The 10 biggest Line Noise posts + podcasts of 2024 (and the reaction to them)
.... because some times you just need a round up.
As 2024 rolls wearily to an end, I thought I would take the opportunity to look back over the 10 most popular Line Noise Substack pieces and the 10 most popular Line Noise podcasts of the year. (With a shout out of recognition to Darren Hemmings and his Network Notes Substack, who inspired me to do so.)
I also included some reaction to the Substack posts because one of the reasons I do this newsletter is for the back and forth with readers. I don’t always agree with the comments (Jeff Mills? Elevator jazz? Come on…) but I am grateful for your feedback.
Thank you all for reading / listening in 2024; thanks to all the artists who agreed to be interviewed, whether it be for Line Noise, Radio Primavera Sound or somewhere else (I think I did about 150 interviews this year); and have a very happy new year.
Oh and if you’re feeling charitable at this time of year, why not introduce someone to the Substack or rate the podcast on Spotify? Oh go on…
The 10 most popular Substack posts
1) Jamie xx, history and the LOLification of dance music
The first paragraph
“How much does history matter to dance music? And is it really important how a song earns its place in your affections, when you are swaying happily to its hi-hat patter on a night out?”
A reaction
“I was struck by your mention of “young people’s music” in relation to Jamie XX, Floating Points and Caribou given that none of those producers - and I’d argue only a subset of their audiences- are actually that young. I think the simplest answer to the questions you raise is that these producers and listeners, now largely in their late 30s and 40s, grew up with 90s dance music: referencing it in their productions is just a straightforward appeal to nostalgia.”
2) Weird 90s - LFO’s LFO or Bleep goes mainstream
The first paragraph
“As a child you know nothing and care even less about whether songs are credible or not. Songs are either good or not, successful or not. And if songs are both good and successful then the artist must - by juvenile definition - be an excellent pop star, be they The Firm, with their Star Trek-themed novelty hit Star Trekkin’, or Madonna (both of whom appeared on Now! knock off compilation The Hits volume 6 and will, therefore, be forever linked in my mind). In fact, I was borderline shocked, later on in life, when I discovered that Pet Shop Boys were considered a canonical pop group, while Furniture, whose Brilliant Mind appeared alongside Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money) on Now…7, were basically forgotten.”
A reaction (from Reddit)
“When I first got into Techno, the first three CDs I bought were Surgeon's Communications, Alien by Harry Heard and Advance. So LFO have been a listening staple since I was about 17.
I was actually at the Lindisfarne '24 festival a few weeks ago, and lo and behold, someone dropped the Leeds Warehouse remix. The whole place went crazy. It's one of those timeless classics that still sounds amazing, and the older rave heads go mad for it.
As far favourite tracks go, I've always loved Tied Up from Advance, Love Is The Message from Frequencies and Mummy I've Had An Accident from Sheath.
Such a shame about Mark and Gez never getting a chance to get back together.”
3) Sabres of Paradise’s Haunted Dancehall: Weatherall’s unearthly masterpiece
The first paragraph
“When Andrew Weatherall died in February 2020, most obituaries made more of his status as a DJ and remixer than his work as a producer of original music. And in a way this made sense: Weatherall was an inspired proponent of both arts and should be celebrated as such. But it also reflects the fact that Weatherall’s best original music came in groups, rather than as solo work. In fact, Weatherall didn’t use his birth name on an original record until 2006, when The Bullet Catcher’s Apprentice hit the shelves.”
A reaction
“I remember being a teenager and buying haunted dancehall on cassette in the winter of 1994 probably from now defunct way ahead records in Leeds - it blew my mind as I’d never really heard anything like it at the time and it expanded my musical horizons massively from some of those other big electronic records you mention and many (some middle of the road) indie bands that I haven’t really listened to since the 90s…. I revisit sabres frequently enough but thanks for giving me a reason to listen again today! I’ve also passed the article on to a couple of younger artists that I work with who might not have actually heard this - maybe they will dip in!”
4) 30 years on: the secret history of Basement Jaxx and underground house
The first paragraph
“Basement Jaxx are one of the most misunderstood acts in the history of house music. in 2024 they are probably best known known for their bells, whistles and the kitchen sink take on stadium house, a divisive sound that has taken them to the heights of The Hollywood Bowl but helped to erase their underground roots.”
A reaction (from Reddit)
“I remember being at a rave in the 90’s and one of the djs played this and I lost my mind. I had a crappy department store entry level minolta film camera and I used it to snap a couple pictures of the turntable in hopes of finding it. It was the basement jaxx spades face logo and the nice folks at the record store knew exactly what it was. I love Basement Jaxx.”
5) Weird 90s - Summers Magic / Kyiv’s resistance
The first paragraph
“It’s hard to think of a more jarring contrast than the horrors of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the sunshine euphoria of the early 90s rave scene. But life is rarely a case of rounded corners and snugly fitting jigsaw puzzles; and so, one day in early 2023, I found myself speaking to Mark Summers, author of proto-cartoon rave classic Summers Magic, about what it was like to live in Kyiv in November 2022, nine months after Putin launched his barbaric invasion, in a world of power cuts and killer drone attacks.”
A reaction
“Hola , En Los Años 90 En Mí Ciudad Valencia , Había Grandes Fiestas Rave Por Toda La Ciudad. Me Hubiese Encantado Leer Ese Libro Que Estabas Escribiendo.”
6) Ten of the best jungle / hip hop crossovers
The first paragraph
“Jungle is often called the British hip hop, for fairly obvious cultural reasons. But actual crossovers between jungle and hip hop are rarer than you might imagine and don’t get anywhere near the respect they deserve when they do happen. These are, after all, two of the most important and innovative musical genres of the 1990s. Their interaction really should be cherished. In any case, I rounded up ten of the best jungle / hip hop crossover tracks, in vague chronological order, be they via samples, remixes or collaborations.”
A reaction
“Your post reminded me of this, which I love, so thank you!
DJ Krush - Meiso w/ Black Though & Malik B (4 Hero & DJ Crystl remixes).”
The first paragraph
“In the 90s, hip hop and house music had a very lopsided relationship. Hip hop artists didn’t have much time for house, on the whole; but there were a number of house producers, particularly in New York, who adored hip hop and did much to bring it into their sphere. Armand van Helden is the obvious example; but you could also name Todd Terry and even Daft Punk over in Paris.”
A reaction (from Reddit)
“I’ve always appreciated what they tried to do. I was one of those kids who loved hip hop and house equally. They definitely pushed those boundaries I guess but at the same time they were just being themselves, and pulling kids in from all angles. Like AVH “Killing Puritans” album is I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s all that and more. It’s definitely hip hop and house but also other genres like rock and industrial, electronic; just crazy fun sonic energy. The mid 90’s was the genesis of amazing fucking sounds in music. It was a rare time when there were no barriers and all musical ideas were fair game to the listener because the computer leveled the playing field. And we all fell in love with it and created this real thing together.”
8) For Loidis’ sake let 2025 be maximal
The first paragraph
“It's not like 2024 has been without its share of bad news. But, amid the ongoing shower of political / environmental / imperial shit, one piece of musical news really made me shudder this year: the return of 2000s minimal.”
A reaction (from Reddit)
“I don’t feel minimal that way. Of course there is a great attention to production and detail in it but it’s not most important. Song that is only well produced would be boring, it has to have that something. Like Shinichi Atobe’s music, you can feel it immediately. Minimal is essentially about harmony and the rhythm, feeling and a story. Rhythm&Sound, that name made a definition. But the sound is not about how good the mix is. It’s how you fit sounds together. Like fo real - have you ever studied how these guys construct their groove? I mean, it’s absolutely crazy and so complex - but so simple at the same time. It’s like Four Tet said - you don’t have to spend hours mixing a song if the sounds fit together; and he often makes some basic mixing and doesn’t event master it. It’s kind of like food - Italians made it simple and absolute by combining the pasta and gravy or tomatoes with olive oil and if you use high quality ingredients filled with sunshine and make it with love the dish will be just wonderful. Of course more complex blend can give you some interesting and new tastes but it’s not that easy to make it feel good. As well as most of the best cooking still blends only a few ingredients. Some best blends last for thousands of years and still make it fundamental.”
9) On Jeff Mills and musical freedom
The first paragraph
“I’ve always seen electronic music as representing a kind of freedom. On the one hand, there is the musical freedom that comes from using instruments like synthesisers and (especially) samplers that are not bound by the sonic limitations of, say, the guitar.”
A Reaction (from Reddit)
“I think you're ignoring the fact that an entire world of electronic music exists outsides the confines of the dance floor. Jeff Mills is just another self-made millionaire who can now hire his heroes to play with him in his band. He's a legend, but his career pivot towards elevator jazz should hardly be the spotlight on artistic freedom in electronic music.”
10) DJ Mehdi: a misunderstood artist comes into focus
The first paragraph
“One of the few things generally known about DJ Mehdi - the French producer whose renown has only increased since his tragic death in 2011 - is that he bridged the worlds of hip hop and house. What is less known is how, when and why he made the bridge.”
A reaction (from Reddit)
“I watched the documentary on arte recently. I mostly knew his name from the bloghouse / edbanger era and would say he had a bigger "impact" on hiphop/rap music than on electronic music.”
The 10 most popular Line Noise podcasts
2024 was a pretty big year for the Line Noise podcast, which will be nine years old in January. We teamed up with Nitsa in Barcelona to celebrate the club’s thirtieth anniversary, did several episodes in Spanish and passed our 200th podcast.
We didn’t actually do anything to celebrate that particular milestone because I don’t include the 10 Nitsa Line Noise specials or the 14 Daft Punk Discovery episodes in my reckoning. So officially Line Noise is only up to Episode 194, which features Ron Trent. But, in reality, Episode 184 with Morgane Lhote was our 200th.
Also of note in 2024: Line Noise got what I am pretty sure was the first interview ever with Speed Dealer Moms, AKA John Frusciante and Venetian Snares; we put together a joint interview with Kode9, Ikonika, DJ Haram and Heavee to mark Hyperdub’s 20th anniversary; we also united AG Cook and Sega Bodega for an interview, just as Brat fever was breaking; I finally got to interview Jeff Mills, as part of Tomorrow Comes The Harvest; and I got to speak to Laetitia Sadier, who is one of the most interesting people I have ever interviewed.
There will be lots more of this in the new year. For the moment, though, here are the most popular episodes of 2024.
1) Line Noise Episode 161 (Speed Dealer Moms, John Frusciante, Venetian Snares)
“Speed Dealer Moms are John Frusciante, probably best known as the guitar player from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Aaron Funk, aka Venetian Snares, a producer who defies your 4/4 time signatures in the name of brilliantly experimental electronic sounds. In what was their first ever joint interview, I spoke to John and Aaron about listening to music differently, 16-hour jams, friendship in music, actual speed dealer moms, jungle, Bangface and so much more. I think this interview is really a bit special so I do hope you enjoy it. PS The excellent new Speed Dealer Moms single, Birth Control Pill, is out Friday May 10.”
2) Line Noise Episode 183 (Tim Reaper)
“My guest on Line Noise this week is jungle producer extraordinaire Tim Reaper (aka Ed Alloh), whose new album with Kloke, In Full Effect, is out now on Hyperdub (and very good indeed). We talked about first raving experiences, obsessive behaviour, jungle vs. drum & bass and DJing a wedding with Aphex Twin.”
3) Line Noise Episode 159 (Erol Alkan)
“My guest on Line Noise this week is DJ / producer extraordinaire Erol Alkan. We spoke about the new remixes of his classic A Hold On Love, euphoric melancholy, the art of remixing and more. Look out for a part two soon, when we discuss Nitsa's 30th anniversary.”
4) Line Noise presents Nitsa 30 - Episode 3 with Erol Alkan (AKA Erol Alkan Part 2)
“Line Noise is taking part in the 30th anniversary celebrations of Barcelona's famed club, Nitsa, including interviews with some of the key players in Nitsa's history. In episode 3, we talk to Erol Alkan, who played his first DJ gig outside the UK at Nitsa and who has returned to the club ever year since. He is also the favourite DJ of Nitsa resident DJ Coco. Erol shared his memories of Nitsa and of club music from 2000 to 2002. You can also consider this part 2 of our recent interview with Erol.”
5) Line Noise Presents Nitsa 30 - Episode 8 with The Blessed Madonna
“As part of our ongoing series of Line Noise episodes to celebrate Nitsa’s 30th anniversary, I spoke to Marea Stamper aka The Blessed Madonna, an American, DJ and producer who holds Nitsa close to her heart. We talked about her memories of playing the club, Mid-West raves, being massive by stealth, calls from Kylie and taking Chicago house into the major-label system. “I might be early but i’m not wrong,” she says. Amen to that. I hope you enjoy it.”
6) Line Noise Episode 166 (Radio Slave)
“Today we welcome to Line Noise Matt Edwards, aka remixer, producer and DJ extraordinaire Radio Slave, whose new album Venti is an epic work of imagination and house grind. We talked about covers, J Dilla, Kylie Minogue, Berlin, remixing, Rekids and more.”
7) Line Noise Episode 191 (Fabric special with Cameron Leslie)
“This week on Line Noise my guest is Cameron Leslie, the co-founder of London’s iconic fabric, a club at which I have spent many a happy night and which is currently celebrating its 25th birthday. We talked about survival, keeping on top of trends, being very London, his favourite Fabric night out and the new photographic artwork based on the club's CD mix series. I hope you enjoy this show and lots of love to fabric for so many happy nights out.”
8) Line Noise Episode 158 (Monty Luke)
Our guest on Line Noise today is Monty Luke, an LA-via-Detroit-via -Berlin producer of deep dark house and techno. His new album Nightdubbing, which comes out on Rekids on March 29, combines house and dub influences and scorns copycats. We talked about dub, inspiration, Planet E, his Black Catalogue label, the Blessed Madonna and much more.
9) Line Noise Episode 172 (Chloé Caillet)
Chloé Caillet is a rising star in house music, with her globe-trotting sound and SMIILE concept club night. I spoke to her at the Primavera Sound festival about playing Madison Square Garden, loving Ed Banger and remixing Beck.
10) Line Noise Episode 167 (Hyperdub special with Kode9, Ikonika, DJ Haram and Heavee)
To mark the 20th anniversary of famed British label Hyperdub, Line Noise organised a round-table interview with four of the label's key artists - founder Kode9, Ikonika, DJ Haram and Heavee - at Primavera Sound 2024. The results were fascinating, swinging from the obsession of running a record label to every artist's favourite Hyperdub songs.
Wait!! whaat you also collab with visual artists? re: posted painting - feel free to get in touch if you need any Afropresentism surreal printmaking weeeee! no pressure offer obvi. So fun that you include visual arts though!!!
I think the world needed the Jamie XX article. Thanks Ben🙏🏽🙏🏽