Close-Encounters with DJ Sotofett
The story of the shadowy but towering figure of DJ Sotofett seems to be a long and protracted one. Along with his brother DJ Fett Burger, Sotofett founded Sex Tags Mania, under whose umbrella many-a sound and vision spawned, from extended ambient excursions to rolling reggae riddims to knotty get-down house jams.
Ahead of his Sri Lanka debut at 925 Colombo, instead of giving you this full story, we give you the next best thing—handpicking some our favourite tracks of this incredibly prolific, creative artist:
Jesse – Pohja (DJ Sotofett Mix) [Wania] (2017)
Kicking things off is a Sotofett take (on a track of the Finnish electro act) that feels central and fundamental to his work. Rooted, skeletal, seemingly chugging along to the pulse of earth itself. 7 minutes of Rhythm & Sound-heavy equilibrium, that perfect dancefloor warmer-up. The dreamy B-side here lands on the different end of that spectrum, but arrests, equally.
DJ Sotofett Feat. Haugen Inna Di Bu – Dub Off [Honest Jon’s] (2018)
What seems the start of a new and energized run on Honest Jon’s Records (that included C'Est L'Aventure and Hebi/Haru), “Dub Off” is modern dub done right, with each component – instrumental clarity, weight, space and velocity all measured and delivered to a tee, its keys bright and clamouring. “Dub On” is a more menacing mix while “Dub on Dub” stretches Sotofett’s pads further in to the mystical lands.
DJ Sotofett Meets Abu Sayah – Houran (DJ Sotofett’s Percussion Mix) [Fit Sound] (2015)
I first heard “Houran” at the 2015 rendition of the magical Inner Varnika, when Sex Tags brothers began their festival-closing set. The hypnotic drone (of the yarghol, a middle-eastern instrument, and the harmony vocals) seemed to straddle on for what felt like eternity, yet the percussive elements discreetly building underneath it hinted at what was to come – some magnificent sway – and by the time the bassline and the fuzzed-out kickdrums land, you found yourself completely overpowered.
SW – Reminder (Burridim Mix by DJ Sotofett) [Sued] (2013)
SW’s “Reminder” is a modern classic—a timeless, aquatic Detroit-dreamride that sits atop the spectacular Sued catalogue. Sotofett comes along and turns the tables on its squelchy melancholy, with a junglist bass-heavy ‘burridm’ that clamours and jolts (and spinbacks), all before gorgeous pads usher in a whole new era of feeling.
DJ Sotofett – Current 82 (12 Mix) [Keys of Life] (2016)
Released on Helsinki’s Keys of Life (operating under Säkhö), “Current 82” is an ethereal burner that gradually drifts itself into sensory range, dusts off its keys, to weave out a story that remains with you long after the morning hours of the party. A Sotofett classic.
LNS & DJ Sotofett – Reform [Tresor] (2023)
With frequent collaborator LNS, DJ Sotofett seems to have found a new home in Tresor, with the 2021 LP Sputters landing to critical acclaim. Their most recent collaboration The Reformer EP somewhat moves away from that sound, but retains the attitude. “Reform” contains a vintage Autechre-ian melody envelope that you find in early/mid AFX-era works, while synth tones bob and weave around to form an electro-funk tapestry.
DJ Sotofett Presents Bhakti Crew – Sunrise Mix [Wania] (2012)
One of those perennially in-demand records from his early catalogue, “Sunrise Mix” is that 7am chugger that is missing from your bag, yet “beyond good and evil, there is a field. Let us lie down in that grass.”
DJ Sotofett Feat. Madteo – There’s Gotta be a Way (Vision of Love Club Mix) [Wania] (2013)
DJ Sotofett joins hands with fellow punk Madteo (from NYC), in what is largely now considered an underground classic, Madteo’s robocopped vocals landing all the way from 2199, combined with deluxe pads and a tribal-rollover rhythm.
DJ Sotofett meets Kavadi - Kandhan Karunai [Tresor] (2023)
What is this sorcery? Sotofett collaborates with Tamil artist Kavadi on Tresor’s latest compilation, and it’s a high-octane latenight fever dream.
DJ Sotofett & Gilb’R – Dripping for 97 Mix [Honest Jons] (2015)
Ending with a staple from his debut LP “Drippin' For A Tripp”, a collaboration with Finnish musician Jaakko Eino Kalevi, who’s exquisite carouseling guitar work and Sotofett’s oh-so-subtle drum and synth programming combine to ruffle all the right feathers.
See you on April 29!
“Being in opposition is prime goods in underground culture and the second you are not in opposition anymore you're a performer, not an artist. Know the difference!” – DJ Sotofett
By: DJ Infrastructur
April 2023