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’ ‘, Demuir brings an unstoppable groove with his 2nd release on Heist.

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 6 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, bassheavy dubby grooves (Whatchu want is all I got) to remind everyone that Demuir is an absolute master of modern day house music.

We’ve been playing all these songs for a while and we’re happy to finally share these with you.   

As always, enjoy the music and play it loud! 

Lars & Maarten 

Buy here!

Demuir - Ain't no stoppin'

Jafool (It's Personal)

Magnolia EP

The Second Chance (Pascal Moscheni Remix)

Cheap Thrills

Calling On Me Feat. Biyi

A forgotten classic from 1997, rediscovered by the new generation of house leaders.

Originally released in the late ’90s, Marius Acke’s Crucial Traxx EP series is one of those rare gems — deep, funky, soulful, and full of the raw, analog groove that defines the golden age of house. Missed by many at the time, the records are now enjoying a well-deserved revival, championed by today’s leading selectors like Dam Swindle, ANOTR, Chris Stussy, Jamie Jones, Disclosure, Barry Can't Swim, Salute, Chloé Caillet, Known Artist, Sidney Charles, Shonky, Danny Howard and more.

Already a respected figure in the Antwerp scene back then, Marius Acke had co-produced numerous records for Mixz Productions and the iconic ARS label, including remixes for acts like Technotronic. His sound blended US-influenced house with early hip-hop sensibilities and deep, synth-laced textures, earning him a cult following among vinyl diggers and local DJs alike.

Happiness Therapy is proud to give new life to this essential piece of Belgian house history with a reissue of the Crucial Traxx EP series. All tracks have been carefully remastered and will be available on both vinyl and digital formats, including a special limited edition of 100 translucent red vinyl copies. HTCT01 marks the beginning of a reissue series dedicated to the lost gems of Marius Acke’s discography.

More than just a nostalgic reissue, this EP reminds us how visionary Acke’s sound truly was. Rooted in the 90s, but crafted with a timeless sense of balance and soul.

Essential then. Essential now. Marius Acke’s Crucial Traxx EP series proves that real house music never fades, it just waits for the right moment to shine again.

Calling On Me Feat. Biyi

Isaac Carter

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