[Ramp Chicago] Xyn & Pyxis @ Sonotheque

“Free music? A record label is giving away all of its releases? And it’s legal to download? Well it can’t be that g—whoah, hold on– this is really excellent stuff here… free you say? C’mon, there’s got to be some catch…”

Nope, there’s no catch, people: quality underground music can be yours for a total cost of zero dollars ($0.00). Witness the power of the Netlabel—the new, super niche-y music distribution platform with an instant delivery, grab-it-while-it’s-fresh aesthetic that’s only possible because of the Internet. While it’s similar to a traditional independent label, the main difference is that a Netlabel has no physical component to any of its releases—everything is digital and free to download. iTunes, eMusic or any other digital download broker is never part of the picture, proving that the power of the Internet, combined with pure DIY spirit can bypass the traditional system of music distribution.

It’s fitting that most Netlabels feature IDM and experimental electronic releases, seeing as the genre is produced on computers likely to be connected to the Internet at some point. The most established Netlabels include Kikapu & Monotonik (IDM), Textone (minimal techno), and 8bitpeoples (8bit / Chiptune). While they oftentimes feature a mixture of higher profile and less-established artists, one thing is consistent: they’re always focused on bringing quality music to a larger audience.

Enter Xynthetic [pronounced “Synthetic”], the Netlabel that’s intent on blowing out your eardrums as well as your musical preconceptions with releases by such talented producers as Mochipet, Phylum Sinter, Mercury Effect, Zainetica, and Ramp Chicago resident, Emulsion.

You owe it to yourself to see and hear the innovators behind Xynthetic in their first Chicago appearance. Josh Garrett (Xyn) a native of Detroit / Ann Arbor has contributed remixes and tracks for labels like Component and en:peg, while Graeme Foote (Pyxis) is a respected Vancouver club DJ. Both are convinced that traditional music distribution channels have failed musicians and believe that a Netlabel that connects the music of talented artists with an appreciative audience will only bring great things. Building upon their eclectic-but-excellent theme, local celebrity selector Ianhixxx will shake the subwoofers and your expectations with his genre-bending forays into electro, Italo, growly techno, acid and IDM.

• Tuesday, April 10th at Sonotheque
• 1444 W. Chicago Ave.
• $5
• 21+
• 9pm to 2am

The Xynthetic Netlabel founders Xyn and Pyxis treat Chicago to the sensibility behind their label—IDM, breakbeat, techno, experimental, acid, and more, but always with an ear towards absolute quality. Local celebrated DJ Ianhixxx supports along with a DJ set from resident Emulsion.