Darren Emerson: Underwater Episode 5

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Underwater Episode 5 - mixed by Darren Emerson and Magik Johnson

Emerson’s Underwater imprint releases the fifth in the “Underwater Episode” series. Emerson again controls disk one, whilst new Underwater signing Magik Johnson mixes disk two. Since 2002, the “Underwater Episode” series have bought you the best of the Underwater talent – the first mix from Emerson and Tim Deluxe, the second Emerson and Mutiny, the third Emerson and Paul Jackson, the fourth, last year, with Sharam Jey and now the fifth with New Zealand’s Magik “Dick” Johnson.

Emerson’s been quiet on the UK scene of late, the past year has seen him constantly touring - through the US, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Asia, South America… The only place you can now see him DJ in London is The End for his exclusive London Underwater residency. Underwater the label (now twelve years old) is still bubbling with signings including Joel Mull, Bugchaser, D Ramirez, Sharam Jey, Pnau, Beckster (John Dahlbeck and David Ekenback) and of course Magik Johnson, whilst Emerson’s anticipated debut album is finished – with a major interest. The album includes collaborations with Compost Record’s Joseph Malik, Jamie Cullum’s brother Ben Cullum, Earth from Gus Gus, full gospel choirs and as Emerson says: “I’ve got dance to guitar, to really melodic, soulful stuff; it’s still dance based music but in more of an eclectic flow. I’m thinking about going into the studio with D Ramirez to remix the whole album into more of a clubbier album to add to the package as well. It’s taken me a while, but with DJing, the label and life in general, this happens.”

Magik Johnson started djing originally at the Hacienda alongside Graeme Park and Tom Wainwright. Between 1994 and 95, he started producing tracks for New Order’s Pleasure Recordings and Manchester’s Paperecordings collective, shortly afterwards establishing Shaboom Records with Mark Bell. Magik has also released on such influential imprints as Danny Tenaglia’s Twisted label, The End Recordings and has remixed Crazy P, DJ Sneak, Joey Negro, Q- Burns, Human League, Amillionsons amazing “Misti Blu” and his collaboration with Ian Pooley ‘Piha’ is a renowned classic. Last summer Dick released his “Cardboard Journey” album to critical acclaim and this year sees him tie in with Underwater for a little play.

“Dick’s the ideal person for me to mix Episode 5 with as both our styles compliment each other perfectly. I’ve always admired his work; he’s been consistently releasing quality tunes for years now. I originally got introduced to him through two of my other Underwater artists - Bugchaser and Greg Churchill, he played me “Malone/Jump” and I thought it was great for Underwater – it’s slightly harder for him, but still has that ‘Magik’ touch. ” – Darren Emerson.

Emerson’s signature on the Episode compilations is his smooth entrance to the mix (he even used his daughter singing on one). This is no different; a spacey predecessor warms up for Emerson’s 70 minute electronic space invader battle. Beckster kicks off with “How Ya Doin” – a new Underwater signing, “A Tribute to Mark Spoon” follows by Ynau, plus tracks from Onionz, D Ramirez, new Underwater signing Joel Mull, James Mowbray and D Ramirez, the DJ Hell remix of Chelonis R Jones’ “Deer in the headlights” and, a track that represents an Emerson ‘end of set’ style perfectly - the deep and trippy Darko Esser and Benny Rodrugues’ “Paradox”.

Magik’s electronic journey kicks of with the dirty DJ T’s “Funk on You” going into his “I’ll take you there” on Honchos music, then we have Jazzy Eyewear’s Zoo Brazil mix of “Gotta Be Real”, Magik’s own deep and twangy “Jump”, Ian Pooley, the deep niceness of Margot meets Melody Maker, the trippy weirdness of Trentemoller’s sunstroke, Tom Middleton’s mix of Kerry Chandler, the lazer gun action of Magik’s “Malone” and for the enfin the old skool vibes of Mr Gone’s “Do For Love” – Magik’s remix.

Released July - Underwater Records

DARREN EMERSON TRACKLISTING
1. Beckster “Howyadoin”
2. Ynau “A Tribute To Mark Spoon”
3. Onionz “Burning”
4. The Wiggs “Mars”
5. D.Ramirez and Dimitry Bobrov “Pleasure Me”
6. Oded Peled & Introvert “Hypnolove”
7. Joel Mull “For Me”
8. DNA Orchestra “Samurai” (Paul Jackson Ronin Mix)
9. James Mowbray & D. Ramirez “ I Choose Anger”
10. D.Ramirez “La Discotek”
11. Chelonis R. Jones “Deer in the headlights” (DJ Hell Remix)
12. Ynau “Saviours In On Out Tonight”
13. Darko Esser & Benny Rodrigues “Paradox”

MAGIK JOHNSON TRACKLISTING
1. DJ T “Funk On You (Dub)”
2. Magik Johnson “I’ll Take You There (Main Mix)”
3. Diringer “Flake Escape”
4. Jazzy Eyewear “Gotta be Real (Zoo Brazil Remix)”
5. Magik Johnson “Jump”
6. Ian Pooley “Higgledy Piggledy”
7. Magik Johnson “I Give Up (Original)”
8. Magik Johnson feat. Sandy Mill “Not what You Know”
9. Margot meets The Melody Maker “Torch (Extrawelt Vocal Remix)”
10.Trentemoller “Sunstroke”
11. Kerri Chandler “Bar A Thym (Tom Middleton Cosmos Mix)”
12. Magik Johnson “Malone”
13. Mr Gone “Do For Love (Magik Johnson Remix)”

The launch party for this release will be at The End, London July 29th with Darren Emerson and Magik Johnson and guests.

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