Los Angeles-based trio ASHRR, aka vocalist Steven Davis and producer-musicians Ethan Allen and Josh Charles, have developed a reputation for their blend of post-punk, space disco, and indie dance – or, ‘Roxy Music jamming with ESG in Central Park on a sunny Sunday’, as the official blurb puts it.
Last year’s album Sunshine Low, along with 2019’s Oscillator, has helped establish their place in the electronic soul scene, and their latest release is a remix EP for Please Don’t Stop The Rain, one of the stand-out tracks on Sunshine Low. The EP, which is now out on 20/20 Vision, features remixes from house music legend Ron Trent, and two additional dancefloor-oriented ASHRR Soundsystem remixes.
For the latest #MyRecordBag feature, ASHRR presents a playlist entitled ‘The Soul of Dance’, encompassing classic dance, funk and soul tracks, from yesteryear to the present day.
Diana Ross – Upside Down
“A deep study in the architecture of groove. Never disappoints.”
Oliver Sim – Sensitive Child (Soulwax Remix)
“One of those tracks striking the rare balance between ecstatic, atmospheric, and a complete jam.”
Yuksek, Okwess, Jupiter – Kwatamaja
“Between the remarkable production and amazing MC skills, this track manages to constantly accelerate the vibe while keeping the same steady tempo.”
Modern Romance – Salsa Rappsody
“Can’t remember where this track first came about—it might have been on a Frankie Knuckles early warehouse recording. The guitar riff over the four-on-the-floor beat, married with a white rock take on rap, gives this a special place for us. Kills in sets too!”
Kiki Gyan – 24 Hours in a Disco
“Kiki was known as the African Stevie Wonder. He was a brilliant artist who never really received his due, but thankfully, his music remains powerful, potent, and funky as ever. This collection is a treasured vinyl for me.”
Free Youth – We Can Move
“One of the first rap-disco records to come out of Africa in the early ’80s, using drum machines and the latest technology. This song never gets old with its infectious horns, bassline, and spoken word rap that feels both primitive and primal.”
Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King – Love Come Down
“A perfect culmination of excellent songwriting, stellar groove, and an undeniable hook has made this a stone-cold classic.”
Megatronic – Casey Screams
“Outstanding modern production meets old-school soul.”
Kryptogram – Look How Far We’ve Come
“Dig this Grace Jones style of delivery inside a modern house groove track.”
Tayrell – Dischromatic
“This track is full of twists and turns while percolating into a vision of tomorrow.”
Crazy P – Strange Affair
“We really miss Danielle, and her spirit shines in this one. The pulsating synth bass and evocative melody mixed with the synths give this a classic ’80s vibe mixed with something new. Love Crazy P.”
ASHRR – Please Don’t Stop The Rain (Soundsystem Version)
“A little bit of steel soul mixed with some disco surprises and a groove exploration that leaves you wanting more.”
ASHRR – The Glow (Soundsystem Version)
“An angelic combination—a little bit threatening, a little bit sexy—all well describing the feeling of ecstasy.”
Miguel Migs (feat. Andy Allo) – Sensations
“‘Attractive’ does its one job so well, with an insistent, infectious groove.”
Thanks to ASHRR for their selections. ASHRR – Please Don’t Stop The Rain Remix EP is out now and can be downloaded/streamed here. Main photo by Jeff Fourney.
Check out the top tracks that the 909originals team has recently discovered through Musosoup here. To feature your music on 909originals, click here. 🙂
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