Evan Rhodes - Magnetic (Viva Recordings)

Evan Rhodes is a producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist who originally cut his teeth in the underground warehouse scene of '90s Detroit. It was there that he landed his first residency, at the legendary Velvet Lounge, playing regularly alongside the likes of Terrence Parker and DJ Godfather. Since then, Evan has produced and DJ’ed around world, with stints in Brooklyn and Nicaragua, and now basing himself in Kenya. That’s where he recorded the songs for the Magnetic EP, Evan’s welcome return to Viva Recordings since making an appearance on a back-in-the-day compilation.

The EP launches with the funk-infused “Magnetic,” featuring a rousing bass line, dollops of cool percussion, jazzy keys, and choice vocal drops. It’s perfect house music for the dance floor prime time. “Everybody” follows, continuing the EP’s potent danceable streak, with a swinging rhythm, string stabs, percolating synths, and bouncy horns. “Shiloh’s Song,” named for Evan’s newborn son, closes the EP in fine style. This contemplative deep house cut combines beautiful melodies and moving vocal drops over a crisp, skipping beat. It’s a fine finish to an exceptional EP — Evan Rhodes delivers the goods once again.

Lee Jones (Country Gents) – “I’m speechless. This whole EP is amazing.”
Col Lawton (Deep Fix Recordings) – “Wicked EP full of lovely grooves.”
Rees Urban (5 Magazine) – “This is a really nice EP.”
Tom Conrad (Gatecrasher) – “Shiloh’s Song is a really cool track! Full support.”
KJ (Integrity Recordings) – “This is a really tight EP.”
Terry Jasinto (Dance Klassique) – “I love the funkiness of Magnetic. Solid stuff.”
Jask (Thaisoul) – “I’m feeling it.”
DJ P-REZ (Not So Fast Records) – “Yes! I love this whole EP.”
James Rial (2020 Vision) – “Shiloh’s Song is a nice little groover.”
Nick Power (Soul Kandi) – “Nice, all 3 tracks are very likeable. Plays coming this weekend on the Soul Kandi radio show.”

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

Luis Machuca - Sounds Right (Friskybeat Records)

Inspired by the vibe at his monthly Vancouver residency, Better Days, DJ Luis Machuca has crafted the grooving house cut “Sounds Right” for his Friskybeat imprint. The track draws upon diverse house music styles — soulful, deep, jazzy, and afro-latin — which reflects Machuca’s multi-faceted DJ sets at the club night. “Sound Right” starts with an understated kick drum rhythm as swirling chords build. Percussion and handclap raise the feel, further enhanced by a crunchy baseline and a cool vocal drop. The track’s secret weapon is a live baritone saxophone by Dave Say, joining “Sounds Right” to provide a dose of jazzy melody. “Sounds Right” is a warm, cozy affair, perfect as the nights get cooler.

DJ Harri (Sub Club) – “I’m liking this. Will play and support.”
Col Lawton (Deep Fix Records) – “Lush vibes. Love this track.”
Tyler Stadius (Deepen) – “Super dope. Pure house music, sweet!”
Shane Johnson (Fish Go Deep) – “Tight groove with good driving bass and a tasty sax. I will be playing this.”
Pat Lezizmo (Conya Records) – “This is good. Smooth with emotions, nice.”
Lee Jones (Country Gents) – “Love this superb, moving groove.”
DJ Lolly (Freek FM) – “Nice vibes. This is quality.”
Brian Cairnie / Boss (Modifi Grooves) – “Great midnight shuffler! I can see this working on the dance floor and on mix tapes.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House web zine) – “An expertly crafted jazz house cut.”
Mark Mac (The Sounds Collective) – “I’m loving this guys. Funky deep house with a stunning sax right on through this baby. Top Sounds.”

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

Mined Music - Levitate/The Pressure (Søndae Records)

Søndae Records is proud to present the first release by Munich-based DJ and producer Mined Music. He is one half of the German duo Mined & Forrest, popular for their own groovy version of funky breaks, ghetto funk and glitch hop. Instead of creating strictly dance-floor orientated tracks, Mined Music focuses on more artsy and atmospheric vibes. The cuts on this new single are a delicious combination of chillout, downtempo, and live music with electronic elements.

The first track, “Levitate,” is a smooth, cinematic, and chill tune, yet with a funky bass line and enough pace to get feet moving. It features the French singer Christelle Constantin, delivering true passion with her beautiful voice.

The second track, “The Pressure,” slows things down and creates a subtle and moody vibe, combining live elements with dirty synth sounds. It opens the path for Portugal-based vocalist Maree Lawn who completes the thrilling picture with her soulful lyrics. Fans of Mined & Forrest already know her talent through her appearances on their EPs.

Mined Music started producing back in 2001, mainly hip-hop and soul tunes, while studying music arrangement and audio engineering. He was live keyboardist in various bands from 2005 - 2012, playing big festivals on a regular basis. In 2012, Mined Music started DJ’ing and producing electronic music, combining his live experiences and multi-genre knowledge in his productions. In 2017, he and Forrest Funk founded the DJ/producer duo Mined & Forrest and consistently released music on top labels like Breakbeat Paradise and Timewarp Music. They’ve remixed artists like Jack & Jointz, Discobeta, Lack Jemmon, and many more.

Frank (All Good Funk Aliance) – “This is some high quality production here.”
Rory Hoy (Super Hi-Fi) – “These are some really nice tunes.”
Mr. Bristow (Subtek) – “This is really groovy.”
Soul of Man (Finger Lickin’ Records) – “Sounding very nice. Will play on my radio show.”
Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) – “Nice songs. I’ll definitely play them.”
Andrew Emil (Glenview Records) – Both of these songs are dope.”
DJ Morpheus (Lysergic Factory Radio Show) – “Excellent. I really like both tracks. Great stuff!”
Jon Wesley (Music Goes On Radio Show) – “Levitate is outstanding. Can’t wait to play it.”
DJ Osric (Black and Blue Show) – “Brilliant and beautiful.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT Radio Show) – “Both tracks are sounding lovely. The production is slick and the vocals are spot on.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Andrew Macari - Hidden Textures EP (Viva Recordings)

Veteran deep house DJ/producer Andrew Macari returns for his second full EP on Viva Recordings, the Hidden Textures EP. Andrew’s discography is wide, recording for classic imprints like Large Music, Afterhours, Greenhouse, and Nordic Trax. He has also recorded cuts as part of Toka Project, Filter Flow, and Guided Methods, and presently releases jackin' tracks under the alias Greenbay Jackers.

“Some Like Change” opens the EP with a tough kick drum rhythm that softens with the addition of chiming chords and crisp snares. An affecting and effected vocal phrase, rolling bass line, and deep background pads further a dreamy atmosphere. A classic house music bass sound and faraway melodies feature in “U Want Deep,” as cryptic voices and swishing textures float about the stereo field. “My Soul Brothers” has a grittier intro, enhanced by a potent bass line, cool spoken vocal flourishes, and rhythmic staccato keys. It’s spacey, but it’s also a roller. Great vibes all around from Andrew Macari on the Hidden Textures EP … don’t miss out.

Mr. V (Sole Channel Music) – “This whole release though … 5/5”
Terry Jasinto (Dance Klassique) – “Nice, clean and deep sound, accordingly with the tradition of Viva.”
Tony H (Late Night Munchies) – “U Want Deep is a vibe.”
Magnus Asberg (On The House Records) – “Yes! Cool release. My Soul Brothers is my pick.”
Lorenzo al Dino (7th District Inc.) – “All three tracks are working great for me.”
DJ Harri (Sub Club) – “Lovely stuff. Will play and support.”
Lee Jones (Country Gents) – “First track is a killer. Can’t wait to test it out.”
Dj Deelay (Underground Sessions) – “Liking the selection on this EP. Deep grooves with hints of soul.”
Richie Hartness (UM – syndicated radio show) – “Some classic cuts right here.”
Shane Johnson (Fish Go Deep / Red FM) – “Some Like Change is the cut jumping out here. Great sound, and a lovely loose groove. Will be playing.”

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