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Amazingblaze is the latest red-hot new talent to be signed up by Charlotte de Witte's KNTXT label. The Russian artist serves up four fierce techno weapons on his Venture EP, due for release on 25th February 2022.
Though a relative newcomer, Amazingblaze is already making big moves mixing up heavy-hitting hard trance and techno. He has a sound that combines old school influences with new school sound design, and it never fails to captivate the dance floor. On this first EP for KNTXT, all of the signature Amazingblaze essentials are here: weighty drums, massive synths and authentic atmospheres.
Says the artist, "The Venture EP was started when I was living in Saint-Petersburg and there was a pandemic situation. Experimenting with different shades of techno I created a pretty authentic sound which works very well on the dance floor. After leaving Saint-Petersburg I decided to move to Moscow, gladly the pandemic restrictions there were lifted and I became inspired by the new city and parties where I've never been before, I completed the EP adding some new bangers with an already experienced touch.”
Says Charlotte de Witte, “My eye fell on Amazingblaze for the first time during the preparation of my Tomorrowland Around The World Set, where I closed with his beautiful track "Stratosphere". A couple of months later, I fell head over heels in love with his track "Venture", which, I'm proud to announce, turns out to be the title track of the newest EP on KNTXT. Venture captures every crowd of people I’ve played it to, ever since I debuted it in my set at Exit Festival. The entire EP is an out of the box masterpiece.”
First up is the mighty 'Venture' with its pummelling drums and turbo-charged trance stabs. They are bright and bring the energy while a rapped vocal adds something utterly fresh. 'Inner Fire' ups the ante further with a diva female vocal straight from the classic trance era. She brings waves of euphoria and, after a spine tingling breakdown, the machine-gun grooves fire on. There is terrific turbulence in the synth stabs of techno gem 'Flashback' as well as industrial textures and walls of white noise that bring real tension. ‘Neutron’ closes down with the most fierce groove of the lot, this time rippled with cosmic psy trance chords and irresistible video game synths to take you into the next dimension.
Venture EP is a superb outing from Amazingblaze.
Suche:talen
Mouche (real name Tim Karmouche) returns to Australian label Research Records with another full-length of imaginary soundtracks, instrumentals and sun-kissed digital jazz. Active on the Melbourne scene in projects such as Crepes/The Murlocs/Swazi Gold/Dreamin' Wild, Tim's first album Live From The Bubble arrived back in 2020 as an ode to his aptly named studio space - The Bubble.
Lake Songs builds on those same atmospheres, showcasing the inward-looking craft of his one-man band. Cicada field recordings and light keys open proceedings, reflecting the warmer side of 80s new age, though before long we're introduced to a variety of stylistic shifts incorporating elements of cosmic funk, lounge and library-style compositions. There are traces of Steve Hiett, Max Groove or even the recently re-discovered Ronald Langestraat, though the strength of Mouche's talent for harmony shines through on its own level.
Shifting between moods yet reflecting an overarching sense of positivity, listening through the ten tracks gives off a real sense of place, though time is somewhat irrelevant. The warm climate and sandy beaches of Australia seem eternally embodied in 'Juice' or 'Crystal Water'. Perhaps where Live From The Bubble was dedicated to the very studio that birthed it, Lake Songs is dedicated to the vast land that surrounds it.
The third vinyl release from Seattle/LA imprint Rhizome Records comes from label cofounder Kristijan Risteski aka Kinjo. Previous productions from Kinjo include a single on sublabel Rhizome Forms and a 3-track release on SF’s P.U.N.C.H.I.S. With his first vinyl pressing, Kinjo perfects a signature deep vibe while recruiting the talents of Uruguay’s Z@p and Romanian Dragomir for a pair of remixes.
“Marxian” rolls out a techy percussive architecture along with the alluring yet dissonant call of dystopian synths. The subsurface layers crackle and shift, revealing a never-ending array of sophisticated effects.
Z@p provides the remix on side A, wasting no time to transform the original with his moody yet playful excavation. An expertly crafted electro pulse supercharges the alluring tones of the original to unleash a dance floor ready weapon.
Side B features a long form remix treatment by Romanian minimal technician Dragomir. At over 13 minutes, Dragomir’s interpretation extends the original’s chemistry across a vast landscape, carefully examining each element. A deeply psychedelic gem, the Dragomir remix synthesizes afterhours aesthetics with the dark side of jazz.
Our journey begins with one of the main crew members guiding you into our secretly hidden realm.
With two engaging original themes that capture the essence and musical vibes of the label, get ready to experience an alternate dimension that will change your perception of space and time.
In this initial journey he has the companionship of two already established and very talented fellow artists, Vern and Lulla, each one with an individual reinterpretation of this trip.
Join the Third Space!
Santa Cata Records was conceived in the record store, Santa Cata in Palma de Mallorca.
Founded 3 years ago it has become a hub for local artists, an essential digging spot for visiting DJs, as well as being open to all music lovers.
With the vibrant local scene producing so actively, setting up a label was a natural step for us, providing a platform for the artists living on our beloved island.
The first E.P. is from various artists living in Mallorca.
International artists Dani Casarano and Hamid now spreading their roots on the island, and local talent in the form of Planetary Instincts own Dojo Zone and Halbert.
The EP focuses heavily on the dancefloor, innovative modern music laced with old school influence.
The record boasts a dancefloor cut with a jacking touch, another breaky acid lines under modulated chords. Flipping it over a 90’s bassline accompanies trance pads, and finally a catchy melody that will be following you around for weeks.
The eccentric beat ambassador Alexander Skancke showcases his sound once more on his Quirk label, diving into spring with his debut LP, “Kingdom Couch”. The Norwegian has crafted a versatile yet cohesive body of work between 2020 and 2023, parallel to when he began attending sessions with a therapist. The 10 track double 12” traverses between meticulously arranged minimal moods, shuffling jazz rhythms and ethereal experimental textures. In its few years of existence Quirk has become a safe haven for a freedom of expression as Skancke and his affiliates share their wild side on the label, but the LP marks a milestone on the imprint and for Alexander himself whose lifelong dedication to sound has built towards this moment, utilising the vast influences has absorbed over the years.
“Therapy Session I” teases you into the LP, shimmering blissfully as it grows, blossoming into a dream-like world, tuning your ears for the trip you are about to encounter. Constructed upon slick jazzy drums is “Lost In Time” loosening your senses as the pulsating bass swallows up your train of thought. “Dumbo Move” blurs the lines perfectly between the atmospheres the Berlin based producer has captured within the album. Dark, mysterious and mind bending material in “Purple Lucy” a chugging sub heavy bass driving the track forward as precise beeps and bleeps whirr throughout. On a more playful note is the B2, “Extravagance” animated drum patterns converse with the elastic groove perfectly. Closing off the first vinyl is “Therapy Session II”, another extended exploration of otherworldly ambience, drifting deeper in the world of Quirk.
“The Magnificent Tree Hut” stirs consistently throughout, crisp percussion combined with the psychedelic vocal samples which continue to flash in and out. Transitioning now into “Therapy Session III” sophisticated sounds, enticed further into the full bodied experience by the storytelling sounds of a female voice. Your eyes begin to close and you wake up in a hazy club setting, immersed in the after hours; that’s the immediate impact of “New Dawn”, pensive and hypnotic as it rumbles quietly in the realms of the underground. At just over ten minutes long Alexander Skancke brings you down for landing with the final “Therapy Sessions IV”, transcending movements crammed full of raw emotion, floating you calmly
out of the seventh outing on the label, and the thriving talents finest work to date.
The “Kingdom Couch” is an amalgamation of Skancke’s undying passion and burning desire to create outside of the norm, this can be heard throughout this masterpiece and will undoubtedly inspire its listeners to search for the bigger picture.
Artwork: Johann 3000
Mastering: Mike Grinser, Manmade Mastering
Young Detroit-native Kenny Hooper steps up for his debut release on Elypsia Records with not one but three 12 inches full of prime Motor City techno and electro escapism. Titled ,,Detroit Orbiter Volume 1 - 3", each EP features four tracks, showcasing Hooper's brilliant personal take on classic Detroit sounds. The twelve tracks of the ,,Detroit Orbiter" trilogy signal the arrival of yet another Motor City talent ready to rake the world and dance floors by storm with his chunky and funkafied sonic fictions. Elypsia Records is proud to welcome Detroit's next generation!
In the words of Bill Brewster - DJ History
‘At the turn of the 1990s, there were few more successful New York house producers than Victor Simonelli. Under a dizzying array of aliases – Solution, NY’s Finest, Groove Committee, Critical Rhythm and Cloud 9 being amongst the better-known – the Brooklyn-born DJ/producer delivered a string of underground club hits during the city’s early ’90s house boom.’
BTG presents “Victor Simonelli: The Early Years Vol 1” a collectors edition double Vinyl release - 2 X 12’s in each Vol
Launching the first Behind The Groove collectors edition vinyl series is New York’s finest Victor Simonelli with ‘The Early Years Vol 1 & 2’ double Vinyl releases. Featuring seminal house tracks such as Cloud 9’s ‘Do You Want Me’, Solution’s ‘Feel So Right’, Instant Exposure’s ‘Wanna Be With You’ and rare mixes of Raiana Page and EZ-AL, this collection brings together classic and rare Victor Simonelli cuts that reflect the early raw energy and buzz of the New York House scene. With ‘Vol 2” scheduled to follow shortly after, this is the most comprehensive collection of rare Simonelli cuts that firmly establishes his esteemed role in 90s House Music as well as introducing new fans to his inimitable sound.
Victor Simonelli is one of the early kings of NYC sampling In house music. The real deal - Victor danced at the legendary David Mancuso’s Loft sessions and developed a serious appreciation for good music. He interned for Arthur Baker at his renown Shakedown Studios (where Arthur worked with the iconic Afrika Bambatta on the seminal dance floor ’Planet Rock’ track) and went on to release hugely influential releases on seminal NYC labels 4th Floor and Nu Groove. Victor’s music was championed by the hugely celebrated iconic House Music DJ pioneers, Larry Levan and Tony Humphries at Paradise Garage & Zanzibar/WBLS/Kiss FM respectively.
Revered as a New York house heavyweight and prolific producer since the turn of the 1990s, Victor Simonelli grew up in Brooklyn, NYC, nurtured by a music loving family, with an avid record collecting father who also worked as a local party DJ. He took music lessons in piano, drums, guitar and bass, before discovering his first love, tuning into NY’s Radio Mix Shows on WBLS, WKTU and WRKS,98.7 Kiss FM) where he discovered the art of mixing and in his own words, ’I just simply got lost in the music’.
Graduating from NYC’s Centre For Media Arts, Victor got an internship in the legendary producer, Arthur Baker’s Shakedown Studios. Soon graduating to editing, mixing and then producing he worked for artists David Bowie, Quincy Jones, Debbie Harry, Sinead O’Connor and Talking Heads. Teaming up with fellow NYC producer Lenny Dee to become the Brooklyn Funk Essentials, they released records ‘Critical Rhythm’ and ‘Subliminal Aurra’ on 4th Floor before Victor went solo as Groove Committee releasing the classic ‘I Want You To Know’ on the legendary Nu Groove Records. Paradise Garage legend, Larry Levan broke ‘I Want You To Know’ rocking 2 copies on his last tour of Japan whilst King of NY House Music,Tony Humphries broke Victor’s new ‘Feels So Right’ across New York on his WBLS/Kiss FM Mastermix show and at his legendary Zanzibar club sessions. It was only a matter of time before Victor’s name became synonymous with quality House music ensuring a worldwide platform for his productions.
In the early 90s alongside his own productions, Victor Simonelli worked on high profile projects, including James Brown’s album, “Love Overdue” BeBe and CeCe Winans single featuring Mavis Staples “I’ll Take You There” and Quincy Jones’ “I’ll Be Good To You” featuring Chaka Khan and the legendary Ray Charles. Never straying too far from his clubland roots, Victor worked with Danny Tenaglia on his classic “The Harmonica Track”.
DJ gigs across the world started flooding in and Victor found himself recording for a dizzying array of labels including Tribal America, Sub-Urban, Bassline, King Street Sounds and Vibe, under a wide range of aliases. He also produced, wrote and remixed for artists such Nile Rodgers (Chic), Afrika Baambata, Hall & Oates, Frankie Knuckles, Kerri Chandler, Madonna and Michael Jackson. Famed for his own productions “It’s So Good” by Creative Force, “I Know A Place” as Sound Of One - the first release on Roger Sanchez One Records -, “Dirty Games” as well as the “Street Players Vol 1 EP”, Victor went on to set up Suburban Records with Tommy Musto and Bassline Records with two other partners. Notable releases on this label include “Do You Feel Me”, Connie Harvey’s gospel inspired, “Thank You Lord”, Urban Blues Project’s “Deliver Me”, Colonel Abrams “Not Gonna Let”, and Mone’s “Better Way”. Never ceasing to produce, DJ, run his own label and host radio shows like Groove Lift, Victor has worked with virtually every NYC producer and has nurtured a next generation talents including Angel Moraes, Jazz ‘N’ Groove, Urban Blues Project, Harlem Hustlers, Jay Jay and Julius Papp. Victor’s releases have also been used on M&S’s “Salsoul Nuggett” hit and Eddie Amador’s underground smash ‘House Music’.
In the late 90’s Victor launched his new Westside Productions, notable for the “Latin Impressions 1 & 2” releases, opened up a studio in Italy as he found himself increasingly working in Europe and now divides his time between New York and Italy. Suffice to say his unique sound of uplifting and spiritual music has kept him at the forefront of House Music and he is credited as one of its leading exponents with his string of classic releases and remixes.
Behind the Groove, branches out from its digital platform to embark on a programme of releases from the iconic pioneer producers of House Music. Esteemed for their high quality features and mixes that continue to explore, celebrate and venerate the contributions of highly respected, scene-shaping Labels, Artists, DJs and Special Events, BTG seeks to bring these talents and tales to the attention of the wider community. Unlocking the stories surrounding the pivotal roles they played and continue to play today in shaping the underground music scene we have come to know and love.
BTG presents “Victor Simonelli: The Early Years Vol 1” a collectors edition double Vinyl release, released on May 12th 2023. ‘Vol 2” follows on May 26th 2023 . These releases are the most comprehensive collection of rare Victor Simonelli cuts that firmly establish his esteemed role in 90s House Music and introduces new fans to his carefree sound.
London UK based label Alter Hour is back with more minimal and underground music from local talent Haf and a remix by Romanian heavyweight RQZ
Young Detroit-native Kenny Hooper steps up for his debut release on Elypsia Records with not one but three 12 inches full of prime Motor City techno and electro escapism. Titled ,,Detroit Orbiter Volume 1 - 3", each EP features four tracks, showcasing Hooper's brilliant personal take on classic Detroit sounds.
The twelve tracks of the ,,Detroit Orbiter" trilogy signal the arrival of yet another Motor City talent ready to rake the world and dance floors by storm with his chunky and funkafied sonic fictions. Elypsia Records is proud to welcome Detroit's next generation!
- A1: Help Me Make It Through The Night
- A2: Pledging My Love
- A3: Stealing Stealing
- A4: My Heart Is Gone
- A5: Looking Back
- A6: I'll Be Lonely
- A7: I Wanna Dance
- B1: Ali Baba
- B2: Stick By Me
- B3: Strange Things
- B4: Tonight
- B5: The Further You Look
- B6: Wild Fire (Feat Dennis Brown)
- B7: Sweetie Come Brush Me
- C1: Sister Big Stuff
- C2: My Desire
- C3: I'll Take A Melody
- C4: Time & The River
- C5: Let's Get It While It's Hot
- C6: Ghetto Queen
- C7: Reggae From The Ghetto
- D1: You Baby
- D2: You Will Never Find Another Love Like Mine
- D3: I See Your Face
- D4: The Tide Is High
- D5: Let's Build Our Dreams (Feat Leroy Sibbles)
- D6: Before The Next Teardrop
- D7: Just The Way You Are
Nachdem er in den späten Sechzigern als Frontmann des beliebten jamaikanischen Gesangstrios The Paragons eine Reihe von erfolgreichen Rocksteady-Singles aufgenommen hatte, wurde John Holt zu einem der beliebtesten jamaikanischen Solokünstler, der eine Reihe von Reggae-Hits für viele der führenden Plattenproduzenten der Insel produzierte.
Der internationale Durchbruch gelang ihm 1974 mit dem äußerst populären Album "1000 Volts of Holt", das raue Reggae-Rhythmen mit raffinierten Orchesterarrangements verband.
Der Höhepunkt des Albums war die Bearbeitung von Kris Kristofferssons Country-Hit "Help Me Make It Through The Night", der im darauf folgenden Jahr zu einem weltweiten Hit wurde und als Single Platz 6 der britischen Charts erreichte.
In den folgenden Jahren blieb Holt ein Gigant der Reggae-Szene mit weiteren Bestsellern und zahlreichen ausverkauften Shows auf der ganzen Welt.
Das Beste aus seinem Solowerk wurde auf dieser "Essential Artist"-Compilation zusammengestellt, der neuesten Veröffentlichung in der neu eingeführten Reihe von Trojan Records, die die Arbeit von Jamaikas beliebtesten Foundation-Künstlern vorstellt. Erhältlich als
28-Track-Doppel-Vinyl-LP und als umfassende 2CD-Compilation, veranschaulicht die Sammlung auf hervorragende Weise das Talent, das John Holt zu einem der beliebtesten und beständigsten Sänger der Reggae-Musik gemacht hat.
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Jamuse Records from Switzerland is honoured to announce its first vinyl release in collaboration with Denis Kaznacheev.
"It Can Be" is one unique long minimal house musical story full of surprising energy.
"It Can Be About A Drug" on side A is a wild ride, not only with a perfect blend of bass and treble but also with a warm variety in glitch, percussion, and drums. The good balance of the texture gives a very pleasant lead in Denis's vocals.
"Or It Can Be About A Woman" on side B delivers a deeper tone that remains very dynamic and groovy. Lows are clear and chords are free float which guides us in a real dream-like atmosphere. A light touch of madness concludes this incredible musical journey.
Thanks to Denis Kaznacheev’s talent, this release embellishes Minimal in general with rich and dynamic tenderness and it suits perfectly well to dance-floors, without losing its extraordinary musical sensitivity.
Woo York - supreme electronic music duo make their debut on Watergate Records.
The Ukrainian duo have a watertight reputation for crafting stunning dancefloor compositions, having released music on Life And Death, Soma, Dystopian, Drumcode and Afterlife, the latter home to their
critically acclaimed 2018 album ‘Chasing the Dream’. Their appearances at Watergate have been numerous over the years, making them an obvious choice to join the label family.
Their Watergate Records debut maiden offering is sparkling. The title track begins as a chugging key-laden cut before a stirring folky melody rises to the fore with beautiful intent. With its unique sonic signature,
‘Samum’ will stand out in any set. Woo York show a new side of their outstanding musical talent “For this release we wanted to push boundaries of the melodic techno sound. For Samum we have worked with a bag pipe, one of the oldest instruments to give the track an almost „housy" note.”
The accompanier is ‘Prophet’, an emotional slice of dance music, hopeful and melancholic in equal doses, this is custom made for big dancefloor moments.
Accompanying the package are remixes of ‘Samum’ by fellow Ukrainian producer and live act 8Kays, who turns in a dark and shimmering re-rub, not losing any of the original’s power. Meanwhile Greek artist Echonomist crafts a rich and multi-faceted reinterpretation that fits for the club and home listening alike.
Afterhours. latest release, “Dimensions EP“, is the result of the successful collaboration between Optide and Adar Cohen, showcasing their talents in seamlessly blending Electro, Break Beat, and Minimal genres. In the package, two hefty remixes by Christopher Ledger.
Catering to those with a soft spot for Electro and Breakbeat, A-side’s title track ‘Dimension’ and Christopher Ledger’s Remix are all about driving basslines, robotic percussions and captivating soundscapes. Flip-side’s ‘Hypnagogic’ shifts gears to the Break & Minimal House realm where detailed groves, deep tones and swing are key. Ledger’s remix further develops the deepness of the original tune and expands it over a 4by4 groove.
Beautiful Zambian Jazz/Rock LP. Huge Tip!
Sharp-Flat Records presents the long-awaited restoration of The Broadway Quintet's cult classic Amalume – a hypnotic concoction of traditional Zambian sounds and jazz-rock grooves with a twist of 1970s African psychedelia.
Emerging to serve the entertainment needs of Zambia's United National Independence Party (UNIP) in the early 1960s, The Broadway Quintet gathered seasoned talent from Lusaka's best hotel bands to fashion its esteemed lineup. Starting as a quartet and later evolving into a quintet, the group's career spanned over twenty years as favourites on the cabaret circuit and boasted a myriad of prestigious collaborations.
The Broadway Quintet's jazz sensibilities set them apart from the rock sound that dominated the music landscape of the 1970s. Yet the formula behind Zamrock, fusing indigenous Zambian sounds with Western pop, shaped their one and only 1976 long-player. Featuring modern arrangements of traditional songs, Amalume blended congas with sax sounds, folk lyrics with electric keyboard shenanigans and show business staples with jazz guitar noodling. With its psychedelic fever dream illustrated cover, it was an explosive package of "originality and electrifying beauty" as the album's liner notes rightly attested.
Released on the Zambezi label, Amalume joined an exceptional run of mid-1970s offerings alongside WITCH, Ricky Banda and Crossbones. Officially licensed, carefully restored and beautifully reproduced, Zambia's most requested reissue has finally returned for everybody to enjoy.
After a long break, we’re finally back with our first release of 2022.
Once again we decided to have a split EP with two young talents.
A side is taking care by Criminal Practice member Roma Khropko from Ukraine.
B side from the Italian artist Riccardo Rizza!
Vinyl only
KAU is an instrumental project based in Brussels consisting of André Breidlid (drums), Matteo Genovese (bass) & Jan Janzen (keys). Representing various European backgrounds, their coming-together is in the spirit of the city they grew up in.
Taking inspiration from jazz, they create a head-bobbing atmosphere using bassy beats and catchy melodies. By implementing acoustic instruments, the trio stays true to an organic and rich sound, granting themselves the liberty for improvisation & spontaneous happenings. Influenced by artists like BADBADNOTGOOD & Christian Scott, their music is contemporary, powerful, and audacious.
The EP "III" is the collaboration between the three core members of the band and Maxime Dereux, talented French saxophonist already guested on "II". Having built strong musical ties over the course of the last years, the idea to make more music together arose naturally without a shadow of a doubt.
The result is a 4 track EP with a high concentration of powerful riffs and sharp themes. The title song 'Mad Max' perfectly represents madness incarnated. On "Moonwalker" they go to new places with ever-changing melodies and sax lines. 4 minutes of holding on to your seat in anticipation of the next measure.
This EP also features Brussels born and bred rapper "Jay MNG" who has made a name for himself around many concert halls & festivals in Belgium. Having collaborated notably with Commander Spoon and Kuna Maze, the polylinguistic rhymes of Jay MNG left a mark on this emerging music scene. Enraged, banging in whatever language that may be, Dutch, French or English, he manages to make a massive impact on the atmosphere of the tracks and add his own flavour.
Catren no.5 we call it. It is as special as the well known perfume itself.
Mique it’s one of the young talented upcoming artists out there who has a word to say.
His unique style it’s very easy to recognize for those who are familiar with the sound of the master of electronic music, Ricardo Villalobos.
Take a sit and enjoy this masterpiece.
Junior Jack’s timeless 2004 disco/house fusion ‘Stupidisco’ receives a spread of dynamic remixes from some of the most talented remixers around.
Kicking things off is Spanish DJ and producer David Penn, who takes the stems and gives them an immaculate polish! Taking JJ’s Pointer Sisters sampling goodness and working into a re-sliced, disco-house filter journey with punchy kicks, tremulating basslines and an anthemic piano that is guaranteed to bring the sun out from the clouds.
Next up is Germany's Deeperlove with the toughest mix in the package with it's tech house inspired drums and bassline.
On the flip side, Aussie based Kiwi Jolyon Petch jumps in, delivering 2 killer remixes with his Italo inspired Jolyon Petch Remix and a nu-disco treat under his Elektrik Disko alias.




















