Stylish and classy, Victor Perry (@perksofbeingvic) is going places with songs like “Rainbows”

VICTOR PERRY, “Rainbows”

From the first few bars of “Rainbows”, you just know that you are going to hear something special, and this time it comes from new Atlanta-based R&B/pop singer/songwriter Victor Perry.  Though there’s not a bad song at all on his EP 4 A.M. Nostalgia, the record really is all about his inspiring voice, and a sweet style that recalls singers like Toni Braxton and Smokey Robinson.  “Rainbows” probably has the most committed vocal to the sad story where there are still glorious rainbows ‘without colouring’.  Victor has brilliant control and resonance like Mikky Ekko and Alex Newell (when he’s not belting out powerhouse dance tunes).  This is all going to take him very far and 4 A.M. Nostalgia is a fine start.  You can pick it up on iTunes.

Slick grooves: “Lost Yourself” by @GoldenPonyNYC featuring #JTMak

THE GOLDEN PONY featuring JT MAK, “Lost Yourself”

For every dance track that’s full of effects with big drops, there’s a song like “Lost Yourself” by NYC duo The Golden Pony featuring New Jersey singer JT Mak.  This one stands out because it’s slick in all the right ways.  Unlike a lot of dance records, there’s incredible balance here in the production which marries contemporary deep house with Nile Rodgers-like disco riffs.  The Golden Pony know how to bring it up to new heights with JT Mak’s falsetto and bring it back down quieter when he sings in his tenor range.  Plus there’s a pause that will keep you hanging!  For now, you can pick up “Lost Yourself” for free at the above link.

Meet new French singer @iamCocovan with her slick summer pop of “Chic (Someone To Love)”

COCOVAN, “Chic (Someone To Love)”

If you like your Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry and Ariana Grande when those singers are high on a dance tip, then new French singer Cocovan (yup, she’s from Paris) will definitely grab your ears with “Chic (Someone To Love)”.  It’s so easy to try and be ‘the next’ of any of those singers I mention, but the songwriting is top notch and her vocal is expressive and endearing, which only make you want to hear more from the singer.  So don’t go looking for busy production or anything outrageous.  “Chic (Someone To Love)” is straight-forward dance/pop that is effusive and believable with its emotion.  Download the song for free at the link above.  The singer has also directed her own video for the song which you can find on You Tube.

Revel in the unique soundscape of @missMollyMoore’s “Free Spirit”

MOLLY MOORE, “Free Spirit”

“Free Spirit” is the new song from Molly Moore’s upcoming second EP, following Shadow Of The Sun.  It’s nothing like what you heard on that record.  As produced by Craig Dodds of Massive Attack, it definitely recalls the 90’s experimental electronica that made Massive Attack’s early records (particularly Protection) so timeless and memorable.  The same principle is applied on “Free Spirit” where Molly’s voice is shaken and shifted amid a unique soundscap, and in this co-write with beau Brandyn Burnette, there is a distinct progressive soul backdrop similar to some songs in his own latest EP State I’m In.  But “Free Spirit” is unmistakably Molly doing her own great things with music, and should call attention to fans of Banks, Halsey and Grimes.  Pick it up on iTunes.

You spin me round: Austin duo @BronzeWhale extend and reshape @runCryWolf’s “Slow Burn”

https://soundcloud.com/thebronzewhale/slowburn

CRYWOLF, “Slow Burn” (Bronze Whale remix)

At first I wasn’t sure if Austin duo Bronze Whale were out to drive me a bit mad with their reshaping of their friend Crywolf’s “Slow Burn”.  I think that was because I could relate to the lyrics of the song, which perhaps are so honest and cutting that it slid under my skin too much.  But really this remix is a whirlwind, with so much going on in the first two minutes that you may not know which way is up.  It represents the crazy feeling when you’ve been in a relationship for so long, as singer/songwriter Justin sings I can still feel your claws in me twisting ’round, Bronze Whale capture the essence of that sentiment perfectly.  The mix goes on about a minute longer than the original but is well worth sticking through because it’s inventive with an ending that peters out deliberately just like memories of a now-gone relationship begin to fade.  “Slow Burn” is beautifully sung too and this chaotic but bang on remix perfectly suits the vocals.  You’re gonna want this one – download it for free at the link above.

Bouncing a fine line: Supurb deep house-meets-tropical in”Balance” by @TheHimofficial feat. @Oktavianmusic

THE HIM featuring OKTAVIAN, “Balance”

“Balance” is a supurb, effortless slice of bouncy deep house with tropical delights added for good measure, courtesy of Dutch duo The Him (aka Jeroen and Steven), and featuring silky smooth R&B vocals by L.A.-based fellow Dutchman Oktavian.  

TheHim

It almost goes by too fast – 2:47 is wicked tight and makes you want an extended version.  “Balance” will throw down nicely in a mid-evening set when you want to see your audience at their peak energy.  And you won’t be able to get enough of all of the goodness going on, from the honest vocal through to the well-knit electronics.  The Him proudly have had all of Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Pete Tong, and The Chainsmokers in their corner, so the writing is on the wall:  “Balance” is one of 2016’s summer club bangers to remember.  Listen above or check it out on Spotify.

We want the funk: @Jenauxmusic reworks @Gramatik as “Native Son Prequel” (featuring @LeoNapiermusic)

GRAMATIK featuring LEO NAPIER, “Native Son Prequel” (Jenaux remix)

As both a remixer and performer, NYC’s Jenaux has a fierce style to be reckoned with, which will keep performers-a-calling, wanting a taste of his edgy but funky sound.  This time Jenaux reworks none other than Gramatik’s “Native Son” from the Epigram album, which already received raves for the original collaboration with reknown rapper Raekwon and hot new vocalist Leo Napier.  Well you won’t hear Raekwon in this mix, so “Native Son” is refashioned as “Native Son Prequel”, which takes all of the best kinds of 80’s funky R&B – think Prince, The System, The Time, Cameo – and washes it down with Gramatik’s original melody and Leo’s distinct voice.  Jenaux’s style is party now, go home later 🙂 I guarantee that your butt will not stop grooving to “Native Son Prequel”.  Download it on any available platform using the link above.

Sunshiny anthemic pop single “Ready For Us” by @Drapermusic featuring @Sykesband

https://soundcloud.com/air-326619038/draper-ready-for-us-feat-sykes

DRAPER featuring SYKES, “Ready For Us”

“Ready For Us” is one of those delectable anthemic pop/dance confections that is made either for bright sunny days, or to make your day just that bit better.  It comes to you courtesy of British performer and producer Draper, who has employed fellow Brits, the trio Sykes, to put the rock pedal-to-the-metal that meshes so well with Draper’s electronic mix.  As sung by Sykes’ vocalist Julia with an infectious delivery, “Ready For Us” also doesn’t overwhelm you with an abrasive electronic backdrop.  Although it comes from Britain, it has definite American alt.pop flavour and could find itself following up-and-comers on the scene like Powers or Sofi Tukker.  Give it a listen above and pick it up at your favourite online music store.

Ready to take the summer by storm: @theDiscoFries’ “Born Ready” (featuring @HopeMurphyuk) in a @real_Halogen radio edit

THE DISCO FRIES featuring HOPE MURPHY, “Born Ready” (Halogen radio edit)

Sometimes timing is everything and it makes creating a record all the more worthwhile.  “Born Ready” by NYC duo The Disco Fries (Nick and Danny) featuring UK singer Hope Murphy and remixed by Georgia duo Halogen has been around for a while now.  But persistence pays off, and I think clubland worldwide should truly embrace this outstanding song thanks to a new major record label release!  “Born Ready” happily marries contemporary feel-good house with the zest of the early 90’s club hits, and Hope Murphy’s intense divalicious vocals rank up there with the best of ’em!  So don’t just get ready, you’re “Born Ready” to love this one whether it be in a club or on dance music radio.  Get it on iTunes.

Powerhouse pair: @JackWinsmusic & @KattRoseworld with “Slave 2 Love”

JACK WINS featuring KATT ROSE, “Slave 2 Love”

Every major name – Tiesto, Nicky Romero, Laidback Luke – seems to have recently rallied round Dutchman Jack Wins, and his latest featuring noted UK singer/songwriter Katt Rose should continue that trend with “Slave 2 Love”.  Not that this is anything new really, the theme of the song is ages old.  But Jack and Katt keep it fresh with a breezy, slick disco rhythm and a convincing, playful vocal.  I’d love to hear some extended remixes of “Slave 2 Love” but this short and sweet single (coming in under 3 minutes) will keep listeners and club goers very happy.  A winner for the Mixmash Deep label, you can pick it up on iTunes.