Balance presents ELECTRIC_03 mixed by Ben Korbel

May 15, 2008

EQ’s Balance presents Electric series is back after a short hiatus with another exciting instalment, this time mixed by Australian DJ and connoisseur Ben Korbel, Episode 3 won’t disappoint those fans expecting nothing less than cutting edge underground dance music, as it showcases a seamless fusion of deep house and techno expertly mixed by one of Australia’s leading DJs.

To say this release has been a long time coming for Ben Korbel is an understatement. Electric_03 is his debut mix proper and it’s a decade in the making. Ben’s peerless sense of lineage, his irrepressible passion for a great tune and his impeccable programming and mixing are all a given; what you get here is warmth, soul and a humane groove that lacks in the click-and-drag age. From the first flutters of Luciano, through the liquid funk of Der Dritte Raum to the classic stabs and washes of LFO this mix provides a consumate selection of the finest producers from the underground house and techno scene, also including along the way the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Swayzak, Pikaya, Rob Mello and more…

If you’ve ever heard Ben Korbel play, you’ll have no doubt strained vocal chords or twisted cheek muscles bouncing around like a sweaty beach ball to one of his impeccably delirious sets. Complementing Ben on his expertise at any time is always met with unbridled humility but those who’ve met him know not to be perplexed if he calls you Paddle Pop lion then chases you down the street with a face full of clothes pegs. It is, quite simply, how the lad rolls…

Not around quite as long as the Paddle Pop lion, but equally brown eyed and bearded, Ben Korbel has been illuminating DJ booths for nigh on a decade. Back when most selectors were throwing around bad Italo disco and Jason Nevins remixes of The Vengaboys, Ben was crafting unique sonic tangents (influenced by French Horn abuse and the Northern Exposure mixes equally) that immediately made him stand out.

His unique brand of Future Techno has slowly evolved into a genre unto itself, a sound that uses classic European techno, vintage progressive, crisp neo-electro and deep driving house as its bricks and mortar. Striking a chord with clubbers, promoters and selectors, He’s gone from headlining legendary Sydney parties like Sweetchilli and Sounds On Sunday to supporting international heavy-weights like Sasha and Danny Tenaglia to playing revered clubs like Space, Weekend Club and The Cross all the while leaving flailing limbs and Muppet grins in his wake.

A DJ set at the hands of Ben Korbel is a pleasure in any music lover’s books. He brings with him the highest level of professionalism, coupled with a raw passion for what he does. That is why he has been, and will continue to be one of Australia’s premier league DJs.

1. Luciano Back To Front (Electric Edit) 2. Ronin Monk Sea 3. Grey Noodles 4. Cassy Somelightuntothenight (Electric Edit) 5. Swayzak Smile & Receive (Cassy Beatmix) 6. Pikaya Winterdub 7.Horror Inc The Sentinel (Dimbiman Mix) 8. Studiogemeinschaft Want 2 Shake With U 9. Guillaume & The Coutu Dumonts Sous L’Arbre 10. Julien Parise A5b (Mirko Mix) 11. Stryke Fallen 12.Dan Curtin Echozeichen (Someone Else Mix) 13. Der Dritte Raum Luna Llena 14. Matt O’Brien Serotone (Electric Edit) 15. Freaks Discorobot (Rob’s No Ears Dub) 16. Ricardo Villalobos Heike (Mood Mix) 17. LFO vs FUSE Loop (Electric Edit) 18. Horror Inc The Vanishing