// Latest Release from Byetone (Germany)

Raster-Noton artist, Byetone is Olaf Bender's experimental electronic project. He has had a range of releases on the label most noticeable his Plastic Star release which has been remixed by some of the most notable artists on the Raster-Noton Label, including his good friend and label co-owner Carsten Nicolai.

Byetone's latest release Symeta has very strong rock influences but still retains his trademark sound and rhythms. The minimalist electronic glitch based beats are constantly battling with rock styled rhythms that drive you through the tracks but the heaving synths are ever powerful, tracking you through an industrial soundscape.

A music video for one of the tracks from the album can be found on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j09AO2n9tnM.

Throughout the album, you are presented with the feeling of listening to an almost "unpolished" band in a rehearsal room, recording the sounds that emerge from an ever evolving live improvisation. It can be hard at times to believe that this is just a one man outfit writing music instead of a full band, but the album is a spectacular blend of rock and the experimental electronic music scenes.

Raster-Noton's review of Symeta can be found via Link 1 and you can buy the album at Link 2.

Visit Link 1: http://www.raster-noton.net/main.php
Visit Link 2: https://shop.raster-noton.net/

// Spot On: Record Label - Raster-Noton (Germany)

Raster-Noton is a german record label which is run by Olaf Bender and Carsten Nicolai, created when the two labels, Rastermusic and Noton joined together in 1999. The two artists also release their own music on this label under their respective monikers, Byetone (Bender) and Alva Noto (Nicolai).

The label has a specific "brand" and style of music and art. The sound of many of the artist on the label is very similar to each other, although they perform and write in completely different manners. Glitch and drone music, with a vast array of effects is the sound you expect to hear from a label like Raster-Noton. And it isn't just the music that sets the brand of the label away from other similar labels.

When you flick through the album covers of the many releases that Raster -Noton has (the label houses some circa 58 artists), it becomes clear that the art direction of the label has a specific look and feel too. Minimalism and experimentation is the way that this label sells itself and this is carried through the art. Good examples can be found from Alva Noto (Unitxt, Univrs, Xerrox vol 1 & vol 2), Frank Bretschneider (Rhythm, EXP), Byetone (Death of a Typeographer, Symeta) and the labels latest in house EP Series Unun which has had a variety of artists such as NHK, AOKI Takamasa and Mika Vainio showcasing their music.

If you like experimental music and especially the glitch experimental electronica scene, add Raster-Noton to your browser bookmarks and make sure to keep checking back on a regular basis, I do.

Visit Link 1: http://www.raster-noton.net/

// Spot On: Artist - Diamond Version (Germany)

Diamond Version is a new collaborative project created by Carsten Nicolai and Olaf Bender.

The duo are the brains behind the raster-noton label, which specialises in a specific sound and artistic direction on their musical products.

Diamond Version are planning to release a selection of EP's, the first of which is expected to be released later this year. You can listen to snippets of music from Diamond Version on the 3 Links provided at the bottom.

Diamond Version's first EP is expected to be available from mute records on the 3rd September 2012.

Google Search for Diamond Version ModeOperator (Biespiel A)

Visit Link 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fTWS7WBKgA
Visit Link 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqSLba9P-zw
Visit Link 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzRf1B8gKTc

Update:
You can now download the first single from Diamond Version at Link 4 below, plus if you only want to listen to it or if you wish to preview the track first you can use Link 5 below.

Visit Link 4: http://itunes.apple.com/album/technology-at-speed-life-empowering/id540936216?v0=9988&ign-mpt=uo%3D1
Visit Link 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGYJmnqclVU