Its that time of year again when all the dance music fans that can afford it are heading to Miami for two weeks of sunshine, cocktails and back 2 back A-list DJs. To celebrate, Glasgow Underground is releasing the biggest mix compilation that Glasgow Underground has ever done. Over three hours of mixes and 40 tracks featuring tracks from some of my favourite labels and producers right now as well as 8 exclusive new tracks from Glasgow Underground’s own artists.
The full release is due out on iTunes on the 18th of March. Before then we have an sneak peak at 8 exclusive tracks, available on BEATPORT right now. The first is from Mike Vale. I’ve been watching this guy since 2011 when he released “Pretty Woman”. I know back then I was supposed to be just playing deep house and exclusively listening to the likes of Julio Bashmore and “Hungry For The Power”. But I wasn’t (shhh… don’t tell anyone!). I was Mr. Deep House first time round and I got fed up playing achingly deep records and seeing blank faces on the dance floor as everyone swayed around feeling cool (but secretly wishing someone would jack things up!). So instead I was having it to some thumping tech-house.
Fast forward 5 years and Hey Presto! Tech House is happening now (well in reality, its Techno that’s happening, but that’s another issue) and I meet Mr. Vale at ADE and talk him into giving me some tunes. “Dark Rooms” is the kind of thing I’d imagine Tenaglia playing half way through a monster Miami session and I hope it’s moody, bass heavy magic works its wonders with you.
If, however, you are looking for something a bit more immediate (and/or loved Steve Lawler’s “House Record” to death) Mihalis Safras “Creator” is the one for you. Already given the Hot Since 82 seal of approval at various festivals over the past months, this is a heavy groove filled with jacking vocals and a killer old school house riff.
As well as these, there is some killer techno-meets-philly-soul from Landmark; Brazil’s Eddie M with a Tenaglia style rave-caver; a wonderful piece of Giacomotto-style electronic soul from Saccao & Anton Ishutin; some sub-kissed pool party vibes from Ki Creighton & Makaman; a heavy-duty 4am system-bumper from Dead Space a fabulous sunset jam from Iran – Airbuss 88 by Parlando.
Finding all these new tracks has been a huge job and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of my A&R team so a big thanks to Sam Dexter (sam@glasgowunderground.com), Mikey Duncan (mikey@glasgowunderground.com), Mark Ferguson (marko_dj@hotmail.co.uk) and Tom Allemano (info@tomalemanno.ch).
Kevin McKay, February 2016.