8DPromo

Wyndell Long - Shikago Love (Full Flavor Music)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:06 -0500

Wyndell Long - Shikago Love (Full Flavor Music):

Full Flavor Music is honored to welcome Wyndell Long onto the label with the Shikago Love 4 track EP. A devoted music fiend since the age of 7, Wyndell Long grew up on a steady diet of black radio during the P-Funk era in Chicago. In college Long befriended Mike Dearborn, then releasing records on DJAX, who passed the early Wyndell Long productions to Pete Hutchison over at Peacefrog Records in London. Long was immediately signed to Peacefrog which began a series of techno/tech-house singles throughout the 90’s that garnered much praise in Europe and the US. Labels such as Primate, Soma, R&S, and DJAX also caught on to Wyndell Long, leading to his tracks appearing regularly in the sets of some of the biggest global DJ names.

Long’s debut with Full Flavor Music is intentionally ‘Old School’ sounding, sure to lead folks straight to the dance floor. First up is “Soul Searching,” which thumps but in a breezy way with multi stacked pianos and an intricate arrangement that adds to the flavor. ”Always Keep It Wet” is a simple ‘jack’ track … it’s pure Chicago, no studio tricks or high sampling rates. “Damn Wireless Network” is a tribute to classic NY techno. Simple grooves, retro drum machine hits, and standard beeps and claps with a solid snare freakout section within the track. “Shikago Love” is the result of experiments with timing. The bassline and hi-hats are off the normal grid, but come together when heard in unison. There are a lot of subtle elements that move the track as something different happens about every eight bars. Analog synthesizers glide against a smoothed out high end in a way that is refreshingly pleasant to the ears, making the cut stand out amongst today’s extra hot and crispy releases.

Kenny Summit - Not Just Talk (Mile End Records)

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:05 -0500

Kenny Summit - Not Just Talk (Mile End Records):

Mile End Records is proud to present five stand-out deep house tracks from Kenny Summit’s upcoming full length album Not Just Talk. Kenny Summit is a New York City staple having DJ’ed for almost two decades in the ‘city that never sleeps.’ He’s played with pretty much all of the city’s big wigs and has forged long lasting relationships with some of the biggest names in house music. Summit finally moved into production, releasing well received tracks on the likes of Sonido Local, Ultra, and, of course, Mile End. After this string of underground releases Kenny Summit is finally ready to unleash his debut album onto the scene.

As far as albums are concerned, Kenny’s first venture proves to be quite impressive. There are obvious standout dance floor tracks like “The Cut” which features samples from The Ones’ classic house anthem “Flawless.” There’s also “Nickel Plated” which features a throwback synth bass-line under raw percussion … it’s already in the digital crates of some of the world’s top DJs. Quite possibly the gem of the album is “Mayhem” which is not only soulful but packs a punch with its unique voice over and huge keys that bring massive energy to the dance floor. Next, “What We Must Become” is another soulful masterpiece and “Sax Breath” is a refreshingly deep tech-house jam sure to be a favorite of the underground heads. Not Just Talk proves to be a well rounded album with a little something for everyone.

Sid Vaga - Brazuca (Wonderwheel Recordings)

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:05 -0500

Sid Vaga - Brazuca (Wonderwheel Recordings):

There’s eight million stories in New York City, and if you’re in the know, there’s a refreshing movement of bodies several stories above the Manhattan street bars and clubs in secret lofts and apartments. One of these reoccurring parties is Roland’s Six Degrees, with Sid Vaga providing the sonic backbone. After over ten years of heavy dance-floor smashing, Sid steps into the studio to make some of his own sounds, presented here via Nickodemus’ Wonderwheel Recordings. Starting as a music lover in his native Paris, 1999 is the year Sid Vaga took control of the turntables. Since then, he’s played in lounges, clubs and hotels all over the Americas (North, Latin, and South). Sid has DJ’ed aside many renown DJ’s and friends like Roy Davis Jr., Nickodemus, Ursula 1000, Matthias Heilbronn, Rich Medina, and Gilles Peterson (during an underground set at the Getdown Party III). “Brazuca” showcases Sid Vaga’s original Latin/Brazilian house signature sound filled with percussion, funky bass, and straight-driving backbeats that make for a solid party starter. The B side goes a notch deeper and heavier as D’Sol from Paris remixes “Brazuca” with additional electronics and moodier sounds. Together, these two tracks balance the 12” for both early and late-night dance-floors. It’s another fine, exotic track to tempt the DJs from Wonderwheel.

Chuck Love feat. Demonica Flye - The Voice (Vino Recordings)

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:05 -0500

Chuck Love feat. Demonica Flye - The Voice (Vino Recordings):

Minneapolis house music yogis Vino Recordings are pleased to announce the relaunch of the seminal indie house label founded in 2003. ‘Nordeast’ Minneapolis soul brother Chuck Love’s long lost feel good single “The Voice” leads the charge in a string of 2012 Vino Recordings releases. The track showcases Minneapolis house diva Demonica Flye and her plea for Chuck to save the state of house music by bringing the soul back.

The call and response vocal demands inspiration on the dance floor. The remixes from Jevne (Onethirty Recordings), Bryan Gerrard (Celebrity Records) and Vino label boss Monte Hilleman take the track in four different directions, from Jevne’s deep tech, to Gerrard’s dubbed out mix, to Hilleman’s gritty and uplifting main room-roller.

Known for his signature “Live DJ/Video” set, Chuck Love pulls triple duty as the DJ, a vocalist and a multi-instrumentalist. The result: a ridiculous mix with some slamming, ‘on-the-fly-produced’ tracks showcased within the set. In 2010, Chuck launched his Love Network label and teamed up with Colette for the first release: “UR Everything” (with remixes by Santiago & Bushido). You can also find Chuck’s releases on the likes of OM Records, Great Lakes Audio, Shifted Music, Salted, and Tango.

Vino label boss Monte Hilleman scouted Demonica Flye at a local jazz club in 2003. A life-long soul, R&B and jazz singer with Romanian, Irish, Native American, and African-Amercian roots, Flye is the lyricist of many compositions as well as a singer and disc jockey. Demonica recorded an album in 1991 called Deception and is also former lead vocalist of Backbeat Jam Factory and sub-vocalist with The R Factor. Of interest to house heads, she recorded several compositions with Farley Jack Master Funk and continues the proud house tradition with “The Voice.”

Gurhan - Between Us EP (Deep House Proposal)

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Gurhan - Between Us EP (Deep House Proposal):

From Istanbul comes Deep House Proposal, an enterprise that organically evolved from a Turkish club night to a well-received podcast and then eventually an ambitious label focusing on the deeper side of the house music spectrum. The idea was conceived in 2009 by DJs Berk Doan and Baris Bergiten who simply wanted to promote a style of music they wanted to hear, and were not hearing enough of. After programming many club events and acquiring tens of thousands of regular listeners to the Deep House Proposal podcast, the pair have honed and narrowed down the vibe of the label, warmly expressed on their debut release.

The first Deep House Proposal release is the two track Between Us EP, helmed by up-and-coming DJ/producer Gurhan. With previous releases on Dark Pleasure, Keepitpure, and Muenchen, Gurhan is quickly making a name for himself via underground circles through his sweeping, lush deep house sound. Gurhan’s Dream Catcher EP received plays from the likes of Lukas Greenberg, Steve Lawler, and Mihalis Safras, while “Bakarsın” hit the top ten charts on Istanbul’s influential Dinamo FM.

“Between Us” starts things off with a melancholy synth pad soon giving way to a tight house music rhythm and repetitive bell-like melody line. A warm, throbbing bass fills the low end while distant pads hit with filtered sweeps to create an evocative sense of space. Reminiscent of Timewriter’s earlier works, “Between Us” can easily sit among the deepest of tracks in an after-hours DJ set. Up next, Gurhan raises the energy with “What You Say,” a driving cut that is characterized by its heavy, rolling bass line, and rhythmically chanted vocal hits. The cut builds nicely as well-placed breakdowns lead to dramatic crashes and airy sweeps. While still firmly in the deep house realm, “What You Say” has enough pump and groove to welcome it into the virtual crates of discerning tech-house jocks. All in all, a superb debut release from Deep House Proposal, and a promising signal of things to come.

Scott Hardkiss (God Within / Art On Air Radio) - “I’m happy to be turned on to this one … ‘Between Us’ is a great, great track. Modern and spacey, but still dripping with emotion. Keep ‘em coming!”
Les Wright (The Sunday Alternative / Ambersound FM) “Very nice production. I particularly enjoyed the way ‘Between Us’ builds up.”
Will SumSuch (Urban Torque / Seven Music) - “Really nice, bass heavy Deep House.”
Kiko Martínez (Doce Pulgadas Radio Show / Ibiza Global Radio) - “Both tracks are nice and deep. Thanks!”
Dino Michael (Good Hope FM / Godfathers House Radio Show) - “Awesome! Full support on my show and in the clubs … Kicking deepness!”
DJ Bonehead (Heads Up & Sundada Radio) - “‘Between Us’ is the jam!”
Velanche (Urban Landscapes Radioshow / KCPR 91.3 FM) - “Out of the gates, a nice first release full of Deep House … It has a sense of play that makes it a cut above the usual house fare.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - A fantastic release from Gurhan! Both tracks are exquisite Deep House productions. ‘Between Us’ has just the right mix of deep & tech infusions, while ‘What You Say’ provides a wonderful warm deep groove. Full support!”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House Web Zine) - Blissful melodies and deeper than deep truly remorseless rhythms make ‘Between us’ something truly special.”

Available now from Beatport and emusic

Sandman & Riverside - It's Too Late (FastFWD)

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Sandman & Riverside - It's Too Late (FastFWD):

FastFWD releases its ninth excursion into bold deep house and broken beat sounds with “It’s Too Late,” the latest single from in-house production duo Sandman & Riverside. The pair are known for their fine previous work for the label, embracing originality and creative expression through soulful, jazz-influenced sounds for the dance floor. Here Sandman & Riverside collaborate with Kymberli Wright, lead vocalist of Detroit jazz band Straight Ahead. Together they take us back to deeper days of house music, featuring dirty, punchy, percussive rhythms with uplifting strings and Wright’s conscious vocals raising the vibe. Legendary DJ/producer and Prescription Records don Ron Trent, coming off his brilliant FastFWD rework of John Beltran and Jeremy Ellis’ “A Golden Night with You,” takes the reigns on the first remix in this package. Trent’s rendition is a sensual blend of tribal soul as the vibes and keys provide an uplifting layer that dances through a tapestry of intricate rhythms and Wright’s spirited vocals. There’s also an enticing dub of Ron Trent’s vocal mix for the DJs to drop at any time of the morning, day, or night. Next up, KZR aka Atlanta’s Kai Alce delves deeper with a stripped-down version that raises the jazz quotient with Wright’s vocals brought to a punctuated, improvised scat. Sprinkled keys and warbled chords playfully interact creating sonic bliss. An instrumental KZR mix is included as well as a special Reprise Mix that works beautifully as a DJ tool or a late-night treat for the dance-floor massive. Prime goods here from the always reliable FastFWD!

Laurent Garnier (F Communications) - “Ron as great as ever … I’m loving this.”
Marques Wyatt (Vanguard / Deep L.A.) - “Solid! I’m liking this.”
Robert Owens (Compost Records) - “‘It’s Too Late (Ron Trent Vocal Remix)’ is a great track.”
Daz-I-Kue (Bugz In The Attic) - “Some real classy remixes here from Ron & Kai…”
Rainer Trueby (Root Down / Compost Records) - “Cool package … The ‘KZR Late Night Dub’ & ‘Ron Trent Vocal Remix’ are for me.”
Trus’me (Prime Numbers Records / Fat City) - “Ron Trent showing us why he is Ron Trent … Superb!”
Joan Ribas (Ibiza Soulstice Music / Cafe del Mar) - “Nice work with great remix by Ron Trent.”
Nacho Marco (Om Records / Pacha Recordings) - “Top remixers here. Both dubs from Ron Trent and Kai Alce for me … Full support!”
Tyree Cooper (Groove Baby / Supa Dupa) - “I’m really diggin’ the ‘Ron Trent Vocal Remix’. Great work fellas.”
DJ BMF (Eighth Dimension Records / Phat N’ Jazzy)- “Nice soulful track. All mixes are good, but the ‘Ron Trent Vocal Remix’ will receive the most personal play.”
Deepshizzol (Deepshizzol Saturday Sessions / Houseproud TV) - “Nice deepness from the man Ron Trent! I’m lovin’ the ‘Ron Trent Dub’ & ‘KZR Late Night’ mix.”
Rees Urban (5 Magazine / 5 Mag Radio Show) - “It’s hard to pick a favorite here … All mixes are really top-notch! I Like this almost as much as ‘Golden Night’, which was one of my favorite tunes last year … Great job!”

Also supported by Roger Sanchez, Tom Findlay, Joey Negro, Lars Behrenroth, Mr. V, and Joey Silvero.

Available now from Traxsource

Autoband - Autoband EP (Beatservice Records)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Autoband - Autoband EP (Beatservice Records):

Autoband is the solo project of Gudmund Østgård, a prolific member of the music scene in Tromsø, Norway. With his warm Scandinavian electronica he blends ambient, glitch and jazz to a surprising and soothing mix. The album sounds a bit like The Cinematic Orchestra snow skiing on the Arctic Circle, meeting up with Boards of Canada and Tycho, and jamming in the hotel room with Ane Brun.

This player contains 5 tracks from the self-titled album, showing the diversity and depth of Østgård’s production. Sounds vary from upfront electronic to icy ‘chill out’ material as well as a couple lilting songs with a gentle female vocal. Warm up, lounge, or end-of-the-night after-hours affairs will definitely benefit from a slice of Autoband in the mix.

Originally from Stokmarknes in the north of Norway, Gudmund Østgård has been working with music for theatre, film and TV for years. As a performing artist he has collaborated with Russian electronic artists as well as fellow Tromsø electronica-heads like Gaute Barlindhaug (Aedena Cycle/Kolar Goi/Taigatrost) and Nasra Ali Omar (Nasra & Gaute) on various live projects. He has performed new music for several silent movies, touring Russia recently with a re-recorded version of a Metropolis soundtrack. Østgård has contributed to albums from a.o. Kolar Goi and Anneli Drecker (of Bel Canto fame). He has also been a member of the americana band Milestone Refinery.

Nick Warren - “I really like this. Clever production and use of unusual sounds …”
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - “Hard to pick a favorite. A diverse release without being overly so, and cinematic in the right ways.”
Acid Ted (blog) - “The album has gentleness but a background crackle, like creaking ice floes.”
Irregular Disco Workers - “‘City Slides’ is a slow motion bomb!”
Stereo 77 (Research Deluxe) - “Lounge-y, seductive, and wonderfully crafted. Perfect for mix-tapes, warm up sets, and early morning drives.”
Anji Bee (The Chillcast) - “Nicely chilled with a touch of darkness. Shades of Tycho without the cute factor. I dig the addition of acoustic guitar and female voice - so unexpected.”
Gavin Hardkiss (Hawke) - “We’ll get this on rotation in the yoga studio and around the camp fire.”
DJ Nutritious (Brooklyn Shakedown) - “‘Sunbeam’ really speaks to me here - lush, laid-back, pretty. This album is intense and musical… and that’s awesome.”
Bootsy (For The Love radio show) - “A strong and varied album. My pick is ‘Rails,’ with its four to the floor beats and bluesy guitar/harmonica, it just builds and builds, very fresh sounding. ‘City Slides’ stands out - choice, chunky weirdo electronic music. Sunbeam deserves an honourable mention. An unexpected folky treat.”
Brewster Brigham (KISS FM, Australia) - “A delicious and fabulous soul-soothing must-have record for any true musically-minded person. i know it’s early but this is the best release for 2012 so far..!!”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.

John Collins - The Introspective EP (Vision Collective Recordings)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

John Collins - The Introspective EP (Vision Collective Recordings):

From East Cork, Ireland comes John Collins, a house music producer for the last twenty years who has just recently started releasing his original tracks. Releases on Soulshift Records and Freche Fruchte have followed, as well as remixes for other artists and producers. Collins is also the promoter of the Brighter Days party in Ireland showcasing electronic music live performances and DJ sets from a wide range of artists.

After their first three well-received releases, Vision Collective Recordings have welcomed John Collins to the label for its next issue. The Introspective EP features four quality house tracks each with its own vibe. “Roll With You” is a piano driven dance floor track with a powerful female vocal sample, rhythmic bass, and a definite nod to the early 90’s house music sound. “Freestlyin’” is a true deep house track with subtle atmospheric keys and strings, ideal for those late night lounge and after party sessions. “Alone” takes one further into a deep groove with a heavy bass line, clever spoken vocal samples, and a jazzy sax line. The final track on the EP, “Deep Inside (Raw Mix),” is a darker, raw affair with solid grooves and tones.

Roger Sanchez - “Sexy!”
Marques Wyatt (Vanguard / Deep L.A.) - “I’m feelin’ this!”
Robert Owens - “Very cool vibe.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Smooth and tasty sounds. ‘Roll With You’ is cool and ‘Freestylin” is the stand out for me.”
Doc Link (Liberate Recordings - “Nice and smooth!”
Craig Stewart (Universe Media) - “‘Roll With You’ is very HOT! Tasty for the floor, cool old school sounding jam.”
Nick Holder (DNH Records) - “Nice and deep package. I’m feeling the entire EP.”
Al Bradley (3AM Recordings) - “‘Roll With You’ has definite mid-90s David Morales influences, always a nice touch. A solid release, wicked!”
Justin Harris (Music For Freaks) - “Great EP”
Bobi (Global Radio Movement, Club FM) - “Absolutely deep and emotional tracks. I love that cool driven style.”
Alex Dimitri (BBE Records / Yoruba Records) - “Nice EP!”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “Delicious deep house vibes loaded with celestial melodies.”
Joan Ribas (Ibiza Soulstice Radio / Cafe del Mar) - “I love it … Superb quality.”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport

Michael Ruris & Roman Stange - Glow EP (Handmade Recordings)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Michael Ruris & Roman Stange - Glow EP (Handmade Recordings):

Introducing Handmade Recordings, a San Francisco-based label embracing a DIY ethic and its city’s history of mixing and matching electronic music styles. The label had its beginnings within the Subculture parties dating back to the year 2000. These parties were known for booking DJs of differing styles, with house, electro-influenced sounds, and techno all sharing time in the booth. As the label developed, its founders strove to capture this diversity, mix it with an old school aesthetic, and apply it to a digital label. With almost monthly releases issued for over a year, Handmade Recordings is on its way to becoming an established staple of the west coast house music scene.

Handmade is pleased to present “Glow” from bay area producer Michael Ruris. Hooked on San Francisco’s distinctive house music sound in its 90’s heyday, Ruris began recording and performing on his own and as part of production teams dotRock and Ribbon. His sound is refreshingly organic and very much influenced by the classic tracks of west coast house music. “Glow” showcases this angle with a chunky, tech-house flow underneath an appealing vocal hook and some understated, funky guitar hits. It’s a fully written song that feels equally at home in peak time club sets, late night radio shows, or early morning ‘back to mine’ sessions. Also included is the Power Bass Line Mix which does what it says on the tin: the bass is amplified and the groove intensified for a little more electricity as needed.

Handmade also has included a bonus track in this package, the War No More Remix of “Come To Me” by Roman Stange. Stange originally hails from the Detroit area, having been in attendence for many early Richie Hawtin sets at The Shelter and on the dancefloor repeatedly at the famed Music Institute. He’s contributed tracks and remixes to the likes of Auralism, Mothership, Aftersoul, and Blipswitch Digital. Now in San Francisco, Stange is working on a techno project with [KONTROL]’s Craig Kuna and hosts multiple club nights. His contribution here is a throbbing after-hours techno track with various nods to a classic sound in arrangement, style, and a familiar vocal sample at the breakdown.

Johnwaynes - “Good house stuff! Handcrafted really well.”
Onionz - “‘Glow’ original mix is rockin’.”
Scott Harrington (Savoir Faire Musique) - “Nice raw sounds, great for my peak time sets.”
Danny Ward (Dubble D / 2020:Vision) “I like the quirky vibe of ‘Glow’!”
Al Bradley (3AM Recordings) - “Great stuff here. The Power Bassline Mix is a killer, will get loads of play from that. Wicked stuff. Also feeling the ‘War No More’ remix, too. Powerful grooves!”
Louis Hughes (Two Deep / 1999 Recordings) - “Now we are talking … This is proper Tech House! Full support.”
Jota Wagner (Lunatic Jazz) - “Really diggin’ the old school techno feel of ‘Come To Me’ … this will be played.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “‘Glow’ is a cool track … Reminds of the 80’s.”
Tom Hoch (Mile High House) - “Floppy weird house.”
Rob Pearson (Evasive Records) - “Full support on these … Good stuff indeed!”
Bobi (Global Movement on Club FM) - “I love the Power Bassline Mix. I’ll definitely play and chart this one! Great stuff.”
Eric Davenport (Guesthouse) - “I’m digging the groove and built up tension that ‘Come To Me’ delivers.”
DJ Ingo (BOP FM, New Zealand) - “Excellent quality production. I’m diggin’ the funky guitar riffs.”
Jasper Gape (Nerdy Frames blog) - “Damn, this is good!”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport

Steeve Mask feat. Adama - Sweet Romance (Fresh Cream Records)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Steeve Mask feat. Adama - Sweet Romance (Fresh Cream Records):

Presenting Fresh Cream Records, a new European house music label created by the DJ/producer quartet of Marco Rea, Rudy Vicari, Steeve Mask, and Thomas De Lorenzo. The label is readying an ambitious 2012 schedule of deep house, nu-disco, and tech-influenced releases, led by this debut single from DJ veteran Steeve Mask collaborating with the impressive Parisian singer Adama. “Sweet Romance” is a fine, mid-tempo dancefloor groover equally comfortable on club speakers or radio broadcasts. Its eighties-style bass riff, superb vocal hook, and nu-disco synth bounce is certain to grab the attention of even the most jaded dance music fans.

The single also naturally features more underground interpretations, led by a driving remix dub from The Bulletz. Comprised of Thomas de Lorenzo and Steeve Mask, The Bulletz have honed their remix chops with recent reworks for J-Jay, Atjazz, and New Mondo’s big track “I Want Cha” (with Lisa Shaw). Their mix of “Sweet Romance” bears down on the deepness, with a slinky late night rhythm, low frequency stabs, M1 bass, and a delicious mid-point breakdown. On his own, Thomas De Lorenzo, known for his acclaimed recent release on Gooseneck and “No Place Like Home” for Defected, is up next with an evocative ‘ReSoul‘ of “Sweet Romance.” Highlighting Adama’s smooth vocal track, De Lorenzo fashions it around calm piano chords, pulsating mid-tempo beats, and a steady, bold bass line to push the speaker cones. Completing the trio of mixes are Italian DJs Marco Rea & Rudy with a tech-house oriented dub that is tailor-made for a dark, after-hours affair. An ominously throbbing low end corrals the energetic stabs, vocal cut-ups, and percolating percussion into an effective deep and tech-flavored addition to the DJ’s late night arsenal. All of this makes for quite an impressive debut release for the promising Fresh Cream Records. Stay tuned for more.

Marques Wyatt - “Diggin’ this smooth flow.”
Vincent Kwok (Eight-Fifteen / Transport Recordings) - “I love the Bulletz Dub.”
Graeme Park - “Cool vibes, indeed.”
Christos Kedras (Kapa Music) - “Feeling Thomas de Lorenzo’s moody/soulful mix, will support!”
Atnarko (Lazy Days) - “Bulletz Dub is great!”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “The dub by Marco Rea & Rudy is da real thang … truly deep and infectious yet full of luscious melodies.”
Miguel Garji (Ibiza Global Radio) - “Great EP! Full support on my radio shows.”
Eddy Spirit (Spirit Crew / Janga Radio)- “‘Sweet Romance’ is a mesmerizing production featuring outstanding vocals.”
Spiritual Blessings - “Interesting and introspective sound in the Marco Rea & Rudy Dub. The one for us is the Bulletz Dub.”
DJ Walterino (Q:Point Records / Purple Music) - “Elegance.”

Also supported by Inland Knights, Beppe Gioia, Robert Owens, Hippie Torrales, Benji Candelario, Grant Nelson, Doc Link, and Nacho Marco.

Available now from Juno Download

Stranger Danger - Play Deep / Next Knock (Tarantic Recordings)

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:22:00 -0500

Stranger Danger - Play Deep / Next Knock (Tarantic Recordings):

Stranger Danger is no stranger to San Francisco’s underground house music scene. Since 1992 Dominic, a.k.a Stranger Danger has been involved in the underground music scene as a dancer, promoter, DJ, and more recently as a producer. Dominic has been making some noise lately (some very good noise, in fact) which has earned him releases on the likes of Blockhead, Primal Records, Pin Up Recordings, and Bueno Booty. The quality deep and funky sounds coming from this fast-rising talent now also grace Tarantic Records’ catalog, and the label is thrilled to offer the Play Deep/Next Knock EP with remixes by BradElectro and label-head Amit Shoham.

First up is “Play Deep,” a bouncy groove layered with catchy vocal stabs and effects. Dominic recruited Yerba Buena Disco’s Homero Espinosa to mix down the track, and the result is an impeccably-produced funky tune. Next up is “Next Knock,” which keeps the funk going strong with a jazzy horn riff and a light-hearted spoken vocal. Amit Shoham reworks “Next Knock” using his trademark lively percussion grooves to build the energy, and BradElectro gives “Next Knock” a synth-driven makeover using electronic stabs and riffs as the primary elements. Fans of the Tarantic sound are certainly already familiar with Amit and Brad’s work, and are sure to appreciate Stranger Danger’s superb grooves.

DJ Mes (Guesthouse) - “This is dope! My favorite thing from Dom yet. Ill be rocking this for sure.”
Tyree Cooper - “This is a real nice release. I will bang it thoroughly!”
Inland Knights - “I’m liking ‘Play Deep’ and ‘Next Knock’ … good stuff.”
Tommy Largo - “Nice stuff. ‘Play Deep’ and the Amit Shoham remix are my picks.”
Gene Hunt - “‘Next Knock’ is a heater!”
Doc Link - “Very different! Amit Shoham’s mix will catch the floor off guard.”
Al Bradley (3AM Recordings) - “Both originals are sweet. ‘Play Deep’ perhaps the stronger for me, solid deep/tech vibes. On the remix front, Amit’s remix is cool, smart percussion all the way and a lovely rolling vibe. The pick here though is Brad’s squelchy bass-driven groove, wicked stuff!”
Nick Holder - “Bomb release!”
CheckPoint Charlie (MyCuppaT Blog) - “The rumbling bass that courses through all of these tracks Is just awesome. Warm, but punchy, a little techy, jacking and smart throughout. I’m a big fan of all the tracks on this release. Really, really cool!”
Rick Preston - “Another stellar Tarantic release!”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport

Various Artists - Discordian Dreaming 5 Sampler (Harmonious Discord)

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Various Artists - Discordian Dreaming 5 Sampler (Harmonious Discord):

As the frost settles over sleepy landscapes and another successful year rounds to a close, Harmonious Discord present their annual dose of shades to come with a six track sampler featuring artists that will pepper the label’s approaching catalog. As with every Discordian Dreaming Sampler, Harmonious Discord strives to introduce artists and sounds felt to be those that will define the label in 2012. Harmonious Discord is pleased to present the range of emotive experiences chosen for this year’s sampler from avant-techno soundscapes to depth ridden house concoctions to the darkest waves of techno.

Wirik begins the compilation with “2050”, a space-techno deep dive into his trademark world of cinematic textures. Dubby elements give this selection a classic feel with a twist of new technology. Next up is John Walker, returning to Harmonious Discord with “After The Storm,” a chugging heater perfectly set for the dancefloors. This house burner is propelled by bumping bass and syncopated pads. Following in suit, Vital shows off his house music skills after his first appearance on the label, the killer drum and bass rework of PointBeander’s “So Fell the Orbit”. Vital’s contribution here shows he is no one trick pony with a floor destroyer called “Trap Door”. Retaining the deepness but adding a bit of classic techno propulsion with “Creme de’ Nuit,” Ivan Dbri showcases his rush hour remittent club tool with building tension and a beautiful resolve. Discordian Dreaming veteran Elevotion always brings his tom-driven powerhouse jams to the table with a heaping dose of face melting dance music. Rich with automation and character, “Pitchbender” is a contending crate staple for touring jet setters. A turn down darker corners transitions the listener into our next shade with works by DRK and Driip. These newcomers to the label deliver tracks that have an off-center vibe that wisps listeners out of their comfort zones and aim to express the richest abscesses of the human psyche. This is a perfect taste of some of the brightest and more ambitious flavors being showcased in the coming year.

Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “This is a superb release, right from the wicked deep opener ‘Trap Door’ and the brilliantly sultry ‘After The Storm’. Followed by the wondrous ‘Creme de’ Nuit’ through to the mental percussive workout that is ‘Pitchbender’ … Leaving ‘Lure’ to round off the EP in fine style.”
TJ Norris (Resident Advisor / Igloo Magazine) - “Really refined set!”
Greg Eversoul (Elektek / Evasive / Mono Stereo) - “Really tough to pick a favorite … I’m loving this sampler!”
Rob Pearson (Evasive Records) - “A great release full of different flavors and very useful tracks.”
Lee Jarvis (Do It Proper / MyCuppaT Blog) - “Another solid release from Harmonious Discord!”

Available now from Beatport

Jeff Omega - Pumping Chords (Best Mood Recordings)

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:37:00 -0500

Jeff Omega - Pumping Chords (Best Mood Recordings):

Best Mood Recordings is a new Philadephia-based house music label looking to promote new talents in the city’s scene alongside contributions from Philly’s established veterans. This first release features Philadephia up-and-comer Jeff Omega who has had a number of previous singles on the Selekta label. His debut EP was 2009’s Sweepology EP for Funkfield Recordings which contained the cool track “Pumping Chords.” Best Mood has decided to re-release this cut for its first issue, backed by a quartet of remixes courtesy of DJ/producers from Philly’s renowned Tigerhook crew: Phillip Charles,Chris Udoh, Deep C, and Rodrigo Ramirez.

The original “Pumping Chords” was inspired by Jeff’s image of a classically trained violinist transforming and merging into a futuristic bass robot. It’s a jackin’ tech-house cut that’s based on a heavy baseline and vibrant string chords, with layers of sound building to an explosive breakdown. Phillip Charles, with a long history of recordings for labels such as Ovum and Shaboom, supplies the first remix (or ‘Rewerq,’ as he calls it). This version darkens things a bit with more of a techno influence, bringing the ‘bass robot’ aspect to the forefront.Chris Udoh, a veteran of projects such as Wamdue Kids and labels like Fade and Urbantorque, provides his Sideswipe Remix which goes for some big room action complete with pronounced progressive and techno influences. The heavy, reverberating bass should serve to aptly move bodies about the dance floor. Deep C, another Wamdue Kids refugee now part of Tigerhook Corp, gives DJs a solid deep house mix that contains many of the original elements, building with a hypnotic melody that continues to the end. Finally, Tigerhook member Rodrigo Ramirez delivers a more tribal influenced take complete with jungle sounds and noises making for an exotic nightclub track. A melodic symphony section closes the remix gently landing the listener back from the future to the present day. All in all, these five tracks make for an inspiring set from Best Mood Recordings and a promising launch for the new label.

Dave Seaman - “The original is great.”
Chris Fortier (Fade) - “Tigerhook in the hizzy!”
Onionz - “Chris Udoh’s mix all the way!”
Brothers’ Vibe - “Tight mixes all around.”
Demarkus Lewis - “Udoh’s Side Swipe Remix … crazy crazy!”
ed2000 (BLN.FM) - “The strings give this release a very cohesive and distinctive flava. Nice mixes, cool release.”
DJ Tronic (Dancefloor Mayhem blog) - “The Phillip Charles Rewerq is a great slice of pumping tech house. Also really like Chris Udoh’s version.”
DJ Aldrin (Zouk Club, Singapore) - “Rodrigo Ramirez’s tribalish groove up my alley.”
DJ Style (Knob Records) - “Good release. My favorites are the original, Phillip Charles’ and Rodrigo Ramirez’s mixes. Other mixes are good, too.”
Velanche (Urban Landscapes Radio Show) - “The music’s definitely into techno territory, even if the goods are from Philly. Ain’t no bad thing; respectable debut for Best Mood. The original is a nice one, and remixes from Deep C, Rodrigo Ramirez, and, especially, Philip Charles pump that mofo out!”
Dj Nova (Rodon FM, Greece) - “Smoother and deeper, Deep C’s In Space Remix is the one here. Not galactic but totally earth-friendly. Rodrigo Ramirez overturns the original creation perfectly, as well.”
Merlyn Martin (Subdivisions Radio Show) - “The original is super phat!”
Bobi (Global Movement, Macedonia) - “Beautifully produced house music. All the versions are musical and refined.”
DJ Peter K (24/7 Dance Radio) - “WOW. Feeling the Rodrigo Ramirez Tigerhook Lair remix!”
SimonG (Deep South Audio, NZ) - “This does what it says on the packet .. gets the vibe pumping! The original has a large focus on the chords and the remixes flex some very dynamic reinterpretations. Udoh is the mix for my sets .. love that elastic bassline bouncing through the beats of the tune.”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.

Freaky Funk - No One EP (Artefact Records)

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Freaky Funk - No One EP (Artefact Records):

Nikola Jovicevic aka Freaky Funk is an essential part of Montenegro electronic scene, with his name attached to almost every big event in country. His talent and love for music helped make him a proud member of two very important clubbing organizations in region: AfterBeach Parties Montenegro and RetroActive DJ team with his friend DJ Proximus. Freaky Funk is known for DJ’ing quality tech- and funky house all over the Montenegro seaside, as well as winning the Exit Festival DJ Competition which granted him a spot on the Exit Dance Arena Stage, playing one of the biggest festivals in Europe alongside some of its biggest DJs. His first EP for Macedonia’s Artefact label was the Just Visiting EP which was well received in international house music circles. Now Freaky Funk follows that release with a new collection of tracks within the No One EP. These four original tracks showcase Freak Funk’s trademark of deep, funky sounds alongside bouncy basslines and superbly blended vocal bits. High production skills and a strong musical flare are on evidence here, offering top cuts aimed directly for the dancefloor but still suitable for casual, home listening. Touches of disco and classic underground flavors seal the deal, making for an EP that should fit like a glove in most house music DJ’s playlists.`

Marques Wyatt (Vanguard) - “Diggin’ this.”
Jason Hodges - “Nice party tracks!”
Davidson Ospina - “Funky! Great quality house music.”
DJ Nutritious (Brooklyn Shakedown) - “These are four really exciting tracks. Groovy disco funk in a bubbling silky form; tactfully rockin that thin line between elating ladies and helping the gents boogie down. Composition and production-wise, all four songs ride that subtle nuance that have made some classics exactly that.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Funky festive vibes here. ‘No One’ is very smooth indeed.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House blog) - “Yeah! Uplifting and as funky as it gets - four sure-fire floor anthems.”
Al Bradley (3AM Recordings) - “All four cuts are strong here, each one showing a real knack for dancefloor sensibilities. The one for me is the deeper vibe of ‘Like You,’ really wicked deep-tech grooves.”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport

Rob Salmon feat. Labybird - Trippin' (Nylon Trax)

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Rob Salmon feat. Labybird - Trippin' (Nylon Trax):

“As a gentleman it’s proper to mention a lady first.” With that said, we are fortunate enough to hear the voice of an angel right here on earth through the luscious vocal sounds of Ladybird as she collaborates with Rob Salmon, the super talented New Zealand born DJ and producer. “Trippin’” promises take you on a solid, melodic trip, complemented by Jaymz Nylon’s afro-tech drenched remix and JUS-ED’s quality, underground version.

Rob Salmon is perhaps best known for his quality releases on Deep Dish’s label Yoshitoshi, his mixed CD Selections (4th Floor/Northcott), and recent releases on the likes of Fine Art, Chez Music , Kruse & Nurnberg’s Save Room Recordings, and Liberate. A DJ since the late 80’s, Rob’s sets are renowned, pushing the boundaries of contemporary club music.

Ladybird is a French/Australian songwriter/singer with soul, hip-hop and jazz influences. She started out in Paris playing in acid jazz bands and with French rap artists before creating the collective Soldiers of Twilight with producers DJ Rork and Demon Ritchie. Ladybird has been play-listed on global radio stations like Radio FG, BBC Radio One, and Kiss FM and heralded by name DJs such as Danny Rampling, Pete Tong, Kerri Chandler, Larry Heard, Tony Humphries, and Masters at Work.

Quentin Harris (Strictly Rhythm) - “Love this.”
Marques Wyatt (Vanguard) - “I’m diggin’ this.”
King Britt (FiveSix Media) - “Love the old school feel provided by JUS ED, but the Jaymz Nylon remix did it for me.”
Tony Humphries (Tony Records) - “Deep and soulful.”
Dino Michael (The Godfathers House Radio Show) - ‘Trippin’ (Original Mix) is a great soulful house track.”
Master Kev (Underground Collective) - “Loving the original mix … very nice mid-tempo vocals. Dope!”
Graeme Park - “I like this. Good vocal, great vibe.”
Tony D’Onghia (Radio Koper-Capodistria) - “Very good! Sweet original with more sonic brilliance and afro science from Jaymz Nylon.”
Shane Johnson (Fish Go Deep) - “Fine release with a good range of mixes. Original and JUS-ED versions both doing it for me. Will be playing.”

Available now from Traxsource

Kohib - Make Fire: The Remixes (Beatservice Records)

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Kohib - Make Fire: The Remixes (Beatservice Records):

Beatservice is pleased to present Kohib, known to his friends as Øivind Sjøvoll from Sortland in the north of Norway. He has been an important part of the club-scene in the town of Tromsø since 1997, first as a DJ, later as a club organizer. In 1998 he started the legendary club Yaz’n with a few friends. It was Norway’s smallest club, but famous for its sweaty funk nights. Øivind had his musical debut with the band Parliavox in 2001, mixing funk and jazz with electronica/house elements. He started his solo electronica production in 2003, and had his recording debut with the track “Truger” on the Prima Norsk 3 compilation in 2005. Kohib is the name of Øivind’s mostly instrumental electronica / house / dub project which performs live in collaboration with Simen Justdal from TANK design on the visual side. Kohib released his debut album Make Fire in 2010 on Beatservice. After the release of the album, several friends from the Norwegian electronic scene were asked to create reinterpretations of tracks from the album. Some where planned as singles, some where done just for fun, and now they are collected on one big EP.

This sampler highlights four of the nine tracks found within the Make Fire - The Remixes set. First, you’ll find Oslo producer Støyvind with a snappy, poppy take on “Push Me Down.” An electronic disco bass line drives Støyvind’s mix as a punchy house music beat points the way to the floor. The funky synth work recalls an almost 80’s sound which is offset by the modern processing of the catchy vocal phrases. A club-ready winner. Next up, the beardy duo of Frisvold & Lindbæk (that is, Kåre Frisvold and Rune Lindbæk) are well informed in what happens when dub, techno, and Balearic sounds collide, and their wonderfully sprawling remix of “Tales From A Nomad” brings further evidence. This cosmic jam session rides a disco thump into the sunset as echo trails float astray through the stereo field. The result is a percussive, brilliant head-trip for the dance-floor. Producer/DJ Dennis Jr., who we last heard from with the release of his acclaimed Elektro Donkey album, re-builds “The Fang Song” into a smooth syncopated jazzy groove. His signature low-slung bass guitar riffs and genuine feel for remixing vocals set his mix above the norm. Its nu-disco sound is anchored by a pulsating, rhythmic shuffle making Dennis Jr.’s contribution a truly unique sounding cut. Finally, Boska (who recently released an EP on Mental Overdrive’s Love OD label) brings “Push Me Down” to super-charged broken beat territories with his radical remix. The word “Askefast” found in the remix name refers to the ashy conditions that grounded airplanes after the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland, and this version flows with its own lava-launched intensity. The wild treatments on the vocals, the whizzing electronic sounds, and the fiery bass lines will surely turn heads and move feet on the club floor. It’s an energetic close to an exciting sonic package.

Nick Chacona (Mood Music / Hector Works) - “Love it! Frisvold & Lindbaek Remix is the one, but the Dennis Jr. Remix is hot, too.”
Giom (Lost My Dog) - “Wicked stuff! I love the Stoyvind Remix. Will play.”
James Flavour (Dirt Crew) - “Heavy thing, that Frisvold & Lindbaek Remix. Top!”
Severino (Horse Meat Disco) - “Great release. Spacey!”
Ilya Santana - “The Frisvold & Lindbaek Remix is a very nice trip on delays, a rolling bassline, and effects well used.”
Rob Mello (Classic Music Company) - “I’m liking all the mixes here.”
Deepchild (Trapez / Opossum Records) - “Slinky, low-slung excellence! All very very nice.”
Social Disco Club (Bear Funk / Mindless Boogie) - “Great remix from Frisvold and Lindbaek!”
DJ Tomas (ForwardEver Blog / XLR8R) - “Those huge bass riffs and fat drums really give the Kohib project weight and depth. Solid tracks all around.”
DJ Morpheus (Freezone / Radio Campus) - “All the remixes here are top! Excellent stuff, indeed.”
DJ Firefly (WRCT FM, Pittsburgh) - “Love that funky stuff! Favorite track by far is the ‘Tales From A Nomad’ remix - killer bassline, super-catchy drums, and the dubby echoed stuff on top is fantastic. Definitely want more like that one!”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport

B-Team - You Wild Returns (Super Hi-Fi)

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:31:00 -0500

B-Team - You Wild Returns (Super Hi-Fi):

B-Team (featuring Frank from All Good Funk Alliance) revisits the ultra funky “You Wild” with a new version and slick remixes fromTrotter (Timewarp, Royal Soul) and Neighbour (Homebreakin Records). First up is the original “You Wild”, specially remastered with more bump for this release, featuring groovy guitar, P-Funky vocals, and deep emotive keys. For ‘You Wild Part 2’, B-Team plugs in the funky bass and gets tricky with the percussion, flipping the song to be a bit more up-front for the club. Trotter’s remix of “You Wild” takes the sound a bit more towards the nu-disco/house end but with some really interesting percussion and added keys to give it his unique spin. Neighbour’s remix goes for that classic freestyle-electro sound, and he adds a fresh future-boogie shine to the whole thing to make it perfect for the next pop-and-lock session. Finally, “Electric Nostalgia 99” is a sweet slice of break-house as only B-Team can deliver. Propped up drums, electro keys and sweet female vocals will have the whole club fist pumping when mixed into a DJ’s set.”

Ohmega Watts - “Nice remix package. All stayed within a similar vein of the original, with just the right amount of changes to make each standout on their own!”
Ursula 1000 - “These are all killer!”
Gavin Hardkiss (Hawke) - “Really dope package.”
Omegaman - “One of my fave B-Team tracks. Great touch ups by Trotter & Neighbour.”
Quincy Jointz - “Loving the original version for years. Part 2 is a good follow-up-version.”
Kraak & Smaak - “Trotter is always cool to play out!”
Clairvo (Tilos Radio, Hungary) - “This is absolutely a jolly joker of a release! Fresh, yet decent funkiness in the air.”
Sleazy McQueen - “Sounds great as usual!”
Angelos (Timewarp Music) - “Fresh and amazing grove on ‘You WIld’! Reminds me the old good B-Team vinyls I have and still play. Part 2 is also amazing and the remix from Trotter is hot.”

Available now from Beatport

Ryan Sullivan - Blue Label Series #4 (Eighth Dimension Records)

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:42:00 -0500

Ryan Sullivan - Blue Label Series #4 (Eighth Dimension Records):

For the fourth installment of the Blue Label Series, Eighth Dimension sets its sights on the burgeoning house music scene of South Africa and an accomplished Cape Town-based DJ/producer by the name of Ryan Sullivan. With singles on various labels (including his own Gut Feel imprint) dating back to 2005, and the recent release of his debut artist album No One Will Ever Know (on Triplefire Music), Ryan Sullivan is certainly no stranger to the recording studio or DJ’s playlists. He approached Eighth Dimension with a pair of tough, polished house music tracks that exhibited a unique mix of rhythmic ingenuity and melodic know-how, immediately grabbing the label’s interest. The two tracks, leading off this latest Blue Label Series release, are “MDH” and “The Chase.”

”MDH“‘s opening four-on-the-floor kick drum may seem to signal standard house fare, but the cut quickly opens to a more intriguing tone. Warm, scintillating key pads driven by a reservedly funky bass guitar create a floor-pleasing and hypnotic deep house groove. An echoed, percussive synth line lays out an infectious melody countered by a subtle, but enticing guitar riff. It’s quite masterful how Ryan Sullivan pieced this one together, and his clear, reverb-tinged production assures a huge, wide sound over club systems.

This first track is craftily complimented by “The Chase” which is a building drum work-out featuring intricate percussion over a booming kick. Fuzzy staccato pads increase in volume as the track plays and an eerie bell-like melody chimes overhead. At times things get quite explosive and the synths filter upwards in intensity while still maintaining rhythmic bounce. This one really captured Blue Label Series curator Q-Burns Abstract Message’s attention and has been a major highlight of his recent sets.

“The Chase” has been remixed by renowned Brooklyn-based producer Jaymz Nylon (Nylon Trax) who lent his signature afro-tech fingerprint to the sound. In an ambitious turn, Jaymz also supplied a new spoken vocal part (accented by his rhythmic chant of “chase … chase …”) turning the song into a broken beat-ish reflection on chasing “the illusion of a brighter light.” Swirling keyboard pads and sustained bass notes give extra ‘oomph’ to the cut, kept intact in Jaymz’s accompanying, pared-down Dub version. Up-and-coming Orlando producer Stereo 77 (Research Deluxe / Plimsoll Records) is also on hand for his own version of “The Chase,” focusing on the percussion of the track while bringing the tempo slightly down to that of a tropical tribal dance. Synth sounds and ghostly echoes fly through the sonic field, imagining a careful trespass through the rainforest by torch-light.

“MDH” is also revisited with Toronto’s Iron Horse supplying a sweeping, otherworldly remix. Iron Horse is Marc de Breyne, releasing tracks for his own Pawn Shop Records imprint as well as remixes for a host of others. His version of “MDH” is nearly ten minutes of cosmic bliss, bubbling with spacey synths, ramshackle percussion, ascending layers of bass, and faraway hints of melody and vocal. Iron Horse also treats us to a Drum Mix, which, as you might guess, is a variation that focuses on the thick blanket of percussion that permeates his remix. It’s a wild mixing tool for adventurous DJs, closing out Ryan Sullivan’s varied and energetic contribution to Eighth Dimension’s Blue Label Series.

Pezzner - “The original version of ‘The Chase’ and Iron Horse’s Drums Mix of ‘MDH’ are definitely going to get club plays from me. Haven’t heard stuff this good in a while.”
Tony Humphries - “Different shades of solid deep house music! Full support.”
Glenn Underground - “Very dope and I can move a crowd with the beats alone. Pure hotness.”
Brothers’ Vibe - “Love this release!! Outstanding mixes, great package!”
DJ Rocca (Ajello) - “Iron Horse’s Drum Mix of ‘MDH’ is fantastic.”
Daz-I-Kue (Bugz In the Attic) - “I really like the percussive deepness of ‘The Chase (Stereo 77 Ricanstruction Mix)’.”
Makossa & Megablast - “Excellent. Killer original version of ‘The Chase’ as well as the Jaymz Nylon mixes. Will definitely play.”
Hippie Torrales - “Truly interesting grooves and catchy melodies.”
Jota Wagner (Lunatic Jazz) - “Top stuff. Great remixes but original ‘MDH’ is the best of the pack. Super!”
Will SumSuch - “Fantastic, atmospheric, moody originals, showing some proper production chops. Remixes are all great, too.”

Available now from Beatport.

Cover Art By awareinjustice.com

Marc Smith - Untitled 23 (Untitled & After)

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:10:00 -0500

Marc Smith - Untitled 23 (Untitled & After):

Following his acclaimed 2010 release Untitled 16 on Untitled & After, Marc Smith returns to “Hindsight,” his intriguing deep house track with vocalist Kevin Knapp. Now on Untitled 23, “Hindsight” is treated to four remixes that delve deeper into the moody, soulful sound of Smith’s original. In keeping with the U&A plot, the “Hindsight” remixes are cerebral and sensual, heavy dancefloor tracks to make your head spin.

The first remix is from San Francisco-by-way-of-Berlin producer Alland Byallo, delivering on big room bombast and rhythmic grit. Alland has been gaining global attention producing gems for definitive record labels like Poker Flat, Liebe*Detail, Dirt Crew, and Missive solidifying his reputation as a rising techno talent. Reigning in the cushy, atmospheric pads of the original mix, Byallo renders things a bit raw, unfurling the track on the slightly darker side of the dancefloor.

San Francisco’s Jason Kendig is a member of the Honey Soundsystem collective and has released tracks on their home label HNYTRX, Andy Butler’s (Hercules & Love Affair) MR. INTL label, and has produced a remix of Finesse on Portland’s Ecstasy Records. Slow, silky and atmospheric, Kendig’s remix takes a beach-side approach by slowing “Hindsight” down and warming it up in a sunset haze.

Kenneth Scott has managed to create a powerful string of releases with collaborators like Emilio Orlandi as Moniker, with Jason Short as Eutactic, and the aforementioned Alland Byallo alongside his own solo material. Deep, deep and pumping, Kenneth Scott’s remix spins the vocal into an atmospheric texture, awash with mysterious, drifting synths.

Marc Smith is one half of of the group Safeword alongside partner Clint Stewart, They’ve had a very busy year with releases on Dessous, Poker Flat and Paso Music just to name a few. With a slight departure from Safeword’s low slung techno esthetic Marc’s solo music embodies a deeper house vibe. Marc Smith’s own rework pulls disco elements into the mix to create a spacious, surreal version of “Hindsight” like a vivid dream of the original.

Laurent Garnier - “Superb slow motion house numbers. Full club and radio support from me.”
6th Borough Project - “Feeling the Marc Smith remix most. Nice production, real moody vibe to the track.”
Tony D’Onghia (Radio Koper-Capodistria) - “Very intriguing EP. The synth chord progressions are haunting.”
DJ Humus (Sweat Lodge Radio) - “Alland Byallo’s dark driving version really hits the spot!”
Grant Paterson (Edinburgh Evening News) - “Amazing warmth and character … deep-deep house that’s off the scale! Brilliant remix work, too.”
Leigh Morgan (UrbanTorque) - “Kenneth Scott and Marc Smith mixes here are rather good.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “The Kenneth Scott mix takes it to a classic era for me. Great sound … very cool indeed!”

Also supported by Danny Howells, Richie Hawtin, Charles Webster, Lawnchair Generals, Rob Mello, Ajello, Chris Fortier, Omid 16B, Makossa & Megablast, Horse Meat Disco, and Da Funk.

Available now from Beatport and iTunes

Mick Verma - Dreamour EP (Vision Collective Recordings)

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:05:00 -0500

Mick Verma - Dreamour EP (Vision Collective Recordings):

Vision Collective Recordings was started by a group of producers, DJs, and music enthusiasts in southern Ireland with a shared musical vision. The label focuses on spacious deep house, and serves as a platform for both new and established artists (in and outside of Ireland) to release music commercially. The label’s first two releases were extremely well-received and played by many notable DJ-types. Now Vision Collective Recordings welcomes back Mick Verma, the artist behind the label’s debut release, for a new set of deep house tunes.

Mick Verma is a Cork City, Ireland DJ with over a decade of experience behind the decks and in the studio. His previous releases have found their way to the Ukraine’s
Manuscript Records and Italian house label Gotta Keep Faith Records. This latest release, The Dreamour EP, shows what Mick does best which is high-quality warm and sophisticated house music, both in uptempo and more laid-back vibes. “Indian Groove” is a blend of mad and up-for-it synths over a sexy bass line, cool deep and jazzy keys, and a sweet Indian vocal sample. “Dreamour” is a mellow-ish late night soulful lounge track while the EP’s third cut, “Rohan’s Disco,” is a funky house music tune with a solid disco hook. The sole remix in the package come from QuestionmarQ, AKA Marq Walsh who has been at the forefront of the Irish dance scene over the last 20 years. He’s held high profile residencies at Irish hot spots like Sir Henry’s Cork and U2’s club ‘The Kitchen’ in Dublin. Walsh is also co-host of the popular weekly radio show Dance On Red on Ireland’s RED FM. His recording resume includes releases on Soma/Darkroom Dubs, Night Drive, Resopal Schallware, and Toto. QuestionmarQ’s Vision Of House Remix of “Dreamour” confidently takes the track to the dance-floor with an upfront house groove and rousing, club-ready arrangement while still having its feet firmly planted within lush, deep house.

Tyree Cooper - “I like ‘Indian Groove.’ It has a nice late night groove to it”
Diz (Vizual / Classic) - “QuestionMarQ’s remix is pretty nice and cosmic.”
Vincent Kwok (Eight-Fifteen) - “‘Dreamour’ is my favourite track. Deep grooves. ‘Rohan’s Disco’ is a pretty close second.”
Dean Facer (Our House Magazine) - “Tasty deepness!”
Tony D’Onghia (Radio Koper-Capodistria) - “Nice, cosy, and smooth. Perfect for those chill-out moments in the mix.”
Murray Richardson (Rebel Waltz) - “I like the ‘Indian Groove’ track … quite infectious!”
Andy Wilson (Ibiza Sonica FM) - “These are all nice tracks with a warm, lush sound. I think I’ll play ‘Dreamour’ most for Ibiza beach vibes.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “Top-notch deep house oozing with luscious melodies and lascivious rhythms.”
Jamie Topham (CDPool) - “Quality gear once again from Mr Verma… ‘Indian Groove’ is a mid-tempo killer, ‘Rohan’s Disco’ is yet another sweet groove and QuestionMarQ’s remix of ‘Dreamour’ is a must for all discerning house floors.”

Also supported by Laurent Garnier, Giom, Mateo & Matos, Hippie Torrales, Benji Candelario, Tommy Largo, Daz-I-Kue, Merlyn Martin, and Chris Udoh

Available now on Juno Download and Beatport