RADAR
ATFC+Shovell @ Junk, Southampton.
A little bit of exciting news for my Southern friends here at The House Dan Built. Defected will be bringing their legendary name to Junk, Southampton of all places. The line-up boasts none other than London legend ATFC and percussion pioneer Shovell. It is a rare occasion that Defected hit such a small venue and at a meagre £7 entry, this promises to be an amazing night of house music. Click here for more details and be sure to see what all the hype is about.

When it comes to ATFC, this Essential Mix from their Defected In The House London 2010 compilation give the best inclination of the essence of ATFC, strong and deep dropping house music. Add Shovell's magical percussion skills and this night promises to be an absolute treat. Here is a little peek at what to expect:



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A Week in House (Commencing 26/04)

The Tracks

This week marks a special one for house music, one that will potentially set the tone for the coming year of dance music. Swedish House Mafia’s ‘One’ hit the number one spot on Beatport in a matter of hours and could well be the most highly anticipated dance release of the year. Our boys Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso have never failed to disappoint over the last year. Fresh off the mark from Miami Winter Music Conference, the Dons of House present with an epic portion of electro house. Expect to hear this at every turn, at every club, in every country across the world. Don’t just take my word for it though, check out One now! Be sure to catch them when they bless London’s Brixton Academy on May 29th or every Monday night at Pacha, Ibiza, for a definitive lesson in House music at the Dark Forest. You won’t regret it!

Next up are House mavericks David Amo and Julio Navas on No Respect Records with ‘Who is Elvis? 2010 (Part 1)’. This is a great number from the Spanish legends behind Fresco Records, blending a fusion of the current electronic fuelled hype with a funky little backbone to it. My recommended cut would be the David Ano & Julio Navas Remix Avoid the dodgy techno remixes on the e.p and give this little gem a blast.Some producers manage to exhaust sampling. Luckily, this is tune has enough spirit and pulse to avoid such tedium.

2010 has seen Size records produce some truly inspiring music and my next selection shows that Angello still has a few tricks up his sleeve, the latest being Paul Thomas, Sonny Wharton and Ant Brooks with Brass! Angello has always had a thing for Brass samples and this tune captures the instrumental mash up perfectly. The trumpets are epic, the drop fits perfectly and the rhythm is tighter than a nuns undergarments. This is the spirit of Ibiza’s house scene encapsulated for me and I predict this tune will be exhausted this season. Another musical victory for the crew at Camp Size, they are certainly making the road to Summer a promising one.

It is rare that a track comes along that gets me hooked on the first listen, though my next pick did exactly this. Sweat It Out Records present Yoldanda Be Cool and DCup- We Speak No Americano, a fresh little offering for fans of Riva Starr’s Euro vibes and Afrojack’s dirty leads. The original mix could do with a little tempo tap, but stands out as an infectious offering from the Australian duo.

Steve Smooth has been on my Radar for some time now and finally, the patience has been rewarded. The American progressive house master presents us with So High ft. Luvli on Ultra Records. This is electro house for the masses, providing the slick vocals of Luvli on a canvas of steady flowing electro beats.

My recommended cut, however, would be the Inphinity & Kalendr Remix , a much dirtier and techno sounding offering of this outstanding track. I hope this has set the standard for Smooth’s future offerings.

On the electro house front Tiger records present Squeeze- Doop (club mix). It was only a matter of time before ‘Hear the Drummer Get Wicked’ got the House renovation it deserved and this is a truly inspiring offering. Once again, the Afrojack/ Sidney Samson vibes are there, but the track stands out thanks to a little original flare from Squeeze.

Fresh off the mark from ‘Just Bleep Me (Satisfaction), Dada life are back swinging with new tune Cookies With a Smile on Big Dirty Records. This tune is a gloriously filthy offering from the Swedish duo which even Tiesto will struggle to keep his thieving paws off. Heavy like Justice, but with a very Dahlback/ Deadmau5 overtone to it. In my eyes this is the equation for Progressive House perfection. These guys are really standing out from the crowd in a scene that some would argue is becoming ever more overcrowded.

Finally, Jose Nunez ‘Bilingual 2010’ has been given a group refurbishment on Subliminal. While each offering on the e.p brings something fresh to the table, my recommended cuts would be the Jon Flores Undercool Remix, a more coarse electro driven offering,

Or the Yanick Coen Miami Mix, bringing a fresh and funky rhythmic vibe to this immediate club classic. There is nothing more satisfying than finding an excuse to shout ‘You fucking me makes me bilingual’ in any situation, may these fine remixes give us many more excuse to!

RADAR
On my radar this week is Ibiza, every house lovers ideal holiday destination. I am happy to announce an exciting line-up of house music throughout July. Defected will be taking there always-welcome residency at Pacha every Saturday, kicking off 3rd July with John Dahlback and ATFC, followed on 10th July by the Legendary Bob Sinclar and Dutch housemasters Chocolate Puma. Riva Starr blesses the club July 17th with Junior Jack and Kid Crème, with David Morales and David Penn bringing the noise July 24th. As if this wasn’t enough, rounding off an amazing month of music is no other than the master of all things funky, Kenny Dope and NY legend Quentin Harris on the 31st.

Once again Roger Sanchez will be blessing Amnesia with ‘Release Yourself’, every Tuesday, as well as Chester Racecourse on May 1st for those of you without the funds for Spain.

David Guetta’s ‘F*** Me Im Famous’, every Thursday at Pacha is always going to be an amazing night of dance music, no matter who is in support. However, my recommendation would be July 29th, when he is joined by Toolroom legend Mark Night. Expect numerous special appearances from the French producer's little black book of collaborators over this season!

Closer to home, I can confirm that John Dahlback will be hitting Ministry of Sound on August 14th, preparing us for Autumn with a round of “Bingo”. Check the official website for Ministry over the next month or two for a full line-up.
Enjoy what little sun the UK is given, get lost in the weeks incredible music offering and essentially, spread the love. Remember, you heard it HERE first at The House Dan Built.

A week in House (19/04)

I am sat on a sun lounger looking out onto a lagoon North of the beautiful Maldivian island of Kuramathi. I am not meant to be here, but the scene and this weeks picks are enough to make being stranded on a small island a little more bearable.
This weeks picks got me very excited. First up is an epic offering on Stricly from two of houses main contenders: Dirty South and Bob Sinclar. Their new release, ‘The Russian March’ takes the essence of both artists sounds: Sinclar’s jungle-esque rhythms and Dirty South’s synth-driven melodic bliss, presenting us with a unique and rich offering that probably shouldn’t work in theory, but is sure to be a pleaser in clubs across the globe (thank god the internet can hack volcanos!). find the Original Mix Here and keep your eyes and ears peeled for the remixes, cause I could see some of the Size Records crowd getting involved with this Gem. Epic Hum line!
Next up is John Dahlback: Bingo on Defected. Dahlback’s talent as a producer is undeniable and this new offering is certainly a dynamic tune, with a glorious electro house front that goes in all the right directions of a club classic. Where it not for the tedious vocal-line I would probably sing this song’s praises, but regrettably this is an element that retracts from the tune’s appeal for this house music lover. Maybe future remixes will make amends of this, cause it is certainly not a dud track from the man.
Finally, I am pleased to announce the latest offering from Sandy Riviera: Cosmo Bar (Sandy Riviera’s Cosmo Bar Album Mix on Blackwiz. This track has a great progressive vibe to it and Sandy is definitely back at his best. The Bar album mix is tight and hopefully sets the standard for more Riviera magic this year.
Those are my fresh picks of the latest releases, though on the horizon we have Kim Fai's 'P.S' and 'Kato' on Size Records hitting the digital world on May 5th. The tracks are sounding real fresh and are definitely a tribute to Angello’s ever-growing army at Size Records. You can here this on the Size records Facebook group if the wait is just too much.

Now to what is going on down South. My friends at Ministry have some epic nights on the horizon, kicking off this Saturday with Defected’s always-legendary visit to Ministry of Sound. Our boy Sandy Riviera will be celebrating his new release, as well as Riva Starr blessing the dance floor with highlights from his latest Miami 2010 mix. Quentin Harris and The Jinx are also in attendance to make this unforgettable night of house music.

Pinch, punch, first of the month see’s the boys at Toolroom Records bless The Box, with the man with red face; Mark Knight headlining, as well as sets from Chris Lake and Tocadisco. Knight is always an act not worth missing, so don’t be one of the unlucky few that doesn’t witness the best of Toolroom’s arsenal!
May 21st see’s a special line up bless the box, with dance god Pete Tong hosting the likes of Afrojack and Funkagenda, two of house music’s hottest DJ’s doing the rounds. 103 also plays host to Houses of House, strutting the NYC sound that is always a pleasure to hear on these shores. This is a night not to be missed.

Finally, Ministry have one last treat in store for May. Soul Heaven hits the floors on the 29th with no other than the funky likings of Louie Vega and Joey Negro, as the take you back to house in its purest form. This will be special, so wherever you are in the country, you will want to get yourself down to see both these house legends under the same roof.

Our friends in Cardiff have a real treat headed their way on the 30th April in the form of our Southern-Fried friend Claude VonStroke. This minimal master is bringing a night of subtle house beauty to Cardiff’s Club Ifor Bach for one night only with support from fresh local blood Paul Loraine and Robert Cashin. Those of you in Bristol or the surrounding areas don’t want to miss this stunning night of minimal house and techno.

So wherever you are, whether your stranded or safely at home, enjoy music, spread the love and remember: You heard it here at The House That Dan Built.

For the love of House

Before i depart the country in search of sun, sea and new music, here is my line-up of the years finest offerings so far:

1- Wolfgang Gartner- Undertaker Heavy and dirty, stand out tune for 2010!

2- Riva Starr- I Was Drunk (original mix) Such a nice flowing tune on Riva's behalf and begs some good remixes

3- Alan Fitzpatrick- Reflections (original mix) Just a beautiful track, the synths flow so smoothly throughout

4-Dennis Ferrer-Hey Hey (DF's attention vocal mix) Catchy and contagious, beautiful little minimal number

5-Dj Gregory and Sidney Samson-Dama S Salon (Mastiksoul Dub Remix) Its NOT Riverside, but the rhythms are infectious and despite the random noises in the dub this mix is golden.

6- Tiesto Feat. Nelly Furtado-Who Wants To Be Alone (Robbie Rivera Juicy Remix Edit) Tiesto may have got a little dull, but Riviera puts some life into what was a very limp offering

7- Reboot- Enjoy Music (Riva Starr Remix) One of the more popular of Defected's releases this year. The sound speaks for itself.

8- Crookers-Natural Born Hustler feat. Pitbull A Little different, but give it a go and expect some sound remixes. Proof that the journey over to mainstream music doesn't have to be lifeless

9- Jason Derulo- Watcha Say (Afrojack Remix) A lovely little gem among the countless r&b transformations. This dance-floor filler has been taken to another level thanks to our pal Afrojack.

10- Ellie Goulding- Starry Eyed (Max Vangeli & AN21 Remix) Two of my favourite dj's take one of the year's most unique chart hits and give a 'Sizeable' remode. Quality reworking from Angello's boys.

All you lovely people have a great Easter weekend. Chill out, hit the clubs, enjoy good company, food, drink and most importantly, music. These have been my highlights of 2010 at The House That Dan Built.

'Shut up and hear this out'

'Shut up and hear this out...'
The success of Sidney Samson's recent work can't be denied, even by those that didn't appreciate the vocal re-work of 'Riverside', which from what i have heard MADE many people's European vacation last year.

Well good news is that our lad from the Netherlands has a new club-banger on its way. CR2 records will finally be releasing 'Shut up and let it go' on the 25th April, and our boy on the Riverside hasn't lost his touch. Ive had a sneaky peak at the e.p, which features three good offerings of the track. Samson has Lady Bee working the main mix vocals, which can be found HERE. However, my hot pick would personally be the Chuckie Remix. He gives this tune a good working with the same 'Im In Miami, Bitch' vibe, but with a bigger pulse and a much rounder sound. The tune itself is catchy enough to grab the big crowds and despite the fact that 'Riverside' was always going to be a tough track to match, i like its chances on the club circuit and even in the charts. Hell, after Angello and Laidback Luke did it with 'Show Me Love', i would not be surprised if Samson hit the note again with 'Shut up and let it go'. I hope, however, that the 'Riverside' hype does not deflate this great track's chances.
Those of you who are impatient can nab the Jacob Plant remix on last months Miami 2010 CR2 Miami Live and Direct compilation This is a sick little collection to get you in the mood with some of the sweeter and more subtle names that where hitting this years Miami Winter Music Conference. I would recommend holding on till the end of April and keeping your ears peeled for mixes on the sneak, as this could be a landmark tune for our pal Sidney.

Another week in House (29th March-4th April)

Many thanks to all you music lovers who have given this spot a go. It has been another exciting week for dance music and this week i have the best picks of the weeks releases.

My first pick for the week is Swen Weber's 'Time for Samba' e.p on Southern Fried Records. The e.p is pretty fresh, bringing a beefy sound to the world of Jungle Brother's samples in 'Back to the Old-School'. On the whole, this crunchy minimal offering is worth a listen, though the title track is the only stand-out for me. Check it out here: Time For Samba .

Funkagenda also bring a new offering this week in the form of 'Afterclub' on Toolroom Records. Despite being very good at what they do, something falls flat in the overall sound of 'Afterclub', while the pacing tech-riffs keep afloat some of the finer memories of Funkagenda's sound, it is the Stu Foster and Drew Scott Remix that makes something epic out of this tune, keeping afloat some of the finer memories of Funkagenda's rich house sound. The Riva Starr Remix is worth a listen for a funkier Miami-sounding take on the song. Overall a slightly disappointing offering from Toolroom legends Funkagenda that is saved by some fresh and exciting remixes.

Roger Sanchez is back in town with new release '2Gether' on Stealth Records. This tune is massive. Sampling from b52's 'Love shack', Sanchez serves a helping or raw and funky house that gradually evolves into a strangely satisfying electronic offering. It is hard to put this sound into words, so check it out yourself Here
Finally, Defected present an exciting new track from Ridney and James Talk in the form of 'Forever'. I have only had the pleasure of hearing the original mix, but this stands on its own legs as a definite hit. This song captures the essence of a typical Ibiza summer for me, flowing throughout like a Defected House-Hit should, building you up and dropping you into a perfect arrangement of rhythm and synths. check it out Here. This song is going to be massive, FACT.


SO, Easter has kicked in an there are a good couple of weeks at your mercy, but what to do? Well, i am going to suggest you head on down to Subliminal at Matter on April 17th for Erick Morillo and the mafia man himself, Sebastian Ingrosso. With the huge sound of Morillo and Ingrosso's legendary productions the night is sure to be nothing short of epic, plus with support from Cedric Gervais, Yousef and Kim Fai, this could be one of the best house nights London will see this year.


I will be in the Maldives for the next two weeks getting up on my tracks and getting ready to bring you straight coverage through to Summer, where this baby will be going daily for all you party people headed to Ibiza for what is shaping to be another legendary season. On that note, one love, and you heard it hear at The House That Dan Built.