For the past 8 months, the Keep Watch Series delivered some of the best mixes from the best artists in the world. But long before Keep Watch, Dubstep or Grime there were the artists that influenced generations of the darker side of dance music, and carved out the path that the contemporary darkwave scene is currently taking. Our longtime friend Passions created our first ever mixes (I Like Your Poems But I Hate Your Poetry under his old moniker “Math Head” and we’re stoked that he’s been able to come through with his newest mix… Music Without Tears!

Passions was formed in the summer of 2006 by Brooklyner Ben Deitz, originally incorporating influences as disparate as early 80′s punk and industrial to the dance music culture from which Deitz made his name (as former Trouble & Bass wunderkind Math Head). Passions’ explosive debut single “Emergency”, for French tastemaker label Kitsune, swept the dance charts instantly, gaining acclaim from artists, magazines and blogs worldwide, and earning praise from Girl Talk, MSTRKRFT, Simian Mobile Disco, Fischerspooner and more. After perfecting a riotous style of Electro Punk with a multitude of remixes and chaotic live shows, the sound of Passions has evolved into an outlet for hauntingly bleak post punk explorations that evoke Cabaret Voltaire and Joy Division.

I’d been planning on making a goth/post-punk/industrial mix for at least a year now, as more and more it’s what I found myself listening to as well as making, but it never quite panned out. My friend Sandra Chi took me to see Ipso Facto play at Cakeshop (she had illustrated a t-shirt for them), and I was quickly introduced to the musical world of Disc Error Recordings. Here was exactly the kind of new music I was longing to hear, and right around the same time Mikhail asked me to do a goth mix for Mishka; suddenly everything seemed to fall into place and so did this mix. Ciaran O’Shea (founder of Disc Error and long term artistic collaborator with The Horrors) and Sandra gratefully did artwork that perfectly complimented what I wanted to express. Hopefully even those who have no interest in “goth” or “dark” music will hear why I am so proud of this mix, and so excited by this music.
- Ben Deitz of Passions

The mix also features exclusive content from London’s based label Disc Error. Disc Error is at the forefront of the burgeoning UK darkwave scene, having emerged from the legendary South-End party Junk Club. Disc Error has almost single-handedly redefined the sound of young London with bands such as Ipso Facto, Ulterior, Micron 63 and Factory Floor.

Cover artwork and design by Sandra Chi & Ciaran O’Shea

I Like Your Poems But I Hate Your Poetry Vol.1
I Like Your Poems But I Hate Your Poetry Vol.2

- My Pal the Crook