First, I want to say good luck to the finalists for the Gay American Idol [June 14 at Circuit]. The competition has been an interesting and fun experience for me as a judge. I will admit, there are a few I really enjoyed and wish they were part of the finals, but it's the crowd that makes the decision. I can only persuade them from my comments and feedback to vote for you. It amazes me how much talent we have in the GLBT community and I hope to see more of you visibly out there as well.
Summer begins with some hot, sizzling tunes to heat up the dance floor. NRK has been on a roll recently with the release from Q-Burns Abstract Message, 'Innocent,' featuring the lush vocals of Lisa Shaw. The remixes comes in two parts from King Britt and Joey Negro. Miguel Migs serves us a second helping of Dub Plate Sessions. The first mix having a electronica feel and the flipside being a dub rework. With a limited pressing of 3,000 copies, grab it while it's out! Soulfuric re-releases the underground classic by U.B.P. 'Deliver Me,' featuring Michael Proctor. Remixes by Hardsoul, Jask and Joey Negro offering two mixes to please your soul. Liquid People featuring Hedi Vogel release 'Don't You Go Away' on Africanism.
Louie Vega of Masters At Work Fame releases his first single, 'Cerca De Mi,' featuring Raul Midon for his own joint label, Vega Records. Murk returns with a follow up from 'Darkbeat,' which became an instant hit with 'Alright.' It encompasses that same dark, tribal feeling we have come to know and love so well. Jellybean Recordings releases remixes of defunct Tribal America records, 'Y?' by Kiwi Dreams featuring Darrell Martin. The remixes by Hard Attack are energetic and wild. The flipside, 'It's Ovah,' features the comical cut backs of Lana ('Take your clothes, take your bags. Take you tired butt outta here!'). Grammy Award winner, Roger Sanchez will be finalizing his second installment of Release Yourself, which should be available at the end of this month. The 2-CD set will include tracks by Kaskade 'Be There,' Chris Lum 'Por Que Amor,' Chocolate Puma 'A Star Is Born,' and Scumfrog 'Music Revolution.' Hed Kandi releases Disco Heaven 02.03, a collection of deliciously styled Disco House and Garage tracks, featuring Mighty Dub Katz 'Let The Drums Speak.'
Rithma – Music Fiction (OM Records)
Listening to this release is like a recipe, with different elements of jazz, blues and subtle funk all layered into one dish that's simply divine. The use of varying sounds, both common and experimental are very reminiscent of the stylings of Herbie Hancock and done in a danceable, up-tempo groove. Rithma aka Etienne Stehelin was raised just outside the hustle of LA along with his mother, a musician. Many of his early influences include groups like Led Zeppelin and Little Feat.
Like some teen musicians, Rithma had his own rock band by the age of 16—Waffle. He listened to techno and soon discovered raves. Developing a passion for music, instead of opting for turntables, he purchased a keyboard, enlisting his father's help. Soon after would follow a sampler and eventually a turntable, on which he would mix records with his own productions. Thus would start the beginning of solo studio experiments which garnered some attention, productions with various labels and launch of a DJ career.
Music Fiction is sure to please all palates and excite many new listeners as well. All this accomplished at the young age of 23—there is more to come!
{Recommended Listening:}
Back To Love 03.03 (Hed Kandi)
Midnight Lounge – Jody Watley (Avitone)
DJ Harry T Playlist (June)
Alright – Murk
Rapido – Alma Matris
Ibiza – Jesse Garcia
It's Ovah! – Kiwi Dreams vs. Hard Attack
Patricia Never Leaves The House – Wally Lopez & Dr. Kucho
Follow The Beat – Paul Johnson
Resonate – Victor Calderone