Birmingham born and bred, Ashique Subhan – aka Subb-an – has been a feature of the underground club circuit since the mid 2000s.

Collecting vinyl since he was just 12 years old, Subb-an has been perfecting the art of mixing for a long time now – and this weekend he’s bringing the vibes to Sydney for Reconstructed with Mantra Collective and Bare Essentials. (Details below)

His DJ sets are an expert blend of minimal house and techno, and his own production has been released on Spectral Sound, Crosstown Rebels, Cocoon, Cabinet Records and Beste Modus.

Clearly a man with enviable taste, we asked Subb-an for five labels that are at the top of their game at the moment – plus his own, One Records, of course!

CABINET

A personal favourite of mine for a seriously long time. Classic quality house music that never ages, only gets better. I first discovered Cabinet Records over ten years ago now and it never disappoints. The sort of label that you can automatically buy without even checking the preview! Also, after getting to know the guys (Daniel Paul and Jens,) I can say it’s one of the purest labels that I know. Their number one aim is the groove, which if you know the label, you will be more than aware of!

LES POINTS

Forward thinking, intelligent dance music that gets the juices flowing. The sound design and arrangement on all these releases are super exciting and fresh. Always great artists with great artwork.

STABLO RECORDS

All about the mystique 😉

THE NOTHING SPECIAL

Craig Richards has been a very big inspiration since I started listening to electronic music, and I’ve been a huge fan of this label since it started back 2011. It has the whole package: interesting, quality music and great art which Craig does himself.

WARP RECORDS

Best of British, and hands down up there as one of the best independent labels! Warp is more than just a label, it’s a brand that specialises in the highest of visual and musical quality.

ONE RECORDS

Thought I would slip my label One Records in there.

I started the label with good friend Adam Shelton ten years ago and never looked back. It’s been a great way to showcase our own music and our friends’. Curating all the releases and art and obviously doing the A&R… it’s a very proud achievement for me. Right now, we have a great crew of artists including Jack Wickham, John Dimas and Yamen & Eda. It’s great to have a home base. Heres the forthcoming release from myself:

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WHAT: Bare Essentials & Mantra Collective Present Reconstructed II ft. Subb-an & Cezar
WHO: Subb-an, Cezar, Mantra Collective, Matt Weir & Jake Hough
WHERE: Secret underground location
WHEN: Saturday 8 April 2pm-2am
HOW MUCH: 2nd release – $35 – tickets here.