Tuesdays arguably the most productive day in The RRP office. This might be because we have finally shook our hangovers or maybe it is the excitement of blasting the latest instalment of The RRP Podcast. Either way Tuesdays are good days.
This week we welcome a man that needs very little introduction. His commitment and contribution to dance music has been second to none and his releases and hectic tour schedule position him at the very heart of the scene. This weeks podcast comes from 8Bit & Cécille Records boss Nick Curly.
It has now been a decade since Nick Curly announced himself on the international stage. Still innovating in the studio, subtly evolving his sound and serving up forward thinking sets around the world, he has continued to establish his 8Bit label as one of the most influential out there.
Recent years have also seen Nick branch out with Trust, his own carefully curated event series. Each event allowing him to play in handpicked locations around the world. Sonus Festival to Watergate, Mint Club in Leeds to The Bow in Buenos Aires via the BPM Festival. All the while inviting a choice selection of his friends and peers.
That world continues to take in slick, infectious tech house sounds that range in mood and come on labels like Knee Deep in Sound and Truesoul, as well as, mostly, his own mighty 8Bit. Of course, Nick also ran Cécille until a few years ago, and it helped introduce the world to the now much loved Mannheim sound. The label’s goal was always to prise quality over quantity. As a result the label went into extended hiatus in order to stay true to its ego. Nick has told us that as he receives a constant stream of exciting demos it might soon be right for its return. Something we can only hope for.
In these times of constant social media exposure, Nick has remained rather old school in that he would rather be judged for his music than his memes. It has served him well and continues to see him play headline slots at over 100 locations each year.
Back at the start of his career, Nick held down some key residencies which helped honed his craft in the DJ booth. It means he is able to play to a small and intimate club as well as connect with larger audiences at outdoor stages. That is reflected in his productions, which always find new life in tech house grooves and continue to keep dancers dancing and DJs in supply of dance floor dynamite. Proof of that comes from the fact he is never far away from the top of various online charts or the most charted section of online bible Resident Advisor.
Nick Curly has the same aspirations as he did when he first started playing keyboards aged nine: to make music that connects with people. He might now have a bigger audience than ever before, but he is still driven by sharing feelings and emotions with anyone who will listen. Rather than rushing out tunes to meet a deadline or stay in the headlines, he only puts things out that feel truly special to him. With more planned for the future and his next EP, Zero Love due for release on March 22, 2019 is looking like another year of quality output and constant gigging.
This weeks set comes straight from his recent show at Vent Club in Tokyo. A relatively new venue, Vent combines a world first use mechanism-sound-system with its minimal warehouse structure all making it one of Asias must visit venues. Its a high energy club mix showcasing Curly’s symbiotic relationship with his music as well as his flawless skills as a DJ. We love it we hope you do.
