Cottam

Deep Deep Down (Vakula Rmx) Cottam

Breaking onto the scene via a series of anonymous 12” ‘s — three of which were named in Phonica’s top 50 singles of 2009 — it was after garnering reverence as a big name producer in disguise that Cottam was unveiled to be the humble newcomer Paul Cottam. Rising through the early rave scene in his hometown of Preston, he first cut his teeth as a DJ warming up for the likes of Surgeon, Dave Clark and Regis. Despite his Techno upbringing, it was the slo-mo tempos of Mark E and The Revenge that inspired Cottam to produce his own brand of dusty soul and hip hop-grounded house. However, in April Cottam returned to his roots with “Sunrise Sunset” on Use Of Weapons, sinking a rave core down to his signature slung bpm. It is a journey into sub-aquatic acid house that began with a series of remixes for Luv Jam, Pattern Select and Morning Factory, and one that he continues to explore on his Aus Music debut. Aptly titled “Deep Deep Down” sculpts the feeling of acid techno into warm slo-mo house. Ukrainian producer Vakula takes the track off on another tangent entirely; stripping away its propulsive chugging heartbeat and replacing it with an off-kilter, spaced-out pulse reminiscent of Theo Parrish when he’s in that kind groove. On the flip, “Twang” is a return to Cottam’s brand of languid, soulful house, steeped with groove destined to incite the dancefloor shuffle.