Dance music as we know it today originated in gay discos in NY and Chicago, and forty years later the gay community is still churning out some of the most expressive releases out there. This week's highlights come from gay artists and producers from around the world.

Sam Sparro: ‘Hands Up'

It has been almost two years since Sydney-via-LA singer Sam Sparro released Quantum Physical Vol. 1, the 4-track EP that featured his 90's-inspired hit ‘Infinite.' The follow up, Quantum Physical Vol. 2, is now finally ready to see the light of day. ‘Hands Up' is the lead single and it stays true to Sparro's delightful soulful electro-pop style, filled with uplifting synths and a catchy groove. In a world where major pop artists often replicate a similar sound ad-nauseum on the radio waves, it is refreshing to hear talented names like Sam Sparro creating some very inspiring original work.

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In a world where major pop artists often replicate a similar sound ad-nauseum on the radio waves, it is refreshing to hear talented names like Sam Sparro creating some very inspiring original work.

Last week, Ru featured Severino & Nico de Ceglia‘s remix of Róisín Murphy's ‘Evil Eyes,' but I wouldn't want to miss highlighting another great rework of her latest single, this time by NY gay house-ensemble Hercules And Love Affair.
Partok Matushka Apfelberg, the trio formed by DJ/producer Avihay Partok, resident DJ at the infamous The Block in Tel Aviv, alongside Apfelberg (also a resident DJ at The Block) and Matushka (sound designer), released their first single on Kompakt, titled ‘Nai Nai.' With a focus on a powerful bass-driven melody, ‘Nai Nai' was created to make the most of The Block's sound system, which has been recently picked as one of the top 5 in the world.
San Francisco DJ group/party Honey Soundsystem is bringing back their imprint with two simultaneous releases in August, including the spacey electro-house ‘皆 (Mina)' by Honey's member Bézier.
Hailing from Berlin, Cocktail d'Amore is a queer party and also a record label founded by Boris and the boys of Discodromo (all three played at the famed Saint At Large's Black Party in NYC earlier this year), focusing on all good things disco, house and techno with a gay spin. Their brand new series of edits, Cockring d'Amore, includes Discodromo's dub edit of Modern Romance‘s ‘Tear The Roof Off The Moose.' Originally released in 1981, the song holds well to its age and still manages to sound fresh and current.

OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD) curates and recommends music events to the gay community in NYC—in an effort to move the focus of the nightlife scene beyond the promoter and venue and to the music itself. OXD's goal is to educate, entertain, engage and empower the gay audience to reclaim their ability to question and experience the unknown. The OXD Mirror will serve to showcase tunes that are definitely off-the-beaten-path but rightfully deserve the attention of the gay ear.

Follow us on Spotify! Subscribe to our ‘As Seen on Towleroad Playlist to listen to tracks posted from past weeks. For more information on OXD, check out our website and accompanying blog at www.occupythedisco.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter: @OccupyTheDisco.