Octave One

Octave One has been essential to DJ playlists for over two decades. The prolific band of five brothers has produced classic dance floor anthems that continue to resonate as fresh, groundbreaking tracks. In 2015, Octave One will release their monumental seventh full-length album Burn it Down on 430 West Records.

Octave One is the brainchild of core members Lenny and Lawrence Burden. The Burden brothers burst onto the Detroit techno scene in 1990, producing Octave One’s debut “I Believe,” featured on the compilation Techno 2: The Next Generation. The collective also includes frequent contributions from siblings Lynell, Lance and Lorne Burden. Their 2000 hit single "Blackwater" has sold over one million records worldwide. Little Louie Vega, Danny Teneglia, Jeff Mills and Richie Hawtin are among the DJs that continue to regularly weave “Black Water” into their sets. The group has also earned critical acclaim for countless records including "Empower," "Nicolette" and “The X-files.”

The Burdens founded 430 West/Direct Beat Records in 1990, a record label that paved the way for the rise of the indies throughout the ’90s. Their extensive 430 West catalog ranges from Aux 88's "My A.U.X. Mind" to Rolando's "Jaguar," which included an Octave One remix. Octave One has remixed tracks for Massive Attack, Steve Bug, Aril Brikha, The Trampps, Rhythm is Rhythm, Orbital, Groove Armada, and Inner City among others. The Burdens have also released music under the band name Random Noise Generation, including a 2006 full length DVD/CD project by Octave One featuring Random Noise Generation Off The Grid, released in cooperation with Tresor Records.

“We’re always exploring how we can push the boundaries of live performance into the mainstream dance culture and probe the channels where we intersect with other genres of music,” says Lawrence. “The fusion is starting to become more and more interesting to us.”

--Tamara Warren