Zak Damundo - 3am (Cold Busted)

Under the glow of moonlight, Zak Damundo has arrived on the Cold Busted label scene with his fantastic debut album 3am. The alias of San Francisco DJ / producer Zach DeVincent, Zak Damundo presents eighteen original and sampled beats that are mixed continuously in the physical realm (CD and vinyl), but also available digitally as individual cuts. An underground dance music veteran, DeVincent is the host of SWIM on Digitally Imported Radio, an affiliate of the Bay Area’s independent hip hop TV program Distortion 2 Static, and has released tunes for the likes of 5 and Dime Recordings, Acryl Music, Looq Records, and Open Bar Music.

3am is aptly titled as the tracks transmit a dead-of-night vibe, with loose rhythms, spacey samples, and lush melodic constructions. The continuously mixed version shows Zak and the album in their element, as a solitary evening journey motoring through city streets is sonically intimated. Individually, the album’s cuts are prime movers for the crafty selector, perfectly elevating the after-hours lounge DJ set. 3am opens with “Soul” which draws from ‘quiet storm’ ’80s funk in the low end and dreamy, ambient ’90s electronica through its swirling pads. The stylistic combination is infectious and continues throughout this evocative album. Other highlights include the echoed guitar chops and rising pads of “Comedown”, “Drift”’s pristine, laid-back jazz-funk textures, the dramatic strings and piano over a boom-bap beat in “Say Goodnight”, and the lovely, immersive hip hop soundscape of “Venice”. Zak Damundo is on point, and 3am is recommended for any nocturnal hour.

Rusty (All Good Funk Alliance) (Funk Weapons) – “Dope stuff. Digging the vibes on ‘Soul’, but all of the songs are good.”
Rory Hoy (Howlin’ Records) – “Incredible release. Definitely gets my support!”
Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) – “Solid Sounds, epic grooves. Great work Zak!”
Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show / Fluke) – “Lovely in the extreme, and barely putting a foot wrong with every track.”
Belmar Soul (Cold Busted) – “Comedown is where it’s at. Nice work.”
Double-D (Funky Fresh Radio Show) – “Nice and easy … good vibrations.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “Tunes for those deep dark moments, When you want to let your soulful side take a chill.”
Andreas Kinzi (Aromabar) – “Slomo Masterpiece.”
Black Alley (In Control Radioshow) – “Sweaty and sexy like a hot summers night.”
Dr. Best (Radio Z) – “Nice downtempo choons. ‘Say Goodnight’ and ‘Venice’ are my faves.”
DJ Nova (Rodon FM / Nova Planet Radio Show) – “Awesome, I love it! The most lounge moment of the label since Boris Blenn's early release on label. Night time jazzed and chilled vibes full of classic downtempo reminiscent of the past, which is sounding perfectly refreshed and well shaped.”

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

Next Of Kin - Everything (Uniting Souls Music)

Seattle label Uniting Souls Music reaches across the pond and grabs London’s Next Of Kin for “Everything”, a deep bass-house workout that’s sure to inspire some peak time floor action. A veteran producer under various aliases – previously holding down a radio show on Ministry of Sound – Next Of Kin has bounded forth under this latest nom-de-plume with top notch releases for Deep City Sound and Modern Revival alongside the likes of Doc Link, Demarkus Lewis, and Fred Everything. “Everything” masterfully meshes influences from deep and tech house as well as the late ’90s sound of UK garage to transmit a groovy late night roller. Vocal snippets deliver the catchy hook of the song’s title while a punchy, dominating bass line and cool spacey pads keep the rhythm deliriously flowing. Pete Moss, a welcome recurring remixer for Uniting Souls, accents the main track with a version that expands on the lush vibe, featuring swelling synths and the vocal hits given a subtle, slightly ominous treatment. Seattle’s Jon Lee (Viva Recordings, NAM Recordings) is also on hand, providing a deep and moody remix of “Everything” that ebbs and flows with dynamic breakdowns and ringing musical passages. Along with Pete Moss’s version, this mix gives a distinct view of the main track, completing a package that works for a variety of after-hours DJ situations. Uniting Souls in effect!

Hector Romero (SAW Recordings / Def Mix) – “Pete Moss does this remix right. Love the deep groove.”
Mr. V (Sole Channel Music) – “Original Mix for me.”
Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “Both remixes are very good.”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) – “Superb EP!”
Eric Davenport (Guesthouse) – “Solid house that keeps it soulful while still adding a lot of tech elements.”
Murray Richardson (Electrica Salsa) – “Lovely deepness from Pete, and loving Jon’s mix too. Nice release!”
Lee Jones (Buslife) – “This EP is sublime. I love all three mixes.”
Tokita (Heavy / Viva Recordings) – “Jon Lee remix for the win! All around great EP.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “3 stunning mixes … pure quality.”
DJ Di Costa (Bilanez Music) – “Really hard to say which one of the three versions is the best one since they are so addictive and hypnotizing in their own way. Full support on this outstanding release!”

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

W. Jeremy - Phantasy (Get Up Recordings)

Get Up Recordings label owner W. Jeremy is back again with a new EP titled “Phantasy”. The EP includes two original tracks and two pumping remixes from the multi-talented Canadian DJ/producer export Karsten Sollors and Chi-town’s Andrew Emil.

W. Jeremy is a NYC based DJ/producer whose history of working for DJs and record labels in the ’90s – ranging from Angel Moraes to Tony Humphries – has greatly influenced his DJ sets and production/remix style. His Get Up Recordings label is also clearly influenced by his musical past as well, with a colorful spectrum of artists and remixers including Kim Ann Foxman, Tedd Patterson, MATRiXXMAN, Rennie Foster, Gavin Russom, and Snuff Crew. The EP kicks off with the original version of “Phantasy”, a bumping house jam with bass driven percussion and euphoric breaks.

First up on remix duties is Karsten Sollors, who has earned the attention of electronic music’s finest thanks to a resume of well-rounded accomplishments. With releases on Toolroom Records, Nervous, and Farris Wheel Recordings, Sollors is breaking boundaries within the house music pool. Outside of the studio, Sollors’ profile has immersed itself across clubs since his relocation to Chicago. Playing alongside the likes of Jay Lumen, Sante, Gene Farris, and Nick Warren, he has dropped an immense collection of music at his Saturday Sound-Bar residency in Chicago and also regularly at Primary, Spybar, and Annex. His remix of “Phantasy”, much like his DJ’ing, brings a superb driving tech house element to the package.

Next up on the remix end is Andrew Emil, who has been a well-respected fixture in Chicago’s music scene for over a decade and a half. A concert-trained percussionist, Emil eventually moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College and study audio engineering and music composition. Emil, who has been deeply entrenched in Chicago’s thriving house music scene since the 1990s, has a sound that reflects an eclectic and mature marriage of classic and contemporary elements of Chicago house, infused with jazz and soul undercurrents. Not only has he put out releases on some of house music’s most elite labels, including OM Records, Seasons, four play music, Farris Wheel, Gallery Music Group, Look At You, .dotbleep, Kompute, Roam Recordings, Industry Recordings, Classic, and Panhandle, but Emil remains one of Chicago’s most respected and lauded DJs. He is a Resident DJ at Nu: The Outer Space Disco Dancing Society of Chicago, 2016 Primary Nightclub, and a featured resident at First Saturdays at the legendary Gramaphone Records. His remix here is a full-on Chi-town funk jazz vibe and an ode to Strictly Jaz Unit, a collective that included members such as Boo Williams and Glenn Underground.

Rounding out the EP is the second original, “The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter”, a lusciously hypnotic house track with swirling soundscapes, pulsating rhythms, and an acid-inspired arpeggiated lead.

DJ Heather (Blackcherry Recordings) – “Diggin’ “Heart” and the Andrew Emil Jaz Dub too. Great EP!”
Anthony Pappa (Red Light District - “The best mix is the Karsten Sollors Remix. I will support it!” Distant People (Soul Elements Radio Show) – “Cool lively bounce on Andrew Emil’s Jaz Dub.” Blueshift (Nurvous Records) – “Karsten’s mix is my pick!” J. Caprice (High Maintenance) – “Very nice tracks. It’s really hard to pick a favorite!” Edground (Grooveland Music) – “This Andrew Emil Jaz Dub is amazing.” Kane Ian (Dustpan Recordings) – “Liking Andrew Emil’s Jaz Dub and The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter.” Kadabra (The House Hookup Radio Show) – “Holy Crap, the Heart Is A Lonely Hunter is fantastic.” Velanche (Club 91 Radio Show) – “Hard to beat the original, but the remixes are good too.” Kosta** (Vibe FM, Bucharest) – “Summer grooves right here! I enjoyed every track.”

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

Various Artists Book Of Shadows: Various Spells Vol. 1 (Occultists)

Occultists is a label concept born out of the idea of playing with the polarities of finding the light within the darkness and curating a musical output of techno that has an esoteric flair. After making some noise with the imprint’s freshman release from Dugong, label founder James Demon continued on the hunt for some fresh new artists to officially join the Occultists family. Finding just that, the label is proud to present its sophomore release Book Of Shadows: Various Spells Vol. 1.

Starting off the journey is Adra, an old time friend of James Demon – the two met as young ravers in the underground scene of Las Vegas as teenagers. Though reconnecting in their adult techno lives while based in San Francisco, it was finally when James moved to Berlin that he discovered Adra as a techno producer. Bringing a pure techno approach to her track “Ami”, she adds a special flair that is destined to create magic on the dance floor.

Following Adra is none other than Occultists artist Dugong who made her debut on the label with last year’s well-received Dead Man Rising EP. This time around Dugong shows her diversity as a producer by delivering a techno-friendly track while still being true to herself with her one-of-a-kind voice and songwriting style. The track “Heart Of War” takes the listener on a journey through the world of Dugong while remaining ready for those special moments in the club.

Turning the pages of the book of shadows brings the listener to James Demon, the founder Occultists. Taking inspiration from his favorite horror and sci-fi films James creates a club ready track “Old Magick” that tells a tale from the dark side that is sure to bring out the light within.

In the beginning stages of the label when James was looking for artists that fit the vibe of the occult concept, a friend from Berlin reached out to introduce the next artist, F600. When James heard this music he was immediately sold on his eerie approach to techno and chose the track “CH2=CH2” for this little book of spells.

Rounding out the EP is the only non-techno track on the release, creating a sense of diversity in the line-up of artists. Berlin based duo Zoid^ was discovered by James after meeting artist Ze Royale at one of his events in Berlin. After seeing the unique performance of Zoid^ with production and visuals from Misster Mystery James instantly knew he wanted them to be part of the Occultists concept. Their track “Freak” takes the listener on a journey through an android’s exploration of something or someone strange.

Eric Davenport (Guesthouse) – “Digging the funky, driving ‘Old Magick’ by James Demon.”
Jon Fugler (Fluke / XLNT radio show) – “Some very subtle and hypnotic things occurring here.”
Anri (Tokyo Redlight) – “These tracks are very cool and amazing. I will love playing these in my set.”
DJ Morpheus (Lysergic Factory Radio Show) – “Freak by Zoid^ is excellent!”
Rob Warner (Ibiza Voice) – “Heart Of War is fantastic.”
Iron Curtis (Mule Electronic) – “Old Magick sounds excellent!”
Darrell Stout (Next Level) – “Mind altering and haunting.”
Henderick AKA Thelonious Funk (Thelonious Funk Sessions) – “Very cool EP. I will definitely play these tracks on the show.”
Project Gestalten (ARAAA Records) – “Another consistent release by the label. I loved the first one and this is really great. I love the dark yet danceable approach. Definitely supporting this.”
Tiago Onez (Bane Le’ Dex Radio Show) – “What a wonderful release! Truly wonderful! I LOVE every single track. Fantastic release from the Occultists label.”

Available Now From: Beatport, What People Play, iTunes, And Spotify.