ralph lawson x EXIT PLANET EARTH S1 E2

Ralph Lawson brings his EXIT PLANET EARTH radio show back into the spotlight exclusively for us all here on Pen vs Sword, offering fans a fresh way to experience these celebrated mixes. Each week, the show will be presented in a streamlined format – stripped of dialogue and focused purely on the music.

This approach allows listeners to immerse themselves fully in the futuristic, genre-defying soundscapes Lawson has crafted, making it perfect for uninterrupted listening and rediscovering the cutting-edge grooves and interstellar vibes that made the original series so captivating.

Accompanying this relaunch of Ralph’s EXIT PLANET EARTH music mixes, Pen vs Sword is proud to present new artwork by Promises Project, adding a striking visual dimension to the series. Each weekly mix is accompanied with unique designs, blending futuristic aesthetics with the interstellar themes of the music.

Our Partner in Sound OpenLab.fm is an Ibiza-based radio station known for its innovative programming and commitment to underground and experimental electronic music, originally providing the perfect platform for Ralph Lawson’s immersive mixes. The show allowed him to explore the cutting-edge soundscapes that defined the EXIT PLANET EARTH series, offering listeners a journey through breakbeat, techno, electro, and beyond. Welcome to Ralph Lawson and EXIT PLANET EARTH revisited here on Pen vs Sword re-OpenLab.

Concept and Format of the Show

During the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the Exit Planet Earth series was conceptualized as a response to the rapidly changing landscape of electronic music and the world in general. With themes of escapism and exploration, the Exit Planet Earth radio show was designed as a continuation of the interstellar, science-fiction-inspired concept Lawson developed for the mix series. Each episode created an auditory escape, a soundtrack for “leaving Earth” and venturing into uncharted sonic territory. With futuristic themes and the idea of exploring distant realms, Lawson crafted each mix as an immersive experience, blending deep and atmospheric cuts with high-energy tracks to guide listeners on a progressive journey.

Each episode of the radio show maintained the seamless, flowing style that characterizes Lawson’s DJing and the original mix series. The show was structured as a continuous mix, allowing him to play a combination of exclusive tracks from his label 20/20 Vision Recordings, unreleased material, and selections from a carefully curated roster of contemporary producers. Lawson’s taste for soulful, groove-heavy tracks was present throughout, but he also experimented with diverse electronic subgenres, making the show a showcase of versatility and innovation.

Musical Direction and Track Selection

The Exit Planet Earth show brought Lawson’s penchant for genre fusion to radio listeners, where he created soundscapes that mixed minimal techno, electro, breakbeat, and ambient elements. Like the mix series, the radio show featured contributions from both established names and emerging talents. Lawson’s track selection leaned toward artists who embodied his forward-thinking approach, emphasizing deep grooves, intricate rhythms, and atmospheric textures.

By featuring a mix of rare tracks, vinyl-only releases, and even some exclusive recordings, Lawson used the show as a way to share underground gems with listeners. He also incorporated some of the latest releases from 20/20 Vision, connecting his label’s output to the broader sound of Exit Planet Earth. This approach highlighted Lawson’s skill as a curator, with each episode offering a mix of familiar and surprising sounds that kept listeners engaged and intrigued.

Thematic and Visual Aesthetic

A key aspect of the Exit Planet Earth show was its thematic consistency and attention to detail, which extended from the music to the visual branding of each episode. Lawson used sci-fi-inspired graphics and futuristic visuals for the show’s promotional materials, reinforcing the feeling of an otherworldly journey through sound. The synergy between the music and the visual aesthetic made the show a cohesive experience, echoing the intergalactic theme of the original mix series.

Promises Project and Partisan Faction have also created 30 original and exclusive additional artworks to accompany the first six Exit Planet Earth radio shows / mixes.

The show’s format also allowed Lawson to explore themes of escapism, introspection, and exploration in a broader context. These themes resonated with listeners, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the idea of “escaping” to new realms was particularly meaningful. Lawson’s Exit Planet Earth series became a form of audio transport, inviting listeners to imagine and experience something beyond the everyday.

Listen to ralph lawson x EXIT PLANET EARTH S1 E2

Are you ready to Exit Planet Earth? Ralph Lawson’s Exit Planet Earth radio show on OpenLab.fm is an extension of his acclaimed “Exit Planet Earth” mix series, bringing his futuristic, genre-bending vision of electronic music to a wider audience through a regular broadcast. Press play on this SoundCloud Player, Leave this page open and Exit Planet Earth!

Playlist

Dopplereffekt – Infophysix (Dataphysix Engineering)
E.R.P – Wishing Still (Forgotten Future)
Batu & Lurka – Curved (Fringe White)
Radioactive Man – Re-Evaluate (Bass Agenda)
L-R (2) – Rings (Asking for Trouble)
DiSKOP – The Game (White Loops)
James Shinra – Glimmer (20/20 Vision)
Sansibar – Transfixion (FTP)
Cybotron – Clear (Celluloid)
Kosh – An Arab in Space (20/20 Vision)
Cignol – Guidance Release (Distant Worlds)
Detroit’s Filthiest – Poetry in Motion (Casa Voyager)

Impact and Reception

The Exit Planet Earth radio show was well-received by fans and critics alike, particularly those who appreciated Lawson’s dedication to crafting a high-quality, immersive experience. The show resonated with OpenLab.fm’s audience, known for its openness to experimental and underground sounds. Lawson’s ability to create a cohesive, futuristic narrative within each mix was a testament to his skill and experience as a DJ and curator.

The Exit Planet Earth radio show on OpenLab.fm has now added another layer to Ralph Lawson’s legacy as an innovator in electronic music. It’s reinforced his reputation as a tastemaker who could merge influences from various subgenres while maintaining a cohesive, visionary sound. For fans of the original Exit Planet Earth mix series, the radio show offered a new way to engage with Lawson’s music, bringing his exploration of futuristic sounds into a recurring format that allowed for ongoing discovery.

Today, Exit Planet Earth stands as an iconic part of Ralph Lawson’s body of work, influencing listeners and fellow DJs with its blend of deep musical knowledge, curation, and innovative presentation. It remains a prime example of how radio can be used to transcend traditional DJing, offering a space for storytelling and creative expression that resonates with fans around the world.

Ralph Lawson Online
Ralph Lawson on Instagram
20/20 Vision Recordings Online
20/20 Vision Recordings on Instagram

About OpenLab:

Founded in 2013 by electronic music pioneer, composer and DJ Robert Miles and inspired by the creative spirit of Ibiza. OpenLab was conceived specifically to showcase the best in innovative yet accessible music and visual art.

Broadcasting worldwide via www.openlab.fm and on 106.4 FM in Ibiza and Formentera, OpenLab champions the worlds most exciting producers, artists, DJ’s and visual artists, offering their community a glimpse of ‘Tomorrows World.. Today’.

You can listen to their Live Radio broadcasts here https://openlab.fm/radio/on-air or download their App:
IOS: bit.ly/OLappApple
Android: bit.ly/OlAppAndroid

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