After 21 years Richie Hawtin is finally back in the clubs. As has been teased on Instagram for the past week a new EP is out dubbed Time warps. It arrives as the debut release on a new Plus 8 sub label.
Richie Hawtin has released a new EP titled ‘Time Warps’ on new imprint From Our Minds. The two-track outing marks his first dance floor focused EP since 1999’s ‘Minus Orange’ on Plus 8, as well as being the first release on new Plus 8 sub label From Our Minds.
The title-track has been featured by Pete Tong in BBC Radio 1, and the flip ‘Time Stand Still’ was broadcasted on Nemone’s BBC Radio 6 Music show last Saturday.
Tracklist:
1. Time Warps
2. Time Stand Still
You can get it here: https://richiehawtin.bandcamp.com/album/time-warps
Time seemed to open up.
Stretching in unique ways.
My mind pulled back.
My brain focused forward.
Exploring.
Learning.
Creating.
Reflections.
And refractions.
-Richie Hawtin, November 2020
Few can match Richie Hawtin’s contribution to techno over the last three decades. A restless pioneer, the Canadian artist’s importance as a producer, which includes music made under aliases like Plastikman and F.U.S.E, is matched by his influence as a curator for iconic labels like M_nus, Plus 8 and Probe. Now, through a pair of brand new, long-form club tracks, recorded in lockdown and boasting a combined length of over 30 minutes, ‘Time Warps’ channels the blurred, stretched perception of time that has been so characteristic of life in 2020.
With constantly evolving, precision engineered loops delivered at a pulse-raising tempo, patient pacing and a seamless yet unpredictable progression, the title track is a lesson in building the kind of mesmeric dancefloor moments synonymous with the producer’s name. The alternative mix ‘Time Stands Still’ takes a radically different approach, with stretches of ominous ambience that manage to slowly dial up rather than suppress the tension, deferring release until the perfect moment. A statement of intent on a new imprint, and a long-awaited return.
The vinyl edition coming out 1 week later is manufactured by Deepgrooves Vinyl Pressing Plant using recycled vinyl, 100% recycled 250gsm cardboard with plant based inks.
“After thirty years in the music industry and with the state of the planet, I believe we need to consider the environmental impact of petroleum based music formats. I’m still committed to releasing a limited edition vinyl for those who choose to enjoy their music using this format, however, I believe that our community needs to be more sensitive with their vinyl strategy. Going forward we need to consider all aspects of our physical releases, including packaging, using recycled products and working together with manufacturers who take this subject seriously.”
Hawtin and long-time collaborator Barbara Klein worked together to create a full-length video portrait to capture the atmosphere and feelings of the main track ‘Time Warps’.