Surgeon / Etapp Kyle / Umfang / Jason Kendig / DJ RAQX

May 26, 2023

BASEMENT: Surgeon / Etapp Kyle / Umfang
STUDIO: Jason Kendig / DJ RAQX

This one is special: Surgeon plays BASEMENT. A techno legend of the highest order, Surgeon has been a sorely-missed presence in the US - his last appearance was in 2012. An artist in need of no introduction, his productions and DJ sets are some of the most definitive and canonical in the genre. He got his start in Birmingham, with early ties to Regis’ Downwards Records and the infamous House of God night. His tough, spacious and uniquely attention-grabbing works quickly earned him respect in the growing global underground, and his own Counterbalance and Dynamic Tension labels gave him a space to hone his visions free from outside pressure. The influence of his releases on these labels cannot be overstated. In his hands, techno became paradoxically more sensuous and harder, with a massive industrial scale matched only by his intuitive quickness and, yes, surgical precision. His CV goes on and on: one half of British Murder Boys, Tresor resident during its ‘90s peak, collaborations with everyone from Thom Yorke to Coil, an immersive modular practice whose quality matches his dancefloor works… Surgeon sets the bar like few others. Ukrainian producer Etapp Kyle returns to the club. The acclaimed artist has become one of the leading lights of a new generation, with his music evolving every year. Though he’s strongly rooted in techno, his work finds its way far outside the traditional boundaries, bringing an ethereal-yet-slamming quality that works as well on syncopated, skittering works like the “Nolove” EP for Ostgut Ton as it does on more linear pieces. His DJ sets similarly stretch out, unafraid to bring a nasty flair to match his cultivated touch. Umfang completes the lineup. Her take on techno can be thrillingly severe, with an uncompromising aesthetic and a keen ear for ‘90s treasures. Her sets are daring, ultra focused and one of a kind.

Jason Kendig is a fixture at STUDIO, and with good reason. The Honey Soundsystem co-founder has been a fixture in the US underground, mixing warmly glowing house with saucy asides and a graceful pacing that is the mark of a master. DJ RAQX mixes her Puerto Rican and German roots in her sets, with cruising 4x4 weaving with more stepping, syncopated tracks. Each set is a statement, with dembow rhythms giving way to icy dub techno chords, blissful house and heavily swung UK club bangers.

■ No photos or videos
■ No phone use on the dancefloor
■ The dance floor is for dancing, not conversation
■ No glowing/flashing clothes or items
■ Respect other people's space, no shuffling
■ Consent is mandatory
■ Zero tolerance for racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism or any form of discrimination
■ Take care of each other, alert our staff if somebody isn't feeling well
■ Violating the house rules will result in removal
■ Ticket purchase does not guarantee entrance