Following up on the success of House Of Riviera released in 2019, Mona Musique releases House Of Riviera Volume 2 curated by label head Nick V, a compilation that pays homage to forgotten gems of the classic Italian House scene, circa 1991-1994. 9 tracks from the artists and record labels that were central to this seminal era of House music, including two never released cuts from Ricky Montanari, Davide Ruberto and Ivan Iacobucci.

In the early 1990s, Italy hosted one of the most prolific scenes in the burgeoning world of House music. Whilst the majority of Europe was only just beginning to digest the arrival of this new musical genre born in the US, Italian clubs, DJs and labels were hot on the heels of their counterparts in the already established scenes of New York and London. The clubs of the Adriatic coast, also known as the Italian Riviera, were full every weekend, hosting the major US and UK Djs of the time, but also seasoned resident DJs that had been honing their trade since the early 80s. By the early 90s, Italian House music was regularly exported around the world with labels such as UMM, MBG, Flying, Palmares, DFC, Oversky, Zippy, D:Vision, Irma - and its sublabels Antima and Calypso, releasing tracks inspired by the original New York House and Garage sound, but with a very different, unique and emotional take. This was the specific aesthetic that was to become the House sound of the Riviera, the soundtrack to the golden era of Italian House music.

With all releases between 1992 and 1994, House Of Riviera Vol. 2 unites a selection of 9 tracks that encapsulates the atmosphere, the energy and creativity that reigned during that era. Including 2 previously unreleased tracks from Ricky Montanari and Davide Ruberto, and Ivan Iacobucci, both in the vaults since 1992, the compilation spans the different shades of the genre : from classic deep vocal house by Ricky Montanari and Sound Set, to the more dubbier late night dance floor cuts by Workin’ Happily and Night Communication, with Mental Detector and More Heavy Soul bringing some well chosen disco samples to their contributions, without forgetting the characteristic deep Italian dream house style by Green Baize. Artists featured are iconic producers and DJs from the day : Ricky Montanari & Davide Ruberto, Alex Neri & Marco Baroni, Ivan Iacobucci, Workin’ Happily and More Heavy Soul.

A1 - Green Baize “Switch Back”
A2 - Night Communication “Let’s Face The Music”
B1 - Mental Detector ”Get Up”
B2 - More Heavy Soul "Load In Total Darkness”
B3 - Ivan Iacobucci "Melt The Sun”
C1 - Sima “Give You Myself (Ricky Montanari Ethos Mama Remix)”
C2 - Ricky Montanari & Davide Ruberto “London (Original Mix)”
D1 - Workin’ Happily ”Make My Move (Tira Dub)”
D2 - Sound Set ”So In Love With You (Club Mix)” More

Mona Musique is the imprint from Nick V, curator and resident DJ behind longstanding night Mona. First and foremost the vinyl-only label is an embodiment of the Parisian parties that have been bringing together Voguers, Waackers and club dancers for more than a decade.
Calling once again on the production skills of Hugo LX - who featured on Mona Musique’s debut release – “NY Collage” reminds us why he is a firm favourite with label boss Nick V. A standout soulful bassline and trademark Hugo LX drum beat, makes this a sophisticated choice to lift up the dancefloor.
Over on the B side is a remix from man of the moment Kaytronik. The DJ/producer veteran, also known as Karizma, has reworked the track to almost beyond recognition. Deep and dreamy, a new bassline gives it that raw kick, evocative of London in the later hours of the night.
Closing off the EP is a remix of ‘Drifting Away’, Hugo LX’s aforementioned Mona Musique debut. Crafted by Ambrose, the production head behind releases on late 90s House labels Kif SA and Basenotic, he is also the imprint’s studio engineer. A fan of the Kenlou/MAW era, Ambrose’s rework remains true to the deepness of the original cut, but mixes things up with a tougher, harder-hitting edge and wonky keys. More