Shazamers' Blog

German producer and DJ Alex Ridha is more commonly known under the guise of Boys Noize. Over the past few years he has firmly established himself as one of the major players in dance music. With two albums – 2007’s ‘Oi Oi Oi’ and last year’s ‘Power’ – completed and a string of remixes for the likes of Justice, Depeche Mode and N*E*R*D*, Ridha has built a wealthy output since 2004. Recently Ridha has been getting heads together with influential UK DJ Erol Alkan, releasing two double A-side singles ‘Waves/Death Suite’ and ‘Lemonade/Avalanche’.

As well as playing DJ sets around the world, Ridha also runs Boys Noize Records – home to the likes of D.I.M., Housemeister and Siriusmo. The label has recently announced it will be starting a sub label – BNR Tracks – as an outlet for digital only releases, ensuring Boys Noize will be responsible for pushing some if the freshest tracks around.

We managed to grab a few minutes out of his hectic schedule to discuss the new sub-label, his plans for a new album and if he’ll continue to collaborate with Alkan.

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Jon Davies Interviews Boys Noize, Chilly Gonzales, Erol Alkan

After the success of their previous collaborative single, Erol Alkan & Boys Noize return with their latest double A-side ‘Avalanche’ & ‘Lemonade’.  As to be expected with these two acts, the record aims at those who like their dance music hard and fast; clearly delivered with the dancefloor firmly in mind.  

‘Avalanche’ is the calmer of the two, but that doesn’t mean it’s a mellow listen. Opening with an eerie sampled line “To begin at the beginning”, it starts with a creeping, deep pulsating beat but soon builds up with the help of some brutal keyboard riffs.

On the other side, ‘Lemonade’ is a full on aural assault that promises to deliver the killer blow when played in either of the pair’s – already frantic – dj sets. Based upon a twisted synth line that combines perfectly with an uncompromising beat, the track will no doubt be unleashed by many over the summer.

Both tracks are currently available through Beatport and vinyl purists can get their hands on the 12″ – released through Alkan’s Phantasy imprint – next week.

Jon Davies News Boys Noize, Erol Alkan

‘Waves/Death Suite’ is the much anticipated collaboration between Erol Alkan and Boys Noize. For two artists firmly in their scene’s elite it seems only natural a collaboration would work so well. ‘Waves’ opens with a dark disco loop that gives way to a sinister melody. The tracks key is that it keeps building whilst never becoming stale, switching between melodies with a rhythmic breakdown of almost tribal proportions. While the flip side, ‘Death Suite’, is far more frantic affair. A heavy acid drenched track that will either frighten the life out of you or inspire deranged movements.  

As their output shows, this pair’s production skills cannot be questioned. While we have seen an artist album already from Boys Noize, 2007’s ‘Oi Oi Oi’, does this track mean that we may yet see an album from Erol Alkan? Let’s hope so.

‘Waves/Death Suite’ is out now on Boys Noize records and is available on Beatport.

Jon Davies News, Tag Of The Day Boys Noize, Erol Alkan