Total domination by Drumcode at The Warehouse Project

Pioneers of techno music and backed by over two decades of success, Swedish techno label Drumcode Records is famed for their talent scouting, success in its releases, and general international label camaraderie. Managed by Swiss techno artist Adam Beyer, the ambitious producer’s intention behind Drumcode drives the practical and functional nature of the sounds Beyer chooses to supply techno peers. Having played at some of the UK’s esteemed clubs including London’s Tobacco Docks and Birmingham’s Motion, the tech giants returned to Manchester’s iconic The Warehouse Project.

Famed for its end of year event roster, hosting the biggest names in music from the latter stages of September through to New Year’s day, The Warehouse Project has become a playground for artists and labels alike, delving into the underground depths of the venues walls. Comprised of three rooms The Warehouse Project can welcome extensive line-ups in the short allotted times allocated over each weekend.

Selling-out The Warehouse Project was no coincidence for the Scandinavian rooted music label who accommodates more than 25 artists in its impressive roster. In its early days when founded back in 1996, Drumcode originally housed only Swedish producers but have since branched out to those whose sound fits the profile. And now the likes of Maceo Plex, Marco Carola, Steve Lawler, and Joseph Capriati spin their heavily induced techno flavours with the stalwart label.

In the southeast reaches of the city, Adam Beyer and his army of techno architects conducted an underground outing like no other. The Warehouse Project served as a fitting venue for a more than fitting label. If you have ever listened to a Drumcode release you will understand the powerful sounds the label has become synonymous with, and why the scenes of an underground warehouse venue compliment such music.

A line-up to feast upon, juggernauts Alan Fitzpatrick, Bart Skils, Dense & Pika, Enrico Sangiuliano, Ida Engberg, Layton Giordani, Pan-Pot, and Sam Paganini joined head-honcho Adam Beyer for the techno fest. Having released an abundance of tracks over the record label throughout the year, many DJs were in high-anticipation to drop the infamous tracks on the night.

Arguably one of the most sizeable records to have dropped this year was Enrico Singiuliano’s ‘Astral Projection‘. Receiving monumental attention following its road testing by Beyer at Printworks in London, and a stand out track at Awakenings Festival this summer, the track was a huge hit with the crowd during Enrico’s set in the early hours of Saturday morning. Equally, his successful ‘Blooming Era‘ caused quite the stir among revellers in attendance.

On the night neither performances fell short of spectacular with Bart Skils and Dense & Pika doing the rounds. Pan-Pot drew a packed crowd with the tastemakers delivering a high-octane performance while Layton Giordani wowed an impressed and vocal Warehouse Project crowd.

Showstopper Alan Fitzpatrick was the centre of attention with his epic ‘We Do What We Want‘ track. The Warehouse Project was at the mercy of the electronic banger with Fitzpatrick receiving a hugely jubilant response. Having done its rounds on social media in the past, the track was destined to set alight the venue in all its glory. Cue man of the moment Adam Beyer who masterminded a pulsating techno-driven set. The DJs vast following echoed in the form of a ravenous crowd squeezed into the compact main room of the Warehouse project, all eyes eager to catch their idol in action.

For The Warehouse Project, another successful night in the WHP calendar adds to their ever-evolving partying experience and the ability to recruit the biggest names in music from across the world. Likewise, for Drumcode, it was another night of techno history and a performance that cements the record labels status as the forefront runner in techno music. With releases set to continue through to the end of 2017, the Swiss giants will find themselves with an even bigger fanbase heading into 2018. Of course, the labels busy schedule will increase as to its music dominance. Drumcode came, they saw, and they conquered.