Zona ft. Chellena Black - Jesus Is (Deeplife Records)

Zona, comprised of the L.A.-based duo of Dimitri Craven and Jerry Andrews, combine house, disco, and techno influences with live vocals and instrumentation. Releasing on labels such as 70x7, Kapa, Good For You, and now Deeplife Records, their songs aim to bring feel-good vibes to listeners and dance floors with uplifting messages and funky rhythms. Zona has received high praise from the likes of Jazzie B (Soul II Soul, BBC Radio UK) and recently secured a top 5 Traxsouce single with the song "Time."

Featuring the wonderful vocalist Chellena Black, Zona's new single "Jesus Is" features a joyful gospel-house flavor and a positivity that's universal. The song is also extra special for Dimitri, as it was written during a trying time when he learned to trust in a higher power. The cut features a banging rhythm that touches on the tribal side, along with a pulsing bass line and a churning organ line. Chellena's expressive vocals build on the powerful music, launching the track to another level.

Legendary producer/DJ AJ Mora supplies a remix with a techier drum track while retaining the soulful feel of the original. There's also an AJ Mora Dub version that highlights the remix's warehouse-flavored old-school elements. Ibizian native J.Alba is next up with a deep take filled with spacey arpeggiations and lush synth pads complementing the vocal line and tight rhythm track. Floor-primed and elevated, no doubt.

Snax (Random Records) – “AJ’s Dub Mix is giving big Twilo/Tunnel NYC vibes. Thank you!”
Curtiss Logan (Aqua Sol Recordings) – “This is a great release. Loving it, and fully supporting.”
Niall Redmond (DeepTown Music) – “The AJ Mora Vocal and Extended mix for me. Nice gospel chugger!”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House Web Zine) – “Truly vibrant and uplifting dance floor goodness.”
Darrell Stout (Beatmatrix Show on WRUW 91.1 FM) – “Preach!!!”
Dean Serafini (Frisky Rhythms) – “Love the vocals and deep throbbing groove of the J.Alba Remix.”

Available Now From: Traxsource, Beatport, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Kenny Bobien & Swift Of DJN Project - What A Way (Sugar Groove)

Considered by many to be the “King Of Gospel House,” Kenny Bobien has recorded classic tracks for Soundmen on Wax, Soulshine, MAW Records, and, of course, King Street Sounds who released his seminal “Brighter Days.” Last year Bobien released the heartfelt track “What A Way" in collaboration with DJN Project, adding to this line of classic tracks. Now, Swift of DJN Project has launched his own label, christened Sugar Groove, and for its debut release “What A Way” is revisited with top notch remixes. FTL, Juan Sanchez, and Carlos Vargas all contribute versions for a soulful house music package that launches Sugar Groove out of the gate with style.

“What A Way" is a gorgeous piece of deep, vocal house. The latin-style percussion intro leads to a steady house rhythm, a melodic disco bass line, and beautifully lush chords and pads. Add Kenny Bobien’s affecting falsetto to all of this and the dancefloor quickly reaches house music heaven. New York producer Jeremias Santiago aka FTL, who is known for his work with Jellybean Benitez and his extended discography for Next Dimension, Jellybean Soul, Hubert Street, and his own FTL imprint, delivers the first soulful mix. Tight, live-sounding drums, exquisite piano melodies, and rousing percussion all fit perfectly beneath Kenny’s vocal for a mix that’s sure to charm the dance floor. Orlando, Florida house maestro Juan Sanchez is up next with his JuMo Bros Remix. Juan is familiar to fans of DJN Project as he’s been a constant remix collaborator, and this latest rework keeps up with the quality of his past productions. The mix features a tough four-on-the-floor rhythm with upflifting strings, moving chords, and a disco bass line perfectly complementing that classic Kenny Bobien voice. Finally, Carlos Vargas, who has remixed for Purple Music, Look At You, and Solid Ground delivers a silky, percussive mix with a powerful vocal breakdown. Tribalish, almost broken beat drum patterns and a warm, pulsating low end gently ease the dance floor into Kenny and Carlos’ spell, and a dramatic, inspiring build to the finish keeps the dancers entranced. Very special. Also included in the package is a remastered version of the original “What A Way,” produced by Swift of DJN Project, and primed to transport the nightclub once again.

Marques Wyatt - “Feelin’ this!”
Roger Sanchez - “Sexy.”
Robert Owens - “Love it! Great vocals and song.”
Nick Holder - “Dope!”
Graeme Park - “Loving it! Go Kenny!”
Abicah Soul - “Hot!”
Dr. Bob Jones - “Loving the production on this and Carlos’s mix is the one for my ears and floors. Very nice.”
CJ Mackintosh - “The FTL mix for me … nice!”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Blissful house music. Amazing.”
Evan Landes (Groove Junkies) - “All mixes are dope and Kenny and Swift sound as good as ever.”
Christos Kedras (Kapa Music) - “Strong package, loving the soulfulness. The vocal is amazing! All mixes are nice with Juan Sanchez standing out for me.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “A fantastic re-release, with both Jeremias Santiago and Juan Sanchez taking this wonderful song to the next level with their delectable remixes.”
Fabio Tosti (Ibiza Global Radio) - “Mr. Bobien gives us another dream with his voice. Really nice project.”
Rudy Kizer (Hit The Decks Radio Show) - “Outstanding. Full support.”
Mannix (Tilllate Magazine) - “Superb track, innit?”
Dino Moran (Milk & Sugar) - “There is no male house vocalist anything like him!”

Available now from Juno Download and Traxsource.