Djoser Pharaoh - Star Love (Selekta Recordings)

Selekta Records continues to break boundaries and seek new sounds with a remix package celebrating "Star Love" from Detroit native and multi-faceted artist Djoser Pharaoh. The original tune is an emotional and undeniably soulful production, outwardly influenced both by classic R&B and Prince's powerful balladry. Djoser Pharaoh's vocal is impeccable, delivering equal parts intimacy and passionate fireworks.

The team at Selekta wisely recognized the potential to bring this song to the dance floor and commissioned a pack of top notch remixes. First up is the Galaxy of Soul Remix from The Stoned, AKA the San Antonio-based father/son duo of Josh Stone and Josh Stone Jr., recently named one of Traxsource's top 100 Jackin' Artists of 2021. This mix takes things deep, focusing on Djoser's vocal and adding chiming chords and a crisp house rhythm. Selekta's own DJ Dennis brings in some old-school elements for his Seeing Stars Remix, introducing chunky drum rolls, laser-bright synth effects, and a cool bit of acid house — but never losing sight of the vocal line. Pioneering Sacramento DJ David X increases the tempo a tad and adds a bouncing bass line for his Club Mix. Djoser's voice floats effortlessly above a concoction of guitar hits, pads, and driving patterns. The legendary DJ EFX harks back to his Strictly Rhythm days on his Celestial Mix, injecting tons of low end and shimmering arpeggiations into "Star Love." DJ Lana Johnson (LTHM, Fresh Farm) closes out with the Deep Space Mix, placing the tune into a slightly techy and dubby realm, but nonetheless as deep as it gets. A prime package of tracks all around, ready for nightclub action.

Tee Cardici (Low Down Grooves) – “Five stars to DJ Dennis for taking this one to a whole other level. This is a VIBE right here.”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) – “This is so good!”
Jaymz Nylon (Nylon Recordings) – “Star Love" (Original) is a gorgeous piece music.”
Indy Lopez (D&S Club Beatz) – “Nice pack. Lana Johnson’s remix is sweet.”
Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica) – “Beautiful original, brilliant remixes!”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle radio show) – “David X instrumental for me. Brilliant future funk.”

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

Cohuna Beatz - Dubaliciouz (B.A.B.A. Records)

Vienna-based electronic music producer DJ Anza continues his prolific output as Cohuna Beatz with the new album Dubaliciouz, released on his own B.A.B.A Records imprint. As part of the self-described 'Downtempo-Nu-School movement,' Cohuna Beatz has crafted ten choice tracks of spaced-out organic mid-tempo house and dubby sonic frequencies at ODC (Oberwart Downbeat Center). Included is "SpyWorX," the first single, which dramatically builds over a pulsing 4-on-the-floor beat as layers of electronics and horn riffs portray covert maneuvers. There's also the bass-heavy "Duality (Yin Yang Mix)," filled with addictive chord melodies backed by an addictive, crunchy rhythm. There are also more floor-oriented cuts like the rousing "Pump It Up" as well as the epic trip-hop flavors heard on "Carrys." Those are just a few highlights — as diverse and multi-faceted as Dubaliciouz is, each track is an exceptional addition to a DJ's set. Feel the Beatz!

Redstickman (The Ambient Mafia) – “Another great release from Cohuna Beatz! Can’t wait to play these out.”
Gabriel Ferreira (Items & Things) – “I love this, will definitely play it.”
Sean Johnston (Hardway Bros) – “It’s ‘That Sample’ and ‘Spyworx’ for the win.”
Andrew Emil (5 Magazine) – “Really dig this whole drunken midtempo vibe. Dope.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “An epic selection. My fave: Jazzadelic.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show) – “Lovely to hear the return of the mid tempo chugger, always a treat. Some great stuff here, hard to choose a favorite.”

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

Andre Stepanian - Left It All (Friskybeat Records)

Friskybeat Records presents "Left It All," the latest single from jazz/flamenco guitarist and producer Andre Stepanian. Based in Vancouver, Stepanian has delivered a tropical dance groove that incorporates an acoustic nylon guitar for its main melody. Subtle vocal ad-libs introduce the track which are joined by swirling strings and guitar melodies. The Latin-house rhythm, funk-fueled bassline, and staccato electric piano chords shape the song's feel-good vibes.

Cool, driving percussion over more prominent kick and bass tracks flavor Luis Machuca's extended mix. The strings and pianos are jazzed-up a bit, giving the mix some added depth. In addition, the mix features a sultry female vocal playing call-and-response with the guitar melodies for some sleek deep house smoothness.

Casomado is on hand for a club-ready dub mix, stripped down with nuanced differences in the groove. A new bassline binds the percussion and pads to the bottom end while a groovy synth hook creates a haunting effect, wavering in and out of the tune. Affected vocals add texture while nodding to the original version's themes and motifs. Each track on "Left It All" is a dancefloor pleasure.

Rise Ashen (Balanced Records) – “Nice sounds, love the vocals and the groove. The dub is dope too. Full support here in Ottawa!”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Love the fresh, breezy vibe!”
Vanilla Ace (Toolroom) – “Luis Machuca’s Extended Vocal Mix is dope.”
Alvaro Hylander (DeepWit Recordings) – “Casomado’s Dub does it for me. Great groove and mood.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House Web Zine) – “Beautiful sun drenched vibes.”
Miguel Garji (Deepfusion Radio Show) – “Fantastico! Full support on Balearica Radio.”

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

Onium - Recombinant (Harmonious Discord)

The new year calls for the return of the deep-minded dub master Onium to the Harmonious Discord label. A core part of the label sound engine, Onium has showcased an impressive evolution, adding depth and precision with every project. The Recombinant EP represents peak levels of the mastery for this artist and the label's brought in Puresine, Space Scavengers, and Floating Machine in support of this very special frosty project.

Never one to start with flair, Onium guides us gently into a sonically rich tapestry called “Dubsect”. Rumbling bass trios and perfectly controlled synth accents sit in even space in this expertly timed introduction. Puresine enters next to navigate "Dubsect" into dancefloor territory, upping the pace and introducing edgier elements. The introduction of frosted chord stabs and devilish bass responses targets this remix for late night territories as it moves ever-forward with intensity. The next original is a collaboration between Onium and Greek duo Space Scavengers. Stepping back from the intensity in the previous Puresine remix, “Shimmer and Shine” is a beautifully tempered slow burn. Complete with dancing pad interplays and screaming background textures, this selection gives the shimmer of a profound elevated experience. On remix duties for “Shimmer and Shine” is the multi-talented KiloWatts. Instead of reduxing and remixing the original, KiloWatts breaks down each shade and builds it all back up in this sexy space opera that sits somewhere between breaks and techno. "Point of Balance" pairs Onium with Puresine in a characteristic amalgam of their respective sounds. Brighter than your average Onium piece but still tempering and controlling all aspects methodically. Floating Machine plunges right into the depths with his often aquatic, silky textures — a revision of the original that crosses purposes between techno relevance and deep house philosophy.

Tony H (Dirtybird) – “These remixes are dope!”
Tyler Stadius (Deepsite) – “Really good, spacey tracks.”
Tolis Q (Quantized Music) – “Really nice release here. Loving the deep vibes.”
Taigo Onez (Bang Le’ Dex) – “This is wonderful, what a great release. Full support.”
Dave Noonan (Circulation Radio Show) – “Some good dubby soundscapes.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show) – “Solid production throughout. The KiloWatts remix is the one for me, with the exceptional outro.”

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