WALTER VERDIN - PINGPONG (Vinyl 2LP) PRE-ORDER

Cortizona are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of 'Pingpong', a 2LP compilation showcasing previously unreleased works by Walter Verdin, the founding member behind Pas De Deux, the Belgian band which delivered 80's cult classics 'Rendez-Vous' & 'Cardiocleptomanie'. 

2LP in printed inner sleeves + 12 page booklet with detailed info, secrets and unpublished pictures written by Walter Verdin himself. 

This collection dives deep into Verdin's prolific and experimental music from 1980 to the beginning of this millennium, capturing an era of a DIY punk spirit, improvisation, creative freedom and swimming against the tide.

This album is not just a compilation-it's a sonic journey into Verdin's unique approach to music-making, which he nurtured in the AV studio at KU Leuven's Audiovisual Department (AVD). Having begun his civil service there in 1980, Verdin was exposed to a rich array of audio and video tools that would shape his work for years to come. From the outset, Verdin's process was defined by an openness to experimentation, where he would explore sound and music organically rather than following pre-existing concepts.

The songs on Pingpong reflect his fascination with creating spontaneous, layered compositions. These recordings were made using limited tools, such as his duophonic Yamaha CS-40M synthesizer, borrowed drum machines, and tape loops, and were further enriched by techniques such as reverb and vintage sound manipulation. The results are raw, tactile, and full of personality-often more vibrant and personal than the polished, commercial recordings that would follow in professional studios.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Verdin developed his craft, regularly drawing from his diverse interests in film history, soundtracks, video art, and avant-garde music. His innovative use of tape recorders, improvisational techniques, and later, MIDI and digital tools, makes for a fascinating and varied listening experience. This compilation includes everything from proto-techno and abstract new wave to avant-pop songs, sample-driven experiments, and the oddball TV-inspired tunes that have long been a staple of his work.

This selection is a true reflection of Verdin's "keen amateur" approach: a method focused on discovery, happy accidents, and unexpected results. These compositions aren't about achieving technical perfection, but about capturing moments of sonic exploration and transformation. The 21 recordings have been meticulously curated, with some tracks freshly arranged while others remain true to their original, unedited forms.

'Pingpong' finally brings these forgotten gems into the light. The album includes not only unreleased music but also fragments from Verdin's video art and multimedia projects, offering a rare glimpse into his creative evolution over two decades. Stretching up the boundaries between medium and message, aligning his own musical universe.

Take a deep breath and dive into the works of an artist whose explorations pushed his boundaries of sound and technology. A Belgian sonic cut up, ping ponging in between many worlds

A1. Walter Verdin - She Loves Me A2. Walter Verdin - Dansons Dans A3. Walter Verdin - Nobody Moved A4. Walter Verdin - Dance Riff A5. Walter Verdin - No Trip B1. Walter Verdin - Shadance B2. Walter Verdin - Sequence X B3. Walter Verdin - A Cut & A Wipe 2024 B4. Walter Verdin - Aceton B5. Walter Verdin feat. Adrienne Altenhaus - IOOTD Dream C1. Walter Verdin feat. Adrienne Altenhaus - Constant Click C2. Walter Verdin - Mission Control C3. Walter Verdin - Princeton C4. Walter Verdin - A Car C5. Walter Verdin - Sonate Part III C6. Walter Verdin - Kunst-Zaken '87 D1. Walter Verdin - Minimalize D2. Walter Verdin - Linda D3. Walter Verdin - À Saint-Tropez D4. Walter Verdin - A Shadow D5. Walter Verdin – Abstractions