[Subject Detroit]

What sets apart DJ Bone and, indeed, his label Subject Detroit, from the pack is the rawness and energy coursing through their numerous releases. In “No Sleep (True To Da Roots),” Bone’s jaw-dropping EP for Sect Records, this was embodied in the hands-on method with which the tracks were arranged, each gridless rhythm and slight imperfection reminding listeners that humans, not machines, were in charge. His LWE podcast, assembled largely from the Subject catalog, found the unpolished aesthetic equally charming on a broader scale. So it should come as little surprise that “Circus World EP,” one of DJ Bone’s four Subject releases so far this year, makes good with a similar approach to pumping techno.

A close cousin to “Higher” from the aforementioned “No Sleep,” “Circus World” layers a familiar galloping synth progression atop widely reverberating percussion (as if recorded in an empty factory), churning with mechanical energy. DJ Bone’s weary and distorted tenor, which laments artists who “replicate” and a “circus world” with no chance of escape, contrasts with unrelenting progressions and the metallic upstroke intensifying with each passing measure. Only the hope that music and dancing offer some reprieve from everyday life keeps the existential dread at bay; the instrumental mix is perhaps a bit friendlier to fragile minds. But for all the trepidation of side A, “One More Tune” offers a perfect tonic on the flipside, based heavily upon a sample of a particularly determined Edinburgh crowd who refused to leave the dance floor. Its looped whistles and chants, played against a swooning shade of synth pads and flanged percussion, embody the sort of atmosphere DJs and dancers alike crave from a night out. Musically unguarded and unabashedly emotional, the “Circus World EP” proves again why DJ Bone should be anything but one of Detroit’s best kept secrets.

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