SHEN
Taken from the arcane Taoist term for 'refined energy' or 'depth', Shen is Noah Pred's outlet for low-tempo explorations of forward-thinking computer music. Drawing inspiration from the eastern aesthetics of botanical architecture and geomantic techniques, Shen evokes organic structures through lush ecologies of synthetic chords, deep textures and minimalist machinations. Honing his craft through sets performed alongside the likes of Monolake, Deadbeat, Shulman, Lusine, and Bluetech, his unique interpretation of the downtempo genre rapidly evolved into a distinctly recognizable sound. Incorporating elements of electro, dub and minimal techno, Shen's fluid funk is aimed equally at the public thrill of the dancefloor and the internal transcendence of headphones. With tracks appearing on the acclaimed 'Leftcoast Liquid Vol. 1', 'Floating Point 3' and various Green Samurai Clan compilations, the debut Shen full-length, 'Outlines', was released this winter on Native State Records. More info online @ shenism.com

LEX & REW
DJing since the early ‘90s, Lex and Rew are perhaps best known as the infamous Legion of Green Men. With a bevy of full-length albums released on prestigious labels such as Plus 8, Virgin, and their own Post Contemporary Records, L.O.G.M.’s distinctive downtempo aesthetic has earned them countless fans around the globe. This popularity has led to appearances on compilations from Interchill, Waveform, Nutone and Digital Structures. Their deadly live performances have rocked many a festival, while new recordings continue to evolve and explore the many incarnations of GRONK.  Their latest CD, 'Baqontraq', is full of percolating synths, wobbly bass and dubby rhythms awash in aqueous ambience, and has been recieved with much acclaim. More info online @ postcontemporary.net

AIA
James S. Campbell, better known as Aia, discovered electronic music through the computer 'demo' scene in the early 90s, and soon began creating melodic ambient sounds on early PC gear.  Inspired by a DJ set from Warp Records' Mira Calyx in 2002, he started DJing in Ottawa and later Toronto, steadily building recognition for his beautiful and sometimes haunting melodic style.  He revels in sharing the uncommon and overlooked sounds of intelligent downtempo electronica, and recently compiled his debut CD of original productions, 'Melodies At Play'.  More info online @ listenablemusic.com

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