Industry stalwart Laidback Luke makes a sensational return to his techno roots as he unveils his brand new Dark Chanell alias. Marking his debut, the esteemed producer has delivered a stunning 4-track EP ‘No.1’, out now via his own Mixmash Records imprint.
Packing a punch from the opening note, ‘No.1’ is a striking offering that highlights Luke’s phenomenal production skills. The high-energy EP opens up with hard-hitting ‘Octagon’ – a track fueled by a bouncing bassline and stomping synths that make it the perfect peak-time hit. Next up, ‘Purpur’, sees Luke deliver a slick electro infused techno piece. driving the production forward with staccato synths, fragmented kicks and an arresting melody, the chaotic breakdown lends to the abstract anthem. Delving deeper ‘Traitor’ sees Luke embrace the darker side to the genre, delivering a sublime brooding techno soundscape. Closing out the EP, Luke picks up momentum with ‘Trommel’ – weaving in squelchy synths, driving beats and percussive elements for a hypnotic sonic offering that channels those dancefloor vibrations.
One of the most influential producers in the electronic music scene, Luke van Scheppingen – best known by his stage name Laidback Luke – has donned a variety of hats throughout his illustrious career, mastering every genre from big room mainstage hits, acid house and electro to pure techno. The early days of his career saw Luke count Adam Beyer, Marco Carola and UMEK as his contemporaries, regularly billing on the same lineups as the techno giants. Garnering support from the likes of Marco Bailey and Joachim Garraud, Marco and Joachim were instrumental in getting him to play major international events I Love Techno and Technoparade respectively. Earning his stripes in the techno community, Luke was chosen as a resident for the inimitable Awakenings parties, as well as gracing the roster of Billy Nasty’s Theremin Agency.
His self-professed first love, Luke has spent the last couple of years revisiting his passion for techno both on the stage and in the studio. Receiving a rave review from industry heavyweight Resident Advisor for one of his first ever ‘Strictly Techno’ gigs in New York back in 2016, Luke went on to release two techno EPs under the name of BOOM! which garnered support from the likes of Ryan Elliot, Gerd Jansen, Ricardo Villalobos and Zip. Fast forward to 2021 and the prodigal producer is set to further cement his techno credentials with the birth of his Dark Chanell project.
You can now listen to the full premiere of ‘Octagon’ exclusively on When We Dip. Enjoy!
Release Date: February 26th, 2021. Buy Here
Follow: DARK CHANELL // Laidback Luke // Mixmash Records