Ring the remix alarm! Rejected step into the summer with two humongous Steve Bug and Cle remixes by none other than Josh Wink and Shan. Come together.

First a little rewind: 'Together' first appeared on Rejected way back in 2017 as one of the long-time friends' first collaboration. Epic in its tension, stately in its drive, here we find Josh Wink giving it his own timeless perspective. Expect a deep rolling groove, stacks of bass and more acid than you could possibly live on for a month.

Deeper again we hit a remix of Bug & Cle's more recent track 'Flying Keys' by Shan. Recently flexing raw jack energy on the likes of Live At Robert Johnson, Because Music and h21c, here we find him flipping the piano-happy jam into a low-end loaded, garage-style slammer. Complete with the keys intact, but rolled out in a much more demonstrative way, it's another exemplary remix from the Rejected camp. Come together. Stay together.

Steve Bug & Cle - Together (Josh Wink Interpretation)

After everything we've been through since 2020, we all deserve a little slice of the 'High Life'. Every single one of us deserve a moment of bougie bliss, a soul pampering, a night lost in the loops and lights. And this is the perfect soundtrack.

Back once again on Rejected, Franky Rizardo once again crafts a subtle but oh-so-powerful disco jam. Taking a short sweet piano/bass loop in the classic French touch style, hooking us in hypnotically then ripping open the full sample with dizzying glitterball effect, close your eyes and this could be swinging Paris in the 2001, or sexy New York in 1981. Now knee deep in 2021 and it's time for Amsterdam to take disco to its new dimension. And Franky is the perfect captain.

High Life

Franky Rizardo - High Life

Fresh out of lockdown with two powerful slabs of timeless dancefloor gold, Martin Landsky returns to Rejected!

Following his debut on Joris Voorn and Edwin Oosterwal's Rejected imprint last year, the revered German pioneer instantly reminds us of his skills and flexibility across both house and techno with 'Blue Bar'. Armed with dirty kicks, an infectiously hypnotic loopy vocal and a classic 90s rave inspired chord, this takes us all back to the dance floor motherland. Pure, honest and ridiculously addictive, 'Blue Bar' sets the bar.

It's backed by the equally enduring 'I Can't Dance'. Written during the frustrations and vexations of last year when dancing was effectively criminalised, here Landsky taps into his earliest Chicago influences with a booming, naggy bassline hook and that instant warehouse feel where time and space melt into irrelevance.. A little like they are now we are all able to work again.

Enjoy a wonderful summer. Each and every one of us deserves one.

Blue Bar

Martin Landsky - I Can't Dance

A dynamic duo returns to Joris Voorn and Edwin Oosterwal's Rejected: Steve Bug and Cle. Two old friends who get together with no other motive than to have fun on their machines and dig deep into the art of groove creation.

Their collaborative fusion is a tried and tested combination that goes back almost 20 years with tracks like 'Behind TheCurtain' and 'Monkey Shoulder'. It continues to this day, with much of their collaborative output landing on Rejected, including huge heaters like 'Together', 'Tweaky Blinders', 'Flying Keys'. And now these two wonderful late night monsters: 'The Rave' and 'Butterflies Speak Poetry'.

'The Rave' is the sound of Bug and Cle flexing back over their old Berlin stomping grounds like Planet and E-Werk. Armed with swinging percussive beats and classic ravey detuned synth tones, it's that perfect sweet spot between heritage and futurism, rooted in the foundation but still with its head in tomorrow.

For added sweetness, dig deeper for the profound sounds of 'Butterflies Speak Poetry'. An intense exploration of 303 funk, this one is all about the acid lines and how they intertwine and flutter between each other to create another timeless slab of deep, dark matter funk. Every bit as free spirited as both butterflies and poetry, it's another precision combination from the long-standing Rejected duo. Long may this dynamism continue.

Raving Butterflies

Steve Bug & Cle - Butterflies Speak Poetry

Long time Rejected ally Michel de Hey returns to the fold with one of his most personal productions to date. A musical dedication to an old friend and fellow Dutch club legend.

'Last year 3 people who were very close to me all passed away within just a few months. I had a different, but equally tight bond with each of them. I made several tracks over that period but the one where everything came together was 'When I Think of You'.

I made it after the death of Cliff de L'isle . With his personality in mind the track came together much faster then usual. When I think of Cliff it always puts a smile on my face. He was such a happy guy and always full of joy. He left us too soon. The track reminds me of him as a person and his musical spirit, always staying true to what he loved.

I played for Cliff many times at different parties, but foremost he was the original promoter of the famous Free Your Mind festival here in holland. When I played there this summer 'When I Think Of You' was my final track, as a tribute to him. It was one the most special moments of the year for me. The nicest thing about the record is that when I play it, I always think of him.'

Remixing such a personal project can be daunting, but UK producer Jansons shows the ultimate respect. Staying true to the sound and spirit he smoothes at out the original's floor-moving 'bump' and lets the keys shine, to create a flawless rerub.

When I Think Of You

Michel De Hey - When I Think Of You (Jansons Remix)

Michel De Hey - When I Think Of You

Joris Voorn’s alter ego ‘Dark Science’ has been hiding away in the depths of Voorn’s inspiring musical mind, waiting years for the perfect moment to unleash fresh ammunition.

Eager fans wait no longer, for he now returns with “Rain”. A 2-piece package on Rejected, kicking off the labels 2014 Debut. "Rain” fronts that retrospective robust sound with a finely refined tip, laden dubby bass & atmospheric sax whilst "Rust" delivers an upbeat number structured with a moody brisk rhythm and tightly layered patterns.

Dark Science – Rust

With six in six on Rejected Steve Bug is, what you might call, firmly part of the family. As is his regular sparring partner Cle. However, for the first of '23, the Berlin-based producer flies solo on two excellent late night, heavy-hitting, groovers.

Whilst describing the movements and sounds of the opening track to perfection, 'Grumble Bumble', is also a title that can deceive. There are no tired, ageing shapes being thrown to this mid noughties Pokerflat'esque soundtrack. Strobe light at the ready. Sweat on the walls, the warehouse is calling.

Beautifully countering the heads down stripped-back bounce of the A side, is the percussive and uplifting funk of 'Get Away From Me'. Skipping along on jazzy rides and rim-shots, its menacing chords are pierced by synth stabs, claps and a silky vocal, to create a track that balances power and poise to perfection.

Grumble Bumble

Steve Bug - Get Away From Me

Steve Bug - Grumble Bumble

Sometimes the best tracks come together in an instant. A spark. An idea. A trigger for a string of positive moments that collectively create something special. Our latest Rejected brace comes from two of our core label family, Nuno Dos Santos & Remy Unger who, having found that perfect synergy, look to entice us with their whirlpool of hypnotic techno. 
 
As its name suggests, 'Vortex' is inescapable. Bubbling synth and relentless claps and rides, draw us to its core. Here we're locked within the groove of this Techno gyre. Held captive by its intimidating rhythm and captivating sounds.  
 
Less intimidating, but equally captivating is 'Next To Nowhere. An energetic and driving dispatch, built upon a colossal kick-drum, its dubby vibe garnished with acid touches to create a wonderfully tempestuous partner to our A side. 
 
'We made these super fast! Without thinking too much and in a great flow. This is often how the best tracks come about' - Nuno
 
We couldn't agree more!

Next To Nowhere

Nuno Dos Santos & Remy Unger - Vortex

Nuno Dos Santos & Remy Unger - Next To Nowhere

Rejected welcome Greek DJ/Producer Stelios Vassiloudis to the family with his superb label debut. 'Ricochet'.

Made on the move, as he trekked back and forth between Europe and South East Asia, both tracks share a sense of raw dynamism that is reflective of the touring and immediacy of Stelios' mobile production setup. Less is more as they say, and this is never more pertinent than in the creation and sound of both 'Keluar' and 'Thick And Thin'.

Keluar, or 'Get Out' in Malay, forcefully issues its order via its thumping kick and rubbery bassline. Spring-loaded percussion snaps and fires as Stelios ushers in waves of synth and wails of vocal, before hurling us back into its heads-down groove.

On the flip, 'Thick And Thin' teases us. Living up to its name via its stocky, thundering opening before blooming via its rippling atmospherics and chopped vocal, to become a beautiful deep house tool.

Ricochet

Stelios Vassiloudis - Thick And Thin

Stelios Vassiloudis - Keluar

Out Monday June 30!

Ian Pooley stormed the techno scene back in 1996 when his classic Chord Memory was first released on Force Inc. This powerful number left both Joris Voorn and Edwin Oosterwal awe inspired and they are proud to finally re-release it on their label Rejected. 

For this release Ian has created a stellar new mix alongside the re-mastered original. Renowned producer Reggy Van Oers' remix goes even further in this dynamic advance. A classic, revamped tune that will send every fist to the air, this EP package demands attention.

Supported by Laurent Garnier, Rolando, DVS1, Breach, Dusky and many more!

Ian Pooley - Chord Memory (Remastered) (preview)

Rejected announce the return of UK producer Josh Butler with a tantalizing double header - 'Pros & Cons' / 'Misfits'. Marking Butler's first collaboration with the label since his acclaimed 'Shipwreck' EP from 2022.

'Pros & Cons' is a versatile deep house jam, featuring a warm bassline, crisp snares, and pulsing synths. Its smooth and subtle energy make it an essential go-to track at any point of the night.

On the flip, 'Misfits' caters to the late-night crowd and aficionados of quirky techno grooves. Sending ripples of energy into the darkest and most eccentric corners of dancefloor.

A welcome return to the label for Butler, and one that is all pros and zero cons.

Pros & Cons

Josh Butler - Misfits

Josh Butler - Pros & Cons

Steve Bug has been back in the bunker, tweaking the dials and flirting with the faders on two new cuts for Rejected.

Having previously brought us Together with his Flying Keys and Raving Butterflies, the Poker flat mastermind serves up a double dose of House magic, with both cuts exhibiting the signature warmth and analogue depth that define Bug's productions.

Lead track, 'Tweak It (Like This)', pulsates with a solid groove that is driven by its fidgety acid line and lively piano punctuation. Whereas 'The Red Panda,' on the flip, charts amore uplifting course, propelled by emotive basslines and shimmering keys. Both tracks, whilst distinctly different, exhibit Steve's infectious rhythms and timeless grooves. Making them essentials for the dancefloor.

Steve Bug - The Red Panda

Steve Bug - Tweak It (Like This)

Respected house producer Josh Butler is back, armed with his brand new ‘Link’ EP on Edwin Oosterwal and Joris Voorn’s legendary Rejected imprint. The EP once again proves Josh’s ability to continuously deliver the kind of high quality tech-house that has entrenched him as an integral figure in the underground UK house scene.

The title track ‘Link’ stays true to Butler’s less-is-more philosophy while also showcasing his incredible sound-design and production know-how. The percussion takes centre stage as Josh brings in conga rolls, a soulful vocal refrain and lush, atmospheric pads to contribute to an inimitable groove. Two distinct mixes of the track, a melodic mix and a dub mix, are generously provided on the EP and both demonstrate the intricacies inherent in Josh’s production.

Rounding off the release is ‘Need Me’, the EP’s deeper venture that combines minimalist instrumentation centred around a grooving bassline, subtly making itself known above the driving percussion. Throughout the EP, Josh succeeds in delivering vast symphonic landscapes within the pretext of measured and characteristic instrumental restraint. Partygoers can expect to hear both sides of the EP receive serious airtime across the club circuit as the Ibiza season kicks into full swing this month.

Josh Butler - Link (preview)

Joris Voorn - Sweep The Floor (REJ007.1)

Joris Voorn - Chase The Mouse (REJ007.2)

Joris Voorn - We're All Clean (REJ007.2)

Nic Fanciulli - Feed The Freezer (REJ007.3)

Edwin Oosterwal - Scrub The Tub (REJ007.4)

Edwin Oosterwal - Beat The Dirt (REJ007.4)

What a year it’s been for Franky Rizardo. With a strong presence on Defected (including a highly coveted In TheHouse curation session) and massive EPs on the likes of Circus and Abode, he’s now set to sign the year out in style on Rejected. 

One of the most successful and heavily ID’d tracks in label boss Joris Voorn’s sets since the summer, ‘Call Upon Me’ is all about subtle senses and stages of elevation. Strutting with a classic house jack, there’s an ageless Chi-town swing to the walking bassline as we roll deeper and deeper into the groove. 

Suddenly a springy key riff pops up on the vibe horizon and becomes the foremost focus of the track rising and rising and rising some more with a delicious build-up that keeps on giving for longer than usual deep house conventions would have you believe. Paying off with a simple but crucial staccato twist on the keys, and even more juice in the rolling bassline bedrock, it’s one of those tracks that total disarms and dancefloor and blindsides them with a whole new sense of energy. 

Playful, powerful and positive; the perfect way to end a perfect year for Franky.

Franky Rizardo - Call Upon Me (preview)

Nic Fanciulli's first appearance on Rejected came back in 2009, when he took over "Room 3" of the labels famous Dusty House. This was followed by last years "Together", his co-production with label boss Joris Voorn and today he returns to Dutch shores again with his latest brace, "Movin' On" and "Round & Round."

With "Movin' On" featuring in his brand new and ready to roll 'Balance' compilation, our timing couldn't be better. Perfect for the summer floors, it rolls heavy with Fanciulli's trademark drive and funk. Breaking out the harmonica and letting the divas holla, he drops the bass in the synth-lead breaks before slamming it back for, dare we say it, those real hands in the air moments. The terraces eagerly await.

Pulling no punches on the flip, we have "Round & Round." In typical heads down fashion and with a dizzying display of hats and snare, Nic turns in a floor burning tool that could easily demand its very own room in Rejected's dusty abode. Two strong cuts from one of the most consistent producers of today.


Nic Fanciulli – Movin’ On (Original) (REJ022)

Franky returns to Rejected to complete an impressive trio of releases, following 2017’s ‘Call Upon Me’ and last year’s club hit ‘Revoke’ with his latest smash... ‘Rave Machine.’

Inspired by old school warehouse parties, Rave Machine pays homage to the retro rave sounds of the 90’s whilst keeping his signature groove locked throughout. Already hammered by Rejected boss Joris Voorn at the legendary Awakenings, ‘Rave Machine’ is now ready for the next generation of warehouse parties.

Rave Machine

Franky Rizardo - Rave Machine (preview)

We all love to get lost in the music but with Josh Butler's return to Rejected, hes about to bring a whole new level to the concept

'Hydra' was written on Lost Beach, an Ecuadorian idyllic resort based around the cult TV show Lost where Josh found himself stranded as he waited for his US Visa to process (We say stranded More like getting lost in the after hours of Kami's infamous Lost Beach club cave where Josh regularly plays extended sets). The poignancy wasnt lost on Josh who would religiously watch the series during the early 2000s, so he soaked up the inspirations and named the track after the show's water station. Just like the show, theres a natural sense of unknown coded deep into every element. It also takes us back to Joshs earliest influences as a producer as subtle shades of trance can be found in the sweeping synths and barbed but hopeful melodic twists. Inviting us to get lost inside Josh's own musical make-up just as much as the track. 

'Never Leave' plays the consummate foil; much more direct and driving, there are touches of progression and techno in the momentum while Emilie Marie breathes her requests over the ever developing juggernaut rolling groove. Not only the perfect track to accompany a homage to a tropical paradise but if you 'Never Leave' you can't ever be lost, right?

Josh Butler - Never Leave feat. Emilie Marie

OUT NOW on REJECTED RECORDS

Get Your Copy on Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/mulder-natural-high/967667
Get Your Copy on Vinyl: http://www.juno.co.uk/products/466541-01.htm

----

Following off from Rejected’s successful summer they have hooked yet again some fresh new talent, Dutch DJ & Producer Mulder who steps up to take his place on the labels stellar stand of releases.

Hitting off with the A Side we have Rejected’s Head Honcho Voorn stamping his style on the muscular dance floor groover “Natural high”. Accompanying the punchy kick and groovy bass we have a driving melodic rhythmic lead, which will tear down a treat for any dance floor! With its underlying percussive ride and trademark groove it has all the ingredients for a 4x4 floor filler classic.

Meanwhile on side B of the EP we have “Varta”, with its rolling warm bass partnered with a canorous layout of percussion it’sguaranteed a jive. From start to finish this gem has a progressive edge that builds throughout, which makes it a versatile musical tool for any party, at any time! Ooooo yeah

FEEDBACK :      

Steve Bug - “That Joris Voorn Edit of Natural High is very nice… great for me!”

Marc Romboy - “Another high quality Rejected release!!! Varta definitely gets my support here!”

Riva Starr - “Quality release as you’d expect from Rejected, Joris is a boss when it comes to tight edits!”

Lauhaus - “Here we go with the next dope ep!! Both of these sound good for me, thanx!”

Thomas Schumacher - “Excellent stuff of course from Rejected. I am really feeling Varta. Will keep an eye on Mulder.”
 
ONNO - “Dope to see my buddy Mulder on Rejected! Loving the more steady Varta on this ep, will be played!”

Kabale und Liebe - “Nice tech house groovers here from Rejected. Will definitely play Joris’ edit.”

Laurent Garnier - “Yes yesss yessssssssss. The Joris edit is really good!!”

Mathias Kaden - “Now that is a supa-groovy edit from Mr Voorn...Looing forward to trying this out. Thanks!!!!!”

Matthias Tanzmann - “That is some super nice organ in Natural High!! Love it!”

Karotte - “Another great edit from Mr Voorn and a great original... all eyes on Mulder ☺!”

Anja Schneider - “Already soooo in love with Natural High! ☺”

Mulder - Natural High (Joris Voorn Edit) (REJ025)

He’s back! Franky Rizardo returns to Joris Voorn & Edwin Oosterwal’s Rejected for another short, sharp shot of absolute party pleasure. His second bomb on the label this year, it comes hot on the heels of ‘Rave Machine’... Literally.

‘I’m Hot’ is pure jacking disco abandonment. An addictive rolling jam with a lolloping slap-bass lick, hypnotising vocals and warm filter action, it’s another signature Rizardo lesson in timelessness, simplicity and the beauty of samplecraft. Guaranteed uplift thanks to its precision arrangement and constant sense of rising throughout, this has festival weapon stamped all over it. Perfect timing: the summer’s only just warming up.

I'm Hot

Franky Rizardo - I'm Hot (preview)

Time to indulge in a little strange… Long-time mates and studio kindred spirits Steve Bug and Cle return with their annual collaborative Rejected outing and, as the title suggests, things take a turn for the peculiar.

‘Strange As It Ever Was’ warms-up with a simple stripped back kick, but as those snake-like synth squiggles become more and more prominent so does the intensity. Sitting somewhere between New York mid 90s and Berlin mid 2000s, but built with 2020 muscle, it’s hypnotic, funky and mysterious all at once.

The beguiling mood continues on ‘Bliss Air’. Forget Ryan Air, forget your Macbook Air, even fresh air is over-rated compared to this. Another groove with a little off-beat surprise and dubby synths that spring from out of nowhere, once again we find ourselves in that perfect sweet spot to the left… Leaving with that slight sense of surprise and a vibe that will complement any house or techno set.

In 2017 they brought us ‘Together’, in 2018 they battered us with ‘Tweaky Blinders’, now we’re getting strange. Who knows what Bug and Cle will bring to Rejected next time? Don’t be a stranger.

Popular tracks by REJECTED