Tuesday, March 8, 2011

ssg special - ASC


One of the biggest 'finds' for me in 2010 was ASC. This might sound a bit ridiculous, given his extensive discography, and his longstanding involvement in electronic music. But drum & bass was something I never really connected with, so ASC was an artist I just missed. Even when the autonomic sound hit, it largely passed me by.  Much of what autonomic is doing I still haven't fully explored, but it strikes me that a somewhat parallel movement is happening there compared to what Detmmann, Klock and other artists around Berghain did for techno a few years ago (that could be a bad analogy, just an impression from outside). Despite being somewhat distanced from the autonomic sound, I checked ASC's RA mix and his 'Nothing is Certain' LP, and both resonated strongly with me. Present in both of these is the element of ASC's sound that really appeals to me - it has a very powerful atmospheric dimension to it (it is also has a certain beauty, which I love). As I discovered more about ASC, it made sense to me that he has a deep passion for ambient music, reflected through his truly excellent deep space mix series (all are worth checking). Given that much of his production manages to infuse an ambient dimension (or sensibility), I couldn't help but notice that as a DJ he kept these sounds more separate: there are the ASC deep space mixes, and then there are more autonomic-style ones. Here lies the genesis for this mix: we asked ASC for something that would bridge these two sides of him. And ASC proved more than up to the task... Much like his effort for RA, one element that stands out is how well conceived and structured the mix is: there is a clear sense of narrative throughout. Enjoy this mix from ASC, it's a beauty:

ASC - ssg special mix

ASC is one productive individual, with forthcoming releases including (but certainly not limited to) EPs on Auxiliary, Levitated, Nu Directions, and Autonomic. He also has a special new 'Symbol' series on his own label Auxiliary. The 2nd one is a collab with Bvdub and it is great, so keep your eyes out for that. He is playing 31 March at the Forward Festival in Washington DC, and 1 April in Philadelphia. If you want to keep track of what he is doing, easiest is to follow ASC's blog, soundcloud, official.fm page, and his twitter. Big thanks to James for making this mix. Enjoy.

27 comments:

  1. Any chance you can post these sets using a different host? I try and download them straight to my iPhone using the 'Download' app and that Last FM site doesn't support mobile devices which is a bit naff.

    ReplyDelete
  2. James Clements AKA ASC is a specialist producer, missed by the UK shores, America don't know what they've got ... Autonomic sound is here to stay (I sincerely hope) .... this is the sound of now

    ReplyDelete
  3. You guys rock. This guy is an ace. 'Nothing is certain' is a perfect album. I only just got into the autonomic thing after fabriclive.50, but boy am I hooked. :)

    Big thanks for the mix! (and it's in 320!!)

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. outstanding mix! this guy is on another level! looking forward to seeing the tracklist

    ReplyDelete
  6. is this deep space series, or the RA podcast type?
    i really dont get that autonomic sound..
    but i remember his RA podcast had 1 cool track!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anybody know where he is playing in Philly? I can't seem to find the details anywhere. I'm there and would love to hear him live.

    ReplyDelete
  8. [Huge smile as the DL link is duly clicked upon...]

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for this beautiful mix. It was a very good idea to ask him to connect these two worlds.
    I strongly recommend listening to the Exit Records Compilation, "Mosaic Volume 1". Gorgeous tracks of this autonomic sounds in there.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nothing Is Certain is such a wicked release... big fan!

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. just as stunning and beautiful as his RA mix, but with so much more space and breathing room. this could become my favorite ssg special ever :D thank you ssgs and ASC!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you thank you for this mix.

    @Rob Booth: as one of the few Americans I know who immediately fell in love with this sound and has been up on the soapbox about it ever since, I am with your comment on all counts.

    @Ahoyskin: I was the promoter who was trying to bring him to Philly, and unfortunately it turned out that we were not able to secure a venue in time. He is playing at the Forward Festival in DC, however, and I for one will most likely be heading down there...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Class mix.

    I've been listening to a lot of c_olvrin mixes recently and this is in a similar vein. Thanks ssgs for allowing me to discover these sounds :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Glad everyone is feeling the mix. Thanks. Tracklist coming soon

    ReplyDelete
  16. i'm not one for gushing, but this is easily the best mix i've heard in a long, long while.

    surpasses the ra and edj mixes.

    massive respect.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. i know shit
    but this is really something special !!!
    huge respect )

    ReplyDelete
  19. Seriously in love with this mix, particularly the first half hour or so. Very deep indeed, in the truest sense of the word. Big up the ASC.

    ReplyDelete
  20. agreed ... this is a fantastic set. the reigning king of electronic juxtaposition...

    ReplyDelete

Say something constructive, bitte. Or if you're gonna take a swipe, at least sharpen your nails.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.