It’s clear that the quality and frequency of Netlabel releases has ascended over the past few months. It’s encouraging to see sustained activity and interest for Netaudio on twitter and of course the ‘return to’ sites for all things Creative Commons such as INQ Magazine and Netlabelism. There are so many active record labels releasing top quality EPs and albums covering so many genres it’s hard to ignore the surge. The wave of progress is not just made up of audio, there are many excellent visual and new media artists at the forefront of the Netlabel movement.

Exploring new media & creative collaboration

A media collective called Born Digital has just launched as a new audiovisual Netlabel. The individuals involved are experience and professional audio and visual producers. Boasting a list of versatile multimedia artists that includes Marsman, Takuma Nakata, Jonathan Read, Julien Mier, Daan Kars and Zumi, they’re set to push the Netlabel cause even further. For more information visit their website netlabel information page.

First release: “Passenger” by Julien Mier (music) & Daan Kars (visuals)

The quality or work is apparent in this 28 minute long album with sound by the very talented Julien Mier and superb visuals from the guru Daan Kars. I’ve listened to many of Julien’s earlier releases on various Netlabels. His ability to deliver emotional and engaging melodies is always second to none. And as an experienced visual artist myself in the past, I found Daan’s shots, edits and effects inspiring, enough to keep me transfixed for 28 minutes. I was very impressed and I know you will be too.

Check out their high definition video on Vimeo and be sure to show them some love by leaving a comment or checking out their website. Until next time, take care.

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This mix is pretty eclectic. I kick off with a little drum and bass and drop in some memorizing electronica. Meandering though some broken beats, I bounce in some 4/4 with a few layers of deep and funky bass, rounding it all off with some wobbly dubstep. It was fun to mix, I hope you enjoy it.

All the tracks are Netaudio and Creative commons. Talented artists want you to enjoy their fantastic music, please share the love. If you like what you hear, check out the artists at their Netlabel homes below and give them the support they deserve.

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MP3 version (192K): DJ mix by Warren Daly – Eclectic, Netlabel, Netaudio

OGG version (Q6): DJ Mix by Warren Daly – Eclectic, Netlabel, Netaudio

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Tracklisting

1. Lostlojic – Give Me Love – Cut Volume 1 – Cut Records
2. tay0 – ModoKun Live - Names & numbers – tay0music
3. Vandera – India Joya (DnB Remix) – Cut Volume 1 – Cut Records
4. Adam & Alma – Back To The Sea – Back to the Sea EP – 23 Seconds
5. Mekha – Acufen – Cut Volume 1 – Cut Records
6. Adapt – Venus Underwater – Vamos a un lugar espacial – Bandcamp
7. Mystified – Unsync – Just Not Normal Compilation CD4 – Just Not Normal
8. 2% – Glory – Nowcast EP – Archiac horizon
9. Nacho Monetto – Douleur la cheville Jay Phonic Rmx – pfirsich EP – Bleep Sequence
10. Samim and Michal – Ripop – Ripop EP – textone
11. Maurice Goltz – Der Monolith – Im gleichen Takt EP – GleichTakt Records
12. DML – Fluid (Reshape) – Tidal EP – Gruenfeld
13. Photophob – cab reflection – Urban Dialectics – Laridae

Leonardo Rosado is well-known for his excellent ambient and experimental compositions on his own FeedbackLoop label and several other Netlabels. Leonardo has worked on a new album entitled ‘opaque glitter‘ for several months, but he is not operating entirely alone. Leonardo incorporated a democratic process during the album creation, allowing website visitors to comment and select the make up of the entire package which includes poetry and photography. Leonardo composed about 90 minutes of music and 40 minutes made it to the final cut of the album.

How the album was produced

Based on voting between September and December 2010, 8 tracks were voted for by website visitors. Poetry and images were also made to accompany each piece of music. This collective decision-making ensures diverse opinions and allows Leonardo to become a more impartial producer. Tracks which were not selected for the album are accomplished works and are released on other Netlabels. You can track the time-line of the album production here. As a bonus you can download Leonardo’s other singles and be introduced to other fantastic Netlabels.

A customized unique collectors item

The FeedbackLoop Label works in a very smart way. They release a free digital EP and if listeners enjoy it they have the opportunity to buy the full album version. The money earned from the sales goes on to support the release of a physical edition of the album. Better still, the physical edition is customized by the listener who chooses the image and poem to be printed on the album cover.

The journey of opaque glitter

Leonardo’s compositions gel together to form a cohesive album that you will enjoy listening to in its entirety. On your journey you will experience enchanting but fleeting melodies. Pausing briefly to relax in a warm and secure meadow, the sound of distance activities will make you curious to continue your quest. As you pass through alien environments, strange entities travelling in parallel with you seem within arms reach, but as they appear they evaporate. Snow drifts carried by the wind will slowly envelope and dissolve your surroundings. These soundscapes and alternate realities are masterfully conjured up by Rosado. Never repeating and always engaging, he has an amazing ability to captivate and fascinate the listener.

Opaque glitter is an excellent ambient album that has plenty of experimental elements and found sounds. It remains inviting and evokes further intrigue, making you content to start the journey all over again. Recommended.

If you’re not one of the folk following me on Twitter, it would seem like I’ve dropped off the face of the planet. I’ve found it difficult time wise to update the site as much as I would like. Never fear, the AgentCast / Podcast series is always in progress. That being said, if you wish to contribute a podcast, please get in touch. We all love to hear new mixes.

I’ve been so quiet with reviews and the netlabel tracker on the website recently I am going to share some of my #MM posts from the land of tweet. I urge you to join in the discussion on Twitter, where you will find music lovers and makers who are super friendly and engaging.

Ambienteer – 30th Compilation

First up is Ambienteer who has just released his thirtieth (yes, 30th!) compilation of ambient tracks for free. So many beautiful ambient soundscapes and chilled out melodies all wrapped up in a neat zip file. James is an inspiration for many producers, the quality and frequency of his output is astounding. Please consider supporting James and check out his releases on Bandcamp. You will find him here on Twitter

DaDub – Backward Forward EP

DaDub’s Backward Forward EP on A Quite Bump record label is a notable 2nd release from this dub outfit. Chilled sub bass and spaced out riddims are laid down with just the right amount of vocals. Be sure to download this release and keep following this Italian netlabel for other skankin’ goodies.

That’s all for now folks. Please feel free to leave some comments. Until next time, let the music keep you smiling.