Ion Ludwig (NL)

The first signs of Ion Ludwig as a producer were brought to the world via a release on Butane’s Alphahouse in 2006. Ion however, possesses one of those unique stories of starting at such an early age, he was producing electronic music at the age of 17, having then his first release out at 21. Now, over 10 years on, his name continues to echo the representation of pure quality music, one which also shows that having a background as a musician certainly contributes greatly to such talent, dedication and wide recognition. Ion Ludwig’s musical influences are very wide and not only have been marked by for instance his early encounters with playing acoustic guitar or African drums but equally, if not more importantly, those acquired by his travels and the exposure to different cultures which contribute as major influences to his work. Ion Ludwig moved from Leeuwarden to Amsterdam and from there to Berlin in early 2005, throughout the 4 years he lived in Berlin. While actively producing in the studio places like Club Der Visionaere and Weekend Club helped shape his live performances to perfection. On labels like Alphahouse, Stock 5, Resopal, Thema and later on Motiv Bank, and his own imprint Quagmire LTD he brought intricate and sophisticated minimal house and techno records, picked up by the masters of underground culture. Special recognition needs to be given to a particular piece of work, his debut album ‘Free K Loudwiggle’ on his own imprit Quagmire LTD. This album is the result of 21 months’ work in Berlin then to finalise it, the mix down and mastering process were done over the course of 2 months after moving back to his birthplace in Holland, Kring van Dorth. The true artistic dedication with its attention to detail and beauty are so evident in this piece of work, not only for its wide musical diversity covering jazz, funk, disco, house and techno and its marvelous competency in production skills but also the entire ethos and artistic concept around it which tells us a lot about the artist and his dedication to art in its purest form. It was released to a limited 200 copies with the unique touch on hand-making all the artwork, record covers were manually printed and stamps were given to each side of each record. Following on from such artistic statement a whole new focus takes place in 2011 where labels like Meander, Be Chosen, Tenth Circle and Baby Ford's Trelik grow interest in his music. Critically acclaimed, his 2011 EP's make waves under the crème de la crème of electronic avant-guardists. This is also where his direction and style is defined for the coming years to go. In 2012 his new conceptual Label Ugold Series start in co-operation with ‘DD Distribution’ Berlin. This is a result of him finding new ways to release his increasing explorations in sound under the focus of being an ‘introverted and impressionist’ producer of house and techno music. Working from his 'Ion’s Inn Studio' inside a medieval building he explores a vast expansion of retro-technical and modern electronic instruments enabling sound to be shaped beyond any hype. On stage his live performances take place with the eye and ear set on the musical 'horizon'. Combining drum machines and synthesizers with a laptop and recordings from older and newer work his sound radiates a never-ending story and energy.