Watching Over Me (feat. Robert Owens)

For house music this is the year where mixing the old with the new is at the height of clubland admiration. The 90's house revival combined with modern bass-heavy sounds has come together in blissful fruition with this collaboration from two of house music's most influential names, Rui Da Silva (Touch Me BMG, So Get Up, Tribal US) & Robert Owens (Tears FFRR, Ill Be Your Friend Def Mix).

On the 5th of August 'Watching over me' will be released on Invader Records (Mikill Pane, Ursa Minor, Murkage) with remixes from 'What Love Sees', whilst 'What loves sees' will be released through Rui's own imprint Kismet Records accompanied by remixes of 'Watching Over Me.' This joint/dual collaboration is a first for Rui Da Silva & Robert Owens and sees a union of the old & the new school, supported by some of the hottest young remix talent around.

Both Robert and Rui have been at the forefront in steering house music to the place it is now. Singer, songwriter, producer and DJ, Owen's is renowned for his work with Chicago house group Fingers Inc and has recently collaborated with the likes of Boys Noize, Audiofly, Mosca, and Jet Project.

Musical innovator Rui Da Silva has long been recognised as one of Portugal's most precious exports. His name is now synonymous with quality dance music. He is probably best known for the release of 'Touch Me' in 2000 which reached number 1 in the UK. More recently remixing for DJ Wild, Tom Taylor, Aqob and collaborating with AniMal, Lexy and the Kill, Ayah Marah, Clive Henry, Syron and Queen of Hearts.

'Watching over me' is an uplifting and soulful house anthem. Catchy grooves, Owens warm and rich vocal soaring above a smooth bass and shimmering house beats. In true Robert Owens style the euphoric tones of his voice take you on a journey of enlightenment.

'What Love sees' is the darker of the two tracks and gives us a tougher baseline with acid house undertones, with Roberts vocal being slightly harder and tougher than we usually hear from him.

On remix duty for 'Watching Over Me' we have Invader's: Naked Swing, Jacksun Fear and Young T. The Naked Swing remix see's 90's rave sounds presented with a modern edge. Hefty, dense basslines and Owens urgent vocal looped. With recent comparisons to Bicep and Detroit Swindle, radio support from NTS and Rinse as well as legendary remix works in the pipeline, 2013 is set to be a big year for Naked Swing. The Jacksun Fear remix treatment dishes up a heavy amount of sub-bass, with a breezy yet soaring energy. Young T finishes things off with an ode to minimal funky house.

Joel Wilson AKA Jouhl is one of the most promising young talents of the underground house scene in the musically cultured city of Manchester (UK). Having already gained release on My Favourite Robot & Ben Pearce's own Purp & Soul records, he offers a sparse and dark dub spin on 'What Love Sees.' Ular Grays slow building remix see's whiplashed snares and pulsating beats resonating to a atmospheric dance-floor filler. Where as d1schord's spin gives another dub version. A steady and sensual groove complemented by squelchy synths above a swaying bass.

This release showcases an array of talent in terms of underground dance music, surging forward with the combined work of house connoisseurs and fresh new innovators.