This Thursday August 10, The Operatives crew are back at Section 8 for another installment of The Drop, This time featuring North Carolina producer Machinedrum. The veteran bass, footwork and everything-in-between beat-maker has released a couple of singles this year; U Better and What Is This, both with a more a more accessible melody-influenced sound than some of his classics – an extension of the sound on his 2016 album Human Energy.
Surprisingly, this is a free show. It’s not very often you can catch a pioneer of the beat-making scene with a profile like Machinedrum for free, so get in early. Local support comes from Beatrice and residents JPS, Rintrah and Nam. Kicks off at 6pm.
On Friday at Hugs&Kisses, Common Ground and Club D’érange have teamed up to present UK techno synth wizard Black Merlin. Having released music on a slightly bizarre variety of labels in recent times including Island Of The Gods, ESP Institute, Omnidisc, Boyznoise, Jealous God and World Unknown?, the producer’s sound ranges from introspective ambient washes to blood-pumping electro. His latest EP Proto World showcases a mastery of tension, waves of noise and rhythm you’d expect to find in the darkest corners of Berghain. On board for the ride are locals Cutting Room performing live and Millú.
On Saturday, The Operatives crew are back again, this time for the second Bad Opera event showcasing local neo-soul, hip hop and modern RnB acts at Howler. This one features Crooked Letter, DeAndre Brackensick, Janeva, Jordan Dennis, Nasty Mars, Rini and Shümba with Kali Brooke on the main stage and Jade Zoe, DJ Mrs. Wallace, Sean Deans, Sadiva and Tentendo keeping things warm in the garden. A solid and diverse variety of talent here, all deserving of far more exposure. The last Bad Opera went absolutely nuts, so get amongst it, kicks off at 7pm.
