Introducing Damien Zala… the next promising young Frenchman to release on Hold Youth. Although relatively unknown, his first album ‘Lonely Happiness’ received strong support from Theo Parrish, Norm Talley and Luke Hess amongst others. Combining analogue synths and drum-machines with acoustic elements and samples from old records, the trained sound engineer is a rigorous technician aiming to create sophisticated deep house atmospheres. Hold Youth provide a breeding ground for open-minded and innovative music, and Zala’s Second Life EP ticks all the right boxes. Exploring sounds from a broad spectrum, ‘Ms Blue’ is the moody opener that creates a melange of raw minimal jazz, while the B side continues in this vein with more of an obvious off-key German micro house influence. ‘Considered Done’ references the late Herbie Hancock, sampling his voice over a flowing piano melody and punchy bass line, while ‘Tribute to Willy Simon’ goes all out funky, full of brass, with a classic Hip Hop swagger.

More

For Skylax 140, Damien Zala, of Rowtag Records fame, brings the heat with a new 6 track EP. It kicks off with an absolutely mad remix of ‘Looking For The Sun’ by Detroit legend, Anthony ‘Shake’ Shakir. The attention to detail is clear when it comes to someone who has been in the game for so long, and the rework he has done for Damien’s track is no exception. ‘The Final Break’ is Damien’s first original on the record; A skippy, staccato affair in both its percussion and its disco/funk/soul sampling. ‘Beauty Is Back’ is Damien taking things down a jazzier route, with a piano laden jazz sample and shuffling drums to match.On the flip, ‘Always Young’ is an audacious disco edit, sampling such a treasured song that many would consider untouchable; Luckily, Damien works his magic to make an edit which gets people moving without being obvious. The EP closes out with ‘Emotions’ and the original version of ‘ Looking For The Sun’, barely recognisable from the Anthony Shakir remix, in the best possible way! Sweet & Dirty indeed, don’t miss this offering by the one and only Damien Zala.

More

SKYLAX RECORDS, THE company focused on realeasing original obscure dance classic and everything’s that sounds fine to their ears !What a special one we have here on Skylax Classic! Damien Zala, the man who put out the superb album ‘Lonely Happiness’ on Rowtag Records in late 2012, who gets heavy support from the great Theo Parrish, dishes up six special tracks for our next release. Before diving in, it is well worth noting that a selection of Damien’s album tracks had remixes by the likes of house icons such as DJ Jus-Ed, Rick Wade and Boo Williams! If those names register even the slightest blip on your radar, which they should, then this record might be the treasure you’ve been searching for. Damien’s sampling technique has a certain air of grandeur to it. ‘Shake Vibration’ makes this apparent right from the start with intricate layers of vocals, guitar licks and keys. ‘All My Respect’ and ‘Come Around’ both follow suit whilst ‘Dizzie’ picks up the B side with a bit more energy and frenzy compared to what has come before it. The record rounds out with two tracks taking things a bit deeper. ‘Stay Where You Are’ drives forward with filtered pad chords that accompany jazzy sax and vocal cuts while conversely, ‘Z To The Jz’ brings in a moodier vibe with its jazz samples and smoky drums. Do not miss the chance to get such a gem of a record from Damien Zala!, C L A S S I C ! A must to have in every djs collection. Essential Item No Digital More

Lonely happiness is the debut album By Damien Zala (24 years old, french producer) on his own Rowtag label. This album with many influences is a subtile travel between differents deep house inspirations, ideas come from ambient music, soul, funk, jazz but also movies and Damien's homeland (south of France). All tracks have been produced with analog hardware, a recorder and a few old vinyls samples.



More

"Battle of the Beats" Ep, a musical journey near the sea. Nick Anthony strikes again. As usual, he gives us a full analog work. A vintage sound, designed with a modern mind. After two years of silence, Rowtag records the label "born from fire" is back and proud to release again.

More

Boo Williams the Master from Chicago is back on Rowtag records!! After his remix on RTG002, we are very proud to release now “Cosmic Teck” Ep, including remix by Damien Zala (Rowtag label boss). Boo delivered three new killer trax for body and soul, authentic, modern and powerfull! Damien rework “Lil red” and proposed a classic deep house version, with sweet electric piano keys and raw sound. Rowtag records born from fire. More

Lonely happiness is the debut album By Damien Zala (24 years old, french producer) on his own Rowtag label. This album with many influences is a subtile travel between differents deep house inspirations, ideas come from ambient music, soul, funk, jazz but also movies and Damien's homeland (south of France). All tracks have been produced with analog hardware, a recorder and a few old vinyls samples.



More