BangGang is a force that has re-shaped Sydney's club scene like no other in the last 10 years. It was born out of an exploding new style of dance music in the form of electro and was responsible for the reinvention of fashion into the scene. They are Australia's version of New York's infamous Club Kids but with style and genuine talent.
BangGang is made up of six creative minds - Dangerous Dan (co-creator of international fashion powerhouse Ksubi), Beni (now a recording star on Germany's Relish Records), Nolan Nolan (co-promoter of Gay Bash), Ajax (legend and former ITM Number 1 DJ and now mastermind behind Sweat It Out label) and Jaime Doom & Gus Da Hoodrat, the pair who created and run the BangGang 12inches record label.
A young Modular Records saw the importance of the boys early on and signed them up to their roster of artists alongside Wolfmother, The Presets, Cut Copy, The Avalanches and others.
The 12inches label has just recently celebrated its 21st release and has proudly supported Australia's creative underground electronic community with artists like Bag Raiders, KIM, Shazam, Damn Arms, Hey Today!, The Lowbrows, Lost Valentinos and many more.
And now the label releases its first ever CD compilation simply called 'A Radicool Compilation'. It encompasses the label's history from the very first release of Dangerous Dan & Nicky Vanshe's reworking of Daft Punk's classic 'Around The World' to the latest from French duo Golden Bug called 'Ghost Day'. One CD is a collection of tracks while the second disc is a mix by Doom & Hoodrat of some of the label's finest moments.
I decided to ask Jaime what his fave BangGang 12inches were and why. He said get stuffed so I persisted and he relented.
1. Hey Today 'If I Was Wonderman' (Vanshe Tech Remix)
This remix took nine months, yes nine months, of hassling the guys to get it done. It was such an ordeal and I felt like such a mum bugging the guys all the time but in the end it was all worth it. Stripped-back Vanshe Tech building synth goodness. How can you not love this?2. Hystereo 'Cityspeak' (Arveene & Misk Remix)
Yet to come out but an absolute killer of a remix from the Dublin duo. Simple yet effective BASSLINE jammer.
3. Like Woah! 'Oh I Like' (Knightlife Remix)
An ozzie-on-ozzie affair and one of the first things both acts released/remixed. Not sure exactly what you call this. Maybe ozzie-summer-electro-bbq-club music. Maybe not.
4. KIM 'BTTTRY' (Bag Raiders Bongo Edit Remix)
Classic Bag Raiders' synth stylings with an extended bongo drum session breakdown. This one works every time you play it. One of the more demented moments on the label too.
5. Bag Raiders 'Shooting Stars' (Siriusmo Remix)
More Bag Raiders action. This time the German genius man-of-the-moment Siriusmo reworks this hit into a German deep builder complete with symphony stabs.
6. GLOVES 'PYX' (Strip Steve Paradise Dub)
I really like this one cause it's not what you would expect from Strip Steve at all. Its a groovy late night shuffle affair. Something to play when everyone's ears need a rest.
7. Bag Raiders 'Fun Punch' (ZZZ Remix)
This track is just so fucking crazy, weird, demented that it has to make the list. Just mental mental mental dance music. Piano rodeo house is what I like to call it.
8. Toecutter 'Best Party Ever' (Captain Ahab Remix)
I would never play this. I'm not sure I could even listen to it too many times but this makes the list cause it's just so not trendy, not all that playable nor even that well produced. What it does have is a sense of humor and originality. That's good enough for me.
9. Polargeist 'Home From The Can' (BangGang Remix)
This will be out soon. Its our (mine and Gus') best remix yet I think. Simple filtered house.10. Damn Arms 'Destination' (Cassian Remix)
Cassian took this and added his trademark bassline FUNK to it. Its kinda simple but it really works. My favorite remix of this track for sure.
BangGang 12inches is one of the most important electronic labels this country has ever produced and history will look back on these boys as pioneers and nurturers of local talent.
Buy the CD. Your ears needs it!
Murphy.
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