Read our full feature with @Touch-of-Class-records on: http://rhythmtravels.com/music/label-focus-touch-class-records

Label Focus: Touch of Class Records

Label: Touch Of Class Records 
Artist: Various Artists 
Title: Indian Summer 
Catalog Number: TOCR002 
Format: Digital

The heat of this seemingly endless summer is simmering down as we shift into the next season. Whether you’ve spent these few months basking on the sands of a remote-island, enflamed in a summer romance or in the commotion of your home city, nostalgia is surely kicking in. Worry not as the artists of Touch of Class Records have the musical remedy. Due for release October 21st is the imprint’s debut twelve track compilation “Indian Summer.” This anthology of fresh and innovative artists takes you on an infectious and boundless musical journey capturing the season’s most memorable moments.

This debut Various Artist release begins with the laidback and sultry sounds of Tanner Ross featuring the distinctive and irie vibes of Aquarius Heaven. Next we have Pillowtalk’s remix of Tennis’ track “Monocraft” – a gripping and melancholic ballad about life and the passing of time. The Tone of Arc duo, graces the anthology with the unearthly sounds of “Sidewalk Sound Wave” - a beautiful love song that blesses your ears as well as your heart. Safeword’s track “Tales from the Sunset” takes you on a walk along the demystifying beaches of the Sunset district in San Francisco, with its dramatic dark keys and erratic synths. Female artist, Jamaica Suk adds her mark with “Forever More” - unique by its quixotic piano riffs, analog layering and vintage drum programming.

The journey continues with the hazy and deep sonic tones of “Distant Minded” – a track from disCerN" a new project by Jonny Cruz & Silky, followed by Kenneth Scott’s ethereal vocal driven tune, “Lost Behind Her Eyes.” LuLo follows up with his heartening track “Prompt” featuring longing lyrics by Ecuadorian talent, Andres Caballero. Navid Izadi makes a presence with “School’s Out” accompanied by provocative vocals from Jesse Rennix, a tune that exudes the excitement of this long awaited day. Next we have the classic sound of Signal Flow along side Greg Paulus in “Summer Madness” -- 808 beats, dubbed out synths and dreamy horns that can melt away any tropical sunset, paving the way for BE MAJOR’s “Something to Lose” -- a melody driven piano and vocal track that takes your breath away with intoxicating choruses and sensational composition. The last track, “101 South (Take Me Down),” from Walker Barnard, Kenneth Scott and Signal Flow features tantalizing vocals by Dave Aju and Michael Tello, a mesmerizing track to be played with the windows down while cruising the highway into the sunset.

Tennis - Monocraft (Your Love Is Alright) PillowTalk Remix

Touch of Class Records brings you a touch of magic, pulling the veil over the musical duo that is Pattern Drama. The duo comprises of Rami Abousabe, also known as Rami DeeJay and Corey Baker, one third of UK trio Wildkats. These two genuinely talented DJ/Producers have graced the underground dance music scene for over ten years, presently calling NYC their home. The duo’s debut EP “Sweet Romance” is TOCR’s third release and heralds the musical qualities that the imprint stays true to their sophisticated rhythms, laid down with infectious  bass lines and of course, polished off with a touch of class.

“Sweet Romance” was recorded in Brooklyn, consisting of three original tracks: “Girar o Mundo,”& “Magic,” both with vocals by Brazilian born vocalist and classically trained pianist, Candida, and “Oceans Part”-- transmitting the voice of Faux, a NY-based vocalist whose voice you will be hearing more of in future productions with the guys. The finishing touch comes in form of a remix produced by none other than Eric Volta, who went above and beyond the call of duty delivering something entirely different and totally fresh--Using members of the London Philharmonic in a beautifully layed out masterpiece of music. The EP’s tracks exude exotic sounds of strings, keys and voices from distant lands, emitting emotion and deep tones fitting for pure listening pleasure, yet, suitable for any dance floor.

Resident DJ of NY’s Verboten and co-founder of Bespoke Musik, the gifted musician and producer, Rami Abousabe, began his musical career at a young age, playing guitar and bass in various bands and making the transition into electronic music after catching the DJ bug. Rami has exploded onto the NYC and international stage with pitch perfect, genre-defying sets. Corey Baker also began his musical path in NYC, though London is where he made his mark, helping to establish and produce for the house music trio Wildkats, who have seen major success internationally with their productions on imprints such as Hot Creations, Get Physical, Hot Waves and Off Recordings, amongst others. Corey’s return to NYC inspired the musical fusion that is Pattern Drama, a unique assemblage that unites the matured and contrastive musical styles of these seasoned artists.

Catalog Number: TOCR003
 Artist: Pattern Drama  
Title: Sweet Romance  
Release Date: December 9th, 2013

A1. Girar O Mundo featuring Candida (Original) 
A2. Magic featuring Candida (Original)

B1. Oceans Part featuring Faux (Original)
 B2. Girar O Mundo (Eric Volta’s Introverted Melancholia Mix)

buy vinyl @ Kompakt.fm

Pattern Drama - Girar O Mundo Feat Candida (Original)

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

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 remix 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 Remix)
B1. Untouched
B2. Run, Rabbit Run


Tone of Arc - Retox (Original Mix)

Label: Touch of Class Records // www.facebook.com/touchofclassrecords
Cat no: TOCR 001
Vinyl Release: September 9th, 2013
Digital Release: September 23rd, 2013

Artist: Signal Flow
@signal-flow-sf
www.facebook.com/signalflow415

Dirty Hands EP:
A1. Signal Flow, Jonny Cruz - Dirty Hands feat. Aquarius Heaven (Original Mix)
A2. Signal Flow - Drug Lips (Navid Izadi's 40oz of Acid Remix)
B1. Signal Flow - Drug Lips feat. Navid Izadi (Original Mix)
B2. Signal Flow - Drug Lips (Instrumental)

2013 marks the introduction of a new imprint in dance music: Touch of Class Records. The label’s founders, PillowTalk producer and member Michael Tello along side Ray Zuniga, pay homage to their fathers’ business continuing the family name and artistic principle. Originally from Los Angeles, the label mates migrated north to San Francisco and now live bi-coastal in NYC and Berlin. TOC Records puts a new West Coast label on the map aspiring to exhibit the distinctive deep-house and raw-techno textures that embody both hometowns.

Michael and Ray began their musical collaboration four years ago, giving birth to the innovative partnership that is Signal Flow. The duo spends their time producing and DJing around the US, South America, Berlin and throughout Europe, having quickly made a name for their eclectic sound and energy.

Touch of Class Records showcases upcoming releases from Signal Flow, Jonny Cruz, Aquarius Heaven, Tone of Arc, Navid Izadi, Strangers in Heaven, Andres Caballero, dOP, PillowTalk, and many others.

The forthcoming release of Signal Flow entitled “Dirty Hands E.P.” features two prodigious original compositions including the lead track entitled “Dirty Hands” co-produced by label mate Jonny Cruz and laced with the signature sound and intoxicating lyrics of Berlin’s, Aquarius Heaven on vocals. Since the labels premier showcase and live performance after the BPM Festival in Tulum Mexico, the track has received serious buzz and positive acclaim. Accompanying the lead track is “Drug Lips”, a dark but beautiful techno beat with melodic and sultry vocal flavors by Wolf + Lamb newcomer, Navid Izadi. Supporting the two original tracks is a dubbed out disco funk remix of Drug Lips produced by Izadi himself and an instrumental mix which rounds out this new labels debut EP perfectly.

*Artwork by Pilar Zeta

Signal Flow, Jonny Cruz - Dirty Hands feat Aquarius Heaven (Original Mix)

WW Bookings + info: toc@touchofclassrecords.com
Press: alex@jukeboxpr.co.uk + pete@jukeboxpr.co.uk