DAM SWINDLE / RAU, BEN - ORGANIZED KAOZ EP 2

It was in 2011 that Dutch pair Lars Dales and Maarten Smeets quickly broke through in the electronic music scene. Since then they have become known for their widescreen approach to making and playing club-ready grooves. From deep to disco, tech to soul, they join the dots between the past and the present with their own sense of storytelling and do so in clubs around the world, as well as in their own studio. House might be the root of the Dam Swindle sound, but it takes nourishment from a much wider world of music. It was their early, high impact tunes such as 'The Wrap Around' and 'The Break Up', that got dancers all over the world in a frenzy. Since then, the pair has constantly evolved and matured and continued to draw on all musical niches. Building bridges between them, their landmark 2018 album High Life or their ‘Coffee in the Morning EP' both furthered their take on house music with a real sense of timelessness and class. Since 2013, the pair has also established their own Heist Recordings as a well respected label that is home to the majority of their own originals, though other underground mainstays such as Aus Music and Classic Music Company have also come calling. Heist is more than just a label, though - it is a breeding ground for talents old and new; somewhere talent is nurtured and allowed to develop. Label showcases and special projects such as the yearly Roundup EP; where all artists from the past 12 months remix each other after a random selection process, furthers the family vibe and helps Heist stand out from crowd. Artists such as Nebraska, Adryiano, Kassian, Demuir, Makez, Max Graef, Pépé Bradock, Nachtbraker, Matthew Herbert, Ge-Ology, Byron the Aquarius and many more have all contributed, proving that it is a place for unrestrained creatives to be free with their own sonic visions. The label looks as good as it sounds, too, thanks to visual artist Bas Koopmans's standout artwork designs. Proof of Dam Swindle's widescreen approach to production is their long and talented list of collaborators, which includes the likes of acclaimed musician, Eric Clapton and John Mayer collaborator and Blue Note artist Tom Misch, US talent Seven Davis Jr., instrumental collective Jungle by Night, plus Marc de Clive-Lowe, Jitwam and Lorenz Rhode. Next to their own originals, a broad spectrum of artists have asked Dam Swindle for some of their special remix magic: on labels like Strut and Soundway they have reworked the legendary Pat Thomas, aka the ‘Golden voice of Africa,' and gave his single ‘Yamona’ a contemporary electronic edge, as well as The Mauskovic Dance Band’s track ‘Space Drum Machine’ and plenty more artists like Kerri Chandler, Mayer Hawthorne and Tom Misch. As their talent for bridging genres from all over the world continues to attract global attention, high profile projects keep rolling in from all points on the musical globe. Dam Swindle are famously avid collectors of both old and new records, and it shows in their DJ sets, which keep you on your toes as they move freely and skillfully through different times, places and sounds. Rather than limiting themselves to a certain feeling or mood, Dam Swindle can call on classic house, obscure disco, African funk, soulful techno and plenty in between, all with the aim of making those special moments that crowds never forget. It is for that reason that their name has become a real stamp of authority and invention in the dance music world. Whatever they do, then, this pair do with irresistible charm. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.

Dancing all night and experiencing a feeling of community and togetherness is something countless generations can relate to. Ben originally fell in love with house and techno in his late teens losing himself in the music and exploring his deep-seated passion for electronic music through self-expression - namely, raving. Ben spent many years on dancefloors back home in Germany and in the UK. As time went on he became more involved behind the scenes, progressing from the dancefloor to the decks and into the studio. Having a solid grounding in club culture from such a grassroots level means Ben's connection with the dancefloor runs deep, likewise his studio endeavours are aimed squarely at those who dedicate their time to dancing the night away. A Berliner born and bred, Ben moved to the UK originally to study. He immersed himself in the highly influential east London party scene, having made the decision to dedicate his life to pursuing a career in music. While Ben was living in the UK, Berlin had become the global epicentre of house and techno and he felt a strong calling to return home. He decided to move back home to build a studio and returned to Berlin with a fresh outlook , a renewed desire to succeed to truly pursue his dreams. In 2016 Ben took charge of his destiny, setting his focus on his self-release imprint Inkal and sister label Meta. Both labels continue to grow in stature with every release, topping record shop charts and resulting in multiple represses for each offering. Ben continues to build his reputation in the studio as a producer to watch out for and as a DJ equally at home in the club and bigger stages. With such a strong foundation, an unerring passion for his craft, Ben continues to garner the attention of tastemakers and clubbers alike onto the Global stage. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.