AUDIO/FREE DOWNLOAD: HARDKISS: “FLOWERS BLOOMING”

A year after the heartbreaking loss of “brother” Scott Hardkiss, Gavin and Robbie Hardkiss have partnered with Scott’s wife Stephanie, to relaunch the Hardkiss Music label with the release of a new album: Hardkiss – 1991.

Back in 90’s San Francisco; Scott, Gavin and Robbie Hardkiss helped pioneer the American EDM/Rave scene with their club nights, warehouse parties and groundbreaking record label. They forged a new direction for dance music with a string of vinyl releases culminating in the seminal compilation, DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR. DELUSIONS made the Billboard Dance charts, went to #1 on the Rolling Stone Alternative Album chart and launched the international DJ/production careers of the Hardkiss brothers.

Reunited in the Bay Area three years ago, Gavin and Robbie have produced a new album that stands tall in the often repetitive world of electronic dance music. Named for the year the Hardkiss collective was formed, 1991 references the sounds and sentiments of their early rave days while exploring new musical directions. Recorded in San Rafael, California, the album took shape in two home studios that are separated by a hillside hike. Most of the songs feature Robbie Hardkiss on vocals with additional vocals by Austin’s Tameca Jones and New York rapper turned singer, Scavonne.

The focus was to create timeless beat/bass grooves within compelling contemporary songs that work for DJs as well as for a good listen. There’s strong emphasis on sound design, intricate synth work and vocal editing and processing. With the help of mix engineer Luke Argilla of Bachelors of Science, the album took a full year to mix after the recording was complete.

To facilitate the release of singles and remixes, Hardkiss has partnered with other prominent labels and artists. San Diego’s Siesta Records have already released remixes of “REVOLUTION” by Rong Music’s DJ Spun, Sleazy McQueen, Atnarko and Adam Warped. This Spring, they will release Hardkiss remixes of “REVOLUTION” including a classic Scott Hardkiss remix. Scott’s mix was unfinished at the time of his passing. Gavin and Robbie got the audio files from Scott’s Brooklyn studio and completed an emotional remix in San Francisco. Elements of all three Hardkiss mixes were used to create 1991’s opening track, REVOLUTION (Hardkiss Brothers Mix).

Austin label Whiskey Pickle is releasing the single RETROACTIVE-FUTURISTIC-PSYCHEDELIC-FUNK-BUMP with remixes by Hawke, Q-Burns Abstract Message and James Curd of Greenskeepers.

Wishing to remain connected to their vinyl roots, Hardkiss has also partnered with UnCut Records to manufacture limited edition double vinyl records of the album 1991. The records (including an mp3 download code) are available along with special N.I.C.E. Collective designed t-shirts and flags on the Hardkiss website.