Esbe - Late Night Headphones Vol. 1 (Cold Busted)

Originally released on Dusted Wax Kingdom in 2010, Late Night Headphones Vol. 1 is the first part of a three part series from multi-genre producer Esbe. Esbe is based in Los Angeles, and through releases on Dusted Wax Kingdom, Cult Classic, and Cold Busted (which issued his acclaimed album Bloomsday), he’s proven his sublime beat-making acumen. Esbe’s forte is atmospheric instrumental production, incorporating cut-up jazz and soul samples mixed into an intricate and tasty sonic stew.

“Heart’s Treasure” sets the tone with lost-in-time jazz snatches and bluesy vocals beaming in like a distant transmission, anchored by head-nod beats. This sound is developed through “Overflow,” evoking a playful summertime vibe as casual melodies and crunchy drums are layered through the tune’s progress. “Chant For Love” presents a tougher beat, offset by gentle guitar chords and a delightfully dreamy vocal hook. And “Dark Shade Of Blue” shows a futuristic side to Esbe’s production, utilizing pulsing pads and voice hits to soundtrack a lonely spacewalk.

These are just a few highlights from the 18 track Late Night Headphones Vol. 1. The entire album is exquisite, and with this re-release signaling the album’s first appearance on physical formats — including double vinyl, cassette, and CD — there will be a whole new slew of fans discovering Esbe’s sonic palette.

The Funk Hunters (Westwood Recordings) – “Always heat from Esbe!”
Rusty (All Good Funk Alliance) – “Nice collection of emotionally laced breaks and vibes.”
Kid Loco (Flor) – “Really moody and quite cool.”
Barry Ashton (Dub Pistols) – “Perfect summer grooves.”
Dj Halabi (Reversion Records) – “Dope! Eloquent jazz hop landscapes being crafted here.”
Double-D (Funky Fresh Radio Show) – “Deep down quality stuff here.”
Floored Capri (Kane FM) – “Solid set of instrumentals right here. Sounding fresh, just the way I like ‘em!”
DJ Junior (Eavesdrop Radio WKDU 91.7FM) - “Ok, my neck hurts. 5/5”
Jay Scarlett (Sounds Supreme Radio Show) – “Perfect beats for the chill or the club.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “A stunning selection of beats for those times when you simply want to chill.”

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

Snax - Loose Beats (Random Records)

Random Records presents Loose Beats, five re-imaginings from Snax's latest album, Shady Lights. Much like the album, this is an eclectic collection; the last audio chapter in the saga. Tying up the loose ends and tightening up the beats. Loose Beats.

Up first is a special extended version of “Loose Beat.” It's a fragile tune with a deep electronic mood tied together with a vocal performance from Snax which is distant yet intimate. Breaks are extended in this mix, the original of which prompted Will Automajic from Carry Nation to declare, “Loose Beat is the one for me here! So good!”

Snax's good friend Massimiliano Pagliara took time off from his hectic touring schedule to revisit “Shade Of The Living Light.” Seems Pagliara wanted the original 1:30 coda off the Shady Lights LP to be extended into an ecstatic cosmic banger, and he delivered! This remix is already burning up dance floors in Massi's worldwide DJ sets.

Mr. Manic is one of the true up and coming legendary children of the Berlin queer underground. He's been making a name for huh-self all over town, dazzling crowds with her otherworldly sounds, not too mention huh fierce looks for your nerves! Manic took Snax's thrill-hop track “No Fakin’” and completely turned it upside down. Must be heard to be believed.

Techno legends TokTok need no introduction. Snax first met the duo during his Captain Comatose days and they've been collaborating in many ways ever since. TokTok restructures “Loose Beat” with their signature four-to-the-floor sizzle, creating a stomper with minimal production and maximum stomp.

Finally, Snax returns as house music alter ego Box Office Poison with the last word on “Loose Beats.” This nine minute thrill ride recalls early morning NYC, Body And Soul club feels, complete with sweeping house hits, deep kicks, and shimmering highs. It's all tied together with an epic Latin-infused piano solo that will make the summer last forever.

Nick Warren (Hope Recordings) – “The Extended Version and Massimilliano Remix are ace!”
KJ (Integrity Recordings) – “Solid. Feeling the piano, and nice remix by Box Office Poison.”
JT Donaldson (New Math Records) – “Wild! I’m loving it.”
Pete Williams (Natural Rhythm) – “The Massimiliano Remix is cosmic bliss.”
Richard Hardcastle (All Out War radio show) – “Wowsers. These are all amazing. Proper.”
Gianluca Pandullo (Opilec Music) – “I-Robots approved!”
Snooba (Radio Panik) – “Haunted folklore … Snax is infectious!”
Ollie Blackmore (Soul Heaven) – “What a surprise package.”
Rob Warner (Ibiza Voice) – “Shade of the Living Light is dope!”
Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show) – “A lovely retro feel to Loose Beat. The Box Office Poison remix is the best!”

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

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.

Eric Shans & X Miss Ella - Leather Sweater (Viva Recordings)

Brooklyn’s Eric Shans enters the Viva Recordings zone, accompanied by vocalist X Miss Ella. The duo have been working together for many years, Ella’s melodies and vocal style blending perfectly with Eric’s musical creations. Inspired by new wave as well as techno and house music, the two have collaborated on material ranging from sultry synth pop to dark and dirty deep house floor chuggers.

Falling into the second category, “Leather Sweater” is an evocative late night club cut that adds a dose of mood and texture to a DJ’s set. X Miss Ella enchants with a mesmerizing vocal line as Eric’s deep foundation builds into acid line-fueled bliss. The crisp and intricate rhythms point the way forward and keep the nightclub in solid motion. Definitely one for the heads.

Los Angeles producer Tonally — coming off remixes for the likes of Futurewife and Punks Jump Up — takes things up a notch with a driving version that features pulsating, hypnotic synth pads and dramatic stabs. The vocal becomes mysterious, reversed and effected at points throughout the mix. The energy keeps building throughout — a satisfying excursion.

Dubs for both mixes are also available to take the dance floor even deeper. So, let’s see how you look in a “Leather Sweater.”

Mr. V (Sole Channel Music) – “The Tonally Dream Dub is dope.”
Chris Udoh (Tigerhook) – “Very nice dreamy acid vibes.”
Jay Hill (Superfreq) – “Dope acid line, and the artwork is killer. Great work!”
Pete Williams (Natural Rhythm) – “It’s tough to pick between the Dub and the Tonally Dream Dub. Excellent!”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) – “Splendid sounds!”
Zach Van Lue (91X) – “Sick vocal and lovely acid.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Very hypnotic.”
Chango (101.5 FM KTKE) – “Very strong release.”
Richie Hartness (UM – Syndicated radio show) – “Nice acid twister.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Awesome! Straight into my July / August top 10.”

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