RELEASE: MMW 2022 Sampler
ARTIST(S): Alex Bessofen, Pablo Arbelaez, Andre Moret, NAHS, Emegepe, Mental Order, Tim Othy, Ric Niels
REMIXERS: Mir Omar
LABEL: Clubsonica Records | CLUBSONICA095
GENRE: LOSSLESS, Progressive House
RELEASED: 2022-03-18
AVAILABLE FORMAT: 955Kbps/LOSSLESS
DOWNLOAD SIZE: 258.51 MB
TOTAL TRACKS 5
- Alex Bessofen, Pablo Arbelaez – Mezcal (07:56) key, bpm122
- Andre Moret, NAHS – Brava (08:20) key, bpm122
- Emegepe – Multicolored Puff (07:35) key, bpm123
- Mental Order, Tim Othy – Induction (Mir Omar Remix) (07:07) key, bpm123
- Ric Niels – Who Knows (06:48) key, bpm120
Total Playtime: 00:37:46 min
The latest release from Clubsonica Records finds the label showcasing the 2022 edition of its MMW Sampler. Long a testing ground for some of the underground’s freshest new music, Miami Music Week sees artists, DJs, labels and industry brands travelling to the long-standing event, searching for what will be the spring and summer seasons biggest records. The global pandemic cancelled the event’s previous two years but now with the world opening back up, the 2022 installment moves forward with great anticipation. Pre-covid 19, the MMW Sampler was a staple in Clubsonica’s release schedule, and now makes a triumphant return with exciting new music from (in order of appearance): Alex Bessofen and Pablo Arbelaez, Andre Moret and NAHS, Emegepe, Mir Omar and Ric Niels.
Opening the release and making their label debut are Alex Bessofen and Pablo Arbelaez. Hailing from Colombia, both Alex and Pablo have established themselves in the world of progressive house. The duo’s combined discography is highlighted by releases via Balkan Connection, Droid9, Mango Alley and Transensations Records. Also finding favour with world class DJ Hernan Cattaneo, Alex and Pablo continue on an upwards trajectory with their Clubsonica debut ‘Mezcal’. Aimed squarely at a peak time dance floor, the duo marries electric rhythms and striking percussion with driving beats and pulsating grooves. A stunning array of effects delights across the first act, sweeping in and out of the stereo-field as crunchy arps add texture and momentum leading into the second of two breaks. Rising modulation continues to elevate mood as the interlude builds to a sonic sizzle, before giving way to a vortex of noise as the groove drops for a thumping finale.
Selection two finds Andre Moret returning to the label alongside NAHS who makes his label debut. Based in Brazil and Argentina respectively, both Andre and NAHS are household names within the progressive music scene. On the backing of support from genre tastemakers Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren, the duo have racked up an impressive discography, landing standout releases via Mango Alley, Nature Rec, Sudbeat Music and The Soundgarden. Now, joining forces for the first time, Clubsonica serves as the perfect landing spot for the duo’s debut collaboration entitled ‘Brava’. Deep and fluid throughout, the duo’s sleek designs are mysterious yet hopeful, tactfully merging for a momentous mindset-style groover. Looking to bring greater emotional depth, the main break adds colour through arpeggiated phrasing and cinematic overlays, gently building anticipation onwards to a glowing apex and purring final movement.
Next up and making his label debut with ‘Multicoloured Puff’ is Emegepe. Based in Argentina, Emegepe first emerged in 2009 with a contribution to the Bit Records ‘Autumn Selection’ compilation. Although the track was #1 in sales for the Mexican label, Emegepe took a hiatus from producing for seven years, before returning with a fresh sound and releases via Clinique Recordings across 2016. More recently, the Rosario resident has found measurable success, with a contribution to the Hoomidaas ‘Hoom Side of the Moon, Vol. 02’ collection, which landed in December of last year. Presenting his first project of 2022, Emegepe now makes his Clubsonica debut with the spirited ‘Multicoloured Puff’. Played out over eight minutes, its tightly-knit groove and hypnotic rhythms set the foundation for an evolving atmospheric narrative. Ghostly wails and timeless chord stabs come in waves across the first act, playing off layers of driving percussion, while sweeping effects carry into the main break. Stripping down to a cavernous ambience, the interlude builds anticipation through striking overlays and colourful arps, before giving way to a stripped-down drop and intoxicating finale.
The sampler’s lone remix is provided by Mir Omar who also makes his label debut. Residing in New York, Mir Omar has carved out a unique place in the progressive house underground. His smooth and deeply emotive creations have earned the praise of Herman Cattaneo and Nick Warren, while landing him releases on Solarstone’s Pure Progressive, John O’Callaghan’s Subculture and Aly and Fila’s FSOE. Now with the demand for new material at an all-time high, Mir makes his Clubsonica debut with a gorgeous rendition of ‘Induction’ by Mental Order and Tim Othy. Opting for a bigger, more peak-time approach, the American artist focuses on a strong rhythmic narrative, with layers of hip-swinging percussion and buoyant tonal themes fueling its infectious drive. Landing in a timely fashion, the main break resonates with great strength, juxtaposing shape-shifting atmospheres over warm sub bass, onwards to a driving finale.
The release concludes in fine style with Ric Niels returning to the label with ‘Who Knows’. Although only two years into his production career, the Argentinean artist has already achieved veteran-level success. Top tier imprints such as Freegrant Music, Mango Alley, Movement Recordings and The Soundgarden have played host to Ric’s groovy progressive sound, while the genre’s tastemakers, most notably Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren have been primary supporters. Having made his Clubsonica debut in 2021 with a contribution to the label’s ‘Sampler, Vol. 1’, Ric returns to round out the MMW Sampler with ‘Who Knows’. Well in line with the previous selections, its striking beats and free flowing, energetic style conjures up colourful clubland images. A marriage of trippy effects and driving percussion blankets a tight, compact groove, perfectly setting the stage for a cascading lead theme. The main break is set to delight dance floors with its whimsical charm and mesmerizing build, the latter of which smoothly shifts energy into a chunky, percussive finale. Mature and well composed, it rounds out an excellent 2022 edition of Clubsonica’s MMW Sampler, one where a combination of new and veteran talent come together for several magical moments.
Written by Mitch Alexander
Mastered by Cid Inc
Artwork designed by Dave Caro//
