Next week, Strictly Rhythms Vol.2 drops. Following the first installment mixed by Aaron Ross, this new compilation sees NYC's Mr. V step up to the decks. We caught up with the hip-house hybrid DJ/producer to talk about the old days of Strictly and how he put the new mix together...
What does Strictly Rhythm mean to you?
Strictly are back...they have been and remain the staple for new sounds in House music, period. The success, the hits, the classic cuts say it all man. Some of the world’s legendary DJs and producers made classics on this label and I'm incredibly honoured to be a part of it; it truly means a lot.
How did you decide which tracks to use for the mix?
Well I tried not to use the same tracks/classics that everyone else used so far but it was hard because the current and classic stuff is so good. Almost every record on Strictly Rhythm compliments itself so I tried to go both past and present on this mix and I loved makin' it happen. I pulled some stuff out of the Strictly vault too that was never added as well.
Any personal highlights from the mix?
Ha...the whole thing is a personal highlight man. I remember doing the mix and seeing my daughter bounce around like a rabbit to every song; that about did it for me! I definitely rate the ‘Deep Inside’ remix I did along with Krimps’ ‘Get Up’ Revisited...PURE ENERGY on the soul tip.
Growing up in New York did you know any of the Strictly crew from back in the day? Do you still hook up with them now?
Haha…Gladys I see and I still think she works at the mid-town office every time I see her, Pablo Toto I see from time to time....I just wished the NYC office was open...it was always great to run into Roger Sanchez, Erick Morillo and crew while I was working for MAW doing deliveries.
If you could get your hands on any Strictly track for a remix, what would it be?
Man I always wanted to re-do ‘I Like to Move It’ by Erick Morillo and The Mad Stuntman....GREAT ENERGY ON THAT CLASSIC. I would love to do a hip house version of Ultra Nate's ‘Found a Cure’, a Mood II Swing killer track...man I could go on for days, I got so many ideas.
Any personal projects in the pipeline at the moment?
Just completed the final chapter of my EP series titled ‘Tales From The Deepside 3 - Final Chapter’ which will feature 3 songs and 3 tracks. I definitely come in different directions with just 2 of my signature styles this time around, I got more into the minimal side and tribal like for this closure. That's due out in October. I then follow-up with the release of my second album ‘Welcome Back’ which will be produced by William ‘Reelsoul’ Rodriguez & myself along with special guest producers and artists...so yes I'm busy...haha.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about…?
Special thanks to all the producers & artist featured on this mix that made some incredible tunes’ Aaron Ross, Phil Cheeseman & the entire Strictly Rhythm staff for their continued hard work and dedication to this thing we love called ‘HOUSE!’ & pay me a visit www.solechannelmusic.com. Thank you so much Strictly ROCK ON!!!
Strictly Rhythms Vol.2 is available from the 3rd August to download
