A multi-genre collection of audio arrangements, curated with careful attention to detail.  This compilation embodies the multifaceted nature of human neurodiversity and honours it by offering a space for artists from around the world to contribute their own creations in the spirit of unity through awareness. Throughout this 21 track/27 artist release, one touches upon every node and nuance of VALE’s musical spectrum in an overarching journey through a landscape of sound. We’re excited to share a few words with label-head Josh about this project, some of the goings-on within the label, future prospects, as well as a companion of track descriptions and a brief contextual history of VALE to accompany you through this release.

Various Artists Limitless Expression is short for VALE. The imprint's role in the United States has become that of a global purveyor of unique sonics. In addition to promoting uprising stateside talents such as Integrate, Mirror Maze, Connor Q, and VELLE. With a firmly footed position within the stateside listening audience, VALE continually aims its sights towards often unfamiliar prospects around the globe.  Reaching all the way to Australia, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Austria, Russia and China among other regions. They take an obsessive interest in discovering unique music that resonates, and their keen ear for refined original sound has always taken them beyond any geographical limits.  Exploratory labels with a discerning ear for quality such as VALE play a pivotal role in any music scene.  Introducing international talent largely unfamiliar to the US release radar which has broad implications in the consciousness and taste of the music culture as a whole.

The label consists primarily of two passionate individuals, Josh and NIK P.   NIK P operates on the ground level, as the face of VALE as their main touring musical producer.  Unleashing mighty halftime-neuro infused productions, as well as doing damage with a fair bit of cheeky Drum & Bass through intricate DJ sets. He showcases VALE's extensive back catalogue, unreleased dubs, as well as the latest material and forthcoming releases from close friends and major labels from all around the world. All the while, fellow co-founder Josh plays the essential role of connecting the necessary dots within the label.  Handling label logistics, organizing releases with artists, scouting new talent, and putting all the pieces together in between behind the scenes. These two dedicated curators and visionaries have put together a cyberneuro futuristic network which continually begets new and unique audio transmissions for bass heads and sound design junkies alike to feast upon.

Genres are not their primary concern so much as impressionable originality that resonates with the team.  But generally speaking, they find themselves most at home within realms like Neuro, Drum & Bass, Halftime, and genre-distorted dimensions in between. With their latest compilation release 'Autism Awareness ll', they showcase a diverse ensemble of names and genres.  Featuring familiar AXON members alongside fresh prospective talents and veterans emerging out of hiding as well as titans of the European underground. With the call for submissions being answered by creatives all over the globe, this compilation serves as a homing beacon. Bringing light to personal experiences with Autism which affects so many, with the hope that this effort may help improve the lives of others.  All proceeds will be donated to the charity, Music for Autism.

Lossvoise x Shryne - Magic Bird

This open-ended voyage begins upon the wings of 'Magic Bird' on an interstellar ensemble of exotic yet strangely familiar atmosphere textures. Waning wings stretch and unfurl, building tension before collapsing upon themselves and bursting like a reborn phoenix, multidimensional discharge of swirling sub-stretching undulations breath and pulsate inwards and out. Cascaded by the passing splashes of intricate weaving drum fills and heavenly harmonies, our swift journey completes itself within a sweet ambient embrace.

Uprising - Forest Hollows

Before we know it, we’ve found ourselves within the sauntering ceremonial swagger of 'Forest Hollows', a ritualistic head-nodder and forbidden temptation illuminated by the blood-orange light of sacrificial fires. This laid back half time swang lingers and resonates within the open hollows between metronomes, tribalistic percussive taps and textures fill the clear-night sky as these sounds reverberate in spaces where the very stars reside ~ Axon Members do it best.

Robu - Reload

The off-kilter monolith 'Reload' pulsates and quakes, taking us back to our grimey Halftime roots. Compressed Atlantean bass grooves approach, becoming deeper and darker with each measure as this monstrous force envelopes and engulf the dancefloor. Sporadic vocal sprays and wildly disassembled stuttering synths harken back to classic halftime influences, reinvented here in a refreshingly nuanced head-nod banger.

TRAKA - Shotgun

'Shotgun' certainly blasts the door in with something a little different, an explosive bizarre-beat amalgamation of hardware-induced sonic explorations, clocking in well off the radar. Enmeshed in thickly-textured rattling halftime measures, experimental analogue frequencies, and richly rendered percussive samples. One is captivated by the effortless fusion of multiple production techniques within this head-ripping hybrid-bass stepper.

ALTRN8 - Infiltrate

Gliding into a queue unbeknownst to its captive audience, 'Infiltrate' slides a satisfying 4x4 creeper into the composition. Grooves rise, crashes descend, and breakdowns commence. A driving beat assuages the listener into a mollified state as we surrender to the rhythm and escape deeper into the rave. This track nods knowingly to forthcoming trends of the underground.

Aeded - Funny Bunny

To be frank for a moment, this 'Funny Bunny' is not to be scoffed at. A fierce technician here who reassembles industrialized chaos into a pleasantly noisy assault on our senses. Rapid breakbeat belter rhythms accented by clear clanging drums and wobbling subs encapsulate the dancefloor, punctuated by distorted vocals howling screams piercing through the static matrix of cyberspace. A delightfully destructive tune that revels in its own absurdity.

VELLE - Jemu

Drawn in by the allure of its corruptive power, 'Jemu' ensnares the ignoble listener with this serpent-like Drum & Bass crawler. Ripping Reece bass patches roar over this tactile tech-focused track, the driving pace is propelled forward by tense dry thudding pads, resembling a desperate heart-racing flight from the doomed fate which they brought upon themselves.

NEUQ - It's Greener

'It's Greener' provides a steady cinematic ascent through pulsating drumbeats and fantastic splashing crashes and rapid chops creating the sensation of perpetual momentum. Adventurous neuro harmonies and complex precise driving percussions, weave in between each other as companions throughout this high-speed bullet train track.

Sign - Facets Of Reason And Foreshortening Of The Present

The brooding dialectical quandary 'Facts of Reason and Foreshortening of the Present' accompanies one towards some impossible-seeming paradox. Logical progressions conjure melodious mountainous forces within the spaces found between scant claps and repeating synth highs supported by oscillating sub inflexions, creating a deeply contemplative mood. A cinematic crescendo of richly controlled bass frequencies rolls below, as the journey of this technically astute production comes to its incalculable conclusion.

Rhodon - Immerse

We dive deep and 'Immerse' ourselves in this breathtaking oceanic score. This patient introduction gives one space to find ourselves, as we open to a wide-open expansive view where panoramic ticks and tacks dance across the vast soundscape between our ears, layer upon layer envelopes and surrounds us until we’re completely intercepted by shimmering melodies and low-end vibrations. One to sit with and listen to over and over.

EnnoaeON & MIR - Percorso 67

The path bends between beautiful fields of melody and resplendent funky fusion in 'Percorso 67'. Captivated by a sincere touch and attention to detail, an uplifting garage beat sets the tempo of this dancey jostle, while the careful arrangement of stringed instrumentation placed throughout this neuro infused soundscape lets the mind unwind and drift apart. Moments of repose abide and slowly disappear as the pace of the track hastens into ecstatic cascades of unmitigated funk and synthesized choral harmonies, carrying one along to our fabled destination in this soulful production.

Deescawa - Aftertaste

An oasis in itself, ‘Aftertaste’ offers the weary traveller a lighthearted palette cleansing respite. One can overhear live music comprised of tropical birdsongs, bright keyboard melodies, fuzzy funk bass lines, and the most talented island instrumentalists. The ground beneath our feet distorts and wobbles away into an elusive mirage, as the jubilant display enraptures our senses and serves as a transformative journey. All that remains is the fading taste of some pleasant dreamlike memory gone too soon.

SIRIUS - telosma

Imagine our cosmic courier’s surprise as they peer behind the curtain of 'Telosma' and uncover far more than they ever expected. This soulful soundtrack gently ushers us forward, a lonely brass player invites us directly into the heart of the mystery. Glitched-out patches of galactic proportion swell and unfurl, revealing angelic songs echoing through timeless subwoofer wobbles. An emotionally touching head trip of a neuro arrangement.

DeeZ & Aptic - Take 2

'Take 2' demands the audience do a headcount after it unloads this funk-blasting neuro-glitch banger, sure to flex any sound system to limits. The fun groove has everyone pulling out their favourite dance moves, as expertly infused sonics playfully arranged with catchy vocal cues allow one to bend, twist and turn their body in innumerable new ways. It ain’t nothin' but a party out here.

PRESTUS - FINITY

The gargantuan Halftime offspring known as 'FINITY' enters the frame with beastly braggadocio, confident in its ability to ignite a crowd. Flaring granular bass textures engulf a destabilizing drumbeat as siren songs reverberate overhead. Subtle switch-ups interlaced with catchy vocals samples cue up the next anticipated moment, providing a concussive combination of pulverizing elements to knock us about the place as we dance the night away with deft indiscretion.

Subp Yao & Aagentah - Nadir

Various elements adroitly composed constitute the ethereal lurker ‘Nadir’, a unique halftime-hybrid fusion of disparate sounds assembled in a contorted arrangement that upsets gravity with its use of negative space and swaying perplexity. The alternation of percussive pacing within the track keeps one on their toes, while coarse textures coupled with experimental static fissures harmonize together in a sinister vibe that pervades the air in this eerie atmospheric crawler.

FLO - Friendly Riddim

Without time for introduction, we burst guns ablaze onto the scene with 'Friendly Riddim'. 140 dubstep bones rearranged with a dynamic neuro-bending twist, filled with tremendous percussive highs and punchy blows, and eruptive bass lines, our vocal sample narrative begs the proper question about who this guy is. A great journey tune of a tune.

Lazarus Moment & Avum - Disorientation

Searching radio static frequencies set the scene for 'Disorientation', a hypnotic UKG-styled track with a delicious mid-tempo Techno melody that transports you directly to the heart of your favourite 8-bit dungeon crawler. Echoey drums reverberate within a riveting rolling low-end roar, accentuating melodious harmonies as we plod down mysterious corridors unsure of what hides around the next corner.

Ankou - Remnants

We’re left in fragmented bits after being smashed by this atmospheric cyber stepper titled 'Remnants'. Weighty seismic rhythms, otherworldly shifty grooves and flickering laser synth melodies illuminate the colossal carnage wrought in the wake of this broken beat behemoth.

tensor project & CENTRL - Sundowning in Blue

Awakened on the beachside in hazy repose, we gaze at the transient hues of the horizon sky 'Sundowning in Blue', a brief calm before being launched into an unexpected storm of rushing hyper glitch infused mecha-neuro grooves with sweltering sonic waves. The sultry climate of this track, distinct Latin instrumentation and raucously delightful breakdowns are enough to make anyone down their martini, deposit their monocle and commence to get their freak on.

58DUST- Without Mention

We’re thrust into a delicately balanced barrage of neuro-infused sonics in 'Without Mention'.  Caught immediately in a maelstrom of concise over-the-headbanging drums, fed along by a fierce punctuating chugging bassline, funky grooves, and cyberglitch synth waves, we’re led along by an orchestrated interplay of fantastically unique elements composed with the care and precision of a seasoned experimentalist.

Can you speak about your Inspiration for the charity compilation? What made you all want to do this in the first place? With regards to the first compilation four years ago and part two today.

The inspiration for the first compilation came from personal and professional involvement with individuals with autism. It just seemed like the right time and way we could use our participation in the music scene to help make a difference. I have always wanted to do another volume of the compilation but it takes a great deal of timing to get everything just right for April 2nd. I am glad we planned ahead of this time.

How did you select music for this compilation? How many demos did you all receive?

We had a mixture of invitations and open submissions. This format allowed artists new to the label an opportunity and I think many people opened their eyes with their work. We received probably 75+ demos.

Do your musical selections on this compilation reflect a particular moment in time that VALE is in. IE a fair amount of Drum & Bass selects, 4x4 and Hardstyle/Breakcore kinda stuff. Or any specific sound you’re chasing after?

Our mindset has always been if the music is great and exciting we will find room for it regardless of genre. Certain styles of music gain in popularity and talented people focus on those genres, which means that's the kind of music we get in our inboxes. But honestly, it’s unintentional.

Did this compilation bring in any new talents to your eye?

So many new talents, honestly everyone who is new to the label really deserved their spot. We invite everyone who participated to please send more demos!

How’d you find Lost Signal? What does his cover art mean to you and how does it relate to the comp?

If we remember correctly, Lost Signal was a referral from another artist we had worked with in the past. He is open to any idea and executes the guidelines we provide with ease. On top of all that, he works at a blistering pace, often turning around a piece anywhere from 24-72 hours. Man is on another level. The Awareness compilation art was his first attempt at making an abstract piece, as we hope to move towards that style of art, it honestly is one of our favourite cover artworks in the catalogue.

Stand-out tune on the comp for you and why is it 'Sundowning in Blue'?

Josh: Sundowning in Blue. My favourite track of the year so far. INCREDIBLE.

Nik: Agreed with Josh, the tensor project and CENTRL track really stood out to us. Also, the TRAKA, Robu, Prestus, Lossvoise & Shryne tracks were some of my personal favourites off the compilation as well. Overall, I’m really pleased with how the compilation turned out.

What did you learn from this most recent project?

Projects like this are a great reminder of why we invest our time and effort into a label. It’s awesome to just go full circle and give back beyond music releases. To truly make a difference for a good cause, beyond just pushing music we like is very humbling for us.

VALE Radio program, we miss it. How are we bringing it back in a new and better way?

The ENTER:VALE PROGRAM should be back in the next few months. We will be adding YouTube uploads and possibly getting episodes up on Apple Podcasts.

Looks like a big summer of gigs for VALE and friends. Kicking things off with voljum at T&F as well as NIK P taking off on his own circuit, supporting bigger and bigger acts like Alix Perez in just a few weeks. With label mates Mirror Maze as well as associates like saka, KLIPPEE and Connor Q playing numerous shows with bigger and bigger acts/audiences. What does 2022 and beyond look like for VALE? one year vs five years?

The next big VALE moment™ will be at The Untz Festival where NIK P and Mirror Maze will be putting on a 2-hour label b2b showcase. We have been stacking loads of high-quality visuals (courtesy of Lost Signal) for the event, on top of bringing merch, stickers, and other goodies for the people there. It’s going to be good, we’re very excited.

Beyond that, we’re planning a few VALE takeovers in certain cities, which we’re excited to finally do. Music-wise, we have a ton of EPs being finalized from a lot of alumni, as well as new artists. Furthermore, we will finally begin dropping tracks from our long-awaited AXON Vol. II compilation. Expect a lot of craziness on there, it’s been about 2+ years in the works. Long story short, we have a lot of very special music coming soon.

Anything in the future you want to mention, shout out or tell our readers to keep an eye out for?

We just want to take the opportunity to mention that we hope the readers approach each VALE release with an open mind regardless of whether they know the artist or not, or if it is their typical genre of choice. There is always great music to be discovered.