Click on the picture to listen to the new mix on demand

Acapellas by Marlon Brandon, Bonnie Raitt

1. Jet Project: Alright (Snatch Records) 6.07
2. Mark Holmes – Coming Home (MUM) 12.13
3. Solo: The Flea Circus (Kling Klong) 17.39
4. Red Snapper: Jack (V2) 23.47
5. Harvey Mackay: Want You (Soma Records) 28.58
6. Zenbi; Double Trouble (Great Stuff): 32.49
7. Graphics: Mama Grizzlies (Made To Play) 39.43
8. Mick Finesse: Sex Machinas  (Perc Trax) 44.49
9. Aeroplane: Storm Queen: (Jamie Jones RMX) (Defected) 49.50
10. Dosem: Tales Of Tomorrow (Tronic) 54.39
11. Meda: Curtain Call (Neverending Records) 59.39
12. Rockers Revenge: Walking on sunshine (Jonty Skrufff Vocal RMX) (white label)

click on the picture for instant listening

Popof

Undoubtedly one of France’s great producers of the last ten years, Popof is one of those people who can be relied on to deliver something special: in particular, catchy, thumping, killer tech (house) tracks that almost always work superbly well on the dancefloor.

These three below show why:

Click for more on Patrice

According to the Mayan Calendar the world (or at least civilisation) is due to end cataclysmically on December 21^st 2012.  With economists and futurologists also almost all predicting a year of upheaval, Skrufff asked a bunch of our favourite DJs and personalities for their predictions for 2012; both musically and apocalype-wise . . .

Patrice Baumel: The New World Order & the Coming Chaos (interview)

“Democratically elected governments are taking decisions against the very people who put them into office, all to protect banks, oil and big money in general. We are already living right in the middle of a New World Order.”

Growing up in Dresden East Germany, nowadays Amsterdam based tech-house-eclectic producer Patrice Baumel was 14 when the Berlin Wall came down and 22 years later, sees more than a few cultural parallels between then and now.

“People are more educated and better connected than ever, so it becomes harder and harder to suppress the truth,” he continues.

“And once the mob gets angry because their pension is gone and their jobs are gone and their kids are hungry, they will mobilize and turn against the powers that be. It will get ugly,” he predicts.

“At the same time people will have to find other ways to happiness than consumption, which will lead them closer towards the truth in life and each other. Overall, change is good.”

For more on Patrice (who as well as touring the world as a DJ nonstop is also a resident and co-promoter of Amsterdam’s top underground club Trouw) click here: http://www.patricebaumel.com/

Skrufff (Jonty Skrufff): What are your musical predictions for 2012?

Patrice Baumel: “The trend of indie music crossing over into EDM (Caribou, Radiohead etc) will continue. The house-hype will collapse. Hoards of bandwagon-jumpers will frantically scramble into the next safe haven of rehashed old ideas – I’m betting on straight techno. The trend away from boring laptop acts and towards exciting stage shows will continue in a big way. DJs will become even less relevant, bands will start to dominate the clubs. I predict a tough year for tested-and-approved big money formulas like Ibiza, WMC (Winter Music Conference) and many of the festivals.”

Skrufff: What do you forsee is the future for dubstep: for David Guetta-style dance-pop?

Patrice Baumel: “To me, dubstep has passed its artistic peak. The fact that it’s aggressive, loud and feels like hip-hop will make sure it will keep growing further in the mainstream and have a strong influence on more commercial r’n'b and pop productions. It’s the new Ed Banger. Fun, loud and shallow party music. I have no doubt that dubstep will be much bigger than house and techno combined in 2012.

I cannot say much about Guetta-style dance pop as I have very little contact with that music but it has been around for such a long time, but I’m sure it will play the same role within dance music it has always played – giving people without much musical education and interest a good time in the clubs, at company parties or at corporate sponsored events. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Skrufff: How concerned are you (if at all) by the Mayan Prophecy and their end time prediction of 21^st December 2012?

Patrice Baumel: “I am not concerned about the Mayan Prophecy at all. The worst thing that can happen is that mankind is going to get wiped out. As a race, we have to start asking ourselves whether we deserve any better. The way we exploit land, nature and each other is a fucking disgrace. A fresh start, whatever it looks like, would be great and necessary. Massive change is coming without a doubt. I know global warming is taking place and changing the face of the planet. Life will find new ways to adopt to it but it’s a certainty that it will not tolerate 7 billion people continuing to live the way they are living today, something’s gotta’ give.”

Skrufff: What about the financial crisis?

Patrice Baumel: “We are witnessing the end game of our monetary system – you can’t pay debt with more debt and get away with it. Einstein called compound interest the strongest force in the universe for a reason. Everybody will feel it, also the club scene. Our paper currencies will probably collapse sooner or later, a lot of paper wealth will evaporate into nothing. Many businesses will get wiped out.

But get educated, understand the likely scenarios and prepare yourself accordingly and it’s a great opportunity to get rid of a lot of competitors. Plus a bad economy often means great creative opportunities. I see empty office buildings everywhere with the potential to be transformed into studios, underground party locations or galleries. Focus on the positive side of things and everything starts to look really exciting. But the times of state welfare, job security and perpetual economic growth are over. Instead of striving for MORE, we should aim for LESS BUT BETTER.”

Skrufff: How much do you believe in destiny/ fate generally?

Patrice Baumel: “I believe that whatever happens to you in life is determined by your thoughts. Thoughts materialize themselves, so if you have an optimistic, positive mindset you will be rewarded with a positive life. The opposite is also true. I therefore do not believe in fate or destiny as a passive, predetermined quality but as something you shape with your mind.”

Skrufff: What’s been the biggest stroke of luck/ serendipity you’ve experienced? And the worst luck?

Patrice Baumel: “I have had some incredible luck, for example with how I met  my current partner and I put it down to visualizing exactly what I was looking for in a partner. I also had some close financial calls that miraculously got resolved by an amazing booking or financial stroke of luck. I’ve had very little bad luck, the worst luck for me are moments of mediocrity, the days that don’t leave any memories behind. Too many of those are just draining.”

As well as releasing his acclaimed debut artist album Vapour this year, Patrice recently made the music for a new Nike commercial. Click here to watch and listen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY10aH2-lWY

http://www.patricebaumel.com/

Jonty Skrufff: http://listn.to/JontySkrufff

Click on the picture for instant listening to last week's radio show

Berlin DJs Jonty Skrufff and Fidelity Kastrow present and produce ‘Germany Calling’ – a weekly hour long radio show, showcasing cutting-edge upfront house, electro and techno tracks alongside classics and rarities from the vaults of electronic music. 

This week, ‘Germany Calling’ digs deep into the vaults, unearthing two seminal drum machine rock classics from Big Black and Sisters Of Mercy. Joining the alternative 80s icons, are upfront future tech and house club cuts from Marco Lys and Ismael Alonso as well as a slamming epic piano house production from UK garage pioneer Tim Deluxe - Tunes You Can Believe In

1. • Marco Lys: Kama (Solo Remix)
2. • Ismael Alonso, Mikel Ayerra: Pena Capital (Gonzalez & Gonzalo Dub Revolution Remix )
3. • Tim Deluxe: Transformation
4. • Claptone: Make Me Feel (Exploited)
5. • Luca Bacchetti: Tango
6. • Sisters of Mercy: Lights
7. • Carl Craig: Sandstorms Neve
8. • Ramon Zenker & Harada – Rappelkiste (Original Mix)
9. • Big Black: Kerosen

Great new remixes of this track are now available but we still love the original.

click for more Very Wrong stuff

1. Tim Deluxe: Transformation
2. Marco Lys: Kama
3. Ismael Alonso, Mikel Ayerra: Pena Capital
4. Ramon Zenker & Harada: Rappelkiste 
5. Carl Craig ; Sandstorms

1: Tim Deluxe: Transformation

(Get Human)

2: Marco Lys: Kama

(Great Stuff)

3: Ismael Alonso, Mikel Ayerra: Pena Capital

(Different Grooves)

4: Ramon Zenker & Harada: Rappelkiste (Original Mix)

(Blu Fin)

http://bit.ly/udavID  (Soundcloud)

5:Carl Craig: Sandstorms (Neve remix)

(Planet E)

click HERE for more:

Super talented London producer Tim Deluxe returns with a piano packed fantastic new track.…. We’re running an absolutely fascinating interview with Tim early next week…..

Here’s Tim recommending being careful what you wish for:

“New producer/s makes hot tunes > blows up = gigs everywhere > remixes instead of original productions > tours too heavily > physically and mentally tired = no new records. Also add copious amounts of free alcohol and drugs and you’ve pretty much got the picture. Followed by burn out, divorce, addiction, take your pick! This cycle is so common . . .”

Snuff Crew: click for more

Six Berlin residents; Pet Duo, Axel Bartsch, Ralf Gutterslut, Steffa Superheilig, Patrick DSP & Snuff Crew, chatted to Skrufff last week about their experiences moving to the German capital. See below for (German) Snuff Crew’s Eins’ comments in full.

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Click here to read the full feature article; http://skrufff.com/2011/11/moving-to-berlin/

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Skrufff (Jonty Skrufff): What are the key things a visitor needs to know to make the most of Berlin?

Snuff Crew: “Berlin is the capital of Germany. But it’s not a typical German city. Berlin can be a big adventure. You can experience wild club nights here but you also can take walks through the parks, visit great art museums, eat amazing food and meet a lot of interesting and crazy people here . . .”

Skrufff: What are some of the more common mistakes foreign tourists make when they first arrive in Berlin?

Snuff Crew: “A lot of people come here and only know the address of their hostel and the name of the club they want to go to. That’s what taxi drivers often tell us anyway. But it’s always good to know something more about the city than just about its nightlife. Berlin offers so many other great things to you if you come to here. Just walk around and discover them. Trying to get in clubs too drunken or too stoned is also maybe not such a good idea.”

Skrufff: How important is it to learn German?

Snuff Crew: “Berlin is a really international city. If you speak English you will find your way around easily. Though if you plan to move to here, it makes sense to learn German, of course.”

Skrufff: What advice do you have for getting into clubs like Berghain?

Snuff Crew: “Don’t go there in a big group of people, stay polite in the queue and also inside the club. Accept the doorkeeper’s decision if you don’t get in. Maybe try it again later or on another day. Look already for alternatives before you go to a certain club. If one club does not let you in, there are others who will.”

Skrufff: What advice for can you offer DJs wanting to get gigs?

Snuff Crew: “In no other city will you find as many DJs living here as in Berlin. And the clubs also book a lot of guest DJS from all over the world. So it’s not very easy to get a gig here directly. But with some patience, friends and of course good musical taste, it should be possible to play here somewhere eventually.”

Snuff Crew’s latest EP is out now Berlin-based label Killekill. It contains the tracks “Domo” and “Eat This”

http://www.snuffcrew.com

Jonty Skrufff: http://listn.to/JontySkrufff

“I try to avoid drinking too much vodka during DJ trips, but I rarely succeed.”

Teaming up with fellow Bristollian Nick Warren to form progressive house pioneers Way Out West in 1994, then teenage prodigy Jody Wisternoff rapidly established himself as one of the first crossover stars of dance music, both via Way Out West’s commercial success and his own thriving DJing career. 17 years later, he’s happily married and a Dad of two, though as he’s the first to admit, he’s not quite settled down.

“Recently in Poland, I arrived at the airport the morning after the show and realised I was wearing the promoter’s trousers. I still have no idea how this happened.”

http://www.jodywisternoff.com

—=—

Travel Tales: The Best

Skrufff: What’s the most luxurious travel trip you’ve experienced as a DJ?

Jody Wisternoff: “The few business class flights I have taken are pretty luxurious to me, as I’m usually in ballast class with the goats and chickens.”

Skrufff: And the best hotel?

Jody Wisternoff: “I stayed in a 7 star in Hong Kong once which was pretty plush but all I really remember is that they moved my shoes and I couldn’t find them anywhere.”

Skrufff: What do you need to make a trip perfect?

Jody Wisternoff: “A good nights sleep beforehand, an afternoon flight from Heathrow T5 so I can rinse the lounge bar, and a laptop loaded with the latest episodes of Breaking Bad.”

Skrufff: What do you always travel with (teabags? torch? lucky charm?)

Jody Wisternoff: “I’m not a suspicious person but I do travel with a lucky conker. Aside from that, all the essentials (laptop, ipod, portable speakers etc etc). I also like to make sure I have Valium for long flights and Cocodomal painkillers for those hung-over mornings.”

Skrufff: What are your top three travel tips?

Jody Wisternoff: “Try to get yourself into a relaxed state, remember that this job is a privilege and even though the travelling can be stressful its a shitload better than working down a coal mine. If your checking in luggage, always take your favourite outfit in your hand luggage just in case your suitcase goes missing so you can still look wicked for the first gig. Have loads of entertainment and work to do (e.g. interviews for Skrufff) Makes time fly.”

—–=—–

Travel Tales: The worst

Skrufff: What’s been your worst travel nightmare?

Jody Wisternoff: “Falling down a manhole in Kuala Lumpur on the way to a gig wasn’t great. I was rushed to hospital where they bandaged up a hole on my leg and gave me all sorts of jabs. I had a (Kuala) lump on my shin for the next 6 months, which was agony.”

Skrufff: What’s the worst hotel you’ve stayed in?

Jody Wisternoff: “The airport hotel at Domododevo, Moscow. I seem to stay there all the time these days, and the crazy thing is, it’s really expensive. Single bed, smelly shower, no mini-bar, crap WiFi; the list goes on.”

Skrufff: What’s the worst experience you’ve had at customs/ Immigration?

Jody Wisternoff: “Back in the day when I had a ponytail I used to get a lot of shit at immigration, especially going in to Canada. Such as my nose being swabbed (for drugs) and every single record being checked etc. These days, being a more presentable figure, I find this experience a lot smoother, however, I do seem to find that in America the better visa you have in your passport the more shit they seem to give you.”

Skrufff: How about when you’ve got through customs: have you had any bad encounters after not being picked up?

Jody Wisternoff: “This year in Miami after going through customs I got outside, chucked my suitcase in the back of a cab, and then proceeded to jump into a totally different one without even thinking about it. It was only 10 minutes later that the full horror of my error became apparent and I spent the next 5 days trying to locate my clothes and generally feeling pretty pissed off. However, a beautiful twist of fate resulted in my bag being returned to Lost & Found at the airport literally minutes after I checked in for my homeward flight. Always a happy ending.”

Skrufff: What do you hate about travelling?

Jody Wisternoff: “These days, missing my family. I have 2 kids now and long trips can really tug at the old heart-strings. Thank god for Skype.”

Skrufff: What’s been the most frightening experience you’ve had on your DJ trips; ever been robbed/ followed/ threatened?

Jody Wisternoff: “ The engine blowing up mid-flight between Sydney and Melbourne once was pretty harrowing. And the driver passing out at the wheel on the way to an after-party in Orlando was pretty scary as was getting trapped in a lift in Serbia after a gig, totally dying for a piss, made me realise what it must feel like to be pregnant.”

Jody’s latest release Vintage/Shivver, is out now on Anjunadeep.  He’s also just completed his solo album and concluded ‘release date to be confirmed; watch this space’).

http://www.jodywisternoff.com

http://bit.ly/u1zbr0

http://www.twitter.com/jodywisternoff

http://www.soundcloud.com/jodywisternoff

http://www.last.fm/music/Jody+Wisternoff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xmOeFIIVMg

November gigs -

12/11 – Club Rise, UFA (Russia)

13/11 – Shark, Thessaloniki (Greece)

19/11 – Empathy, Bristol (UK)

26/11 – Twisted Audio, London (UK)

Jonty Skrufff: http://listn.to/JontySkrufff