Various Artists - Summer Soulstice 2021 Compilation (Uniting Souls Music)

Seattle’s house music mainstay Uniting Souls Music has queued up another of its anticipated label samplers to add to the heat of the summer months. The Summer Soulstice 2021 Compilation offers a state-of-the-label overview, featuring cuts from familiar names from the label’s vast discography as well as some inspired newcomers. There are too many highlights to spotlight among the compilation’s ten tracks — top notch deep house and west coast flavors abound. NY-via-Italy producer Alicia kicks things off with the hypnotic “Meraki’a,” followed by the crisp deep sound of Build It Records’s Bello. Seattle is represented by essential tracks from Snapdragon, Tony H, Gruv1 (AJ Sorbello), and FunkTonix (Jackson Mindt & James Nocchi), all prominent DJs and producers from the city. And, rounding out the other points in the nation (and the world) there’s Mikey "Lil'T" Tello, Jake Beautyman, DJ Sulli, and Anthony Zmoda. The Summer Solstice 2021 Compilation excels in vibey sounds for lockdown-liberated dancefloors — give ‘em all a spin.

Cohuna Beatz (B.A.B.A. Records) – “I love these grooves. Summer may come!”
Lönya (Asymmetric Recordings) – “Good stuff here.”
Jon Lee (Tilted Records) – “Outstanding work on this. Very solid tunes.”
Dean Facer (Resident Advisor) – “A truly fantastic release throughout.”
Snooba (Radio Panik) – “Infectious. Great and dope house music!”
Harry Avers (NOICE! Radio show) – “A very nice collection of music.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Another very strong release from USM.”

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

Lil'T - Boompty Boom (Uniting Souls Music)

Lil’T is Mikey Tello, co-founder of PillowTalk, Housepitality and Touch of Class. His productions have appeared far and wide, for the likes of Wolf+Lamb, Visionquest, Life & Death, and many others. And now Uniting Souls — which is fitting as Mikey helped launch the Uniting Souls collective in San Francisco with label head Ramiro, way back in 1997.

“Boompty Boom” is a clever slice of deep house with a hypnotic techno edge. The drum patterns have a pronounced afro-shake, combining with a pulsing low-end to provide the foundation under staccato organ chords, rhythmic vocal phrases, and a memorable synth lead line. Sean Dimitrie (Bombay Records) provides the first of a quartet of sleek remixes, initially focusing on the percussive groove for a sparse, mesmerizing treatment. A snakey bassline eventually takes over, sending the dancefloor into a tizzy. Next up is Pattern Drama (Touch of Class), adding some breaks, drama, and extra-dubbiness to the proceedings. Uniting Souls label regulars Jon Lee and Jordan Strong follow, each providing a distinctive new take. Jon Lee creates an old school vibe, with bubbling organ riffs and an insistent bass throb, while Jordan Strong gives “Boompty Boom” a classic-sounding west coast style re-rub. Put the Boompty in your Boom!

Trent Banks (Reflect) – “Wow. Every track on this is so deep! Each of them will add some serious boogie to the floor.”
Jaymz Nylon (Adult Selections) – “Bravo! I’m really enjoying the Pattern Drama Remix.”
DJ Harri (Sub Club) – “I’m liking these. Will play and support.”
Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “The Pattern Drama and Jon Lee mixes are great.”
Tom Lown (Lucky Sun Recordings) – “Nice bouncy vibe on Sean Dimitrie’s mix.”
Hippie Torrales (Cyberjamz Radio) – “The original is hot.”
Mike Solus (Housemasters Radio) – “Dope track. Dig the build up. Groovy!”
Jon Wesley (Music Goes On Radio Show) – “Love this. Can’t wait to play it loud.”
Jake Beautyman (FUMP) – “What a package! Uniting Souls keeps coming up with the tunes!”
DJ Osric (Black and Blue Show) – “Top draw release. I have to keep listening over and over because I keep discovering a new vibe to carry me away!”

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