Dale Howard- Signals EP

About:

Something Different Records by Jesus Pablo and Di Riviera, once again gets a taste of Dale Howard's sound, this time with the four-track EP entitled, Signals. Featuring remixes from Evan Iff and Matt Masters, Signals instantly turns into a go-to release for deep and tech house DJs!

Sounds Like:

Signals the original mix offers lush chords. It's not just those lush chords we're talking about, rather, the nicely-timed rhythm that will make you start tapping or nodding unconsciously! Classic drums with a twist of syncopated snares really complemented the chords in this one, not to mention the deep bass and the vocal hooks.

The Evan Iff Remix follows a similar direction to that of the original. This remix however utilizes more vocal snippets to fuel its groove and an analogue bass, completing the 90's house package! 

Something deeper, darker, and sexier is expected from this third track, the original mix of Sub Text. While its remix by British DJ and producer, Matt Masters offers a tribalesque reinterpretation that provides a stunning close to this release!

Recommendation:

Signals EP brought  back some good old nostalgic vibes while at the same time showcased the essence of quality contemporary deep house production. 

All tracks are worthy on the dance-floor, but our favorites from this release have to be the original mix of Signals and the Matt Masters remix of Sub Text!

READ MORE - Dale Howard- Signals EP

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

Sumsuch- Chop Shop

About:


DeepWit Recordings welcomes a newcomer on the label, Will Sumsuch, a DJ and a producer from Brighton whose deep house sound has long been yearned for on the label. As his debut release, "Chop Shop" exhibits Sumsuch's homegrown sound while at the same time, showcases the timeless sounds of two highly-acclaimed deep house artists, The Disclosure Project, and Deep Spelle!


Sounds Like:


Sumsuch's sound has this industrial touch to it-- a sound characterized by seemingly raw and punchy percussion: rimshots, crash, hats, stubby bass, and whatnot. On the other hand, the sound of Sumsuch as heard in "Chop Shop" also has its delicate side as portrayed by its haunting, reverberated vocals, silk-smooth synths, and glimmering arps. 


A track by The Disclosure Project is always an a highly-anticipated track. More than good enough, TDP remix of "Chop Shop" surprises us with its blissful reinterpretation of the industrial and analogue feel of the original. This remix caters gliding bass, head-nodding stabs, euphoric strings, and the trademark rhode breakdown by The Disclosure Project! 


Deep Spelle's "Back To The 80's Remix" gives it all away in its title. Borrowing some vintage drums, some filtered male vocals, and some disco house female vocal fillers, Deep Spelle crafts a smooth, mind-levitating, yet nostalgic piece for the release.




Recommendation:


It's not secret that The Disclosure Project is our favorite (as always-- haha!). But even if so, we still love the original and the Deep Spelle remixes, which is why we strongly recommend getting the entire package!


Until the next DeepWit release!

READ MORE - Sumsuch- Chop Shop

Addex- Rumble in the Bronx

About:


It’s a full-force deep house line up for this Pesto Music release, “Rumble in the Bronx” by Romanian producer Addex! For the remixes, expect superb material from Greek producer Ilias Katelanos, Spanish deep-house-legend-in-the-making Alvaro Hylander, and one of the leading female artists in the deep and tech house scene, Nadja Lind.


Sounds Like:


The original mix of “Rumble in the Bronx” in terms of its composition is rather straightforward, yet its simplicity allows great emphasis on its irresistible groove brought about by its punchy hats and bouncy bass. Adding more dance-value to this wonderful deep house tune are the vocal snippets and timely placed chords. You may also find the flutes and guitar plucks on top as fascinating as they add an organic feel to the track.


Now on to the remixes, the first in line is the remix by Greek producer Ilias Katelanos. Guaranteed, when listening to an Ilias Katelanos production, it will take you on a bay-side trip by the tranquil mangroves or simply put, a nice warm tropical cruise! Ilias Katelanos perfectly blends his trademark sound with that of Addex’s and comes up with this smooth, warm deep house track.


Next up is the remix from DeepWit Recordings label co-owner, Alvaro Hylander. Alvaro lands heavy four-on-the-floor kicks together with his arsenal of lush, glowing, and reverberated sounds— turning “Rumble in the Bronx” into one main-room stomper!


Nadja Lind’s remix is the third and last remix on the package but it definitely isn’t the least. A work of elegance and emotion materialized through the rich atmospheric pads, female vocal snippets, and its overall levitating feel, this Nadja Lind Remix definitely gives this release a proper atmospheric reinterpretation.


Last in line is the Dub mix by Addex himself. This Dub caters a more organic approach to Addex’s sound.


Recommendation:


Overall, this has been a great release! The original mix and Alvaro Hylander’s remix really have the groove and will definitely make it to the dance-floors, while the Ilias Katelanos and Nadja Lind remixes take the alternate route in delivering a more atmospheric, light-on-the-ear sound. But if we were to pick out our favorites that match our musical preference, we’d go for the original, the Alvaro Hylander, and Ilias Katelanos remixes.

READ MORE - Addex- Rumble in the Bronx

D'Flower feat. Gayana- Stand in the Rain

About:


No other producer flawlessly blends soul-tingling saxophones and house music as D'Flower does! Russian DJ, producer, composer, and keyboardist Ivan Boyarkin aka. D'Flower  appears on Spring Tube with a wonderful release, "Stand in the Rain" featuring the vocals of Gayana. Aside from the original, radio edit, instrumental, and soul versions, "Stand in the Rain" garners two remixes from our favorite deep and soulful house producers, Estonia's Ricky Inch! 


Sounds Like:


Think of a perfect moonlit night by the terrace, with a soundtrack composed of pianos to accompany the night-breeze, funky bassline to give some groove, warm vocals to give life, and  four-on-the-floor drums to bind them all together. This somehow captures the true essence of D'Flower's "Stand in the Rain", but we're lacking something. Of course, the trademark soulful saxophone solo of saxophonist Daniil Dubrovsky which gracefully enters and sweeps through the double-beat breakdown, and back to the four-by-four! 


Ricky Inch once again showcases his "NuSoul" sound-- his signature blend of deep and soulful sounds that gives off this distinct classy, warm, and easy-going feel. True enough, his NuSoul reinterpretation of "Stand in the Rain" lives up to the hype!


The "Organic Dub" of Ricky Inch caters a more raw yet-- as stated in the remix title-- organic approach to "Stand in the Rain". With this sound, Ricky Inch takes elements from Latin beach house to acid house and from Chicago house to deep-tech-- a perfect alternative to the other soulful tracks in this release!


Recommendation:


Superb release! Ever since we started writing for D'Flower and Ricky Inch, we always looked forward to more from them. This release having Ricky Inch as a remixer was pretty much expected (or have been anticipated) for a long time now. Bringing both artists together is just awesome! We recommend getting all the tracks by D'Flower and Ricky Inch's NuSoul remix if you love soulful house. If you however are feeling a bit more adventurous when it comes to your musical palette, then Ricky Inch's Organic dub is for you!

BONUS:

Check this out, the unofficial 7 Days Mix from D'Flower himself! Download here for FREE.

READ MORE - D'Flower feat. Gayana- Stand in the Rain

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

Tim Andresen- Watcha Want

About:


Tim Andresen, head honcho for the label "What Happens", is one of Denmark's successful deep and tech house talents. Aside from him being hailed as the "Best DJ" and "Most Popular Nordic DJ" in the Danish Club Awards, Tim Andresen's talent never failed to gain the support from the big guns in the industry including Pete Tong, Mark Knight, and Fatboy Slim, among others. 


"Watcha Want"-- a three track release on Denmark-based deep house label, "DeepWit Recordings"-- marks Tim's debut on the label. Remixing duties fall onto the hands of DeepWit Recordings co-owner Alvaro Hylander, and Acryl Music label boss Da Funk !


Sounds Like:


Coming in with a steady four-by-four groove, the original mix of "Watcha Want" puts forth nicely-balanced layers of silky-smooth atmosphere, delayed rhodes, and reverberated vocal snippets. The bass tightens up the groove as the kick-hat-clap interplay binds all the elements together. Simple and clean to the ear, this is "Watcha Want", the original mix, by Tim Andresen.


First up from the remixes is Da Funk's. Da Funk plays around with some Roland TR-909 drums and comes up with his remix dubbed as, "Da Funk's Fancy Some 909 Dub". Similar to the original mix, the Fancy 909 Dub still preserves that thin layered atmosphere as Da Funk patches up some stomping kicks and some acidic grinding bass for contrast.


Upon seeing Alvaro's name as a remixer, we immediately expected something lush and really deep, as to we getting used to the sound he has perfected. True enough, Alvaro Hylander throws in an in-your-face deep, groovy reinterpretation of "Watcha Want". 


Recommendation:

Now, for the verdict. Overall, "Watcha Want" did not disappoint us, in fact, it pretty much amazed us, reminding us what deep house music is all about-- atmosphere, groove, and feel. We recommend getting all the tracks on this one because selecting only one favorite would be quite a difficult thing to do given the talents and mastery of the artists appearing on this release.

READ MORE - Tim Andresen- Watcha Want

Onur Ozman- The Voice of You

About:


Just a few weeks after the release of "He Was Young" on Ready Mix Records, Turkish soundsmith Onur Ozman is back on the limelight with a grandiose release, "The Voice of You"! Why this release in particular is a huge one, let us explain: Aside from it being the second release of Onur Ozman under Ready Mix Records for the month of May, "The Voice of You" showcases the grand debuts of the legendary Jean F. Cochois aka. The Timewriter, whose name has been a staple in the industry for the past fifteen plus years, and Addex, one of Romania's top deep house artists!


Sounds Like:


When we talk about contemporary deep house sound, Onur Ozman is definitely the name that first comes to our mind . His artistic and dramatic approach to deep house production has been unparalleled, take "The Voice of You" for instance. This original mix puts together a unique feel through the interplay of different elements like the panning vocal snippets, the chic-mannered pianos, the stubby groovy bass, and the thin-layered atmospheric pad that sets things afloat. 


The remix by The Timewriter exhibits a more powerful approach to the sound of "The Voice of You". Dense, heavy kicks and thin layers of filtered samples from the original start off the track as the extremely groovy bass heats things up. The Timewriter remix is definitely a straight-up deep house floor-filler!


For something light but still body-moving, here is the Addex remix. Aside from the infectious grooves from the bass and snappy drum-work, the Rhode slicks will really make you bust a move!


Recommendation:


"The Voice of You" is one fantastic release-- definitely one of the best so far this year from Ready Mix Records in terms of dance-value and creativity. We really recommend getting all the tracks, but among the three tracks in this release, the Addex remix has to be our pick. 

READ MORE - Onur Ozman- The Voice of You

Gifted Minds - Setsumi Morung

About:


NightChild Records is an underground house music label based in NYC, managed by DJ and producer, Rissa Garcia. It's quite exciting for us to finally be able to pen down reviews for NightChild-- it is a new sound to explore for us, new artists to discover and praise. 


For the first one, here's "Setsumi Morung"-- ''hunter in the jungle" in English-- by the South African tribal house duo, Gifted Minds. This two-track deep and tribal house release also caters a remix from Soundscience!


Sounds Like:


The sound of Gifted Minds is rather simple, yet very lush and organic. The original mix of "Setsumi Morung" caters a lot of rain-forest ambiance, tons and tons of tribal percussion, and some shakers too. In addition, "Setsumi Morung" brings together a steady groove topped off with some native string instruments on loop, and an African vocal sample as the hook. 


Soundscience adds more soul and a twist of groove in their deep house interpretation of "Setsumi Morung". Expect irresistible chords on wah, head-nodding bassline, and a resonating feel. Of course, the fresh, organic, and tribal vibe of the original is still present in the Soundscience remix-- you don't have to worry about that!


Recommendation:


"Setsumi Morung" definitely gets the seal of approval from us! We really  recommend both tracks. 


We look forward for more releases from NightChild Records!

READ MORE - Gifted Minds - Setsumi Morung

Big Al- Smooth Reaction EP

About:


First impressions last forever, they say, and for the music industry this saying definitely holds true. 


Haute Musique-- French for "refined and high-end music making"-- is the newest addition to the collection of labels by Ready Mix Records Inc., the company responsible for Ready Mix Records, Empty Whiskey Flask Records, Itom Records, and Tiny Lamp. 


It's all about sophistication, style, and elegance in Haute Musique. And here to demonstrate the perfect blend of sounds of the label is Ready Mix Records Inc. head honcho, Adel "Big Al" Ghandour with the debut release, "Smooth Reaction". For remix duties, expect one from the deep-tech outfit, The Messenger!


Sounds Like:


To those having ears well-versed in nu-school deep house sounds, just hearing the first few sequences with already give a hint that "Smooth" is a craft by Big Al. You can never go wrong with the neat, snappy interplay of kick drums, hi-hats, snares, and percussion Big Al have perfected. "Smooth" as a whole caters a very resonating feel thanks to the dense gliding bass and the lush, deep house chords. This track truly is smooth-flowing in all of its aspects!


Now on to the remix by The Messenger, the deep-tech house guise by Maria S. Jones and Joel Heim. "Smooth (The Messenger Remix)" is a remarkable deep house piece made even more remarkable by its ultra-groovy bassline and the chic interplay of chords. 


There can be no Smooth Reaction without Reaction! Big Al takes us to the more minimal sound of his productions with the last track, "Reaction". But don't let the word, "minimal" mislead you: "Reaction" brings together a somewhat glitchy yet warm track with snappy drums and tropical percussion. Edgy stabs and soaring synths also do their job in adding more color and dynamics to "Reaction".


Recommendation:


The two originals are definitely something to keep, and for the remix by The Messenger, it just proves that the guys behind the label have been doing their homework! 


With "Smooth Reaction" EP, Haute Musique lives up to its mantra of sophistication in music and has proven that it's not just another new label in the industry.


Cherish this right now, because more stuff are coming your way!

READ MORE - Big Al- Smooth Reaction EP

Marco Grandi- Bonita

About:


Around three months ago, Hungarian producer, Csaba Kiss aka. Marco Grandi debuted on Ready Mix Records with his superb release, "Love". This time around, Grandi winds up yet another release entitled, "Bontia" as follow-up with remixes from three deep house duos: Norbert and Daniel of the Moti Brothers, label owners in disguise, Adel "Big Al" Ghandour and Levente Szabo as the Harlem Knights (featuring Re-Bound), and of course, the supreme deep house collaboration, Evren Ulusoy and Sezer Uysal!


Sounds Like:


The original mix is something light on the head, while at the same time groovy. The delayed chords bring more swing effect into the track as it is perfectly contrasted by the dense kicking bass and the snappy percussion. As heard in his previous release, "Love", "Bonita" also caters a lush and a soothing atmosphere that carries the whole track.


The Moti Brothers start their remix with some jacking hi-hat work and some warm heavy kicking drums. The glowing chord and the vocal snippets from the original track get a more reverberated touch on the Moti Brothers remix. Bottom line, the Moti Brothers bring in their dreamy liquid deep house sound on board-- and the result is this!


The remix of the Harlem Knights contrasts that of the previous remix as it caters a dryer atmosphere and a more stable groove. The glowing chord is still present in this remix but the dense bass and the gliding bassline really makes the difference.


Never a single disappointing track from Evren Ulusoy and Sezer Uysal! Their remix of "Bonita" brings back deep house with a chic, body-moving groove-- these guys have always proven that two heads are better than one!


Recommendation:


Marco Grandi's "Bonita" is definitely a release to keep. 


If it's deep house groove and swing we're talking about, the original mix and the Evren Ulusoy & Sezer Uysal remixes are the picks. For atmosphere and texture, we have to give it to the Moti Brothers for an exceptional production. Of course, the Harlem Knights remix has both groove and atmosphere, plus the nicely patched deep, deep bass! 

READ MORE - Marco Grandi- Bonita

Miqro feat. Ronar- You Will See

About:

Miqro-- one of Poland's hottest electronic music acts-- appears on Germany-based Solardish Records for a huge vocal release featuring Ronar, "You Will See"! Through his contemporary feel-good approach on deep and funky house music, Miqro has effortlessly garnered the respect from his home-country and has been successful in organizing Music Venue, the biggest afterparty of the Sunrise Music Festival.

"You Will See" garners a massive almost all-Polish line-up of remixers from Milkwish, Banana Groovz, Pete Grace, Roberto Bedross, Loui & Scibi, Novo, Viktor Drzewiecki, and of course, the heading tandem of Solardish Records-- Zweiklang Twins!

Sounds Like:

As mentioned, Miqro is known for his modern approach to deep and funky house music, and "You Will See" clearly demonstrates this with its flawless interplay of jazzy bass, funky guitars licks, deep-flowing Rhodes, and sharp echoing stabs. 

Jackie aka. Banana Groovz lands two superb cuts for this release and both are good ol' funky house! Housey pianos, ultra-groovy bass, and filtered chords-- this Banana Groovz remix is one floor-filler. Something to its essence, the Novo Classic Mix also showcases a high dance-value disco reinterpretation of the tune, while the Roberto Bedross comes up with a funky-tech remix that also caters a dreamy breakdown.

If you're feeling something louder and sharper-sounding, the Zweiklang and Milkwish remixes are definitely for you! 

Recommendation:

With 11 tracks on board, simply choosing one favorite track is a close-to-a-Herculean task, so to help you out in choosing tracks, here are our favorites: The original is given, no questions asked on that; for the remixes, we are leaning towards the remixes of Banana Groovz, Pete Grace, Zweiklang, and from Loui & Scibi! (But yes, our musical inclination may differ that is why you still really have to check out all the remixes in this package!)

"You Will See" by Miqro featuring Ronar will most likely end up in the prestigious dance-floors around the world but as far as we are concerned, this is going to our list of favorite releases of 2012!

READ MORE - Miqro feat. Ronar- You Will See

DJ Generous- Burning In

About:


"Burning In" is not just another release on Green Mono Music Studio. Aside from it being a release from the big boss of GMMS, "Burning In" is, more importantly, the commemorative release celebrating the 30th birthday of Dima Worcestershire Jr., aka. DJ Generous! "Burning In" also falls onto the hands of a Turkish producer who definitely is no stranger to us-- we are talking none other than Sezer Uysal with his guise, Spennu!


Sounds Like:


The original mix of "Burning In" pretty much comes in with a steady, straightforward groove, effortlessly maintaining a cadence with its colossal kick drums, snappy claps, and punchy hats and shakers. But what is more interesting with this piece is the progression from an interplay of filtered vocal samples, thick dense bass, and alternating echoing stabs-- and how this interplay transitions to a euphoric big-room feel with its soaring lead synth and the ever-levitating mod chord setting afloat.


Spennu only knows one language, the sacred language of deep house music. Sezer once again unveils his unmatched deep house skills under the Spennu guise and comes up with a perfect counterpart of the original version of "Burning In". Crisp synths, deep head-nodding bass, and that unmistakable glowing chord really bring out the chic and smooth side of "Burning In". 


Recommendation:


It's been almost a month since we have been listening to this release from GMMS. Since day one, it was clear to us that "Burning In" release really deserved a review. The original mix is just great, a deep-sounding release from DJ Generous caught us off guard, and the Spennu remix really walked the talk-- honestly, Sezer Uysal is the perfect guy for the job.


Excellent!

READ MORE - DJ Generous- Burning In

Stan Kolev & Juan Mejia- To the Clouds (Part 2)

About: 


The first installment of the massive collaboration from Stan Kolev and Juan Mejia, "To the Clouds"-- released under Ready Mix Records-- has seen light last week (click here to read the review); the original version, the Big Al remixes, and the Beat Factory remix were definitely worth the listen!


Earlier this week, the much awaited second installment has already hit the stores, which is why we are here once again to help you guys in picking out your favorite remix: Will it be the Silt remix, the Fer Ferrari remix, or the DeepSoundExpress Air remix? There's only one way to find out. . .


Sounds Like:


Opening this release is the Silt remix-- a track of deep groove, edgy reverberated stabs, and hazy mind-levitating atmosphere. This remix by Silt pretty much highlights the haunting aspect of the vocal samples utilized in the original mix: just brilliant!


Barcelona's deep, tech, and lounge music talent, Fer Ferrari also takes one with his own groovy-deep-tech reinterpretation of "To the Clouds". Aside from the dominating piercing synths and the rock-solid bass, Fer Ferrari's remix also features a harder and a more energetic take on the original mix.


Of course, the connoisseurs of anything rejuvenating, deep, and delicate-- Russia's hidden treasure, DeepSoundExpress surprises us with their very own remix dubbed as "DeepSoundExpress Air Remix"! 


It was actually  back in 2010 when we first heard the stunning sounds of DSE through their Aquamarine Recordings album release, "Sun Cocktail". Since then, we have been faithfully following them. 


Their remix on "To the Clouds" is superb: extremely groovy bass-stab interplay, crisp and cool atmospheric pads, punchy snares and percussion, and some sublime piano keys on the breakdown. Get ready, this remix will definitely take you to the clouds!


Recommendation: 


Wow. "To the Clouds" definitely deserved this two-part release, in our opinion. We enjoyed the first installment which came out last week or so, but this second installment is something we really really cherished. 


If we were to pick ONLY ONE track as our favorite (but don't get us wrong, we totally love all the tracks), it just has to be the DeepSoundExpress Air remix. For one, it really has the groove: when we first heard this on promo, we could not help but start moving to it-- a symptom of a high-dance value tune! Second,  the atmospheric vibes DSE had perfected complements that of the original, and having both in one track is simply magical.


So there we go! Stan Kolev and Juan Mejia with their latest release on Ready Mix Records-- "To the Clouds".

READ MORE - Stan Kolev & Juan Mejia- To the Clouds (Part 2)

Stan Kolev & Juan Mejia- To the Clouds (Part 1)

About: 


Stan Kolev-- a serial Beatport chart-topper, a world-renowned Miami-based progressive house DJ and producer, and a certified globetrotter-- needs no introduction anymore. If you guys can still remember, "Emotional Content" was the Stan's first artist album, released in 2007 under Ready Mix Records. This time Stan returns to shore with a brand new collaboration with Juan Mejia-- label manager of the legendary Dutchie Music (and Grouper)-- entitled "To the Clouds". 


"To the Clouds" is, in fact, a two-part release from Ready Mix Records: this first installment features the original version, two remixes from label owner Adel Ghandour aka. Big Al, and Beat Factory (Big Al plus Levente Szabo). The second part, however, will be released next week-- really impressive line-up of remixes-- but we'll keep it a secret for now!


Sounds Like:


The original mix of "To the Clouds" features the perfected trademark sound of Stan Kolev-- haunting melodies, hypnotizing vocals and well-known "heart-quenching" synths. Not just that, this original version also caters a fascinating bassline that seemingly "lifts us from the ground and takes us higher into the clouds" and that dash of glimmering arps that gives us that brilliant stellar feel. 


Going not too far from the ground, Big Al unleashes the first of two remixes, the "Big Al's Deep Dub". This one in particular brings together heavy piano stabs, a low groovy bass, and some warm rhodes to balance the atmosphere. "Big Al's Balearic Mix" on the other hand also caters the similar elements of the previously mentioned version but highlights a Balearic-inspired electric guitar solo that really gives "To the Clouds" a touch of soul.


The last remix in the package is from Beat Factory, a project of Big Al and Levente Szabo. Aside from its excessive use of punchy percussion and stabs (in a constructive manner), the Beat Factory Remix also showcases its heavy chunky bass that effortlessly adds extreme dance-value to the track! Tight and sweet-- this is the remix by Ghandour and Szabo will definitely make it out to the venues.


Recommendation:


On to the verdict... This release as a whole is definitely above average. From the production quality to the undying creativity and propagation of groove, "To the Clouds" part one may just top charts this season.  


All tracks are definitely of good selection, but the Beat Factory remix is that one sick track that we would not even think twice in testing on the dance-floor. 


Watch out for part 2 next week! That you will really enjoy, take our word for that!

READ MORE - Stan Kolev & Juan Mejia- To the Clouds (Part 1)

Interview with SACHRIAS & ASLAK [2012]

"Scandinavia is blessed with four seasons, so we think that the weather has a big influence on our sound." 

-Sachrias & Aslak

Meet one of Helsinki's coolest duo, Sachrias & Aslak. Although 2007 was the year when both artists joined forces, it has been more than a decade of underground music and events promotion for Sachrias and Aslak in their humble hometown. The duo has also appeared on notable labels like Dutchie Music, Deepology, Cabrio Records, and has worked day-in and day-out to hone their highly-definitive winter-esque deep house sound. 


A couple of weeks ago, we were blessed to have been able to speak with Sachrias & Aslak themselves, and in this brief-- yet meaningful conversation, we get to find out more about this peculiar duo from Helsinki! Not just that, they are so awesome that they even allowed us to give away their 2010 release with White Zulu, "Cookie Jar" as a free download! 




Sachrias & Aslak Official Webpage

Copyright © 2012 Miguel Libre 

Finally, the day has come! Couldn't wait to interview you guys back then. Now, let's start! How are you guys there? 


We are fine thanks in snowy Finland. Helsinki has just had a one week snow storm and there is heaps of white powder snow. We are just getting back into the Studio together as Aslak has been in Kenya for a year, and Sachrias has been involved in other audio engineering projects.


Just curious, how did "Sachrias & Aslak" come to be? 


We both have a long history of promoting underground house parties in Helsinki. The memories of the initial meeting are a bit hazy, which strongly suggests that it was one of those special afterhour moments.


Your sound is quite distinct actually. Based from what I've been hearing, I'd describe your sound as chilled-down, groovy, and fresh. How did you guys come about with such a trademark sound? 


Scandinavia is blessed with four seasons, so we think that the weather has a big influence on our sound. During the dark winter times the sound tends to be more on the deep side and obviously midnight sun brings out more chilled & love vibes. 

For the tech heads here is our studio setup:

Countless plugins, Juno 106, Yamaha DX-7, Studio Electronics Omega 2, Korg Trinity, Novation X-Station, Novation Bass Station, Novation Drum Station, Akai S-2000, Fireface 400, Thermionic Culture The Rooster, Neumann 103, and some live instruments. Genelec 8030 & Genelec Sub speakers from Finland. The Studio it self is a hand built floating room.


How do you go about your artist routines? 


Usually our studio sessions take place after our daily work, so we like to have a couple of cold brews to get us out of the rat race.


We could tell you a true story of a vocalist who almost destroyed the whole studio after an excessive Cava session, but lets not go there.


Okay next one. When not in the studio or when not doing gigs, what do you guys do? 


During these winter times, first thing you do in the morning is showel your way out of your house and go hunting and gathering for food. Rest of the day is for music & leisure.


With all the artists you've worked with in the past or currently working with, who are your favorites? 


White Zulu, with smart spoken lyrics, a project with Dave K. White African refugee with no shoes but some soul.. And another ace in our sleeves, Saroa, lovely Finnish singer/songwriter. You can catch us collaborating more with these two in very near future.


Any artist you guys would like to work with in the future? 


We would like to work with labels with 100% commitment and concentration, taking things seriously and pushing our sound even further. As we all know the current status of music business is 13 labels in a dozen.


Your release "Strömsö" under Cromarti Records was such a huge success. Can you share your experiences with that track to us?


After Cromartis head honcho Abraham asked us for a track for his label, we found the groove & mood quickly.. and you know when you are on a roll things just click. We think Abharam was happy with the result as well, as he collected a quality remix pack around the original Stömsö track.

Click here to check out our very own review on Stromso Part 1!

What is your favorite brand of beer (or any liquor for that matter)? 


In our opinion the domestic lager is quite handy when getting elegantly wasted. 
Top three brands, not in particular order: Lapin Kulta, Karhu, Karjala.
When it comes to the hard liquor, it is consumed only with meals & in good company.


Where do you see "Sachrias & Aslak" five years from now? 


With the current climate of the record business five years is too far away to predict.. maybe you just send your playlists to the robot jocks at clubs of 2017.. or everything goes back to basics you never know.


Any message to our beloved readers on Soundscapes and to your awesome fans? 


For all the fans out there we have a real treat.. Cookie Jar free download. It was released on Add2Basket Records 2010 with Roberto Rodriguez and Apostrophe (Sabb’s moniker by the way) remixes. It is a special track for us, like a modern take on retro, it should have deserved more attention when released. The track is the fruit of a special session with Mr. White Zulu himself that ended up on a high..







Thank you very much for making this interview possible, Sachrias and Aslak! Cheers and may you have a fruitful career ahead. :)


Its been our pleasure doing this interview, and we are honoured with you showing interest in what we do in this small country far away.

READ MORE - Interview with SACHRIAS & ASLAK [2012]