Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier are Booka Shade. They believe that there can be no compromise in music production: “Anybody can produce a nice, okay track, one which works on the dance floor, but to produce something personal – music that is the very essence of who you are – that is much more difficult.” The duo, based out of Berlin, Germany, still believe in the power of the album in an age when most people are seeking a quick iTunes fix. They have continually created a longer lasting experience, producing albums among the ranks of other classics like Bjork’s ‘Debut’; Hot Chip’s ‘The Warning’; or even Massive Attack’s ‘Blue Lines.’
The new album ‘More!’ certainly does not disappoint. They’ve returned to a cleaner, more rudimentary sound that seals them in the minimal genre. At the same, time they have created a more beautiful soundscape than the typical darkness of electro, relying heavily on vocals this time around. But these are no typical DJ’s. All of Booka Shade‘s productions and live performances (unless otherwise stated) are live, consisting of keyboards, synths, drums/percussion, and live sampling. Below is just a small taste of this author’s picks from the new album. Also, some golden oldies are included along with famous remixes and two unbeatable essential mixes.
Tracklisting
1. Havanna Sex Dwarf
2. Donut (interpretation)
3. Regenerate
4. The Door
5. Teenage Spaceman
6. Divine (feat. Yello)
7. Scaramanga
8. L.A. tely
9. Bad Love (feat. Chelonis R. Jones)
10. No Difference
11. This Is Not The Time
Booka Shade – Teenage Spaceman
Booka Shade Vs. M.A.N.D.Y. – Body Language
Booka Shade Vs. DJ T – Played Runner
Booka Shade Essential Mix BBC Radio 1(Pete Tongless)
BONUS:
James Zabiela & Booka Shade(Live Band) Essential Mix Live From Glastonbury Festival
World Tour:
May 2010
01.05.10 – Eventwerk, Dresden (DE)
07.05.10 – Electronic Beats Festival, Prague (CZ)
12.05.10 – Les Nuits Sonares Festival, Lyon (FR)
13.05.10 – Koko, London (UK)
14.05.10 – Paradiso, Amsterdam (ND)
25.05.10 – Music Hall of Williamsburg, New York (US)
27.05.10 – Henry Fonda, Los Angeles (US)
28.05.10 – Lightening in a Bottle Festival, Irvine (US)
29.05.10 – Red Rocks, Morrison (US)
30.05.10 – Sasquatch Festival, Seattle (US)
31.05.10 – Hart Plaza, Detroit (US)
June 2010
05.06.10 – Selector Festival, Krakow (POL)
11.06.10 – Rockness, Lochness (SCO
12.06.10 – Parklife Festival, Manchester (UK)
16.06.10 – DJ SET @ Space, Ibiza (ESP)
18.06.10 – Sonar by Night, (indoor stage), Barcelona (ESP)
19.06.10 – Sonar by Night, (main stage), La Caruna (ESP)
26.06.10 – Extrema Outdoor Festival, Kalvoya-Sandvika/Baerum (NO)
July 2010
03.07.10 – Rock Werchter Festival, Belgium (BE)
09.07.10 – Alive Festival, Lisbon (PT)
16.07.10 – Melt Festival, Berlin (DE)
17.07.10 – Lovebox, London (UK)
23.07.10 – Beatpatrol Festival, St. Polten (AT)
31.07.10 – Global Gathering, Stratford Upon Avon (UK)
August 2010
07.08.10 – Dance Valley, Amsterdam (NL)
13.08.10 – DJ SET @ Space Ibiza, (ESP)
September 2010
03.09.10 – Electric Picnic, Stradbally, County Laois (EIRE)
