From left: Scratcha DVA, DJ Spinn, Taso, and Kode9 at Hyperdub's 10-Year Anniversary in New York City. (Photos by Chris Fussner.)
Few imprints can claim supremacy over the lower-end of the bass music spectrum quite like Hyperdub can. And with 2014 marking its 10-year anniversary, the forward-gazing label is celebrating with appropriate levels of pomp and grandeur—including a four-part compilation series ("OMG UNRELEASED BURIAL" -- everyone), and a globe-trotting tour for the whole gang.
Although the Hyperdub family—which includes boss man Kode 9, dubstep kingpin Mala, no-frills club punter Ikonika, and the ever-funky Scratcha DVA—turned up in fine form, their recent stop at Verboten in Brooklyn was most notable for just one thing: proving that the flirtation between Hyperdub and the Chicago-based footwork collective Teklife has officially turned into a full-fledged bromance.
DJs Spinn and Taso, both repping the Teklife crew, played a back-to-back peak-time set. Every other head was wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with Teklife's stark, hexagonal logo. Footwork tracks filled the air throughout the night, mingling with hard-hitting dubstep and more spacey strains of sub-bass. A notable percentage of the dance floor was versed in the rapid-fire, limb-locking style of dancing that accompanies footwork's frenetic beats. A moment of silence was even called for late footwork pioneer DJ Rashad.
It makes complete sense for these two forward-thinking labels to be loving up on each other. Both are relentlessly forward-thinking, less inclined to nostalgia than the search for what's next. Both are also champions of the underdog—and their music, while dark, gritty and often strange, opens up to moments of transcendent, melancholy beauty. Plus, Hyperdub put out DJ Rashad's seminal album Double Cup in 2013, and Teklife stalwarts like DJ Earl, Spinn, Heavee, and DJ Taye have all released on the label. This October, Hyperdub is even helping to bring over the Chicago crew for their first, sure-to-be-sold-out show in London. So to these two happily betrothed labels we say: mazel tov! To many more years to come.
@MichelleLhooq
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