The Cádiz, Spain-based Evel Records imprint was established in 2015 with a strong passion for cultivating definitive braindance and abstract sound structures. Nine years later and the label celebrates its 50th release in 2024 with none other than Global Goon and his long ranging album Adopt Me.
A twister of punctuated and pummeling electronica
The extensive experimental electronic music library of the Cádiz, Spain-based Evel Records imprint was established in 2015 with a strong passion for cultivating definitive braindance and abstract sound structures. Nine years later and the label celebrates its 50th release in 2024—available on CD, digital, and MD formats—with none other than Global Goon and his long ranging album Adopt Me.
Evel continues to explore next-level soundscapes and twisted rhythms, pushing the boundaries with every release and covering a wide range of subgenres (mostly incorporating baffling braindance, IDM, and experimental); keeping astute listeners challenged at every turn. Their extensive roster includes Global Goon, Felipe Vaz, Fluctuosa, Vodor L Zeck, An Der Beat, Hexalyne, Lain, Dorosoto, Hanut Munson, Noxin, Synalegg, Deli Kuvveti, Hitori Tori, Az-Rotator, William Fields, Strange Antiquark, ΠΕΡΑ ΣΤΑ ΟΡΗ, L a m a T r o i s, WHRK, IKTS, Secret Kitchen, Colin Muir, Lambmother, FLX, Taguya Dairiki, and many others.
Johnny Hawk (aka Global Goon) offers a twister of punctuated and pummeling electronica via Adopt Me, encompassing his huge repertoire of musical styles, all summarized here. From his early recordings on Rephlex to his most recent releases on J-Hok, 030303, Audio Dregs, Balkan, Central Processing Unit, Wémé, Waxing Crescent, Upitup, and Adepta Editions, Global Goon skillfully envelops the listener with intense and innovative sounds that are uniquely his own. We had the opportunity to engage with the artist and learn more about his past and present.
Pietro Da Sacco / Igloo :: You started with Rephlex Records, kickstarting the braindance and IDM sound of the late 90s. Tell us more about this era and how you navigate your music from then until now. There has been so much change that I’m sure your musical path has adapted over the years.
Global Goon :: Me journey kickin’ off with Rephlex Records back in the late 90s was boss, mate. That’s when the whole braindance scene was really takin’ off, and being part of that was proper sound, like. Since then, me music’s taken a few twists and turns, y’know? Evolvin’ with the times, mixin’ in new sounds and vibes, but still keepin’ that Scouse spirit alive.
Where are you located and what does a typical day for Global Goon look like in regards to your music and mission?
Global Goon :: Well, I’m based right here in Liverpool. Typical music day for me starts with a cuppa, then it’s off to the studio to get crackin’ on some tunes. Whether I’m mixin’ beats, layin’ down tracks, or just chattin’ with other musos, it’s all about keepin’ the music flowin’ and representin’ our city the best I can.
Your back catalog is intensive; what are some of the standouts for you over the past two+ decades?
Global Goon :: Ah, there’s been a few belters over the years, mate. Albums like Quonk really stand out, y’know? Each one tellin’ its own story, each one a piece of me musical journey. Proper Scouse classics, they are.
When did the J-HOK imprint start, and can you tell us more about it?
Global Goon :: J-HOK? Yeah, that’s me baby. Started it up to give local talent a chance to shine, to push boundaries and make some proper good music. It’s all about keepin’ it real, keepin’ it Scouse, and showin’ the world what Liverpool’s got to offer.
Tell us more about yourself, your background, musical starting point(s), and your creative process and inspiration.
Global Goon :: Well, I’ve been into music since I was a nipper, really. Growin’ up in Liverpool, you can’t help but be surrounded by it, y’know? As for me creative process, it’s all about feelin’ the vibe, catchin’ that inspiration, and runnin’ with it. From the streets of Liverpool to the beats in the studio, it’s all part of me musical journey.
Why have you decided to start releasing with more underground labels like Evel?
Global Goon :: Yeah, I’ve been mixin’ it up a bit lately, workin’ with some of the underground labels like Evel. They get what I’m about, y’know? Keepin’ it real, keepin’ it raw. It’s all about connectin’ with the fans, givin’ ’em some proper Scouse tunes to get stuck into.
Can you tell us more about Adopt Me, the new release on Evel which celebrates the label’s 50th release? The scope of this project seems like a culmination of all your styles and some signature ones including acid, glitch, breaks, and even some experimental techno.
Global Goon :: Adopt Me? Yeah, that’s a special one, mate. Proper chuffed to be part of Evel’s 50th release. It’s a bit of everythin’, really. Acid, glitch, breaks—you name it. A proper celebration of me roots, me influences, and the sound of Liverpool. Can’t wait to see what the fans make of it. Proper boss, like.
Artwork by Adri Valls (Aplauso Studio)
Adopt Me is available on Evel. [Bandcamp]
All proceeds generated by this album will go to Springwood Heath School Sensory Garden from Liverpool. Springwood Heath is a primary school for children aged between 3 to 11 with an enhanced provision for children with physical disabilities.
