Seminal record label Warp have unveiled plans for a spectacular 20th birthday salute in New York.
As difficult as it is to believe, but Warp Records is due to turn 20 years old. Founded in the glorious aftermath of Acid House, the label began hearing demos from young British producers inspired by the sounds of Detroit and Chicago.
Releasing seminal cuts by the likes of Nightmares On Wax, the label boasted a Top 20 hit before the year was out as the onslaught of British talent continued. Later signing the likes of Aphex Twin and Autechre, the label came to define the experimental nature of much electronic music in Britain.
However there has always been much more to Warp than this. The label’s roster currently includes Geordie punk-funk types Maximo Park, while the imprint also recently released Grizzly Bear’s breakthrough album ‘Veckatimest’.
Turning twenty, the label is set to celebrate its birthday in some style. A lavish box set is being produced, with fans able to vote for their favourite Warp cut to be included. Alongside this are a host of rarities and new productions, with the label’s conveyor belt of talent showing no signs of stopping.
Hosting a very special event in Paris back in May, the label has announced plans for a spectacular New York party. The Warp20 shows will blend performance with film, featuring a total of two concerts and countless film screenings across Manhattan.
On September 4th the city’s Terminal 5 will showcase math-rock titan Battles, playing their only North American date of the year. Also due to appear is head-spinning hip hop star Prefuse 73 and Australian math-rockers Pivot.
The following day the World Financial Center Winter Garden will play host to a free event featuring performances from Clark, Hudson Mohawke and many more, with special Warp DJs.
Warp’s film imprint will also be busy, showing a number of special screenings. Featuring British classics alongside rarely seen cult curiosities this is a wonderful chance to get acquainted with an award winning (yet under-rated) part of the Warp canon.
Warp20 comes to New York on September 4th – 5th.
