The grip of techno music reached Mexico a long time ago. For over a decade now, there have been several individuals producing in their own styles, bringing their unique references to the genre. Antena Records is a new home for these individuals, an outlet for the work of a talented generation of artists who have come together behind a guiding concept: 3rd World Techno_Logic, a unique stance on techno from a common perspective.
There is something surreal about a country where a dirt-floor shack can have a satellite dish on the roof; or city electricity lines are tapped to set up a taco stand in the middle of a street, TV set and all. Creativity always rules over limitations in Mexico, and this is something that is palpable in the music of Antena Records. Its artists have their roots in the underground Mexican electronica scene. Living in a surreal context where everything is adapted to suit the local idiosyncrasies, their take on techno is unique. Although each project has a distinct identity, the overall sound is inorganic, experimental and suited for the dance floor. The creative bond between them is a search for a sound that is globally accessible but inspired by their own surroundings.
Plans for Antena in 2008 include the release of Uno, their first compilation album, on cd and digitaly worldwide. Several of the artists on the label have spent time playing in the underground European techno circuit and will continue to do so this year.
UNO
Uno is the first compilation album from the label and it contains twelve tracks by twelve artists, covering a wide range that encompasses the new sonic landscape of techno. The starting track, “Fourthâ€, by Paravoice, shows the work of a mature producer who can create a rich sound using very few elements. A lighter, whimsical mood is visible in “The Androgynous Killer†by Funky Dragon, as well as “No Funâ€, a track by Merodio that is anything but what its name implies; both have copious amounts of funk and groove. The deeper, more experimental side of techno is also present in D_bug’s “Diffuserâ€, which contains a high acid factor, and Fanfarrosa’s “I Like’m Blondesâ€, a tweaked out after party track with plenty of ear candy. Sweeter, melodic elements can be heard in No2’s “Interpretación Deserticaâ€, where acoustic strings bring out the beauty and warmth of the generally cool techno. Another track which is surprisingly touching is the exquisitely minimal “Holding Hands†by Itzone. Old school techno is reinterpreted in a fresh sophisticated way by Jorge HM in “Stattmitteâ€, as well as Luis Flores’s “The Pain in my Left Armâ€, which uses a very dark filtered vocal to engage the listener and explodes in an unforeseen twist. The album is rounded out with tracks by Earjack and Es lo que Hay, with an emphasis on texture, and Betacaroteno’s “Nasty Aaron†which masterfully plays with sonic atmospheres.
Uno is not only a clear panorama of the top techno production from Mexico, it is also a guide for artists to watch in the coming years. It will be released in early 2008 and distributed worldwide.