On Repeat: July

When Boris Johnson revealed nightclubs will be allowed to open at full capacity on the 19th of July onwards, the whole of the UK was filled with relief and joy. With raves and events back on and festivals given the green light, my playlists were given a shuffle around and I’ve had a few tracks on repeat to prepare me for my triumphant return to the rave and fuel my excitement.

Dissolver – Apuré Tuxima – July’s first track is Netherlands based techno DJ and producer Dissolver’s Apuré Tuxima from his 2020 EP Don’t Disturb Furby. This is the second track on the EP, and there’s no messing around from Dissolver on this track, as it goes straight into thumping 90’s style hard techno, packed full of energy and a vocal sample of the title name. This is a track for a dark, packed sweaty basement.

Ignition Technician – Throw Your Hands – Second on the list is one of exciting electro, from Leeds based duo Ignition Technician’s 2003 EP, Back In The Day. This is a track certified to get a crowd going crazy, with it’s synths and other elements that are incredibly similar to those of Die Antwood; I can definitely see where they take their inspiration from, and I am a massive fan of theirs too, so this was one reason this track appealed to me as much as it did and can’t wait to practice mixing with this one!

Biig Piig – Feels Right – It’s not very often I include indie tracks within my On Repeat series, but those that are featured are always belters. I had only previously heard of Irish born, London based Jessica Smyth from her work with Mac Wetha on his Mac Wetha & Friends mixtape until I heard this song of hers on a Spotify daily mix. Feels Right was written with the vibe of a night out in mind, with the feeling of letting go and dancing with sweaty strangers accompanied by tunes and ecstasy, and the slick bass and accompanied drums on this track gel together just right to make a funky indie disco tune. I will definitely be listening to more of her.

Nero – Two Minds – This choice could be considered a blast from the past, but also a hidden gem. The former being Nero, having not released anything since 2018, they seem to have vanished from the scene or they are at least hibernating. The latter, as this track in particular from their 2015 second studio album, Between II Worlds is an underrated song, both of theirs and in general. Two Minds has a great melody and vocals from member Alana Watson, and is straying away from their signature dubstep sound whilst providing a deep, heavy bassline to screw your face up to.

Shy FX, Breakage Feat. Tyler Daley – I Got You – Its only fair of me to include some drum and bass now, this time I have firstly chosen I Got You from Shy FX and Breakage’s EP Darker Than Blue from April this year. Drum and bass messiah Shy FX teamed up with fellow producer and DJ Breakage for this track which features vocals from Tyler Daley; overall, its one of my favourite tracks of 2021 so far as the combination of vocals and instrumentals mould together perfectly to create an ultimate summer bass song.

JT Donaldson Feat. Liv.e – Stay Inside – This is one of my favourite tracks on my summer playlist this year, but one thing I certainly will not be doing this season, is staying inside, especially if it means I can hear more tunes like this outdoors. A blissful track, touching on UK garage with delicate instrumentals and soulful vocals from Texas singer Liv.e.

Marcus Intalex – Jupiter – Another drum and bass track I’ve absolutey adored this month, is Jupiter from the late Marcus Intalex’s (Aka Trevino) 2016 EP Fourfit EP 08. Jupiter is nearing the more darker, underground side of drum and bass music which I am incredibly fond of. It is a beautifully haunting, yet mesmerising track with intensity and yet with an eeriness that adds to the overall outstanding production on the track; think late, dark city nights.

IDLES, Slowthai – Model Village – Model Village is the latest single from British indie punk-rockers IDLES, which features Northampton rapper Slowthai. Together they have created the perfect combination of rap and indie rock and created another indie anthem to fill indie music nightclubs (ahem, Leadmill) for years to come.

JKS – Burnside – French techno maestro JKS’ 2017 single Burnside is another favourite from this month, as it is acidic, wild and radiates serious heat on a dancefloor, as do the rest of his tracks. Be sure to check out his Boiler Room Hard Dance mix on Soundcloud, one of my favourite ever mixes where he showcases the ferocity of is talent on the 1’s and 2’s.

DJ Le Roi, Roland Clark – I Get Deep (Late Nite Tuff Guy Remix) – Late Nite Tuff Guy’s remix of I Get Deep is one of the deep house tracks that will remain sentimental to me for a long time, as its one of the first I discovered all those years ago when I first fell in love with house music. Lately I have been getting nostalgic with deep house and this one in particular is one that has stood out to me this month.

Thank you for reading July’s edition, August will be coming within the next few few weeks when I have recovered from this upcoming Creamfields. Stay groovy!

Ruthless x

The Ruthless Raver: New Releases – Tekno Notice – TNVA01

This week’s new releases article delves into the darker side of techno, with Cheshire based record label Tekno Notice’s first ever release, compilation VA01 (various artists).

VA01 is a compilation release from some of the best, up and coming DJs and producers in the genre, showcasing their surreal talent for production as well the ability to cook up a storm with a mix.

After what began as a mix series throughout lockdown, now turned underground record label launched and ran by avid techno fan and DJ Liam Davies (Aka DAV), Tekno Notice now has over 45 guest mixes from fellow DJs and techno fans including Will Catlin, Con Parker, Emily Knight, Jack Rylatt and Azyr to name a few.

The label, who’s logo and name was inspired by the infamous Nike TN trainers and logo, is set to release the compilation Friday the 23rd of July, with its premier launching on Soundcloud today. It includes ten original tracks of hard and fast, full throttle techno from artists from both the UK and beyond, including DAV himself, Azyr, EA, Evis May & Mattram, Faster Horses, Ketek, Mergim, RAMKKA, Sawyl and REGFOY. Conveniently enough, as it’s release date falls on the first weekend of the clubs reopening, it is the perfect soundtrack to calm the pre rave nerves and get you hyped for the triumphant return to a hot and sweaty dancefloor, and to prepare for the ruckus about to occur.

The vision of the label is to solidify the North West of England’s place in the techno scene and make a name for itself to be ranked among the likes of Berlin and Amsterdam in terms of its musical offerings. With the tracks on offer featured in the first compilation, there is no doubt in my mind they will do just that. Expect wall shaking techno of a high bpm wild enough to blow your socks off; this is not for the faint hearted.

Grooves On The Vinyl: #000

For a while now I have been thinking to myself, “what else can I write about on my blog?”, “how else can I engage more people from the music community?”, “what will be a really cool thing to write about?”. Then I had a eureka moment a few weeks ago – I can write about my record collection!

So without further ado, I am stoked to announce my new blog series, Grooves On The Vinyl, where I will be taking you through each piece of wax in my ever-growing record collection, and discussing each release in full and reviewing the album and EP’s and talking about my favourite tracks on each, as well the background of the artists and the making of the albums.

I have probably over 50 so far and it’s only getting bigger. I have records from all different genres of music including techno, house, pop punk, metal, rap and hip hop, film scores and so many more. Those who follow my Instagram page will have seen I do post pictures of my records on there and I still will, but this time there will be more to read on the blog for those who want to learn about the music and the artists and hopefully discover more music to love. I’ll also be discussing my favourite record stores and the best places to buy online.

The setup I have is a Pioneer PLX-500 turntable in black with DM-40 speakers of the same colour from the same well known DJ equipment brand. I used to use an Ion Pure LP player with some cheap ass speakers my mum bought me from Maplins around seven years ago when I first started the collection. The sound and play quality overall was just rubbish – my records are my babies so it was about time last Christmas that I upgrade to the set up I use now, which was a great decision. The quality of the PLX-500 is amazing and the sound quality on the DM-40s is perfect, so crisp and clear and does every record justice. I only use one of the speakers currently because I’m still waiting to get a Kallax unit from Ikea for better storage space – I don’t have enough room to use both at the moment and the turntable itself lives on top of its original box on my bedroom floor for now.

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Stay tuned for the first post!

@theruthlessraver

The Ruthless Raver: New Releases – Lexx – Marcia EP

This week’s article takes a look at Belgium based DJ, producer and promoter Lexx’s debut release, Marcia, his EP out on the 9th of July on Cheshire based label, Revolucion Records.

Over the past several years, Lexx has spent this time growing and excelling as a DJ, and is known for showering a dancefloor with deep tech house beats. Unsurprisingly, his commitment and ambition have seen him play worldwide festivals including Tomorrowland and Burning Man, as well as destinations across Europe including Tel Aviv and London. And it doesn’t stop there – as Lexx also throws his own events called “ON” in his Brussels hometown.

Since taking to producing his own tracks, the Marcia EP is Lexx’s first ever release. Consisting of two tracks, the titular Marcia and Trajan, the EP is one of deep melodic house glory. The opening track Marcia has tribal like sounds and vocal samples layered with a deep transfixing groove, whereas the second track Trajan (my favourite of the two) is a bit faster and more upbeat, with a lot more intensity. Both are wonderfully atmospheric tracks perfect for a big venue or festival.

About The Label

Launched in 2007, UK based label Revolucion Records class themselves as “Purveyors of underground house and techno”, with the greatest, more unknown hidden artists signed to the label. Releasing music specifically for a dancefloor, their A&R searches for and signs artists from across the globe, including North & South America, North Africa, Europe and the UK, uniting the artists and listeners on a worldwide basis. Over this time they have achieved and are still achieving growth as a label and business, with now over 180 releases, including artist albums, compilations and artist samplers.

Pre-order Lexx – Marcia now, available to buy and stream from Friday the 9th of July:

Beatport: https://bit.ly/3An29MO

Traxsource: https://bit.ly/3w939k7

Juno Download: https://bit.ly/363NOGP

Check out Lexx on socials:

https://www.facebook.com/lexxonmusic.be/

https://www.instagram.com/lexxonmusic/

Check out Revolucion Records on socials:

https://www.facebook.com/REVOLUCION.RECORDS/

https://www.instagram.com/revolucionrecs/

On Repeat: June

In the June edition of On Repeat, we have another diverse collection of tracks from several different genres including experimental techno, deep house, minimal house, indie rock and techno.

Off The Meds – Karlaplan – First up this month we have Karlaplan by Swedish experimental DJ / rap quartet, Off The Meds. Originating from Johannesburg, Kamohelo Khoaripe joined forced with Adrian Lux, Carli Löf and Måns Glaeser (three local DJ-producers) when he moved to Sweden. Khoaripe lends his melodic Zulu-Tsotsitaal-English flow voice to their tracks, while the three other members work on production and overall deliverance. Karlaplan was the first single from their 2020 debut self-titled album, released on Studio Barnhus. What is really interesting about this track is that there is an innovative sense of storytelling, which you don’t often find in dance music tracks. Karlaplan tells the tale of a young martial artist who infiltrates a secret society to recover a sacred statue that was stolen from his village, but, in order to restore peace at home, he must win.

Will Saul, Charlene Soria, Scuba – Beam Me Up (George Fitzgerald Remix) – Previously described by me as a “house music veteran”, George Fitzgerald conjured up a deep house banger with his remix of Beam Me Up. The track includes a thick and heavy bassline throughout, as well as high hats and intriguing vocals from Charlene Soria. Released in May 2013, Fitztgerald’s remix of Beam Me Up is one house track to carry us through the years of past and future parties to come, it just does not get old.

Jesse Maas – Reach – Jesse Maas is an artist I have recently discovered over the past couple of months since I have been writing about music and delving into different genres, one being minimal house. Dutch artists from the Netherlands seem to be taking over this genre, with the likes of Chris Stussy, Luuk Van Dijk and DJOKO (who you’ll read more about later) to name a few. For me, minimal as a genre is incredibly hit or miss as I can often find it mundane and repetitive, or it slaps; hard. Reach is most certainly one of the latter. Taken from the EP of the same name released in 2020 on PIV, there’s a real nice groove throughout the entire track, as well as airy pads that sit perfectly with the rest of the track. What I really like about Reach is the jazz, soul-like influences and the use of the vocal sample on this is divine. Jesse Maas is most definitely one to look out for a as a rising star in the scene. Overall, Reach is simply put, a stunning track.

Nthng – 1996 – 1996 is the first track on the EP of the same name by Netherlands born, Berlin based producer, Nthng. The EP was released in May 2015 on Mörk (MÖRK003), its parent label being Lobster Theremin, owned and ran by Asquith. 1996 is a dub techno track which features a sample of hip hop trio De La Soul’s All Good (featuring Chaka Kahn). The track is layered by different melodies and is a soulful beat with futuristic slick pads and drums, providing an Aphex Twin-like ambience. It is altogether soul soothing, mind enriching yet hauntingly beautiful all at the same time.

Chris Malinchak – Lore – American deep house producer Chris Malinchak’s 2020 EP, Lore is another with a track of the same name as it’s EP I’ve been digging recently. Music fans will know Malinchak from his 2013 summer house hit, So Good to Me. The rest of his work should not go unheard; released in May 2020, Malinchak created another deep house EP, this time to see us through the disappointing covid-19 lockdown Summer. The title track, Lore is a blissful summer tune with vocal samples and is perfect for those hazy days in the sun.

Julio Bashmore – Footsteppin’ – Another one of my favourite deep house producers is Matthew Stephen Walker, more commonly known under his stage name, Julio Bashmore. Bashmore is most memorable for his outstanding track, Au Seve. Taken from the 2010 Chazm / Footsteppin’ single, Footsteppin‘ is one of his earlier, unknown releases, and his first single which helped staple his name into the house music genre. It’s a wintery, Scandinavian inspired track, which he created upon his return from Helsinki, Finland where he competed in the international amateur rifle shooting world championships; another one of his talents under his belt. In terms of its production, it’s another incredible deep house track from Bashmore, with a more sensual feel to it, yet it also features garage swing, with a sample I believe is from Lovestation’s Teardrops.

Wolf Alice – Play the Greatest Hits – Wolf Alice have more than made up for their disappointment of a second studio album (compared to the incredible debut My Love Is Cool) Visions of a Life with their third, Blue Weekend. Play the Greatest Hits is my favourite song from this album and is the one that stands out out me the most. It’s a super fun indie rock party song with attitude supplied by lead Ellie Rowsell’s shouting vocals. I cannot wait to hear this one live, be prepared for mosh pits and pints flying everywhere.

Catz ‘n Dogz, Gerd Janson – Modern Romance (Dusky Remix) – Irish duo Dusky have been one of my favourite acts in dance music for years, and their remixes are just as good as their original productions. This remix of Modern Romance is a house track with an old school rave vibe to it. Released in April this year, this is the perfect summer house track to see us through this season and will be a great one to hear back on a dancefloor when raves are back.

DJOKO – Bad To The Bone – Another more minimal release, this one is from German producer DJOKO aka Johannes Kolter. He has become one of my favourite producers in the scene and has fuelled a lot of my lockdown listening, more recently after his HÖR Berlin B2B set with Thalo Santana. I don’t think I have come across a track of his yet that I didn’t like, Bad To the Bone in particular features stripped back vocals, piano stabs and swirly synths all dancing over a killer groove.

PRYDIE – Back Room – Finally on June’s list of tracks is Back Room by Welsh DJ and producer Prydie (Aka Owen Prydie). Back Room is the first track on the EP of the same name (again) released earlier in June on Ithica Records. There’s no messing around with this first track, opening up with slamming beats to pull you straight into the EP, and leaves you longing to listen to the rest of it; especially with how good this track is, it’s a belter of an opening track and needs to be played loud. Familiarise yourself with his name, because Prydie will soar to stardom.

Thank you for reading, and all tracks can be found in The Ruthless Raver: On Repeat Spotify playlist below as always:

On Repeat: May

In the month of May I listened to another mix of various genres including deep house, disco, tech house and indie hits. Here are May’s top ten tracks I loved:

Jessie Ware – Sweet Talk (Cyril Hahn Remix) – First on the list this month is Cyril Hahn’s remix of Sweet Talk by Jessie Ware back from 2012. Combined with Jessie’s stunning original vocals from her debut album Devotion, Hahn’s remix of Sweet Talk is a simply gorgeous, slow deep house track and is incredibly soothing to the ears.

WK7 – Rhythm 2 (Power Snap Mix) – Secondly we have the Power Snap mix of WK7’s Rhythm 2. WK7 is an alter ego of Berlin based techno DJ Shed (René Pawlowitz) and these influences are evident even within this house power track. The bassline is pumping yet this track also has a more of a hypnotic and blossoming sound to it at the same time, an excellent use of both here.

Cromby – Shake It – Irish DJ and producer Cromby, who now also calls Berlin his home, launched his own record label, Potency Records in 2020, and Shake it comes from the first EP release on the label, Potency001. Packed full of acid and rave influences, Shake It is a belter of a track and a party starter at that, made for a sweaty, packed dancefloor.

Sir Was – Deployed (Feat. Little Dragon) – Straying away from the dance and house music variety now with this one, and definitely a track of a lower BPM. Alas, Deployed is a perfect late night listening track and a lovely arrangement of production, lyrics and vocals from Little Dragon (whom you may know from the SBTRKT song, Wildfire). It is certainly more of a pop track, yet melancholic, yet warm and gentle whilst also somewhat awe-inspiring.

NEZ, Schoolboy Q – Wild Youngster (Jamie Jones Remix) – Welsh Tech house pioneer Jamie Jones’ first release of 2021 was his remix of Wild Youngster by US rappers NEZ and Schoolboy Q. Wild Youngster is an eclectic mix of house and rap that, put together, slaps. It is an absolutely outstanding comeback track for JJ in terms of his first release of the year and shows what a talented producer he is. If this is a taste of what more is to come from Jamie Jones this year, I’m here for it.

Lazare Hoche, Malin Genie – Oh!! Snap – Taken from the EP, I Don’t Sync So, a collaboration from French and Dutch DJs Lazare Hoche and Malin Genie, Oh!! Snap is a funky house track a winding synth melody and subtle and airy vibe. This whole EP is brilliant, and one of my favourite more recent discoveries.

Sally C – Let’s Get This – My favourite of this months top ten, Let’s Get This is a pumping house track and another energy fuelling party starter, and the second track from her EP Big Saldo’s Chunker EP 001. Its no-nonsense, solid banger with a catchy vocal. I’ve had multiple trips on public transport listening to this track where I’ve had to stop myself from actually dancing. I beg the clubs open sooner rather than later so I can bop about to this one!

Mood II Swing, John Ciafone – Ohh – Slowing things down again here but keeping the party going with this dazzling deep house tune. It still sounds as fresh as it did when it was released in 2014, its a stunning, end of the night track (which everyone knows I’m a sucker for) with a calmer, more peaceful and warm rhythm. Ohh creates a somewhat foggy illusion whilst at the same time releasing a feeling inside only some tracks are able to do.

Richy Ahmed, Jamie Jones – I Need It – Here we have another collaborative project, this time from house DJs and producers Geordie lad Richy Ahmed and Jamie Jones (again) on their 2021 EP, More Energy / I Need It on Ahmed’s label Four Thirty Two Records. I Need It is my favourite from the four track EP, which is comprised of the two original tracks, More Energy and I Need It as well as a remix of each from Butch and Ray Mono. I Need It combines vocal samples and classic piano house along with a 909 drum pattern. Two wizards at what they do, they have produced a glorious summer anthem perfect for sun filled afternoons.

070 shake – Guilty Conscious (Tame Impala Remix) – Tame Impala AKA Kevin Parker lends himself to a rare remix here, and it is simply stunning. It’s the perfect touch of Tame Impala, with psychedelia on the synths and catchy rhythmic drums, adding to the overall etherealness of the track.

Thank you for reading this months top ten tracks loved by me. As always all ten can be found on my On Repeat playlist on Spotify below:

@theruthlessraver on Instagram @ruthxcasey on Twitter

British Underground House Producer JY Akari Releases New Track – Movements with UK Producer Algoithm

On the 23rd April this year, UK based house producer JY Akari released his latest single, Movements, co-produced with fellow UK producer, Algoithm on Dutch label CHAPTERD Recordings.

Having had several releases over the last few years, JY Akari has also been supported throughout 2020 and 2021 so far by no other than BBC Introducing. Both JY Akari and Algoithm are self-taught producers and to be supported and pushed by the BBC is evident that their craft is paying off and they are on the road to developing into successful artists and producers. The only way is up for the two of them.

The pair first met through the CHAPTERD recordings group chat after having both already released on the label, and shortly after discovered they lived in Corby and Bedford; less than an hour away from each other. The signs they should collaborate together were right in front of them. The two of them also participated in CHAPTERD live sessions, an online label showcase and virtual rave, representing the UK for the Netherlands based label. JY Akari also went on to represent the UK at the HUSTLE lockdown virtual rave in Austria last summer, which was his first online event of the pandemic.

CHAPTERD as a label was founded by Dutch DJ and producer, MVLDER, who is a close personal friend of JY Akari’s, after meeting on Twitter several years ago when they both ran music blogs before JY Akari began producing and MVLDER founded CHAPTERD. The two then also collaborated on the track “So Into You” released on 3000 Bass. JY Akari and MVLDER then assisted each other by releasing eight tracks in 2020 on CHAPTERD, to both promote JY Akari’s production and promote the label to each other’s followers.

Movements takes its inspiration from super-funky, high energy tech house the world knows and loves. The creation and production of the track was simple: a bassline and some drums. Movements remained dormant and unfinished for quite some time. That was until Algoithm came into the picture. He saw the potential of the basic production and added something just as simple (yet classic) – piano. This then sent their musical imaginations into overdrive and the surged the creative flow. The finishing touch was the vocal loop, and Movements was then finally born.

The track was then given a new lease of life after being heard and loved by CHAPTERD Recordings who then signed it and released it shortly after on the 23rd April this year. As the title would suggest, Movements is going places, with over seven thousand streams on Spotify and Soundcloud combined. Very best of luck to the two of them for future releases!

Since the release of Movements, JY Akari has also released his first EP of 2021, Let You Go / 2 AM, a two track EP of tech house party anthems.

You can stream Movements now, here:

https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/21CRhuzUBVSxVPyT2yPwHt

Find both artists on Instagram and Soundcloud: @jyakari_uk @algoithm

Words by Ruth Casey @ruthxcasey / @theruthlessraver on Instagram.

For any promo / press release enquiries please email ruthalicecasey@gmail.com

On Repeat: April

With everything going back to normal, and going back into the office full time in my full time job, changes are being made, including how much time I have to write now. This month features dubstep, house, techno and more. I would never miss a month as I love sharing music with people. Better late than never, here are my top ten tracks I loved throughout April.

Skream – The Soul – From Skream’s Unreleased Classics Vol. 3, the third and final volume in his Unreleased Classics series which included tracks from 2003-2007, The Soul is an absolute stinker of a dubstep tune, with its slowed BPM and wobbly sounds, it will make you want to dance in a dark room accompanied by a warm Red Stripe and a killer sound system.

ABSOLUTE. – My Love – Released in March 2020 on Family Planning records, My Love is a deep house track capable of creating melody heaven on a dancefloor with the use of its vocal refrain and percussive line. It is both a club anthem and a move inducer. This is one track I cannot wait to hear at an event when clubs reopen.

Ballet Mechanique – Embody – Certainly more of an underground release, I am not even sure how I came across this track. From the EP of the same name by Dutch producer Jeroen Borrenbergs, Embody is a track deep from the techno archives, originally released in 1996 and remastered last year on Delsin records. It is a tough, yet emotive electro jam.

Catz ‘n Dogz, Nick Monaco – Inside –Up next is Inside, a melodic, piano house track from Polish duo Catz ‘n Dogz featuring vocals from Nick Monaco, released in May last year on their two track single, Inner Revolution on Defected records. Inside radiates euphoric summer vibes, perfect for those hazy afternoons spent with friends in the sunshine.

Metronomy – The Light (Kero Kero Bonito Remix) – Alt indie band Metronomy handed the keys over to pop band Kero Kero Bonito for this remix of their track The Light from their 2019 album Metronomy Forever. The remix is completely unrecognisable, and sounds totally different from the equally as brilliant original song. The remix is a nod to 00’s electronica, with breathy vocals and a late night trajectory feel.

John Tejada – Performance Review – The more melodic and ambient side of April’s top ten, is Austrian composer John Tejada’s track, Performance Review from his 2019 EP of the same name on Palette Recordings, a label he started in 1996. Performance Review is a simply stunning track full of melody and harmony, complimented by layered samples, again with a late night feel to it.

George Fitzgerald – Burns – DJ Seinfeld Remix – House music veteran George Fitzgerald’s track, Burns got a remix by none other than DJ Seinfeld in 2018, and what a remix it is. The original is one of the greatest, classic tracks in deep, melodic house and this remix is a more upbeat, breakbeat take on it and overall an astounding reinterpretation.

Bailey Ibbs – Mine – leaning more over to the darker side of UK rave music is London based producer Bailey Ibbs’ Mine from his Lockdown Trax single released last year during lockdown, with profits going towards raising money for Battens Disease. The single demonstrates Ibbs’ versatility with production, shifting through genres such as garage, breaks and jungle.

2XM, Quails – Leave With You – New Zealand’s Benjamin & Liam Murray AKA 2XM’s 2018 track featuring vocals from Quails, Leave With You on Dream Raw Recordings is a beautifully tranquilising track. The progression throughout is put together so nicely, which would make it a perfect closing track for a set when clubs reopen.

Habgud – Ninety-Seventh Dagger – Last but by no means least is Nottingham’s very own Dom Habgood AKA Habgud’s track, Ninety-Seventh Dagger from his EP, Once Bitten, Twice Shy released on his label Burn At Both Ends. Nottingham based Habgud includes Berlin techno influences which he has played with and around from when he has played at Berlin clubs such as Tresor. Ninety-Seventh Dagger is the opening track of the EP and is a killer opener, throwing you right into the deep end preparing you for wall shaking, mind blowing techno. A smaller but powerful name in the scene, Habgud is absolutely both a DJ and producer to look out for, expect massive things to come from him.

Thank you for reading about my favourite tracks of April. All tracks can be found in my On Repeat Spotify playlist below:

https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/1wqC3Ag3ixbgPG3TcHa1JY

On Repeat: March

The arrival of spring creates a change in my current listening activity. Temperatures are rising, the sun is making its way out and so are my more upbeat, happy dance tracks. March’s article includes tracks of house and UK garage. Here are my most played tracks of this month:

Gorgon City, DRAMA – You’ve Done Enough – Gorgon City are back with their latest single, You’ve Done Enough featuring pop duo DRAMA AKA Na’el Shehade & Via Rosa. One of the biggest names in house music, Gorgon City have previously collaborated with DRAMA on Nobody, released last year. Via Rosa’s powerful vocals on You’ve Done Enough works beautifully with Gorgon City’s production, creating yet another house power anthem.

Asquith – The Conditioning Track – North London Mix – Second on March’s list is the North London Mix of Asquith’s The Conditioning Track, released in 2018. The track is a house mix club tune and a perfect trajectory for a big night, with a nod to UK garage. It’s bouncing, and full of energy.

Eden Burns – Big Beat Manifesto – I was drawn to this 2020 single from Eden Burns purely down to the title. Big Beat Manifesto immediately reminded me of Peep Show (my favourite comedy show of all time) and I sincerely hope this track was made and inspired by Jez and Superhans. It’s a smooth house track, layered with rhythm. Big beats are the best, get high all the time!

Main Phase – Get higher – Up next is the dynamic UK garage track, Get Higher by Main Phase. It features thundering 909 kicks, a fizzing bassline and light vocal samples. It is a solid banger, and an essential in any UK garage playlist.

Kristy Harper, Samirah Raheem – My Body. My Future. – This track is my favourite of this month’s ten. I literally gasped when I heard it for the first time. It is a lo-fi / deep house track with a sick beat throughout. The best part? The vocal sample from internet sensation Samirah Raheem. You may remember her after a video of her speaking at LA’s 2017 “Slut Walk” went viral, from which her frank statement “we’re all sluts” has since gained her a career in modelling; and now she is even being sampled in house music tracks.

Sosa – Your Love – After the success of DFCW, UK based Sosa has touched on speed garage here with his single, Your Love, released November 2020 on Ministry of Sound. The single features a bad ass bassline, complete with a vocal sample. It’s a catchy, summer-vibe song that overflows with positivity.

XXXY – Got Me So – Got Me So was released in 2013 by lofi house DJ and producer XXXY on the single of the same name. It features ambient, shimmering synths and a stunning vocal sample, layered with spiralling melodies. Another track with UK garage vibes, it’s a danceable tune to make your head bop.

DJ Boneyard – That’s Right – Some electro now, with DJ Boneyard’s That’s Right, from his EP, House Crime Vol. 3. It has a pounding bassline with an aggressive “that’s right motherfuckers” sample. This is another stomper to induce some serious moves on the dance floor.

Cameo Blush – Year 2000 Problem – Year 2000 Problem is a breakbeat track with some severe Bicep influences, that emulates something from one of their live sets. Cameo Blush AKA London based John Dunk is also a member of Ross From Friends Live, and this track in particular shows his skills in terms of production. There’s a beautiful vocal sample that ties the track together incredibly well. It overflows with emotion and depth.

Jizz – She Likes To Dance – Finally we have Mexico’s Jizz. She Likes To Dance is a minimal, deep house track with an R&B vocal sample. The vibes with this one are unreal, a real bop with serious rhythm and groove; amazing production from Jizz on this track.

Thank you for reading this month’s top ten, all tracks can be found below in the monthly Spotify playlist:

On Repeat: February

Once again I am incredibly late posting On Repeat (a month to be exact) but mainly because of other exciting projects and collaborations I have in the pipeline. February’s post features tracks of house and disco, and tracks perfect for a party playlist. I think all of these tracks are so individually amazing, I couldn’t not write about them! Here are my top ten tracks I loved in February!

Oden & Fatzo – Ob1 Kenobi – First on February’s list is Ob1 Kenobi from French quartet of duos, Oden and Fatzo. This minimal house banger is fun, deep and has an insanely groovy bassline. There are some 808 State and S.A.M influences, with its synths and paradise-like sounds. This track is certainly a funky number, perfect for the late afternoon parties to take you into the night under a sunset.

Benoit & Sergio – Everybody – Secondly comes this summer track from Washington D.C and Berlin Based Benoit & Sergio. It’s a beautifully intimate track with an uplifting trajectory. Released on Death From Above, the track features light drums, mellow synths and arpeggiated M1 piano. It is a definite party style tune that gives off happy summer vibes to induce the singer and dancer within us all.

Naux – Call The Pompelars – Next up is French DJ and Producer, Naux’s track from his 2020 EP, Calm Down Beach released on Bellissima Records. It is disco and glitter vibes, a real party starter that just makes me want to dance.

Logic1000 – Perfume – Australia Born, Germany based Samantha Poulter AKA Logic1000 released Perfume on the single of the same name last year. It features house groove with layered by 90’s R&B samples, particularly of Avant’s Separated, which is also the same sample in Dusky – Careless.

Cobra Man – Everybody Party Tonight – Everybody Party Tonight is an 80’s disco type vibe of a track. From the 2018 album, Toxic Planet Los Angeles power disco duo Andy Harry and Sarah Rayne have captured the sense of an 80’s disco with their electro-punk productions. It is a powerful song with some beautiful, smooth sax included too.

Kicks – Marvin – This is absolutely my favourite track of this month’s ten. Marvin oozes funky vibes throughout. It is from Kicks’ Space Opera EP, released in 2020 on Rutilance Recordings and it’s an absolutely gorgeous track from start to finish. It has blissful melody and intriguing vocal samples. Kicks is most definitely one of the best, most well hidden artists and I will definitely be listening to more of his work.

Mr. G – In Gratitude (New Moon Mix) – From his Tokyo EP also released last year, In Gratitude (New Moon Mix) is a deep house track that is a slightly darker vibe, but an excellent one at that. Mr. G is one of my favourite artists at the moment and is both an excellent DJ and producer.

Social Lovers – Can’t Get Enough – Next is Social Lovers’ disco track, Can’t Get Enough. There is seduction and groove put together that gets the hips going. It was released on Hobo Camp and has influences from various cities such as LA, San Francisco and Seattle, and is influenced by the sounds of west coast disco funk.

Milton Jackson – Sunset In A Frame – Sunset In A Frame is a deep house track on German label Housewax. Made up of thick drums and deep dubs, it is another track perfect for a summer afternoon sunset soundtrack.

Special Request – Phosphorescence – Paul Woolford AKA Special Request’s track Phosphorescence from his 2019 Bedroom Tapes LP is a beautifully ambient one. It’s full of emotion and sparks pure ecstasy, with a chilled out, relaxed vibe.

The On Repeat: February playlist can be found on Spotify below: