Pure Juice - Remixes

The latest release on Newclear Music is also the first official release by Auckland’s Squeezer – a 5-track multi-genre remix EP of their 2008 chill-out number “Pure Juice”, written and performed by Karl Howe and David Czepanski.

First up is Squeezer’s own TSV Mix, a pumping, uplifting rework of the original. It is followed-up by newcomer Will Marshall, and his extension of the downbeat/chill-out theme, with a hint of breaks. Next on the line up is Dunedin man Haszari, whose remix simply had to be pigeon-holed and it was decided that it was none other than “back room summer jandal acid disco”. Then, Soul Science return again for Newclear and head straight for a dancefloor assault with a slamming drum & bass cut. Finally, nsu dives into experimental territory and delivers a dark mix infused with elements of ambient, dubstep, garage and jungle.

The original version of “Pure Juice”, which is not on this release, can be heard here.

The EP is available now in digital (mp3) format from Bandcamp, Apple iTunes, JunoDownload.com, AmazonMP3 and other online retailers.

Squeezer – Pure Juice – Remixes – NCMR005EP
1. Pure Juice (TSV Mix) 3:36
2. Pure Juice (Will Marshall Remix) 5:32
3. Pure Juice (Haszari Remix) 7:49
4. Pure Juice (Soul Science Remix) 7:02
5. Pure Juice (nsu Remix) 6:05

Click here for full Press Release

Rescapé

The first release for 2011 by  nsu is a downbeat/ambient remix concept album, showcasing the work of a select group of producers from all around New Zealand. The album is titled “Rescapé” (French for ”survivor”), a play on the title of the 2009 EP “Escape”, and its release signals a game-changer:

“Having released a couple of remix singles last year, primarily focusing around styles such as dubstep, breakbeat, house, electro and techno, I wanted to flip the coin and move away from the dance floor in order put the spotlight on the more laid-back genres, while staying true to the remix art form. The intention is to have something  that, regardless of the environment, encourages people to listen and allow inside their headspace, rather than have an hour full of  slamming rhythms and pulverising basslines.” – Ivan Vuković (IV), nsu

Collaborations are the key strength of the album, as the compilation features new versions of previously released nsu tracks put together by handpicked producers:

“I love the concept of a remix and hearing how other musicians construct their own interpretations of my work. As a result I was keen to put together a full-length album project that involved artists from around the country whose work I have admired over the years – the bonus here is, I can refer to most of these guys as my friends. I love working together with other people and I’m very proud of the outcome on this album – it plays very nicely from start to end.” – IV

The album features sublime new work from respected New Zealand artists such as Auckland’s Dub Asylum and  Soul Science,  762 (one half of  Sick Cycle from Christchurch), Raglan’s Felix Deluxe and  Jason Lurman (from Hamilton instrumental rock band Sora Shima), as well as chill-out specialists from the South Island – Invader Tron (CHCH), Sharkweek (Dunedin) and Stray Theories (Timaru). nsu also delivers two of his own fresh new reworks, including a collaboration with Haszari of the Cartoon Beats fame.

The album is available now in digital (MP3) format from Bandcamp, Apple iTunes, JunoDownload.com, AmazonMP3 and other online retailers. CDs can be ordered online from Amplifier.co.nz.

nsu – Rescapé - NCMR006LP
1. Broken Mirror (Felix Deluxe Remix) 3:49
2. Panic Bells feat. Siknik (762 Remix) 3:32
3. Discordia (Invader Tron Remix) 5:51
4. Juice of Life feat. Squeezer (Soul Science Remix) 6:15
5. West Coast Dub feat. Squeezer (Dub Asylum Remix) 5:14
6. Slow Motion Stellar Collapse feat. Haszari 7:00
7. Far From Comfort (Sharkweek Remix) 6:55
8. The Mystical Tree (Whakapapa Dub) 4:32
9. Sixteen 786 feat. Lost in Japan (Stray Theories Remix) 5:34
10. Upside Down feat. JR Trap (Sora Shima Remix) 8:06

Click Here for full Press Release

nsu’s first release for 2011 comes in the form of a downbeat style remix album, featuring new versions of earlier nsu tunes by artists from around New Zealand. You can read detailed background info on the album, including the full list of artists involved, in the official press release.

The album will be available on CD as well as digital downloads – full details available on release date. You can listen to the remix album right now on nsu’s Bandcamp page:

2010 Highlights

Last year has been a relatively quiet year in terms of new work, so here’s a look at some of the stand-out moments from 2010:

Panic Bells Music Video

In late April 2010, after an amazing effort by everyone involved, we finally launched the much anticipated music video for “Panic Bells“. On the day of its release, the video achieved the accolade of the “Most Watched NZ Musician Channel” on YouTube.

You can read more about the making of the video, and watch it in HD on the following websites:

• YouTube
• Vimeo

#1 Prog House Release on Juno Charts

The sole new production by nsu in 2010 was the tune “Neutron Star MMX“, which, together with Haszari’s “It’s Not Real” was released as a double-A-side EP on the Dunedin label Cartoon Beats, together with remixes from Aural Trash/Greg Churchill and Snake Charmer.

In late October, the “Deep Space” EP reached #1 on JunoDownload’s “Progressive House” release chart for one whole week, in addition to hitting the 5th spot on the overall “House” charts.

Upside Down Remix reaches #2 on Dunedin’s Radio One

Thanks to dedicated fans and their votes, Nikolozi’s remix of “Upside Down” entered Radio One’s weekly Top 11 countdown at #2, and kept its position for two weeks in November.

2011 Plans

For 2011, nsu has relocated to Europe and is now based in Novi Sad, Serbia over the Northern Summer. Here’s a quick look at what’s on the plate for the remainder of the year:

• nsu Remix (and Dub!) of Squeezer’s “Pure Juice” due out mid-year on newclear Music, as part of “Pure Juice – Remixes” EP.
• Currently in the works are remixes for Haszari’s “Blood Orange” and Stray Theories’ “Forget the Sunrise”
• New EP started, release planned for late 2011
• Reconstructing the live set for future gigs

Panic Bells - Siknik Remix

Siknik, the vocalist on the 2010 single “Panic Bells” is back to deliver his own experimental interpretation of the original, with dark, ambient overtones.

Click here to download Panic Bells – Siknik Remix (7MB zip)

nsu – Panic Bells – Siknik Remix – NCMF010DD
1. Panic Bells feat. Siknik (Siknik Remix) 3:29

Also available for free download:
- NCMF009DD – Neutron Star MMX – Sharkweek Remix
- NCMF008DD – The Mystical Tree – Remixes

Neutron Star MMX - Sharkweek Remix

Following the success of the original version of “Neutron Star MMX” as part of the “Deep Space EP” (out now on Cartoon Beats) in late 2010, Dunedin’s Sharkweek opens the account for 2011 and stretches and bends the space-time continuum to travel to another galaxy and bring back his own quirky ambient/psychedelic version of the tune.

Click here to download Neutron Star MMX – Sharkweek Remix (11MB zip)

nsu – Neutron Star MMX – Sharkweek Remix – NCMF009DD
1. Neutron Star MMX (Sharkweek’s “Quantum Mechanical Blob” Remix) 4:44

Also available for free download:
- NCMF008DD – The Mystical Tree – Remixes

Upside Down - Remixes

The follow up to the “Panic Bells” remix single is “Upside Down”, which brings a superb pair of mixes of the nsu original from the “Escape” EP (featuring US rapper JR Trap) by two rising star producers, combining together to make for a real dance-floor assault. The first cut sees Sydney-based Nikolozi bring forth some heavy gut-busting tribal-techno, which is followed up by the return of Auckland DJ and producer AP3X (of Audio Damage) serving up a slice of pounding breakbeat.

The remix single is available now in digital (MP3) format from Bandcamp, iTunes, JunoDownload.com, Amplifier.co.nz, AmazonMP3 and other online retailers.

“Upside Down” is taken from the “Escape” EP (NCMR002EP), out now.

Listen to the previews of the remix single below:

nsu – Upside Down – Remixes – NCMR004DS
1. Nikolozi Remix 5:19
2. AP3X Remix 7:15

Haszari & nsu - It's Not Real / Neutron Star MMX (CBR003)

“It’s Not Real / Neutron Star MMX” is the 3rd release from Dunedin-based label Cartoon Beats, and the first to feature work by nsu. The double EP (unofficially known as “The Deep Space EP”) comes with a title-track each by Haszari and nsu, with remix support from NZ legends Aural Trash, Greg Churchill and LA-based Snake Charmer.

The foundations of the EP lie in the distant depths of cosmos with the original numbers flying the tech-house banner. The party is then crashed proper by nearing the speed of light thanks to the more energised electro trash and fidget cuts, courtesy of the remix expedition crew.

The EP is available now in digital format from iTunes, JunoDownload.com, AmazonMP3 and other online retailers.

Listen to the previews of the EP below:

Haszari & nsu – It’s Not Real / Neutron Star MMX – CBR003
1. Haszari – It’s Not Real 6:36
2. Haszari – It’s Not Real (nsu “Are Those Real” Remix) 7:08
3. Haszari – It’s Not Real (Aural Trash “Pass The Dutchie” Remix) 5:54
4. Haszari – It’s Not Real (Snake Charmer “Dark Matter” Remix) 6:36
5. nsu – Neutron Star MMX 8:15
6. nsu – Neutron Star MMX (Haszari “SSE” Remix) 5:26
7. nsu – Neutron Star MMX (Greg Churchill “Last Gas Station Before Pluto” Remix) 7:16
8. nsu – Neutron Star MMX (Snake Charmer “Hyperdrive” Remix) 5:34

Shark 'n' Taties: Sharkweek Remixed - Album Out Now!

nsu Remixes out now on Sharkweek Remix Album

Dunedin’s psychedelic/ambient specialist Sharkweek has recently released the much-anticipated “Shark ‘n’ Taties – Sharkweek Remixed” album (through Electrode Records), which features two remixes by nsu (“Moonrise Over Kerala” and “Reach Out to the Stars“), alongside amazing works by a number of esteemed electronic artists from around New Zealand.

The remix album is available in digital format from online stores such as Apple iTunes and Juno Download (amongst several others) and you can buy copies on CD (which is graced by the amazing record sleeve artwork by Peter Lewis himself) direct from Electrode Records or Amplifier.

Forthcoming nsu work on Cartoon Beats

Due in September 2010 is the 3rd release from the Dunedin-based Cartoon Beats label, and the first to feature nsu: Haszari & nsu – It’s Not Real/ Neutron Star MMX (CBR003) aka “The Deep Space EP”. The release will also feature remix contributions from legendary NZ duo Aural Trash and up & coming electro fidget house producer Snake Charmer from LA. The package will be available in digital format from the usual online retailers. Tracks currently confirmed for the release are:

• Haszari – It’s Not Real
• Haszari – It’s Not Real (nsu’s “Are Those Real?” Remix)
• Haszari – It’s Not Real (Aural Trash “Pass The Dutchie” Remix)
• nsu – Neutron Star MMX
• nsu – Neutron Star MMX (Haszari “SSE” Remix)
• nsu – Neutron Star MMX (Snake Charmer Remix)
  

The above track-list is due to have two more additions, and a full announcement will be made soon. Keep an eye on the Cartoon Beats website and the Cartoon Beats Facebook page for full updates.

You can take a listen to the recently completed remix of “It’s Not Real” by nsu here:

Also completed is the nsu remix of “RE Memory” by SoNic Smith, which you can also have a listen to below. This track will be on the CBR004 release, with full details yet to be confirmed and announced.

Upside Down Remix Single – Coming Soon

The next official release will be the digital-only single with remixes of “Upside Down”, a follow up to the “Panic Bells” remix single. This time, there will be a remix by Nikolozi with the second mix yet to be officially confirmed. The release is due out in the next couple of months. You can listen to Nikolozi’s thumping version below:

Be Thursdays - July 15

Thursdays @ Be, DJ Set – July 15th

This Thursday, July 15th is yet another regular club night at Be Club (Commerce St, central Auckland), and nsu will DJing back to back with UP FM’s Macros, joined on the night by AP3X & Joe Revell. The night kicks off at 10pm and goes until the small hours. Entry is free, there will be drink specials and it is a great chance to hear some new and unreleased nsu work played on the much-loved sound-system at Be.

So if you’re in Auckland this Thursday, make sure you put your name down on the facebook event wall and drop in for a drink (or 7!) and some  fine selections.

nsu Live @ Zen, May '10

Highlights from “10 @ Zen”

In May, nsu performed a live set at the 10 year celebration of the NZ Music Month at a showcase gig held at Zen in Auckland.

You can watch some highlights from the gig below, and check out some photos from the set here. You can also check out the recording of the full 1 hour set here.

Massive respect and gratitude to Eva Evade and her entire team for organizing a great night at FuZen, and to Dave U for the footage and photos.

New Material / Upcoming Releases

“Neutron Star MMX”, a techy 2010 treatment of the original is the first of several nsu works to be released through Cartoon Beats. Full details of the so-called “Deep Space” EP will be announced in the next update.

The nsu remix for Squeezer‘s “Pure Juice” has been in the works since the middle of 2009, and has gone through several transitions in the live set during that time. The final mix combines subtle elements of chill out, jungle, dubstep and big-beat, and is tentatively scheduled to be released later in 2010 on newclear music, along with mixes from another 2 artists. More announcements soon.

10 @ Zen, May 22

nsu Live @ NZ Music Month presents “10 @ Zen”

The next Auckland gig for nsu takes place on Saturday May 22nd – In celebration of 10 years of NZ Music Month, nsu will line up alongside a score of other NZ artists for a big night at Auckland’s Zen (cnr Albert & Wolfe St). If you’ve been there before, you’ll know all about the big sound-system.

Come and see nsu play one of his last AKL shows for a while. Tickets to the event are $10; Click here for full details of the event.

Panic Bells – Single & Video Released, Launch Party Re-cap

The Panic Bells remix single, featuring cuts by AP3X & Bromide Dub, was released in late April and is now available from a variety of digital retailers (click here for details on where to purchase your copy), including the new official nsu Bandcamp page.

Bromide Dub Live @ Panic Bells

The video for “Panic Bells” is also finally out, and has had an incredible response online and is now showing on New Zealand’s JuiceTV & C4TV channels. You can watch the video here and make sure you also check out some pictures from behind-the-scenes of the filming, as well as read a bit of background on how the project came together.

Thank you to everyone who was at the Video Premiere & Single Release party held at Galatos in late April. You can also see some pictures from the night by clicking here and footage may be available at a later date.

Gimme Gimme Shark Treatment

Remix of nsu Track on New Sharkweek Compilation

“Far From Comfort”, an early instrumental version of “Upside Down” has been remixed by Sharkweek, Dunedin’s standout ambient producer. The resulting piece is a psychedelic lounge version, sampling an instructional speech on meditation (in true Sharky style!).

The remix appears on the newly released “Gimme Gimme Shark Treatment” remix album by Sharkweek, also featuring remixes for the likes of Pitch Black, Stray Theories, Sick Cycle and more. Click here to listen to, and purchase the remix album.

nsu Joins Cartoon Beats

Cartoon Beats Reality

nsu has joined the ever-growing roster of artists on Dunedin’s Cartoon Beats label (click here for nsu’s profile). The first release on the schedule will be Haszari‘s “It’s Not Real” backed with nsu’s 2010 version of “Neutron Star”. California’s Snake Charmer will be on remix duties and the release will also see nsu & Haszari swap remixes of the title tracks. Full details announced in the next update.

General Update

Here’s a general run-down on what’s on the horizon for nsu:

• Follow-up to “Panic Bells” remix single in the pipeline – more details in next update
• nsu’s remixes of Sharkweek tracks to be released on forthcoming “Shark & Taties” remix album, also to feature works by other NZ artists
• Remixes for Stray Theories & Squeezer completed and scheduled for release late 2010/early 2011. A couple of other remixes also penciled in (TBC)
• Remix duties on follow-up Cartoon Beats EP confirmed. Full details in the near future
• Follow up to “Escape” EP penciled for late 2011/early 2012
• No more live gigs until at least late 2011