RJ Pickens - Productions

VEST019 // My Boy Elroy & OpenOptics ft. Charlie Otto – Where Do We Start Now EP
This 19th Vested label release features a trio of versions of an insightful, inspiring, feel-good song – “Where Do We Start Now”. Now, more than ever, our disjointed world could use a light ray of positivity, and after enduring what we’re presently going through as a human collective, this song asks the questions, “Where do we all start now? Where do we go from here?” The beauty in these questions is that the answer will be painted by us on what is presently a blank canvas.  We have an opportunity to begin again. Start new. Rebuild. Be better. Rise above. Let’s all be better and do better.  

My Boy Elroy and OpenOptics’ original vocal version starts this EP off on a deep, driving, sublime journey laced with organic and synthetic textures alike, making a beautiful hybrid of sounds. Hang drums meet synthesizers in a juxtaposition of deep house and synthwave vibes, drizzled with Charlie Otto’s superb vocals and lyrical stylings. Fans of Rufus Du Sol will be predisposed to connecting with the plush vibes set forth in this vocal groover.

Second, Vested label head RJ Pickens teams up with good friend and labelmate Rez Dorsia in re-styling this gem of a track in the direction of melodic and grooving techno. Aptly-titled as the Redlight Rendition, this remix is inspired by the carefree and liberated spirit of a redlight district, with cinematic scapes meeting thundering low-end and elegant percussion.  

Rounding out the release is the instrumental version that you got a taste of on the “From Chicago With Love 2020” artist sampler. Surprise – this beautiful instrumental song also had a vocal version, which inspired this to be assembled and released as you see it here.

Bon appetít! Dig into these three delectable soundscapes as you decide where you’ll go from here.

Spotify / Beatport Exclusive Release date:  Friday, September 24th, 2021 
Beatport pre-release on-sale date:  Friday, August 27th, 2021

My Boy Elroy & OpenOptics Ft. Charlie Otto - Where Do We Start Now (RJ Pickens & Rez Dorsia Redlight

.aali - Muted (Original Mix) [Integrate Records]

Excited to share with you my very first set of 2024, recorded live at Ratherlost party at LoFi, Amsterdam on January 1st, 2024. 
It was truly one of the best NY shows I've ever been a part of. The club was completely packed and on fire as I took over the decks following Quelza & Nørbak’s incredible B2B set. My aim was to keep this massive momentum going while leading the floor on a journey to get lost in the music. Hope you can feel this mood and energy from the recording. 

Special thanks to everyone who attended, and to Ratherlost for curating such phenomenal parties and granting me the opportunity to share this mix.

Wata Igarashi at Ratherlost 2024.01.01

Live at the Melody Lounge in Chinatown in the heart of LA underneath a plethora of bright red Chinese lanterns, NEKTER provides the tunes for a late, intimate night of techno.

Split Checks presents: Dimly Lit with NEKTER

Set Times Episode 37 JIA

Promoter, DJ, Mentor, Creator, Founder of 6AM Group

https://www.instagram.com/jia6am/

Your Host 
Rocke, Brenda & Kirby 

www.instagram.com/_rockee/

www.instagram.com/bjfromla/

www.instagram.com/itsjstonez/

Make sure to follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/settimes_podcast/

Set Times Episode 37 JIA

My closing set for RE/FORM Spring Pre-Party

Closing Set @ RE/FORM Los Angeles, April 2024

Reclaim Your City 588 | Dustin Zahn (Berlin)

Active since the turn of the millennium, Wisconsin-born / Berlin-based DJ and producer Dustin Zahn has been trading some of the most consistently powerful techno blends over the past twenty years. Incisive and empowering, his sound epitomizes the perfect balance between strenuous, big-room-focussed wares and an acute sensibility for the sharpest sound design. Throughout an endless flow of grade-A heaters for some of the scene's most highly-regarded imprints, including Blueprint, Rekids and his own record label, Enemy, Zahn has been sculpting a body of work both ebulliently intense and future-facing, never quite resting on his laurels but throwing all of his nerve and energy into staying relevant in the age of disposability. Ageless, boundless.

Soundcloud: bit.ly/dustinzahn_sc
Facebook: bit.ly/dustinzahn_fb
Instagram: bit.ly/dustinzahn_ig
Discogs: bit.ly/dustinzahn_dc
Bandcamp: bit.ly/enemyrecords_bc
Resident Advisor: bit.ly/dustinzahn_ra

Reclaim Your City  

Reclaim Your City 588 | Dustin Zahn

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from Yigitoglu & KVTS. "Sundowner" is the title track off the new EP forthcoming on L.A.'s Synthetik Sounds. For this release, the duo delivers three original tracks that range from punchy dance floor grooves (Sundowner) to striking hypnotic rhythms (Babylon's Fall) that leads us to Vision, the final track of this EP that will sure lock in dance floors with the nicely layered hypnotic grooves which has become the signature sound for the young Turkish DJ/producer, Yigitoglu, and his collaborator KVTS.

Pick this one up on April 26th on digital at: https://synthetiksounds.bandcamp.com/album/sundowner-ep

PREMIERE: Yigitoglu & KVTS - Sundowner [SS006]

Pre-Order here: https://synthetiksounds.bandcamp.com/album/sundowner
 
Tracklist:
01.Sundowner
02.Babylon's Fall (Risa Taniguchi Remix)
03.Sundowner (TonalTheory Remix)
04.Babylon's Fall
05.Vision


Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/synthetiksounds/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synthetiksounds
SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/synthetik_sounds
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/synthetiksounds

CAT#: SS006
Label: Synthetik Sounds
Format: Digital

Premiere: Yigitoglu & KVTS - Babylon's Fall [SS006]

Interested to hear what happens when 012 label maestro Claudio PRC is booked to play for 3 hours? The result — 6 hours of pure blissful MAGIC, with the floor staying packed throughout and Claudio deciding to play from after midnight till the very end.

This set was recorded live at Turbina, Budapest on our event at the end of 2023 and uploaded here in full unedited form.

----------------------------------

For each release a fitting color is chosen by the contributing artist from the Pantone universe. Claudio's choice — 5555, is a refined slate green-gray hybrid.

HEX | #5C7F71
RGB | 92/127/113
CMYK | 29/0/10/50

----------------------------------

@claudioprc
@012twelve
www.instagram.com/claudioprc/

Technokunst Podcast 5555 | Claudio PRC

On the mix for this episode, we are excited to present a new artist signed to the label. His name is Kahai Owens and he’s got an exclusive mix which includes a preview of his own forthcoming tracks as well as some unreleased gems. To find out more about Kauai, head on over to our new website at http://TechnicheSD.com & check out the Artists section, get familiar with Kahai as well as all the other artists on the roster. Enjoy the mix!

Tracklist
01. Correlations - Kahai Owens [Unreleased]
02. Dissemination - Kahai Owens [Techniche Recordings]
03. Inferno - Setaoc Mass [SK_Eleven]
04. One Hour - M.I.T.A. [Agencia Son]
05. Carnal Fever - Alarico [Primal Instict]
06. Flashbacks - Jonny Maven [Unreleased]
07. Mood - Uncertain [Beard Man]
08. ID - Kahai Owens, Jonny Maven [Unreleased]
09. The Day After Tomorrow - DJ Dextro [Second State Audio]
10. Blur - BAUGRUPPE90 [CAPACITY]
11. Searching - Iglo [hereandthere]
12. Fear - Deas [CLR]
13. Bad Habits - Malugi [SNC RECS] 
14. In This Moment - Kahai Owens [Unreleased]
15. Tide - Altinbas [Observer Station]
16. Solace - Danny Wabbit [Tronic]
17. Counterweight - Kahai Owens [De-Konstrukt Records]
18. ID - Kahai Owens [Unreleased]
19. Entangle - Kahai Owens [De-Konstrukt Records]
20. Down by Law - OFF/GRID [Entourage Concept]
21. Marla Singer - Disguised, FANK [Inherit Records]
22. Funana - CRAVO [Hayes]

TRS237: KAHAI OWENS

VEST008 // Emod – I Found My Voice EP

This 13th label release offers a delectable trio of remixes from a trio of music acts, based off of original works by German-born and super-notable young up-and-comer – Emod.

The second track on the release is Vested label head RJ Pickens’ rework of "Once There Was". What was originally a 4-to-the-floor stomper is taken in an epic and cinematic melodic techno direction, complete with an array of analog and organic sounds (such as acoustic and electric guitars, analog bass tones and thunderstorms) that compliment and balance against the original synthetically-driven original elements and give the listener quite a lustrous journey.

Jump in and have a swim in these sublime sounds.

Short Bio:  RJ Pickens
RJ Pickens is a longtime Chicago resident artist with 16+ years of notable gigs and residencies under his belt, is a hardworking producer with some thought-provoking releases to his name, and is the captain behind all things Vested. Tirelessly pursuing the perfect mix of deep, progressive, tech-house, house and techno sounds, his tastes translate to his productions and DJ gigs in intimate to large venues alike.  Having been a supporting act of choice for heavyweight artists such as ARTBAT, Joris Voorn, Eric Prydz, Hernan Cattaneo, Above & Beyond, Chus & Ceballos, Jody Wisternoff, Eelke Kleijn, Dosem, Eli & Fur, H.O.S.H. and so many more, his diverse gig history over all these years speaks for itself.   Follow RJ Pickens at the links below.

www.facebook.com/RJPickens  
www.instagram.com/rjpickens1  
www.soundcloud.com/rjpickens  
www.twitter.com/rjpickens1  
www.beatport.com/artist/rj-pickens/490186

I Found My Voice (Remixes)

Emod - Once There Was (RJ Pickens Analog Reconstruction) [Vested Recordings 013]

This 14th label release offers a top-flight collaborative original song offering by Chicago-based electronic artists Jeff Ozmits and RJ Pickens.

First up is the original mix of Rules of Engagement. This driving progressive house stormer has been getting great reactions from dancefloors it has been tested on over the past 9 months, and it is truly a pleasure to now make this available to the world. A galloping rhythmic arrangement paired with an unforgettable melodic composition of arpeggiated leads, soaring synths, and energizing guitar plucks is designed to take make the dancefloor take flight.

The second track on the release is RJ Pickens' Flightplan Edit of the original. Being that this composition was deeply inspired by fighter jets and their marvels of modern engineering, it felt only fitting that a version of this song was made that took the listener even further into the experience of supersonic flight. Nuances of fighter jet engines, aircraft flight, radio communications, and cockpit sounds are tastefully woven into the mix, giving an immersive feel of the energy felt during tactical flight.

Follow us :
SC: soundcloud.com/ravvenmusik
FB: facebook.com/ravvenmusik
IG: instagram.com/ravvenmusik

► Vested Recordings ♫
SC: soundcloud.com/vestedchi
FB: facebook.com/VestedCHI
IG: instagram.com/vestedmusic

► Jeff Ozmits ♫
SC: soundcloud.com/djozmits 
FB: facebook.com/jeffozmits 
IG: instagram.com/jeffozmits 

► RJ Pickens ♫
SC: soundcloud.com/rjpickens 
FB: facebook.com/RJPickens 
IG:instagram.com/rjpickens1 

Release Date: 10 Sep 2020

Download : https://bit.ly/3blDonR

Jeff Ozmits & RJ Pickens - Rules of Engagement EP

☼ Get your copy ☼

PREMIERE: Jeff Ozmits & RJ Pickens - Rules Of Engagement [Vested Recordings]

PREMIERE

Support the artists if you enjoy the music ♥

⁍ Artists: @djozmtz & @rjpickens
⁍ Track: Rules Of Engagement (RJ Pickens Flightplan Edit)
⁍ Label: @vestedchi
⁍ Release Date: 11/09/2020
⁍ Buy: tinyurl.com/yyrduspk

About the release
This 14th label release offers a top-flight collaborative original song offering by Chicago-based electronic artists Jeff Ozmits and RJ Pickens.
The second track on the release is RJ Pickens’ Flightplan Edit of the original.  Being that this composition was deeply inspired by fighter jets and their marvels of modern engineering, it felt only fitting that a version of this song was made that took the listener even further into the experience of supersonic flight. Nuances of fighter jet engines, aircraft flight, radio communications, and cockpit sounds are tastefully woven into the mix, giving an immersive feel of the energy felt during tactical flight.

Rules of Engagement

Beaport

PREMIERE: Jeff Ozmits & RJ Pickens - Rules Of Engagement (RJ Pickens Flightplan Edit) | Vested

Enjoy the Track? Click the [Repost] 🔁  button so more people can hear it!

This 17th label release offers five wonderful and carefully-chosen selections of melodic electronic grooves, ranging from progressive house to deep house to melodic techno, produced by a handful of the Windy City's finest. In a year of unprecedented change and challenges, music has been the fabric keeping us united in the face of uncertainty, and this small cherry-picked collection of songs is being sent out to you all around the world to help close out 2020 – from Chicago with lots of love.

First up - Vested label regular Jeff Ozmits and label newcomer Bedroom Logic team up to bring you "Secret Sky" – a driving melodic peak-hour progressive gem that begs to be hammered during a prime stretch of evening. A deep and bouncing bassline paired with pleasing synth arpeggios really hit the sweet spot here and start this release off right.

Second - Vested label head RJ Pickens teams up with Tru Musica label head Brian Boncher to collectively bring you "Astral Dream" – a house-driven melodic progressive tune layered with guitars, synths, stacked percussion, and a bassline paying playful homage to an electronic classic. Special thanks to instrumentalists Jim O'Reilly and Skeebo Geebo for their melodic contributions to this composition!

Next up is the multi-faceted My Boy Elroy in a team effort with OpenOptics in bringing you "Where Do We Start Now" – a sublime deep melodic house offering infused with synthwave leads, organic handpan textures, a trotting rhythm section, and a low end groove that just feels amazing. Special thanks to instrumentalists OpenOptics and Troy Page for their contributions to this project!

"Clearing Space" is a lush and textured melodic techno composition with deep and driving groove from staple Chicago artist: Hummingbird. She's assembled a lovely, intricate, and moody piece of electronic music here will have you listening to all the nuances amongst the smooth energies of this piece over and again.

And rounding out this release is "Deeper Than Us" by FJ9 – a really promising newcomer to the label and the Chicago music scene alike. Fusing elements of melodic techno, house, and electro in this composition, he delivers a modulated-synth-driven piece of music that truly finishes this compilation with a big bang. A bonus edit of this track has also been provided for those of you who just want to cut to the chase.

Artwork by: Chicago-based photographer Eric Formato

Follow Vested Recordings:
SoundCloud: @vestedchi
Facebook: http://facebook.com/vestedchi
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/vestedmusic

Follow 6AM Group
Website: www.6amgroup.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/6amgroup
Twitter: www.twitter.com/6amgroup
Instagram: www.instagram.com/6amgroup
SoundCloud: @6amgroup
YouTube: www.youtube.com/6amgroup

From Chicago with Love 2020 EP

Astral Dream

Premiere: RJ Pickens & Brian Boncher "Astral Dream" - Vested Recordings

Global house + techno community promoting the culture of work & play
Est. 2008 Los Angeles

For the past 2 decades, RJ Pickens has been a leader in building and growing Chicago’s melodic-driven electronic music scene. With nearly 25 years of DJ experience and tirelessly pursuing the perfect mix of deep, progressive, techno, and house sounds.  He rocks venues ranging from intimate to huge, and can go from being the headliner himself to being the supporting act of choice for countless global headliners on the best club and festival events the Windy City has to offer.  RJ is also a principal collaborator in a recently-launched and acclaimed music act called Portals & Parachutes, taking first flight in post-pandemic 2021.  RJ’s record label and music event banner — VESTED — has become synonymous with top-tier progressive electronic sounds.  Vested Recordings, while a relatively young label still, has seen remarkable support from some of the very best artists in the industry.  The event showcases produced under the Vested brand have been consistently showcasing the finest quality in its music bookings for the last 10 years. 

VESTED:  an adjective that means “to hold something completely, permanently, and inalienably — an unwavering commitment.”  In an electronic music sense, it simply means RJ is really serious about our party music, and his work on all fronts speaks for itself.

If you haven’t yet, tune in and turn it all the way up.

Links
facebook.com/rjpickens
twitter.com/rjpickens1
soundcloud.com/rjpickens
floorcontrolradio.com
facebook.com/vestedchi
soundcloud.com/vestedchi
twitter.com/vestedchi

Premiere: RJ Pickens & Brian Boncher "Astral Dream" - Vested Recordings

6AM

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