Crosstown Rebels Presents Spirits (CRMLP035S)

A four track vinyl sampler of the new compilation series from Crosstown Rebels, allow us to introduce Spirits. Label Founder Damian Lazarus has compiled what he describes as "a fresh psychedelic journey into the mind", aiming to bring together a collection of new artists from both his imprints.

Opening up is Audiojack's "Reverie"; a heavy kick from the start is succeeded by spoken word on the subject of meditation sets the scene appropriately. Dubspeeka's "Lyssa" is next up with a sturdy bassline, eerie synths and a haunting melody reminiscent of yesteryear.

On the flip and Alice Rose seduces in "Another Way" produced by Raw District. Her voice, similar to that of Björk, perfectly encompasses the heavy bassline and hard-hitting percussion. Finally, "Be Mine" by SIOPIS featuring Ellbee Bad gets straight into the action with hard-hitting reverberated low notes, steadily building up through sentimental vocals and enticing synthesis.

Tracklist:

1. Audiojack - Reverie

2. Dubspeeka - Lyssa

3. Raw District Feat. Alice Rose - Another Way

4. SIOPIS Feat. Ellbee Bad - Be Mine

Released: 24/11/2017

Cat#: CRMLP35S

Distribution: Above Board

LINK TO THE TRACKS

Raw District Feat. Aquarius Heaven - Addicted (CRM167)

Belgian duo Raw District return to the Crosstown rebels label with 'Addicted', teaming up the formidable Aquarius Heaven again for the label, this time remixed by the infamous Doc Martin and Keinemusik's Rampa.

'For us, working on a vocal tune was always being as collaborative as possible in the creative process' explains Massimo Da Costa, one half of Raw District with Vernon Bara, speaking of their collaboration with Aquarius Heaven AKA Brian Brewster. 'Brian makes things so efficient as he has this typically easy way to write and sing amazing lyrics. I would love to get a chance to be inside his head to discover where he finds this extraordinary creative inspiration'.

An ex-reggae dancehall and Hip-Hop singer, Aquarius Heaven brings the colors of the Caribbean to 'Addicted'. Raw District's flamboyant percs grinds the beats into a track that stretches the limits of electronic music.

Rampa's remix illustrates the breadth of his studio skills, as founder of a production compnay TEILE, he builds soaring synths and strumming piano to elevate the emotional aspect of 'Addicted' equipping it for the early hours of the night. Doc Martin has earned the respect of many over his extensive career for his timeless style that bridges many genres. His remix gives a bold, new outlook for the track and deeper insight into his ever growing futuristic sound.

Tracklist:

1. Addicted

2. Addicted (Rampa Remix)

3. Addicted (Doc Martin Sublevel Live Remix)

4. The Alchemist (Feat. Forrest)

Released: 23/09/2016
Cat#: CRM167
Distribution: Above Board

LINK TO THE TRACKS

Raw District Feat. Aquarius Heaven - Her Mind (CRM144)

Belgian duo Raw District pair up with the formidable Aquarius Heaven for a sophisticated and seductive EP for Crosstown Rebels. "Her Mind" also comes with a blazing Martin Buttrich remix.

"A vocal adds a unique vibe to a production, making it stand out from the crowd" explained Massimo Dacosta (Raw District). "So when it came to doing a follow-up to 'Ragged Star', we tried to challenge ourselves and give our very best. That's why we asked Aquarius Heaven. We're big fan of Brian and excited about the original and amazing work he delivered".

The iconic vocals of Aquarius Heaven sway against the mechanized dub-laden beats of 'Her Mind', forging a glowing fusion of languid harmony. 'Tell No One' is a sonically imposing beast of a track, whilst  Martin Buttrich's outstanding remix nests firmly in the heat of the night.

Raw District are the Belgian duo Vernon Bara and Massimo Da Costa, who met in a Mons record shop in 2000, and run the label Homecoming Music. Born in 2013, their music has since been seen on labels such as OM, Brique Rouge, Souvenir , Robsoul, OFF, and now Crosstown Rebels. Vernon Bara is also known as Ultrasone alongside Igor Vicente, the techno project that has released on Hot Creations and Supplement Facts.

Aquarius Heaven, born Brian Brewster, is an ex reggae dancehall and hip-hop singer. He moved to Paris in 2005, where he meet the Parisian electronic music trio dOP and after spending hours in the studio with the three musicians, Brian's musical sound was profoundly changed. We can still hear the colors of the Carribean in his vocals, and his music is unbound by the old rehashed sounds and limitations of the electronic music scene. All of this creates for a very interesting musical ride.

Martin Buttrich's journey into electronic music began in clubs in Berlin and hannver at the dawn of the 90s. His notorious collabs with Timo Maas and Loco Dice have led him to form the infamous label, Desolat, and he still managed to find time to put out a remarkable collection of music.

Release Date: 06/07/2015

Cat #: CRM144

Distribution: !K7 / Above Board Distribution

Tracklist:

1. Her Mind

2. Tell No One

3. Her Mind (Martin Buttrich Remix)

LINK TO THE TRACKS

Raw District - Ragged Star EP (CRM130)

With a decade of presenting exciting new talent behind them, Crosstown Rebels press on, signing up Belgian duo Raw District for their impressive debut on the label after a storming sophomore release on Defected sub label DFTD put them firmly on the radar. The ‘Ragged Star EP’ featuring live vocalists Ellipsis and Giorgia Angiuli is two compelling original cuts combining hypnotic, swinging grooves in the languidly deep Detroit ­laced‘Ragged Star’ and contrasting textures and tempos and ethereal voice in‘Turn Away’. Throw in stone cold killer tech ‘Rethinks’ by house music demi­god Josh Wink and you have more than enough bangers for your buck.

 Vernon Bara and Massimo DaCosta aka Raw District are Homecoming Music label owners and producers that between them have released music on labels such as OM Records, AMA Rec, Robsoul, Aroma, OFF Recordings, Icon and Doubledown, and delivered remixes for the likes of Brett Johnson, Fred Everything, Style of Eye, Miguel Migs and JT Donaldson. Earlier this year they launched the Raw District project with the mission statement “Raw District tracks will feature fewer samples and more organic influences. However, the trademark soul, funk and disco influences will still be evident, mixed up with the fresh European sounds coming from Berlin.” With more vocal collaborations in the pipeline, expect to hear more infectiously deep and characterful club sounds in the not too distant future.


Josh Wink needs little or no introduction. As the owner of long­standing benchmark label Ovum Recordings and a DJ/producer since the dawn of the 90s, Wink has helped soundtrack the clubbing life of a generation. Forming Ovum in 1994 with partner King Britt and releasing anthem ‘High State of Consciousness’ in 1995, Wink (under many different monikers) has continued with countless game changing releases, touring the globe extensively and entering the house music hall of fame as one of Philadelphia’s most prolific exports.

• Label: Crosstown Rebels
• Cat no: CRM130
• Web: www.crosstownrebels.com
• Distribution: !K7 / Above Board
• Released: Mon Aug 11th, 2014face
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LINK TO THE TRACKS