My label's latest glitchy techno / IDM compilation is now a free digital download: SubvaritraxTM

Piggy flu, recessions, global warming==boo. Free music==WOO!

I’ve decided to make SUBVARITRAX™, a compilation by subVariant available as a free download.

So, since it seemed right to add some good karma to the world and not let these tracks fall into obscurity (there are some real gems in there), I decided to make Subvaritrax a free digital release encoded at 192 MBS .mp3. The concept of compilations, in my mind is to provide a sample of a label’s sound and to promote the artists within. In the day of netlabels that sling tracks left and right freely it seems to make sense in my mind to convert my compilation to a kind of netlabel release to promote the works of the featured artists, and to also be open to commercial licensing options. I put a “Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works” Creative Commons license on there to reflect my idea that it’s OK to share but beyond that…talk to the publisher and we’ll work something out ;-). If there’s a demand for higher quality .mp3s for DJing or commercial purposes I might put high quality versions up for sale. Who knows…I’m just experimenting at this point. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Another aspect of my label was that I was kind of modeling it on Skam and [this other industrial German label I can’t remember or Googlefake] where the object, or physical manifestation became an important and sought-after creation, in order to convey a sort of importance, and art-object quality on music that was special in the same regards and deserved the kind of attention that an art object does. So, because the music itself was so intangible and easily shared, if one really wanted the full experience they would seek out the “entire package,” hence my Quantazelle “Coaster (Deluxe Edition)” release which sold out on Ebay the day I released it. It was modeled after a cellphone box and those “Special Edition” comics re-releases or DVD Box sets. Anyway. What do you think? I would really like some feedback on the concept.

SUBVARITRAX™ is a new form of treatment for Sonic Mediocrity Overexposure (SMO). SUBVARITRAX™ works by providing a mix between emotionally-poignant-yet-sonically-dense IDM, and scientifically formulated, provocatively glitchy minimal techno. With contributions from Quench (Funckarma), Ochre, Tim Koch, edIT, Kero, Matthew Mercer and others, SUBVARITRAX™ is a new type of neurostimulant proven to help people with SMO as well as being an enjoyable listen in its own right. Ask your abstract electronic music specialist if SUBVARITRAX™ is right for you.

IT’S FREE!Just add it to your cart and checkout. Only your email is required so we can send you the download link. Enjoy!

“Though one is struck initially by Subvaritrax’s distinctive pharmaceutical packaging, the comp’s presentation is trumped by the potency of the medication itself. Virtually a primer for current electronic music trends, the release collects what could be the best bits from imaginary comps by Merck, Neo Ouija, Spectral Sound, and M-Nus into an 80-minute, 17-track set. Such largesse is often wearying but [it] maintains interest by extending the stylistic range beyond a single genre…A terrific outing by the Chicago-based subVariant imprint, the ‘instrumental neuro-stimulant’ Subvaritrax more than makes good on its promise to treat Sonic Mediocrity Overexposure (SMO) with a therapeutically forward-thinking mix of melodic IDM and glitchy minimal techno.” -Ron Schepper, TEXTURA.