FORM1LANE RECOMMENDS: Tracks of the Week
Danny (aka Lego Blok, aka Form1Lane) is a vital cog in the ever-turning machine of Melbourne’s thriving music and arts scene, carving out a distinct niche in the techno space. Beyond his role as a ‘Disk-Jockey’ (or, as we know it today, DJ-ing), Danny has contributed to major projects with Novel, where he played a part in the successful launch of the inaugural A3 Festival last November.
In addition to DJ-ing, Danny has ventured into the world of music production with his own label, Abode Label. Also rooted in the techno genre, this project is all about uncovering hidden & local sounds, sometimes crafting graphic heavy garments, and, soon, releasing vinyls—which we’ll definitely need to get our hands on!
As if that’s not enough, Danny is also pursuing a degree in Industrial Design, proving his creativity knows no bounds.
This mystical trifecta leads us to conclude that Dannys plate is officially full!
We had the pleasure of chatting with Danny to learn about some of his favorite tracks, leading to his submission for our TEN TRACKS OF THE WEEK playlist, featured in #13 of our widely welcomed musical segment, TOOLS DOWN.
Each track was handpicked by Danny, and the full playlist can be found at the end of this post, where it will live on eternally.
TRACK #1:
Impetus - Belangalo
“I always close out my sets with this track by Impetus. I generally plan my sets with pace and energy in mind and feel as though this track is a perfect example of that. It’s gritty and inviting which always makes out to be a perfect closer.”
TRACK #2:
Sidewinder - Mist
“Heard this track for the first time in Willem’s Hör set (Shoutout Larry) and thought it was amazing. Although super repetitive as most techno is, it has enough sustained energy where it leaves you bopping for hours. I love using this track on a third CDJ, utilising the vocals. Always nice to mix in and out of this one.”
TRACK #3:
E2NMN - Stolen Choices
“Proper techno this one. Raw energy and sounds amazing on a proper rig. Generally play this one when I try and lift the tempo and mood in a set, always works out really great.”
TRACK #4:
Solar Suite - Big Drift
“Leaning away from techno but staying in the electronic world, Big Drift by Solar Suite is just so damn good. Imagine sipping a cold bevvy with this on, on a big PA surrounded by mates in the sun, a true chefs kiss.”
TRACK #5:
Nova. - Nova 2
“Ned Bennett’s alter-ego Nova has churned out some proper day-party vibes. Specifically, his earlier release titled ‘Nova 2’ has been getting a play at a lot of my non-techno sets. The long breakdown makes for a perfect mid-set energy boost”
TRACK #6:
Paprika Soul - Come with Me - The Chill
“Randomly heard this on Spotify AI and instantly fell in love with it. Listening to this while sipping a cold wine is the perfect combination. Listened to this one a lot in Japan!”
TRACK #7:
Dave Blunts - The Unfortunate Incarceration Of TwoThree
“Bit of a rogue one haha but for those who really know me, I’ve been listening to an artist called Dave Blunts on repeat for the past few months. I find his stuff hilarious and so catchy that it always seems to be on in the car. Think ‘hype’ songs but whack haha. I watch his interviews on youtube and find him hilarious.“
TRACK #8:
Loyle Carner - Ice Water
“Loyle Carner is an artist who is at the top of my list. I’ve always wanted to see him live but haven’t gotten the chance to. I’m a huge fan of his work, and this track was probably one my first introductions to him. My girlfriend and I are big fans of him and this song normally gets a play in the car when we’re together and we always have a good singalong to it together which is always super cute.”
TRACK #9:
Tom Misch - Disco Yes
“Another artist who is at the top of my list, arguably my favourite artist of all time. Has been on repeat for the last couple of years now and I feel as though this song just radiates good vibes. Always on when the sun is out. The chords in the intro and the bassline is just soooooo damn good.”
TRACK #10:
Delegation - Oh Honey
“I remember hearing this in a mix ages ago, back before I was into any type of music. Rich in soul, funk and emotion, dating back to the 80s, a true classic. A slower jam that makes you feel a certain way. One of my all times.”
…and to that pretty standard can be quoted saying “WOW, ABSOLUTELY CRACKING?” in regards to the above track ‘pickering’.
We did also get the chance to squeeze in a couple more questions! A wise man once said something and life & lemons and shit, so here goes:
Q) pretty standard // Mate please tell us about one or two of these tracks?
A) form1lane // “Delegation - Oh Honey is probably one of my all time favourite songs, if not my all time favourite song ever!”
“I think this stands out specifically due to the fact it is so different to what’s common nowadays when it comes to music standards. It’s emotive, slow and warm, something that isn’t often produced nowadays, and whilst being produced a long, long time ago, it’s almost like a breath of fresh air, especially when i’m so consumed by faster electronic music. I’d love to hear this stuff played out at events more often. I think music from the 80s and 90s is just so pure and feels as though there’s a lot more thought that goes into it.”
Q) pretty standard // Lastly, do you have any new projects coming out soon?
A) form1lane // “I’m back in the midst of writing some music which would be cool to release, although not too sure when! I’d love to do an All Night Long with Abode, perhaps within the near future…? “
LINKS:
instagram // @lego__blok
label instagram // @abode.label
soundcloud // @form1lane
And, as always the full playlist is available for your awaited approval, perusal and amusement. As for the opposite of those three complex words your permitted to do those two…
We wish you happy listening,
Till we meet again,
Couper Baskus // official ‘Ne'er-do-well’ and global head of ‘Such-and-such’ @ pretty standard
