Global Underground is celebrating its 30th birthday with THIRTY, a compilation of 30 new and exclusive tracks from 30 different artists that came out on October 16. The label launched in 1996, so each track stands for one year of its history, with music from Guy J, Rodriguez Jr., Spencer Brown, Danny Howells and more.
At a glance
- Label: Global Underground, founded in 1996
- Release: THIRTY, out now
- Tracks: 30 exclusive tracks by 30 artists
- Focus track: Rodriguez Jr.'s 'Amarillo'
- Formats: 2xCD, 3x12-inch coloured vinyl, a Collector's Edition, download and streaming
What we know
The artist list also includes Yulia Niko and Eli Fola, Dave Seaman and Quivver, Nicky Elisabeth, HotLap, Simon Vuarambon, and Trilucid with Phil Martyn. The first disc closes with 'Night Sky', a collaboration between Nadia Ali and Frankey & Sandrino.
Some of the music has been around for a few months already. Four singles from the album reached number one on Beatport over the summer, helped by a renewed interest in progressive house and trance.
Tracks to know
Guy J's 'Rise', built on a rolling bassline and arpeggiated synths, became one of the summer's bigger underground tracks. Dave Seaman and Quivver's 'Starship Disco' mixes progressive house with a 70s sci-fi feel and a heavily processed female vocal.
Simon Vuarambon's 'Stamina' starts dark before a synth melody changes the mood. Trilucid and Phil Martyn's 'Atlas' sits between melodic house and trance.
Formats
The 2xCD version presents all 30 tracks across two mixed DJ sets. There is also a gatefold 3x12-inch coloured vinyl set, and a Collector's Edition with 5x12-inch vinyl plus 2xCD of the unmixed tracks and some bonus content.
Founder Andy Horsfield said the label was thrilled to share the album and called 30 original tracks from 30 artists a fitting way to mark three decades in dance music.
Why it matters
Global Underground made its name by putting DJs at the centre of the club experience, with mix compilations recorded around famous clubbing destinations that became collector's items. Few dance labels reach 30 years, and THIRTY is pitched as a look forward rather than a nostalgia trip.
Fans of the label's sound can also catch its artists live, such as the Guy J all night long show at ADE.