Alex Silverfish's First Compilation CD Comes Out

Legendary techno label Silverfish Records have released their first ever compilation CD, 12 years after they first emerged as one of London's key underground collectives. Hosting hundreds of techno/ electro warehouse parties and opening up one of the first techno cafes in 1991, Silverfish is nowadays concentrated around the activities of label owner Alex, one of London's most talented underground DJs.

"It's the first ever CD we've released on Silverfish, everything else has come out on vinyl," Alex told Skrufff this week.

"The energies within Silverfish and the individual musicians asking me to put out their music prompted me to do it. I've had loads of demo tracks from them, too many for vinyl. The CD is more comprehensive and representative of the various styles we cover within Silverfish."

The mix CD, which includes tracks by the D'Archangelo Brothers, Hero UDA, Clark Kent and Dog, is designed to match the musical mix developed at the hundreds of underground parties Alex has hosted with Silverfish.

"The first part of the night is always really experimental electro and electronica and then as the party progresses the beats get more solid, progressing slowly towards techno," he explained. "That covers lots of different styles of electronic music from minimal techno to electro and techno."

He also remained unconcerned about the problems affecting mainstream clubland and major label record companies.

"What's happening is that the clubs who've relied on advertising campaigns and marketing and were chained to the major labels are the ones who are sinking fast," he said.

"Then you see characters like Moby, who started out by organising his own distribution, prospering. Lots of others who've avoided operating through the majors are also doing well. There's a whole submerged universe out there listening to techno and electro. I see labels like Gigolo placing tracks on Top Of The Pops and the electro scene growing fast, also internationally."

Solid Bronskies is out now on Silverfish Records in the UK. The label are also seeking international distribution; for more information, contact Alex on alexsilverfish@yahoo.co.uk
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