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12"
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HEIST 093EP
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House music doesn't get much funkier than Demuir's New Spirit EP. Whether it's the classic sampling on the title track -- an homage to his mother -- or the rolling funk bass and vocal chops on "Ain't no stoppin'". The man behind so many great house records has kept himself rather busy with building his own fanbase, openly debating the role that big platforms play and the firm grip they have on talent. Rather than conforming to the standard route, Demuir chooses to navigate the winding road of building his own following through his production classes, engineering and music releases through artist-first channels like Patreon. His recent move from Toronto to Chicago feels perfectly in line with the sound Demuir is bringing forward on his first record on Heist since his 2019 classic "Werq, feel, gruv, vogue." Those six years were well worth the wait: The New Spirit EP is a perfectly-balanced mix of creativity, confidence and character. The Demuir sound is instantly audible throughout the release and he's not afraid to make bold choices. Each track has its own identity, its own place on the record and it's one of the things that make this record stand out in the best way possible. The forward-leaning grooves, the tight mixing and the classic use of soulful samples are a treat to listen and dance to. There's hints of the '90s New York sound ("New Spirit"), soulful disco-tinged grooves his new home-town is known for ("Ain't no stoppin'"), lean-back and summery melodic grooves ("No Minions Allowed") and deep, bass-heavy dubby grooves ("Whatchu Want Is All I Got") to remind everyone that Demuir is an absolute master of modern-day house music.
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12"
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HEIST 042EP
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Canada's number one jackin' house ambassador Demuir drops an EP loaded with that true house energy and it comes topped off with a swirling and twirling trip of a remix by Lady Blacktronika. This EP is the result of that short online interaction and a mutual love for high energy house music. This record showcases Demuir's knack for rolling grooves and also shows a deeper, more electronic side of his that might surprise you. The track is "Werq. Feel. Gruv. Vogue." A rough sounding, bumping house track that would have worked just as well in any club in the '90s as it will in today's world of clubbing. The "Vogue" sample has that "tongue in cheek"-vibe and the groove is just irresistible. Top that off with some lovely Rhodes loops, a little disco chop here-and-there and you've got yourself a very original party starter. Heist Recordings always tries to put out diverse EPs, and with "The 3nity Returneth", Demuir delivers a Detroit-tech inspired steam train of a track. The track represents the confidence an artist needs to make it in the music scene. He lays down the groove with a rough bass, rolling hats, and a lovely string sample alongside glimmering electronics for a touch of spirituality. The B-side has two versions of "Philippine Sunrise". The original is a rolling house track with airy synth hits, a Moog-ish rising lead and a freakishly good bass line. The remix comes courtesy of LA native, Berlin-based Lady Blacktronika, who turns the trip factor up a notch or two. She chooses to go for a heads-down direction with a series of dreamy loops to set the mood, all alongside an endless bassline and a steady house groove.
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