Blood Groove & Kikis- I Feel You EP

About: 


Blood Groove & Kikis (Edmunds Kasperovics & Kristaps Kārklins) is one of the finest upcoming  Latvian deep house tandems we've come across with! Just so you know, Edmunds and Kristaps have been working side-by-side since 2006 first in a project called "Live Beat", and since then they have always been spinning at gigs as a duo. 


As producers, however, their fair share of success also is remarkable. To give you a taste of what Blood Groove & Kikis is all about, we decided to share to you a review on their release on In Deep Records-- the spectacular three-tracker, "I Feel You EP"!


Sounds Like:


As mentioned, fresh, groovy, and deep are things you ought to expect when listening to a BG&K production. 


Track one, "Give It To Me" caters a timely vocal stab that sets the pace while the bass completes the groove. The track also brings to life silk-smooth atmosphere and lovely vocal hooks. "I Feel You" and "Reset" are also a feasts to the ears-- lead by an irresistible Rhodes slicks and of course, the same interplay of vocal snippets and bass perfected by the duo themselves! 


Recommendation:


Recommendation? Buy ALL the tracks in this release!


--

READ MORE - Blood Groove & Kikis- I Feel You EP

ALINEP- Disco Pudge EP

About:


Ali Nepomuceno (Alinep) may be one of Manila's newest producers, but his name isn't really a stranger anymore most especially in the underground scene. Aside from being one of the driving forces behind Manila Underground, the counterpart of the Underground Renaissance of Detroit here in Manila, Alinep is also recognized as one of the resident DJs of TIME in Manila, the one and only underground club in the country.. 


Disco Pudge EP-- a three-track deep house release under Funkfield Recordings-- marks Ali's debut as a producer. 


Sounds Like: 


A collection of smooth and head-nodding deep house chords patched up with a few snippets of echoing vocals. Of course, don't forget the set of punchy snares and pounding kick drums!


Recommendation:


We recommend listening to "Disco Pudge", it definitely sums up what Ali's sound is all about! But "Snuffy Waffy" and "Unit 21" are also worth the listen-- so head over to Beatport and support this release!

READ MORE - ALINEP- Disco Pudge EP

David Herrero Remixed

About: 


Four brand new remixes of world-renowned Spanish DJ and producer, David Herrero have finally been released special thanks to ALMA Soul Music! Enjoy David Herrero's "Gimme Somebody" as it gets its remixed, not once, but thrice! We've got Siwell, Vozmediano, and Scan Mode on the remixes of the said track while co-label owner, Javier Varez pulls off a stunning remix on David Herrero & Sergio Parrado's "Delnorte".


Sounds Like:


First up is Siwell's "Gimme Somebody"-- expect a pumping tech house reinterpretation from Italian techno authority, Luigi "Siwell" Poggiani! Vozmediano's on the other hand is a vintage-sounding piece topped up with synth bass and a wonderful melodic pianos. The third and last remix for "Gimme Somebody" falls onto the hands of Alberto Sanchez, also a Spanish producer more known as Scan Mode, and the result is this heavy industrial-oriented deep and tech tune!


Something dark, groovy, and vocoder-lead, the Javier Varez remix of "Delnorte" is a rare concoction that showcases the darker side of Javier's sound.


Recommendation:


"David Herrero Remixed" greets us with a range of diversified mixture of electronic dance genres. This release also is something different, as mentioned earlier-- quite a drift from the usual ALMA Soul Music style, but they were still able to pull it off! For our favorite tracks, they are Siwell's remix on "Gimme Somebody" and Javier's remix of "Delnorte".

READ MORE - David Herrero Remixed

Silverfilter- Manila Sound

About: 


"Manila Sound" is the latest from Manila's very own Cyril Sorongon aka. Silverfilter! Released under the Florida-based electro and breaks label, Kick It Recordings, "Manila Sound" brings to life brand new electrifying sound from Silverfilter in breaks format. For Silverfilter, "Manila Sound" takes him back to the classic sounds of breaks similar to that of Adam Freeland's. It all started with that sweet portamento lead synth, according to Silverfilter himself, and the rest is history. 


Rounding it up are stunning remixes from Kick It artists: Kwerk, Botbass, and Original Primate.


Sounds Like: 


For the original mix, get ready to for an electrifying head-bobbing track from Silverfilter: expect in-your-face bass, mad-solid kick drums, and dirty synths! Kwerk lands a remix for grinding and pounding, still in breakbeat form, while Botbass concocts a dirty, trashy electro house remix of "Manila Sound". Original Primate,lastly, will strip your inhibitions off with his dark and tribal reinterpretation of Silverfilter's original work-- Let the music play!


Recommendation: 


We don't often review electro and breaks here on Soundscapes, but this was actually a good excuse to do one. We recommend all the tracks in this release: from the Original mix by Silverfilter to the Kwerk, Botbass, and Original Primate remixes!

READ MORE - Silverfilter- Manila Sound

Da Funk- Need For Faith

About:


Swiss producer and Acryl Music head honcho Da Funk, takes over for the label's golden release, "Need For Faith"! Acryl Music has been industry since 2004, but it is only now that the label releases its 50th release-- a clear sign that it's always quality over quantity for Da Funk and the guys behind the label. Together with the original, expect authentic deep house remixes from Si Brad (Simon Bradshaw), Pete Moss, Elmar Schubert, and Q-Burns Abstract Message.


Sounds Like:


"Need For Faith" caters the unifying sound of Acryl and the trademark fat analog bass driven sound of Da Funk. Aside from which, you can expect a smooth-flowing line-up of hazy, spherical, and echoing synths. 


Si Brad's remix spells vintage all over-- edgy discoid bass, deep atmosphere, and hypnotizing synths. Pennsylvania's Pete Moss drops a lush yet stubby remix of "Need For Faith", while German producer, Elmar Schubert turns over a chic and irresistible reinterpretation. For the last remix, "Need For Faith" falls onto the hands of Q-Burns Abstract Message as it turns into one intricate piece-- head-nodding stabs, tunnel-echoing atmospheric pads, analog bass all perfectly patched up together!


Recommendation:


We would not be wasting our time in writing a proper review of a release not worth recommending, would we? But we also couldn't help announcing our favorite picks in the release either! 


So here it goes: the original mix is fantastic-- it perfectly sums up what Acryl Music is all about. Much respect to Da Funk! For our favorite remix, it's got to be Elmar Schubert's: so seemingly simple (but we producers know it's not) yet its addicting groove is out of this world! 

READ MORE - Da Funk- Need For Faith

Interview with JAVIER VAREZ [2011]

"I just prefer to smile because I know that I never will be rich in making music." 
                                                  -Javier Varez


Javier Varez isn't playing the game for money nor for fame, but he's in it for passion. Currently based in San Fernando de Henares, Madrid, Spanish producer, DJ, and label owner Javier Varez is one of the driving forces behind the A-list house music label, ALMA Soul Music. Javier manages ALMA with  D Low, Memphis and Alex Sosa and their unending dedication towards quality music can be heard in the releases they bring out. In fact, ALMA not only caters to Javier's , D Low's, Memphis' and Alex's own releases but it is also responsible for releasing material from Alvaro Hylander, Evren Ulusoy, and Satoshi Fumi, just a few of the many seasoned artists in the industry. 


Read through our exclusive interview with Javier Varez himself, and know more about his music, his label, and his insights when it comes to music. Maybe soon, we can have him over again to talk about his grandfather's grape harvest in Spain!


ALMA Soul Music Official Webpage
ALMA Soul Music on Facebook

Copyright © 2011 Miguel Libre

Greetings Javier! Thank you for making this interview possible. Without further delay, let us begin the interview. Firstly, how are things lately as a producer, a DJ, and a label owner?

Hello Miguel, is a pleasure to sharing some words with you and readers of Soundscapes. Things are cool about my work, we are really glad with the running of our label Alma Soul Music, so many great releases and several projects in clubs are coming.

Before we go to the details of your label, Alma Soul Music, let's first talk about your solo career. What inspired you to become a DJ and a producer?

Certainly I must to thank to my brother Fernando, he was my example and inspiration in the world of electronic music from I just was a little children! Years after was inebitable to focus my attention out of the commercial music, for this reason at day of today is possible to listen different influences like Jazz or IDM sounds into my own Deep House productions.

We're pretty sure that the things that revolve around you have had certain impacts on your musical career. In your case, how has Madrid been able to influence your career?

It´s not easy to answer this because I´m thankful to many people in Madrid.Certainly it´s a city where you can enjoy several types of art every day, inside and outside the music, without a doubt all people could be well influenced here... But I recognize that this is a country with a giant porcentaje of persons who prefer to spend his time and money in seeing to famous TV celebrities "playing" Mainstream music at big clubs. Definetely I think that this is not the land of opportunities... but sincerely I don´t see my life far of this sunny place.

Now, we talk about your label, Alma Soul Music. Can you tell us something about your label?

As I said, me and my partners D Low, Memphis and Alex Sosa are 100% satisfied with Alma Soul Music´s way, soon we will launch great material from important artists such as David Herrero, Ilya Santana, Siwell, Show B, Jack Pattern, Meterius Johnson and many more. In other things I must to remember that our own radioshow "Alma Dreams" is broadcasted weekly by 3 radio stations in Europe, it´s all about midtempo and downtempo music, out of our usual Deep House tunes.

Alma Soul Music: Javier's Record Label

What is or are the driving force/s behind Alma Soul Music, and what makes it unique?

Another time I gonna be sincere with you. I think that we launch just the music we like with the wish that be nice for our listeners, but I recognize that at day of today is very hard to highlight between bigger labels... Maybe one thing what distinguishes us is our visual image, we always use original designs from artists as record cover.

As a label owner and manager, what obstacles have you faced in the past, and how were you able to surpass these problems?

Uff... daily I ask to myself why I was not the creator of Facebook or maybe a muscled porn star who gains millions of dollars per month? LOL. But the reality is other, it´s simple, if people can get music for free, why them gonna spend money in it? The problem with piracy always will exists in our life, I don´t see a solution for this... I just prefer to smile because I know that never I will be rich in making music ;)

Let's go back to you being a producer. How does your studio set up look like?

I share a studio with my partners of Alma Soul Music, this room is called Atmosphera Studio where I usually kick our Akai MPC and touch some notes with my nose in differents analog synths. Also I record sweet melodies made with my own voice with Logic and our Rode condeser microphone (these sweet melodies always are erased instantly because my voice sucks)

The Atmosphera Studio

If there's one producer in the world you would like to collaborate with, who would it be?

My favourite artist from years ago is Matthew Herbert, would be amazing to see him working for our label!! But the true is that i never will try to make music with him, because is 100% sure that I would damage the results! He is the most original artist in electronic music in my opinion.

Any news for your followers? What's new from Javier Varez and from the guys on Alma Soul Music?

At the moment personally I only can speak about a new moniker for a different style of my productions, future releases with a couple of important labels. And about our label, I will try my partners works more, this form I will can sleep more hours!

This concludes our interview! The guys behind Soundscapes by Motionmigs would like to thank you for your time and effort in making this interview possible! We wish you all the best. Cheers and keep in touch!

I´m really thankful for this nice and funny interview, maybe another time i could speak about grape harvest in my grandfather´s town or something similar hehe!Thanks a lot from me and all Alma Soul Music components!

Here's a free download mix exclusively made by Javier just for our readers here on Soundscapes! Check it out, and have a good day! :)


Javier Varez´s Mixtape for Motionmigs.com by Javier Varez

READ MORE - Interview with JAVIER VAREZ [2011]

Deephope- Antonyms EP

"Antonyms EP” is the perfect concoction of everything deep, chill, and groovy, and the man responsible for this latest release on Sophisticate Recordings is Deephope, a DJ and producer hailing from Spain. Deephope’s musical style varies from experimental to house and to techno, but in this release, we get to hear Deephope’s laid-back loung sound in three tracks.


First is “Deep Sun”, a downtempo track wrapped in silky smooth atmosphere and sunlit melodies. Something steady for the second track, as “ON” puts together deep sounds and a minimal feel for a change. “UP”, track three, also is a wonder of its own with its groovy bass and cool pads.


A little of everything makes the difference.

READ MORE - Deephope- Antonyms EP

Kyau & Albert- 15 Years [Review by Marco Lozano]

About: 

Ralph Kyau and Steven Albert, known collectively as Kyau & Albert, are German producers who started their collaboration in the mid-90's. Since their first collaboration in "Let Me In" back in 1996, this act has exploded and come up with a string of hit after shimmering hit. They have also, time and again, concocted delicious remixes for tracks from trance' biggest artists, including Cressida, Above & Beyond and Lange.

Marking their 15th year together, Kyau & Albert have come up with a series of releases which were aptly and simply titled 15 Years. Each release contain snippets of Kyau & Albert's previous tracks (two tracks per release) remixed by the likes of Blake Jarrell, Marc Marberg, Super8 & Tab and Dennis Sheperd. The first of the these was launched on April 11 with Mat Zo spinning a mix for "I'll Be There For You"; currently it's on their fifth edition. 

Sounds Like:

If this were the final release in this series, Kyau & Albert definitely did it in style. Two of trance' hottest acts in Tritonal and Arty rendered remixing duties in this massive release.

Arty's take on Are you Fine saw a downtempo from the original mix' 138 BPM to 130. The original is something you can picture being dropped in the middle of a relatively upbeat set whereas the remix is more apt to open an act. 

Tritonal's signature sound is written all over their mix of Once In A Life, adding a dash of electricity to the previous club mix. 

Recommendation:

Personally, I'm a huge fan of this series, most notable of which was the remix of Super8 & Tab of "Velvet Morning" in the third release. But one can't deny that this latest release is a class act. So is a Part Six remotely possible at this time of year? Most of us Kyau & Albert fans would not complain at all! For the meantime, this latest release was launched on November 11 and very much available for download from your favorite music portals.

READ MORE - Kyau & Albert- 15 Years [Review by Marco Lozano]

Tarmo & Sir Nenis- Big Toons

About: Finnish producer Tarmo Mäkipaja teams up with Sir Nenis for one literally banging floor-filling release, "Big Toons"! We have been following Tarmo for more than a year now, and his sound just gets better. In the past, we were able to hear his progressive-melodic productions like "Sun and Sea", "I Sing for You", and his remixes on "La Biankini" as well as "Hold On". Not to mention, we were also able to interview Tarmo himself back in 2010! This time around, he is back together with Sir Nenis with a brand new bombarding sound!


Sounds Like: There are three tracks in this release: "Big Club Toon", "Big Reggae Toon", and "Big Room Toon"-- in which all three have been tailor-fitted to different venues, depending on where a DJ would like to have these tracks dropped. Just remember, these are all massive, crunching, and bass-heavy tunes. That's it. That's all you need to know!


Recommendations: Really enjoyed the "Big Club Toon" and "Big Room Toon", but of course if you're into reggae dubs, you got to check out the "Big Reggae Toon". This is just huge, we'll be dropping either the "Big Club Toon" or "Big Room Toon" next week!

READ MORE - Tarmo & Sir Nenis- Big Toons

Domestic Technology- Sun Valley / Studio 77

For the very first time on Macarize, we get to hear sun-drenched nu-disco tracks from Russia’s Igor Butckhrikidze aka. Domestic Technology! Igor has appeared on Macaize for quite a number of times now and has showcased to us his ever-changing sound-- from progressive to downtempo. “Sun Valley / Studio 77”, however, marks a brand new chapter in Domestic Technology’s career on Macarize as we get to hear his own interpretation of nu-disco!

“Sun Valley” and “Studio 77” both cater funky metallic bass that essentially dictate the groove. Aside from which, cool and smooth pads swing side-by-side as the synths take over with melodies of bliss. “Sun Valley” and “Studio 77” are two wonderful tracks to enjoy during sunny winter days.

“Sun Valley / Studio 77”, the latest release from Igor as Domestic Technology proves that no matter which genre you put him in-- whether it may be downtempo, progressive house, or even nu-disco-- he can pull it off!

READ MORE - Domestic Technology- Sun Valley / Studio 77

Silverfilter- The Jap

Deeper Manila is proud to bring out another stunning tech house release by a veteran in the local industry! Cyril Sorongon, better known as Silverfilter, is one of Manila’s finest and well-seasoned electronic music artists, and simply having him on-board once again proves that the label’s vision to push further the scene is still strong.

“The Jap” brings to the surface sounds from underground from Manila to Pordenon as remixes from MicFreak, X-Cite & Gift, Justin de Guzman, and the Italian deep-tech duo, Aerodynamic Xpress see light.

As massive as it may sound, the original mix of “The Jap” is a product of heavy bass, echoing synths, and pumped-up kicks. Filipino-export, MicFreak and the Italian tandem, Aerodynamic Xpress turn the tables with their respective smooth-flowing deep reinterpretations of “The Jap”.

In contrast to the former remixes, X-Cite & Gift assemble a rough-rolling craft as their remix. Last but definitely not the least is the spectacular rendition by Deeper Manila head-honcho, Justin de Guzman, dubbed as the “Finish Me” remix-- expect something different from this one!

“The Jap” together with its remixes is out now on Deeper Manila!

READ MORE - Silverfilter- The Jap

Sachrias & Aslak - Strömsö [Part 1]

About: 


Sachrias & Aslak are two Finnish producers who joined forces back in 2007. For more than a decade now, the two have gone a long way in their solo careers: both have frequented the underground scene of Helsinki through countless appearances and promotions. 


This time around, the duo has once again released a huge winter deep house release entitled, "Strömsö under the Texas-based house music label, Cromarti. Emphasis on the word, "huge". To aid them in this release,  veteran artists from around the world take part with their respective remixes: Dana Bergquist & Peder G [Sweden], Latenta Project [Macedonia], Ricky Inch [Estonia], Elastic Sound [Russia], and Manwoman. 


Sounds Like: 


Chilled deep house sound for the winter with a dash of dazzling melodies that will set your mind afloat. For Dana Bergquist & Peder G remix, expect an 80's new wave inspired sound that perfectly blends in with that of the original.  Latenta Project and Elastic Sound did what they do best  in their respective renditions-- to come up with tight groovy deep house masterpieces. 


Ricky Inch, on the other hand, extends his NuSoul sound to "Strömsö"  by landing a soulful, funky, saxy, and fresh cut! Last is Manwoman with a downtempo take on "Strömsö", and this is something that brings to life winter-inspired atmospheric pads, loungy pianos, and jazzy keys. 


Recommendations: 


Huge release this is, and all tracks stood out in their own ways. For Strömsö  Part 1, we recommend listening all the tracks. Yup, all of them. Also, if you've enjoyed this release, there's a second installment of it, and it's already out on your favorite download portals!

READ MORE - Sachrias & Aslak - Strömsö [Part 1]

Jason Shark- We Are Friends

You have been warned - the day when Jason Shark attacks airwaves and global dance circuits has arrived! With his brand-new release on Green Mono Music Studio, "We Are Friends", Jason Shark unleashes a vicious four-by-four anthem that will definitely set dance-floors ablaze. To top things off, Kiva, a familiar face on the label, also puts together a straight-up big-room remix just for this release!

The original mix of "We Are Friends" is something you just cannot take in lightly. Massive kicks, bone-breaking bass, and not to mention, crisp synth plucks - all perfectly combined to bring out one ground-shaking break down!

If the original isn't enough for you, wait for the second and last track - the Kiva Remix. This Kiva remix of "We Are Friends" embodies elements from techno and progressive house and that is why you should expect some thundering riffs and heavy bass to rain down in full-force!

That day has finally arrived. Jason Shark, with the support of Kiva and Green Mono Music Studio, has once again showed the world what he is capable of with his release, "We Are Friends" - out now on Green Mono Music Studio!

FREE DOWNLOAD COURTESY OF GREEN MONO MUSIC STUDIO!
Jason Shark - We Are Friends (Kiva Remix) [OUT RIGHT NOW!] by GRΞEN MOИO MUSIC STUΔIO

READ MORE - Jason Shark- We Are Friends

DeepWit Recordings Autumn Sampler

Tracklist: 

1. Andre Detoxx- Over The Hill (Original Mix) 
2. David Oniani- One Piano (Original Mix)
3. Deep Spelle- Everybody's Smiling (Original Mix)
4. Distortion- End Of The Line (Original Mix) 
5. Seraphine- Just A Dream (Original Mix)

About: Deepwit Recordings, the Denmark-based deep house label founded by Alvaro Hylander and Sierra Chandler, have been through quite a lot in their almost-one-year of existence. Since the day the label saw light earlier this year, DeepWit has been releasing special seasonal releases to complement their listeners' mood, on top of the regular single releases they make. Now to celebrate the serenity of autumn season, DeepWit is back with their Autumn Sampler that features brand new productions from Andre Detoxx, David Oniani, Deep Spelle, Distortion, and Serpahine.

Sounds like: Autumn. For the first two tracks of the release, you can expect gentle rhodes, saxophones, chimes, and some delicate vocal snippets. For the last three, however, things get deeper as you get to hear flickering rhode slicks, bold basslines, and groovy monotonous vocal snippets. 

Recommendations: "Over the Hill" and "One Piano" really captured the essence of this release, these two tracks you definitely have to listen to. On the other hand, "End of the Line" is our favorite among the deeper tracks in this release-- the sparring combinations of deep bass, rhode slicks, and the panning vocals really did the job!

READ MORE - DeepWit Recordings Autumn Sampler

Terry Grant- Music for Discares

Tracklist: 

1. Drunken Master Style
2. Music for Discares
3. Music for Discares (Satoshi Fumi Cyclo Kiss Mix)
4. Music for Discares Music For Discares (Jarno´s Slowdancer Dub)

About: Known for his gloomy and intoxicating deep and tech house grooves, American DJ and producer, Terry Grant sums up a proper follow-up to "A Moth on the Window Pane" as heard in his latest release on Night Drive Music [Germany] -- "Music For Discares".

Sounds like: A straight-up deep release where metallic funky bass meets tech and where Terry Grant's trademark deep vocal samples top things off. For the remixes, Satoshi Fumi rounds up yet another chill and groovy atmospheric track, while Jarno lands a Detroit-techno-influenced  hazy-rhode-led remix for this release.

Recommendations: The original remixes are good on their own, but the two remixes really pulled the whole release together.  If there's one track we would like to pick as our favorite, it's got to be the Satoshi Fumi Cyclo Kiss Mix.

READ MORE - Terry Grant- Music for Discares