Globally Renowned Producer Joey Beltram Re-Issues “Classics” – A Journey Into His Groundbreaking Work
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, Joey Beltram has been recognized for producing some of the most crucial records in the history of techno and rave music. Unlike other producers, Beltram’s work has had vast influences on the electronic music scene during the 1990s. The groundbreaking tracks in his distinguished career found their initial platform on Belgium’s R&S Records.
Released in 1996 by R&S, ‘Classics’ is a collection that intricately amalgamates Beltram’s influential early productions. The compilation primarily consists of his famous tracks from ‘Beltram Vol. 1’ (1990) and ‘Beltram Vol. 2’ (1991), along with the legendary creations like ‘Mentasm’ and ‘Mind to Mind’ from his Second Phase productions. Notable collaborations from the same time period, such as Mental Mayhem, Open Mind, and Disorder, further enrich the compilation.
Re-mastered and re-issued as a 2LP set in 2025, ‘Classics’ marks its return on vinyl for the first time since 2006. This long-awaited collection, featuring 13 tracks, gives audiences a chance to experience the magnitude and creativity displayed in Beltram’s iconic works.
What makes Beltram’s repertoire unique is his ability to keep evoking a futuristic edge in his work. For instance, tracks such as ‘Jazz 303’ and ‘Psycho Bass,’ created with Norwegian techno innovator Per Martinsen (aka The Alien), show a push beyond the conventional boundaries, even within Beltram’s progressive discography. Beltram and Mundo Muzique’s collaborative project Second Phase, notably the tracks ‘Mentasm’ and ‘Mind To Mind,’ introduced the “hoover” sound, a novelty phenomenon in electronic music. Deep cuts from the artist’s alter egos like Mental Mayhem, Disorder, and Open Mind further reincarnate Beltram’s dynamic creativity and technical prowess.
Beltram, a pioneer in the techno genre, is famous for his tracks “Energy Flash” and “Mentasm.” His remix of Human Resource’s “Dominator” led to a significant breakthrough. Beltram’s co-production with Mundo Muzique, ‘Mentasm,’ revolutionized rave culture by introducing the “mentasm riff”, also known as hoover sound. This sound is deeply woven into the DNA of techno music and has been evolved and used extensively in music since.
Artists such as Daft Punk referred to Beltram as a pioneer in the house music scene of the late 90s. He has also made a significant contribution to the Belgian techno scene with numerous releases that have had a substantial impact on various music genres, ranging from drum and bass to hardcore/hard house. Despite his successful career, Beltram’s hunger for innovation remained insatiable. He continually explored new territories with his music, imprinting his mark on the techno scene.
Beltram maintained an active presence in the music industry by constantly remixing and releasing new music. Alongside major festival appearances, he featured in significant releases such as the “Aonox” on Visible and “the Beltram re-releases” on Trax, the “Caliber” EP on Warp, his 1995 LP ‘Places’ and the 1996 single, “Ball Park” on Tresor. In 1999, he initiated STX, his music label, and continued to release music under different aliases, including Code 6 and JB³, and globetrotting as the headliner for events like Awakenings, Coachella, Nature One, Mayday and Dance Valley.
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