SONG OF THE DAY: Beverlei Brown – “Wishing On A Star”

When I first saw this, I kept thinking – please don’t be a cover version. To my great delight, “Wishing On A Star” is a glorious pop dance record which melds the slow-to-fast transition (think Soul Solution and Hex Hector’s classic mix of Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart”) with modern stadium house and electro. It’s in the same vibe as David Guetta/Kelly Rowland “When Love Takes Over” and, more recently, Frenchie Davis “Love’s Got a Hold on Me.” Thankfully the extended mix has a full intro and the dropout to the slower part is accented with a steady beat, so there is no loss of energy (or dancers frantically looking for a beat for an extended time). For a more Avicii-esque take, check out the Odd remix. It’s great to see that the Romanians are discovering the beautiful vocal of Beverlei Brown, a brilliant blend of soothing beauty, balanced power, and a hint of unique quirkiness – like an updated mashup of Gabrielle and Michelle Gayle. If you like “Wishing on a Star,” go back and listen to her track with Adrian Sina “I Can’t Live Without You” and her lost ’90s house classic “On and On.”

Image courtesy of Roton.

INTERVIEW: Nicky Romero (2013)

Although he’s been producing tracks for a few years, 2012 has been the breakthrough year for Dutch DJ/Producer Nicky Romero.? His massive Beatport hit “Toulouse” was followed by collaborations with David Guetta, Fedde Le Grand, Calvin Harris, Zedd, and Nervo.? Coming in as the highest new entry on the DJ Mag list at #17 was another major accomplishment.? Chatting with Nicky at Amsterdam Dance Event, it’s easy to see why he is achieving all this success – not only is he musically talented, he is a genuinely friendly and passionate, as well as grateful for all of the support he receives.

DJ Ron Slomowicz: So you have had a good week haven’t you?
Nicky Romero: Yeah it?s been crazy, super crazy.

RS: Let?s retrace it, I first saw you at the Jimmy Woo party when you were back in the VIP area. Everyone attacked you and wanted to take a picture with you.
Nicky Romero: Yeah, it was crazy. I wasn’t expecting so many people to be there awaiting my Q&A. It?s insane and a little unreal that so many people want something.
Continue reading INTERVIEW: Nicky Romero (2013)

SONG OF THE DAY: Alex Gaudino ft JRDN – “Playing With My Heart”

Pulling a Guetta?? That’s quickly becoming slang for a DJ/producer going commercial by enlisting the help of big name r&b/hip-hop talent for a bigtime crossover.? That’s not necessarily the case here as Gaudino’s biggest club/crossover hits (“Destination Unknown,” “I’m In Love,” “What a Feeling”) have all added a pop topline to a clubworthy track.? Rather than go for theatrics with an international superstar, Alex has discovered a gem in Canadian idol competitor Ralph Jordan Croucher (aka JRDN). ?Possessing a voice capable of silky soulful singing and a dynamic rap flow, he elevates Alex’s solid electropop track to radio crossover. ? It’s of comparable quality to the best singles of Taio Cruz and Jason Derulo. ? Since the original is so straight-up pop (and that’s not a bad thing), there will no doubt be aggressive club remixes coming up soon. If someone just takes the verse lines “Playing With My Heart, Can’t Stop the Bleeding” and effects that over glitchy electro – it will be a floorfiller for sure.? With “Playing With My Heart” and his last single with Taboo, “I Don’t Wanna Dance,” as teasers, Alex Gaudino’s new album Doctor Love will definitely be the buzz of WMC upon its anticipated release in March.

Image Courtesy of Ultra.