Kitas Krantas (Other Shore) (2013)

Thanks to Cold Tear Records for pointing this one out. A 19 track dub techno compilation of Lithuanian based artists including Giriu Dvasios and Vytis along with some names new to me. Sounds like a nice journey.

It's a 'Name Your Price' offer but you know the drill.

Check it out here

HERE

And, speaking of Vytis, two new releases dropped on his Silverfield Records label.

Vytis - Termination

Info and download

Femii - Blossom Industry

Info and download

Giriu Dvasios - Broadcast Mixlr

Another plug for Giriu Dvasios, this one for a stunning two hour mix of dub techno goodness on Paris' Radiant Child's. 

You can get the mix along with a host of mixes by other artists:

HERE

P.S. Been a bit busy as of late and had a game changing conversation the highlights of which I'll post here when I get some spare time.

Giriu Dvasios - Esu (2013)

As you probably already know, I strongly believe in supporting artists financially whenever possible. I currently follow several artists consciously and loyally and buy most every release they put out. Giriu Dvasios, founder of the netlabel Cold Tear Records, is one such artist.

None of the artists I support are on major labels so this allows my money to go where I want it to and not get eaten up by middlemen.  It is also much more personal (occasionally one on one with the artist) and meaningful.

A few months back he started a subscription idea for his own site. For only $1 a month, it is a low cost entry into helping allow someone the freedom to create something that we love. Sadly, he has openly and honestly viewed it as a failure because only 20 people signed up. I've seen other artists make similar attempts and crowd funding is also on the rise, though these tend to be album or project specific.

I think is a great idea but it does highlight the challenges of being an artist in the musical world today. With so many artists out there and music proliferating at an exponential rate, how do you make a mark enough in the world to get loyal fans to support you financially, especially in a genre such as dub techno where anyone with a laptop and the right software can make music?

Personally, his music has stood out from the first time I heard some of his remixes from some releases on the Cold Tear site. Digging through his back catalogue has been a pleasure. He has a touch that gives his music that certain something that makes his sound unique. Rod Modell features one of his tracks on his Inverted Audio mix which featured many tracks from various netlabels, including Dvasios' own Cold Tear label.

His full release Esu was released earlier this year and he has decided to release an mp3 version of it for free (FLAC is still a purchase, one I recommend). The album cover is a 3-D generated fractal (another favorite concept of mine) and looks great when blown up full size. Well crafted dub techno with a smattering of other styles scattered throughout, definitely recommended.

Free download (mp3) or purchase (FLAC) here:

LINK

For genuine artist support:

Subscribe

Vytis - Mind Voyage (2012)

Easily one of the best dub techno releases of recent memory. Contains remixes by John Ov3rblast and Giriu Dvasios (as well as a track named for him). 

Dvasios' album Esu also comes with a high, high recommendation. While it is slated to be released in June for free I can't encourage everyone enough to show some genuine support. Be selective but be intentional.

For those who don't know Dvasios is the founder and head of Cold Tear Records, hands down one of the best netlabels out there.

Info and download for the Vytis is available:

HERE

Giriu Dvasios

While perusing the Cold Tear website, I noticed something interesting.  Giriu Dvasios, a dub techno artist out of Lithuania, has a subscription available to his site.  

For those who don't know the name (yet), he has released a few albums on various net labels and his works have appeared on many compilations from the same.

Here's a video to get you in the mood:

Most recently one of his tracks appeared on the IA Mix 75 from Rod Modell (aka Deepchord) on Inverted Audio.  I'm not sure there is any better recognition you could receive in the heavily populated universe of dub techno.

A couple of his tracks have been remixed by Quantec which attests to the quality of his music.  Here's one of the remixes:

You can find a few more videos here (recommend the 'live dubbing' video).

So for $1 a month (yes, $1) or $12 a year you have access to his music and will be on the inside scoop with new releases.  This also offers you the opportunity to get his music free on CD (see his comments below).

Rather cool concept.  I've seen a few artists dabble in this concept so if you dig his music please show him some genuine support.  

I subscribed so will be curious to see how this evolves.

Giriu Dvasios (to subscribe)