In his new book Ears To The Ground, published by Velocity Press, former VF contributor Ben Murphy explores the world of underground electronic and field recordings. In this excerpt from chapter 15–World wide: dance music, found sounds and cultural heritage–Murphy observes the role of found sounds in the works of dance producers around the world. At its most cutting edge, dance music is a laboratory of sonic experimentation. Field recordings, foley and samples from the real world have long been part of the production palette for the most forward-thinking artists. When it comes to the use of fo ..read more

A window into 1991 rave culture. Ahead of Record Store Day 2024, legendary British electronic duo Orbital reissued their self-titled debut album (aka The Green Album), alongside a boxset and booklet offering an insight into Orbital’s early days and the UK’s burgeoning rave culture in 1991. Filled with photos, flyers, artwork and stories from those heady days, the boxset is a treasure trove for Orbital fans and ravers across the board. We’ve dug through the archive, taken from Orbital’s personal collection, to uncover some visual highlights. Read on for a window into 1991, accompanied by comme ..read more

Essential weekend listening. This week’s rundown is by VF’s Kelly Doherty, and contributors Annabelle Van Dort, Emily Hill and James Hammond. Shygirl fabric presents Shygirl (fabric Records) Buy fabric presents Shygirl by Shygirl Fresh from supporting big names like Beyonce and featuring on records with Lyzza, Erika De Casier and Bjork, Shygirl continues to create a unique artist vision for herself. Her fabric compilation dives into her identity as a DJ, with several hot takes and reworks of original tracks, as well music and features from the likes of Nick Leon, Metrist, 96 Back and Coucou ..read more

Step back into Record Store Day 2024. VF was back at Phonica Records on April 20 to celebrate Record Store Day 2024. The party, in association with Junction 2 festival and Ace+Freak, saw a secret guest line-up of DJs making the RSD crowd dance into the evening. Experience the magic with photos from Phonica’s basement of sets by The Orb, I. Jordan, Chinese Daughter, Anthea, Cinthie, Garrett David and Richard Sen below. Stay tuned for videos of the full sets soon. MAKE A DANCE (M.A.D) Cinthie & Garrett David Anthea Chinese Daughter   I. Jordan The Orb ..read more

Everything you need to know about turntable mats. The significance of platter mats can be daunting to grasp, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned enthusiast. These unassuming accessories wield the power to elevate your listening experience, making it important to understand their role. Essentially, a platter mat is a thin, circular layer placed on top of the turntable’s platter, providing a foundation for your records. With thickness ranging from 1.5mm to 4mm, they are crafted from various materials, each offering distinct advantages and drawbacks. Beyond aesthetics, platter mats shield the ..read more

For the first time, an original soundtrack from a Punchdrunk show is available. The Vinyl Factory has released the original soundtrack to Punchdrunk’s The Burnt City on vinyl. Marking the first time that a soundtrack from a Punchdrunk show is available for audiences to listen to at home, the score to The Burnt City is now on limited edition double vinyl. Punchdrunk’s longest show in its 24-year history, The Burnt City was inspired by Aeschylus’ Agamemnon and Euripides’ Hecuba and transported the greatest of Greek tragedies to a sprawling neon metropolis. The show’s score features 14 tracks ..read more

Celebrate Record Store Day with Phonica Records and The Vinyl Factory. This Record Store Day we’re back to livestream Phonica Records’ Record Store Day event for those who can’t make it down to the store. Tune in here to watch the festivities, in association with Junction 2 festival and Ace+Freak . Catch a top-secret line-up of the best DJs playing all day from the Phonica Records’ basement, from 2pm to 9pm. Catch the livestream here. Don’t miss out ..read more

Essential weekend listening. This week’s rundown is by VF’s Kelly Doherty, and contributors Emily Hill and James Hammond. claire rousay sentiment (Thrill Jockey) Buy sentiment by claire rousay claire rousay shifts her focus on sentiment, her most accessible and immediate release yet. While the found sound and distinct experimental musical language of her previous work remains at the backbone of sentiment, the previously implied emo atmospheres are explicit this time round as twinkling guitars wrap themselves around rousay’s isolated ambient productions. There’s a stark sadness to everyday so ..read more

Disco and boogie straight from Rush Hour Records. In our latest VF Live, we’re back at Rush Hour for a set from Rotterdam-based band Another Taste. Fresh from the release of their debut album via Space Grapes Records, Another Taste share a mix of disco and boogie producers and bands that have influenced the record. To accompany the set, Rush Hour’s Bevan Gosling sat down with Another Taste to discuss the mix and their debut album. This mix includes many prominent disco and boogie producers and bands. Are there any particular records in the stream that inspired certain parts of the LP or a gen ..read more

With a surprise DJ line-up. Phonica Records’ Record Store Day event is back this Saturday, April 20. Read more: Listen to Phonica’s Record Store Day 2022 sets With doors opening at 9am, the 51 Poland Street institution is offering 100s of Record Store Day exclusives, releases and reissues. Check out their stocklist here. Aside from RSD exclusives, the store will host a line-up of DJs both upstairs and in the basement until 9pm, in association with Junction 2 festival and Ace+Freak. The line-up may be top secret but previous Phonica RSD parties have included sets from Sherelle, Spec ..read more