Touch of Class

Touch of Class Records is proud to present “Once Upon A Time” an EP recorded by producer, vocalist, DJ, Navid Izadi. Hailing from San Francisco, Navid Izadi makes it an art to combine multiple influences in his music, his earlier experiences constantly resonating through his productions. Here he brings us a two-part track, with remixes by Tone of Arc and Kenneth Scott. Recorded in the Lower Haight district of San Francisco, this EP is the imprints fourth release, heralding the musical qualities that the label stays true to: a combination of sophisticated and eclectic rhythms executed with style and poise.

Part one of the original track is laid down with a moogy bass line and met with classic 808 style percussion textures mixed with provocative vocals and laughter about a night out-- taking us on a groovy ride through the colorful and transient streets of San Francisco. Part two evolves from a sexy and playful escapade to a stripped back, dreamy after-thought with the sounds of a xylophone in the background and Tone of Arc delivers a 303 bass line remix that electrifies. Kenneth Scott’s remix delivers an early 90s vibe taking it back similar to the classic sound of The Orb’s Little Fluffy Clouds Cumulonimbus Mix by Pal joey. The entire EP embodies a family affair with contributions by all San Francisco bred artists.

This last year was a big one for Izadi with releases on Wolf & Lamb & Soul Clap Records, but his creative output doesn’t stop there. Besides performing live, Dj’ing and producing quality tracks, Navid Izadi has done vocals featured on tracks alongside Deniz Kurtel, Soul Clap, Signal Flow, and close friends PillowTalk.

Artist: Navid Izadi
Title: Once Upon A Time feat. Aya
Label: Touch of Class Records
Catalog Number: TOCR004
Format: Vinyl & Digital
Beatport Exclusive: April 21st
Vinyl & World Wide: May 5th

A1. Once Upon A Time Pt. 1 feat. Aya
A2. Once Upon A Time Pt. 2 feat. Aya
B1. Once Upon A Time feat. Aya (Tone of Arc’s Late Night Storytelling Mix)
B2. Once Upon A Time feat. Aya (Kenneth Scott Remix)
Digital Only. Once Upon A Time feat. Aya (Signal Flow Pad-a-pella)

Navid Izadi - Once Upon A Time Pt. 1 feat. Aya (clip)

Touch of Class Record’s fifth release “Retox Detox” comes from the musical pair, Tone of Arc, comprised of SF-based musician/producer/vocalist/songwriter, Derrick Boyd and his counterpoint, Zoe Presnick. The forthcoming EP features three original tracks: “Retox,” “Untouched,” & “Run, Rabbit Run,” with a collaborative “Retox” remix from label mates Signal Flow & Pattern Drama. Each track exhibits live instruments played by Boyd, as well as personal and enigmatic lyrics delivered in his pitch-perfect voice, often backed by the dreamy vocals of Presnick. Tone of Arc’s music emits influences from old school legends such as Iggy Pop, The Clash, and Bowie-- though their music does not sit comfortably in any one categorized genre, one could describe their unique style as indie-house fused with synth-pop.

The EP’s first track, “Retox” is laid down with a swooning electric-guitar led melody reminiscent of a 1960’s Ricky Nelson track met with a warm and sleek bass line laced with nostalgic lyrics sung by Boyd. The heralding hook brings the song into a spiritual and cosmic realm exhibiting words of deep thought as to ‘how we have lived up to the last days alive.’ Following the metaphysical "who, what, and where's" of a last song to be played for that last dance celebrating the magic of life lived. With elegance and grace, Boyd and Presnick vocally emit chills through your very core, causing one to think about the joys and hardships of life and question ‘who will be present during its transformation into the afterlife.’

The remix of “Retox” is done by artists of the imprint Signal Flow and Pattern Drama. The labelmates Detox Mix replaces the electric guitar foundation of the original track with punchy and open kick-drum percussion coupled with high snares and a bubbly and funky synth, creating a groovy and rhythmic bass line. Warm keys and the melodic, seismic vocals of the duo transcend the listener into space, though the tight percussion and funky synth makes this remix suitable for any dancefloor, sunset, or sunrise.

“Untouched” was recorded with a skipping, eccentric, funky bass line, pan-wavering shakers and soul-popping percussion, layered with buoyant keys that intricately remind the listener that it's time to set your groove as the church of dance bells beckon love to remain untouched, nameless and free.

The EP’s final track “Run, Rabbit Run” is a song that brings life to color with sounds full of imagination. Calm, warm and pulsing bass, feathering claps, and ear-tickling, bright synths, perfectly come together to making space for Derrick's multi-layered vocals, making one man sound like a choir of spirits that tell a rabbit to run for his life as a storm brews in the distance-- this storm representing the coming of bad things crawling in the dark winds, and a call for all to run toward the light in dark times. Boyd's inspiration was his imagination of old school cartoon woodland creatures running from "The Nothing" with the sunset framed by dark clouds as a foundation for this beautiful song.

The very personal lyrics found in each track gives a vulnerability rarely found in the electronic music category, lending this collection of music the ability to be received by a wide range of listeners, regardless of genre affiliations.

Retox Detox exudes the musical depth of these artists through three beautifully crafted tracks that winsomely glide into one another producing a refined auditory narrative with the intent of taking the listener into subconscious harmony through melody, timbre, rhythm, and movement-- values TOCR stays true to.

Artist: Tone of Arc
EP Title: Retox Detox
Label: Touch of Class Records
Catalog Number: TOCR005
Format: Vinyl & Digital

Tracklisting:
A1. Retox 
A2. Retox (SIgnal Flow & Pattern Drama Detox Mix)
B1. Untouched
B2. Run, Rabbit Run

Beatport Exclusive

B2. Tone of Arc - Run Rabbit Run (Preview Clip)

A2. Tone of Arc - Retox (Signal Flow & Pattern Drama Detox Mix (Preview Clip)

Beatport exclusive

A1. Tone of Arc - Retox (Preview Clip)

B1. Tone of Arc - Untouched (Preview Clip)

MN2S is an international music and talent agency, connecting artists, DJs, celebrity talent and record labels to audiences and opportunities around the world. Comprising a talent booking agency and a label services division, we operate in over 120 countries from our offices in London and Miami. 

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