Casomado - Journal Entry (Friskybeat Records)

Miguel Leiva is Casomado, a prolific Chilean-Canadian producer and DJ based in Montreal. His latest single, “Journal Entry,” is a tribute to his father and a crate of cassettes. These tapes were filled with Toronto radio broadcasts of the ‘70s and early ‘80s, featuring unique funk and disco sounds morphing into more electronic styles as the years passed. Providing a soundtrack to his family’s cookouts, parties, and daily routines, these tapes were a huge influence on Casomado. On “Journal Entry,” Casomado speaks on this memory and its influence under a melodic deep house cut. The tune is sparse and dubby, with a rolling bass line, splashes of chords, and a crisp shaker-led rhythm. There’s also a Dub Mix, featuring an expanded drum track, lush pads, and an emotive arpeggiation. Both versions of “Journal Entry” are expressive and deep, perfect for intimate after-hours sessions.

Rise Ashen (Balanced Records) – “Feeling this one. Nice track.”
Shahrokh Dini (Compost Black Label) – “This track moves my ass. Nice groove.”
Edground (Brazilian Soul Crew) – “Very nice deep sounds.”
Mike Solus (Housemasters Radio) – “Super record. Loads of great stuff in it, plus the vocal.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House Web Zine) – “Sexy and truly enthralling.”
Tony H (Late Night Munchies) – “I’m lovin’ the bassline.”
Ken Liu (Headset Hi-Fi) – “Looking forward to playing this in the dark.”
Louis Hughes (6th Sense Music) – “Really liking the groovy and low slung feel to this.”
DJ Lady D (D’lectable Music) – “Love the concept and the ultra chill vibe. I can get into this.”
Steve ‘Griffo’ Griffiths (Freak Da Funk radio show) – “Lovely laid back deepness.”

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

Joe Silva - The Final EP (Purespace Recordings)

Canadian producer Joe Silva is no stranger to electronic music’s discerning ears, releasing through his Purespace imprint since 1995 and contributing to the likes of Viva, Nordic Trax, and Tango. Silva specializes in an organic approach to synthetic sounds resulting in music that’s consistently warm, forward-looking, and groovy. His latest release on Purespace Recordings, The Final EP, is no exception. The EP’s three outstanding tracks stylistically differ, showcasing Silva’s production range, but all highlight his knack for deep textures and nuanced melody.

The EP opens with the dreamy “Shine,” a laid-back gem that features gorgeous vocals by Paula Calado. The sound is sleek and expressive with shimmering pads and sparse but bright rhythms transmitting a neon-hued late night feel. “The Final” introduces a slinky, downtempo 4-on-the-floor beat accompanying a gentle synth melody and layers of atmosphere. The moving chord changes and whispered voices create a vibe not unlike a slow-motion “Sueño Latino.” Then Silva returns to the uptempo realm with “To A Place,” a 2-step garage-inspired cut with soulful vocals from Mariana Cañadas. The sound is crisp and vibrant as the cut twists and turns in increasingly captivating directions. A strong choice for dance floor discovery.

Artwork by Chris Mulligan Design.

Chris Todd (Crazy P) – “Shine is a lovely warm hug.”
Shantisan (Salted Soul) – “The Final will definitely be my soundtrack for spring and summer.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “This is a beats inspired beauty from the very talented Mr. Silva.”
Jay Zimmermann (Block FM) – “Joe Silva doing what he does best. Lush, moody, sonically precise deep grooves for those sun drenched and chilled out moments.”
Luis Cardona (Balanced Records) – “A lush and uplifting EP. Cinematic, emotional, re playable, and beautifully mixed and mastered.”
DJ Firefly (WRCT 88.3) – “Fantastic production. Love the details in these.”
misterG (Green Arrow Radio Show) – “Traveling into the future, these are the sounds that can guide.”
DJ Osric (Black and Blue Show) – “Absolutely beautiful music.”
Lotek (The Shake) – “Solid release. ‘Shine’ is gorgeous, and an accomplishment in production. Amazing.”

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

Sim Nagai - Exotica XL (Cold Busted)

Sim Nagai specializes in imagined journeys to faraway places. The Belgian beat-maker finds inspiration from where he’s travelled as well as those places he’s yet to visit. Sim finds a connection with the ‘50s music genre of ‘exotica,’ a vintage flavor which aimed to sonically transport its listeners to distant locales. Sim takes on a similar mission with his debut album on Cold Busted, Exotica XL. Its 13 tracks convey rhythmic excursions to leisurely destinations — where palm trees shimmer in the wind and colorful birds fill the sky. Sim’s solid hip hop beat foundations accompany these visions, resulting in a distinctive style to be enjoyed by heads around the world.

The album opens with a familiar chord melody in “The Island” as waves gently crash in the sound-field. Guitars, birdcalls, and subdued drums channel a lazy day on the beach. There’s also the tougher rhythms of “Tropics,” featuring rousing strings and expressive atmospheres that’ll liven things up poolside. “Douglas Firs” proudly wears an inspiration from Twin Peaks on its sleeve, and “Toucan” seamlessly drops Asian-adjacent elements into its melodic stew. Things get jazzy and old school with the NYC-inspired “Body & Soul,” and “Takayama” brings out intricate drum patterns and synth work from Sim’s arsenal. With many more cuts and sounds to discover, Exotica XL is a first class ticket to sunnier vibes.

Kid Loco (Flor) – “This is a work of pure genius. I love all of the tracks.”
Mister T. (Cold Busted) – “Pure Cold Busted sound here. Downtempo at it’s best.”
DJ Osric (Black and Blue Show) – “A sublime release.”
Jon Fugler (Fluke) – “Lovely, I can almost taste the sunshine.”
Apostolos Argyris (The Zuzu Club) – “Excellent. Very smooth with great atmosphere.”
Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica) – “This is beautiful.”
Soul of Man (Finger Lickin’ Records) – “Yep. Feeling ‘Tropics’ and ‘Toucan’. Can you tell I need a holiday?”
DJ Junior (Eavesdrop Radio) – “WOW!”
Sharif Galal (Triple J Radio) – “Sonically transports you to different places and times. Beautiful!”

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

Luis Machuca - Come To Me feat. Michelle Ross (Friskybeat Records)

Luis Machuca returns to Friskybeat Records with the emotive deep house cut “Come To Me,” a collaboration with vocalist Michelle Ross. Luis captures the uplifting vibe of Better Days, his monthly Vancouver residency in the track’s sonic elements. Melodic keys, an inviting dance floor rhythm, and jazzy saxophone build the foundation for Michelle’s captivating lyrics and vocals. A delightful synth solo takes hold at the track’s close. A sparse but no less effective Deep Mix is also on hand, imbuing the original with spacier, bass-heavy afterhours feel. Friskybeat delivers the late night goods once again … dive in!

Mr. V (Sole Channel Music) – “I love the original mix.”
Tyler Stadius (Deepsite) – “Class as always from Luis.”
Julius Papp (NeoDisco Music) – “I’m enjoying the deep mix.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House webzine) – “A truly blissful soulful cut.”
Norbert Borchers (House Sound of Hamburg) – “Two very nice mixes.”
Distant People (Soul Elements Radio Show) – “Lovely mood and depth here. It just takes you to warmer places.”
Mark Mac (The Sounds Collective) – “Cool tunes, with the deep mix sounding spot on for my show.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “A funky hot number that gets better and better.”
Jaymz Nylon (Adult Selections Radio Show) – “I’m feeling it. She’s giving you a little Teena Mari-ness.”
Cherokee (Cherry Global Radio Show) – “So lovely and warm! Enjoying the selection of sounds with that jazz and soul groove!”

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