SKAGGS – FINISH LINE

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Here’s a tune from LA-based SKAGGS destined to become a dancefloor favourite. His debut on Jalapeno Records is a cream-filled disco number. The low end on the track is sweet enough to give a sugar junky the shakes. Mind you, it should sound familar – it’s borrowed from Jalapeno’s stalwarts, KRAAK & SMAAK. Watch for the single – it drops April 15.

Just in case you weren’t watching…The tune below by the way, is one of my all-time favourites.

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KRAAK & SMAAK – THE FUTURE IS YOURS

Kraak and Smaak - the future is yours

KRAAK & SMAAK are preparing for the release of their new studio album and with its anticipation have unleashed a free download. For this offering the Dutch legends AMBASSADEURS twist a bassheavy tune somewhere into leftfield.

 

For the single, K&S teamed up with Ben Westbeech to deliver a house bomb with a classic touch. Westbeech’s voice is as strong as any of the soul greats which works well with the diverse production talents and capabilities from K&S.

 

Remixes on the single are rounded out and come courtesy of fellow Dutchman Tom Trago whose techno version adds a deeper twist to the original. Londoners Futurizm put the bass in the place with a slo mo version that has been getting DJ’s twitchy since it was inadvertently debuted on Rinse FM in 2012.

Last year was, in fact smashing for Kraak & Smaak, releasing material on Solomun’s DIYnamic label, and Sander Kleinenberg’s This Is label, as well as releasing Mixed Feelings (a compilation of their remixes) on their home label Jalapeno Records. Incidentally, the upcoming album and the single are released on Jalapeno.

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Kraak & Smaak Links:
kraaksmaak.com
Kraak & Smaak on SoundCloud
Kraak & Smaak on facebook
Kraak & Smaak on twitter

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KRAAK & SMAAK

KRAAK & SMAAK are revving up for their 4th studio album and have never been in better shape than they are now. At the start of the year their track Let’s Go Back was featured in both Mixmag and DJ’s best of 2011 lists. In 2012 they’ve had 7 different records in the Beatport Chart, headlined UK festivals, had remixes released on Solomun’s DIYnamic label and Sander Kleinenberg’s This Is label. They have just delivered a killer guest mix on Mark Knight’s radio show and they have played every major festival around the world with their live band.

Before they drop the new album material though there’s the small matter of the latest installment in their dancefloor destroying Kraak Beats series, on no other than Jalapeno Records. The a-side, Don’t Stop, is a breathtaking, slo-mo, Dutch disco jam you never want to end. Feel Real Good is uplifting party wrecking disco house at its finest.

The Dutch trio also have a free download courtesy of Mixmag. It’s an entirely different feel…a bit spooky…perhaps something you can use for your Halloween set.

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Kraak & Smaak Links:
kraaksmaak.com
Kraak & Smaak on SoundCloud
Kraak & Smaak on twitter
Kraak & Smaak on facebook

Jalapeno Records Links:
jalapenorecords.com
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JALAPENO FUNK VOL. 4

So last week we previewed a cut from the latest compilation from the super funky JALAPENO RECORDS. It was but a dash of spice and for that I apologize. We’ve just been handed the full album and I can honestly say, this really excites me.

Initially, looking at the track list and contributing artists made me drool a little. Hearing all 15 tunes had my mouth watering like a stray dog at a taco stand. The fine folks of Jalapeno have themselves a smorgasbord of talent on the label so it’s no wonder then, the artists involved in the project are a veritable who’s-who of funk and bass.

Grab the album from Juno.

Volume 4 opens with an exclusive from DJ Moneyshot titled “Mellowdip Park” which summons the souls of DJ Shadow and early Ninja Tune material.

Basement Freaks get things hot with some spicy funk. If I’m hearing correctly they sample the Night Rider theme.

Stream: Basement Freaks - Hit the Flame

Basement Freaks have a pair of tunes on the comp. The other, remixed by Ursula 1000, mirrors the 80s flair and refracts it with a load of bass.

The Beekeepers keep things rolling with their banger. The track is about a year old but Mystro’s toasting still sounds fresh.

Parris & Vanucci funkify some classic Michael Jackson which calls people to get down on the floor. The tune is pure sex in my mind so if dancefloors aren’t an option for the day or evening, you might consider getting horizontal on your living room carpet or elsewhere.

Stream: Parris & Vanucci - Get Down on the Floor

Another album exclusive from Tom Drummond “Keep It Moving” urges you to do just that.

Another track exclusive to this comp comes from from Kraak & Smaak, which has one of the biggest basslines in the release.

If it’s funk you’re after, the exclusive from Featurecast should smash any craving with it’s big strings and rhythm guitar.

Stream: Featurecast - Evil Eye (feat. Greg Blackman)

The Crazy P remix of “Something Special” by Max Sedgley has been a go-to track of mine since it’s release. Here we have an update coming from Neighbour. To be expected from one of Vancouver’s finests, the remix is washed in some of the richest low end – it’s thick and creamy and quite frankly, I can’t wait to drop this, despite being two years old.

Stream: Max Sedgley - Something Special (Neighbour Remix)

Neighbour’s second remix on the comp is a colab with Elan B. Together they combine their flair for disco for yet another sexy tune.

There are a few more tracks on the compilation but I’m about spent so I’ll leave you with two more. The album is drawn to a close in fine breakbeat style by Bristol Bass don Parker.

Finally though, if you missed it, here’s a free track from DJ Moneyshot with what’s sure to please a few feet.

Oh, and here’s a stellar mix featuring all the tracks above.

JALAPENO RECORDS PRESENTS JALAPENO FUNK VOL. 4

So, JALAPENO RECORDS have more stellar releases than I can shake a funky stick at.

Here’s a prime example. With their latest compilation, JALAPENO FUNK VOL. 4 Jalapeno continues to supply the forward looking funk on the latest instalment of their successful Jalapeno Funk series including five exclusive album tracks. The comp opens with an exclusive from DJ Moneyshot titled “Mellowdip Park” before moving into some blistering funk breaks from Basement Freaks. Another album exclusive from Tom Drummond “Keep It Moving” then leads to one of the highlights of The Beekeepers album “Queen Bee” (feat UK MC legend Mystro on vocals).

There’s also exclusive tracks from Kraak & Smaak and Featurecast, which leads into stone cold killers from Max Sedgley, D’Steph, Smoove & Turrell (including remixes from Hint, Neighbour and Gregor Salto) before the album is drawn to a close in fine breakbeat style by Bristol Bass don Parker. Full album purchases include a DJ mixed version of the album mixed by Jalapeno Sound System.


Free download

For a much greater taste of the album check out the mix below.

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Links:
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KRAAK & SMAAK + BASEMENT FREAKS + ROMANTHONY + ROACH MOTEL + PSYCHEMAGIK

KRAAK & SMAAK defy any sort of genre classification. Their output ranges from robotdisco gems to techy house-influenced jams to funk-fueled bombs. Regardless of what you want to call their music, they’ve been a staple in my sets.

To celebrate the soon-to-be released long player on JALAPENO RECORDS, we have a remix of “Forget About You” by yet another Manalogue favourite, BASEMENT FREAKS. This tune specifically shines the light on the spectrum of sonics with a focus on funk and soul, and is nicely refracted with a vibrancy of bass.


Free download

I’d also like to point out the trio’s last single. Last month Kraak & Smaak released a stellar EP featuring the soulful vocals of the legendary Romanthony, complete with some choice remixes from Roach Motel and Psychemagik. The original is an exploration into dub, with some serious garage undertones.


Free download

Roach Motel have two cuts – the first exploits Romanthony’s soulful vocals, burying the tune deep into a dank and sweaty basement. Their second stab takes a more chilled approach but is just as suitable for situations where dim lighting is required.

Finally, Psychemagik do what they do best and sprinkle some cosmic pixie dust on the tune.

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Kraak & Smaak Links:
kraaksmaak.com
Kraak & Smaak on SoundCloud
Kraak & Smaak on twitter
Kraak & Smaak on facebook

Jalapeno Records Links:
jalapenorecords.com
Jalapeno Records on SoundCloud
Jalapeno Records on twitter
Jalapeno Records on facebook