Recent Releases

Recent Releases

DJ Economy x undercurrent

Deconstructivism EP

“Deconstructivism is a postmodern architectural movement which appeared in the 1980s. It gives the impression of the fragmentation of the constructed building, commonly characterised by an absence of obvious harmony, continuity, or symmetry.” - wikipedia

Forged from a mutual love of breaky things, label co-founder DJ Economy teamed up with local LA fixture undercurrent to cook up a split EP at the Body Tools studio in Highland park, CA. Over the course of two years they carefully crafted two collab tracks that are book ended by individual productions from DJ Economy. Opening with the sample college that takes the name of the EP, we are quickly greeted with the voice of architect Paul Rudolph while mutated breaks churn at lurking measures below it. Next we are greeted by the first collab track entitled “Contrast“ which is a low slung 130 BPM roller that features sprinkles of soul samples over mangled breaks that slowly become more dissected. “Fragments” takes us up to 174 BPM where the boys slowly unravel a techy jungle roller featuring synthetic forest ambience and tundra cold pads and crashing breaks. Finally DJ Economy’s irreverent footwork banger “Tangent” leads us out of the EP with endless flips of a core sketch that sprinkle drippy jungle sounds over skittering TR-8s programmed drums and leering digi stabs. Together these tracks represent a fusion of the two artists that creates something new for both their catalog of styles.

Body Tools Compilation 2024

Body Tools International is proud to present their compilation for 2024 entitled “Worldwide Dance: Chapter 2”

As the follow up to Chapter 1, we have a whole new batch of tracks from emerging products all over the world. From house, to break beat, electro, and jungle this release has something for every type of listener.

Worldwide Dance: Chapter 2 features seven tracks from friends of the label all over the world.

However what sets this year's release apart is that it is the first to have all of the pre-masters processed using a Pioneer RT-707 reel to reel with ATR Master tape for that proper analog touch prior to mastering. 

About The Artists:

DJ Economy:
Hailing from Baltimore, but residing in LA for over 10 years is Body Tools co-founder DJ Economy. As both a producer and DJ, he explores a range of styles while always channeling an ear for percussion and jazzy gritty grooves with the off kilter sounds of IDM, Jungle, and trip-hop. 


HI$TO:
HI$TO is a DJ, Producer, and Visual Artist who has put in time in both the Baltimore and Houston music scenes, and is currently residing in Mexico. He has been putting out a steady stream of releases that cover multiple genres and artistic entities, while still keeping his signature trippy vibe. He is also head of Sector Zero, a multimedia lifestyle project focuses on clothing, art, and music.


undercurrent:
Kevin Lipman aka undercurrent is an L.A.-based producer focused on exploring all manner of broken-beat, from mid 90s UKG and jungle to modern minimal and techno sounds. With a penchant for hazy, minimal aesthetics, undercurrent is gearing up to release a collection of original works that span a wide variety of influences.

Ngoni Egan:
Ngoni Egan is a Dublin-raised, Rotterdam-based DJ and producer with a distinctive electro sound. His productions are marked by fast-paced, minimal grooves with an industrial edge, drawing inspiration from Detroit’s rich electronic heritage. With releases like ‘Re Teng’ on United Identities, Ngoni showcases a knack for crafting tight, riff-driven tracks that push the boundaries of modern electro, making him a fresh voice in the genre.

DJ Cozy:
DJ COZY is known for pushing musical boundaries and exploring new sounds. Combining house, techno, and breaks, he crafts a distinctive sound that evolves with each set. His approach ensures a fresh and engaging experience, reflecting his ongoing journey as an artist and musician.

Boyz On Tour:
Boyz On Tour is a collaboration between Cape Town’s MVLS and Joburg’s tiro! Two friends who share a love and affinity for the finer elements of electronic music. Their song, “Headliner Fever” is an aural commentary on the behavior of local punters when the international headliner DJ comes to town.

Ray Bennett:
Ray Bennett is a gifted artist and musician whose sonic creations transport listeners on a journey through time and space. His music blends together elements of grit and lush instrumentation to create an immediate and immersive experience that captivates and entrances audiences.

Motorist:
As Motorist, Joe Rihn makes modern jungle music with a reverence for the genre’s mid-90s heyday. But the Los Angeles DJ and producer’s days playing in punk bands, digging for left-field dance music and covering the underground as a music journalist all factor into the sound. In addition to releasing music and performing both locally and globally, Motorist hosts a monthly broadcast on dublab.


Other Credits:

Mastering by: Jumping Back Slash
Photo By: Derrich Gardner
Graphic Design by: James Bishop

Monthly Radio Shows

Body Tools Sessions

on VPN Radio

Body Tools Sessions is a broadcast that happens live with audio and video on the first Saturday of every month starting at 1pm and runs to 4pm PST

Each episode of the show features a Body Tools resident spinning an opening set, followed by a set from our special guest for the month.

Every episode is recorded and broadcast Live on the VPN radio website from our studio in Highland Park, CA.

After the broadcast is finished we upload each mix to our archive on SoundCloud & YouTube

To Listen LIVE Tune in on the First Saturday of every month at:

1pm - 4pm - Los Angeles / USA

3pm - 6am - New York City / USA

Body Tools Presents

on VPN Radio

Body Tools Presents is a pre recorded broadcast that happens on the third Wednesday of every month starting at 7pm PST.

Each episode of the show highlights a single mix from a friend of the label wherever they may be in the world, and is introduced by label co-founder DJ Economy.

After the broadcast is finished we upload each mix to our archive on SoundCloud & YouTube

To Listen Tune in on the Third Wednesday of every month at:

7pm - Los Angeles / USA

10pm - New York City / USA

Tune in: virtualpublic.net


Our curation covers everything from straight forward dance music to more eclectic styles that are perfect for home listening.
 

Body Tools Sessions & Body Tools Presents are an extension of Body Tools International, a DIY record label run by two friends out of Los Angeles, and Johannesburg South Africa. Founded by Tiro & DJ Economy the label seeks to create a space for authentic underground sounds to grow while keeping a focus on inclusion and community.

Recent Media

Recent Media

Body Tools Sessions: 014 - Listening Space: 001

Live from the Body Tools Studio in Highland Park, Los Angeles - 10/05/2024

DJ Economy (Vinyl Selections)

Selfget (Vinyl Selections)

Glo Phase (Live Hardware Set)

DJ Economy

Live from Newton St. Market - 03/24/2024

“When VPN Radio hit me up to play this open air day market in a warehouse featuring a four point Klipsch and Altec industrial speaker system, I knew I wanted to play some 90s jungle to flex the bins and dig into the crispy highs they can achieve. This set is focused on smooth but driving jungle from the early 90s with a few contemporary productions that also channel this vibe. The sound palette I wanted to hit was the euphoric and spacious feeling of traveling while being still ” - DJ Economy

Oracle Campout - 2023

Live from Antelope Valley - 05/02/23 - 05/04/23