BUY now at www.beatport.com/release/for-those-who-know-ep/2436388

Making his label debut, Ray Okpara is one of Germany’s finest producers known for his stripped back sound which has featured on other labels such Akbal Music, Mobilee, Tenampa, Saved Records and his own AMA Recordings.

Ray has Nigerian roots and cultural influences that have helped build up the rhythmic textures his tracks are famed for. He is also a skilled DJ having proved himself alongside the likes of Johnny D and Nick Curly when the trio shared a prestigious residency at the RAJO club night in Mannheim.

Label boss Davide Squillace has a back catalogue of releases including many of the world’s best known labels ranging from Richie Hawtin’s Minus through to Crosstown Rebels, which recently put out his debut album. Also famed for his Circo Loco residency at DC10 in Ibiza, he is a regular feature on This And That Lab, and continues his hands on approach to running the label with this exceptional remix.

“For Those Who Know” opens the EP with its rippling pads and a captivating vocal about the passage of time. Blending deep atmosphere with ambient effects, the stripped back percussion provides the framework that gives this understated track the rigid foundation needed for the dance floor.

Second is Davide Squillace’s remix of “For Those Who Know” which is a darker take on the original. Looping a short section of the vocal and twisting the sound, he keeps the original’s funk but also adds a new jerking lead sound playing intense melody stabs.

Finishing the EP is “Off To The Mix” which is trademark of Ray Okpara’s style. It has ticking off beat percussion blended as part of a tribal rhythm, and letting the percussion take control, the textured pads create soothing tones. Subtle bursts of jazzy melody are the finishing touch to this production masterpiece.

[TNT036] Ray Okpara - For Those Who Know EP

[TNT036] Ray Okpara - Off To The Mix (Original Mix) - [Teaser]

[TNT036] Ray Okpara - For Those Who Know (Davide Squillace Remix) - [Teaser]

[TNT036] Ray Okpara - For Those Who Know (Original Mix) - [Teaser]

Davide is not available for comment. He’s got to catch a flight; he’s rushing to the studio; the stage manager is frantically hurrying him into the booth; he’s meeting to discuss plans for his labels…or any of the other myriad reasons why Davide feels like he hasn’t slept, eaten or stopped running for what seems like his whole life.

Born in Siena, raised in Naples, it took a trip to London for Davide to finally discover electronic music. Wooed by the mood and sound of the British scene, he returned to Naples flush with energy, excitement and a knowing that this new calling would consume him. 

Davide immersed himself in this world in every conceivable way. In 1999 he began studying at the Naples’ school of sound engineering, tinkering with his first productions, promoting techno events, and finally performing. His first releases on Primate Records, Design Music andConform were a cadence of his arrival and showcased the young artist’s steadfast style.

Having honed his craft at home, in 2004 Davide left Naples for Barcelona unwavering in his resolve. Now, while touring around the continent, he began to release in earnest what would become a massive body of work, and at a dizzying pace. His productions have graced the catalogs of some of the finest labels including Ovum, Sci+Tec, Morris Audio, Resopal Schallware, Supernature, CMYK, Adagio, Viva, Nervous, Saved, Shake, Rillis; the list goes on… 

Added to that, you have to take into account the labels which Davide founded and still curatestoday – Sketch, Minisketch, Vir, 500, Titbit and Hideout. 2012 sees the start of Davide’s latest innovative project. This and That Lab will be a unique fusion of label and think tank combining music, art and culture used as a platform for Davide and other like minded artists to develop creative projects in music, visual art, design, fashion and writing.

In addition to his genre-defining works, Davide continues to inspire and ignite dancefloors worldwide. Whether it be at Circoloco, where he has been a resident since 2007, Womb, Berghain, D.Edge, or any other marquee venue, Davide plays with an unequalled funk and excitement. His signature sets, revered by the masses and peers alike, do a double duty in guarding our much-loved traditions while constantly pushing them forward.

The realm of possibilities for one of electronic music’s leading lights is endless. Unfortunately, the minutes in the day are not. Davide’s answer is simple – do what you love and make no compromises.

[TNT036] Ray Okpara - For Those Who Know (Davide Squillace Remix) - [Teaser]

thisandthatlab