Peer

Thanks so much to everyone who made it out to our DTE x @peeraudio Showcase a couple weeks back 🖤 It warms our hearts to be able to bring together such a talented group of US techno acts who are somewhat earlier in their rapidly-bubbling trajectories, and to receive your support. It’s special we get to do intimate nights like these and uplift artists that are leading the next generation of North American underground techno. Thank you to all the artists who threw down awesome sets, to @f8sf for always giving us a space to do our thing over the years, to our crew for always holding it down, to Annika for not only DJing, but jumping in to help Adra and Max on lighting duties, to Sunja for the stellar creative vision as always, and to you all who came and danced with us 🫶🏻 Make sure to keep your eyes out for the next one! Here’s to techno, here’s to you 💥

RA pick for our @peeraudio Showcase at @f8sf this Friday, August 1st! ❤️ Get ready for a night of heady techno from some of the best of the next generation of North American techno! Full lineup (A-Z): • @_adra_ • @vonwolfenheiser.ox • @_aztekan • @declanjamesmusic • @secus_official • @soundswhiletuning See you on the dancefloor 🪩✨

In just two weeks, we’re proud to showcase a roster of artists from @peeraudio , a label built by DTE founder @maxgardnermusic .🛸 Since 2021, PEER has become a trusted source for raw, refined, and trend-resistant techno. This night brings together the artists shaping its sound and future, with performances by: @_adra_ @vonwolfenheiser.ox @_aztekan @declanjamesmusic @secus_official @soundswhiletuning Presale tix are now available on RA.

Out now: PEER014 - Negative Form EP by Secus 1. Ascent 2. Drift Signal 3. Negative Form 4. Obsidian Lens 5. Falling Through Static Secus, a mainstay of Bay Area record label Peer, has returned with his sophomore release. The Los Angeles artist showcases his creative range in the Negative Form EP, a cross-section of underground techno through five original singles. Early support by Richie Hawtin, Dax J, Takaaki Itoh, Arjun Vagale, Measure Divide, Kangding Ray, Slam, The Advent, Truncate, Joseph Capriati, Laura Van Hal, Theo NASA, Marco Bailey, Ø [Phase], Pfirter, Alexander Kowalski, Answer Code Request, Tensal, Carl Craig, Kr!z, DJ Shufflemaster, Bloody Mary, Kaiser, and more. Written and Produced by Secus Mastering by Matt Salamone Artwork by Moe Espinosa EP Description by John Cameron

Finally, we return to F8 for a full-label night, spotlighting the forward-pushing sounds of PEER. Founded by Max Gardner in late 2021, PEER has grown into a trusted outpost for modern techno: raw, refined, and immune to trend cycles. This showcase brings together a lineup of artists whose work has shaped the label’s identity and future. Secus and Declan James both bring deep production pedigrees to the booth, each responsible for standout releases on PEER, alongside appearances on respected imprints like Dynamic Reflection and Edit Select. While both are known for their studio precision, their DJ sets reveal a relentless energy and detail that translate effortlessly to the dancefloor. Aztekan, a key force in Southern California’s techno underground, brings the weight of San Bernardino with him. His recent release on PEER highlighted his command of atmosphere and rhythm, complementing his work on Developer’s Olympian and Illegal Alien with a deeper, hypnotic edge. Annika Wolfe flips the script with a versatile sound rooted in groove and funk, bringing a welcome wild card energy to the night. They’ll be joined in Room 2 by DTE resident Adra, whose analog live sets and sharp curation create a dynamic contrast to the main floor’s drive, expect moments of surprise, bounce, and leftfield heat. Opening duties fall to soundswhile, the latest addition to the PEER roster. Hailing from Oakland, they bring a dialed-in sensibility: focused and effective. Their debut EP marked the beginning of a promising trajectory, and this will be their first appearance under the DTE banner. This is a night that reflects the label’s ethos: no superstar BS, purposeful techno from artists who live it. Here’s to techno, here’s to you....

Peer is proud to release the debut record of an artist with an unquestionably bright future. This may mark the first time many music lovers hear the name soundswhile, but it certainly won’t be the last. His four-track Warm Heart and Clear Mind EP is a signpost on the promising road that lies ahead. The record starts with an artistic risk as “Impedance” consists entirely of ambient field recordings and effects. Extraterrestrial crackle sounds and faint voices give character to an otherwise static sequence of white noise. The single subtly hits at what sort of elements soundswhile will arrange into dance floor weapons for the rest of the EP. Next comes “Needs of the Moment,” a nearly six-minute masterclass in tension and release. More seems at stake as each new sonic layer is added. It finally peaks before the final minute and eventually grinds to a restless halt. “Trusting and Allowing” then exhibits the dynamic sort of sound design rarely heard in an artist’s debut effort. It communicates much without straying from its core motif, telegraphing momentous shifts with every change. The Warm Heart and Clear Mind EP concludes with the single of its namesake — and for good reason. After almost four decades of techno, it sometimes feels like everything’s been done. This track demonstrates that there is still uncharted territory to explore. For that reason and so many others, Peer considers it a privilege to give a home to the debut record of soundswhile. The Warm Heart and Clear Mind EP looks to be the first of many times that the paths will cross between the forward-thinking label and this talented, up-and-coming artist. Written and Produced by Richard Oxyer Mastering by Matt Salamone Artwork by Moe Espinosa EP Description by John Cameron

PEER012 OUT NOW - Autonomous EP by Aztekan 1. Imposter 2. Hostile Environment 3. Autonomy 4. Hectic 5. Cross Contaminate Early support from A. Mochi, Joton, Ben Sims, DJ Shufflemaster, Clarisa Kimski, Kwartz, Takaaki Itoh, Tommy Four Seven, Dax J, Dimi Angelis, Slam, Blue Hour, Matrixxman, Auspex, Truncate, Vince Watson, Richie Hawtin, Marco Bailey, Amotik, Developer, and more… - Los Angeles techno stalwart Aztekan has made his Peer debut with a body of work rich in suggestion. The Autonomous EP consists of five tracks that provoke thoughts about agency — and the peace of mind one must sacrifice to obtain it. The first single, “Imposter,” makes it clear that this will not be your run-of-the-mill techno record. Cinematic sonics frame primal kickdrums at the outset of the arrangement before a cavalcade of hair-raising hi-hats layer in. “Hostile Environment” follows with the nuanced sort of sound design characteristic of a Peer release. Antagonistic cackling noises echo through a sieve of filters and effects, underscored by hypnotic tones that tickle the cortexes throughout the runtime of the track. The Autonomous EP reaches a fever pitch with the challenging song of its namesake. From the savage oscillations of its core motif to its purposefully programmed percussion, “Autonomous” serves its function well. Listening beyond its final bars is a must, however. Intensity continues to rise in the aptly titled “Hectic,” at once dynamic and yet singular in its musings. The wide range of sonic artifacts ringing out across its stereo image align toward a common end, speaking to Aztekan’s expert ear as a recording artist. “Cross Contaminate” seems to depict the arresting sensation of a cortisol spike — in the best way possible. It concludes the Autonomous EP with the same level of gravity that ushered it in. This time, though, a certain finality rings from its wistful throes, subperceptual as it may be. Aztekan’s Peer debut demonstrates that the label continues to move forward, iterating upon its artistic statement with every release. Digging through its catalog, one thing becomes abundantly clear: The best years of the imprint have yet to come. - John Cameron

NEW EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT On Saturday, March 29th, @kenopsicevents and @worklapresents (@6amgroup & @synthetikminds ) unite once again for the third collaboration in the San Bernardino underground! For this rare occasion, we're thrilled to host an official @peeraudio label showcase, featuring label head @maxgardnermusic alongside @jasonpatrickofc , @_adra_ , and @_aztekan — a fully stacked lineup from start to finish. Founded in 2022, Peer has quickly established itself as a cutting-edge underground techno imprint, with releases from Drumcell, Truncate, Declan James, Uun, Jason Patrick, Brálle, and more. The label has become a hub for forward-thinking, timeless techno. Prepare for a night of raw, immersive soundscapes — where Peer’s signature blend of timeless, forward-thinking techno collides with the unrelenting energy of Kenopsic and WORK. 🎫🫠 Win a pair of tickets 🎫🎫 1.⁠ ⁠Follow @worklapresents @kenopsicevents @peeraudio @synthetikminds @6amgroup 2.⁠ ⁠LIKE this post 3.⁠ ⁠Comment tagging at least three (3) friends in separate comments. Each comment = one entry and you have unlimited entries, so comment away 4.⁠ ⁠Share this post/flyer to your stories and tag @worklapresents for bonus entries 5. Winner announced Wednesday, February 26th

OUT NOW PEER011 - Brälle with Declan James and Decoder remixes 1. How Small Worlds Become 2. How Small Worlds Become (Decoder remix) 3. Overthrow 4. Overthrow (Declan James remix) Peer has once again proven the versatility of its highly specialized sound signature. The latest effort to expand the Bay Area label’s nuanced creative palette is the How Small Worlds Become EP by BRÄLLE. The Brooklyn talent has offered up two tracks and enlisted remixes by Decoder and Declan James. From the earliest moments of the title track, BRÄLLE makes his intentions crystal clear. Euphoric atmospheres ebb and flow to a polyrhythm that spans several bars between each crest and trough while chirping glitch effects intermingle with corrosive kick drums. On the remix, Decoder holds a sonic microscope over the source material’s more atonal elements. The resulting soundscape offers a case study in textural storytelling. Only at the halfway mark do its cavernous basses and dusty percussion fade into the background as tranquil plucks take center stage. BRÄLLE ventures further into the void on the aptly titled “Overthrow.” Beneath the omnipresent roar of ominous machinations, its distinctly human elements march on in dissident disorder. This single only sings one tune — but it sings it well. Meanwhile, Declan James reimagines “Overthrow” with more musically conventional themes. Drowning out its droning, metallic hum are soft, pillowy synths programmed to a chord progression so sustained that its resolution only registers in the listener’s subconscious. BRÄLLE’s How Small Worlds Become EP adds a new dimension to Peer’s indelible sonic statement without diluting the integrity of the imprint. It won’t be the last time. Nearly three years into its lifespan, the label’s experiments in sound have only just begun. Written and Produced by Brälle Remixes by Declan James and Decoder Mastering by Matt Salamone Artwork by Moe Espinosa EP Description by John Cameron

OUT NOW- PEER010 - Images of Light EP by Jason Patrick Amid a crossfire of colorless carbon copies of a long-forgotten idea, Jason Patrick’s latest effort makes a luminary statement. The Images of Light EP arrives by way of Bay Area electronic music label Peer. Each of its five tracks casts a purposeful shadow across the boundless void that is modern techno. “Xpx997” ushers in the effort with uncanny brightness for a cut otherwise defined by dissonance and atonal foley effects. Radiant bursts rip through a layer of exospheric noise, halted by an organic drum groove at the hearth of the soundscape. Next on the EP’s tracklist is the psychedelic yet functional “Code Cracking.” A metallic orator laments over its digital shackles on the high end while borderline Gregorian atmospheres seem to taunt it from below. Only in the final few bars do the two reconcile. “Foreshadow” portrays the precise sonic imagery suggested by its title. Subtle and slow burning, a coarse veil of tension wafts its way down from overhead, flickering madly like negative film reel footage of a wind-hewn flame. Eliciting an immediate visceral reaction is the exceptionally produced “Off World.” It leads with dissociative oscillations, ratcheting up the intensity with each new layer added to the arrangement. By the time a unique double breakdown cuts through the cacophony, haunting mechanical whispers fill the track’s negative space. “Interpretation” closes out the Images of Light EP on a sullen note. Cold ambiance lays an unshakeable foundation for this contemplative palette cleanser. As the occasional stereo artifact rattles its way up and down the dynamic range, the listener is left to reflect on all that they’ve taken in. Only Peer could provide a home for an artistic statement like the Images of Light EP. Well into its third year, the imprint has eked out a niche in the refined yet experimental range of the electronic music spectrum. Contributions such as that of Jason Patrick project a bright future out ahead for Peer and its tight-knit community of supporters. Written and Produced by Jason Patrick Mastering by Matt Salamone Artwork by Adra Description by John Cameron

PEER009 - Out now on all platforms! Max Gardner - The Complicator (incl Truncate remix) Peer interrupts your regularly scheduled programming to deliver a record purpose-built for the peak hour. The Complicator EP by label boss Max Gardner stands out as one of the most driving entries on the Bay Area record label’s rapidly unfolding discography. Truncate was gracious enough to reimagine the title track as a maximalist hardgroove cut, making this a must-have in your arsenal. Early Support from: Dave Clarke, Luke Slater, Dax J, Laurent Garnier, Slam, Richie Hawtin, Takaaki Itoh, Juana, The Advent, Norman Nodge, Joel Mull, Ilario Alicante, ANNĒ, Arjun Vagale, DJ Shufflemaster, Marcel Dettmann, Yant, Dimi Angelis, Border One, Amotik, Electric Rescue, Alexander Kowalski, Cari Lekebusch, Carl Craig, Endlec, Alexi Delano, JakoJako, Kaiser, Ricardo Garduno, Josh Wink, Arnaud Le Texier, Endlec, Antonio De Angelis, Marco Faraone, Camea, Joseph Capriati, Kwartz, Ray Kajioka, Joton, Kangding Ray Tracklist as they appear on this post: 1. The Complicator 2. The Complicator (Truncate remix) 3. The Agitator. Mixed and Produced by @maxgardnermusic @truncate_la Mastering by @mattsal Artwork by @drumce11 EP Description by @johnfuckingcameron Over the course of its catalog, Peer has never shied away from exploring the derelict fringes of underground music. Max Gardner’s Complicator EP is no exception. The label’s experimental philosophy finds a new form as three pieces of functional dance music in this latest endeavor

PEER008 - Kide by Judy with Max Gardner Remix out now! 1) Ezegonkorra 2) Begi Bedeinkatua 3) Kristalezko Atea 4) Ezegenkorra (Max Gardner Remix) Written and Produced by @judyisangry Remix by @maxgardnermusic Mastering by @mattsal Artwork by @drumce11 Available on Bandcamp, beatport, and all digital sites