The electrifying live performances of Octave One are one reason that the Detroit born and bred producers are in constant demand. On stage, Octave One transforms synthesizers and sequencers into vessels of funk, house and symphonic beats. The live show is evidence of what longtime fans already know.
As well as performing live Octave One have penned several of the dance floor classics that define an era. With a wave of new music and global touring for 2018, the Burden brothers are set to release a new album entitled ‘Endustry’ under the much loved Random Noise Generation guise with and live shows to match.
Octave One is the brainchild of core members Lenny and Lawrence Burden. The Burden brothers burst onto the Detroit techno scene in 1990, producing their debut “I Believe,” featured on the compilation Techno 2: The Next Generation. The collective also includes frequent contributions from siblings Lynell, Lance and Lorne Burden. Their 2002 hit single “Black Water” has sold over one million records worldwide. Little Louie Vega, Danny Tenaglia, Jeff Mills and Richie Hawtin are among the DJs that continue to regularly weave “Black Water” into their sets. The group has also earned critical acclaim for countless records including “Empower,” “Nicolette” and “The X-files.”
The Burdens also founded 430 West/Direct Beat Records in 1990, a record label that paved the way for the rise of the indies throughout the ’90s. Their extensive 430 West catalog ranges from Aux 88’s “My A.U.X. Mind” to Rolando’s “Jaguar,” which included an Octave One remix. Octave One has remixed tracks for Massive Attack, Steve Bug, Aril Brikha, Vince Watson, The Trampps, Rhythm is Rhythm and Inner City. The Burdens have also released music under the band name Random Noise Generation, including a 2006 full length DVD/CD project by Octave One featuring Random Noise Generation Off The Grid, released in cooperation with Tresor Records.
After touring and making music for decades the spirit and essential energy of the craft is what keeps them eternally inspired to keep creating and touring the globe… “Once it takes hold of you you can’t stop even if you wanted to.” say the brothers.
Their 2015 album Burn It Down further pushed the pillars of funk and soul forward and introduced the band to a new generation. On “Jazzo/Lose Yourself,” featuring a remix by
Paul Woolford and vocals by Ann Saunderson, Octave One blends the intimacy of the studio production process with the immediacy of the live performance. “We did it by slamming a DJ set with a live recording studio,” says Lawrence.
2016 saw the duo release “Just Don’t Speak” an infectious uptempo banger peppered with lush strings and enchanting vocals of longtime collaborator Saunderson and debuted on Pete Tong’s BBC Radio 1 show. It’s both uplifting and meditative in nature, an escape into sound and infectious rhythms. The Burdens mine the energy and perspective gained from sold-out gigs in dozens of cities across Europe, Japan, the UK, Australia and the U.S. “We’re always exploring how we can push the boundaries of live performance into the mainstream dance culture and probe the channels where we intersect with other genres of music,” says Lawrence. “The fusion is starting to become more and more interesting to us. When we think of dance we think of what inspired our parents to dance the Barry Whites, Earth, Wind & Fires, Elton Johns and the like.”
Octave One’s myriad of live experiences reflect back on the band’s studio process, in 2016 they also played a special performance with members of the Tonhalle Orchestra conducted by our Stephen Hussey. This spring, the band co-headlined the Electronic Stage of Rock in Rio Lisbon with Carl Cox and the 909 Festival in Amsterdam with Jeff Mills. They’ve also recently released remixes of Claude Von Stroke’s “Who’s Afraid of Detroit,” Luke Slater/Planetary Assault Systems’ “Booster” and Dave Clarke’s “Way of Life.”
Both Lenny and Lawrence are trained musicians, who took an early interest in DJing, programming, and inventing their own sound equipment. “Our set is unique, because we’ve created a setup that mimics a drum kit,” Lenny says.
Their performances earn critical acclaim. “If you ever get the chance to attend one of their highly energetic shows, be sure to opt for the in-person venture and save the YouTube streams for later,” one journalist writes. Octave One is more than an electronic band; it’s an experience, one that assures you’ll be back for more, teasing the boundaries of space, sound, and the possibilities of music in real time.
