Archive for January, 2008

Lift Me Up

Monday, January 21st, 2008

MN2S kick off their 2008 release schedule in major style. Celebrating their 50th release, they present the latest collaboration between Halo and Kemal. Featuring their trademark production standards and a magnificent vocal performance from the legendary Arnold Jarvis, ‘Lift Me Up’ is set to make some waves in early 2008.

Following up from their previous ‘Origins EP’ on MN2S, Halo and Kemal deliver another killer deep house cut. Combining a subtle bassline and rolling synth stabs with an emotive vocal, ‘Lift Me Up’ is a track with immediate and devastating effect. Compromising of the perfectly delivered Main Mix, a slightly darker, spacey Dub Mix and the heavy Mainstrumental and Dubstrumental mixes; ‘Lift Me Up’ is strong package. Halo, Kemal and Arnold Jarvis, undoubtedly, make some team!!

The man behind the acclaimed City Deep Music, Halo captivates hearts and minds the world over with his distinctive production style. From his solo success on labels such as Siesta and Bluem Recordings through to collaborations with Hipp-e (H-Foundation) and other US luminaries such as Master D, Onionz, Jay-J and Tony Hewitt, Halo has always been a name synonymous with sublime deep house music. Halo has had remixes released on labels such as N.R.K, Jellybean Soul, Seasons Limited, Code Red and Swank Recordings, while also recently working with the likes of Marlon D, Dennis Ferrer, Julius Papp and Luis Radio for City Deep Music.

Kemal is a hot new US talent whose productions are currently causing some serious waves. Originally collaborating on a project with Steve Chin and E-Man that was signed to Jellybean Soul, Kemal has produced remixes for Seasons Limited and most recently for Soulfuric Deep. He has also previously collaborated with Halo on the ‘Origins EP’ and has had tracks such as the ‘Winter Alleys EP’, ‘My Faith’ and, most recently, ‘City Street Walkin’’ signed to Purple Music.
Arnold Jarvis is nothing short of a musical legend. Throughout his career he has written, performed and recorded with the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Satoshi Tomiie, Kerri Chandler, MAW, Lem Sprinsteen (Mood II Swing) and Tommy Musto. Arnold has toured with the likes of Queen Latifah, Kenny Bobien, Barbara Tucker, Ultra Nate, Ce Ce Peniston, Loletta Holloway and Jocelyn Brown. He has had material released on labels such as MAW, King Street, West End Records and FFRR and released two artist albums (‘The Collection’ (2002) and ‘Love & Life‘ (2006)). He is also the voice behind soulful house classics such as ‘Life Goes On’ (MAW) and ‘Special Kind Of Love‘ (King Street) and one of the most in-demand vocalists in the industry.
MN2S are proud to round start off 2008 with their 50th single release and another super-strong package featuring a fresh blend of emerging and experienced talent. Check out ‘Lift Me Up’ right now!!

Can’t Make It

Monday, January 7th, 2008

MN2S continue their winter release schedule with a soul-drenched offering from label debutant Jose Carretas. Featuring Vanessa Freeman on vocals and Kaidi (Bugz In The Attic) on keys ‘Can’t Make It’ is a production that you cannot ignore.

The latest member of the Restless Soul crew, Jose Carretas is a new producer who is set to make some serious waves in the near future. His debut artist release in early 2007 was ‘That Beats Soul’ on Spacekat and he has also provided acclaimed remixes on ‘My Soul Cries Out’ (Styles Vibes feat. Charles Dockins) and ‘Travelling’ (Quentin Harris feat. Cordell McClary). Jose has also remixed ‘Finger In The Socket’ for Restless Soul Records. His productions have found support from the likes of Phil Asher, The Jinks and Franco de Mulero.

Vanessa Freeman is one of the most exciting female voices to the hit the UK in recent years and is destined to be added to the pantheon of singers credited to the ‘Nu Soul’ movement. Vanessa collaborated with Nathan Haines on his ‘Squire For Hire’ LP and subsequently released ‘Shades’ – her first solo album which was produced by Phil Asher – on Chilli Funk in 2004. Vanessa has previously collaborated with Bugz In The Attic, Azymuth, 4 Hero, Kaidi Tatham and Kyoto Jazz Massive while she is also recognised for her work with Reel People on their ‘Second Guess’ LP. Vanessa provides a stunning vocal performance on ‘Can’t Make It’.

Kaidi (Bugz In The Attic) performs keys on ‘Can’t Make It’ and is widely recognized as is part of the seminal ‘Bugz…’ collective. A talented musician and producer, Kaidi has worked with artists such as Basement Jaxx, Reel People and Quantic.

MN2S are proud to present another strong release and continue to bring together a fresh blend of emerging and experienced talent. Jose Carretas is one to watch – don’t sleep on ‘Can’t Make It’