Deep in the House

Happy new year! For me, 2014 was the year of deep house. Previously I'd listened to a few songs here and there but alas, twas only dabbling. Last year I really started to explore the genre, preferring the laid back downtempo melodies to those of it's more hyper and energetic cousin: electro. Helen referred me to a Tiesto Club Life mix (episode 331) which was a "deep house special". It instantly hooked me. In particular, I really enjoyed the following 3 songs:

Vario Volinski - Falling in Love (wolfskind ft Saxokid Bootleg)
[free download]

Kolsch ft. Gregor S. - Cassiopeia

Professor Green ft. Emile Sande - Read All About It (Stefan Biniak Bootleg)
[free download]

This led me to explore a bit further...

Apparently one of the OGs when it comes to deep house is a British fellow named MK. To be honest, after listening to one of his mixes I wasn't sure what the fuss was about.  Then I heard this song. Instantly catchy, it's no wonder it was a big hit. Looped vocals, a heavy beat and cool piano melody make this a winner:

Storm Queen - Look Right Through (MK dub III)

Next up is an infectious song by some dude named Ben Pearce. On remix duties is Karma Kid. It really is addictive, with chilled out vocals and awesome melody! Long after listening I seem to be singing it to myself:

Ben Pearce - What I Might Do (Karma Kid Remix)

Finally, I present to you Lane 8. This producer is some whiz kid from San Francisco who I have slowly become obsessed with over the latter half of 2014. Check out his SoundCloud page here, which features a host of free songs to download, as well as quarterly mix tapes - all of which I've really enjoyed. After being signed to Above & Beyond's Anjunadeep label, his songs are finally starting to see properly releases. In particular check out Be Mine, Every Night & one of my favourites: his latest single Diamonds:

Those times they shine like diamonds
Shoot up this love affair
White lies like knives in a poison heart 
I keep running but I never seem to lose the dark.

Why dont you go and break the heart of me?
Just take another, little part of me 
Why dont you go and take the heart of me?
I tell myself its just the start of me.

I rate this producer very highly, so when he was chosen to participate in the remix package of Eric Prydz's best song of 2014, Liberate, I wasn't surprised at all.



While the above song is great, Lane 8 really hooked me with his early free releases. For example, check out this song "For You". It samples an school soul track by The Isley Brothers from the 60s (mo town era), who in the chorus croon: This old heart - darlin, is weak for you!  I really enjoy when a present-day musician samples a song from days past, shedding light on music and artists I may never have heard before. Discovering old classics is always a treat!  This tune should have you groovin and tug on your heartstrings at the same time. Enjoy ;)

Lane 8 - For You