RJ Pickens - Productions

VEST019 // My Boy Elroy & OpenOptics ft. Charlie Otto – Where Do We Start Now EP
This 19th Vested label release features a trio of versions of an insightful, inspiring, feel-good song – “Where Do We Start Now”. Now, more than ever, our disjointed world could use a light ray of positivity, and after enduring what we’re presently going through as a human collective, this song asks the questions, “Where do we all start now? Where do we go from here?” The beauty in these questions is that the answer will be painted by us on what is presently a blank canvas.  We have an opportunity to begin again. Start new. Rebuild. Be better. Rise above. Let’s all be better and do better.  

My Boy Elroy and OpenOptics’ original vocal version starts this EP off on a deep, driving, sublime journey laced with organic and synthetic textures alike, making a beautiful hybrid of sounds. Hang drums meet synthesizers in a juxtaposition of deep house and synthwave vibes, drizzled with Charlie Otto’s superb vocals and lyrical stylings. Fans of Rufus Du Sol will be predisposed to connecting with the plush vibes set forth in this vocal groover.

Second, Vested label head RJ Pickens teams up with good friend and labelmate Rez Dorsia in re-styling this gem of a track in the direction of melodic and grooving techno. Aptly-titled as the Redlight Rendition, this remix is inspired by the carefree and liberated spirit of a redlight district, with cinematic scapes meeting thundering low-end and elegant percussion.  

Rounding out the release is the instrumental version that you got a taste of on the “From Chicago With Love 2020” artist sampler. Surprise – this beautiful instrumental song also had a vocal version, which inspired this to be assembled and released as you see it here.

Bon appetít! Dig into these three delectable soundscapes as you decide where you’ll go from here.

Spotify / Beatport Exclusive Release date:  Friday, September 24th, 2021 
Beatport pre-release on-sale date:  Friday, August 27th, 2021

My Boy Elroy & OpenOptics Ft. Charlie Otto - Where Do We Start Now (RJ Pickens & Rez Dorsia Redlight

Element Dance __ Robert Babicz

Nicolas Rada

This week I dive deep into some of my favorite deep cuts and in between dimensions of space. Enjoy!!

Unknown Album

In too deep vol4

027- Sounds from the Underground - Guest Mix: LackofAffekt

This episode features a Producer spotlight on local lad DKLUB including two unreleased tracks and one world premiere! Spanning the usual Fluff and Bass, Feels and Beats this show is a journey through heart-soaring vocals and hip-shakin' funky house to Filthy Arse Bangers at the end. Enjoy!
Full tracklist (original mixes unless stated):

Alighted - Bandwidth (John Tejada remix) [Garden Broom Recordings]
Ian Ellison - Impossibilities [Pseudonote]
Bogdan Marx - AAA-C [Tulpa Ovi Records]
Gatto - Inside [3Bridge Records]
RARI - IFT [Unreall Records]
Hashira - Escape from reality [Hashirasama]
Modes - Follow Me [Ostrich Recordings]
Kwerk - Given My Everything [Diesel Recordings]
Kristy Harper - U [Silver Bear Recordings]
SAYA - Only For Love [Clear Notes Records]
Logic 1000 feat. Kayla Blackmon - Self to Blame [Bandcamp]
ESSEL - The Edge [Toolroom]
COLOR.LOVE - Roller [Desert Hearts]
lau.ra - Need U (extended mix) [DFTD]
Prok & Fitch, Fly Boy Jack [Ley's Go (Radio Edit) - [Maison Mono]
The Glitz - Treat Yourself badly (Club edit) [The Glitz Audio]
DKLUB - Acid rain [Pure Dope Digital]
DKLUB - All You [Onhcet Republik]
DKLUB - Today's My Day [unreleased]
DKLUB - Happiness is in the Darkness [unreleased]
Thor Rixon & Kitty Kat - Harder Baby [Vibe Killer]
Thor Rixon & Kitty Kat - Nawti [Killer Vibe]
Lady Bee - Get Down (extended mix) [Seeing is Believing]
Lilly Palmer - My Fantasy (extended mix) [Spannung Records]
Bazco - Pensiamentos Acidos [Diablo Loco]
Sketi - Fire [Diesel Recordings]

F.A.B. 2023 #8 Nov

AREVILO Progressive Vol 6 Mixed By Stanny Abram

MUSIC AS MEDICINE  020 - PROGRESSIVE TECHNO SESSION

The healing power of Progressive Techno

"Music as Medicine" is a radio show with a focus on the Melodic and Progressive Techno subgenres twice a month. This captivating style of music combines elements of melodic house and techno, featuring rich soundscapes, driving rhythms, and soulful melodies.

But "Music as Medicine" isn't just about the music - it's also about the transformative power of music on our mental and emotional wellbeing. As the name suggests, this radio show sees music as a form of medicine that can uplift our spirits, reduce stress and anxiety, and even promote healing. Through their carefully crafted playlists and insightful commentary, the hosts of "Music as Medicine" aim to promote the therapeutic benefits of electronic music and share their love for this genre with listeners worldwide.

Listen to this mix and others here: 
➜ SoundCloud: @clainmusic 
➜ Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4Gxuwu081VH0N7e8JU9vP2 ➜ Bandcamp: clainmusic.bandcamp.com/ 
➜ Beatport: www.beatport.com/artist/clain/628184  

Follow online: 
➜ TikTok: tiktok.com/@clainmusic 
➜ Instagram: instagram.com/clainmusic 
➜ Facebook: facebook.com/clainmusic

TRACKLIST
1. Jordan John - Stay Up (Extended Version)
2. Bolth - Absence of Mind (Extended Mix)
3. Propellar - CARP (Nihil Young Remix)
4. Clain - Crépuscule
5. Oliver Koletzki & Fritz Kalkbrenner - Heart on Hold (Pavel Petrov Remix)
6. Black Hertz & Hozho - Id
7. SHAZZE - Manifestation
8. Vakabular - Off The Wall (Extended Mix)
9. Clain - Panique
10. HI-LO, Oliver Heldens - Hera
11. Gaiser, Matador - Jiggleho
12. Dok & Martin - Transporter

SPOTLIGHT
Haddadi von Engs - You (Einmusik Remix) Released on You Plus One

MUSIC as MEDICINE 020

For the 22nd episode of Interstellar Radio, we are closing out the year with a guest mix from NYC's own MAFIA B. A Manhattan-born and raised DJ and producer, he has made significant strides in the house music scene, performing at prestigious events like the Elements Festival. 

His talent is showcased through records signed to labels such as Mavic Music, Skytop, SLC 6, and ICONYC. Crafting his signature style from the depths of dance music's complexity, MAFIA B has honed a distinctive blend of dark, textured sounds within the genre. 

Stay up to date with MAFIA B on instagram at @djmafiab and @decodedofc

Follow me @brimacdj on all social platforms

TRACKLIST:

1.Loco & Jam - We Touched The Sky (Original Mix) 

2.Stefano Noferini - Extramelody (Drunken Kong remix)

3.Alice Rose  Melbetrieb - Creatures Of The Night (Quivver Dub)

4.The Reactivitz - Just A Beat (Original Mix)

5.Agent Orange - I'm Free (Original Mix)

6.Matt Sassari - Step To (Original Mix)

7.MAFIA B - MAFIA B ft. Rami Paradise - Inside His Soul (Original Mix)

8.MAFIA B Ft. Smash - ID 

9.Atroxx - Anvil (Original Mix)

10.Loco & Jam - Dance With Me (Original Mix)

11.Pleasurekraft - Interiors (SAMA Remix)

12.MAFIA B - ID

Interstellar Radio

Insterstellar Radio W. Brimac - Episode 022 (MAFIA B Guest Mix)

Continuing with the music giveaway we have an artist that's been on the rise in the Techno scene. From fresh music releases like Shadow Reign [Archon Records], to playing shows in Reno/SoCal area, this is an up and coming artist you want to keep an eye on. Please give it up for Dianthe!

Immersed in the enigmatic world of dark minimal techno, Dianthe meticulously crafts her musical tapestry. Originally from the wintry Northeastern heart of Russia, she dives deep into the abyss of sound, spending relentless hours refining each element within her unique sonic arsenal.

Dianthe is a classically trained pianist, and is also influenced by metal, dark ambient soundscapes, fantasy stories and literature.

Prepare for an adventure through darker portals, as driving beats intertwine with expansive, expressive waves, where fantasy and reality entwine.

CONNECT WITH DIANTHE
@dianthe-ofc
https://www.instagram.com/dianthe.ofc/


TRACKLIST
You’re Mine (Original Mix) - SILSAN
407 (Original Mix) - Rodri XXX
Nothing Is Real (Original Mix) - Vasco UG
Going To Dead (Original Mix) - German Agger, Ito Cann
The Darkness (JØKR Remix) - Rico
Lost in Time (Original Mix) - Neumann
Paranoid (Original Mix) - Eddy JB
Cosmic (Original Mix) - Tim Taste
Rhyme (Original Mix) - Akari System
Coherence (Original Mix) - Gonzalo F
Efficiency (Bulltech Remix) - Jason Johnson (DE), Justus Reim
Laniakea (Original Mix) - Tony Romanello
Axis Mundi (Original Mix) - Justus Reim
The Analytical Mind (Original Mix) - Bendtsen, Fade.
Telegraph (Original Mix) - KMYLE
Makes Me Fly (Original Mix) - Nicolo (AR)
Suena Mas Fuerte (Original Mix) - D-Unity, Juli Arista
Archive (Original Mix) - George Ali
Perseus (Neumann Remix) - Two-Gun
The Crow (Original Mix) - Monococ

Dianthe - Fantasía Podcast 008

Warm up at Club La Feria, one of the world's top electronic music spots as per DJ Mag. First and special B2B with @jorgelebreton, blending Techno's rhythm, and progressive vibes with Melodic's euphoric melodies.

Santiago, Chile

Live at Club La Feria b2b Le Breton (Warm Up)

VESTED: adjective - held completely, permanently, and inalienably.

Keeping true and parallel to the musical vision of Vested as a Chicago-based music and event brand, Vested Recordings will be a home for a range of forward-thinking electronic music sounds, ranging from deep to tech-house to progressive to techno to house, with the common thread being the timeless low-end prime-mover groove that proper progressive house has always championed.

This inaugural label offering features a pair of reconstruction mixes by label head, RJ Pickens, of a truly stellar original song by Sykoya, a vibrant up-and-coming UK-based indie music collective.  The Late Night Reconstruction lends itself perfectly to play in a club or festival setting, while the more stripped-down Early Morning Reconstruction would find a suitable home at a place like Burning Man.

Sykoya are making a lasting impression both recorded and live with their timeless mixture of indie electronic and dream-pop tracks. The haunting vocals of front woman, Anna Marcella sit perfectly atop her melodic synth lines and the deep, engaging rhythm section of drummer, Curtis ElVidge and bassist, Joe Cross, making a sound well beyond the trio's size. Drawing comparisons to London Grammar, Poliça, and Massive Attack, their sound ebbs and flows seamlessly from light to dark, catching listeners between wanting to dance and sit in soft reflection.

With roots as a longtime participant in Chicago's electronic music scene, RJ Pickens is now helping shape the future of the Windy City's dance music. With over 19 years of DJ experience and tirelessly pursuing the perfect mix of progressive, tech-house, techno, and house sounds, he rocks rooms ranging from intimate to large, and can go from being the supporting act of choice for many notable global headliners (such as Eric Prydz & Pryda Friends, Hernan Cattaneo, Jody Wisternoff, Nick Warren, Erick Morillo, or Martin Roth - to name but a small few out of many) to being the headliner himself. 

Track credits:
Original track production: Sykoya, remix production: RJ Pickens
Engineering and Mastering for Early Morning Reconstruction by Nick Stoynoff.
Engineering and Mastering for Late Night Reconstruction by Peter Kontor.

vestedrecordings.com
sykoya.com
soundcloud.com/rjpickens

Shiver (RJ Pickens Late Night Radio Edit)

Sykoya - Shiver (RJ Pickens Late Night Radio Edit) [Vested Recordings 001]

VEST008 // Emod – I Found My Voice EP

This 13th label release offers a delectable trio of remixes from a trio of music acts, based off of original works by German-born and super-notable young up-and-comer – Emod.

The second track on the release is Vested label head RJ Pickens’ rework of "Once There Was". What was originally a 4-to-the-floor stomper is taken in an epic and cinematic melodic techno direction, complete with an array of analog and organic sounds (such as acoustic and electric guitars, analog bass tones and thunderstorms) that compliment and balance against the original synthetically-driven original elements and give the listener quite a lustrous journey.

Jump in and have a swim in these sublime sounds.

Short Bio:  RJ Pickens
RJ Pickens is a longtime Chicago resident artist with 16+ years of notable gigs and residencies under his belt, is a hardworking producer with some thought-provoking releases to his name, and is the captain behind all things Vested. Tirelessly pursuing the perfect mix of deep, progressive, tech-house, house and techno sounds, his tastes translate to his productions and DJ gigs in intimate to large venues alike.  Having been a supporting act of choice for heavyweight artists such as ARTBAT, Joris Voorn, Eric Prydz, Hernan Cattaneo, Above & Beyond, Chus & Ceballos, Jody Wisternoff, Eelke Kleijn, Dosem, Eli & Fur, H.O.S.H. and so many more, his diverse gig history over all these years speaks for itself.   Follow RJ Pickens at the links below.

www.facebook.com/RJPickens  
www.instagram.com/rjpickens1  
www.soundcloud.com/rjpickens  
www.twitter.com/rjpickens1  
www.beatport.com/artist/rj-pickens/490186

I Found My Voice (Remixes)

Emod - Once There Was (RJ Pickens Analog Reconstruction) [Vested Recordings 013]

This 14th label release offers a top-flight collaborative original song offering by Chicago-based electronic artists Jeff Ozmits and RJ Pickens.

First up is the original mix of Rules of Engagement. This driving progressive house stormer has been getting great reactions from dancefloors it has been tested on over the past 9 months, and it is truly a pleasure to now make this available to the world. A galloping rhythmic arrangement paired with an unforgettable melodic composition of arpeggiated leads, soaring synths, and energizing guitar plucks is designed to take make the dancefloor take flight.

The second track on the release is RJ Pickens' Flightplan Edit of the original. Being that this composition was deeply inspired by fighter jets and their marvels of modern engineering, it felt only fitting that a version of this song was made that took the listener even further into the experience of supersonic flight. Nuances of fighter jet engines, aircraft flight, radio communications, and cockpit sounds are tastefully woven into the mix, giving an immersive feel of the energy felt during tactical flight.

Follow us :
SC: soundcloud.com/ravvenmusik
FB: facebook.com/ravvenmusik
IG: instagram.com/ravvenmusik

► Vested Recordings ♫
SC: soundcloud.com/vestedchi
FB: facebook.com/VestedCHI
IG: instagram.com/vestedmusic

► Jeff Ozmits ♫
SC: soundcloud.com/djozmits 
FB: facebook.com/jeffozmits 
IG: instagram.com/jeffozmits 

► RJ Pickens ♫
SC: soundcloud.com/rjpickens 
FB: facebook.com/RJPickens 
IG:instagram.com/rjpickens1 

Release Date: 10 Sep 2020

Download : https://bit.ly/3blDonR

Jeff Ozmits & RJ Pickens - Rules of Engagement EP

☼ Get your copy ☼

PREMIERE: Jeff Ozmits & RJ Pickens - Rules Of Engagement [Vested Recordings]

PREMIERE

Support the artists if you enjoy the music ♥

⁍ Artists: @djozmtz & @rjpickens
⁍ Track: Rules Of Engagement (RJ Pickens Flightplan Edit)
⁍ Label: @vestedchi
⁍ Release Date: 11/09/2020
⁍ Buy: tinyurl.com/yyrduspk

About the release
This 14th label release offers a top-flight collaborative original song offering by Chicago-based electronic artists Jeff Ozmits and RJ Pickens.
The second track on the release is RJ Pickens’ Flightplan Edit of the original.  Being that this composition was deeply inspired by fighter jets and their marvels of modern engineering, it felt only fitting that a version of this song was made that took the listener even further into the experience of supersonic flight. Nuances of fighter jet engines, aircraft flight, radio communications, and cockpit sounds are tastefully woven into the mix, giving an immersive feel of the energy felt during tactical flight.

Rules of Engagement

Beaport

PREMIERE: Jeff Ozmits & RJ Pickens - Rules Of Engagement (RJ Pickens Flightplan Edit) | Vested

Enjoy the Track? Click the [Repost] 🔁  button so more people can hear it!

This 17th label release offers five wonderful and carefully-chosen selections of melodic electronic grooves, ranging from progressive house to deep house to melodic techno, produced by a handful of the Windy City's finest. In a year of unprecedented change and challenges, music has been the fabric keeping us united in the face of uncertainty, and this small cherry-picked collection of songs is being sent out to you all around the world to help close out 2020 – from Chicago with lots of love.

First up - Vested label regular Jeff Ozmits and label newcomer Bedroom Logic team up to bring you "Secret Sky" – a driving melodic peak-hour progressive gem that begs to be hammered during a prime stretch of evening. A deep and bouncing bassline paired with pleasing synth arpeggios really hit the sweet spot here and start this release off right.

Second - Vested label head RJ Pickens teams up with Tru Musica label head Brian Boncher to collectively bring you "Astral Dream" – a house-driven melodic progressive tune layered with guitars, synths, stacked percussion, and a bassline paying playful homage to an electronic classic. Special thanks to instrumentalists Jim O'Reilly and Skeebo Geebo for their melodic contributions to this composition!

Next up is the multi-faceted My Boy Elroy in a team effort with OpenOptics in bringing you "Where Do We Start Now" – a sublime deep melodic house offering infused with synthwave leads, organic handpan textures, a trotting rhythm section, and a low end groove that just feels amazing. Special thanks to instrumentalists OpenOptics and Troy Page for their contributions to this project!

"Clearing Space" is a lush and textured melodic techno composition with deep and driving groove from staple Chicago artist: Hummingbird. She's assembled a lovely, intricate, and moody piece of electronic music here will have you listening to all the nuances amongst the smooth energies of this piece over and again.

And rounding out this release is "Deeper Than Us" by FJ9 – a really promising newcomer to the label and the Chicago music scene alike. Fusing elements of melodic techno, house, and electro in this composition, he delivers a modulated-synth-driven piece of music that truly finishes this compilation with a big bang. A bonus edit of this track has also been provided for those of you who just want to cut to the chase.

Artwork by: Chicago-based photographer Eric Formato

Follow Vested Recordings:
SoundCloud: @vestedchi
Facebook: http://facebook.com/vestedchi
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/vestedmusic

Follow 6AM Group
Website: www.6amgroup.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/6amgroup
Twitter: www.twitter.com/6amgroup
Instagram: www.instagram.com/6amgroup
SoundCloud: @6amgroup
YouTube: www.youtube.com/6amgroup

From Chicago with Love 2020 EP

Astral Dream

Premiere: RJ Pickens & Brian Boncher "Astral Dream" - Vested Recordings

For the past 2 decades, RJ Pickens has been a leader in building and growing Chicago’s melodic-driven electronic music scene. With nearly 25 years of DJ experience and tirelessly pursuing the perfect mix of deep, progressive, techno, and house sounds.  He rocks venues ranging from intimate to huge, and can go from being the headliner himself to being the supporting act of choice for countless global headliners on the best club and festival events the Windy City has to offer.  RJ is also a principal collaborator in a recently-launched and acclaimed music act called Portals & Parachutes, taking first flight in post-pandemic 2021.  RJ’s record label and music event banner — VESTED — has become synonymous with top-tier progressive electronic sounds.  Vested Recordings, while a relatively young label still, has seen remarkable support from some of the very best artists in the industry.  The event showcases produced under the Vested brand have been consistently showcasing the finest quality in its music bookings for the last 10 years. 

VESTED:  an adjective that means “to hold something completely, permanently, and inalienably — an unwavering commitment.”  In an electronic music sense, it simply means RJ is really serious about our party music, and his work on all fronts speaks for itself.

If you haven’t yet, tune in and turn it all the way up.

Links
facebook.com/rjpickens
twitter.com/rjpickens1
soundcloud.com/rjpickens
floorcontrolradio.com
facebook.com/vestedchi
soundcloud.com/vestedchi
twitter.com/vestedchi

VESTED: adjective - held completely, permanently, and inalienably.

Chicago-based label Vested Recordings is home for an artfully deliberate electronic sound spectrum covering progressive, house, and techno genres, ranging from deep hour to peak hour, with the common thread being the timeless low-end prime-mover groove that proper progressive house has always championed.   In an era saturated with over-hyped music, VESTED strives to stay true to proper dance music's roots while also blazing forward into the future.  We're super serious about our party music.

Sykoya - Shiver (RJ Pickens Late Night Radio Edit) [Vested Recordings 001]

VestedCHI

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