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