Madou Kouyate - Nindjougou EP (Wind Horse Records)

Wind Horse Records presents a stunning EP with an international touch — an ode to the influence of ethnic global music on the Indian electronic music scene. Madou Kouyate, an extremely talented singer and songwriter from Mali, delivers a 6-tracker that also features Indian producers Hamza Rahimtula and Unnayanna on remix duties.

“Nindjougou” kicks things off, a beautiful song that sparks warmth and speaks to the soul. The tune features Madou’s incredible vocals, delightfully layered with ethnic strings and percussion. “Nindjougou” has an almost folk music feel with an addictive melody filled with uplifting emotion and supported by ethereal stabs.

On the remixes, Hamza keeps things clean and groovy, using elements of the title track judiciously to craft a beachside dance-floor burner. This remix springs to life with a piano stab, giving it a Chicago-house-meets-Africa vibe that retains the flavor of the original while standing out on its own. Unnanyanna’s remix is also special as the afro-house exponent gives “Nindjougou” the acid treatment. The rework also features samples from a xylophone that adds an Asian vibe while a deep, bouncy bass line brings the funk.

Madou Kouyate’s next original track — “Souleymane Sangare” — is more upbeat with a simple yet effective drum pattern coupled with raspy percussions. The song builds with effortless ease, accompanied by buoyant pads that offer the required aural ambiance. Once again it’s Madou’s vocals that stand-out and really take this tune to the next level.

The second of the remixes from the effervescent Hamza is positively breath-taking. The veteran DJ’s incredible ear leads him to produce a track that screams ‘Detroit’ and ‘Disco’ at the same time. It’s a reflection of the influences that have helped shape his music. Cosmic pads accompany a bass guitar riff that will get feet moving, making for a mix to throw down at peak-time or to warm up floor. Rounding out the release is an extended version of “Souleymane Sangare” that can be defined as ‘made for the club’.

Rise Ashen (Balanced Records) – “I’m really feelin’ this.”
Mr. V (Sole Channel Music) – “I love this package guys!”
Alexander East (Planet East) – “The whole EP is banging!”
Chris Udoh (Tigerhook) – “Beautiful work.”
Pete Williams (Natural Rhythm) – “Love all the flavors on this one.”
Jose Marquez (Tribe Records) – “Yes! Great release with great mixes for all occasions.”
Norbert Borchers (House Sound Of Hamburg) – “The Hamza Afro Disco Mix of Souleymane Sangare is very cool!”
Damian Charles (Pointblank FM) – “Unnayanaa mix is killer!”
Marcia Carr (Mi-Soul Radio) – “Impressive set of mixes, this single is beautiful.”
Dean Serafini (Frisky Rhythms) – “Both tracks are excellent, Unnayanaa Remix of Nindjougou hitting the post nicely as is the Hamza Afro Disco Mix of Souleymane Sangare. Impressive!”

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

Various Artists - Neon Grooves (Wind Horse Records)

Wind Horse Records is elated to announce a new EP - Neon Grooves. This is the 33rd EP by Wind Horse Records and the inspiration behind it has been taken from a label showcase that happened in Goa in December 2016. In an effort to spread quality house music across India, the label launched a party called the ‘The Wind Horse Experience’ and the ‘Neon Grooves’ edition in Goa was the first time they had organized an event such as this. The label’s party soon became the place for all house music lovers, especially those searching for a more groovy, funky, and ethnic vibe, complimented of course by Goan sunsets and starry nights. Wind Horse were were thrilled to see the reaction of people to their sound given that Goa is more known for a harder vibe. The line up consisted of DJs that have produced music for Wind Horse over the years and a couple of international guests. After the success of ‘Neon Grooves’ Wind Horse decided to make an EP around this party to remember the magical moment and keep the memory alive. The label invited the artists that performed at the party to borrow from the energy cultivated then and create a beautiful journey to embark on the now.


The EP opens with the dutch maestro Thee J Johanz and his remix of “Agama” by Umeme. A real intricate work of art here with its afro vocal vibe weaved into more raw analog elements that evolve and alternate in the midst of a drum-tastic, exotic, and tribal-influenced disco bomb. “Neon Afro” by Hamza goes deeper into the tropics with the thrilling combination of percussion and drums with a sprinkling of sweet melodic uplifting elements, teleporting the listener to a sunny beach. “Khawatta Ceremony” by Farhan Rehman (Mumbai) and Stalvart John (Bangalore) is a bit harder, a bit darker. This synth-track will have the dance floor grooving with its refreshing vocals and echoey chord progressions. “Antares” (also the name of the place Wind Horse hosted Neon Grooves in Goa) by Troja (Mumbai) is a change of tempo with a beautiful, ethereal sort of sound formed by warm Indian ethnic instruments and meditative melodies. Oma (Delhi) turns his track up with “One Shade Brighter”. A happy bouncy bass with solid vocals teleports the listener back to the beach party, but with a deeper edge. “Whisky Flask” by Nigel Perera (Sri Lanka) changes up the beat with a groovy number consisting of beautiful chords and twisted sounds, the perfect beach-side sunset tune. To end the journey, Priyesh Patil (Mumbai) brings “Vagabond” with smooth beats and beautiful sax samples and a deep bass to guide the floor right into the horizon.

Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “Cracking EP. Khawatta Ceremony is brilliant!”
Sebastian Voigt (Visionquest) – “Agama - Thee J Johanz Remix is dope!”
Eric Davenport (Guesthouse) – “Solid world house grooves. Neon Afro will sound great at pool and beach parties. Can't wait to drop it!”
Tyler Stadius (Dialtone Records) – “Too tough to choose a favorite. Wind Horse never fails to impress. These are real unique beauties!”
Simon Fknhndsm (Radio X 97.7 FM, Reykjavik) – “I really like Whisky Flask, it’s groovy.”
Joey Silvero / Distant People (Soul Elements Radio Show) – “I’m a sucker for a good track with strong percussion and this is wicked.”
DJ eMe (Tunnel FM – Stockholm) – “Outstanding compilation.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Sweet blend of worldly sounds and irresistible beats.”
Steve 'Griffo' Griffiths aka F (Freak Da Funk radio show) – “Stand out track for me is the deep, grooving Vagabond.”
Bob Duskis (Six Degrees Records) – “As usual, the folks at Wind Horse have deftly mixed up quality grooves with global textures for a crowd-pleasing sound.”

Available Now From: Traxsource, Juno Download, iTunes, And Spotify.

Various Artists - Receivers VA (CIRCUIT)

Receivers VA is a the first in a series of ‘various artists’ EPs from New Delhi-based techno label CIRCUIT. Led by Ashish Sachan AKA Hashback Hashish, the CIRCUIT label presents forward-thinking electronic sounds, effectively exposing another side to India’s always fascinating musical landscape. The three tracks on Receivers VA make this clear, led by Hashback Hashish’s own cut “Output”. Dark and percussive, this track showcases a unique rhythmic structure, given weight by commanding throbs of bass that will shake the speaker bins. The mood is expanded on through the next track, the buzzing “Novembrie” by New Delhi’s MachineX. The tempo is low and slinky, providing the backbone to layers of synthesized tones and textures, giving way towards the end to a surprising piano and strings breakdown. The release closes in a big way with “H(CHB11Cl11)”, a collaboration between Hashback Hashish and 5Volts (Wind Horse Records, Soupherb Records). This one transmits a refreshing dose of gritty funk which develops through the course of the track into a tough electro work-out. As with the other cuts on Receivers VA, the emphasis is on the low end, with a good bit of acid and swirling sci-fi flavor thrown in for good measure.

Gemini Brothers (Skint / Nein) – “Novembrie is just outstanding!”
Brian Busto (Serious Soul) – “I will definitely be rocking this one.”
Michele Vitucci (BTE Podcast) – “Wow, amazing tracks.”
Projekt Gestalten (VRAAA Records) – “Really nice to hear techno from different labels that are neither based in Berlin or Detroit. Very classy Techno, I’m definitely supporting it.”
Damaged Man (Jambalay Records) – “Really nice release. Hot sound inside! Full Support.”
Abhi Meer (Bhavishyavani Future Soundz) – “BIG sound. Will play out for sure and feature on radio show.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Nice dark acid sounds!”
Harry Avers (NOICE! / 365mag) – “It’s not often that we get to hear quality dance music coming out of India ... this is a solid effort. Well done!”
Taigo Onez (Bang Le’ Dex Radio Show) – “This release is amazing! CHB11CI11 is just a wonderful tune that is sure to get many placements in many of my sets to come! Excellent release!”
Nedj (The Electronic Underground Radio Show) – “Output is great opener with it's deep grinding, chugging bass-line, plowing throw the airwaves. In contrast the hi-hats in Novembrie are light and sharp at the start, adding to that a heavily synthesized crunch and almost 303 acid flecks drive the track to an euphoric climax of keys and strings. H(CHB11I11) is the anchor to this release, a more traditionally formatted Techno track and moves the release from 4 to 5/5 stars.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Juno Download, iTunes, And Spotify.

Various Artists - Wind Horse Sampler 02 (Wind Horse Records)

India’s very own Wind Horse Records gathers five tracks from both familiar label artists and new names for the imprint’s second sampler. Each selection furthers the Wind Horse mission of combining global influences with tech-driven deep house foundations. Listeners wouldn’t be wrong to pick up hints of a cohesive ‘house sound of India,’ with the majority of the producers hailing from the South Asian country.

Kartech’s early keyboard apprenticeship is put to good use on “Samurai Funk” where he shows precision in production technique while practicing restraint, pushing the melodic elements to their limits, but never overboard. “Revolve” trickles like blood, flowing from the deep reservoirs of Llewellyn Hilt’s veins with thick, liquid pads, pulsing techno stabs, and rhythmic staccato tones. Once a nomad who has since found a home within music, Oma bungee jumps into the abyss propelled back by rubbery synths with adrenaline driven bass on “Glass Cliff.” Sleazy lows, percussive ripples, and cosmic synths back the pitched vocals of Bangalore brothers Audio Units and their fine contribution, “Sleep Talkin’.” Having released with labels like Kompakt, King Street, and Nite Grooves, expectations are always high for Hamza who finishes off the release with a wailing piano-filled remix of “Lonesome Beat” by California DJ / producer Sparkinzi.

Together these Indian producers are helping to shape a vibrant deep tech scene that is spreading its sound throughout South Asia and the globe. The artists all started their craft independent of each other but quickly banded together under a common goal to further house music in India. These are the main producers of a scene that is growing swiftly, and Wind Horse Records has created an exceptional snapshot of where things are now with this solid set of ambitious tunes. Dig in.

Nick Warren - “A lovely release … all the tracks are great.”
Giom - “Some really cool tracks here.”
Tensnake - “‘Revolve’ is nice and deep.”
Randall Jones (Audio Therapy / Baroque) - “Excellent compilation. I will play Audio Units’ ‘Sleep Talkin’’ in my sets for sure.”
Inland Knights - “Cool grooves … I’ll play it for sure.”
Steve Mill (Madhouse Records / Large Music) - “Hamza’s remix has the soul and groove that I like for my summer nights.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Another sterling release from Wind Horse … wicked.”
Pete Moss - “Killer release!”
Nick Holder - “Nice and deep!”
Hippie Torrales - “Real smooth grooves.”
Jaymz Nylon - “A nice ride.”
Tyler Stadius - “Super nice groovy tunes as expected from Wind Horse.”
Chris Udoh (Tigerhook) - “Hamza knocks it out of the park … home run!”
Bruno Lepretre (Ibiza Global Radio) - “Great deep house music.”
DJ Nova (Rodon FM, Greece) - “Full of dreamy sounds … fantastic, euphoric, and uplifting.”
DJ Di Costa (MoodyLushious Influences) - “I’m feeling this package so much … full of quality, classy, deep house sounds. Perfect for the summer season.”
Myxzlplix (Subdivisions Global Radio Show) - “Hot damm. Wind Horse continues to impress me. If this is just a sample, then I definitely want to taste more.”
DJ Naz (Buddha Bar) - “I absolutely love this new wave of Indian house. Clean and elegant, with enough melody and drive, it will sound great in many scenarios and I can definitely see it capturing many sunsets around the world.”

Available now from Juno Download and Traxsource.