Hel Hath Frozen Over
INDUSTRY is Hel's first compilation, and an attempt to catalog and document the Utah experimental electronic scene as it stands in the year 2014. Collecting tracks from Hel regulars (OK Ikumi, RS2090, Mooninite), scene veterans (Siak, Cerci), and newcomers (Vistaas, Jordan Swain, MONOL!TH) in various electronic styles; from the electro and techno sounds the scene was formed around to the abstract splinterings of the modern soundscape.
Guys... This holiday weekend of epic adventures has renewed my faith in SLC nightlife and music coming out of this square state. Small surprises around every corner made for an awareness that cool sh!t is happening just under the surface.
Friday began with a wee bit of gallery strolling to CUAC's opening reception (great show by the way) before finding DJ Choice doing it justice over at The Red Door, then off to Zest behind Ann-Michelle (DJ Artemis) to hear Detroit native Make It Fit putting his thumb on the techno scale with Dance Therapy and our trusty Hot Noise—night capped by a birthday party in bear costumes dancing on the patio to hip-hop blasting out of a dudes cell phone.
I was siren called back to the concrete jungle on Saturday for a cocktail at Copper Common (cue soundtrack of The Smiths), a second at Bar X (Morrissey overhead) with stops in between at the Hel Audio 'INDUSTRY' compilation release show at Diabolical Records featuring SIAK (video above), RS2090 and Blade, all undeniably talented producers representing Utah's electronic scene in fresh, exciting ways. Following this, we Uber'd it over to the under new ownership but soon to be demolished Burt's Tiki Lounge, an exotic Keebler elves hotel of ill repute that may very well contain a doorway to hell. A dive bar send off party was in motion with a backdrop of Disco and 80's edits being expertly provided by Marcus V. (featured in our first NCM Guest Mix) to a mixed crowd of young professionals and angry punk girls... which turned a little aggressive leading me and my men to the decide that raving was not beyond the call of duty. Lyft this time dropped us off at Europa One, a private party on the westside where my friend Red Spectral was tearing the roof off in fine style with DJ's Eco, Christian PP, Better Homes & Gardens and others for the seasoned after hours mavens. I must say that there is some very intelligent house and techno coming from the new crop of DJ's and promoters with an ear for Quality!
After some much needed sleep and an internal debate over whether or not to burn my clothing from the night before I rolled into Whiskey Street on Sunday for blunch, (brunch+lunch) where I found Johnny Peppinger playing a lovely vinyl mix of jet set jazz and space age lounge exotica. Something you just don't hear that often, but you should and it's perfect for that time of day.
Red Spectral at Europa One by New World Presents www.newworldpresents.com
So looking back on my MLK weekend I couldn't help but find a few reasons to be proud and energized (or frightened) about things that go bump in the night. The independent electronic music scene and community seems unified in a great way. I hope that continues and we start seeing some Utah artists recognized for their innate genius on a larger scale. The time is coming.