!

October tour:
3rd – Manchester – The Ritz
5th – Huddersfield – Bar 1:22
6th – TBC
7th – Coventry – Warwick Arts
11th – Oxford – O2 Academy
12th – Birmingham – O2 Academy
13th – Leeds – The Wardrobe
15th – Brighton – Coalition
18th – Southampton – Joiners
20th – Guildford – The Boileroom
21st – Bristol – The Thekla
22nd – Nottingham – Stealth
26th – Wroclaw – Firiej
27th – Warsaw – Fabryka Trzciny
28th – Poznan – SQ Klub
30th – Katowice – Jazz Club Hipnoza
31st – London

Seen them live? Feeling the tunes? Want to submit your own opinion? Why not comment below and let me know…

Showcasing a healthy selection of uptempo, melodic, deep and minimal drum & bass styled numbers from their own catalogue, plus work from Hatti Vatti, Akkord, dBridge, Biome and ASC this is not a mix to be slept on.

Perfect for the mp3 player – or if you’re like me – great for whacking on at work to up productivity. Not only that, but a pretty inspirational selection of tracks that makes me want to head home and fire up Ableton immediately.

Head on over to Organic Beats to read the interview, and check the mix.

Alternatively, stream it below…

Synkro & Indigo Organic Guest Mix by Organic

Save me writing an essay on how good this is, and listen below. The sound will do it far more justice than my words will.

Synkro – RED006 by Pushing Red

This one dropped May 23rd in all good stores.

Fear not however, Mindset is back after a short haitus with release number 8. And it’s a belter.

Synkro once again delivers an aural delicacy in the form of this three track EP. All a quivver with lush atmospherics, vocal snippets, tightly sequenced micro-beats and that self-respecting blissed-out vibe that our Joe is so highly lauded for.

What more could you ask for really? I for one am glad that we’re seeing new material from the Mindset boys (can you tell?) and not only that but they’ve adorned themselves with some sick visuals too. I’m a sucker for that new logo!

The release date is to be confirmed on this one, but rest assured you’ll be able to pick this up on 12″ and digital soon enough, and I guarantee it’ll still sound as fresh as it does right now.