Richie Hawtin
Gyorgy Ligeti
2562
Ricardo Villalobos
Igor Stravinsky
Headhunter
Mark Farina
Sergei Prokofiev
Untold
Arnold Schoenberg
Kenneth Graham
Elliot Carter
John Coltrane
D. Diggler
My composition, piano, & conducting teachers:
Ronald Caltabiano Richard Festinger Victoria Neve Robert Busan Eduardo Nevaga Harold Farberman
J.Rogers brings together a wealth of musical experience and styles with his unique sound. As a graduate of music studies in composition, conducting, and piano with a life-long obsession for the production and performance of electronic/dance music, he injects a strong grasp of advanced musical technique into his diverse sets of dubstep, minimal/techno, tech house, and everything in between. His recent Ableton sets feature rapid-fire transitioning, layering, and sample-dropping across a wide-ranging assortment of sounds. J.Rogers' productions are no different as he releases track after track of genre-bending originals and remixes, supported by the likes of Mary Anne Hobbs, Dubfire, Headhunter, Laurent Garnier, DZ, Stacey Pullen, XI, Paco Osuna, and many more. He stays busy as a member of the Surya Dub crew, co-founder of San Francisco's Blipswitch.net online community, and labelhead of the Blipswitch Digital record label. One to watch out for in the years to come.
Upcoming Releases
J.Rogers - Reality Detached [November 09]
The Beta Band - Dragons (J.Rogers Remix) [December 09]
SHDWPLAY - Dis Vicious (J.Rogers mix) [January 2010]
Leon & J.Rogers - Mind Control [TBA]
Process Rebel - Call Me Blood Fire (J.Rogers & Archetype Writer mix) [TBA]
J.Rogers & Antiserum - Evil Spirits [TBA]
J.Rogers - Access (Full-Length LP) [TBA]
Current Releases
J. Rogers - Ambient Textures Vol. 1 EP
J. Rogers & ROZANSKI - Dream Again (Original Mix)
J. Rogers & ROZANSKI - Dream Again (J. Rogers HH&T Mix)
J. Rogers & ROZANSKI - Dream Again (J. Rogers Haunted Dub)
Sutro - Temptress (J. Rogers Altitude Dub)
J. Rogers & Sean Knight - Hat Trick (Original Mix)
J. Rogers - House Music (Original Mix)
Kenneth Scott - WmP (J. Rogers Linear Challenge Mix)
zar-aza - Afternoon (J. Rogers Aztec Summit Mix)
J. Rogers & ROZANSKI - Morocco (Original Mix)
J.Rogers (Various Artists) - Blipswitch Mixed 2008
DZ - HELLA (J. Rogers Stepped Tech Mix)
J. Rogers - Meditation Point
COTK - You Are Everything Also (J. Rogers Everything Is Nothing Too mix)
Mundo - Creep (J.Rogers mix)
Leon & J. Rogers - Insomnia
The Flying Skulls - Blipswitch (J.Rogers & Jason Short mix)
J.Rogers (Various Artists) - Blipswitch Mixed 2009 - Part I
Metaphase - Lion in Zion (J.Rogers mix)
All the above are available for purchase/listening in the Beatport Player below.
J. Rogers' productions are available everywhere that online music is sold. Tracks are available for preview and purchase directly from the label at BlipswitchDigital.com. You can also use the Beatport Shop below.
9.17.2009
J. Rogers & Blipswitch Mixed 2009 on Resonant Vibes
For this rv_cast we bring you the first installment of “Blipswitch 2009 Mixed” a full-length mix compilation compiled and mixed by Blipswitch Digital label boss J.Rogers.
Blipswitch Digital is a record label based in San Francisco, and J.Rogers describes it as having “a core sound focused in dubstep, minimal/techno, tech house, and all the bubbling areas in between.” Their first release was in July 2008, at a time when the minimal sound had saturated the European electronic music scene, but was still popular in the US. Dubstep was on the verge of explosion in the US around then too, and the label aims to fuse the best elements of both sounds. With artists on their roster like Alland Byallo, Chris Fortier, Eskmo, Dave Aju, Antiserum and Coalition of the Killing, and support from the likes of Mary Anne Hobbs, Richie Hawtin, Headhunter, {a}pendics.shuffle, 2562, Xpansul, and John Tejada, it’s clear to see that the label is on an upwards trajectory.
I’m usually a little reluctant to delve into full length commercial compilations as there’s no shortage of great mixes you can find for free online. However, this one is a little different as it’s being released in conjunction with the unmixed tracks—which will be available exclusively in the Resonant Vibes shop a week before everywhere else—and it’s also being podcasted by RV two weeks prior to it’s release. It’s definitely worth a listen!
The mix is a heady mixture of techno and minimal with a healthy dose of dubstep all coming together to provide a good deal of drive and direction over about 60 minutes. There are places in the mix when it spirals into more of an edgy industrial sound, and other places it explores an emerging psy-techno sound with soaring delayed synths vocal samples. The mix features a good number of J.Rogers own productions, along with tracks and remixes by other notable artists like Coalition of the Killing (COTK), Kenneth Scott, ROZANSKI, Kush Arora, DJG, Dhyan Moller, DZ and zar-aza.
With this compilation I get a sense of collaboration that runs deeper than just co-artists on the Blipswitch Digital label, it’s perhaps one that runs to the heart of San Francisco’s booming techno scene. With Jason Short and Marc Smith (COTK) at the helm of Auralism Records—another West Coast techno success story—and Kenneth Scott also releasing on Auralism I thought I’d delve a little deeper into the world of underground electronic music in San Francisco, Blipswitch Digital and the man J.Rogers.
I’m not one for copy/pasting bios, so in your own words can you give a brief history of all things Blipswitch?
Blipswitch started as an online community forum for the SF-Bay Area techno scene. We then launched a monthly techno event at 222 Club in San Francisco. Meanwhile, I had also been running promotions for Surya Dub, which is a huge bass-centric (read: “dubsteppy”) event in SF. I caught the dubstep bug for sure, but was still fully obsessed with techno. I started Blipswitch Digital in an effort to reconcile those two obsessions. I think it was perfect timing too, because right around when we did our first releases (July 2008) artists like 2562, Headhunter, and Skream were putting out these great dubstep/techno hybrid productions that were amazing. I think the dubstep/techno sound is now in full force, and I believe that Blipswitch is right here in the center of it.
After listening to Part I of your “Blipswitch 2009 Mixed” compilation I found myself thinking it’s quite an esoteric approach you’ve taken to doing it, although I’m sure it’s a reflection of you as an artist and of Blipswitch as a label. What was the creative process like, and what do you hope to achieve with it when it’s released?
The Blipswitch Mixed compilations have always been promotional efforts at their foundation. It showcases the label’s highlight productions from the period and re-vitalizes interest in some previous tracks that may have not gotten enough attention the first time around. The mixes also show just how unified the Blipswitch sound has become. Yes, this mix is half dubstep and half techno; but the listener should perceive a perfect flow of style, sound, and feel playing out through the entire mix, regardless of the momentary genre-focus. It should come as no surprise to me as the head of A&R, but I am always pleasantly shocked out how well the label’s music fits together on a mix. As far as production of the compilation is concerned, the showcases are generally dissimilar to how my live/DJ sets work, which are usually very densely layered, rapid-fire presentations, which focus on the aggregate combination of different tracks-as-elements. I slow down the pace for the label mixes to that of a more “traditional DJ mix” so that each of the tracks can be heard to their fullest with their unique elements highlighted. This is important.
What’s the best party you’ve been to this year, and why?
Ah, a tough one. Not to self-promote too much, but Surya Dub’s 2 Year Anniversary last February has to take the cake. Every Surya Dub is a pretty special experience because of the eclectic musical offerings of the two separate rooms (one focused on reggae/dancehall/bhangra and the other room focused on dubstep/glitch/DnB), and also because of our residents roster (Kush Arora, Kid Kameleon, Ripley, Maneesh The Twister, Jimmy Love, Amar, etc). But the real highlight was seeing 2562 do his thing. Dave has been a musical influence of mine for sure, but I believe that his Aerial album truly kicked off the dubstep/techno wave, and none of what Blipswitch is doing now would be here without it. Gaslamp Killer also destroyed as usual with an amazingly entertaining set. Pinch also stopped by for a chat which was cool. I had a pretty good set that night myself… Perhaps most of all, it was a special night when so many faces from the SF scene came out to celebrate Surya Dub’s Two Year. Great vibes.
Can you paint a picture of the scene in San Francisco? I know quite a few people who throw parties out there and everyone seems to be united to improve the scene as whole. I think that’s great if that’s the case… do you think that it is? If I wanted to find a quality weekly party in San Francisco what would you recommend? Who’s the best DJ based there in your opinion?
I’ve been around parties in New York and LA, and Phoenix (where I grew up). I honestly believe that SF has the most friendly community-oriented scene in the United States. Sure, there’s always going to be a few clicks and a few hands-across-the-chest scenesters, but that’s the exception to the rule here. More importantly, if you’re interested in minimal or dubstep, you just landed yourself in the center of it as far as I’m concerned. Yes, NY has a ton of producers and DJs staying there, but a lot of them are foreigners too. San Francisco is bursting through the seams with international Producer/DJ talent. Just to name a few… Antiserum, Alland Byallo, DJG, Justin & Christian Martin, Roommate/Babylon System… If you’re looking for a quality party in SF, I can definitely answer that for you: KONTROL at The Endup, period. It is the best minimal techno/house night in the city. Always has been, always will. For dubstep… Surefire Sound at Triple Crown. And starting in November, if you’re feeling that dubstep/techno sound, rumor has it that Blipswitch will be hosting a monthly dubstep/techno event on first Fridays at the newly-renovated 222. Best DJ in San Francisco? Nikola Baytala. Nobody else has the range, sensitivity, and technical ability that Nik has. He can play any party, any time, any sound, and absolutely destroy it every-single-time.
Blipswitch 2009 Mixed – Part I will be available exclusively in the Resonant Vibes download shop from October 1, and everywhere else from October 6, 2009
At first there is some disbelief when considering that J. Rogers is still just 25. It’s very easy to confuse the San Francisco based DJ/producer with a twenty year scene veteran. Much of that is borne of confidence, which Rogers exudes, but without ever seeming rash or cocky. Since graduating from school with a B.M. in music composition, Rogers has quickly established himself as one of the SF scene's brightest stars. The main reason for that success has been his innovative use of Ableton Live to create a new sound that he likes to call "dub-tek". The new sound captures the best elements of techno and dubstep for a true hybridization of styles.
Rogers' DJ story begins with him placing third in a major UK music magazine's DJ mix competition at age 17. He subsequently spent his college years studying classical music putting techno on hold for many years only to return again in 2007. Enter one fateful Richie Hawtin DVD and soon Rogers' carefully laid out life path was altered forever. "The final DE:9 release contained a DVD featuring Hawtin playing live with all of the song titles weaving in and out of the mix, flashing on the screen in real time", says Rogers, "I studied his performance and unlocked his use of themes and motifs in the mix and found it was very similar to what I was studying in terms of compositional theory.” What followed was an important 25 page critical analysis of what exactly Hawtin was up to in that video. Add to that, the expansiveness of the Ableton Live software platform, to which Rogers sees many similarities in terms of live performance with that of a symphony conductor-and soon this kid was itching to create his own noise. Rogers sees one of the biggest benefits from using the software is the ability to free him from what he considers the linear mechanical processes of traditional DJ'ing-two turntables and simple beat matching. Now he feels content performing when he can bring many diverse elements together, synthesize them, and let the computer sort out all of the mechanical processes.
Armed with all of this knowledge, Rogers practically stumbled upon the highly influential San Francisco techno night [Kontrol]. These parties left an impression on Rogers who decided to devote all of his energy to making dance music in 2008. But his official immersion into the world of San Francisco techno began early last year with the launch of the Blipswitch.net message board. For Rogers it was also a vehicle for his own brand and the chance to build a loyal group of fans. Six months after the site opened he threw his first party and though he jokes that he had planned to wait another six months before launching the record label he was also aware of growing demand for his music. So Blipswitch Digital's doors opened in August of 2008-just one month after the first party. The label has maintained a consistent release schedule with futuristic tracks like his own collaboration with guitarist Rozanski on the Arabic late night soul-tech of "Morocco".
So what exactly is “dub-tek”? Rogers explains, “I’m definitely a fan of techno and wasn’t feeling the San Francisco dubstep sound at first. I just didn’t like the halfstep count after coming from the world of four-on-the-floor, it was irritating to me”. He goes on to say that a producer named Kush Arora played a set at San Francisco’s biggest dubstep party Surya Dub, whom Rogers helps with promotion-“He was forcing the traditional halfstep signature to conform with techno’s straight four count”. At that moment, he began to envision a new genre that drew from the immense sound palette of dubstep and the built-in energy of techno. He soon teamed up with Jason Short and the Auralism camp for a series of parties in late 2008 and early 2009 that helped to canonize the “dub-tek” sound. The two presented only the best in techno and dubstep at the same event-and in the case of J. Rogers in the same set. His sound from those parties has been described as epochal and literally a vast ocean of deep emotional hues set to a music that is both futuristic and crunk-a-licious for the late night raveaholic and Sean John clad club kid in everyone. It’s definitely a step beyond traditional DJ’ing as Rogers wades through tracks six deep on his laptop with the precision of a robot surgeon. There is a sense that he may be a little scared by the forces he has unleashed but he adds while nervously giggling that he’s eager to see the sound continue to develop “because people REALLY seem to be into it.”
-Sean Michael Yoder, VinylJunkie.com
Purchase & Preview Tracks
Bookings/Contact
View J.Rogers' Artist Info Press Sheet, including all necessary contact information by clicking --> HERE.
Currently booking Worldwide and for the following Regional Availabilities:
Blipswitch Digital and 222 Hyde Present: DEEPER: An eclectic night of forward thinking deep bass music Including Dubstep, Techno, Minimal, and more....
FEATURING: Jus Wan LIVE (Apple Pips, Surefire, Naked Lunch, Tube10) Jason Short (Auralism, Nightlight, Lobotomy, COTK)
Plus Residents: Moniker (Kenneth Scott vs. EO) Bakir vs. ROZANSKI
Event Information Date: Friday, November 6, 2009 9pm Performers: Jus Wan, Jason Short, Moniker, Bakir vs. ROZANSKi City: San Francisco Venue: 222 HYDE
11/6 THE DEEP END @ 222 HYDE FEATURING:
KEITH KEMP (Planet E, Ferrispark, Beretta Grey)
DUB U (Tempa, Hotflush, Surefire)
Plus Residents:
DJG, Bakir, J.Rogers, ROZANSKI
Event Information
Date: Friday, November 6, 2009 9pm
Performers: KEITH KEMP, DUB U, DJG, J. ROGERS, BAKIR, ROZANSKI
City: San Francisco
Venue: 222 HYDE
PLACTICIAN / THE McMASH CLAN / RAIDEN / A1 BASSLINE BROKEN NOTE / HIJACK / THE CORRESPONDENTS / DJ FLOORCLEARER MDS / BRUCE STALLION / AMEN-TAL / MR JOSEPH & MC DEEFA
DEATH DEFYING CHINESE POLE / PYROKINESIS UV CIRCUS ACROBATIC BREAKDANCE DUO / COMEDY STREET PERFORMER FULLY PLAYABLE 16-BIT ARCADE / SECRET DISCO / 80s HOUR
DnB / Bassline / Dubstep / Jungle / Techno / Breakcore / Reggae / House / Gabba / Hip Hop / Psytrance / Rave
Doors: 9pm - 6am Advance tickets: £12 www.ticketweb.co.uk On the door: £10 before 9.30pm/ £14 after Venue: Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, London N1 9NL Nearest tube/overground: Kings Cross
Check www.braindrop.co.uk for photos, downloads and info, and join our facebook group here =D
Friends: Thanks for joining our profile and becoming our friend on myspace. As you may or may not know we are developing a new model for the music business and we would like all of your help. We encourage each one of you to participate in our survey on the music business. For those of you who have already submitted your response we appreciate your feedback. Our survey is located: Music Fans: www.bandventure.com We look forward to your results and developing a new model together. Band Venture
THE GUN HAND EP BRING'S THE DARK SOMBRE STYLE OF DUBSTEP TO LIGHT!
IN THE DFR MYSPACE MUSIC PLAYER YOU CAN LISERN TO A PREVIEW OF 1 OF THE TRACKS FROM THE EP,
"PANZA"
Also Forth Coming Ep's From Metaphase / Suspicious Stench / Sickman D Many More
DFR
Thanks for being a friend and supporting our music and artists... check out the latest from Kal Feelings, coming soon is his single "Laugh Girl" be sure to let us know your thoughts!!!
Everything is pleasing to the senses around here! BIG ups! Keep doin' what ya love!!!
***Substruk Records - Submission LP*** In Stores NOW!!
"Substruk are at it again with 8 tracks covering all the spectrum from Rasta Dubstep, to Glitched out electro breakz. This release is chocked full of future classics." -junodownload.com
Wooohaaaaa!!! Braindrop is throwing its very first boat party on Saturday 6 June.
The vessel is specially equipped to hold large groups of people (and all the extra bass bins we can squeeze on). Her name is The Dutch Master and she be a mighty fine boat too!
It's going to be a ridiculously fun rinse up. However, if you think you can get away with being remotely serious and/or cool at this party - ye be mistaken. The Braindrop Boat Rave is fancy dress: Pirate's from the 80's. Arrgh...better get thinkin what ye gonna wear.
D&B / DUBSTEP / TECHNO / BREAKS / ELECTRO / HARDCORE / HIP HOP / GABBA / BREAKCORE / PSYTRANCE / RAVE... and lots more!
The boat will leave St.Katharines Pier (London) at 9pm and return at 2am. Tickets are £20 and you can get them from TICKETWEB.
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![TKR [ 2 BRAND NU TUNES FEAT TWISTED UP]](http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/90/s_8499f4ce4a0346b5ab4bae1891905d6f.gif)
