Academik Podcast 001 /// Free Download

The first Academik Podcast (mixed by Arcader) is now online - and a free download on SoundCloud.

Tyler Hampton - The Knight EP

Since his debut in 2007, Tyler Hampton's tracks have received global support from legendary names like Pete Tong, Mark Knight, Belocca and Prok & Fitch. 

His first single for 2013 is a slammin' blend of tech and progressive called "The Knight". Starting out with a deceptively smooth and jackin' house vibe, "The Knight" gallops intently into bigger territory with a punchy electro-tinged lead, slowly building into a melodic progressive breakdown that's both euphoric and original, then bringing the room to a funky peak that sets up your next track perfectly.

Academik's latest discovery - Arcader - delivers a bouncy, deeper reinterpretation of "The Knight" that swaps out the original's progressive elements for a more techno vibe that evolves into a crunchy, in-your-face breakdown before returning to its original house flow.

But don't take our word for it. Here's what some of the best blogs and DJs are saying about "The Knight" - and it's available on Beatport now.

Song of the Day - "If this track was spread out into an hour-long DJ set, it would no doubt win acclaim as one of the best journey mixed CDs ever. Compressed into under seven minutes, the kinetic randomness verges on manic madness, yet is so well-blended that it’s a must-listen for any lover of EDM looking to be schooled." Full Review

- NotableDance.com

"By turning down the percussion a bit and turning up the bass, Arcader delivers a monster mix for the package. The filtered breakdown around halfway through allows the build to work its way back to its original intensity. Snatch The Knight up from Beatport and expect big things from Academik and these artists in 2013." Full Review

- LessThan3.com

"Tech house is the new big trend in the EDM scene and this release will keep many faces happy in the next months. Love it!" Full Review

- Flux BPM

Noel Sanger - Rating: 4/5

Comments: "I'm all over both of these! Thanks!"

Blake Jarrell - Rating: 5/5

Comments: "Tyler Hampton FTW!"

MC Flipside - Rating: 4/5

Comments: "Arcader nails it. I love Tyler, and the remix is killer."

Randall Jones - Rating: 4/5

Comments: "Original sounds good for peak time. 100% support in my sets worldwide."

Topher Jones - Rating: 4/5

Comments: "Really groovy stuff from Tyler. Digging this for sure."

Kenneth Thomas - Rating: 4/5

Comments: "Nice techy vibe."

Direct link for purchasing on Beatport.

Francis Prève vs The Chaotic Good - Collider EP

Academik's new release veers into breaks territory with Francis Prève and The Chaotic Good's "Collider".

The original mix of "Collider" entangles hard-as-nails synth elements with atmospheric moments via an arrangement that whips from section to section like an out-of-control particle accelerator. Prève's analog-fueled sound design tactics fuse with The Chaotic Good's impeccably punchy production skills in a way that sounds utterly fresh in the context of the current EDM landscape.

The Shreddward remix of "Collider" recombines the original synth and drum parts into a peak-time minimal stomper that fits beautifully in tech sets of all kinds. Shreddward combines the original elements with a funkier vibe, placing the focus squarely on Shredd's rolling subsonic bombast before rising to a second payoff that sets up your next track perfectly, no matter what's in your crate.

Beatport Release Date: June 12, 2012

Jan van Lier - True Stories EP

Academik's new release veers into techno territory with Jan van Lier's "True Stories".

The original mix of "True Stories" is a driving blend of rolling subsonic bass, topped off with house elements and a rising lead that keeps pushing the energy higher as the track evolves. As with Jan van Lier's previous hits on Definitive and Blu-Fin, "True Stories" is a main room techno crowd-pleaser that works beautifully in both headlining and afterhours sets.

Francis Prève's take on "True Stories" turns up the boom with a funky, electro-tinged bass line, gene-spliced with mutated versions of the original house elements. From there, Prève takes the rising synth of the original and morphs it into an 80s-inflected big room lead that combines catchy with classic, while staying true to the original vibe. The result is a peak-time tech house groover that fits equally well into electro and progressive sets.

Beatport Release Date: March 12, 2012

Academik Records SXSW 2012 Event

On March 17, 2012, from 3pm-2am, Academik Records presents its second annual SXSW event, at Lanai Rooftop Lounge in Austin, Texas. Overlooking the action - at the corner of 5th and Congress, in the heart of the downtown club district - the Academik event will include performances from both emerging and established electronic artists.

The spotlight of the event will be the worldwide debut of legendary electronica/progressive act, Andain. This live performance will showcase Andain's classic hits, like "Beautiful Things" and "Summer Calling" - as well as their newest tracks, "Promises" and "Much Too Much".

In addition to the debut of Andain, the party will include DJ sets from Francis Prève, Jan van Lier, The Chaotic Good, and SecretPandaSociety - covering a broad range of EDM genres, from tech house to breaks.

Throughout the event, Academik's sponsors (listed below) will be giving away the latest electronic music production tools and software, including free copies of Ableton Live, Dave Smith Instruments' fully analog Mopho keyboard, Propellerhead Balance with Reason Essentials, as well as products from Korg, iZotope, Create Digital Music, and Bleeplabs.

White-hot EDM blog, LessThan3 - and the timeless and essential Keyboard Magazine - will also be co-sponsoring the event, bringing great vibes and some nifty giveaways as well.

Entering the contest is a straightforward process involving Facebook and Twitter.

Contest rules can be found HERE.

The Academik event will be open to the public, with NO cover, NO wristbands, and NO attitude, so get there early to ensure your place at the party.

Servo vs Colossus - Out NOW on Beatport!

"Servo vs. Colossus" - the long-awaited collab between prog legends, Gabriel & Dresden, and synth guru, Francis Prève -  has arrived exclusively on Beatport. Here's the link to buy it.

In addition to being featured on Benny Benassi's podcast last week, support for "Servo vs. Colossus" has come from a huge range of world-class DJs including Blake Jarrell, Noel Sanger, Tyler Michaud, Matt Lange, Jan van Lier, MC Flipside, Dan Tait, and Andy Perring (Pulser).


Blake Jarrell
Rating: 5/5
Comments: Thanks!

Matt Lange
Rating: 4/5
Comments: Cool! Thanks!

MC Flipside
Rating: 4/5
Comments: This is huge.

Tyler Michaud
Rating: 5/5
Comments: This is an excellent track! Full support! Have been waiting for this one since their 'Mixed for Feet' compilation.

Andy Perring
Rating: 4/5
Comments: Cool!

DJ Ron
Rating: 4/5
Comments: Absolutely amazing

Dan Tait
Rating: 4/5
Comments: Nice ruff track - lots of energy!

Noel Sanger
Rating: 5/5
Comments: Yeah. Huge. Can't wait to drop this one!

Jan van Lier
Rating: 5/5
Comments: Bangin!!!!

Coming January 30, 2012 - Servo vs. Colossus

Beatport - January 30, 2012

Expect more surprises this year.