Basic Channel is the enigmatic Berlin-based record label and production duo comprised of Moritz Von Oswald and Mark Ernestus. Emerging during the German techno boom of the early '90s, BC immediately distinguished themselves as purveyors of deep, dub-inflected ambient-techno during a time when the sonic brutalism of hardcore ruled the roost. A series of nine vinyl-only titles were produced, inscribed with just a bare minimum of information -- usually a single evocative word such as “Radiance” and “Octaedre” -- lending an air of mystery as to the individual recording’s origins. BC and its core producers soon became the focal point of a tight-knit confederation of sublabels (Chain Reaction, Main Street, Imbalance, M, Burial Mix), and side projects (Maurizio, Rhythm & Sound), all focused on variations of their signature reverberant, dub-processed sound. By the new millennium, BC and its associated labels relaxed their staunch anti-CD stance, releasing a handful of compilations recapping highlights from their vinyl releases. ~ Dave Shim