The Disclosure Project- Take it Down

About:

Claimed to be "obsessive musicians and producers", JP Phillippe and Mr. Jones-- the two guys behind the very successful contemporary deep house outfit, The Disclosure Project-- are back in business with a brand new track under Soul Industries, "Take it Down". An exciting line-up of remixes from sound engineer and producer, Daniel Seler aka. MDR and Canadian serial label owner, Adel Ghandour aka. Big Al, await you in this release!

Sounds Like:

A lazy Saturday afternoon vibe-- built with an extensive use of hazy rhodes, organic bass, tingling hats, and solid drums-- is what "Take it Down" is all about. For frequent listeners of The Disclosure Project, this release may be something different from the usual, arrangement-wise, but that mind-levitating and soulful imprint still remains.

Next up is Big Al's remix. When seeing Big Al's name as a remixer, it is pretty sure that the release itself gets a dance-floor-friendly fix. And true enough, for "Take it Down", this is the one! The Big Al remix of "Take it Down" first drops its bouncy bass and gloomy atmospheric pads as it starts to flawlessly bring together reverberated chords that when accompanied by the bass and the drums will make you start moving!

Third and last is MDR's remix. Known for his irresistible deep groovy bass, glimmering synths, sassy sax, and the good ol' feel good rhodes, MDR is always a standout. His remix on "Take it Down" lives up to the hype. Enough has been said.

Recommendation:

If we're not mistaken, this is the first time three of our favorite deep house artists, TDP, Big Al, and MDR have appeared under one stunning release! The original and the remixes are just amazing, it's a pretty close call for the original and its remixes, hence we recommend getting all of them... now.

READ MORE - The Disclosure Project- Take it Down

Jesus Pablo & Adam Brass- Jet Lag

About:


Early in June, Liverpool's Jesus Pablo, together with Polish DJ and producer Adam Brass stops over iRecords with the four-track release, "Jet Lag"! It's not actually the first time these guys have worked together for a release. Back in March, "Fashion People" by Jesus and Adam has hit the shelves courtesy of Draft and received remixes from Aartekt and Robot Needs Oil. This time around, "Jet Lag" garners remixes from Montreal-based deep house project, House Riders , French producer Kirby, and Swiss soundsmith Patrick Podage. 


Sounds Like:


It's all about lush chords, resonating pianos and the punchy percussion for the original mix of "Jet Lag". Not to mention, this original mix by Jesus Pablo and Adam Brass gives off this mind-levitating feel guided with some vocal hooks and some subtle rhodes. The first remix comes from House Riders with their remix dubbed as, "House Riders Montreal to Paris Remix". Taking on rather a more organic approach to "Jet Lag", the House Riders remix puts together some nice, simple, yet groovy brass leads to top things off.


Kirby's reinterpretation is aimed towards the darker dance-floors. With heavy kick drums in line, cowbells, deep vocals, and a massive chunk of gloomy atmospheric pads, this remix will definitely reach the main rooms in no time!


Last but definitely not the least is Patrick Podage's remix of "Jet Lag". Still pretty much, deep, groovy, while at the same time light on the ear. The best part in this remix is when the smooth rhodes join in and perfectly blend with the snappy, shuffling percussion. 


Recommendation:


For the first few listens, our instant favorites were the original mix and the House Rider's remix, but upon further listening, the Kirby and the Patrick Podage remixes started to grow on us too, and made us realize that these too were something special. 


Having said that, we recommend getting all four tunes from this release! 

READ MORE - Jesus Pablo & Adam Brass- Jet Lag

Mehmet Akar- Butterflies

About:


Adel "Big Al" Ghandour is known for his impressive line-up of record labels, with Ready Mix Records (est. 1999) being the the label that tops the list. This time around, we get to review something from Empty Whisky Flask Records, the record label that features warm, organic, and sophisticated sounds, established by Big Al himself  back in 2010 with his partner Levente Szabo (collectively known as Harlem Knights).


"Butterflies" is the debut release of Turkish soundsmith, Mehmet Akar on Empty Whisky Flask Records. As the release hailing from one of the most respected electronic artists from Turkey, "Butterfly" comes with two marvelous remixes from Harlem Knights and Alberto Kanzyani. 


Sounds Like:


The original mix of "Butterflies" lives up to the standards of EWFR. In the first few seconds alone, "Butterflies" graces off with mellow rhode progressions, then continued with a flawless flow of gliding contour-rich bassline and seemingly mangled vocal hooks-- all of which have been dipped into a lush and soothing sample in the breakdown.


"Butterflies" gets a tech wash-down in the hands of Big Al and Levente, the two guys behind the guise Harlem Knights. Their remix still preserves the gentle grooves of the original and is in fact dubbed with more radiant keys in the breakdown. . . just before it fades into the groovy part of the track.


Things get deeper as we hear Albero Kanzyani's take on "Butterflies". Just two things to expect from this one: first, dense bass that will definitely make you move a muscle, and second, the interplay between the jazzy trumpet and the heavenly vocal add-on that will spice things up. 


Recommendation:


Just another fantastic release reviewed. We're pretty impressed with "Butterflies" and its remixes, actually, and thus we recommend all three tracks. 


Watch out for more from Empty Whisky Flask Records!

READ MORE - Mehmet Akar- Butterflies

Ejeca- Drive EP

About:


Our friends from DeepWit Recordings have once again signed another very talented producer on board-- this time it's Ejeca, a producer from the UK who started producing at the tender age of 11! Ejeca's debut marked as "Drive EP", is a four-tracker that brings to life his not-your-usual deep house style. "Drive EP" features two originals from Ejeca himself, and two fantastic remixes from veteran artists: Alvaro Hylander, the head honcho of DeepWit Recordings, and Big Al, the mastermind behind the highly-acclaimed Ready Mix group of labels.



Sounds Like:


"Danehill" the original mix starts out slow-- a hazy yet lush track perfect for night drives. Later on in the track, stripped-down bass, disco-inspired guitar licks, and nocturnal atmosphere come and join in the fun. In the hands of Big Al, "Danehill" turns into a straight-up groovy tune that works well in warming up the dance-floor. Stabs, stabs, bass, and more stabs can be expected from this one!


"Bumbled", Ejeca's second track in this release caters to a more 90s-inspired sound. With the vinyl noise in the introduction, it's not that hard to predict a nostalgic track like this would turn your modern-day dance-floors into long-lost discotheques. 


The last is Alvaro Hylander's remix of "Bumbled". Like the original, this remix also embodies a classic house feel but with a little hint of that Hylander chord-bass groove connection.



Recommendation:


Tried and tested, the Alvaro Hylander remix of "Bumbled" works well on the dance-floor-- this you definitely have to put in your cart. While you're at it anyway, get both versions of "Danehill", you'll never know when you will be needing fine tracks like these!

READ MORE - Ejeca- Drive EP

Deep Spelle- Wet Road EP

1. Wet Road feat. Gee

2. Wet Road feat. Gee (Helly Larson Remix)

3. The Way You Treat Me feat. John Juster

4. The Way You Treat Me feat. John Juster (HouseRiders Lovin' the Way Mix)

Just three days ago, the highly-anticipated fourth release on Denmark-based deep house label, DeepWit Recordings just saw light! We are, of course, talking about "Wet Road", a four-track release from French Quebec-based producer, Brice Martin-Spelle aka. Deep Spelle. In addition, DeepWit made sure that this package would get a decent set of remixers, and that is where the seasoned Helly Larson and the duo HouseRiders would come in! Take a deep breath because "Wet Road" will definitely take you deeper than you can ever imagine!


The first track we listened to was "Wet Road", and it really set the mood for this release. Take a track by Sebastian Davidson and Vincent Casanova, and inject multiple layers of hazy atmospheric pads-- you would get something like the original mix of "Wet Road". The Helly Larson Remix, on the other hand, lessens the atmosphere and adds more groove to the track. Both the original and remix versions of "Wet Road" are of pure quality, be sure to support both!


"The Way You Treat Me" comes in two variants, the original and the HouseRiders remix. The original also embodies Deep Spelle's lush deep sound, plus the subtle saxophone melodies that had been flawlessly incorporated in the track-- this truly is a deep house masterpiece. HouseRiders, a project by Deep Spelle himself and Jeff Fontaine, also put together a special remixed dubbed as "HouseRiders Lovin' the Way Mix" for the last track of this release. 


Does this last track give "Wet Road" the heightened close this release deserves? Check it out for yourselves, and send us some feedback! 

READ MORE - Deep Spelle- Wet Road EP

Shipstad & Warren- Sex, Lies and Melody

Sex, Lies and Melody-- what an appropriate title for a release made by two very young producers! By "very young" we meant aged 18 and below, but from what we've learned from our interview with them months ago, Luke Shipstad and Dylan Warren don't really consider their ages as obstacles to delivering unadulterated melodies to the people. For the past year, the duo has been busy solidifying their sound as they have bounced from label to label. Now, taking their highly-melodic progressive house music imprint to the next level, Shipstad & Warren releases "Sex, Lies and Melody" on Songbird.


Shipstad & Warren for this release takes on a lighter and more easygoing approach to their productions. "Sex, Lies and Melody", the original, brings together mind-levitating arps, emotive progressions, lush atmosphere, and highly-upbeat structure! Roddy Reynaert, a producer who has appeared on similar labels with S&W delivers something more climactic. With its soaring leads and trance-like approach on the "Sex, Lies and Melody", the Roddy Reynaert remix definitely is one good alternative to the original!

READ MORE - Shipstad & Warren- Sex, Lies and Melody

Interview with SHIPSTAD & WARREN [2010]

U.S. and Canadian born, Luke Shipstad & Dylan Warren; both still teenagers, have made a sudden appearance on the Progressive House music scene. Both after only a few years of producing varied electronic music, ranging from Ambient to Trance, the duo discovered Progressive House. Though still teenagers, Shipstad & Warren are at the beginning of a long career.


Together their sound has been described as emotional, melodically driven, deep, powerful, uplifting and not to mention easy on the ears! Combined their varied styles have gained huge recognition and support from big names including, Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, Judge Jules, Paul Oakenfold, Andy Moor, Solarstone, Rank1, Kenneth Thomas, Marco V, Sied Van Riel, Marcus Schossow, Thrillseekers, Miss Nine, Mango, Answer42, Roddy Reynaert and loads more!


As DJ's, you could say that Shipstad & Warren are ready for the masses. Shipstad & Warren will continue to grab the attention of audiences across the world through the aid of technology and their productions.


Now moving forward with new releases and remixes left and right, the duo is making releases on many different powerful labels including, Black Hole, (Songbird),  Armada, Spinnin’, Proton, and Nellie. Seeing no signs of slowing down, the production and DJ duo are in full force, ready to take over the Progressive House genre. 


[Official Shipstad & Warren Biography]

Luke and Dylan, how are things lately?



Things have been going absolutely spectacular! We’ve recently settled down with quite a few releases on Black Hole Recordings on their Songbird imprint and have been working heavily with the guys from Suspect 44 (Also on Black Hole Recordings and soon to be showing some very impressive credentials ;) )



Can you share to us how you two started producing music?



Well back in 2008 we met through a mutual friend and since then we’ve noticed our sounds melding so well together that we figured we might as well create a duo! We both complemented each others sounds and production methods very well and were always happy with the result.



Our inspirations run wild all the time, all the way from ambient to electro styled tunes. Although our home is Progressive House so you’ll notice lots of influence from the genre’s heavy hitters such as, Deadmau5, Jay Lumen, Andy Duguid, Arty, Answer 42, Schodt and more recently Suspect 44.



Aside from making music, what else do you enjoy doing?



More music making! Haha. Well We’re both gaming nerds and computer nerds...We guess it comes with the job of music production... We both have outside jobs as well aside from music to pull in extra money here and there.



Your latest release on Nellie Recordings, “Last Chance”, is out now. Can you share with us your inspiration behind this release?



To be honest that recording had no particular influence. We’re certainly not going to sit here and type you some sob story or beautiful sunset that thoroughly inspired us to make it...The fact of the matter is that a lot of music is just plain created by musicians for the sake of making music! Now we’re not stating that ALL music is crafted this way...but in this instance...It was!



In your opinion, how has being young contributed to your career?



Well you’re certainly right in thinking there’s an advantage to starting early. You get to play around with genres, find which sound you belong to and you have lots of time to develop your sound and production styles. Another beauty that comes with being young is the ability to switch any of these as any time!



That being said, there are some disadvantages. Club attending age in many countries is 18 and because half of us is under 18, having gigs turned down because of age is common...However, because we’re so young, we can gain support from the masses before we being touring and add an audience that wants us before we go out and play :)




Weighing the upsides and downsides of the internet and technology to the music industry in general, how do you bring your name out there in the advent of the digital era?



Make music as brilliantly as possible without flooding the market with mundane crap that everyone has already heard! Getting our name out on youtube, getting the uploaders to get our songs out there so their tens of thousands of subscribers get to see our music! And also. Promo, promo, promo. The internet is by far the easiest “fame maker” tool of all time. There are people that become phenomenons over night because of the internet!



However this does lead to the topic of illegal downloading on the internet...It’s by far the number one source of promo...but on the same token...if us artists are going to continue to make music, we need to make money from it as well. Hopefully soon there will be a decent balance in this difficult equation...but neither of us really see a resolve anytime soon.



As part of the frontier of the youth in the electronic dance music scene, what message would you like to send out to all young and aspiring producers around the world?



First and foremost, please stop asking for our autographs :P

In all seriousness, just keep trying and working your hardest to sound the way you want to in your head ;) Listen to your track next to more successful artists...if it sounds just as good in terms of production and quality, then maybe you’re on the right track! If not, then maybe back the drawing board?

None of our success happened over night and as noted above...we’ve been working at it for about two years now, so if your first ever track doesn’t sound like the one hit wonder you were hoping for...don’t beat yourself up over it and just continue to work at it!



Where do you see yourselves three to five years from now?



In a pool next to twelve dozen gorgeous women. That’s right. That’s 144 gorgeous women for those of you not keeping track.

Also hopefully touring the globe with Suspect 44 as well as establishing ourselves exclusively on a predominant Progressive House label.



Can you name one restaurant you cannot live without?



Well this question certainly came out of the blue hahahaha.

Shipstad: Benihana...Two words, Hibachi. Shrimp.

Warren: KFC, cause I'm black.



What can we expect from you guys in the near future?



Well we do have a New York gig that we’re working on at the moment...So all you east-coasters can look forward to that!



As far as releases go...As we noted above, we’ve established ourselves on Black Hole (Songbird) for quite a few releases into the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011 as Shipstad & Warren as well as a collaboration with Suspect 44 called “Broken” which is available now at all major online retailers.



I, Miguel Libre, would like to personally thank you for your time and patience in accomplishing this interview! May you have a bright career ahead! Support as always!



Cheers Miguel! Thank you for the opportunity to do this interview and thank you for your constant support. Thank you to the fans as well! And always know, if you want to talk to either of us, find us on facebook (We usually respond!)

READ MORE - Interview with SHIPSTAD & WARREN [2010]

Shipstad & Warren- Last Chance

Luke Shipstad and Dylan Warren were last spotted on Nellie Recordings back in April with their mind-levitating release, “Near Perfect”. Young and talented, the two guys behind S&W have long been an indispensable icon in the melodic progressive house scene. Join them as they round-up another brilliant release for Nellie Recordings— “Last Chance”!

Packed with heavenly piano melodies, echoing vocalesque samples, and the signature feel-good vibe by S&W, “Last Chance” signals the vibrant return of Luke Shipstad and Dylan Warren on the label!

A certified top-notched release from Nellie Recordings, “Last Chance” is out now— be sure to get your hands on this wonderful craft!

READ MORE - Shipstad & Warren- Last Chance

George Horn- Hypnotizing

Texas-based  house and lounge music producer George Horn recently released his debut on Cabrio Records entitled, "Hypnotizing". Moreover, celebrating another top-notched release, Cabrio Records hands-over remix duties to Chris Girard, Kyka, and of course, Ricky Inch!




Hypnotizing (Original Mix)
Cross-over some elements from sunset downtempo tracks with deep night-dwelling basslines and glowing pads, you will more or less get something like the first track on this release, the original mix of Hypnotizing. 


Hypnotizing (Chris Girard Remix)
An edgier and more tech-oriented approach to "Hypnotizing" by Canadian producer Chris Girard lands as the second track of the package-- good alternative indeed.


Hypnotizing (Kyka Remix)
Estonian deep house mainstay Kyka once again appears on a Cabrio release to spice things up! With a superb arsenal of sounds on the line, Kyka kicks-off an upbeat and groovy reinterpretation of "Hypnotizing"!


Hypnotizing (Ricky Inch Kytte Dub)
Ricky Inch is back with two fresh remixes for Cabrio! First of the two is his Kytte Dub, a manifestation of the deeper and darker sounds of  Inch. With this, Ricky Inch definitely lives out the name of this release!


Hypnotizing (Ricky Inch Saxy Dub)
Going out the rabbit hole, the release garners a very jazzy version as heard in Ricky Inch's Saxy dub, the second of this two remixes in the package. The breakdown with its saxophone solo is simply something to die for!

READ MORE - George Horn- Hypnotizing

D.J. Generous- Wonder Why

Play Digital recently released "Wonder Why", a sun-drenched soundtrack from Russia's very own D.J. Generous! Celebrating a bright career as a sound-smith, Dima Jr. Worcestershire, the man behind the guise D.J. Generous, is indeed one of the figures in the scene who-- through his Ibiza-influenced progressive house sound-- had sealed the gap between European and Russian dance music .

For D.J. G's debut on Play Digital, "Wonder Why" spawns remixes and dubs from three prominent names in the industry: Russia's Vladimir "PROFF" Ershov, Canada's Derek "Dezza" Silvester, and Italy's Emiliano "Emijay" Nencioni and Giacomo "G.o.d.i" Godi, the two guys who make music with the guise, Supernova.

Wonder Why (Original Club Vocal / Dub)

When I first found out that D.J. Generous is a Russian producer, I did not think twice in assuming this release as something worth the positive review.

The original versions of Wonder Why really bring out the true feel-good essence of progressive house from its simple yet upbeat basslines to its smooth-sounding arps. Moreover, if you are a fan of the vocal mix, then I am pretty sure you would agree if I say the vocals effortlessly bring things to the brighter side of sound. Having said these, I personally find "Wonder Why" as one of the best vocal progressive house tracks this year.

Wonder Why (Supernova Mix / Use the Chord Mix)

G.o.d.i. and Emijay also takes two for this release, and the result, an energy-packed deep tech rendition! In the "Supernova Use the Chord Mix", Supernova brings in the smooth arp to their craft.

Wonder Why (PROFF Vocal Mix / Dub)

Progressive house heavyweight, PROFF is back to surprise his listeners once again! He kicks his two versions with his trademark sound plus, of course, a remarkable acoustic guitar solo in the breakdown.

Wonder Why (Dezza Vocal Mix / Dub)

Many say these last two tracks are Dezza's best crafts up to date. I have been following Dezza's works in and out of Dezire Records, and I really have to admit his remixes on "Wonder Why" really bring the best out of him! Really lush and mind-levitating sounds from the man can be heard throughout the song, and the soaring super-pads just gave his tracks a heightened close.

If you enjoyed this release, check out the link below. The guys from Play Digital just gave away a free high-quality version of "Wonder Why"!

Back-up Download Link

READ MORE - D.J. Generous- Wonder Why

Nellie Remixed EP 02

The wait is over! The second installment for the Nellie Remixed series is now available for purchase! As always, Nellie Recordings only brings the finest and most authentic progressive house crafts from quality artists around the globe. This time around, we get to hear a fresh batch of remixes of some of the past releases on the label. Stepping-in for this second installment are Shiftone, Cloudivers, Alaa, and Nick Stoynoff!

Opening the release is Shiftone’s remix on Audible’s “Moments”, a track in which the heightened guitar melodies effortlessly make the listening experience magical! It has been a while since the Cloudivers has been spotted on the label, and good enough, they are back with a smashing and rock-solid version of Alaa’s “Rhea”.

Nellie Recordings founder, Alaa, aside from having one of his tracks been remixed for this release, also contributes one for the team. His remix on “The Road to Hana” by Canadian producer, Dezza, is one slick progressive tune! Dave Cortex appears once again in the Remixed Series; however, for this second installment, his track, “Highway” acquired an atmospheric rendition in the hands of Nick Stoynoff, a well-respected producer in the scene.

There we have it— a new batch of freshly-baked tunes from Nellie Recordings. Support REMIXED EP 02 today!

READ MORE - Nellie Remixed EP 02

Kenneth Thomas- Gunnin (Shingo Nakamura Remix)

Japanese progressive house icon, Shingo Nakamura took remix duties for Morphosis Records, and comes up with rather another enthralling remix, this time on Kenneth Thomas' "Gunnin".

Also in the release, we've heard the original mix by Thomas and remixes from Hungarian-based project, East Cafe, as well as Canadian producer, Davin AFK.

The Shingo Nakamura Remix definitely is the cream of the crop in this release. Like what I always say in my reviews on works of Nakamura, his hallmark emotive piano melodies always find its place in the progressive house scene.

READ MORE - Kenneth Thomas- Gunnin (Shingo Nakamura Remix)

Jozhy K & Angel - Daylight EP

Dezire Records celebrates its third release with a lovable and emotional vocal track from Ukranian artists, Jozhy K & Angel. Jozhy K is responsible for Dezire's debut release, "Love Story", but he is back for more!

Together with the original and instrumental mixes, remixes from Andre Frauenstein, The Wokadoa, and Dezza are also included. Sit back, and enjoy Dezire Records' newest release, "Daylight", to be released May 14, 2010!

Daylight (Original Mix)

Delivering melodies somewhat similar to the likes of Mango and Thomas Schwartz, while topped off with delightful emotive piano keys akin to Shingo Nakamura's, Daylight (Original Mix) certainly carries the hallmark Dezire Records euphoria! Oh, and the vocals-- just perfect!

Daylight (Instrumental Mix)

If you just would like to enjoy the melodies minus the vocals of the track, then this is for you!

Daylight (Andre Frauenstein Remix)

Young producer based in Johannesburg, South Africa, AF, delivers an alternative remix to Daylight with a more solid structure and a more upbeat delivery.

Daylight (The Wokadoa Remix)

Latvian good buddies, Viktor Fox and Kaspar Kochker make up The Wokadoa, and they turn Daylight into an electrifying piece with thick and grinding basslines! Definitely something different for Dezire Records, Daylight (The Wokadoa Remix) really gives that cutting-edge effect on the label.

Daylight (Dezza Remix)

A release on Dezire Records is not complete without a remix from the boss himself! Derek Silvester, or Dezza, makes a more uplifting version of the track, and like the original, the Dezza Remix really captures the essence of the label.

Third release on the label made possible by Jozhy K & Angel! As more tracks get released, the more melodic they become! Catch this release May 14, 2010 via Dezire Records!

READ MORE - Jozhy K & Angel - Daylight EP

Marcus Almen - Flip Switch EP

Timo Juuti and Sami Saari, the guys behind Wicked Recordings, have given a new definition of “wicked” in the electronic dance music scene with their collection of catchy, dark, and tech-drenched house records!

Joining in for Wicked’s 10^th release, Swedish producer, Marcus Almen shows off his new killer track, “Flip Switch” alongside remixes from two veterans of the genre, Dezza (Derek Silvester) and of course, Timo Juuti.

Flip Switch (Original Mix)

As featured on the Wicked Recordings podcast 026, Flip Switch (Original Mix) provides a subtle tech-drenched build-up that leads to a highly-intoxicating main riff. Aside from that, its simple structure gives ample space for additional components to be added when remixed— simply wicked!

Flip Switch (Dezza Remix)

We know Derek Silvester as half of the duo managing Dezire Records, but this time, he takes remix duties for Wicked! We get to hear more emphasis on the main riff from the original while being joined by Dezza’s creamy synths. The Dezza remix is definitely for fans that enjoy melodic prog house music with that pinch of nasty tech house vibe!

Flip Switch (Timo Juuti Remix)

Wicked Recordings head honcho, Timo Juuti shows how the guys on the label do it with their eyes closed. Timo took Flip Switch to the deeper territory of the Wicked lair as he unleashes an adrenaline-pumping masterpiece clad in hypnotizing samples— truly portrays what the label is all about!

There you have it, Wicked Recordings’ 10^th release— a package of electronic viciousness— and more to come. . .

Wicked Recordings • Marcus Almen • Dezza • Timo Juuti

READ MORE - Marcus Almen - Flip Switch EP