Teklife

Following up his magical singles Rupees, Las-Vegas by way of Chicago underdog DJ Lucky brings us his debut album Triple 7. Featuring fellow colleagues such as DJ Manny, Taso, and Weezy, this LP compiles work from a rather undocumented member of the Teklife family. These 10 tracks are pure modern footwork tailor-made for the dancers, but with tons of rave-friendly sonics in-between. 

Opening things up with the ethereal DJ Manny collaboration War, Lucky sets the tone for the rest of the album with its thick, moody atmosphere. At times the vibe here is soulful, other times it’s eerie, often it’s all of the above. There’s rolling jungle breaks with a hip-hop lean on tracks like G.B.G.W., and there’s lots of sinister battle dramatics like those on Hit Da Flo. The synth work is masterfully crafted throughout the album, with lots of trance-inducing arpeggios like those on GAWD, and of course the drums are relentless, with huge swooshing snares bombarding your ears on Lost Without U. It’s a perfect soup pot of the emotions that make footwork great: dark and intimidating, yet full of passion. 

Triple 7  is a great introduction to a member of the footwork community that some fans might have slept on. Lucky grew up in the culture both making music and dancing, and this album proves how crucial his sound is to the art form. It’s uncut floor burning music sure enough to cause lots of trouble in the circle and beyond.

Tracklisting:
1. War
2. G.B.G.W
3. Your Emotions
4. Spazz Out
5. Hit Da Flo
6. Lost Without U
7. 1366
8. GAWD
9. Trance
10. Demon Time

Free Download of the song 'Ghost Out' for all orders!

Vinyl + T-Shirt Bundles Available: 
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Greenlight by DJ Manny is the fifth release from TEKLIFE Records.

This 10 track LP is a masterclass in footwork production by one of TEKLIFE's leading figures. Born and raised in Harvey on the South-Side of Chicago, DJ Manny has been footworking since the age of ten. The Footwork sound has developed in unison with the dance style that accompanies it, and Manny embodies this synergy.

DJ Manny is without doubt one of the best dancers on the scene, harnessing control, grace and power in every movement. So when he steps into the studio,he knows instinctively how to create tracks that make you want to move your feet. Instead of relying on chopped up samples, DJ Manny is more inclined to pickup the microphone himself, and this gives Greenlight an original and individual personality. On the opening track titled Way you Move, his flow is soulful and almost verging on melodic. His laid back drawl sounds equally great on club bangers like Life in This Bitch and If U Want It.

As a young man, DJ Manny was the protégé of the late great DJ Rashad, and Rashad's influence reverberates through classic - sounding footwork tracks like Boop Me Down and I'll Hurt Ya Baby. Elsewhere on Greenlight, DJ Manny explores different moods to great effect. Ghost Out is atmospheric and menacing, with a sparse, minimal rhythm and fearsome low end pulsing through siren synths. Life In This Bitch is a defiant statement of self-affirmation, and Zancrash feat.

DJ Taye is uplifting and dreamy, with complex rhythmic patterns evocative of vintage jungle records. DJ Taye makes a significant contribution to this record, collaborating with DJ Manny on 5 productions including the title track.

A fellow TEKLIFE squad member, Taye is a highly accomplished producer in his own right; Expect to hear more from him very soon on HYPERDUB Records.

Greenlight also features guest appearances from DJ Lucky, DJ Chap and Sucia.

Tracklisting:
Side A:
1. Way You Move Featuring Dj Chap
2. You Looking Good Featuring Sucia
3. Like That
4. Zancrash Featuring Dj Taye
5. Boop Me Down Featuring Dj Lucky

Side B:
1. Ghost Out
2. I'll Hurt Ya Baby Featuring Dj Lucky And Dj Taye
3. Life In This Bitch Featuring Dj Taye
4. If U Want It Featuring Dj Taye
5. Greenlight (Wanna Go) Featuring Dj Taye

PLEASE NOTE ALL LPs COME WITH A DOWNLOAD CARD

340 page softcover. 802 photographs. 8.5” x 11.5” (216 x 279mm). Hand-numbered and signed edition of 250. Includes stickers, signed print, and inserts.

Ashes57 marks the 5th anniversary of DJ Rashad’s untimely passing in a heavyweight book of photos of the late, great footwork pioneer and friends, taken from tours and shows between 2011 and 2014.

Known for a larger than life personality that blazed through both in his productions and in person, DJ Rashad was among the South Chicago spearheads who morphed Juke, an accelerated form of ghetto house, into the hi-tek style of footwork during the first decade of the 2000s.

His legacy lives on in the styles of myriad footwork producers nowadays, as well as through the Teklife label he established with the US Footwork cognoscenti, and now in this lovingly curated book of photographs by his peer and friend Ashes57.

The book chronologically documents Ashes57 and Rashad’s time together at shows and on the road, with written reflections by the photographer accompanied and illustrated by images shot in both colour and black & white in her characteristic, candid and gonzo style that catches the energy of his shows and the artist in person. It’s evidently a fine tribute to a hugely important and sadly departed figurehead of modern club music.

The 8 track album features new collaborations with DJ Phil, Gantman, DJ Paypal, and Sirr Tmo, and a previously unreleased classic from 2013, co-written with DJ Rashad. WFM will be available in Vinyl and digital formats on September 7th 2018.

Listening to WFM, the first thing that jumps out at you is Heavee's masterful use of synthesizers and sound design. You get the sense that these elements have been lovingly crafted during countless hours of sonic experimentation and invention in the studio.

As Heavee explains, the primary focus on synths represents a departure from his usual creative process: 'Usually in my method of production, synths or sounds come somewhat close to last, likely after I find structure or rhythm. Basically, it's not something I particularly go for first, but this time around they became the building blocks'.

Heavee has made a conscious decision to challenge himself, adopting a different approach to his past productions. In doing so, he moves away from the familiar sampling techniques which characterised his earlier work: 'I am a child of the last days of ghetto house culture as it shifted into juke/footwork. My parents, aunties, and uncles played house and ghetto house music at family functions, BBQs and house parties. That's my roots and where I came from.

However, on this record, I chose to stray away from vocal samples, to give myself room to grow in different areas.' Heavee finds his voice in emphatic fashion on Cloud Ride feat. DJ Phil. His lyrical content and flow are on point as the track flips seamlessly from hip hop to footwork and back again. DJ Phil features on 3 tracks in total, a reflection of Heavee and Phil's close friendship and musical connection.

As Heavee explains: 'Phil's studio is a safe space for me. Whether he is in the room or not, I don't feel weird about trying something that might be silly, taking it to the next level, or coming from a place of pure inspiration. Phil has historical, musical and cultural knowledge relevant to Chicago.

He shares a lot of invaluable knowledge with me' WFM features It's Wack a classic collaboration with DJ Rashad that still sounds fresh today. Heavee remembers how Rashad would always stay connected, even during his relentless touring schedule: 'We'd get calls no matter where he was. We would talk about everything!

He ALWAYS had new info; what new music was popping, scenes that were really accepting or supportive of what we were doing, blends that made the party go off, sites, adventures and just fuel us with support from him and give us living proof of the global support that was to come and the journey that was ahead of us.' Although Heavee makes music with the dancefloor firmly in mind, the sheer quality of his music transcends that space.

So sit back and enjoy the next chapter in the Teklife story. All that remains is for Heavee to sign out with a message for the worldwide Teklife family: 'First, Thank you to everyone who supports what I do as an Individual, and Teklife Music as an entirety. You don't understand how much your support means to us, it literally keeps us moving.

The takeover is far from over! Second, thank you to everyone involved in this project, I couldn't have made it without you. This process taught me so much about what it takes to become the person you want to be. It starts inside of you, and you have to really work for it, you can't wait and wonder. I feel beyond blessed to present this gift to the world, walking this journey of self -discovery through music with you!!!'


Tracklisting:
1. WFM - Gant-Man, DJ Paypal, DJ Phil, Sirr Tmo HEAVEE
2. Move Back - DJ Phil, HEAVEE
3. It's Wack - DJ Rashad, HEAVEE
4. Big Body Bass - HEAVEE
5. Cloud Ride - Dj Phil, HEAVEE
6. What U Waiting For - Sirr Tmo, HEAVEE
7. So High - DJ Paypal, HEAVEE
8. Scream at Me - Gant-Man, DJ Paypal, Sirr Tmo HEAVEE

Release Date: 07/09/2018

Release Date: 08/01/2021

Montreal-based producer & DJ Slick Shoota brings us Function, his debut LP and first solo release on the Teklife imprint. A native of Norway known for his renowned Oslo club night Ball Em Up, he's been a member of the elite crew since 2015, contributing tracks to the label's compilations such as On Life Vol. 2 and VIP Trax.

Using a unique palate that combines both traditional footwork drums and eclectic otherworld sonics, this album expands on the signature sound he's been brewing during the course of his career, celebrating his longtime love of the Chicago soundscape, with a healthy helping of UK rave, jungle, and vibes from other fast paced club realms. Slick starts the record off with Hovercraft, a big burly mutant rap beat riding a glowing titanic wave of jungle subbass, with vicious hi-hats stabbing through the mix.

Desire Path follows with hysterical horns cruising along a stampede of erratic Chicago percussion. A glitchy, malfunctioning computer meets drumline stomps on See Me Flex, resulting in a psychotic, yet psychedelic sci-fi soundscape.

Ultra-distorted hardcore kicks open up Jellyneck, dropping straight into a dungeon of ghostly vocals and headlong toms. Warehouse 2K opens up the B-side with R&B chops and lasers floating on a charming cloud of pulsating pads. Mad doppler sirens loop around your head on Delahaze, as distant clangs and crashes fight an impatient, throbbing bassline.

Classic rave atmospheres are met with Slick's elegant sound design on MTL Hardcore, his ode to his adoptive city. The album closes off with Special Tek, channeling the signature quirky drum sounds of the late DJ Rashad over a pounding, fast paced house beat, a wonderful nod to the Windy City and its influential sonic culture.

Carving out his own sound from the legacies of Chicago, the UK, and other underground club hotspots, Slick Shoota has found his own recognizable voice within these realms of dance music, and this LP serves as documentation of that solidified voice. Years of studying the masters and immersing himself with their work has clearly paid off, and he's respectfully taking these sounds he loves in exciting new directions.

Bridging gaps both historical and geographical, Function marks a pivotal point in his career, and is clear evidence that Slick Shoota is vital member of the legendary Teklife family.

Tracklisting:
Side A
1. Hovercraft
2. Desire Path 
3. See Me Flex
4. Jellyneck 

Side B
5. Warehouse 2k
6. Delahaze 
7. Mtl Hardcore 
8. Special Tek

Teklife Records are ready to drop their third release: New Start by Taso. The 7 track LP features collaborations with DJ Rashad & DJ Spinn, Gant-Man, DJ Tre, DJ Manny, DJ Taye and DJ Earl. New Start follows on from a highly coveted vinyl edition, critical acclaim and strong DJ Support for Open Your Eyes by DJ Earl.

Once again, the spirit of collaboration is a key element: Teklife is a closely connected group of friends, working together harmoniously, and pushing each other to greater heights and depths through a shared love of footwork music. Smoke Dat Green, Taso's collaboration with DJ Earl, was featured on Open Your Eyes, and now Taso himself takes centre stage for the next instalment, presenting unreleased classics alongside brand new footwork sounds.

An accomplished DJ and MC, Taso frequently appears alongside Spinn at Teklife showcases all over the world. But despite a busy touring schedule, Taso never stops making beats. A multi-instrumentalist with a degree in audio engineering, Taso fuses raw musical talent with technical expertise. Since January this year, he has released an impressive 8 volumes of the Cold Heat EP series, bringing together a whole range of musical styles and moods through his MPC at 160 BPM.

This versatility and willingness to draw inspiration from different sources is evident throughout the New Start LP. The title track is sultry and soulful, with Rashad and Spinn's masterful influence clearly present. Don't Get Mad provides a stark contrast: a dancefloor-orientated hype track featuring an on point vocal by Gant-Man. Bussin featuring DJ Manny and DJ Tre sounds like a love letter from footwork to jungle music.

Over on the flip side, we start off with AM Track: another beautifully crafted classic featuring DJ Rashad and Dj Spinn. In the Green Room featuring Dj Taye is a muscular, speaker-rattling West Coast jam, and Murda Bass takes its cue from golden era UK Dubstep. The heavily - filtered final notes of De Capo Al Coda featuring DJ Earl round off a diverse but consistently high quality outing from Taso and the Teklife family.

Message from Taso: 'Thank you and much respect for supporting Teklife music. Without you there is no us. This record is dedicated to DJ Rashad and his family.'

Tracklisting:
1. New Start (Featuring DJ RASHAD, DJ SPINN, TASO)
2. Don't Get Mad (Featuring GANT-MAN)
3. Bussin (Featuring DJ MANNY, DJ TRE)
4. AM TRACK (Featuring DJ RASHAD, DJ SPINN)
5. In The Green Room (Featuring DJ TAYE)
6. Murda Bass
7. da Capo al Coda (Featuring DJ EARL)

A leading figure and respected elder in the Teklife family, Traxman has waited patiently while releases from young upstarts like Taso and Dj Earl have been enjoyed by footwork lovers all over the world.

Now the time has come for Traxman to take centre stage, presenting a collection of new material that demonstrates his mastery of the footwork sound. Tekvision arrives hot on the heels of Teklife 005: Greenlight by DJ Manny, bringing an interesting contrast of production methods and styles.

A prodigious crate digger, Traxman has provided the sample sources for many of Footwork's classic tracks over the years. So while DJ Manny recorded the majority of the vocals on Greenlight himself, Traxman uses his expert sample flipping techniques to add the human element to his productions.

Traxman is a mainstay of the Chicago underground, with a discography stretching back to the golden era of Dance Mania Records in the 1990s. Ghetto House was an important precursor to Footwork, and Traxman was a key figure during this transition. Echoes of the Ghetto House sound resonate through Tekvision, with tracks like Drop It Down and Twist The Party Out paying homage to the origins of Juke and Footwork music.

Be Gagen feat DJ Earl is a beautiful opening track, with a soulful, melancholic synth unfolding patiently over a half-speed beat. When the bass kicks in after 1 minute 10 seconds it has a profoundly uplifting effect, and the late arriving vocal rounds off the composition perfectly.

Many of the tracks demonstrate brilliant and playful manipulation of vocal snippets, with Let Me Get Up and Control Ya Bitchezzz among the finest examples of this art. Finally,Tone Deaf and Whop Line show yet another side to Traxman's sound with an intoxicating and angular mix of bass and bleeps.

Tracklisting:
Side A:
1. Be Gagen (Feat DJ Earl)
2. Drop It Down
3. Control Ya Bitchezzz
4. Gone Girl

Side B:
1. Tone Deaf
2. Let Me Get Up
3. Twist Da Party Out
4. Whop Line

Release Date: 03/11/2017