Initializing, Vol. 21 [SMDVA030]

Hitting the ground running at the start of the New Year, Suffused Music celebrates 2019 by continuing the evergreen “Initializing” series. Now in its 21st incarnation, a quintet of tracks showcases a breadth of talent.

Opening proceedings, Belarusian artist, Ivanshee continues his assault on the underground progressive house scene with “Unicorn”. With over a triple century of production credits to his name, a bouncing bassline immediately creates a strong rhythmic foundation with heavy beat and ticking percussive prowess. Building throughout, the track erupts post-breakdown with wonderful bass motif that rises and falls in open-filtered fashion while shimmering melodic phrases and vocal cuts add intrigue.

Fresh from an appearance on Quivver’s groundbreaking “Rekonstruct”, Indonesian star, Lily Pita, continues to carve a sizeable reputation for herself. A regular on the likes of BeatFreak Recordings, Soundteller and Bedrock, Pita’s debut for Suffused Music finds “Alaya” characterized by a rich and enigmatic bass motif and metronomic rhythmic pattern that form the basis for an ever-growing collage of melody to emerge over the 9-minute track. Immaculately crafted throughout its different phases, the denouement sees a filtered motif take centre-stage in perfect harmony with the low-end foundations.

An artist with a rich musical history, multiple releases and a full-length album to his name, Berlin born, B Selekt reflected a move to a deeper sound with a name change. Following up on 2016’s “Samt” for Suffused Music, “030 Deep” is a smoldering track that is as dark and cavernous as its name might suggest. A huge low-end presence will make bass cones melt while a rapid-fire percussive groove creates dancefloor presence. Pausing for breath with a stepped chord progression at the breakdown, rhythm and bass dominate once again in the third movement to maximum effect.

A 2017 newcomer to the underground dance scene, Ge Bruny has made an immediate mark with impressive releases on Flemcy, Dear Deer and Superordinate. A love of “harmonies and inspiring melodies”, a debut for Suffused Music does not disappoint. “Otherwise” is chock-full of flowing melodic lines and sparkling arpeggios that entwine together in perfect harmony before reaching a zenith in the second half. Backed by rolling groove and deep kick, the result is an impressive debut.

Newcomers Echo Daft & Shanil Alox combine forces for their debut release. Both successful in their own rights throughout 2018, work signed for the likes of BQ Recordings and Electronic Tree has shone a light on their individual work. “Third Power” is thus an innovative track that showcases a delay-laden lead motif that pitches in incongruous fashion throughout the 8-minute piece, building to a rousing crescendo throughout the second and third movements. A strong rhythm provides the perfect framework for the intriguing musical narrative in a strong Suffused Music debut.

Ivanshee - Unicorn [Suffused Music]

Lily Pita - Alaya [Suffused Music]

B Selekt - 030 Deep [Suffused Music]

Ge Bruny - Otherwise [Suffused Music]

Echo Daft & Shanil Alox - Third Power [Suffused Music]

Text by James Warren

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Best of 2018 [SMDVA029]

As 2018 draws to a close, Suffused Music reflects on another successful year and a plethora of high-calibre releases. Selecting 20 outstanding cuts from the year's catalogue, "Best of 2018" tells the label's annual story in musical form. Blending a host of blue-chip artists, Kymatik's reworking of Dousk's "French Sauce", nestles perfectly next to Suffused and Ewan Rill's chunky interpretation of Cid Inc.'s "Obsidian". A relentless pace finds Rick Pier O'Neil and Dofamine feature with A-Jay, as Morttagua and Pacco and Rudy B hit the mark on remix duties with pounding beats, intricate rhythms and sumptuous melodies coruscating across the stereo spectrum. With almost a half-century of production credits for the label, Ewan Rill's distinctive sound permeates through the Suffused Music soul as the legendary figure of Monojoke and Argentinean star, Mario Puccio, create a new sonic tour de force from the Russian producer's tracks. Combing a cast list of musical actors to grace any global stage, "Best of 2018" showcases a rare breadth of talent from new and established artists that represents the pinnacle of underground dance music. We look forward to an increasingly bright and exciting 2019.

Text by James Warren
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Mario Puccio - Welcome to Utopia EP incl. Ewan Rill, Micah Paul Lukasewich [SMD235]

A century of production credits has found Mario Puccio at the vanguard of underground progressive house. An accomplished musician, an impressive DJ career has seen performances in Los Angeles, London and Budapest while production work has seen him sign his music to SexOnWax and Nick Warren’s The Soundgarden. A clutch of releases on Suffused Music now sees a swathe of melodic textures and fast-paced arpeggio sequences combine to create “Welcome to Utopia”. Strong beat and clever counterpoint motifs add to the track with the resulting innovative offering enhanced by a searing vibrato lead.

A prolific artist with some 1,500 production credits to his name across almost 100 different labels, Ewan Rill is a modern production whirlwind. 200 of those can be found on Balkan Connection while Rill has also been a regular on the likes of Spring Tube, Stellar Fountain and Clinique Recordings. A renowned DJ, performances across the globe have seen the St. Petersburg based artist perform across his native Russia, sharing the stage with a DJ elite that includes the likes of Paul Van Dyk, Dave Seaman and Jody Wisternoff. A regular on Suffused Music since his 2013 debut, Ewan Rill returns with a smooth remix that is fuelled by ticking percussive groove and metronomic bassline pattern. An intelligent use of Puccio’s components sees richly textured pad modulate gently across proceedings. The arpeggio sequence so central to the original makes its presence felt at the mid-point breakdown before the deep, multi-layered textures and a new stepped arpeggio sequence thrill in a glorious third movement.

Micah Paul Lukasewich is another artist requiring little in the way of introduction. An artist with an innate sense of rhythm and a wonderful ability to create filmic soundscapes and multi-dimensional tracks, Lukasewich’s early work saw him feature on Global Underground and as a resident artist on the hybridized.org website alongside Way Out West and Hybrid. A century of production credits has seen Micah’s music featured on the likes of Proton Music, Lost Language and Chris Fortier’s Fade Records and a September 2018 remix of Dimuth K marked an impressive debut for Suffused Music. Now returning, the Micah Paul Lukasewich remix is a glorious representation of the Canadian artist’s musical prowess. An intricately sculpted rhythmic section is accompanied by a strong kick to create an immaculate groove that lays the foundation for an array of musical components to fall neatly into place. Intelligent use of Puccio’s original components, then leads to a beautiful symphonic soundscape that waxes and wanes in sonic beauty before developing into something special post-breakdown. Reminiscent of early Jean-Michel Jarre, a bouncing new groove evolves, combining bass and delayed motif that extends Puccio’s work in scintillating new direction.

Mario Puccio - Welcome to Utopia [Suffused Music]

Mario Puccio - Welcome to Utopia (Ewan Rill Remix) [Suffused Music]

Mario Puccio - Welcome to Utopia (Micah Paul Lukasewich Remix) [Suffused Music]

Armin van Buuren

nice

Nick Muir

Lukasewich remix sounds good here - thanks

Airwave

a good pack!

Baunder (Soundexile)

Original mix for me, thanks!

Lexicon Avenue

Solid release!

Praveen Achary

Top remixes by Ewan and Micah

Paul Thomas

Cool release

Dubfire

Downloaded for Dubfire, thanks!

Text by James Warren

Mastered Pangea Mastering

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Nick Varon - Over & Out EP incl. EANP, Danny Lloyd, Nicolas Rada [SMD234]

An artist of global repute, Nick Varon’s celebrated DJ career has seen him at the forefront of the underground dance scene. Able to weave a magical spell with his expertly crafted sets, he has been lauded by the likes of Nick Warren and Sharam while regularly supporting fellow countryman, Hernan Cattaneo across the globe. A similarly impressive production career has seen Varon a regular on Cattaneo’s Sudbeat Music with 2012’s “Shibuya” and 2017’s “Sky Ladder” making strong impressions. “Over & Out” is a typically strong progressive offering as heavy rolling beat and light ticking percussion form a foundation for textured pads to supply depth and emotion while a plucked motif adds substance and interest to the powerful groove.

Successful artists in their own rights. Ezequiel Anile and Nicolas Petracca have forged an impressive collaborative relationship under their EANP contraction. Working together since 2014, their inimitable style has seen a seamless blend of techno, progressive and deep house result in an array of memorable sets with the likes of Nick Warren and Nick Muir. Standing alongside, impressive production credentials have given the duo a clutch of high-profile original releases for the likes of Movement, Mirabilis and Paul Hazendonk’s MNL. EANP’s Suffused Music debut is thus an intelligent reworking of Varon’s original as a vocal cut repeats the track title while a hypnotic four/four beat and percussive groove lay the foundations for a chorus of pads and white noise to create a wonderful crescendo at the mid-point. A driving anthemic third movement full of bass and melodic prowess provides real intent.

Nicolas Rada is a name that requires little introduction. Regular collaborations with Nick Warren have seen the duo remix Eelke Kleijn’s “8 Bit Era” before joining forces for the four-track “Land of Dreams” on Warren’s own The Soundgarden imprint in June 2018. Some 300 production credits have seen Rada as a regular on the Balkan Connection label family and supported by a global elite; DJ performances across his Buenos Aries hometown and a Mexican tour with fellow countryman, Nicholas Van Orton, has seen his following swell. Creating a wonderfully charismatic reworking of “Over & Out”, a delicate beat and swirling arpeggio form a sumptuous opening that gradually evolves over its eight-minute voyage. Building gently, subtle vocal phrasing is introduced while clever use of Varon’s remix parts create an innovative new interpretation that blossoms through the breakdown and third movement.

Italian artist, Danny Lloyd, has been at the forefront of the progressive house genre for a number of years. An artist with a rich and varied production history, over a century of credits tell their own success story with music signed to Balkan Connection and Particles. Lloyd’s collaboration with Andrea Cassino under their Nocturna pseudonym has also provided considerable success on Proton Music. Returning to Suffused Music the Danny Lloyd remix takes “Over & Out” in an exciting new melodic direction as a swathe of additional production material, melded with Varon’s components, has created an original interpretation that drives relentlessly forward with dynamic bass groove and intricate percussive rhythms. A new chord progression adds further intrigue as does a searing breakdown full of melodic prowess.

Nick Varon - Over & Out [Suffused Music]
Nick Varon - Over & Out (EANP Remix) [Suffused Music]
Nick Varon - Over & Out (Danny Lloyd Remix) [Suffused Music]
Nick Varon - Over & Out (Nicolas Rada Remix) [Suffused Music]

Hernan Cattaneo
in my sets

Robert Babicz
nice

Cid Inc
original & EANP remix both gooood,thankss

Baunder (Soundexile)
Nicolas Rada remix is great, thanks!

David Granha
EANP Remix for me! THX

Gai Barone
amazing. thanks

Dale Middleton
Quality EP all round, digging dannys remix here smooth stuff!

Dmitry Molosh
good release, i will play

Text by James Warren
Mastered Pangea Mastering
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Rick Pier O'Neil - Onix Beat EP incl. Morttagua, Vakabular, Exoplanet [SMD233]

Originally part of Suffused Music’s 65th release in November 2014, the “Shimmer of Lights” EP showcased Rick Pier O’Neil’s mature production sound. The diptych, “Onix Beat”, was a highlight of the EP, Part 1 reprised in all its driving glory, here with a trio of remixes.

Head honcho of the successful Timeless Moment imprint, award-winning DJ and producer, Morttagua, has carved out a sizeable reputation for himself through his own impressive production credentials. A number 1 in the Beatport Progressive House chart with the “Sith Planets” EP and support from the cream of the DJ community including Sasha, Dubfire and Pete Tong on his BBC radio 1 show, the Brazilian has featured on a host of high-profile labels including Black Hole, Armada and Outta Limits. Debuting on Suffused Music, the Morttagua remix takes “Onix Beat” on a blissful melodic voyage with eerie pads and rippling arpeggio providing the perfect foil for heavy beat and fast-paced bassline groove. Building impressively, a hypnotic stab makes its presence felt alongside a swathe of additional production material that cleverly retains the soul of O’Neil’s original.

Renowned DJ and producer, Vakabular, is a regular across the clubs of his Koh Pha-ngan home. An island famous for its party atmosphere and beach-club culture, the Thai artist has found himself well-respected by the packed venue audiences that come to witness his silky sets. A production career that began with the tech house “Wait EP” for Randomatic Records in October 2014, has since seen Vakabular weave his sonic magic on high-calibre labels that include Krafted, Outta Limits and his own Hollystone Records. February’s “Quarantine” and October 2018’s “Endless” EPs marked a successful year on Suffused Music as Vakabular now returns with a strong reworking of Rick Pier O’Neil. Using the same driving energy of the original, a reimagining of the bassline provides the platform for a series of melodic phrases and chord progressions to play off each other in coruscating fashion. Continuity is supplied via a simple lead motif, repeated pre and post-breakdown, while a fizzing percussive rhythm section is a dynamic addition.

Little by way of introduction is needed for production legend, Exoplanet, with the Dutch artist responsible for a host of innovative and highly-skilled productions, not least for the Proton Music and Particles imprints that have borne witness to well over a century of production credits. Exoplanet’s remix of “Onix Beat” is included here to show of the Dutchman’s exquisite melodies and intricately programmed percussion. The resultant remix bristles with a vibrant energy and rhythmic innovation rarely found in modern dance music.

Rick Pier O'Neil - Onix Beat (Part 1) [Suffused Music]
Rick Pier O'Neil - Onix Beat (Morttagua Remix) [Suffused Music]
Rick Pier O'Neil - Onix Beat (Vakabular Remix) [Suffused Music]
Rick Pier O'Neil - Onix Beat (Exoplanet Remix) [Suffused Music]

Hernan Cattaneo
very good

Marcelo Vasami
Morttagua Remix for me thanks!

Praveen Achary
Good pack! Heavy stuff :)

Richie Hawtin
downloaded for r hawtin

Text by James Warren
Mastered Cid Inc., Pangea Mastering
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Eze Ramirez - 3 De Enero EP [SMD232]

An artist inspired by the iconic sounds of Depeche Mode and Radiohead, Eze Ramirez returns to Suffused Music for their 232nd release with “3 De Enero”.

From the sprawling, cosmopolitan capital, Ezequiel Ramirez has carved out a sizeable niche for himself from his Buenos Aries studio. Testament to this success, over a century of production credits can be found next to the Eze Ramirez name as he continues to court success with each passing release. A regular in the Beatport genre charts for progressive house and techno, Ramirez weaves a magical aural tapestry with his unique and distinctive sound.

3rd Avenue, Forward Music and Crossfade Sounds have regularly featured the young Argentine’s music with the Balkan Connection family of labels also proving to be a successful home, not least in compatriot Nicholas Van Orton’s “South American” variant. Moreover, October 2018 saw the release of the highly anticipated three-track “G-Stereo” debut on Greek behemoth, Movement Recordings.

With over five years experience in the underground dance scene, Ramirez has found his music supported by a global DJ elite that includes the likes of Nick Warren, Guy Mantzur and Dave Seaman, while regularly finding his way into the sets and charts iconic fellow countryman, Hernan Cattaneo. Now following up on a remix of Spacebeat’s “Winter Phase” in March 2015, Eze Ramirez returns to Suffused Music with a brand-new original offering.

Characterised by flowing pads and richly textured soundscape, “3 De Enero” entices with its gently lilting arpeggio that filters into sonic range atop deep kick and shuffling percussive hi-hats. Evolving with ease over its near eight-minute voyage, intelligently effected vocal cuts provide a hint of tribal magic while a gated vocal synth provides further interest post-breakdown.

A more energised “Club Mix” is also included. Displaying the same fundamental characteristics as its stablemate, the arpeggio sequence so pivotal to the original bursts into life with extended range, to create a new head-shaking groove. Reaching its zenith at the mid-point breakdown with a chorus of pulsating pads and white noise, the third movement sees a renewal of melodic and rhythmic interplay to create an impressive new variation.

Eze Ramirez - 3 De Enero [Suffused Music]

Eze Ramirez - 3 De Enero (Club Mix) [Suffused Music]

Hernan Cattaneo
supporting

Beckers
nice EP. like both versions... thanks !

Eelke Kleijn
Club mix for me

Dale Middleton
original mix is very good

Text by James Warren

Mastered by Pangea Mastering

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Momento de Baile - Simple EP [SMD231]

As Suffused Music celebrates its 231st release, a brand-new artist is welcomed into the fold as Momento de Baile provides a musical triptych in the shape of his “Simple” EP.

From the historic city of Medellin, famous for its universities, commerce and ever-growing festivals, Momento de Baile has created a unique and distinctive sound. A debut appearance on the “Initializing, Vol. 19” compilation in August 2017 saw the Colombian showcase his talents with the opening “Simple” track on the release.

Now returning to Suffused Music, “Simple” receives a full release accompanied by two further tracks that exemplify the modern underground progressive house sound. With its distinctive Georgio Moroder inspired bassline, the title track is reprised here in all its driving, Donna Summer, disco-tinged glory, redolent in pulsating white-noise effects and glittering octave-ranged arpeggio.

“Driving to Disco” picks up the baton with its similar driving beat and intelligent arpeggio work. Continuing apace over the course of its near eight-minute duration, a glorious bass groove lays the foundations for off-beat percussion to add texture and weight while clever use of a vocal cut makes its presence felt in gated, pulsing fashion. Exploding into the third movement in hypnotic fashion, the track is sure to appeal to dance floors across South America and beyond.

The final offering sees “Glüwein” characterised by rapid-fire bassline dominance that evolves in open-filtered splendour while a counterpoint arpeggio provides the perfect melodic accompaniment. A driving beat with sporadic reverb-drenched effects and perfectly placed drum fills, adds to the sonic evolution with a new melodic motif introduced at the mid-way point. Escalating impressively across its eight-minute timeframe, the track is an expertly crafted affair that is the very epitome of mesmerising tension, constantly evolving and progressing through expertly placed layers of percussion and production technique.

Momento de Baile - Simple [Suffused Music]

Momento de Baile - Driving To Disco [Suffused Music]

Momento de Baile - Glühwein [Suffused Music]

Petar Dundov
Strong

Anna Maria X
Simple is nice, thanks!

Text by James Warren

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