Popping out as a intriguing Traxsource Exclusive today is Rosabel bringing together the crew for The Album Revisited. The Carrillo Music release sees artists that make up the heart of DJ sets worldwide, coming over from labels such as elrow or Crosstown Rebels, featured in Forbes, working with Traxsource Live and have been running their own successful projects for years. Grab up these producer’s warehouse, club and various niche edits of Rosabel’s 2019 buzzing release, The Album, available only on Traxsource until September 13.
It was a pleasure chatting with Abel Aguilera and Ralphi Rosario, the Grammy-nominated producers behind Rosabel about their story alongside the new collection and ahead of their 30th Anniversary Tour with 18 stops so far, starting in LA at the Abbey on September 1 and currently closely out the tour and year at Prism in Toronto (full tour dates are listed at the bottom).
Then meet the impressive selection of artists on The Album Revisited, featuring legendary disco vocalists Debbie Jacobs Rock and Tamara Wallace as well as firey artists that touch all ranges of house music: Nick Bertossi, Alex Romas, Hytech & JRNY, Jose Spinnin Cortes, Barry Huffine, Eric Kupper, Angle Moraes, Saliva Commandos and Mendo.
How did you receive the news that you received a GRAMMY nomination?
Through a phone call from and friend lol When you get a phone call that asks you ‘If you’re sitting down’ this time THIS one didn’t go south! As soon as I found out, I called Abel and asked HIM if HE was sitting down lol!
What was your reaction?
Shocked… Completely in disbelief… Wasn’t expecting that at all.
Did you make it to the GRAMMYs or any pre/watching parties? If so, how was that experience?
We did make it to the Grammys. For me personally, it was surreal; and happy but also sad occasion. News of Whitney Houston’s passing dominated the Grammys that year in 2011.
Rosabel’s GRAMMY-Nominated Rihanna Remix
Curious on what makes Nick Bertossi’s version of ‘The Sound’, a Warehouse Radio edit? What would you say makes for a more warehouse-ready sound?
I believe his mix is more ‘Warehouse’ because they’re more and more events that are coming up, being more on the ‘Raw’ side.. Think rave perhaps.
What is your creative process behind the vocals and lyrics for the releases on the album and throughout your career?
Majority of the songs on the LP are reworks, hence the term and title ‘REVISITED’. Our process is usually organic. We can both be coming up with an Idea, adding more fuel to whatever fire is started.
Which tracks have you written the words for over the years?
We’ve collectively (Abel and myself) done lyrics. Again this process is always fun, but organic. Trying out different things is healthy.
Who is Debbie Jacobs Rock?
Debbie Jacobs Rock is the famous Debbie Jacobs, Disco diva of the late 70’s disco era. “Don’t you want my love” was one of her biggest hits. We just decided to re-record the vocals with her and reproduce the song. Its always been one of our favorite disco songs. That original disco version was sampled so so many times!
How was it working with Tamara Wallace on ‘Freak’? How do you know her?
First off, we are huge fans of her work. She did vocals for Funky Green dogs back in the day. She’s an amazing person!
Have you started making special plans for your official 30-year anniversary party in New York or along your tour?
There is an event on the table, still ironing it all out…
Ralphi, can you share a memory or two from the beginnings of Hot Mix 5 and a recent memory as well?
Hot Mix 5 was a result of a few local DJs; handing in ‘Mixtapes/Reels’ of hotmixes that eventually would air on radio station WBMX in Chicago. There were 5 of us that were consistent every week in turning in an hour mix set, back in 1981. They kept us 5, out of close to 10 participants, that were NOT consistent. I was 14/15 years old. I was in school; everyday I would run to the turntables after school and practice the art of DJing.
How did your official remix of the ‘Black Eyed Peas’ ‘RITMO’ come to light?
We were called in by our friend Orlando Puertas, who A&R remixes for Madonna, Cher and so so many others. We were approached to do ‘Ritmo’ and the fit was great.
What have been some of your favorite warehouse sets? Who’s warehouse parties were they?
The only one that comes to mind was one night, I was told that Dee-light was playing a DJ set at a Chicago Rave. I ran over and spent the night with them. It was magic.
Your previous album showcased a lot of tribal house, what influenced this direction?
Our true latin roots! There’s nothing like it baby!
Have you ever DJ’d in the jungle or tribal-like territories? Or what are some off-the-grid places you have performed?
Many afterhours in Italy; a few castles in Germany, and the list goes on.
I found an old video of ‘Cha Cha Heels’ featured on So You Think You Can Dance. I love to see a classic dance techniques to house music. What do you rate their performance?
It was a great competition.
Did you get to see some people dancing in heels to this track when you played it out?
Outside of talented drag queens, I don’t think the crowds wore heels!
When was the last time you were in touch or saw Jeanie Tracy?
We speak on and off. She’s truly legendary and a wonderful person!
What are some tracks that are getting a good response from the dance floor lately?
There are too many to tell.. I always put my remix hat on and usually create new music for most of our sets..
Can people listen to one of your sets online or do we just have to come see you live?
Outside of what happened with Twitch; I usually prefer for folks to experience us live. There’s nothing like it…
Meet the Artists on Rosabel’s The Album Revisited [Carrillo Music]
The Swiss-born Mendo, the owner of Clarisse Records, has been a key figure in deep, tech, tribal, and funky house music for over 20 years. Known for his sought-after remixes, he has crafted over 200 tracks, working with top artists like Danny Tenaglia, Nina Kraviz, and Deadmau5. His work has been featured on prestigious labels such as elrow, Hot Creations, Desolat, and Crosstown Rebels, solidifying his place at the forefront of the electronic music scene.
Saliva Commandos, the stage name of New York City DJ and producer George Aponte, has been a staple in the underground house scene since the mid-1990s. Blending Latin and Afro-Caribbean rhythms with classic New York house sounds, he has released music on labels like Nervous Records, Strictly Rhythm and his own imprint, IN:COMMAND Records, while his high-energy DJ sets and collaborations with artists such as Roger Sanchez and Robbie Rivera continue to make waves in the dance music community.
Angle Moraes, one of the foremost DJs and underground dance music producers, has been redefining the genre for decades with his innovative sound and global influence. From his early days in Brooklyn, inspired by NYC’s legendary clubs, to his groundbreaking productions with Hot n Spycy Recordings, Moraes has continually pushed the boundaries of dance music. His iconic track “Welcome to the Factory” cemented his place in the dance music pantheon, leading to a high-demand touring schedule and a pioneering role in building Montreal’s renowned STEREO nightclub. As he continues to innovate with new productions and remixes, Moraes remains a dynamic force in the dance music world.
Eric Kupper an American keyboardist and producer of French descent, has shaped the sound of contemporary music since the mid-1980s. With over 2,000 records to his name and a pivotal role in the evolution of house music, Kupper’s legacy includes influential collaborations with icons like David Morales and Frankie Knuckles, and his 1995 solo album From the Deep.
Barry Huffine is out of Fort Lauderdale with over 20 years in the industry, Huffine co-founded the influential dance label Purchase Musik in 2005, producing hits like Dolce’s “I Will” and scoring Billboard success with Housekeeperz. After a hiatus focused on DJing, he returned to production with notable releases including the 2018 single “U Sexy Mutha U” featuring Zhana Royia, and a series of acclaimed remixes and new productions on the horizon.
In the summer of 2006, Jose Spinnin Cortes‘ debut single “IBEROAMERICA” established his signature progressive tribalk sound and captured the attention of Mexican clubbers and DJs, leading to a signing with Latin America’s top electronic label, +Mas Label. With support from renowned DJs and collaborations with global stars, Jose has released three acclaimed albums and earned recognition from Forbes Magazine Mexico as one of the most creative Mexican minds in the world in 2016, while maintaining a dynamic production and touring schedule across the globe to this day.
Hytech & JRNY with his Cochina Radio mix is, Jody Vukas, the founder of Distant Drum Recordings, whose musical soundscapes seamlessly blend melodic, tech, and progressive house elements. Behind The Music is a video series that he will be premiering at the end of summer.
Tune into Nick Bertossi a Vancouver-based DJ and producer’s podcast, Warehouse, Disco and House Sessions, for vibrant mixes that have been pumping through Gay Pride and Black Lives Matters communities.
Rosabel’s 30th Anniversary Tour
SEPTEMBER DATES:
01 – Los Angeles CA @ The Abbey
07 – Fire Island NY @ The Pavilion
13 – Washington DC @ Bunker
15 – Dallas TX @ S4
22 – New York @ Brüt Cruise on Circle Line
29 – San Francisco @Aftershock City Nights
OCTOBER DATES:
05 – Buzios, Brazil @ Biggerland Festival
12 – Atlanta GA @Pride Main event / Rosabel
19 – Ft. Lauderdale FL @ The Manor
26 – San Diego CA @ Atlantis Mexico Cruise
NOVEMBER DATES:
02 – Palm Springs CA @Pride Event Rosabel
10 – San Francisco – Rosabel @City Nights
16 – Boston MA – @ Legacy
30 – Ft. Lauderdale – Rosabel @ The Manor
DECEMBER DATES:
07 – Washington DC – @ Bunker
14 – New York – Rosabel 30th Anniversary
21 – Atlanta GA – @ Future – Xion
29 – Puerto Vallarta MX – @ Mantamar
31 – Toronto CA – Rosabel NYE @ Prism
