Various Artists - Sensate Silk

Pitchfork 78

Britt and Amanda Brown never could have imagined that their record label would one day make national news, or that it would happen under the worst possible circumstances. Founded in 2011, 100% Silk began as a home for scrappy electronic artists from various musical backgrounds. Their predominant sound, a lo-fi approach that became known as “outsider house” or “hipster house,” was decidedly niche—dance music by and for experimental, DIY music communities. But last year, on December 2, 100% Silk became widely mentioned outside of their usual circles. A fire broke out that Friday in an Oakland warehouse known as the Ghost Ship, where an event featuring some of the label's artists was underway, and it claimed 36 lives. Amanda wrote on Facebook the next day: “What happened in Oakland is an unbelievable tragedy, a nightmare scenario. Britt and I are beside ourselves, utterly devastated.”

The Ghost Ship fire was more than tragic national news; it sent a resounding shockwave through underground music communities around the world. As the names, photos, and stories of the deceased began to surface, a common response from musicians and fans was that it all “hit so close to home.” Many saw themselves in the faces and lives of the lost; there were those who were meant to attend the party that night but didn't, those who would have been there if they'd been in town, and of course there were those who lost their dear friends and family. Among the numerous young, talented people killed in the fire were 100% Silk artists Johnny Igaz, aka Nackt, and Chelsea Faith Dolan, aka Cherushii. Nearly two months later, relief events continue providing a place to honor and mourn these vibrant lives that feel all too familiar.

In his article about the Oakland DIY scene in the fire's aftermath, Sam Lefebvre underlined the necessity of places like the Ghost Ship with a quote invoking the words of MLK: “People need places to gather in Beloved Community.” More than just a concert or a dance party, the 100% Silk showcase was a gathering for locals and likeminded visitors, a space to explore and develop their culture. It was an event not unlike countless others that happen every night around the world, many of which have since come under scrutiny or been shut down by law enforcement. The Ghost Ship tragedy has brought about a renewed focus on safety in DIY venues, but it has also put them at greater risk. In the midst of this, 100% Silk has released Sensate Silk, a well-curated compilation that doubles as a rallying cry for dance music's underground.

Sensate Silk was conceived as the label’s 100th release well before December 2, but it has come to represent more than a milestone in their catalog. For some it’s a memorial, featuring one of the last tracks written by Nackt, the patient, cheerful acid of “Rising Tide.” Or it’s an embodiment of intertwined global scenes, with beautiful deep house from Japanese artists Keita Sano and Inoue Shirabe alongside a bass-loaded banger by LA’s Sage Caswell and meditative melodies from UK producer Helios Mode. The compilation is also an important show of perseverance from a label and community still reeling from disaster. In a Facebook post at the end of 2016, Britt Brown wrote, “This has been a negative year for plenty of other reasons. But music brought us together. And music will keep us together.” The sentiment seems to pulse through every synth and drum machine on Sensate Silk.

From the soulful atmosphere this kind of house music exudes, Sensate Silk fosters a sense of healing as well. “Roses” is a groovy, intricate standout by Donny, an alias of Golden Donna, who survived the Ghost Ship fire. Its energy is split between contemplative chords, distant vocal abstractions, and a lively bounce, like a dancer whose memories follow them into the club. PARC’s 11-minute “Silk Road” rises from burbling electronics into a cosmic dancefloor embrace, while the sax Cromie weaves through the plush “She Knew” resonates with quiet heartache. These songs weren’t necessarily written as balm for listeners, but their thoughtfulness and delicate natures will graciously soothe those who need it.

At the end of Sensate Silk is a song by unknown Berlin artist Westcoast Goddess. “Untitled Soul ‘98” is the compilation's brightest highlight, and not just because it has an uncommon way with tension and euphoria. Its buoyant slow build sounds lovingly handmade, with hi-hats clattering slightly too loud and a central synth loop that shifts and swells like a DJ mixing on the fly. Seven bubbly minutes in, it culminates in a brilliant lead line that could coax hands into the air as soon as bring a tear to the eye. Closing a compilation that’s heavy with meaning for many people, “Untitled Soul ’98” is a welcome burst of joy after months of grief. It’s only fitting that those who are still here should remember those who are gone in celebration of the music they lived to support and create.