The Bulgarian beatmaking duo known as 1000names were early European arrivals to the sound known sometimes as “wonky” and sometimes as “beats”, depending which side of the Atlantic you trace the history. Featured on the seminal-to-the-scene Beatnicks Vol. 1 EP on Germany’s Up My Alley in 2007, they were also included on Alexander Nut’s Rinse 08 compilation, many people’s first introduction to the style. In 2008 they put out a number of releases on France’s Eklektik Records including their first album, Toy’s Room Combat. In addition there are releases from Ramp Records and Black Acre currently in the pipeline, plus a special mix for Mary Anne Hobbs in January 2010.

1000names is all about the beats. From the classic Melonball Bounce, which starts with a jaunty sample and then throws you completely sideways when the beat comes in, it was clear these guys had the kind of rhythmic otherness found in the music of Rustie and Flying Lotus and which makes wonky such an exciting area at the moment. They write almost entirely on Akai MPC1000, a sign of their old school heritage, while being a crucial part of their sound.

We’re planning several releases with 1000names, including an exciting project entitled Nuclear Nomads: showcasing a harder darker edge to their sound, it’s a collaboration with Portland, OR graphic designer Ben Mulkey who’ll be producing a limited number of screen-printed sleeves. We’ll also feature some remixes from Helixir – we’ve just had his first draft and it’s sounding very sweet indeed.

Check 1000names exclusive mix for Mary Anne Hobbs



Photo © Mihail Novakov

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