The mystery of music lies in its fundamentally abstract nature. Music cannot be seen nor held – still, to many, the medium is as essential as the air we breathe. In an era when digital audio dominates, physical formats are often seen as outdated; vinyl records, a collector’s novelty. Manchester artist Compa’s affinity for vinyl is far from a stubborn attachment to tradition. Rather, it’s a testament to his relationship with the music he plays and creates.
Compa understands that music is meant to be felt, not simply heard. His extensive history with Deep Medi Music illustrates the intimacy that defines his music: the label, of course, is known for the emotional purity encompassed by its releases. Compa’s predominantly vinyl releases complement two other Deep Medi traditions. The physical satisfaction of holding a record in your hands is a sensation similar to the static on your skin as sub-bass emanates from a sound system, and how your gut may clench around a particularly resonant tune. It gives music a tangible dimension- only appropriate given the way it tends to touch our lives.
That’s why Compa continues to play all-vinyl sets while most modern DJ’s succumb to the convenience of CDJ’s. He likes the way wax feels on his fingers. The immersive quality of his music is equally evident in the artist’s attentive work on the decks, and it certainly isn’t lost on the crowd. Compa’s ability to spin romance with sound isn’t a novelty. It’s magic.
The same shine is invariably present in his productions. Compa makes the kind of tracks that DJ’s save until the end of their sets – and fans spend hours combing the internet for. Many of Compa’s most infections tunes won’t see a release anytime soon. His tendency to hold onto highly sought after tracks is not exclusivity for its own sake. Instead, it’s another sign of Compa’s regard for the transcendent power of the dance. The full impact of a tune can only be unleashed over a proper sound system. In this spirit Compa makes his return to North America this summer: the artist has plenty of new tunes, and he intends to play them out the way they’re meant to be heard. Click here for more information about the upcoming tour or to book the dubstep don in your city.
In the meantime, pre-order Compa’s forthcoming four-track EP from Deep Medi today.
Amye Koziel