NakedMusic is a sophisticated vibe that's become a full-on phenomenon since the label's inception in 1999, seducing both DJs and listeners alike with its string of strong 12" singles, forward-thinking compilations, and vibrant cover images. Now Naked is stepping up to the big leagues, teaming up with fellow U.S. label Astralwerks for wider exposure, distribution and promotion.
NakedMusic Recordings was the logical extension for NakedMusic NYC, a
production company and studio founded by Jay Denes with bassist and industry vet Dave Boonshoft in 1995. NakedMusic NYC produced 1998's What's On Your Mind? LP for Om Records, bringing together some of New York's best musicians and vocalists to create a landmark album of stripped-down beats and moody songwriting.
The album was a critical success, garnering rave reviews in America and the UK and even cracking the FM airwaves. It established the NakedMusic sound and emboldened Boonshoft and Denes to push their music even more. With an opportunity in front of them to take control, the duo was joined by Bruno Ybarra, the Om A&R exec, and thus Naked Music Recordings was born.
Debuting with Petalpusher's (a.k.a San Francisco's Miguel "Migs") "Breaking It Down", Naked established a successful template. Combining strong songwriting and vocal performances, top-notch production, diverse remixes and sexy cover illustrations from art director Stuart Patterson, Naked's mature blend of deep house, R&B and downtempo beats has been a breath of fresh air. The label has introduced fresh talent as well, showcasing Miguel "Migs", Aquanote (SF's Gabe Rene), Summerland (NYC guitarist Mark Anthony Jones) and vocalists Lisa Shaw and Gaelle Addison.
Naked has also released seven acclaimed mix CDs and compilations, featuring Naked's own music as well as tracks from other like-minded indies. The CDs have only reinforced Naked Music's brand reputation for quality, innovative music.
Naked/Astralwerks will re-issue five of these compilations including:
Carte Blanche, Volumes 1 & 2 (midtempo and abstract rhythms), Nude Dimensions, Volumes 1 & 2 (sultry deep house, with a late-night feel), and Bare Essentials, Volume 1, which compiles the best of Naked's back
catalogue, conveniently compiled for the vinyl-disabled. From Petalpusher's "Breakin It Down" to Blue Six's "Pure" and everything in between, this collection features all of the early classics, with a few unreleased mixes thrown in for good measure. These are the crucial tracks that introduced the world to Naked's defining sound. Two more compliations- Midnight Snack, Volume s 1& 2 (ultra-sexy, laid-back vibes) will be re-issued early next year.
Naked/Astralwerks will also be releasing Nude Dimensions, Volume 3, the brand new, long awaited third installment in this series on October 2. With Nude 3, NakedMusic takes a snapshot of the wide spectrum of dance styles being produced around the world. Blending bits of electro, broken beats, and nu-jazz with the signature deep house feel, this volume features some of today's most intriguing underground talents. Unreleased goodies rub up against choice tunes making the rounds on discerning turntables everywhere.
Highlights include Weekender's spacey, tribal remix of Jersey Street's "Step Into the Light", and the retro electro-disco synths of Metro Area and Morgan Geist.
Naked Music NYC
Reconstructed Soul
OM Records
Back in 1998, before Naked Music had established itself as a major purveyor of deep, sexy house and urban soul, a young producer named Jay Denes, in collaboration with a stable of other relatively unknown young artists, was churning out soulful 4/4 and downtempo tracks under the name Naked NYC. Om celebrates Denes' contributions to modern-day house and the success of his now 2-year-old label, Naked Music Recordings, with fine reworkings of several tracks from Denes' 1998 release on Om Records, "What's On Your Mind?" House music's evolution is clearly mapped out for us track by track with simple soul-driven melodies, giving way to richly layered percussion and airy jazz-influenced accompaniment. This is big-city house music for educated ears! Features brand new mixes by Gabriel Rene of Soulstice, Miguel "Migs" and Joshua "Iz." --