solipsistic NATION solipsistic NATION No. 145: n5MD

Since re-launching solipsistic NATION as a podcast I've done over 25 episodes showcasing records labels that you absolutely need to know about. There are so many labels putting out such amazing releases that it some times take months, if not years, to get get to. One such label is n5MD.

n5MD was unique from the start. Founder Mike Cadoo launched n5MD as a MiniDisc-only label (hence the name, an acronym for "No Fives, Minidiscs!"). n5MD eventually transitioned to CDs when they Sony stopped manufacturing pre-recorded MiniDiscs. Whatever the platform, almost from the very beginning Mike was putting out releases that he defines as "emotional experiments in music."

What I've always found so charming is that the releases on n5MD don't just provide musics that establishes a mood, the releases on n5MD take you on an emotional journey, which I find far more compelling and interesting. Anyone can play a chord in E minor that will evoke an emotional response but it's much more difficult to build a song is emotionally complex and takes you places in your imagination. Let me take that back. There are plenty of people who can do that, there are just few people who do it well and do it with sincerity and I think that's what n5MD is all about.

If that isn't enough for you, n5MD also has launched sister labels Enpeg Digital and Nonresponse. Enpeg Digital is the digital only division of n5MD while Nonresponse is a label run by Clay Emerson and Ian Pullman of Loess.

I know you're going to love today's show and if you'd like to hear more music from n5MD I suggest you download the n5md Label Sampler with Bitcrush from XLR8R's podcast.

Speaking of podcasts, two weeks ago I put together a mix of experimental and psychedelic music for the always excellent Spartacus Roosevelt podcast which you can download here.

As much as I love electronic music I also love many different genres of music. The format of solipsistic NATION doesn't allow me to explore those other kinds of music n the show so I made a deal with Spartacus: he can host an episode of solipsistic NATION and play electronic music he digs if I can host an episode of Spartacus Roosevelt. Fortunately he agreed and you can expect a mix from him on an upcoming show. In the meantime, check you out the mix I did for his show. It's got everything from the Butthole Surfers to Zoviet France and it will melt your brain!

Finally, if you're digging solipsistic NATION why not mention us on your blog or on Twitter. Maybe even give solipsistic NATION a one to five star rating iTunes. Thanks!

1. Funckarma "The Other Dredge"
2. Ruxpin "A Sunrise (and They Turned into Stones)"
3. Another Electronic Musician "Congee"
4. Interview with Mike Cadoo, founder of n5MD
5. Phylum Sinter "What Once Was One Now Adds Two"
6. Fell "Bulgaria"
7. SubtractiveLAD "Through The Trees"
8. Interview with Mike Cadoo, founder of n5MD
9. Loess "Nomon"
10. Proem "Sputterly"
11. Interview with Mike Cadoo, founder of n5MD
12. Plastik Joy "Hands"
13. Lights Out Asia "Radars Over the Ghost Of Chernobyl"
14. Near The Parenthesis "Departing Gate"
15. Interview with Mike Cadoo, founder of n5MD
16. Last Days "Blue And White Flowers"