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SILKRL005 PROFF :: Starstruck
Vladimir Ershov, a.k.a. PROFF, has witnessed an unforgettable year as both a producer and DJ, with a series of chart-topping hits on Anjunadeep, as well as a massive tour throughout his native Russian Federation (alongside labelmates Above & Beyond). The Original Mix of "Starstruck" conveys this excitement, firing out of the gate with a jubilant arpeggio. The breakdown is equally euphoric: newly added synth stabs "flash" in wide-stereo glory, as if imitating the unexpected onslaught of paparazzi. Fellow Silk (and Anjunadeep) artists Solarity provide the first of two remixes on the package. In vintage form, they have completely reinvented the central groove of the tune, underscored by a signature electro-prog bassline. Rising Japanese artist Shingo Nakamura (Silk Digital, Mango Alley, Proton Music, Morphosis) also continues to garner attention for his prolific output of high-quality productions. His interpretation is slightly more chilled, as he re-imagines the original as a piano-driven piece. For its fifth release, Silk Royal is thrilled to showcase the talents of three of the leading acts in melodic progressive.

SILKRL004 INCOGNET & JETER AVIO feat. NATASHA YAKOVLEVA :: Something
Denis "Incognet" Zynchenko is back with "Something," an explosive new cut, co-produced by rising Russian talent Jeter Avio. Since his impressive debut with Silk Royal in May, Incognet has witnessed extraordinary success as both a producer (Anjunadeep, Unreleased Digital, System, Nellie), DJ (recent guest mix on Matt Darey's "Nocturnal"), and label manager (Moscow-based Digital Motion Records). The Original Mix immediately exhibits Incognet and partner-in-crime Jeter Avio's signature of hard-hitting beats, resonant leads, and aggressive basslines. Yet, a new dimension to their sound is also quickly revealed, a stunning titular hook provided by the very promising Natasha Yakovleva. The vocal is given a fuller focus in the breakdown, out of which the furious bassline is reignited. Ad Brown (Black Hole, microCastle), who recently appeared as the featured guest on Tiesto's "Club Life," provides a more "classic" prog rendering. Unlike the bass-driven original, Ad's remix is centered around Yakovleva's haunting vocal, which he has enhanced with subtle melodies and dark, brooding pads. Ad also delivers in providing, yet again, an indelibly emotional breakdown, with echoes of the vocal soaring above an ethereal soundscape. Finally, progressive heavyweight Gai Barone (Afterglow, Armada) has vividly re-imagined the original in his inspired 'Elements' remix. Playing off the more "outer-worldly" vibes of the original, Gai has crafted a techy, multi-layered sonic experience that masterfully evokes the vision of life on a distant planet. The main vocal hook is also present here, though, uniquely processed to suggest a more "alien" presence.

SILKRL003 SOLARITY :: Double Vision
Silk Royal's third release, "Double Vision," comes from the exceedingly gifted duo Solarity, whose spectacular run over the last two years includes various releases with affiliates Silk Digital, Silk Sofa, and Mango Alley, as well as the recent smash EP "DNA / Long 41" on Anjunadeep. The acclaimed British artists have received heavy support of late from Anjuna labelmates Above & Beyond, James Grant, and Jaytech, as well as a slew of other top international DJ's. The "Original Mix" is a true prog stormer -- beginning with a punchy percussion pattern and arpeggio-laden build, strongly reminiscent of their classic "Terminal 6". Following the initial breakdown, a ferocious bassline cuts through the track, essentially compelling the listener by sheer force to get up and move. By the main break, one of the track's key elements comes into key focus -- a tremolo-tinged pad, which is reinforced by swirling synths and swoosh effects to enhance the gut-busting drop. Veteran American house producer Dave Cortex (Sweet Cherry, Witty Tunes, Nellie) has provided the first remix in the package; in vintage form, Cortex has revamped the bassline, allowing the melodic elements of the original to really shine. Also in the package, Toronto-based progressive artist David Akermanis has provided an upbeat, yet collectively more mellow interpretation. With key synth elements left intact, such as the signature arpeggios, Akermanis has added a slightly more subdued bassline, as well as an extremely funky new lead synth, which infuses the track with a more sexy, late-night vibe.

SILKRL002 DEZZA :: Xafilah
With a torrid output of acclaimed productions this past year, Derek Silvester, a.k.a. Dezza, has witnessed a quick rise to prominence. Winner of Pete Tong's Bedroom Bedlam Contest for "Celebrate," Dezza has also been heavily supported of late by Tiesto and Paul Van Dyk. Silk Royal's sophomore release, "Xafilah," is yet another explosive dancefloor cut from the Canadian phenom, whose hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia receives a cheeky tribute in the "backwards" title. In the Original Mix, powerful beats and a funky lead arp set an energetic tone early; later on, a thunderous bassline joins the hypnotic lead for a glorious, Prydz-like break. Schodt, best known for his Top 10 Beatport Progressive House hit "First Breath" ft. Aqua Diva, has been another great story of 2009, with an impressive catalogue of work already out this year on Starlight, Proton Particles, Unreleased Digital, and Silk affiliates Mango Alley and Silk Sofa. His Lockout Remix is more "classic" prog, with smoother beats and a deeper bassline than the Original Mix. Yet, like the original, Schodt's take crescendos into a melodic progressive stormer, including an incisive new piano lead in the main break. Finally, Roddy Reynaert (a.k.a. "Audiog8" & "Telemode") provides a funkier house interpretation; while still preserving the lead melodies of the original, his mix centers on a more "hoppy" rhythm section and a hyper-oscillating lead synth, which takes center stage in the break.

SILKRL001 INCOGNET :: Wonder alley
Silk Royal Records is proud to make its debut with a new track by rising Ukrainian producer, Incognet. The Original Mix pulls no punches from its onset - powerful kicks and a high octane bassline anticipate the roaring lead synths to follow. Haunting female vocals, swooshes, and (ultimately) orchestral strings later join the mix, which is no more evident than in the anthemic breakdown. Audible's remix is also a peak-hour monster, though, the development and overall feel of this interpretation are much more suspenseful and moody. White noise effects fade in and out of the build, as the lead synth insidiously creeps in - leading to the first of several haunting breaks. Just before the midpoint of the track, a vintage Audible bassline also enters the mix, furiously cutting through the rest of the track. The remix really comes into its own, though, post-breakdown - when the off-kilter percussive effects are met by a triumphant lead synth. The second remix in the package by Canadian newcomer Dylan Warren is also a high energy rendering, but is much more melodically driven than Audible's rhythmic roller-coaster. In the break, Dylan has added a beautiful new piano lead, which fluidly guides the track to its conclusion.