Long-time Smartbar resident and American techno stalwart Jeff Derringer returns with his first release in four years. Jeff's Oktave Records is re-born with ‘Automatic,’ an EP with its sights set for the heart of the dance floor.

Since 2010, Jeff has released his unique brand of techno on such high-powered labels as Electric Deluxe, Soma and Perc Trax, while touring the world behind his sound. His Oktave events have been a staple of Chicago’s Smartbar for the last dozen years, and have helped build a resurgence in the Windy City’s techno scene. In 2018, Jeff went on medical hiatus, and soon found himself in the ambiguous swamp of the Covid pandemic. After passing through the gauntlet of the last four years undaunted, Jeff has returned with an exciting new direction. The three tracks on Automatic are no-nonsense shots across the bow, built for club devastation; fast-paced, analog-steeped beats made, as Jeff describes it, with as little equipment as possible. ‘Automatic,’ ‘Systemic,’ and ‘Enigmatic’ show Jeff at the peak of his powers, ready to take on the new decade.

All tracks written, recorded and produced by Jeff Derringer in Chicago, Winter 2022. Mastered by Tim Xavier at Manmade Mastering in Berlin, June 2022. Artwork by Jillem, Rotterdam.