This VA brings together a selection of artists with distinct sonic identities, unified through a narrative that moves between energy and emotional depth. Regent opens with Dechiper, a seductive peak-time cut where vocals intertwine with an immersive atmosphere, pulling the listener into an unstoppable dancefloor momentum. BLANKA delivers En Crescendo, a warm and magnetic track driven by sensual vocals, nasty claps and rolling percussion, building tension with a steady, controlled progression. With Safe From Rejection, Bailey Ibbs shifts into a more introspective space, led by melancholic pads that add depth and emotional weight. Angioma closes with Honey Taste, blending raw rhythms with textured synth work and melancholic undertones, balancing strength and vulnerability.

SHDW's label, Mutual Rytm hits a notable milestone at the start of 2024 as it turns two years old and hits its 20th release. To mark the occasion, the carefully curated compilation 'Federation Of Rytm III' arrives on February 2nd with a 30-track 5 x 12" boxset vinyl release and a further 6 digital bonus tracks. Mutual Rytm is synonymous with serious, no-frills techno. It is a go-to for the worlds most influential DJs and a home to some of the scene's most innovative producers. Over the last two years, it has explored several shades of sound, always with high-quality production and forward-thinking styles. A fine balance has always been struck between new and emerging talents and established names with plenty more to say, and that is the case on this collection which features the legendary likes of Blawan, Gary Beck, Colin Benders, The Advent and Dax J next to ANNĒ, Alarico, JakoJako, Chlär, LDS and many more. Founder SHDW says, "I've poured my heart into curating a compilation of 36 tracks, a reflection of my deepest musical passions. The lineup is stacked with incredible artists, and it captures the label's essence - a fusion of artists spanning generations, united by a shared spirit and aesthetic, creating a seamless 'mutual rhythm'." Although all 36 tracks stand alone as high-grade and club-ready dynamite, they also collectively form a versatile listening experience thanks to how they've been carefully assembled into a perfectly sequenced journey. Each one dives into a different nuance within the world of techno and there is a range of moods from dark and driving to more energising and uplifting. The collection not only shows how far Mutual Rytm has come in a short space of time but also that it remains in a constant state of evolution and has a bright future ahead in 2024 and beyond. SHDW's vision at Mutual Rytm was always to present a cohesive yet varied musical experience, and Federation Of Rytm III does exactly that.

Mutual Rytm spawns new sub-label 'Versus' with debut EP from longtime techno associates Regent and Chontane. Continuing to expand its creative world, SHDW's Mutual Rytm imprint now introduces 'Versus' - a new sub- label crafted for creative symbiosis between two artists across one shared release. Opening the series with authority, Regent and Chontane man the debut offering - two close friends and native Berliners who have been shaping techno for more than 15 years. Both long-standing members of the Mutual Rytm family, having released multiple times here before, the pair have always created music informed by life immersed in their local scene. Having both mutually influenced one another over the years, here they present their shared interpretation of techno with individual artistic DNA, forming a unified sound that represents the best of both worlds. Regent goes first, leaning towards functional, anthemic, dance-floor-focused techno. 'Ephemera' is tight, minimal but forceful; 'Slow Burn' has synth tension rising through the dark, next to glitchy percussion; and 'Afterglow' lets in more light, bringing otherworldly synths that hang above the groove and consume your focus. Chontane then explores a more musical and unconventional approach. 'Plaxaric' is supple, warm, and deep techno that tunnels into an abyss. 'Grounding Factor' is just as economical in design, but with introverted funk and evolving layers of sound. 'Mental Lab' spins out into complex rhythms inspired equally by IDM, jungle, and techno. It's a mental workout as well as a physical one. Both artists add a pair of digital bonus tracks. Regent's 'Control Room' and 'Rarely Enough' deliver elevated, hypnotic tools, before Chontane's 'Escore' and 'Outside In' bring extroverted drum patterns along with contrasting melodic unease.

Room Trax Techno (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)

After releasing five sell out various artists EPs featuring 25 artists, positivesource is excited to present a new chapter for the label with a diverse and anthemic EP from Berlin based producer Regent. No stranger to the label, Regent contributed to src005 last year with his smooth techno roller Off Agenda alongside music from Neri J, Alpha Tracks, Vil & Cravo. His tracks have featured heavily in DJ sets by label founders Blue Hour and Philippa Pacho over the years, naturally the idea to present the first artist EP on positivesource with Regent comes as no surprise. The record starts on a hypnotic tip with Occult, grooving along with an infectious bass-line swung beats and blissed out atmospherics before stepping up the energy levels on Khmera, a relentless chord driven percussive anthem with nostalgic vocals rising to new heights. On the flip the title track Aphid Riot is bold and vibrant leaning heavily into UK flavours using sliced up vocals, breakbeats and a classic Reece bass-line. Completing the record is a broken version of Aphid Riot highlighting an ethereal tonal melody with a deeper and more introspective take on the original. Its a new sound exploration from the producer, demonstrating his versatility and perhaps a rare moment in his discography.