This Week in Techno: Dirtybird, Shaded, & Surgeon

Dirtybird Heavy Heaters Compilation

After 17 years of releasing music, Dirtybird Records has a catalog with an extensive range of genres and styles. Marking the label’s second compilation of 2022, Heavy Heaters strikes a different tone than its predecessor Deep Cutz. Exploring the experimental side of techno and house music, Dirtybird has selected edgier sounds, music made for a dark room, massive stage, dank warehouse, or sweaty underground. The compilation kicks off with an exclusive, previously unreleased edit of Claude VonStroke and EPROM’s 2018 collaboration “Grenade.” What follows is an assortment of picks from old and new Dirtybird artists: Justin Jay, Lubelski, Shaded, MDE, Emery Warman, BOT, Marc Houle, GetCosy, C.H.A.Y., and more.

Shaded - Live from the Brooklyn Mirage - 2021

One of the most unique live performers in electronic music today, Shaded does not disappoint with his live set from his performance at Jamie Jones’s Paradise event in 2021. The California-based artist takes influence from old-school hip-hop sounds. His brand of techno is an incredible meshing of deep bass lines combined with catchy vocals that form an incredibly distinct sound that is truly his own. 

Surgeon - Magneze (1994)

Beginning in 1994 with his debut self-titled EP on Downwards Records, Surgeon is a true godfather of techno. “Magneze,” the first track on this EP, is widely regarded as crucial for the development of the genre. Its strong embrace of a hard-hitting beat while introducing a smooth, fluid acid rhythm makes it timeless. Artists like Jeff Mills continuously supported the track when it was first released, further exemplifying its importance for the 90s scene.