Far less often than I would like or plan to do so, I produce music. As I have become busier in other areas of the underground dance scene, the time between tracks also increases. So, following up on my "Breathless" EP for Proton Music in March 2011, I'm extremely proud to now release "Opiate" with remixes from LADS and Michael A.

Heavily influenced by the sounds of Stephan Bodzin, Patrice Baumel and ARTBAT, "Opiate" started life as intro I'd written for another project. It sat on my hard drive waiting to be turned into a full track and I'm indebted to Jamie Stevens for helping me turn it into something I feel is quite special. Driven by a desire to create cascading arpeggio melodies with a deep resonating bassline and driving beat, the result was sculpted into shape with the help of Jamie's exacting eye for detail and encyclopaedic production knowledge.

The first remix comes from German and South African duo, LADS. Luc Angenehm has produced some amazing tracks for Proton Music under his own name before joining forces with Deep Suite. The 2016 "Kaiserkraft" and "Isabel" EP were glorious examples of Angenehm's work before the pair came together to create the stunning "Miss Jean" and "Hagel" EPs in September 2017 and May 2018. Other work for You Plus One and Nie Wieder Schlafen have showcased burgeoning talents while LADS have also been regulars on my Visceral radio show and compilation series. Reworking "Opiate", LADS have created a beautifully delicate and elegant interpretation that focuses on one of the key melodic themes, combined with an untreated vocal cut, to create a sublime remix. Adding a stripped back rhythmic foundation, a new stepped arpeggio sits atop in exquisite synchrony with emotive bassline to create a very special new version.

Belarusian, Michael A, is another artist who has had a very strong relationship with Proton Music since his February 2017 "Bright Hope" debut. "Symbol", "My Style" and "Aura Tears" quickly followed throughout the rest of 2017 and early 2018. As prolific as he is talented, Michael's work has continued to find its way on to a host of stellar imprints that include Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat, Cid Inc.'s Replug and Darin Epsilon's Perspectives Digital, additionally supported by the likes of Nick Warren and Guy J. Over 750 production credits now grace the Belarusian's portfolio as he continues to chart an all-conquering path through the underground dance scene. With a typically melodious approach, the Michael A remix takes "Opiate" on a rip-roaring voyage that harnesses the central arpeggio motif from the original and builds a luxurious and textured new reworking around it. Combining a host of additional production work, a new arpeggio riff can be heard as textured chord progressions, rich bassline and white-noise infused effects sparkle over seven-and-a-half minutes. A sumptuous rolling groove adds further to another sparkling Michael A remix.

Remixes from LADS and Michael A have seen "Opiate" hit a new high.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by James Warren
Mastered by Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

Opiate

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Preview: James Warren - Opiate (LADS Remix - Radio Edit)

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