In Strict Tempo, vol. 93: Terrible Twos

In Strict Tempo turns two so I look back at where we started, plus new music!

This week marks the second anniversary of In Strict Tempo, and stunningly, the ninety-third edition of the newsletter.

I conceived In Strict Tempo after a boozy chat with a friend in Amsterdam at ADE back in 2023 - it came about after we spoke about maintaining the fire after almost two decades working in music. This can be a brutal industry at times, and whilst it can be great fun, it can also be extremely stressful, sometimes feeling like you’re pushing a rock uphill against the constant stream of new releases whilst dealing with the internal and external politics of it all. In Strict Tempo was my way of reminding myself why we got into this in the first place - for a love of music, and to share that music with others.

I’m not a great DJ, and I’ve no desire to live that lifestyle, so for me my favourite way of sharing music has always been talking about or writing about it. I worked in record shops for years, and at a label and distributor for a long while too, so I think I’m well-versed in being able to get people excited about music, but in my current role I only do that to a small section of the industry, and only about the music we release, which sits in it’s own niche. I wanted to share the stuff I’d be listening to outside of work, the stuff I’d talk about in the pub, or round friends houses, and at the same time casting a somewhat cynical eye over the things that go on in the wider industry. I think it’s healthy to be cynical you know. It keeps you on your toes, and means you don’t get washed up in a flash flood of hype. Sometimes it means you’ll miss things, but I feel one of the most important qualities someone can have is being able to admit they were wrong on something, or reappraise their opinion. That goes for all things in life, not just music.

The first In Strict Tempo started how I meant to go on - writing about HMV. It’s a topic I’ve revisited a lot over the last couple of years, and is a place that was dear to my heart. I won’t go on about it here, but you can see the first newsletter below.

Over the years I’ve added to the newsletter, this year I started a mix series and have featured mixes from the likes of BALF, Volte-Face and Semtek. I’ve also interviewed a number of people, and although I didn’t intend to do those, I think they’ve been a nice addition to the newsletter.

This all reads a bit self-congratulatory, so thanks for indulging me for a minute. I really believe that the future of music isn’t in multi-national, all you can eat style streaming services, but in smaller, more local communities. That’s where stuff starts, on the ground, at grass roots. Streaming is obviously a controversial topic, and whilst it can make stars of some artists, it’s not an approach that will fit everyone, especially those on the fringes, where we are. Things like newsletters and Discords, platforms like that, with a sense of ownership, and a sense of curation will be where the next interesting stuff comes from. It’s probably already started…

What’s next for In Strict Tempo? I’m really enjoying writing it, and subscriber numbers are growing nicely. It’s going to stay free, for reasons I’ve shared before, and there’ll be some more interviews, some more mixes and we’ll see what else. I guess all that’s left to say is thanks for the support over the past couple of years, and thanks for sticking around (I think I’ve only lost three subscribers in that time). I always appreciate any feedback you have, and if you want to share it with your friends I’d appreciate that too!

New Music

Now all that bollocks is out the way, let’s get on to the new tunes I’ve been feeling the past couple of weeks.

Lauten der Seele - Unterhaltungen mit Larven und Überresten [World of Echo]

Christian Schoppik returns to his Lauten der Seele alias for this new album out via World of Echo. It’s one of those that is so all-encompassing you can’t really describe what it is - ambient doesn’t do it enough justice, it’s not rigid enough to be folk, and there’s a lot more here than just field recordings. Either way, it’s a late contender for album of the year, and one that will reward you on every listen.

Carrier - Rhythm Immortal [Modern Love]

Another AOTY contender here, I’m pretty sure this is gonna feature in at least 90% of Boomkat lists. Carrier has been working under this alias for a couple of years now, having become bored of DnB & Techno. Who can blame him really? He’s settled in Antwerp and got on with creating an album that will probably become one of those all-time classics.

British Murder Boys - Get In Line [Downwards]

One of two tracks quietly dropped by Britain’s Best-Loved Absurdist Space-Rock duo. You know the score with BMB, pick this up or regret it forever.

DJ Persuasion - Danny [Ulterior Motives]

DJ Persuasion checks in to the Overlook hotel and gets down to the business of cutting dubs. Ready for yr Halloween raves there’s only 30 of these in existence so head to Bandcamp & cop before it’s too late.

OKO DJ - As Above, So Below [STROOM]

I stuck this on the Eurostar the other day and fell asleep shortly afterwards. To be fair I was pretty knackered, and it soothed my tired ears into a pleasant dozy state. Read into that what you will, but it’s something I’m gonna need to give another listen when I’ve got a bit more energy.

emer - Fog [Short Span]

The other morning I had to drive to Stansted in the fog. I saw two car accidents in a short space of time. Keep your distance people! This new one from Matthew Kent’s Short Span sticks with the mellow dubby sound the label’s becoming known for. Rate this.

Jasmin - Bite The Hand That Feeds You [Hessle Audio]

Sounds like a bit of a return to form for Hessle, this. Hypnotic techno for the heads.