Big tunes from the big hitters…
01. Groovyman – Lift Me Up feat Jamie George – [SoSure]
When I was first asked to write to this beat, my immediate thought was, “get me on a plane to the sunshine” but with each listen, I quickly realized how sweet and almost emotional the musicality of the track was. I wanted my vocal to compliment the instrumental, so I tried to keep my parts simple, hooky and hopefully as uplifting (no pun intended) as that awesome piano and string section.
02. Missing – Off My Mind feat Jamie George – [Urban Habitat]
Vocally, this track is a little different for me, a little more spoken word, which was refreshing. Sam (Missing) is an analogue junky, and I think you can feel that nice nostalgic warm sound in the production. For me this track is a great hybrid of both a “classic” house record fused with the drive, character and dynamics of today’s club records.
03. Mace – Jungle feat Sofi De La Torre (Crookers Remix) – [Ciao Records]
As soon as you hit play on this, the groove is instant. Quirky “Jungle” atmospherics throughout and great use of the vocal just add to the flavour, especially the use of the breaths and gasps. Ultimately though, it’s all about that bassline.
04. Murder He Wrote – Lights Up [Roska Kicks and Snares]
I love how this starts, a cool guitar licked soulful intro, although the energy is apparent right away. This could just lead into something really “nice”, but oh no, it transforms into a nasty sub low fuelled UK Funky monster. The percussion is fire! A great fit for a label run by one of the “UK Funky” pioneering figures.
05. Leda Stray – The Oracle [Punks Music]
No mucking around on this one, solid drums, skippy hats and big stinking bass. 100% made for the raves. In the World of “Bass Music” Stanton Warriors imprint “Punks Music” has been a stand out label for me over the last 12 months.
06. Pawsa – Shapeshifter [Solid Grooves Records]
Big fan of this track, hypnotic catchy bass line and a super hooky lead synth melody. This has been a winner, everywhere I’ve played it. One of them tracks you find yourself humming randomly while shopping.
07. Low Steppa – My Black T-Shirt [Food Music]
Who doesn’t love a cheeky organ or Rhodes stab? This one is full to the brim with VIBES. A very welcomed alternative sound. Almost reminicent of Roska’s – I Need Love. Wicked.
08. Mad Villains X DJ Caspa – Throwback [Free D/L]
I absolutely love this track. The Mobb Deep – Shook Ones pt. 2 sample is just the icing on the cake. The vocal stab is great and helps with the great swing of those drums. The bass is dark and minimal but the kicks are so full of weight that you don’t miss the feel of what some would call a traditional bass line.
09. MJ Cole – Alcatraz [Lobster Boy]
Only thing this track lacks is….. oh wait, no, it has it all, it’s f**king sick. MJ Cole. Don.
10. Aaron Snapes – Sausages (Walker & Royce Remix) [This Ain’t Bristol]
The T.A.B label is a firm favourite of mine, and this remix from Walker & Royce cements that. Admittedly is has Dirtybird written all over it, but that can only be a great thing! It’s fun, full of energy and is in the 100% YES playlist in my rekordbox.
Groovyman – Lift Me Up feat Jamie George is out now on SoSure / Missing – Off My Mind feat Jamie George will be release on March 18th on Urban Habitat Recordings.
