Venus Rising

The journey starts in 2003 with a beauty from Blvd East with the late KT Brooks on vocals before jumping straight into 2026 for a few tracks from Lenny Fontana, Maysa & Michelle Shellers. Groove Junkies and Opolopo revisit their 2018 collaboration "We Rise" complete with exquisite vocals from Solara before the groove blends into a classic from Jasper Street Co with Frankie Knuckles on the remix. The second half gets underway with "The Mood" taken from Change's 2025 long player "Embrace" before delving into the heady days of 1989 to 1991 for four tried and tested gems from back in THE day.



Blvd East ft KT Brooks - It's Your Life (FTL Dub)
Lenny Fontana - Stay With Me All Night (Club Mix)
Maysa - I Don't Mind (DJ Spen & Reelsoul Traxsource Exclusive Remix)
Michelle Shellers - Rise (DJ Spen & Thommy Davis Vocal Reproduction)
Groove Junkies, Opolopo & Solara - We Rise (OPOLOPO No More Lies Vocal)
Jasper Street Co. - Fly Away (Frankie Knuckles Remix)
Change ft Tanya Michelle Smith - The Mood (Figo Sound & JL Remix)
Kariya - Let Me Love You For Tonight
Victoria Wilson James - Through (Classic Club Mix)
Nomad ft. MC Mikee Freedom - (I Wanna Give You) Devotion
Don Pablo's Animals - Venus (The Piano Mix)

Recommended Listening

Opolopo ft Angela Johnson - Good Lover [Reel People Music]

Today's pick is another cracking cover version of an old school classic. This time around Opolopo teams up with vocalist Angela Johnson to cover D-Influence's 1992 release "Good Lover". In terms of style, the production stays relatively true to the original although there's that distinctive Opolopo sound which shines through in the synth arrangement and electronic bass. Angela's vocals are again delivered in a manner that is sympathetic to Sarah Ann Webb's original effort all those years ago. If you were a fan of the original, you're likely to appreciate this highly respectful update. Available to pre-order now through Traxsource with a release date of 18th June.

Recommended Listening

D.C. LaRue - Do You Want The Real Thing [Only Good Vibes Music]

Peter Major aka Opolopo does what Opolopo does and he does it very well. This time around he's worked his magic on disco legend D.C. LaRue's "Do You Want The Real Thing", a track that dates back to 1978. This is a truly majestic release that's been treated respectfully. Listening to that bass and those strings I feel like I've been transported back in time. "Do You Want The Real Thing" is available to pre-order now on Traxsource moving to promo on 28th May.

Recommended Listening

Ralf GUM ft Bongi Mvuyana - Used To Be [GoGo Music]

When I reviewed this on Ralf's album "Progressions" a few months ago I described "Used To Be" as soothing and compelling. Six months later I stand by that assessment of a track that is underpinned by a gnawing afro rhythm the sweetest of vocals and enticing brass. Ralf delivers his own laid back "Main Mix" and a shorter "Radio Edit" before we arrive at the equally impressive remixes. First to step up is Sweden's Opolopo whose remix is transformative to say the least. The striking electronic vibe is punctuated by a completely reworked backing track with deep synths and heavier throbbing bass which nevertheless allow breathing space for the vocals. Next we arrive at the Sir LSG Remix which is notable for a sumptuous keys and percussive African rhythms that goad you in the direction of the floor. The final version is delivered by Italy's Davide Fiorese and it's absolutely magical. There's a deep funky groove courtesy of a killer bassline and chugging rhythms which are then augmented by swirling synths, dreamy keys and those wonderful vocals. This is my pick of the mixes, although I should stress that everyone of them will see plenty of attention from me over the coming weeks. "Used To Be" is a stunning piece of music delivered with an array of exceptional mixes.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Recommended Listening

MoreHouse is a label that I've followed since its inception back in the summer of 2002. Their latest release finds Groove Junkies collaborating with Opolopo whose unique energetic vibes have been working dancefloors all over the world for several years. The combination works perfectly, creating a sound that infuses both artists' signatures. Rather than me going on with my typical over explanation, I've included the sound sample so you can listen for yourself. Available now on Traxsource.