FOUNDATIONS: CASEY TUCKER
Dropping bass from out the Fens again.
Friends.
It’s Friday, you know the score.
We’re out here relaying the Foundations of Acid House.
This week with some killers from the flat lands to the East.
And remember, the best way to support independent artists is to buy direct.
Love ya.
CASEY TUCKER
From Peterborough, in the ceremonial county of Cambridgeshire, Casey Tucker is another criminally under-appreciated producer. Having a deep passion for 90’s Detroit music at the tender age of 19, he began his low-key musical journey.
He has one alias, Variable Frequency Technician and worked in one group, 0733, with Richard Michael Hawtin. Releasing on S.O.R, Probe, For Those That Knoe, Certain Music, Love Notes, Fourier Transform, and his own imprint Fine Balance Records.
His music production career began with the release of one track on a joint EP with Shades of Rhythm (Frenzied Bass) on their own label, S.O.R. recordings, founded in 1988/1989 and also based in Peterborough. His first track was “Variable Frequency Technician; The V.F.T. – Fenland Bass,” a breakbeat/electro-acid number with a rap. An interesting track that shows Casey’s raw talent from the beginning, for me, it shows a serious side to where he wanted to take his passion.
Notably, he was the first UK-based artist signed to Richie Hawtin and John Acquaviva’s cult Plus 8 record label in 1991. Between 1991 and 1995, he released 3 EPs on Probe Records, a Plus 8 sub-label for harder techno: ‘Record Bass Story’, ‘Intelligensia’ (as 0733), and ‘The Arrival’ (as Variable Frequency Technician) in 1995. In particular, the track ‘Cross Section’ from this EP is showing those early trips to Detroit developing into his artistic vision. Unmistakably, this track shows Casey’s deep passion for Detroit’s rich history of sound and what it represents to him. Timeless music.
‘Cross Section’
Please do check out his early releases on Probe, here and here.
FOR THOSE THAT KNOE
Respect to Ben Boe, owner of Boe Recordings, releasing on his sub-label For Those That Knoe, a label dedicated to unsung heroes who bring this artist to the attention of more people. Four EPs taking tracks from Casey’s first two Fine Balance releases alongside new productions. This new material is embedded below. Enjoy
Knoe 2/1: Bst
Knoe 2/2: Tanita
Knoe 2/2: Secret Desires
Knoe 2/3: Juxtaposition
Knoe 2/3: Whatever Comes to Mind
Knoe 2/4: Inner Strength
Knoe 2/4: Waiting Game
All of the tracks are of incredible class. For me, this track is phenomenal and hits hard.
Casey’s inspiration is rooted to 90‘s Detroit, it is all about the harmonies with his productions: displaying a range of pitch frequencies, melody lines: however it is always balanced with some tracks incorporating acid lines: fundamentally what makes his music stand out is the layering with ethereal melody in that distinct higher frequency which is not easy to achieve whilst keeping everything balanced it is this in his music structuring that transcends me beyond aural bliss, it is not only beautiful music which validates taking time and working hard, but it captures for me, a lost time, one of fond memories surrounded by people where true art was at the centre. I was captivated by Casey from the moment I heard his very first track back in 1990. When he released ‘The Arrival’, and I heard ‘Cross Section’, for me, that is when Casey found his sound. something that would serve as the foundation for his releases.
FINE BALANCE RECORDS
Here, I turn to his own label, Fine Balance Records, set up in 1995, which released the ‘Carpet Dancer EP’ in 1995, ‘Accumulated Knoledge EP’ in 1997, and ‘Return To Techno EP’ in 2016.
Carpet Dancer EP
‘Blue Light Factor’ from beginning to 6.59 and ‘Momentum’ from 7.09
Accumulated Knoledge EP
‘Terraform’
‘Habit Of Awareness’
‘Stratosphere’
Return To Techno EP
‘Network 90’ nod to Network Records.
‘Disguise Your Eyes’
‘Escape’
Fine Balance has undergone several changes, but it is still active and, from what I read, it is promising new material. In Casey’s own words:
“Today Fine Balance continue to specialise in cutting edge underground House and Techno, drawing influences from different genres and blending them together into unique futuristic sound concepts.”
Though Casey’s output is small compared to some artists’, he holds the same fundamentals that I came into this industry with. For me, he is the real deal. He writes with his heart on his sleeve. His productions are a labour of love, and it shows in abundance, which is a testimony to a beautiful work ethic. There is one common trait among all the artists I talk about: they are humble, go about things in a low-key manner, get their heads down and work hard, producing quality pieces that make this industry beat with class. Casey is another fine example of this beating heart and soul of the music industry, exemplified by his undeniable, beautiful, and timeless productions.
We will not let artists like this slip into silence; those who turn away from untoward trends and pour their whole being into creation. Their work is a pulse in the dark, and must be protected and never forgotten. Without these artists, the electronic music industry lacks any depth and soul.
He has stayed fiercely loyal to his vision, making a firm decision to keep everything in-house, and that unwavering dedication is exactly what propels him to the forefront of electronic music and fuels his success.
Until the next one, I leave you with ‘Carpet Dancer’. Be safe.
It is high-frequency space age funk-techno soul.
Peace and Love
Stef
i have a decent chunk of Casey's tunes - but never new he was local - amazing! after VFT i just assumed he was North American