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. 

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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!

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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

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)

Marco Grandi- Love

About:

Hungarian producer Csaba Kiss makes his grand debut appearance as Marco Grandi on Ready Mix Records-- the prestigious Montreal-based label founded by Adel "Big Al" Ghandour-- with the stunning deep house masterpiece, "Love". Aside from the original mix by Grandi, first-rate remixes from Onur Ozman, Le Vinyl &Mani Rivera, and Sendos Fuera also see light in this release and will surely leave you speechless.

Sounds Like:

"Love" the original mix highlights the chic, feel-good groove of Marco Grandi's sounds. Not just that, you also get your ears fixated on lush reverberated chords Marco had patched up together with the seemingly-hypnotizing vocal snippets and the grounding bass. 

Onur Ozman, hailed as one of the leading contemporary deep house artists, takes one for "Love" with his elegant reinterpretation dubbed as the "Frozen Confusion Mix". This "Frozen Confusion Mix" in particular offers a dynamic interplay of panning Rhode chords, eerie synth bits, and a refreshing atmosphere. 

Hailing from Barcelona, Spain, Le Vinyl & Mani Rivera are the two producers in charge of this second remix of "Love". Expect a club-oriented approach to "Love" as they induce you to their vast array of arsenal of New York-inspired sound. 

Another Spanish producer, Ernesto Altes who makes sophisticated deep house tracks under the guise "Sendos Fuera" lands a fantastic remix that harmoniously brings together his palette of Ibiza-drenched , Latin-infused grooves. 

Recommendation:

We'll be frank with you guys, it's pretty difficult to pick one single favorite track from this release. The masterminds behind these masterpieces have made sure that each production lives up to not only their discerning tastes but also to that of the people behind Ready Mix Records. So to conclude this, we would have to cite ALL the tracks as our favorites, and we strongly recommend you to support and buy them all.

READ MORE - Marco Grandi- Love

Mastercris- Together

The master is back! Cristovao Mestre aka. Mastercris definitely is one of our new favorite artists this year. This highly-talented producer is the talk of the town in Portugal, most especially in the deep house scene. Mastercris, having been able to belt-out numerous releases of exceptional quality and high dance-value, continues to push forward his sound with “Together”, his latest release on Ready Mix Records featuring high-profile names in the deep house industry: Evren Ulusoy, Sezer Uysal, Silt, and Seraphine!

As a whole, the release caters sounds for the late night excursions. From the original mix, expect some smooth-flowing, yet head-nodding riffs. Mastercris’s clever use of looping vocal snippets and timely patched strings are two of the many features of this track. 

The dynamic deep house duo, Evren Ulusoy (Russia) & Sezer Uysal (Turkey) join forces once again to create an irresistibly groovy masterpiece—and the result is this, the first remix on the package! Silt, on one hand, delivers a deep-drifting reinterpretation of “Together”, while Poland’s Seraphine turns this track into one lucid tune!

“Together” is the second release we have reviewed here in Soundscapes, and with the superb quality and creativity we have been hearing from Mastercris’s productions, it is no doubt that there will definitely be a third special review for him. . .or even a fourth, a fifth, and a sixth one too!

Also check out our special review for Mastercris- "Pride EP"

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Groove Department- Mai Thai (Da Funk's New York, New York Remix)

Picking up from the last review for Da Funk's Valverde remix of Stitches by Pete Moss, we once again visit another signature remix from Daniel "Da Funk" Kneubühler-- this time, for Groove Department's Mai Thai.

Released under Ready Mix Records, the Da Funk's New York, New York Remix is undeniably one of Dany's breakthrough sound to the more straightforward and chic shade of deep house music. To start off, heavy kicks, echoing vocal snippets, and groovy bass-work get the job done, as the dark chord stabs bring the track to a whole new deep dimension. Moreover, this New York, New York remix caters a very body-moving piano build-up that effortlessly raises the track to its limits, leaving its listeners in great ecstatic awe.

Always a pleasure to have Da Funk here on Soundscapes, his tracks always leave us wanting for more! Support this wonderful release alongside the other records from the package!

READ MORE - Groove Department- Mai Thai (Da Funk's New York, New York Remix)