This year’s annual Miami-focussed edition of Defected’s In The House series is a three CD affair, with a disc each taken on by Andrea Oliva, Paolo Rocco and NICe7 respectively.
Ahead of the release of the compilation, check out this exclusive mix of some of the key tracks that feature, along with some additional info about the artists involved on the tracklist below.
Chasing Kurt 'From The Inside' (Henrik Schwarz Remix)
Originally released in the latter half of last year, Chasing Kurt’s ‘From The Inside’ quickly became regarded as one of the most anthemic house tracks of the 2013. The track combines soulful piano chords with an overwhelmingly powerful and emotive vocal ,and legendary German artist Henrik Schwarz's remix just screams quality. Championed by tastemakers from Pete Tong to Agoria, NICe7 drop this one early on their mix.
Jazzanova featuring Ben Westbeech 'I Can See' (Konstantin Sibold Remix)
Originally released back in 2008, ‘I Can See’ was produced by Jazzanova alongside the vocal talents of Ben Westbeech and was an immediate hit, both in and outside of the club. Then Dennis Ferrer’s Objektivty imprint put out a new version of the record: a deep, moody and poignant reinterpretation by Konstantin Sibold. Remixing and re-releasing a previously popular record may be a tried and tested formula, but it’s a rare thing that the new version is both as well-judged and ravenously received as ‘I Can See’ has proved to be. This is the record with which Andrea Oliva starts his mix, setting an exceptionally high standard from the off.
Tuccillo 'City Lights' (Original)
Ibiza-based Tuccillo has been quietly and unassumingly turning out slick house cuts for years now, but recently he really seems to have hit his stride. After more than a decade playing regularly on the White Isle you’d expect him to know what rocks a dancefloor, and ‘City Lights’ does just that. Devastatingly effective without ever trying too hard, this is a undoubted highlight in Andrea Oliva’s mix.
Tapesh & Maximiljan 'Virtues' (Original)
A moment of deep, dark deliciousness in Oliva’s mix is provided Tapesh & Maximiljan, who strip things right back to basics on ‘Virtues’. Dropping back in 2013 on Leena Music, this is exemplary of the restrained approach Oliva has taken with his track selection; digging deep to create a timeless mix that locks you into the groove for the duration.
Andre Lodemann 'Coming Your Way'
Growing up in East Berlin, it was trance music that first appealed to Andre Lodemann and the genre still resonates through his productions to this day. ‘Coming Your Way’ demonstrates the typical Lodemann trait of suspense within his records by building methodically with strumming guitar and intangible moans before a mechanical synth breakdown develops into a satisfying full-body groove that punctuates the mid-point of NICe7’s mix .
Mathew Jonson 'Level 7' (Dixon Remix)
The first cut on Matthew Jonson’s second solo album Her Blurry Pictures, ‘Level 7’ was one of the LP’s finest moments, with its prominent synth lead and chopped vocal splashes painting a beautiful musical picture. Dixon remixes tend to be worth paying attention to and this is no exception, with a powerfully driving groove and looped bell lead reminiscent of Âme’s ‘Rej’, building towards an epic climax to Andrea Oliva’s mix.
Rednail Kidz +1 'I Think Of You' (Nail's Remix)
Rednail Kidz is the already impressive combination of Derrick Carter & Chris Nazuka: add a ‘+1’ of Chez Damier who provides additional vocals on ‘I Think Of You’ and you have a ridiculously impressive line-up of house talent. Originally released on Classic back in 1999, Nail’s remix still sounds fresh today and demonstrates Paolo Rocco’s willingness to root through the vaults of house music in order to make his selection as varied and timeless as possible.
Larry Heard 'Burning 4 You'
Taking things back even further, Larry Heard’s ‘Burning 4 You’ came out on Black Market International way back in 1994. Perhaps not as celebrated as some of his more well-known records – and actually only a b-side on its initial release – ‘Burning 4 You’ encompasses much of what makes Heard such an essential artist; deep, rumbling bass notes and his unmistakeable piano . Appearing near the start of Paolo Rocco’s mix, this is further evidence of his house music heritage.
Defected In The House Miami 2014 is out now – order from iTunes
Paolo Rocco, Andrea Oliva and NiCe7 play Ministry of Sound for Defected In The House April 5 - click for full listing and tickets
