Following a 15 year hiatus from publishing, one of techno’s most historically important imprints, Conform Records, made an emphatic resurgence in 2020, renewing its momentous presence on the dance music landscape with its Conform Re-Touched Series. Now, the celebrated Neapolitan techno house is revisiting its storied discography by sharing new masters of timeless club favorites, released in digital format for the first time ever since their original DAT distribution. Including 1997-2000 releases from label head Gaetano Parisio, Gaetek, Marco Carola, Davide Squillace, C&G Southsystem, Innersound, QMen and Stenny Franssen, “Conform’s 20th Century Catalogue” is available for purchase now via the Conform Records website and Bandcamp page: https://conformrecords.bandcamp.com

“Conform’s 20th Century Catalogue” gives the label’s releases from 1997 to 2000 new life through fresh digital updates of the original DAT masters on tape. Permeating its 38 tracks across 11 releases, an overall sense of raw passion and unbridled creativity sweeps is omnipresent. Parisio and his cohorts actively sought to buck the current trends, moving away from the mechanised format of late ‘90s techno through their artistic vibrancy and unique flair. In darkened, sweaty rooms, the releases across the pre-2000 catalogue feel somehow meditative, presenting a sound you can immerse yourself within fully. As branches of techno become more and more mainstream, it is essential for modern fans to understand the roots and key formative years of the genre, as these chartered releases represent some of the most cardinal cuts in techno’s rich history. 

As Italian techno was finding its footing in the early years, Conform Records, founded by Gaetano Parisio in 1997, was leading the charge from their homebase in Napoli. Consistently breaking ground with previously unheard sounds and inspirations, Neapolitan techno quickly blossomed locally and internationally, putting the coastal Italian city on the global techno radar. Building a reputation as one of the most respected and influential imprints in the industry over the course of 8 years, Conform championed technical mastery and originality, representing the Neapolitan sound in all its untapped glory. Responsible for shaping dance music’s very foundations and for bringing Italy’s electronic music to the world stage, the label served the underground counterculture scene through a well-defined vision, offering quality music created with artistry in lieu of commercial purposes.