BY RU BHATT
It’s my last column here at Towleroad, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by sharing new tracks by some of my favorite artists, all of whom have been featured in this column in the years past. Thanks to all that have listened, it’s been a fun ride!
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England’s Katy B has kept a pretty low profile this year, presumably hard at work on her upcoming album, Honey. Katy promises that Honey will have her teaming up with a wide range of producers and artists, “further exemplifying her ability to push boundaries and create exciting new music.” On ‘Calm Down,’ Katy collaborates with Four Tet, responsible for Morning/Evening (my favorite EP from 2015), and Floating Points, who released his Elaenia LP to critical acclaim earlier this year. The cerebral nature of both producers’ styles is evident on ‘Calm Down,’ resulting in a fresh departure from Katy’s pop-oriented sounds on her 2014 album, Little Red.
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- Hot off the heels of a much-hyped residency at Amnesia Ibiza, Sonny Fodera releases ‘Feeling U,’ featuring British siren Yasmin. The release comes in two forms: a ‘Club Mix’ and, a ‘Deep Mix’ with the latter being my favorite of the two, thanks to it’s body-shaking heavy-hitting bass and moody tones.
- Jessica 6 & Eli Escobar are two of Brooklyn’s most notable names when it comes to contemporary disco. Escobar frequently collaborates with Jessica 6’s Nomi Ruiz (he’s also opening for her at their upcoming NYC show) so it comes as no surprise that his remix of J6’s latest track, ‘Can’t Tear Us Apart,’ is a standout on this remix EP. Escobar brings the ethereal nature of the original track to the dance floor, influenced by the Bogota hotel room in which it was composed.
- Miguel Campbell just released a new album, Night Drive Without You that exemplifies his mastery of house, funk, jazz and disco sounds. ‘Interfunk Music’ features hollowed-out vocals by Benjamin Diamond that are enhanced by Campbell’s spaced-out cosmic disco production.
- Kai Alcé provided one of my favorite songs of 2014, and it’s only fitting that he’s featured again on my last column at Towleroad. This time he tackles Munk‘s forthcoming release, ‘Hot Medusa,’ giving it his signature, smooth, sultry, soulful house makeover.
- Finally, it wouldn’t be a Ru Bhatt-authored music column if it didn’t feature my favorite disco diva, Róisín Murphy. Her latest release is her autobiographical track from Hairless Toys, ‘House of Glass.’ Murphy discovered Maurice Fulton via Facebook and he has become one of her favorite producers ever since. Murphy enjoyed Fulton’s disco-tinged remix so much she decided to use it in the official music video, which can be seen below.
OXD Mixtape
Check out our latest mixtape, streaming on Soundcloud now.
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Weekend Calendar
This Saturday is Occupy the Disco‘s last gig of 2015 and we couldn’t be in better queer company. We’re joining forces with our friends at Wrecked and The Carry Nation for Get Wrecked and Carry, at Brooklyn’s Good Room Nightclub. The part starts at 10p and goes late, so come join us for a twirl (or a carry!) as we close out an wonderful year with a fantastic crowd amazing music. Discounted, pre-sale tickets can be found on Resident Advisor.
OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD) is a gay, New York City-based DJ collective who got their start curating alternative night life and music events for the LGBT community. The OXD Mirror serves to showcase house, disco and techno tunes that are definitely off-the-beaten-path but rightfully deserve the attention of the gay ear.
This week’s post was written and curated by Ru Bhatt. Check out more of his music picks on his podcast, The Ru-Mix and on Made In Brazil.
Stay in touch! Be sure to follow us on our Soundcloud, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter/Instagram: @OccupyTheDisco.
