Ivaylo & Lazy Karma - Like The Sound (Bogota Records)

Bogota Records returns with their second release, titled “Like The Sound”. Featured once again is Ivaylo, a Bulgarian native based in Oslo, but this time in the company of good friend, and part of the Bogota label family, Lazy Karma. The vocals on “Like The Sound” are cool and easygoing repetitions sampled from Renate, an old friend of Ivaylo also heard on his previous Themes EP. The track starts off with a jingly bounce before unearthing a deep acid bass line, at times featuring well-fitted snare breaks. Vancouver’s very own Jay Tripwire (Poker Flat) delivers a remix that starts off with a chugging bass groove run through the low-pass before allowing the original to peep out in a drum solo-like breakdown. Jevne, a mover from Minneapolis known for playing live bass guitar with his sets and running Onethirty Recordings, techs things up a bit with his remix, taking on a totally jacking feel. Fellow Norwegian capital dweller Omar V (Full Pupp) calls to the cosmos for a much more spacey and Italo-influenced disco remix.

As the name suggests, DJs and dance floors both should certainly like the sound from Ivaylo and Bogota Records.

Tensnake - “Some nice deep tunes here.”
Chris Fortier - “Jay Tripwire’s mix all the way.”
Diz (Iz & Diz / Vizual Recordings) - “Super sexy!”
Carlos Sanchez (La Vie En Rose / Supernature) - “The original and the Jay Tripwire remix sound dope!”
diskJokke (Full Pupp / Smalltown Supersound) - “A lovely original and a great remix by Jay Tripwire.”
Shane Johnson (Fish Go Deep) - “Good chugging groove on Jay Tripwire’s remix. Heavy!”
Nick Jagger (S.O.U.P / Coyote Cuts) - “Solid release.”
Craig Stewart (Montana & Stewart / DCSTrax) - “Absolutely stunning project. Jay Tripwire is a funking genius, and the original and Jevne mixes are also very, very hot!”
Tyler Stadius - “Great tracks and remixes!”
Tom Lown (Savoir Faire / Lost My Dog) - “Nice stuff. I really like the original and Jay Tripwire’s remix.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Wicked EP all around. The original and Jevne versions both have solid deep vibes, while Jay Tripwire adds a cracking percussive alternate take. The pick for me is Omar V’s version … a superb bleepy groove for the floors.”
Vincent Kwok - “I love the Jevne remix.”
Strakes (Lost My Dog) - “Superbly deep and enticing.”
Murray Richardson (Rebel Waltz) - “I love Jay Tripwire’s mix here … nice vibes.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “I like the laid back summer bump to the original mix. Jay Tripwire takes it to the next level.”
Marcia Carr (Mi-Soul Radio / Ladyz) - “I like how the original moves along and hits you with something unsuspected … the breaks and bass line work beautifully.”
Lo (Superfreq / Suruba) - “The original is really a beautiful track, and Jay Tripwire’s remix is awesome. I will play this one.”
Jamie Topham (CDPool) - “The dreamy original rub is my pick of the mixes with Jevne’s lush re-rub coming a close second.”
Deepshizzol (MyHouse-YourHouse) - “Jevne and Omar V have created some very good remixes of an already very good release … top work!”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House) - “This is the perfect example how sexy deep house can be.”

Available now from Beatport, Juno Download, and Traxsource.

Jevne feat. Robert Owens - Like Now (Onethirty Recordings)

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.

Chuck Love feat. Demonica Flye - The Voice (Vino Recordings) →

Minneapolis house music yogis Vino Recordings are pleased to announce the relaunch of the seminal indie house label founded in 2003. ‘Nordeast’ Minneapolis soul brother Chuck Love’s long lost feel good single “The Voice” leads the charge in a string of 2012 Vino Recordings releases. The track showcases Minneapolis house diva Demonica Flye and her plea for Chuck to save the state of house music by bringing the soul back.

The call and response vocal demands inspiration on the dance floor. The remixes from Jevne (Onethirty Recordings), Bryan Gerrard (Celebrity Records) and Vino label boss Monte Hilleman take the track in four different directions, from Jevne’s deep tech, to Gerrard’s dubbed out mix, to Hilleman’s gritty and uplifting main room-roller.

Known for his signature “Live DJ/Video” set, Chuck Love pulls triple duty as the DJ, a vocalist and a multi-instrumentalist. The result: a ridiculous mix with some slamming, ‘on-the-fly-produced’ tracks showcased within the set. In 2010, Chuck launched his Love Network label and teamed up with Colette for the first release: “UR Everything” (with remixes by Santiago & Bushido). You can also find Chuck’s releases on the likes of OM Records, Great Lakes Audio, Shifted Music, Salted, and Tango.

Vino label boss Monte Hilleman scouted Demonica Flye at a local jazz club in 2003. A life-long soul, R&B and jazz singer with Romanian, Irish, Native American, and African-Amercian roots, Flye is the lyricist of many compositions as well as a singer and disc jockey. Demonica recorded an album in 1991 called Deception and is also former lead vocalist of Backbeat Jam Factory and sub-vocalist with The R Factor. Of interest to house heads, she recorded several compositions with Farley Jack Master Funk and continues the proud house tradition with “The Voice.”

Ashley Beedle - “The original mix does the trick … One for those weekends. Big support!”
Marques Wyatt (Vanguard / Deep L.A.) - “I’m diggin’ this groove.”
Robert Owens - “The original mix of ‘The Voice' is a great track. Love it!”
Joey Silvero (Distant People / Seamless) - “Yeah! I like this sound … Loads of energy.”
Gordon Murray (Billboard Magazine) - “Smooth soulful House.”
Cherokee (Cherry Global Radio Show / KISS FM Australia) - “Supreme! All mixes work & I’m really diggin’ ‘Bryan Gerrard’s Remix’.”
Stefan Popovic (DiscoTone Radio Show / WTC House Radio) - “Some nice skills displayed here … Jevne’s version takes me back in time, that’s for sure.”
Nick Holder (DNH Records / Treehouse) - “Very nice package! The ‘Jevne Remix' stands out to me.”
DJ Benjamin (Marivent Music Intrenational / Pressure Radio) - “Fantastic release with great remixes in the pack!”

Available now from Juno

Jevne - Following The System (Blue Label Series #1) (Eighth Dimension Records) →

Eighth Dimension Records has launched its Blue Label Series, a continuing set of releases curated by Q-Burns Abstract Message focusing on eclectic, deeper dance floor sounds. There’s no better way to start this party than with our bass guitar-slinging DJ friend from Minneapolis, Jevne. Arising out of the rave days of the early nineties to founding his quality-consistent Onethirty Recordings label Jevne has been a longtime active player on the American dance music scene. His previous appearance on Eighth Dimension was a superb remix of Beaters & Bowls’ ”The Stranger” and Jevne’s also contributed to the catalogs of Chillin Music, Connected Musik, Conya, among others. In between constantly traveling the world as a DJ (often accompanying himself on the aforementioned bass guitar) and running his increasingly popular label Jevne found the time to record and deliver a pair of house music firecrackers for Eighth Dimension. Leading the charge is the club-ready monster known as “Following The System.” There’s a powerful groove here transported above the norm by funky staccato chords, melodic pads, and an echoed vocal hit serving as a call to action. It’s a peak time track for the underground set, filling the floor with energy without getting too ‘big room’ on everyone.

A track like “Following The System” demands the remix treatment so Jevne and Eighth Dimension enlisted a couple of skilled mutual friends who were ready for the task at hand. Switzerland’s Da Funk, the prolific producer behind the Acryl Music label and a slew of remixes for the likes of Plastic City and Deepology Digital, is first on deck with a freewheeling after-hours excursion. Da Funk’s Punto Rojo Remix is a hefty builder, anchored by insistent rhythms and pulsating pads, eventually climaxing in a stew of 303 bubbles and filtered swirls. The echoed vocal hit floats above the thick construction as if leading the way forward. A building mix of “Following The System” of a different sort comes courtesy of Lost My Dog head honcho Pete Dafeet. Pete’s had quite the year with his label reaching its fifth year, marked by a highly rated CD compilation mixed by the man himself. Here Pete Dafeet’s remix rides on an almost Detroit-ish foundation of drum machine and bass line, hypnotically pulling the listener in as elements from Jevne’s original spaciously enter the sound-space. Warm, sustained pads rest underneath the signature vocal hit which is manipulated through additional echo and reverb treatments. A prime time basement jam, ready to be tightly mixed into a DJ’s set.

Jevne closes out this single with the ‘b-side’ bonus of “Velvet Eyes.” Here’s Jevne on a percussive breakbeat tip, experimenting a bit on top of a four-on-floor footing. Wild sounds and synth bits circle around the mix as we get a bit of Jevne’s trademark live bass guitar holding down the bottom end. This is a sweet addition to the arsenal of a house DJ looking for something far from traditional, and a fantastic way to close out the first edition of the Blue Label Series. Be on the lookout for more volumes in the series coming right at you from your pals at Eighth Dimension.

Cover art by Jaco Justice: www.awareinjustice.com

Pete Moss (Recline, USA) - “Da Funk and Dafeet are both Da Bomb!” 
Giom (Ornate Music, Om Records) - “Pete Dafeet mix for me.” 
Orde Meikle (Slam, Soma) - “This sounds nice … I will play it.” 
Will SumSuch (Etoka, Urbantorque) - “Excellent package. I’m liking all tracks but Da Funk’s mix is gonna be the one for me. Beautiful, atmospheric acid business!” 
Brothers’ Vibe - “Will play the remixes. Nice work!” 
Craig Stewart (Universe Media, DCsTrax) - “Da Funk is on fire with a silver bullet for the dance floor!” 
Tyler Stadius - “I like this sort of trippy, old west coast groove.” 
Kosmas Epsilon (Epsilon Trax / Proton Radio) - “Tops! ‘Following The System’ original mix is the best here. I also dig the Pete Dafeet mix. Great release!” 
Jota Wagner (Colors Sound System, Lunatic Jazz) - “Da Funk’s mix is pretty nice. A pure trip.” 
DJ Phil T (DJ Times) - “A juicy club workout. Full support all the way!” 
Benji Candelario (Transistor Music, USA) - “Good late night groove. I will definitely support!” 
Nacho Marco (Loudeast, Om Records) - “I’m liking the original and remixes of ‘Following The System.’ I will play it.” 
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “The Pete Dafeet remix is for me with its rolling bassline and hypnotic stabs …heavy and funky.” 
Raymundo Rodriguez (Wrong Mixed Sessions) - “Pete Dafeet mix does it for me.” 
Greg Fenton (DMC Update) - “Very nice!” 
Russell Deeks (iDJ Magazine) - “Quality house music!”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport