Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Previously I conjectured that Sarnia, Ontario consisted solely of a border station and a duty-free shop where one can find whiskey, cigarettes, and ‘I Heart Canada’ merchandise for well cheap; thankfully, Tractile’s Adam Young and Joel Boychuk give us all something a little more exciting to associate with the town. While part of an upstart generation of electronic producers given a professional sound via Reason, ProTools and other programs, Tractile are not to be shuffled in with the unfortunate legions of Oakenfolds and Sashas out there. Theirs is a highly-calculated, sneering, smart and often grimy sound (which I mean in the best possible way); having appeared on the Moodgadget compilation Random Number...Colors Start (ahem) last year with the standout “The Things I’d Show You”, Tractile show with Clear and Pleasant Danger that they are well on their way to the upper echelon of modern electronic musicians, with a genuine flair for experimentation that never overtakes the irresistible grooves they lay so well. “Scannerhead” kicks with the unique tapestry of staccato vocal samples, chirps and subtle melodic elements that is quickly becoming the Tractile trademark. The record reaches full force with “Napping in the Cockpit”, a stunner of a tune that places a huge, ominous synth clang over a three-note melody reminiscent of Two Lone Swordsmen’s excellent “The Bunker” and an impeccably structured rhythm. All told, this is an extremely impressive debut that bodes well for the young duo, whose greatest successes could easily attain Classic status. - Atmosphere (atmsphr.org) / reviewed by Tom Meluch
"Tractile are hard working gents who will no doubt be all the rage of club speakers and headphones beyond Sarnia and Detroit in no time."
-Sam Valenti IV (Owner: Ghostly International/Spectral Sound) - n/a
"Quickly becoming one of the most talked about projects in the country, Adam and Joel have continuously proven that they are willing and able to shock the house."
-CBC's New Music Canada - CBC / New Music Canada
Discography
Releases:
*Moodgadget (MGT001) V/A – Random Number…Colors Start
- Featuring Tractile’s “The Things I’d Show You”.
*Year of the Machine (YOTM001) Tractile – Clear and Pleasant Danger EP
- 4-track EP/Net release (available at www.yearofthemachine.com)
Upcoming Releases:
*Moodgadget (MGT0??) Tractile – carscampinglakesfriendsgirls
- 12” EP Release
*Year of the Machine (YOTM-003) V/A - Machines do it Better
-Various artists compilation, featuring two Tractile works
Airplay:
Radio Airplay:
*BBC Radio One – John Peel Show
- The late John Peel played Tractile’s work released on the Moodgadget label’s Compilation, “Random Number…Colors Start”
*Impact 89fm – Mechanical Pulse – Lansing, MI
- Tractile played a two-hour live set broadcasted live from the radio station on the campus of Michigan State University. People literally came to dance in the studio.
*Streaming radio - Various
-material from Tractile's "Clear and Pleasant Danger" EP has appeared in many streaming radio stations, which have not be accounted for individually because of the long list
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Who is Tractile?
Tractile has two members: Joel Boychuk (born in 1985) and Adam Young (born in 1983). Both Adam and Joel have grown up in Sarnia, Ontario; where they eventually met, became friends and co-operated in a few years of mischievous adventures in high school. During this time, they had shared and further explored their love for various forms of electronic music and eventually formed Tractile; a name which has since become respected and recognized in Detroit and abroad.
Tractile's main principal of motivation is that of control: the interruption of natural time flow and the concept of using that interruption as an opportunity to create something new. Crafting minimal grooves and finely tuned soundscapes, Tractile uses everything at their disposal - synthesizers, software and even the world around them. Tractile uses the concept of controlling and altering events in time as applied to recorded audible events, adding a rhythm and funk to these events regardless of how simple or mundane their origins are. This process allows for individuals to enjoy new dimensions to events experienced everyday.
Tractile draws from many musical influences while managing to create their own brand of musical output. While being involved with the progress of minimal techno over the past 5 years, they are constantly exploring new sounds and searching for the next level in production and performance. As Tractile, Adam and Joel have played dozens of live shows, always resulting in overwhelmingly positive feedback from listeners. Having played at various clubs and nightspots in North America, as well as various music festivals and outdoor events, Tractile and their audiences are only left craving for more.
Joel Boychuk
At 19 years of age, and with the world at his feet, Joel wants to make good music, eat good food, and be in good company. His daily life is seemingly robotic in nature, in that he does only what he's ‘programmed’ to do: minimal consumption, maximal production.
Adam Young
Having been familiar and comfortable with everyday use of technology and computers since his intro to BASIC programming at the early age of three, it's no surprise that Adam's creative and intelligent nature brought him to the world of electronic music production. Adam has been producing electronic music of various forms since he was 12 and plans to do so until the day he dies or goes deaf.
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