Jeff Mills is synonymous with innovation in electronic music. Known worldwide as one of techno’s most important artists, Mills is a true pioneer whose entire career has been dedicated towards pushing the envelope and exploring new grounds with his own music, and his label Axis Recordings. On Saturday, December 3rd, Basic NYC is excited to welcome this iconic artist back to New York for a special event at (le) Poisson Rouge, where he will feature music from his latest project – his re-scoring of the 1966 sci-fi cult classic “Fantastic Voyage”. We’re looking forward to another uncompromising night of futuristic techno with Mills at the helm.
Over the last few years, Jeff Mills has been on a prolific release schedule, crafting multiple albums and EPs. “Fantastic Voyage” is his latest work, a double CD release that highlights what has become Jeff’s signature sound as of late: spacey, abstract pulses and bleeps, combined with hypnotic rhythm signatures and cinematic soundscapes. He has been keenly focused on outer space – with his “Sleeper Wakes” saga and his UFO-inspired “Something in the Sky” releases exploring a sci-fi narrative of space travel and the possibilities of the beyond. But this album focuses on inner space –the original film depicted a journey inside a human body. His performance at (le) Poisson Rouge will feature music from “Fantastic Voyage” along side many of his other recent original productions and classic tracks.
A Detroit native, Mills has been involved with techno music culture since the 80s, when he was one of the key players in Detroit’s burgeoning scene. Known as “The Wizard”, Mills’ was an influential radio DJ whose live mix shows inspired scores of listeners and DJs. He was one of the co-founders of the infamous Underground Resistance crew alongside “Mad” Mike Banks, and has released dozens of seminal classic albums and tracks. His Purpose Maker releases helped redefine techno in the mid 90s, and spawned “The Bells”, perhaps one of techno music’s finest moments.
Witnessing Jeff Mills DJ is truly something special. Working off of a multiude of turntables, CDJs and a Roland TR-909 drum machine, Mills is a flurry of activity live. His trademark style is a relentless, stripped-down electronic pulse that sucks in an amalgam of sounds and elements as his set progresses. Veering ably between tribal drums, synthetic melodies and harsh electronics, Mills refuses to let up on the energy, skillfully driving the dancefloor into overdrive. Mills’ sets are almost entirely composed of his own tracks, and hearing Mills perform is witnessing a master at work, as he skillfully layers multiple tracks and loops to truly take the dancefloor on a journey. In 2012, Mills’ groundbreaking label Axis will be celebrating it’s 20th anniversary with numerous special releases and events planned worldwide.
Basic NYC residents Sleepy & Boo will warm up the room before Jeff plays an extended set, with Trilogy’s Giovanni getting things started. This is Mills’ second appearance at (le) Poisson Rouge, and the first time he will be performing for more of a “club” audience. He has played for Basic NYC numerous times in the last year, but he has not played in New York since March of this year, and we’re excited to hear everything he has in store for us. Don’t miss this intimate night of music with one of the most forward-thinking artists in the techno world.
BASIC NYC PRESENTS JEFF MILLS – FANTASTIC VOYAGE
Saturday December 3rd @ (le) Poisson Rouge
rsvp@basicnyc.com for guestlist – 11pm – 5am
Presale tickets at wantickets.com/basicnyc and Resident Advisor