Shawn Rudiman - Synthdrome Vault Archives #2 "Evidence Of Life" (2017)

"Evidence of Life" was my official introduction. It was what was to become 7th City SCD011 - Shawn Rudiman-"Evidence Of Life". Not long after the recording of all the original tracks to my DA20 DAT machine, I made 2 CDR's with a selection of compiled tracks. At that time, I had to transfer from DAT tapes to cd via real-time, 1-1 audio on a standalone CDR audio recorder... so it took quite a while to make 2 similar CDRs. As life would have it (through an argument and a crazy twist of events- ask me about it sometime at a gig!) one ended up in the hands of Anthony "Shake" Shakir.

Shake originally wanted the release for his FRICTIONAL imprint, but had to pass on it, so he gave it to his friend Daniel Bell at 7th City/Accelerate who was looking to continue his imprint after a small break. I received a phone call from Dan 2 or 3 days later, a contract 2 days after that. It introduced me into the arena of Techno.

The name of the release "Evidence of Life", had sort of dual meanings to me. It was evidence of my personal existence, and I felt it was a beacon to the outside world of Techno. For me, it carried a message that there was life on this rusted, post industrial planetoid of 1999 Pittsburgh. It was my real launching out into the cosmos of techno and its dimensions.

Ive included a couple extra outakes/tracks that didnt make it on to the original CDR demo that I gave Shake. They were found as I was transferring the material from the DAT tapes. It felt right to include them in the group that was done for the demo CDR.

As stated on the original SCD011 12" "Special thanks to Anthony "Shake" Shakir." still holds true. without that Wednesday night argument about hardware vs. computers (yes. in 1999!), these tracks would've never seen the light of day.

The biggest thanks goes to Daniel Bell for two reasons: one - without him listening and deciding to release the tracks he chose... well who knows if I'd have ever done anything. two - for the gracious courtesy of allowing this re-release of those original tracks. I've said it before, but thank you Dan.

Included on the release art are pictures of the studio around that time frame ...as close as i could find. If you notice some of the spots are open on the gear shelves, due to gear being packed up for the first time i did a european tour. Missing is my 909, access virus A, er-1 electribe, Future Retro 777 and Korg kms30. All of them were used on these tracks as well.