Out of the Ice Age

Frank, I spent so much time on this tee, using my non-existing drawing skills to the max...you better wear it!

Phew, it really feels like eons since I’ve sat down and wrote some nonsense for our blog…then again, it’s not like I’ve been lazy: I’m known as der Pressemann, the one in charge for all the release sheets, party infos, Reels descriptions and basically every written text that is related to Retreat, so there has been some stuff to rant about, but fair enough, my last proper blog entry was in November. Back then, I was moaning about the tough Berlin winter but now, believe or not, the sun came back! My brain still has trouble processing this new information and I was indeed training to live in this Ice Age for the rest of my life (dressing up with 5 layers, being really cautious not to slip on the road, mumbling instead of talking so that my lips don’t bleed)…but hey, the ice is gone, the birds are singing and the days are getting longer so I guess I can ditch those adamantium gloves.

So what’s new at  Retreat HQ? Well, in case you didn’t notice, we have a new record out entitled “Treats Vol.2” which is getting some major airplay. It’s a hot split EP with two cuts from Session Victim and 1 track from myself. You can read about it here and there but also just make up your own mind by listening to it. Session Victim are now busy working on RTR06 but if you’re a fiend for their groovy cut-up approach, i would strongly recommend that you check out Matthias Reiling‘s excellent “Das Gespenst Von Altona” on Giegling. This Mini-album from the talented producer who makes up 1/2 of Session Victim has Funk stamped all over its 3 House tracks and 5 Hip-Hop Instrumentals. Being the ageing b-boy that I am, my preference goes to the 5 little gems: intricate yet bouncy beats that seem to be tailormade for MC’s like DOOM or Kool Keith. Hot ish! In fact, if you’re in Berlin tonight, be sure to check Matthias out at Farbfernseher, it’s about to become pretty steamy in this little place!

That’s it for now peeps, more news and the usual q-nonsense will follow shortly…

Session Victim/Quarion – Treats Vol.2 – RTR05

One year old and four releases deep, RETREAT present its first 2010 offering with the long awaited second volume of the »Treats« series. Featuring 3 exclusive tracks from Session Victim and Quarion, »Treats vol.2« showcases the producers’ ability to move beyond the traditional House sound, incorporating more Soul and Disco influences as well as coming up with a few surprises! Continue reading “Session Victim/Quarion – Treats Vol.2 – RTR05”

Retreat Label Party – Edelweiss, Berlin

The march edition of Retreat @ Edelweiss is the release party for our first 2010 record, “Treats vol.2” and we’re very excited to have once again the great Finn Johannsen as special guest! Finn runs the Macro imprint with Stefan Goldmann and played a memorable Deep House set back in august 2009. His knowledge of great music is unfathomable and we just had to invite him again in order to dance to his incomparable selection of all good things with a groove!

Also on the bill are the inseparable Session Victim boys, now a very hot property within the scene, thanks to a mind-blowing release on Delusions of Grandeur! The duo will make you bounce to House, Funk, Disco and everything in between.

Last but not least, Quarion is back on the 1’s and 2’s after february’s live madness for a special warm-up set that should make you forget your drink and start shaking your thang on the dancefloor!

Join us once again for an unforgettable night!

click here for reduced price guestlist

one year of Retreat

It's the R's, baby

Yes, I know it’s a bit late for a 2009 round-up/2010 forecast, but hey, we were both busy Hauke and I: the Haukster was packing his bag and deciding which suntan would be more appropriate for the tough australian beaches while I was recovering from extreme NYE parties and rehearsing for my first ever gig as keyboardist and background singer…

But we’re now on a roll again and we wanted to give you all a little résumé of our first ever year as a vinyl-only label, plus a little teaser of Retreat’s future. Continue reading “one year of Retreat”

Retreat Label Party – Edelweiss, Berlin

Headlining the february edition of Retreat’s monthly party is Baaz, a relatively new producer that knows a thing or two about jackin’ Deep House! His productions for Agnès‘ Sthlmaudio imprint have been played by everyone who has an ear for soulful music and he’s set to have much more quality material coming out in the future, including some abstract Hip-hop bits.

Quarion will perform his first ever live set in Edelweiss and has promised to come up with something special…let’s take heed to his word and expect the unexpected from this producer who has roots in Hip-Hop and Jazz!

Fresh from an Australia tour, the label’s co-owner Hauke Freer will treat you with a sweet warm-up of soul, disco and House flavors, elements that you’ll also find on his excellent new 12″ with partner Mathias Reiling for Delusions of Grandeur.

All in all, another great reason to brave the cold and head down to Kreuzberg’s steamiest basement!