July 16, 2011
Summer Songs :: What's Making the Circuit
JC Alvarez READ TIME: 4 MIN.
It's been far too long since super producer, international DJ sensation Tony Moran released an album, but in his defense Tony has been jetting from coast to coast and has become more acquainted with the TSA than even he'd care to admit. Getting back into the studio was "a labor of love" the mix-master confirmed in an interview with EDGE about his newest album project.
"Mix Magic Music" is all that and a bag of chips. Released under the moniker of the SugarHouse Crew, Moran explains that was the only way to fairly account for the experience of finally recording with all the artists and producers that contributed to "MMM". "It was about a feeling," he said, "getting into the studio and working with all that talent -�it was just remarkable." And the symphony emoting forth from this very original, extremely danceable compilation will be the dance party album of the season.
From the first dark moody note on "Mix Magic Music" fans of the big room circuit will get hooked on Tony's mix-method . The builds are relentless and inspiring, and when you have vocalists like Deborah Cox, Nicki Richards, Jennifer Holiday, Ultra Nat� and "The Voice's" Frenchie Davis lending their powerhouse sounds to Moran's already legendary production style, you have what can only be describe as an epic experience.
Inspired by his countless European and South American circuit party dates, Moran poured much of what he's acquired from his international destinations to giving "MMM" a very contemporary summer feel, but with beats that will well serve any beach front soir�e as easily as a steely industrial urban concrete jungle. Also lending their unique skills on these tracks are remix productions by Ralphi Rosario, Dave Saronson and Moran's long-time collaborating partner Warren Rigg.
Standout performances on the album include Trey Lorenz appearing on the track "Can I Love You More" and Moran's duet with legendary freestyle favorite Judy Torres who contributes to the hypnotic "Spend My Lifetime". Torres has never felt so dreamy on this very old disco feeling anthem. It's no surprise that Deborah Cox gives one of her most relentless performances ever on the single "Tenderness".
Matt Zarley Remixed!
On opposite end of the spectrum hunky and sultry Matt Zarley is giving it to us on his all-new release "Change Begins With Me". Zarley hit the club scene earlier this session appearing on Randy Bettis' "Gay Days Vol. 8" compilation with his hit single "We Belong". Bettis provided the reworking to the Pat Benatar classic and the song immediately made the rounds of every Pride festival across the nation. His follow-up single "WTF" - is bitingly witty and radio friendly jig. Zarley's vocals playfully intersect amid the production.
The remixes of "WTF" by Moto Blanco (Clean) and Wide Boys (Explicit) are much better and give much more buoyancy to the boy-done-wrong heartbreak of the track. With Zarley joyously belting the chorus it's impossible to not hit 'play' again and again -�it's an honest and simple hit.
This is perhaps the most "pop" that Zarley has ever gone. On tracks such as "I'll Always Remember" he sounds like anyone of the Backstreet Boys, and his swagger on "Trust Me" will have you begging him to give you more. Lyrically the songs are accessible and memorable enough. On his ballads the simplicity and appeal of his voice is pure and pulls easily on the heartstrings...but we already know Matt Zarley can sing. How about showing us that you can dance? WTF Zarley! Let's see you shake your ass some more!
Wynter is Coming!
And if there's any diva on the club scene that we all need to watch it's Wynter Gordon. After wowing the crowd at this year's New York City Pride and tantalizing us with her hit single "Dirty Talk", Gordon has been carving herself a niche as the pop goddess to watch. Not discounting our much revered Lady Gaga, but someone's gotta keep us moving on the dance floor in between "Born This Way" remixes.
Gordon has just announced her first North American tour dates. She'll be opening for Fall Out Boy front man Patrick Stump who also embarks on his first solo US tour. And after just charting with her latest single "Til Death" Gordon is proving she has the stamina to conquer the states on the dance chart. She also released an EP earlier this month "With The Music I Die" while working on tracks for David Guetta and Jennifer Lopez.
An undeniable hit in the making is Wynter Gordon who not only gets the crowd's attention but also demands it! Eager eyes and dancing feet are watchfully anticipating her upcoming full-length US album to debut next year and feature all the hypnotically charming riffs that are easily the envy of Britney Spears, and the full-on dance sensibility that has already made her a fan favorite of the gay scene. If her performance on LOGO's "New Now Next Awards" didn't win you over, don't wait any longer to become a new follower. Wynter has arrived.
Native New Yorker JC Alvarez is a pop-culture enthusiast and the nightlife chronicler of the club scene and its celebrity denizens from coast-to-coast. He is the on-air host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Out Loud & Live!" and is also on the panel of the local-access talk show "Talking About".