Radio Show: Electronic Explorations

Electronic Explorations is the brain child/labor of love of Rob Booth, a denizen of San Fransisco's nether-world. Featuring, in his own words, "electronic music’s hottest property, a deviously crafted patchwork of carefully sewn rhythms, sonic contortions and delicate melodies. Dubstep, minimal electronica, techno and advanced soundscapes," each episode is a 90 minute excursion into the creme de la creme of the electronic underground. Obscure, and under-represented talent abound: to quote the man, himself, "Producers who rarely see the light of day, too busy in their own homes, making some of the most arresting, forward thinking and intelligent music," his show is an excellent resource for unearthing whats moving and shaking the headphones and dancefloors, the world over. He has featured mixes from such innovators as The Kiliminjaro Darkjazz Ensemble, Scuba, Surgeon, 2562, Mike Paradinas, Kid 606; the list goes on and on, and is also full of names you've never heard, but still stack up against the heavy-weights. The shows are expertly sequenced, and can be listened to over and over. He keeps the dialogue to a minimum, preferring to, "let the music do the talking."

There is a favoring towards sounds of the dubstep spectrum, although interspersed with moments of slick Detroit techno, breakcore, and IDM, owing in part to his influential correspondence with BBC dj Mary Anne Hobbes, and getting excited over the burgeoning scene he was discovering, via her playlists. One of the most exciting aspects of his sets is hearing good dubstep sets fresh, as at times i've gotten bogged down with the leaden weight and preponderance of tired imitators that seem to muddy the waters. As dubstep was emerging, i was a tireless advocate, its sound appealing to these old goth ears, reminding me of the middle-of-the-night mood sections at parties, when shit got real chill and ambient and weird. Seemed to be a mixture of breakbeats, odd Coil experimentalism, laid back atmospheric dub grooves, the omnipresent visceral presence of the BASS. It sounded great on headphones and in clubs. It was new, it was obscure. It was breaking new ground daily. Its nice to feel that rush of excitement, again, and to be reminded how many bloody brilliant producers and djs there are out there these days.

131 episodes and killing it every week. Do yrself a favor.

Electronic Explorations