Von Neumann Effect - Gameplay (The Content Label)

Prepare to embark on a mesmerizing musical odyssey with Von Neumann Effect's latest album, Gameplay, released in collaboration with the renowned Los Angeles-based imprint, The Content Label. This second chapter in Von Neumann Effect's sonic journey builds upon the success of their previous release, Screenplay. It takes listeners on an immersive voyage through pixelated realms that seamlessly connect the past and the future.

Gameplay is a masterful blend of electronic experimentation and collaborative artistry, showcasing Von Neumann Effect's distinctive fusion of 8-bit and 16-bit retro gaming rhythms with serene elements. The result is a captivating tapestry of sounds that transports listeners to a world where nostalgia and innovation intertwine.

The album's standout track, "Escape Theme," has already garnered widespread acclaim, securing a coveted spot on the YouTube series "Dream's Minecraft Speedrunner VS 3 Hunters GRAND FINALE." This recognition proves Von Neumann Effect's ability to resonate with diverse audiences and capture the essence of gaming experiences.

Other highlights of the album include "AI Assisted Climax," previously featured on a Content Label Sampler, which showcases a flawless fusion of cutting-edge beats and forward-thinking soundscapes. "All Systems Go" crafts a laid-back and mellow ambiance, skillfully blending soulful elements into a futuristic musical palette. "Pheromone Tsunami" captivates with its charming and enchanting composition, effortlessly drawing listeners in with alluring melodies and irresistible grooves.

The album also features a standout collaboration with renowned beatmaker Dday One on "Synthesizers & Drum Machines." This track bewitches listeners with its poly-rhythmic synth symphony, enhancing the overall experience of this beat tape and showcasing the impressive range of talent involved in the project.

Gameplay is a signifier of Von Neumann Effect's innovative approach to the sound of 'Electronic Futurism,' redefining genres one bit at a time. With its immersive soundscapes, nostalgic elements, and forward-thinking production, this album is a must-listen for sonic explorers seeking a fresh and captivating musical experience.

Luca Trevisi (LTJ X-Perience) – “Great synth experience. Love it.”
Jason Merle (4E&A Records) – “So many beautiful sounds throughout the release.”
Spaceotter (Giving some solid old school Boards of Canada vibes, which is a high compliment from here. Love it.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Juno Download, Beatport, And Spotify.

Block Barley - Ether Ghost (The Content Label)

The Content Label presents Ether Ghost, the sophomore album from Hamburg-based producer and artist Block Barley. Block Barley is recognized for his innovative contributions to the music scene, like the notable full-length album Dead At The Control and a collaboration with Guilty Simpson, known for his work with the late producer J Dilla.

Ether Ghost is a sonic journey through thirteen psyche-out tracks that seamlessly fuse classic production methods with a contemporary edge. Drawing inspiration from Italian Giallo soundtracks, library records, darkwave, progressive rock, and the Memphis rap-tape culture, Ether Ghost is a pitch-shifted exploration of gritty soundscapes.

From the cinematic tone set by the opening track, "You Better Sleep," with its mighty drums reflecting the urgency of modernity, to the post-industrial pulse of "Iron Gate Sanctuary," providing a path to break free from constraints, each piece contributes to the album's distinct and hypnotic vibe. "The Coffin" unfolds with a codeine-laced bounce, serving as a poignant eulogy for our times. Throughout the album, Block Barley manipulates cinematic themes, creating tension and anticipation through repetitive motifs, leading towards the final track, "Ether's Whisper" — an ethereal infusion of ambient hope that resolves the prevailing dark atmosphere, leaving listeners with a profound and emotive experience.

Enter the realm of the Ether Ghost.

This project is available on a limited vinyl edition, a collaborative effort between Hafenschlamm Records and Votava Records, while the digital release is managed by The Content Label from Los Angeles. Ether Ghost pays homage to the global community spirit of the underground beat scene, celebrating music as a collective experience.

DJ Clairvo (Tilos Radio, Budapest) – “This is top-notch downbeat material. Enjoying the several moods and tones the tunes have. Well done!”
Marcelo Taveres (Deep Space Podcast) – “I love the very dark and shadowy sonic soundscapes.”
Dogu (Ancient Astronauts) – “I like ‘You Better Sleep’ and ‘Purple Dawn’. Will play on air.”
Lotek (The Shake) – “Iron Gate Sanctuary is such a groove.”
Jeannie Hopper (WBAI FM New York) – “Spooky, dreamy, ethereal grooves. Diggin’ it.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT Radio Show) – “A strangely compelling selections. Swampy, wonky, and definitely cinematic. Some real standouts here, a great album.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Kovacs The Hun - Mirror World (The Content Label)

The Content Label travels to Budapest to enlist Kovacs the Hun, for an evocative new album titled Mirror World. Born Nándor Kürtössy in the northern Hungarian town Balassagyarmat, Kovacs is known for his Mana Mana Records imprint, his groundbreaking album Five Finger Discount under the name Savages, and his projects Savages y Suefo and Vega Ass. A talented trumpet player, Kovacs dips into a well of varied musical styles for Mirror World. In his sonic palette, hip hop, jazz, and eerie soundtracks mix colorfully with experimental treatments and European musical influences. The Mirror World reflects all of Kovacs' fascinations — sounds and genres coming together on a collective surface.

At times, the Mirror World resembles chamber jazz — or, perhaps, ‘murder jazz’ — with brushed drums, lurking horns, and cunning keys providing the backbone. Flavored drops of percussion, turntable scratches, or rhythm hints glimpse at contemporary roots, but Kovacs presents something that’s outside-of-time. He stretches out on the instrumental tracks, displaying moods that move freely from ominous to reassuring. Guest artists add to this bubbling concoction: jazz musician Andras Wohorn adds instrumentation to the creeping strut of “Manimals” and “Glimpse of Hope,” The Audible One drops urgent verses on “Phoney,” guitarist Marton Suto plays spacious guitar on the worldly “The Countdown,” and MC/poets Guante and See More Perspective inject social commentary into “Long March.”

Kovacs' Mirror World is a distinctive statement, not quite sounding like anything else. The album’s ten tracks, impeccably produced and musically proficient, are an adventure in listening. Embark now on a sonic journey.

Danny Ward (Moodymanc) – “I really like this release. Great vibes all around.”
Jaymz Nylon (Nylon Recordings) – “This LP is a crucial piece of music.”
Kid Loco (Flor) – “Brilliant & Haunting. This is a really good record.”
Mr. Bristow (Subtek) – “Dusty & Crunchy – just the way I like it. Great work!”
Quincy Jointz (Ibiza Global Radio) – “Nice one. I like Phoney and New Dawn Coming.”
Crate Invader (Point Blank FM London) – “This is a work of genius.”
Floored Capri (Kane FM) – “This has an almost spiritual, cosmic jazz kinda vibe. Really feeling it.”
Dr. Best (Radio Z, Germany) – “Wow, this is a really nice album.”
Linos Pascal (Linos On Canvas Radio Show) – “Full support from Greece!”
Jon Fugler (XLNT Radio Show) - “This is good, quite outstanding actually. Almost impossible to date, it’s quite unique, and has been on repeat here.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Juno Download, Beatport, And Spotify.

The Analog Chain: an Interview with Marques Lafelt

Marques Lafelt

Los Angeles-based producer Marques Lafelt is known for seductive soulful left-field sounds, taken from the perspective of a purveyor of classic techno. A prominent party organizer around L.A.’s beat scene, Marques’s previous efforts could be found on the Nylon Trax label and in remixes for Jaymz Nylon and Men From Nobu.

Future Black Gurl, an afro-futuristic psychological concept album set in the distant future, is Lafelt’s latest for The Content Label. Its gritty yet glorious textures and machine-powered beats are evidence of the producer’s love of analog synthesis. A known collector of classic gear, Lafelt is immersed and enamored with the analog world. This gave us an opportunity to reach out and ask about this philosophy and Lafelt’s love of vintage synthesis.

How important is your gear in creating your music?

Marques Lafelt: The music would sound totally different. Each piece of gear has certain sounds and characteristics it could go from warm and fuzzy to dark and cold depending on the gear.

Is there any technique you use on almost every production, without fail?

Marques Lafelt: I always setup an analog chain for the main samples/melody. This could be something simple like a delay and pre-amp or the sampler plugged into eight different pieces of gear before being resampled and sequenced.

Have you had any adventures that came about from tracking down gear?

Marques Lafelt: I want to say it was the year 2000 or 2001. My boy Big Lou, a girlfriend at the time, and I drove to San Francisco to buy a Vestax fader board from some dude. I busted an oil pan on the way and we had to stay in a hotel in the middle of nowhere. It was amazing.

If someone gifted you any piece of gear, what would it be?

Marques Lafelt: I’ve always wanted an ARP Odyssey or a Roland Jupiter synth. One of these would add another world of vintage layers and samples.

Is there a philosophy behind using analog equipment in a digital world?

Marques Lafelt: For me having the physical copy or the actual piece of gear is far more interesting than owning the digital copy or the plug-in. But everyone just wants convenience. Maybe I’m a dinosaur.

If you were challenged to make a record using nothing but digital tools, how would you approach it?

Marques Lafelt: I’ve actually tried to minimize my studio down to MIDI controllers and just a laptop but I found it hard to get the dirt, dust, fuzz and just pure madness I get from having cables and inputs and auxs. I’ll always go analog!

Check out Marques Lafelt’s Future Black Gurl — out now on The Content Label. And be sure to listen to the latest episode of The Content Label podcast which is a cool DJ mix by Lafelt titled Lipstick & Synthesizers. Check it out HERE.