Atlanta native Stefan Ringer steps up for a solo release on Bristol’s Black Acre, tracing a lineage of sonic references into an unmissable four-track EP. From radiant, soulful house to wonky machine funk, Soulflow is a distillation of cultural and personal narratives, tracing the evolution of his sound over a number of years. As an influential force in Atlanta’s dance music community - and with a strong connection to the sounds of Detroit - Stefan’s music reflects a genuine love for the underground. He held a residency at the legendary Sound Table with Ash Lauryn until its closure, runs the beloved monthly party Kudzu, and has spent years committed to his craft as a producer, DJ, promoter, and label manager. Tying the threads between an ever-expanding pool of sounds, his approach to production looks beyond the restraints of formal genre, and instead towards community, offering new sonic frameworks for others to soundtrack their own personal journeys. Black Acre has, since its inception in 2007, focused on strains of electronic music that mutate across different styles, and as such, Soulflow touches on a number of subcultural moments. As the name suggests, the title track is an uplifting, 101 groove of stripped back soul, driven by Stefan’s vocal treatments. ‘What’s Your Sign’ heads into hazier territory for an angular cut of minimal hypnotism. Taking a trip further into Stefan’s musical heritage with a nod to mid-2000s dubstep, ‘Cleanse’ is a half-time stepper adorned with glistening keys and improvised melodies that flawlessly embodies the cross-pollinated spirit of the genre, continuing the lineage of what occurred before with a sincere appreciation. Rounding things off is ‘Body Know’ - born from an experiment with a bass guitar and beat-boxed percussion - that fuses echoed vocals with a driving, analogue funk. Soulflow offers an honest portrayal of Stefan’s musical story, honing in on its past to build an expansive vision of its future. As he summarises succinctly: ‘This collection offers a glimpse into my journey thus far, with the anticipation of more to come.’ More

A1 - Get Rite
A2 - Body Language
B1 - Free Thought
B2 – Trysheen

Atalanta’s hotly tipped Stefan Ringer comes correct with a four-track breeze through deep, hazed out, syncopated house for Second Hand Records. Following standout releases on the likes of NDATL, People's Potential Unlimited and Argot and comparisons with the likes of Marcellus Pittman and Kyle Hall, Ringer is a talent you do not want to pass up.

Though never in doubt, 'Side Notes' sets out Ringers stall for all to see. At points MPC crunched samples lay over the top of punchy basslines and echoed ad libs, at others free flowing keys dance around layered drum loops and off kilter percussive hits.

There’s a cut here for everyone - a deft magic, versatility and spark that you need in the bag. More

Again, Stefan Ringer brings forth that heat! Four tracks made for the floor. The A1 "DoU?" begins with the classic phrase "she loves me, she loves me not". A nod to the tunneling vocals throughout the track. Hard hitting drums and percussion get you pumped and ready to take the journey. Deep emotional chords press on; as a thumping sub bass line connects everything together. A2 is "The Loop". Crispy 808 claps and hats lure your ears, while deeper chord stabs wrap everything in a package you can't refuse. The real star is the fat almost hollow bass line that hypnotizes you. The angelic synth harmonica solos throughout leave you begging for more. B1, "Reach", features the silk-like vocals of Detroit's own Javonntte. The chord stabs, drums, and bass line really show out on this track. Proven to work in clubs across the world, by the likes of Kai Alce, JT Donaldson, Ash Lauryn, ByronThe Aquarius, Wajeed, Patrice Scott, and Touching Bass, this one is definitely for the floor. Finally the B2, "Love2U", showcases Stefan's ability to slow things down without missing a step. Smooth, simple, and intelligent, the melody is the star of this track. Sensual and expressive vocals convey the message of this tune. The solo provided near the end articulates how much more there is to come from Stefan and this label. You need this. More

Stefan Ringer’s debut on People of Earth indeed does feel rite as the title implies. A superb and well-rounded EP from start to finish that is meant for the dancers. Stefan shows out on his People of Earth release and informs the world that ATLANTA is doing its thing, in case you didn’t already know. More

FWM Entertainment has kept that same energy in its second release by label head, Stefan Ringer. The A side track "SO" is instantly exciting! The chorded turned arpeggiated melody and rhythm section take over your body and the song invokes different feelings and emotions as it progresses; this is a song you will definitely want to have for this summer and beyond. Over on the B side, "Afrotine" brings a more tropical broken beat type of flavor. The percussive yet chromatic sound of the kalimba is almost hypnotizing. Sunshine, cool breezes, and smiles come to mind when hearing this one. The B2, "Time" is a slowed down vocal groove that slaps! The melody floats effortlessly along the beat with the bass line following closely behind, complimenting the changes throughout. Overall this one is a keeper and a great follow-up to the acclaimed FWM001.

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With an arsenal of releases on labels like NDATL, PPU, Black Catalogue, 2MR, and Harsh Riddims, Atlanta artist Stefan Ringer presents the first release on his own imprint FWM Entertainment. This contribution contains a fluid spectrum of sounds . "Southside", is a soulful, sexy summer house cut. "Great Beat" follows up in a similar vein; jazz inspired, introspective, and upbeat. While "Wanna Be Bad" is a freaky skating rink inspired track. "Got Me 123" is a Hypnotic 2 step groove, and rounding it out is "FR Shawty" a slowed vocal stepper. More

Stefan Ringer aka REKchampa says he makes music that’s danceable, intelligent, and soulful, and we couldn’t agree more. This 4 track EP of soulful house from the star of Atlanta’s underground scene has everything for the discerning DJ (bangers Bounce #3 and Can’t Stop) and the home listener (heady deep cuts Feeling It and The Come Down) alike. The release coincides with 2MR’s first in a series of semi-regular parties at Black Flamingo on the 27th, with Ringer, Mike Simonetti and Justin Strauss More

Again, Stefan Ringer brings forth that heat! Four tracks made for the floor. The A1 "DoU?" begins with the classic phrase "she loves me, she loves me not". A nod to the tunneling vocals throughout the track. Hard hitting drums and percussion get you pumped and ready to take the journey. Deep emotional chords press on; as a thumping sub bass line connects everything together. A2 is "The Loop". Crispy 808 claps and hats lure your ears, while deeper chord stabs wrap everything in a package you can't refuse. The real star is the fat almost hollow bass line that hypnotizes you. The angelic synth harmonica solos throughout leave you begging for more. B1, "Reach", features the silk-like vocals of Detroit's own Javonntte. The chord stabs, drums, and bass line really show out on this track. Proven to work in clubs across the world, by the likes of Kai Alce, JT Donaldson, Ash Lauryn, ByronThe Aquarius, Wajeed, Patrice Scott, and Touching Bass, this one is definitely for the floor. Finally the B2, "Love2U", showcases Stefan's ability to slow things down without missing a step. Smooth, simple, and intelligent, the melody is the star of this track. Sensual and expressive vocals convey the message of this tune. The solo provided near the end articulates how much more there is to come from Stefan and this label. You need this. More

FWM Entertainment has kept that same energy in its second release by label head, Stefan Ringer. The A side track "SO" is instantly exciting! The chorded turned arpeggiated melody and rhythm section take over your body and the song invokes different feelings and emotions as it progresses; this is a song you will definitely want to have for this summer and beyond. Over on the B side, "Afrotine" brings a more tropical broken beat type of flavor. The percussive yet chromatic sound of the kalimba is almost hypnotizing. Sunshine, cool breezes, and smiles come to mind when hearing this one. The B2, "Time" is a slowed down vocal groove that slaps! The melody floats effortlessly along the beat with the bass line following closely behind, complimenting the changes throughout. Overall this one is a keeper and a great follow-up to the acclaimed FWM001.

More

With an arsenal of releases on labels like NDATL, PPU, Black Catalogue, 2MR, and Harsh Riddims, Atlanta artist Stefan Ringer presents the first release on his own imprint FWM Entertainment. This contribution contains a fluid spectrum of sounds . "Southside", is a soulful, sexy summer house cut. "Great Beat" follows up in a similar vein; jazz inspired, introspective, and upbeat. While "Wanna Be Bad" is a freaky skating rink inspired track. "Got Me 123" is a Hypnotic 2 step groove, and rounding it out is "FR Shawty" a slowed vocal stepper. More