JOSH WINK, DJ ESP — Stairway To Headphones

Josh Wink & Dj Esp – Stairway To Headphones opens the Head In The Clouds catalogue with H004B, a 12-inch coloured vinyl that revisits the 1995 acid techno classic. The release arrives on 16 September 2026 and offers a fresh take on the original material, positioning the record as a bridge between the genre’s early rave energy and contemporary club aesthetics. Within the Head In The Clouds roster, this record follows the earlier H004 entry, also titled Stairway To Headphones, confirming a continued interest in the duo’s seminal work. The label’s recent output has focused on revisiting foundational tracks, and this re-issue underscores that curatorial direction. Side A opens with “I’ll Have Some”, a track whose title suggests a playful, perhaps hedonistic vibe that fits comfortably after the opening groove. Its placement as A1 gives DJs a solid entry point, with a tempo and structure that can be mixed into late-night sets without losing momentum. The second cut, “No Balogna For Me”, continues the side’s momentum, offering a contrasting mood that balances the first track’s energy, creating a subtle ebb and flow that keeps the dancefloor engaged. Both tracks have been re-mastered and re-recorded from the original DAT, according to the label, preserving the acid-laden timbres while sharpening the overall fidelity for modern playback. This treatment respects the historic sound while providing the clarity needed for contemporary vinyl enthusiasts. In the broader context of Josh Wink’s recent output, Stairway To Headphones joins a string of 12-inch releases that include Higher State Of Consciousness (Watergate, 2025), The Half Full (Freerange, 2024), Mind’s Eye (Drumcode, 2023) and Balls Back (Ovum, 2022). Each of those records has explored different facets of techno and acid, and the current re-issue revisits the foundational acid techno aesthetic that first defined Wink’s early career. For DJs, the record offers two tightly edited cuts that can be deployed as opening statements or as transitional pieces in a set that leans toward classic acid vibes. The coloured vinyl format adds a visual cue for crate digging, while the re-recorded source material ensures the tracks sit well alongside newer productions in a mixed context. The physical product arrives as a 12-inch coloured vinyl, echoing the original release’s visual identity while providing the tactile appeal prized by collectors. The format supports the track length and sequencing intended for optimal playback on club-grade turntables. Josh Wink & Dj Esp – Stairway To Headphones, Head In The Clouds, catalogue H004B, 12-inch coloured vinyl, 2 tracks. Tracklist: A1. Josh Wink & Dj Esp – A | I'll Have Some A2. Josh Wink & Dj Esp – B | No Balogna For Me