Various Artists - Sixteen (Chillin Music)

Chillin Music signals the end of 2016 with an exciting 16 track compilation given the corresponding title of Sixteen. With over a decade of releases spanning the deep and tech house sphere there are plenty of hot options to choose from when assembling a Chillin Music collection. The powers-that-be at Chillin have indeed chosen wisely, and these cuts derive from the label’s recent output as well as featuring many new and unreleased cuts.

Highlights include Pezzner’s remix of Rob Slac & Alec’s “Sounds Right”, the spectacular Roy Davis Jr. remix of Ovidio’s “Get On Up”, and “Dramarama”, Brett Johnson’s rollicking collaboration with vocalist / DJ Red Eye. Chillin Music also has a knack for sussing out new talent, and cuts from Lion González (remixed by label co-founder John Stuart) and Sepehr (with remixes from Rob Slac and Mr. Harting) certainly deliver. Also represented on the full compilation are the likes of Sleazy McQueen, Alexander Maier, Jonas Saalbach, Alvaro Ernesto, Still Rob G, Homero Espinosa, and even more. It’s a jam-packed amalgamation, and should get listeners psyched up for Chillin Music’s 2017 schedule.

Vanilla Ace (OFF Recordings / Bunny Tiger) – “Roy Davis Jr. is the man!”
Murray Richardson (Electrica Salsa) – “Ovidio - Get On Up (Roy Davis Jr. Remix) is the one for me. Top tune!”
Fer Ferrari (Plastic City) – “Rob Slac & Alec – Sounds Right (Pezzner Remix) is for me!”
Ricky Inch (King Street Sounds) – “Solid pack, I like them all.”
DELLA (Classic Music Company) – “Do I have to pick a favorite? Every track is solid! Can’t wait to hear these in the club.”
Tyler Stadius (Deepen) – “Great, original sounding tracks. Dramarama is the one for me.”
Ken Liu (Headset Records) – “Loving all of these, of course! I will play them for sure.”
K-Zan (So Deep Radio Show) – “Bomb EP! Full support on the show.”
Greg Eversoul (Tenampa / Evasive) – “Cool Diverse selection. Good taste!”
DJ Osric (Black and Blue Show) – “Chillin Music is on a roll. This release is dynamite! The variety of styles evident on this release mean that whatever your house preference, Chillin has something for you.”

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

Andy Compton & Rogiérs - Feel Free (Viva Recordings)

Andy Compton returns to the Viva Recordings label, this time accompanying New York-bred vocalist Rogiérs (pronounced Ro-ghe-ay) for the deeply soulful “Feel Free”. Andy first visited Viva in 2000 with The Rurals and his Farmyard Flavours singles and full length album, and “Feel Free” shows the Peng label head, prolific producer, and busy globe-trotting DJ still residing in the classiest of deep house digs. “Feel Free” floats and cruises in the most musical way, with a simple yet longing bass line forming the foundation for Rogiérs’ yearning words. Gentle drum beats, chiming electric piano chords, and the coolest of synth solos combine to create a bonafide late night winner. An instrumental is also available for those wishing to go on an unguided journey, and the Guitar Dub – which replaces the vocal with lovingly filtered and effected guitar riffs – is on hand to inspire the dreamiest of dance floor visions.

DJ Harri (Sub Club) – “Liking these. Will play and support.”
Dr. Bob Jones (The Surgery Radio Show) – “Great production on all tracks, it's the Instrumental and Dub that make me smile. Another top joint from Andy Compton. Love!”
DJ Bee (Bee Live World – weekly radio show) – “Magnifique! Love this track … full support on radio and in sets.”
Nacho Marco (Loudeast) – “Loving the deep vibe on this one, full support.”
Stefan Popovic (Disco Tone Radio Show) – “The deepness of Compton’s work knows no limits. Proper!”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House Web Zine) – “Quite simply timeless soulful dance music.”
Tyler Stadius (Dialtone Records) – “Lovely tracks. I’ll definitely find a place to play these.”
Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) – “Always stylish works from Mr. Compton. Support!”
Lars Behrenroth (Deeper Shades of House) – “Lovely tune! Will support.”
Kiyo To (Kanzen Records) – “OMG, what an awesome track and vocals. Full support!”

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

Hawke - WarPeace (Hardkiss Music)

Welcome to the world of Hawke and the second single from the forthcoming album Love In Stars.

On the A-side, “WarPeace” is a full frontal assault of the psyche with an illumination of opposing forces. WAR. PEACE. SUN. MOON. Producer Gavin Hardkiss offers a transcendental sound to help pull you out of your hardened shell.

A complementary remix by Papa Lee Reynolds (Desert Hearts) adds darker overtones that will thrill at desert parties and renegades with its tripped-out, unrelenting drive. Hardkiss and Desert Hearts span a generation of electronic dance music influence in California. The collaboration looks to the future with a sound and message that is relevant now more than ever.

Lee Reynolds says “This remix of WarPeace is the first collaboration between myself and my longtime friend Memo Rex. We first met in 2004 when I booked him to play a night I was throwing in San Diego. Twelve years later we finally made it into the studio together! While keeping some key elements of the track we wanted to add some of our bass driven chunky house flavor. Hope you like it.”

On the B-side, “Ganga Dances with the Swan” is an ode to what this future will be after we move through the darkness. Words by White Lotus Foundation’s Ganga White. Vocals by Araceli Santos De Bieber, Gavin Hardkiss and Robbie Hardkiss. Recorded on a whim in the Hardkiss Studios in San Rafael, California. This song is already an inspirational fixture on Hardkiss dance floors and a staple last song of the night.

Gavin Hardkiss is a South African born DJ and music producer based in California. He makes albums under the name Hawke and runs a little outfit called Hardkiss Music.

Billie Ray Martin (Disco Activisto Records) – “All of these tracks are pretty damn good. Gavin Hardkiss’ Mix with that electronic bass hook makes my day. Fabulous release!”
Spettro (Get Physical Music) – “The Gavin Hardkiss mix is excellent.”
Nick Warren (Way Out West) – “Another wonderful Hardkiss release!”
Edground (Grooveland Music) – “Very nice groove.”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) – “Magical, transcendent sounds as always from Gavin. Love both WarPeace and Ganga Dances - nourishment!”
DELLA (No Dial Tone / Classic Music Company) – “The Hardkiss brothers, always.”
DJ Schugar (The Infusion Project) – “Very nice release. Gavin always brings it so groovy!”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) – “Digging the percussive vibes on WarPeace (Gavin Hardkiss Remix) here, really solid beats & bass.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “So good. I love the details in this.”
DJ Deeka (Radioactive FM – Weekly show) – “WarPeace (Gavin Hardkiss Remix) does it for me. A melodic, romantic musical journey. Music for my ears, the best way to finish 2016.”

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

Hashback Hashish - ZONE Remixes (CIRCUIT)

Just back from touring the USA and his third-time visit to Austin’s SXSW conference, Delhi’s Ashish Sachan AKA Hashback Hashish returns with his mesmerizing new EP, Zone, self-released on his own label CIRCUIT. With over ten years of musical experience, Hashback Hashish has had ample time to perfect his craft, both as a producer and performer. He has performed to crowds across South East Asia, as well as playing alongside Noisia, 808 State, and The Bug at Bangface Festival in the UK earlier this year.

The release of his critically acclaimed Brevity EP in 2015 resulted in the producer being featured in Rolling Stone India where he discussed his past work with international labels – such as Berlin-based Plastik.FM, Ireland’s Nice & Nasty, and Robotica Records in Serbia – and reflecting how his music offers something for fans across the globe.

Marking a clear shift back to minimalism and away from the eclecticism of Brevity, the Zone EP opens with its title track: a piece whose pulsing, deep bass line builds to give way to layered percussive kicks. A midway breakdown offers the listener a second to catch their breath from the industrial sounds before intensifying through glitchy, warped synths to create a dark and futuristic atmosphere.

The original is joined by a special remix, which sees “Zone” reworked by fellow Indian producer _RHL, real name Rahul Giri. _RHL has been recognized for his footwork productions as glimpsed through the remix’s syncopated rhythms, slow bass lines, and subtle-yet-sultry sound effects, whilst still retaining elements of Hashback Hashish’s driving original mix.

Two more remixers later appeared: French house pioneer Clyde P, placing a rather cosmic template on top of the Delhi talent’s curious abstraction, and Hashback Hashish’s compatriot 5volts – known for remixes and releases on Wind Horse Records – delivering an exceptional acid rework.

Tronik Youth (Nein Records) – “Great track and 5volts Rework.”
Freddy Fresh (Howlin’ Records) – “Really liking the slower tempo joints.”
Mr. Bristow (Subtek / Detox) – “Feeling this. Deep and dark yet funky – nice work!”
Spettro (Get Physical Music) – “The original is well done.”
Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica / Loca FM) – “Solid x 3! Especially the 5volts Rework.”
Scheibosan (Shanti Roots) – “Perfect slowhouse tracks. Really on top of art, more of this please!”
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) – “The original does it best.”
Hober Mallow (Mighty Reel – Sydney) – “Love that rhythm on the _RHL remix. Nice dark sounds all around here.”
Jon Barnes (Pandora / Airpusher) – “Oh yeah, nice workout! This has some attitude.”
Snooba (Radio Panik / Rif Raf Magazine) – “Great slow tempo infected tracks, dope!”

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