Jeremias Santiago & Dru Tiz Feat. NR3 - I Am Your Vitamin (Sugar Groove)

The newly launched Sugar Groove label, the brainchild of Swift of DJN Project, jumps forward with their fourth release, the stately and soulful house music track “I Am Your Vitamin.” This three way collaboration of Jeremias Santiago, Dru Tiz, and spoken word artist NR3 makes for an emotive journey, with “I Am Your Vitamin” simultaneously pulling at the head, the heart, and the feet. NR3, who has supplied past vocals for tracks by the likes of Scott Woniak and Nef Nunez, gives a stirring lyrical statement about the nature of love over some club-primed grooves throughout four versions. The first mix is helmed by Jeremias Santiago under his FTL moniker. Jeremias is known for his collaborations with Jellybean Benitez and his extended discography for Next Dimension, Jellybean Soul, Hubert Street, and his own FTL imprint. In the FTL Original version, a snappy snare commands with a staccato rhythm while a soothing organ and some funky synth leads play on top. At first listen one can almost see the sweaty basement party meant for this track. Next up is Orlando, Florida’s house music maestro Juan Sanchez who has appeared with DJN Project before, and has many future releases planned for Sugar Groove. Juan takes things a bit deeper with pulsating key pads, a subdued but driving four-on-the-floor, and a dubby, late night vibe. Dru Tiz next takes the reins of the GFI Minimal Mix which features a marching house music beat, some loose musical elements, and an emphasis on NR3’s vocal track. Dru’s version will be especially tasty for DJs to mix with. Finally, Swift of DJN Project and Slikk Tim offer the Sugar Breaks Remix which goes for a slinky and jazzy breakbeat feel. The layers of synths and key pads build with the vocal, leading the dancer to sonic heights as the tune unfolds.

Roger Sanchez - “DEEP.”
Ashley Beedle - “Loving the FTL Original and Sugar Breaks mixes, Killer production!”
Davidson Ospina - “Juan Sanchez Remix for me! Deep with great energy.”
Marques Wyatt - “Dope!”
Evan Landes (Groove Junkies) - “Nice spoken word and a cool set of mixes.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Driving sound with a jazzy feel. The FTL mix is my favorite but the Sugar Breaks Remix has a great summer feel. Reminds me of ibiza.”
Nick Moss (Groove Assassin) - “I’ll slam this one … hot!”
Christos Kedras - “Nice package, the vocal is really great!”
Spiritual Blessings - “Lovely one. Jeremias Santiago does a style we love.”
Rick Preston - “The Juan Sanchez remix is fire!”
Dr. Bob Jones - “Great production on all the mixes, but Sugar Breaks Remix just has the edge. Full support.”

Also supported by Grant Nelson, Robert Owens, DJ Memê, Doc Link, Nick Holder, Daz-I-Kue, Alex Dimitri South Soul, and DJ Eman.

Available from Juno Download and Beatport.

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.

DJN Project - Moving (Newav Media) →

Quickly but sure-footedly moving from strength to strength DJN Project and their Newav Media label have been hard at work releasing a series of soulful dancefloor anthems for the enjoyment of DJs and listeners alike. As sort of a thematic sequel, or conclusion, to their single “Open Your Eyes,” DJN Project now present the uplifting house music track “Moving.” As with most DJN Project tracks, the message is inspiring. Lyrically “Moving” is about moving forward, both in life and in the house music scene, jumping hurdles and not being daunted by the people who wish to slow one down. The winding, double-tracked vocals of Rick Galactik convey the message while the always on-point production of Ruben “Swift" Vidal provides the foundation. The original track features a snappy, percussive rhythm, warm keys, and an exhilarating build to an end section that sonically transmits the song’s meaning. Another fine achievement from DJN Project.

A trio of remixes further complement “Moving.” Bronx Science, a duo comprised of Jed Cappelli of illfonics (who has remixed for Quentin Harris, among others) and Steve Quintana, lay out the first version. It’s a club-ready affair filled with steady, marching rhythms accentuated by loose bits of percussion, a punchy low end, and a truly hypnotic use of the vocal line. This one is pure heat for the floor. Juan Sanchez, who penned Newav’s last single “Something,” is up next with a version propelled by a booming kick, a solid house beat, and bold synth chords that kick in for the mid-section. Juan’s definitely a producer on the rise. Finally, Italian production duo The Style (AKA Giuseppe Crugliano and Giulio Bonaccio, owners of Twelve Records) offer a remix with straight ahead, upfront house rhythms led by big piano chords and occasional horn stabs on top of a driving disco bass line. The cool drum machine breakdown will surely get a reaction from the dance floor. Time to get “Moving!”

Master Kev (Underground Collective) - “Very nice song. I’m definitely feeling the original.”
K-Alexi (Tecsoul) - “Great track. I like The Style Remix. Banger!”
Tyree Cooper (Groove Baby) - “I’m really digging ‘Moving’ and all its different elements. Nice work.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Strong sound, lush feel … full support.”
Nick Holder (DNH / NRK) - “Feeling this release! Juan Sanchez Mix is doin’ it for me.”
Alan O’ Malley (Multi Storey Soul / RTE Pulse Radio) - “Dope package, real music. It’s got my support on the show.”
Chris Udoh (Tigerhook) - “Dope track with a great message. Love the original!”
Lofty (Ambersound FM, UK) - “Classy production. These guys continue to deliver some of the best soulful house out there.”
Craig Stewart (DCSTrax) - “The original is smoother than a cashmere codpiece. Great work!”
Black Alley (In Control Radio Show) - “Anthem alert!”

Available now from Juno Download and Stompy

Juan Sanchez - Something (Newav Media) →

Newav Media steps out with style as the label presents its first release from an artist other than founders DJN Project. This time Newav looks to the south and captures Orlando’s proponent of the deep Juan Sanchez. Juan is a serious up-and-comer, working with the duo Step Mode and releasing on the Soul Selection Music label. For his Newav debut Juan delivers “Something,” a rhythmic house track that pops with honed influences from tech-house and deep tribal sounds. Warm, liquid-y pads push the build as the beats get more intense, leading into a powerful breakdown. A sultry female voice wisps into the mix with ethereal phrases adding to the already exotic feel. Says Juan about the track, “It’s inspired by the feeling that music transcends through you and connects directly to your emotions … to remember the moment in time that something in the air or something in the sound stays with you.” This one’s a prime dance-floor mover.

The talented DJN Project enter into the fray delivering a remix that deepens things a bit, attaching a soulful edge to the proceedings. Their Soultech Mix deftly balances the sleek, synthesized elements of the original on a more organic backbone, creating a bit of after-hours joy. This mix shows DJN Project branching out a bit with their sound, confirming their heavyweight status in the world of house music producers. Finally, New York’s Danny “Buddah” Morales presents his newsworthy Hurricane Mix, showcasing his classic big city sound. Danny has been releasing records since the mid-90’s as evidenced by the confidence and feel of his take on “Something.” It’s a version that wouldn’t sound out of place in the most historic of NYC house music clubs. Seriously pounding funky rhythms, insistent chord stabs, and a smattering of old school vocal samples bring this version to the peak time playlist.

Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Something quite different from DJN here. Cool drive and energy to this, great sound.”
Craig Stewart - “The DJN remix is slam funking jam!”
Vincent Kwok (Eight-Fifteen) - “Great release. Every mix works!”
Christos Kedras (Kapa Music) - “The DJN Remix is nice. I’m feeling the vibe, in the bag!”
Will SumSuch (Urban Torque) - “Loving the original. I’ll be playing this for sure.”
Diz - “The Soultech Mix is my ish! Neo-Latin …”
Jeannie Hopper (Liquid Sound Lounge) - “Juan’s original is sweet and deep. Danny’s mix gives it some boom … both excellent.”

Available now from Traxsource