Stalwart Minneapolis based house music label Onethirty Recordings leaps into the new year with perhaps its most anticipated release yet. On “Like Now,” label honcho Jevne collaborates with celebrated house music vocalist Robert Owens for an epic and uplifting piece of deep, vocal tech house. Jevne’s been busy with DJ travels and a recurring extended residency in the Florida Keys but has found the time to create recordings and remixes for his own label as well as Urban Torque, Shifted, and Klassic Fiasco. Robert Owens is, of course, Robert Owens, with the “I’ll Be Your Friend” vocalist recently collaborating with the likes of Freaks, Atjazz, Coldcut, and Ralf Gum. Jevne joins this esteemed roster with his flowing, late night production that’s propelled by a warm sub bass, crisp drum patterns, and hypnotic bell-like synth rhythms. Owens’ impeccable vocal performance is the tastiest icing on the cake, riding the music with layered harmonies and emotive phrases. It’s trademark Robert Owens all the way.
The package comes with a trio of top notch remixes from two quickly rising house music talents. Scandinavian producer Andeas Saag (Freerange, Z Records, Room With A View) hits first with a pair of stellar reworks that take “Like Now” into uncharted territory. His first mix draws from classic house music sounds with its chord stabs and skippy four-on-the-floor, confidently building with the vocal into some solid floor action. Saag’s accompanying Stripped Remix places Owens’ vocal squarely on the rhythm section as the bass line creates the main drive. This is some dark, after hours basement material, for sure. The next remixer is the Greece-based Steve Mill (Global Underground, Elevation, Plastic City) who firmly sets Robert Owens against a building, dynamic house music backdrop that should get more than few hands in the air. FIlled with drama, Mill’s mix soars to its climax, giving Owens room to show off his vocal chops in some masterful breakdown sections. Finally, instrumentals to both of Saag’s remixes are also included, completing yet another superstar package from Onethirty Recordings.
Jimpster - “Killer remix from Andreas Saag on his Stripped version. A fat sound and bumping groove make this one really playable.”
Laurent Garnier - “The Steve Mill and Andreas Saag mixes are brilliant … will play!”
Tom Findlay (Groove Armada) - “The original is nice and epic.”
Tyree Cooper - “With Robert Owens on the vocals you can’t go wrong!”
Jay West - “Andreas Saag + Robert Owens + Onethirty … ‘nuff said. In the bag!“
Lars Behrenroth - ”It’s all about Andreas’ Stripped mixes!”
Alton Miller - “I like this tune! Good job on the remix and Robert never fails to bring it.”
Leigh Morgan (Urban Torque) - “Great release. Andreas Saag and Steve Mill mixes are crackin’. Good work.”
Shur-i-kan - “Top stuff from Andreas Saag!”
Leo Portela (PMB / Soulstar) - “The dynamic sound of Jevne is now bringing us Robert Owens! For me he’s the best male voice in house music.”
Chris Fortier - “The Stripped remixes bring the sexy out.”
Will SumSuch (DeepWit / Etoka) - “Loving the original, and two of my favourite artists on the remix here. Steve’s version is smooth and slinky, while Andreas takes it straight to the club and bumps it good! Proper.”
DJ MFR (Transport Recordings) - “Excellent release. Full support!”
Jon Pierce (Da Wiseguy, RTE Pulse) - “The epic Robert Owens lends his golden voice to produce yet another deep house burner. Top notch.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “Amazing production featuring the one and only, the legendary Robert Owens, not to forget to mention the incredible remix by Andreas Saag which brings back the almost forgotten sounds of early house music.”
Joshua Jacobs (Music You Need) - “Super deep old school house with a touch of disco and a whole lot of groove. These tunes will transport you back in time to the deep underground scene. Get ready!”
Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.