Valerie Ace returns to Intrepid Skin with ‘Strass & Stress’ EP

Valerie Ace has returned to SPFDJ‘s Intrepid Skin imprint, announcing EP ‘Strass & Strauss’.

The record comprises of four club-focused cuts focused upon hard-edged, yet playful and heartfelt, hard dance and techno with two cuts – ‘Anxious not Afraid’ and ‘Taking a Risk’ – available to check out now.

Read this next: Has dance music got harder and faster?

“Sometimes in clubs I felt like I didn’t belong because I was struggling with anxiety, and I felt like in order to be a DJ I’d have to be the most extroverted front row raver,” Ace tells Mixmag.

“Now that I’m in a different position (still anxious, but as a DJ the centre of attention instead of hiding in the corner) I want to let others who have anxiety or are shy know that I see you and this is for you just as much as for the ones dancing on top of the DJ booth.”

From distorted leads, hard kicks and double acid drops to hazier, tripped-out psytrance and industrial leaning affairs, the record marks a statement of intent for the Berlin-based producer, DJ and labelowner.

Read this next: UK vinyl sales hit highest level since 1990

A 12″ vinyl EP is set to be launched alongside the digital running of the EP, limited to 300 copies. You can pre-order that here. Or, if digital is your medium of choice, you can pre-order ‘Strass & Strauss’ from the same spot.

Niamh Ingram is Mixmag’s Weekend Editor, follow her on Instagram