Djoser Pharaoh - Star Love (Selekta Recordings)

Selekta Records continues to break boundaries and seek new sounds with a remix package celebrating "Star Love" from Detroit native and multi-faceted artist Djoser Pharaoh. The original tune is an emotional and undeniably soulful production, outwardly influenced both by classic R&B and Prince's powerful balladry. Djoser Pharaoh's vocal is impeccable, delivering equal parts intimacy and passionate fireworks.

The team at Selekta wisely recognized the potential to bring this song to the dance floor and commissioned a pack of top notch remixes. First up is the Galaxy of Soul Remix from The Stoned, AKA the San Antonio-based father/son duo of Josh Stone and Josh Stone Jr., recently named one of Traxsource's top 100 Jackin' Artists of 2021. This mix takes things deep, focusing on Djoser's vocal and adding chiming chords and a crisp house rhythm. Selekta's own DJ Dennis brings in some old-school elements for his Seeing Stars Remix, introducing chunky drum rolls, laser-bright synth effects, and a cool bit of acid house — but never losing sight of the vocal line. Pioneering Sacramento DJ David X increases the tempo a tad and adds a bouncing bass line for his Club Mix. Djoser's voice floats effortlessly above a concoction of guitar hits, pads, and driving patterns. The legendary DJ EFX harks back to his Strictly Rhythm days on his Celestial Mix, injecting tons of low end and shimmering arpeggiations into "Star Love." DJ Lana Johnson (LTHM, Fresh Farm) closes out with the Deep Space Mix, placing the tune into a slightly techy and dubby realm, but nonetheless as deep as it gets. A prime package of tracks all around, ready for nightclub action.

Tee Cardici (Low Down Grooves) – “Five stars to DJ Dennis for taking this one to a whole other level. This is a VIBE right here.”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) – “This is so good!”
Jaymz Nylon (Nylon Recordings) – “Star Love" (Original) is a gorgeous piece music.”
Indy Lopez (D&S Club Beatz) – “Nice pack. Lana Johnson’s remix is sweet.”
Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica) – “Beautiful original, brilliant remixes!”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle radio show) – “David X instrumental for me. Brilliant future funk.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Bandcamp, Traxsource, And Spotify.

The Stoned - Lost In Sound (Harmonious Discord)

Contrary to popular belief, the climate is not the only thing generating heat in South Texas. A rise of humble, promising artists is budding up throughout the state. The Stoned is a father-son duo who leverage collectively both years of experience along with an ear to the newest trends. Somewhere between traditional house music and cosmic territories lies the Lost in Sound project. Providing support for these delicious selections is tech-house hero Joshua Collins and Austin, Texas, resident and dirty disco don Ajay Kapoor. Slide into this EP with a plethora of grooves and tension.

The title track “Lost in Sound” provides punchy drum constructions alongside spacey leads and tense layers. The song progresses with vocal elements reminiscent of early David Byrne records. “Get Away” compliments equally in the equation. Strong drum mixtures alongside melodic leads float blissfully alongside each other. Tech titan Joshua Collins (Afterhours, King Street) carries the torch with a rich, pulsating modern techno interpretation. Shifting melodic sequences alongside driving percussion temper into a satisfying solution. Alternatively, Ajay Kapoor strips away the layers into their most true and raw forms incorporating live bass and classic disco drum construction. This hauntingly beautiful redux elevates gradually with the introduction of anxious arpeggios. Closing our journey is “Feel,” a melodic reprise with late-night layers. Deep-minded pad automation synced with a persistent groove presents a perfect mixture of jazz and urban influences.

Tyler Stadius (Deepen) – “All of the tracks are really good. I love getting new tunes from The Stoned.”
Jaymz Nylon (Nylon Recordings) – “Lost In Sound is a gorgeous piece of music.”
Duserock (Various Labels) – “The originals are where it’s at!”
Anthony Pappa (Bedrock) – “The Josh Collins Remix is really cool.”
FineCutBodies (MR2 Hungarian National Radio) – “I love the Ajay Kapoor Remix on here.”
Nutritious (SpinSpinNYC) – “Diggin’ it. Supporting the Ajay Kapoor Remix on my Play/Pause show for Magnetic Magazine.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Bandcamp, Traxsource, And Spotify.

Various Artists - Discordian Dreaming 9 (Harmonious Discord Recordings)

Harmonious Discord continues its 20-year celebration with the ninth installment of the Discordian Dreaming sampler series. Over the years, Discordian Dreaming has been the vehicle to introduce new artists to the community but also to feature selections from established HD names. This year, label is going big with 12 forward-thinking selections covering shades of deep house, techno, urban bass, electro, and more. Listeners are sure to find a mood for all purposes, with a steel-thread of abstraction and musicality throughout.

New faces to the Harmonious Discord roster like Jon Glez, The Stoned, and Edwin Watson offer a taste of full projects slated for later in the year. Familiar friends Visions of Glosters, Lucas Ray, Elevotion, Josiah Fontenot, and Vuérs prove that their musical mastery is not contained to a simple sound definition. While HD core artists 1981US, Patchen, Onium, and Tobor Rellik offer you a glimpse into the diverse nature of their upcoming albums and extended EPs. Harmonious Discord encourages DJs to dive deep into these artists as their devotion to exploding through boundary norms are all in service of bringing innovative music to the planet.

This promo features 7 highlights from the 12 song compilation. To peep other tracks, visit hdrecordings.com.

Nick Warren (Hope Recordings) – “Some great tracks here.”
Jon Fugler (Fluke) – “Loving the slightly retro feel on some of these. All are very enjoyable with some standout tracks here.”
Strat3gy (House Afrika Records) – “Really diverse yet consistent release.”
Kosta (Vibe FM) – “Smooth. A very nice compilation.”
Klaus Benedek (Fortunea Records) – “I like the tracks by The Stoned and Vuérs here.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Great variety here from some super talented cats.”
Hober Mallow (Mighty Reel Show) – “Love the variey here. Some great warm house tunes and more washed out ones as well. Perfect for my show. Thanks for the great music.”

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