Lies Records

Long Island Electrical Systems or L.I.E.S.

‘Thank You Ron’

You know, the coolest journeys often come from our curiosity. Curiosity sparks interest, and when we’re hooked, only a few of us become geeks—those who are crazy knowledgeable about some niche, especially the techie stuff. Well, that brings us to Ron Morelli. The American spark we’re tipping our hats to, generously gifting us L.I.E.S Records – “Thank You Ron!”

Already shaking things up in the NYC scene in the late ‘90s, it’s in 2010 that Ron decides to dive into an indie project, aiming to drop tracks from local producers. But release after release, Long Island Electrical Systems or L.I.E.S. becomes one of those record labels you just know is rock-solid. You feel something’s cooking, and you know it’s gonna be unexpected, just because it’s L.I.E.S. It’s all electronic music with that punk twist à la Alan Vega and Martin Rev, as seen in Ron’s Parisian studio pics.

Now, from 2010 to today, how’s the catalog evolved? Over 200 releases with a lineup of artists giving you the chills: Traxx (Melvin Oliphant III), Legowelt, Thomas Bullock, Delroy Edwards (who’s teamed up with Ron from A1 Records), Willie Burns, Alessandro Adriani, Silent Servant, Steve Summers, Svengalisghost (Marquis Cooper), Broken English Club, Benedek, Robert Bergman, Beau Wanzer, Parrish Smith, Tzusing, Terekke, Randomer, Eric Copeland, Murray CY, Marcos Cabral, Voiski, Fabio Monesi, Florian Kupfer, Greg Beato, Adam-X, Dj Overdose, Antenes, Jason Letkiewicz, and many, many more. Now, if I were you, I’d be pretty darn impressed.

Label with crazy numbers, but let’s slow down and focus on number 200. Here, the founder makes a rare appearance. But this time, it’s special—a double LP literally defining Ron Morelli’s essence. HEART STOPPER (LIES-200) is tightly connected to the label’s origins. Eleven tracks where the producer deeply honors the roots of house music from New York to Chicago, blending Wave and Italo disco. These tracks could’ve been mixed by Ralphi Rosario in one of those ‘88 mixes on WBMX radio, along with “In The Night” and “I’ll House You.” Recorded between 2019 and 2022, mixed by Ron Morelli and Leonid Lipelis, and mastered by Alain Paul—it’s like Steve “Silk” Hurley, Ron Hardy, Farley, Marcus Mixx, and all those who inspired the L.I.E.S. founder decided to celebrate the 200th release with this massive gift for all the raw dance music enthusiasts and geeks.

Let’s talk about the graphic vibe the label has been rocking for years, running alongside the music—clothing pieces that have become must-haves for aficionados. T-shirts, long sleeves, crewnecks, and hoodies in simple and striking colors like white, black, sports grey, and forest green. A cutting-edge line of powerful artwork, like the decaying Statue of Liberty by Philly artist Matthew Bellosi or the “Cloud of Smoke” by Noah Fiel. It’s disarming, often dark, with nods to those late ’80s party invites—printed in a rush, distorted, real.

So, the next time you dig the latest L.I.E.S. 12”, don’t forget to dive into the selection of Long Island Electrical Systems apparel at HHV and grab yourself a piece.

Words by Giuliano Inesi

Shop the collection at HHV here.