COLLABORATIVE COLLISION: Brillman & Tape Lab on a Crash Course

Born from Kaoss, but carefully composed, Brillman & Tape Lab’s electrifying first collaboration, “Crash Course [Trakor Mix],” bridges two distinct realms of the techno spectrum. With roots anchored on both sides of the Atlantic—Brillman near Oslo, Tape Lab in New York & North Carolina, the collaboration highlights a fruitful fusion of sensibility and style.

Brillman is an OG and has maintained a prolific musical output for more than 20 years making music in many techno genres, while Tape Lab is newer on the scene, releasing music since 2019. “We learned so much from this collaboration, Brillman is the real deal,” says 2yng2smpl of Tape Lab. 

Recommended for its raw, unfiltered approach to music production, Tape Lab brings a gritty, experimental twist to Brillman's refined, technically sophisticated sounds. The blend of immediacy and polish in "Crash Course [Trakor Mix]" showcases a sound that only this duo could forge.

Tape Lab shares, "Working with Brillman was like unlocking a new level of creativity. Our foundation is built on collaboration, but finding an artist who not only complements our sound but elevates it, is rare. Brillman's dedication to the craft and those unmistakable human touches have enriched our music in ways we couldn't have imagined."

"Crash Course" is a head-on explosion of ideas—concentrated and intractable—away from the isolating effects of solitary production to a more collaborative, dynamic process. The track benefits immensely from Brillman's extensive experience in the electronic music domain, with his skillful mixing and mastering shining through every beat.

The collaboration saw Brillman taking the lead, meticulously crafting the track's backbone with his composed melodies and arrangements, while Tape Lab infused the project with their signature edge—contributing samples from the Moog Subsequent37, modified drum patterns, and elements from the Korg R3 that Brillman seamlessly integrated into the mix.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Tape Lab remarked, "Brillman's ability to carve out space in the mix, to know when to pull back, has been a revelation. It’s a lesson in the art of patience and space, allowing the track to evolve naturally into something truly special."

At the heart of their connection is a shared love for the Korg Kaossilator, revealing a mutual respect for innovation and a penchant for distinctive sounds. "Anyone who appreciates the Kaossilator is alright in our book," says Tape Lab. "It's a tool that stands out, much like this collaboration."

As a nod to this shared instrument, "Crash Course" is imbued with the Kaossilator's unique sounds, adding a layer of trance-like, ambient texture that sets the track apart.

Brillman x Tape Lab's "Crash Course" is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect. As this track makes its way into the world, listeners are invited to experience the magic that happens when worlds collide, a crash course, if you will.