Artists of the Moment

Justin Harris’ 5 Artists of the Moment

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

Justin Harris

Veteran UK house hero Justin Harris has been deep in the house mix since the mid-’80s, recording original tracks and cutting remixes for a litany of dance labels (Classic Recordings, Viva, Natural Rhythm, Something Different, Paper Recordings), co-helming the highly influential Music For Freaks imprint and recording as Freaks with cohort Luke Solomon (check out Freaks’ red-hot, newly released remix of Sonny Fodera & Gene Farris’ “We Work It” here).

Today Harris issues his seriously infectious The Random Jazz EP on DJ Sneak‘s imprint, which has already received the seal of approval from luminaries including Pete Tong.

A DJ/producer/label mogul, Harris is a triple threat who keeps his ears close to the ground. With that in mind, we asked him to talk about five artists he’s loving at the moment.

Justin Harris’ The Random Jazz EP is out now on I’m A House Gangster. Continue Reading →

Kraak & Smaak’s 5 Artists of the Moment

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Kraak & Smaak Boogie Angst

Last we connected with Dutch trio Kraak & Smaak they had just returned home to the Netherlands after performing a series of live shows at the annual music South by Southwest schmoozathon in Austin, Texas. The guys filed an insightful SXSW tour diary proving that they had all sorts of fun, including assorted barbecue hijinks and drinking with Lone Star locals.

This week the triumvirate announced the launch of their new imprint, Boogie Angst, which will serve as an outlet for future K&S music as well as tunes by other artists.

Boogie Angst’s debut release is their three-track Octaves EP. Lead track “Notes” feat. Sam Duckworth (formerly Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, who appeared on the threesome’s “Good For The City” heard on Chrome Waves) will be issued as a limited-edition, hand-stamped 180gm vinyl-only release with individually screen printed sleeves by Dutch artist Thomas Raat. Fellow Dutch producer Moods has also joined the label’s roster and will drop three EPs before releasing his debut album in 2015.

Music, music, music is always on their minds, so we checked in and asked Kraak & Smaak to share their five favorite artists of the moment.

Kraak & Smaak’s Chrome Waves Remixed is out now via Jalapeño Records.
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D/R/U/G/S’s 5 Artists of the Moment

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Callum-Wright-D/R/U/G/S

D/R/U/G/S is the musical endeavor of Manchester, England-based Callum Wright, a sonic architect who brings a combination of attitude and post-punk swagger to his gorgeous productions which he impeccably tailors for the dance floor and beyond.

Though he’s far from prolific (not a bad thing, if you ask us), Wright’s euphoric 2012 single “The Source of Light” — which featured choice remixes by Daniel Avery and Max Cooper — and his soulful re-rub of James Wolf’s “Heart & Soul” serve as best practices in creativity within his chosen genre.

After touching base with him for our feature “Moby Interviewed By His Remixers” — Wright asked Moby about transcendental meditation — we checked in with the talented Mancunian and asked him to share his five favorite artists of the moment.

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Lenny Fontana Top 5 Artists of the Moment

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lenny fontana top 5 artists

Legends on the dance floor don’t come as big as New York-based DJ/producer Lenny Fontana, an artist who has championed quality house music since the ’80s and stayed the course in the wake of countless musical fads. Boasting a discography featuring productions with Duane Harden, Darryl D’Bonneau and Carole Sylvan, Fontana has remained true to his roots as he continues working in the Big Apple’s club scene and beyond.

Currently running Karmic Power Records, a new label co-founded with A&R man Manuel Genzel, Fontana, who has played at The Shelter, The Underground, Wildpitch, Ministry of Sound and too many clubs to mention, shared with us his five favorite artists of the moment.

Lenny Fontana’s remix of Daniele Sexxx ft. Paula P’Cay “Lift Me Up” is out October 4 on Karmic Power Records. His new single with D Train, “In The Music, Feel The Music,” is due out soon.
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