[Sect Records]

If you’re an avid LWE reader you may remember DJ Bone’s debut for then unheard of Sect Records that arrived mysteriously in a plain white CD sleeve, which had staff and readers alike speculating over its provenance. Nearly two years on, Sect has introduced the wider world to aspiring techno artists such as Grovskopa, Jolka and even Bone’s own daughter, Aleckxis Jaina — as well as serving as a reintroduction to the underrated D Knox. Bone, on the other hand, has been keeping steady with his own Subject Detroit label, almost single-handedly keeping techno (in a purist’s sense) alive in his hometown.

Bone’s return to Sect is an about face from the frenetic techno that has characterized many of his previous releases. “Sunday Morning” is marked by a plaintive synth and piano chord structure, while the tempo is much slower and percussion more restrained than a usual Bone production. The melody is what stands out as the piano is used to form the base line and the higher notes interplay to form more fleshed out motifs that work well as a whole. “Sunday Night” retains the same melodic theme but ups the ante on the rhythm, bringing in hand drums, a bristling snare pulse and gliding hi-hats. It ends up sounding closer to the Bone we remember, but with more thoughtful melodic development. But it’s “Morning” that stands out, maybe for the sheer fact that it doesn’t sound like the Bone we know.

When we finally figured out that Detroit’s DJ Bone was behind “No Sleep (True To Da Roots),” the first mysteriously launched release from Sect Records, it was only a matter of time before we rifled through his deep back catalog and saw a long history of quality tunes. Would his fast and furious producing style carry over to his DJ sets? The answer is loud and furiously clear in this exclusive mix which provides a sweat-inducing overview of Bone’s label, Subject Detroit. Try to keep up.

LWE Podcast 07: DJ Bone (49:44)

Tracklisting:

01. DJ Bone, “Fam (Create)” [Sect Records]
02. DJ Bone, “GTC” (DJ Bone’s Deep Concentration Mix) [Subject Detroit]
03. DJ Bone, “The Vibe” [Subject Detroit]
04. DJ Bone, “No Sleep (True To Da Roots)” [Sect Records]
05. Trench, “Arrival” [Subject Detroit]
06. The Future, “They Call Me” [Sect Records]
07. Rennie Foster, “Hustle N’ Flow” [Subject Detroit]
08. DJ Bone, “Himbot” [Subject Detroit]
09. Stephen Brown, “MG” [Subject Detroit]
10. DJ Bone, “Higher” [Sect Records]
11. Stephen Brown, “Keygroups” [Subject Detroit]
12. DJ Bone, “Thursday Night” [Subject Detroit]
13. DJ Bone, “Tru Warriors” (Spirit Mix) [Subject Detroit]
14. Stephen Brown, “Music Is” [Subject Detroit]
15. Crudo, “First Year” [Subject Detroit]
16. Crudo, “Slave of Rhythms” [unreleased]
17. DJ Bone, “Circus World” [Subject Detroit]
18. Joris Voorn, “Revelation” [Green]

Read an interview with DJ Bone after the jump.

When and where did you make the mix?

DJ Bone: I did this mix live in my studio last week (9/8/08). I was motivated by something interesting I read so I jumped up and did the mix. They’re always better when I’m inspired.

What’s the concept behind the mix?

The concept was to bring the moodier side of techno into a dancefloor mentality. It’s not bang-bang-bang, but it definitely makes you want to move. And once you’re moving you start to feel the emotion come out of each song. So I’m basically mixing emotions on this mix.

Who are a few of your favorite DJs and why?

I have to be completely honest with you about this, there are very few DJs I admire. This is because of all the great DJs I witnessed in Detroit when techno was kicking off. Those years spoiled me for life. I always dig when Derrick May plays. I also love listening to Laurent Garnier, Theo Parrish, Aaron Carl, Deetron and Ken Ishii. I think DJ Bone isn’t half bad either!

What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

I am going to finish up my new album titled Another Language and release another mix CD. We also have a couple of compilations coming out and a few secret projects that I can’t speak about (too many of my concepts have been stolen already). I’m also doing some gigs in Europe.

LWE Podcast 07: DJ Bone