Photo Records 011 is brought to you by London's own Souljay. James Gray has been a fixture in the London area scene for many years now. His brand of House music merges elements of funk and soul with deep tech house which is evident on this top notch EP. Soujay gives us two solid originals: City Life and Licks Way Back. Both encompass Gray's vision of delivering a superb blend of funky bass lines, vocal snips, hints of spoken word with the occasional organ and horn lines that blend harmoniously to create a deep house groover that will satisfy a variety of listeners. Solid remix duties come from Matthew Random of Quirk Burglars and Chicago's Karl Almaria.  Mathew Random's remix of City Life is a stormer; Jackin, quirky rhythms and just the right amount of funk create a monster of a track that can work on many levels. Karl Almaria delivers a Chicago inspired version of Licks Way Back. Wicked horn and vocal arrangements create an overall good vibe on this sure to be summertime party pleaser. 

Souljay - City Life

Souljay - City Life (Matthew Random Base Life Remix)

Souljay - Licks Way Back

Souljay - Licks Way Back (Karl Almaria Chicago Love Remix)

Dually inspired by music and art, Photo Records has since emerged as one of underground house music’s premiere labels. Founders Nathan “Mr. Photo” Burkett and Spoon spontaneously launched the label in 2005, with Burkett aiming to bridge his passion for photography with Spoon’s DJ and production prowess. From their vision, Photo Records fell under the direction of Spoon and Mindub, who shifted the label’s focus to signing tracks that ranged from funky tech house to new-school Chicago jack. In 2008, Photo Records expanded its presence on the underground house scene beyond its founding home in Nashville, Tenn. The label has since found outposts in both St. Louis, Mo and most recently, Chicago, Ill. where producer/DJs Jolby and Josh Harrell aka Midway Strangers have committed to keep Photo Records on the radar with forthcoming catalogs of funky, fresh tracks. I WANT TO GIVE "MRPHOTO" A BIG WHATS UP. I KNOW YOU SEE EVERYTHING. Nathan Burkett 1973-2005 This couldnt have been done without you...