Refuge Saturday

Who they are

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  Mathew Jonson

  Vancouver, Canada · 4 bookings since May 2025

  “His music offers a rare fusion of populist intensities and nuanced musicality.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  His music offers a rare fusion of populist intensities and nuanced musicality. With a keen understanding for the needs of the dance floor and the universal laws of house and techno, he's thrown out the rule book time and time again, sneaking tricks learned from electro and even drum'n'bass into the clubs, and loading up his B-sides with tracks that do what they damned well please. (No kick drum? No problem.) His standards for sound and presentation are exacting. Both on stage and in the studio, Jonson's fealty to analog equipment and real-time playing; as opposed to mere layback-serves as a standard bearer for a kind of electronic music that goes way beyond the drag 'n' drop world of digital composition. Jonson has always been eager to get his hands dirty, and the music reflects that in gnarled bass sequences and long, intuitive lines. His sounds have serious teeth. Despite his quick ascent through the ranks of the techno elite, Jonson hasn't just stayed personally grounded. He's devoted much of his energy to supporting his own close musical family, in the groups Cobblestone Jazz, Midnight Operator and the Modern Deep Left Quartet, and with his Wagon Repair label. He studied classical piano as a kid, plus jazz drumming, and played drums in a marching band – thus laying both the melodic and the rhythmic cornerstones of his music today. Thanks to his father's work as a musician, he also got his hands on synthesizers at the age of 9. By the time he discovered hip-hop as a young teen, he was recreating its electro-based beats on his own rudimentary setup at home. Jonson gradually began honing in on his own sound, both in his productions and his DJ sets, inspired by a deeper, weirder sound that had begun filtering into the Victoria's techno parties. His first record, in 2001, was the first release on Itiswhatitis (a label Mathew bought from its original owner 11 years later). Another followed in 2002, and in 2003. That year, he also made his first appearance on Perlon, 'Alpine Rocket' – a track he recorded alongside Luciano during his first trip to Europe. And then, suddenly, Jonson was everywhere: Sub Static, Arbutus, Kompakt, M_nus – and every track an anthem. "I had all that music kind of saved up," says Jonson, "and then, just by chance, released it all at the same time. People criticized me for it, said that it wasn't a good idea. But it worked out for me. All the tracks did well. I wasn't saturating the market with bad music." He's right there. In 2005, Jonson co-founded Wagon Repair, and it's been a blur since, a nonstop series of tours and recordings, solo and with his band mates. Crucially, he moved to Berlin. His studio here is jaw-dropping, frankly: a semi-circle full of gear, from old workhorses like the 808 and 909 and SH-101 to unique beasts like their Cwejman and Roland System 100m modular system. Tate's Rhodes piano anchors one corner of the horseshoe, and everything feeds into a massive desk where tracks are mixed and recorded in real-time. His two hands have come up with some remarkable material. Having perfected his brand of earthshaking epic with tracks like 'Marionette' and ‘Decompression’, Jonson has increasingly turned his efforts towards more personal, introspective music. He never left the clubs behind though; his 2010 album, Agents of Time, featured a number of tracks that are as hip-winding wily as anything he's produced yet, full-on tracks like 'Girls Got Rhythm' and 'Thieves in Digital Land'. Equally physical was his 2011 drop on Hawtin's M_nus, 'Learning To Fly', and the well-received 'Automaton' on Crosstown Rebels. His 2013 album, On Her Blurry Pictures, too; here Jonson took advantage of the long player format to stretch out and indulge darker moods and slower tempos, but the core of the record remained rooted in a dancefloor context. In 2015, Mathew fulfilled his long-standing ambition of contributing to Fabric's esteemed mix series. Fabric84 is a recording of his set at the club's 15th birthday, during which he played a number of his classic tracks and unreleased edits. The energy of the occasion and the particular way Mathew performs his material blend perfectly, capturing a singular and very special set on CD. As well as continuing to tour his in-demand solo live show, which is consistently ranked amongst Resident Advisor's top 20, Mathew has recently remixed Paul St. Hilaire + Rhauder, The Martinez Brothers, Seth Troxler, and VCMG (to add to his past work including Moby, Cybotron, The Chemical Brothers, and Nelly Furtado). He released an album with Units and Measurements in 2016, and another as his new alias Freedom Engine entitled “A Box Full Of Magic” in 2019. Eighteen years on from his debut release, 'New Identity', Mathew's sound and reputation as an artist have developed, as you would expect for someone so richly and widely talented.
  Discography ↗
  Their RA profile lists Global Underground, Ministry Of Sound, fabric Records, Mute Records and 6 more.

  Recently at public records, Signal · often with Berghain, PARAMIDA, J. Richards, none of them here that night

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  Harry McCanna

  London, United Kingdom · 6 bookings since Aug 2023

  “Playing as Harry McCanna Producing as Henry Hyde Co-Founder of NorthSouth Records fabric London Resident”

  their own biography

  SoundCloud ↗Discography ↗
  Their RA profile lists Fear of Flying, Half Baked Records, Undersound Recordings, Pleasure Club and 2 more.

  Recently at H0L0, Earthly Delights · often with Shvili, Greg Paulus, Bobby., none of them here that night

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  Zeina

  Egypt · 13 bookings since Sep 2023

  “Warm, open and grounded, Cairo based dj Zeina crafts & curates music that is as expressive and creative as she is.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Warm, open and grounded, Cairo based dj Zeina crafts & curates music that is as expressive and creative as she is. With a slow but steady commitment to building community around music, Zeina has spent the past 18
  SoundCloud ↗
  Their RA profile lists Siteholder Records.

  Recently at H0L0, public records, Signal · often with Greg Paulus, Willy Soul, Aline Umber, none of them here that night

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  Daniel Dutts

  New York City · 55 bookings since Aug 2023

  “Returning to electronic music after a decade long break, Daniel Dutts is wasting no time in establishing himself as a key figure within NYC’s underground scene.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Returning to electronic music after a decade long break, Daniel Dutts is wasting no time in establishing himself as a key figure within NYC’s underground scene. Co-owner of Archivio Records, a Brooklyn-based concept record store, label and event brand, and label head of Risk/Reward, Dutts is re-establishing his reputation as a DJ of the highest calibre with his air tight mixing and endless selection of rare vinyl gems. As a member of Vicious Circle, Dutts had success in the 00s as a DJ and Producer, touring the world extensively and releasing on many leading labels. A residency at Layo & Mr C’s legendary The End club, plus regular appearances at Fabric and Ministry of Sound remain career highlights. These days Daniel is in hot demand at NYC’s best underground parties, regularly rocking the floor at H0L0, Signal, Apollo Studio, Public Records and more. London’s calling too, with residencies for renowned brands Cerca Trova and Crèche leading to recent appearances at Studio 9294, Starlane Pizza, LDN East and Nighttales. Known for creating epic vinyl-focused journeys covering the many shades of electronic music and built upon the sounds of the 90s UK underground scene that he immersed himself in as a teenager, Dutts has people talking on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond!

  Recently at Signal, Outer Heaven, Refuge · often with Pablo Romero, Luciio, CAMILLA, none of them here that night

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  SOLANA

  New York City · 30 bookings since Aug 2023

  “Born of Indian and American heritage, Solana's upbringing was steeped in the rich tapestry of classical and world music, courtesy of her familial influences.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Born of Indian and American heritage, Solana's upbringing was steeped in the rich tapestry of classical and world music, courtesy of her familial influences. She studied piano, flute, and voice, yet felt constrained by their limitations in expressing the kaleidoscope within her soul. During her teenage years, she was exposed to commercial trance anthems and some random techno sets from older friends, but it wasn't until she encountered the transcendent realms of Fabric, the sonic landscapes of Ricardo Villalobos, Perlon, James Holden, and other high-quality artists including the raw energy of Detroit and Chicago that her true musical odyssey began. It was a transformative year-long backpacking odyssey through Southeast Asia that set Solana on her path. Amidst the majestic Austrian Alps, she found herself amidst a vibrant community of UK ravers, immersed in the pulsating heartbeat of dance music culture. For fourteen years, Solana meticulously curated her sonic palette collecting records, drawing inspiration from deep house to dub techno, microhouse to drum 'n bass. Her journey was one of collector to selector, as she danced through legendary venues like Berghain, Club Der Visionaere, Robert Johnson, and other hallowed spaces. Yet, it's in the present moment that Solana finds her true calling. In 2023, she founded AIRPLANE MODE, a label and event series dedicated to fostering immersive experiences that transcend time and space. AIRPLANE MODE isn't just about the music; it's a movement, a philosophy urging all to embrace the present and savor each fleeting moment. Solana's DJ sets are a testament to her eclectic tastes and boundless creativity, weaving together diverse genres and rhythms. She has united dancers around the globe, playing at events hosted by Resolute, Robot Heart, Apollo Studio, Elegantly Wasted (Sofia), Meadows in the Mountains festival (Bulgaria), Black Rhino Radio (Bucharest), Golden Record, and H0L0. Join Solana on her journey as she spreads sunshine and joy through the power of music. With each beat, she invites you to embrace the now, to lose yourself in the moment, and to experience the magic of AIRPLANE MODE.

  Recently at Mansions, Apollo Studio, H0L0 · often with Greg Paulus, Max Sprauer, O.BEE, none of them here that night