EDMunplugged

Tag: Black Book Records

  • Chris Lake releases ‘Black Book ID’s Chapter 1’

    Chris Lake releases ‘Black Book ID’s Chapter 1’

    Founder of Black Book Records, Chris Lake released the first of a series of mixtapes from the recording label titled, Black Book ID’s Chapter 1, which is available to stream/download via Black Book Records/Astralwerks.

    Featuring four in-demand recordings that have been heard in sets or previewed, Black Book ID’s Chapter 1 includes releases from a range of artists from the coveted music label.  This includes the fiery sounds of Chris Lake, Riva Starr, Dubesque, Fourword, and a remix by NightFunk to round-out the mix.

    “With Black Book ID’s, we’re aiming to give fans a sense of discovery, with exclusive, previously unreleased recordings from artists they love and songs from new artists that we’re excited about.”

    Chris Lake

    Chris Lake & Riva Starr – Beat Freak (Feat. Lau.ra)

    Kicking off the mix is a Chris Lake collaboration with Riva Starr co-written by lau.ra titled “Beat Freak.” Showcasing Chris Lake’s trademark sound, the track is a pulsating dance floor tech-house gem knocking with ferocity.  With undulating bass hypnotic melodies and a catchy vocal courtesy of lau.ra, the track is an expertly crafted heater suited for the underground.

    “Riva Starr hit me up on WhatsApp as he had an idea he wanted to share with me for a track. We’ve known each other for many years, but it felt like the right time to do something together and ‘Beat Freak’ is the result.”

    Chris Lake

    Black Book ID”s Chapter 1 marks the first of a series of mixtapes expected to be released by the lauded imprint and Grammy-nominated founder Chris Lake.  Be on the lookout for future chapters of Black Book ID’s to deliver fresh surprises, including highly-anticipated new music. 

    Black Book IDs Chapter 1

    1. Chris Lake, Riva Starr – Beat Freak ft. lau.ra
    2. Dubesque – Trippin’
    3. Fourword – Snake Charmer
    4. Nicky Night Time – Like I Don’t Exist (NightFunk Remix)
  • Chris Lake & Armand Van Helden release, ‘The Answer EP’

    Chris Lake & Armand Van Helden release, ‘The Answer EP’

    Chris Lake & Armand Van Helden announced the release of “The Answer EP” which is currently available to stream/download now via Black Book Records/Astralwerks.

    Chris Lake & Armand Van Helden – The Answer

    Adding to this announcement was the reveal of the official video for “The Answer” ft. Arthur Baker and Victor Simonelli.  Directed by Adrian Villagomez, the video perfectly captures the song’s theme of inclusion and love.  The video unfolds in a desert with troops watching an enemy soldier who advances toward them, strips off his protective gear, and then begins dancing.  Peace is the underlying theme as the troops ponder their response to their opponent.

    “‘Why Can’t We See’ gave us our mantra for making the record: love is the answer.  The title track came together so quickly. We just followed the energy in the room.”

    Armand Van Helden

    The four-track EP “The Answer” also features the track “Feel So Good.” Bouncing with joy and sensuality, the track embodies Lake’s approach to making music. 

    “All I’m really looking for is to get people on the dancefloor, and by the time they finish they realize, ‘Oh, God, my feet really hurt.’ I want them to dance and let go and feel good.”

    Chris Lake

    “Work!,” the third track on the EP was inspired by Van Helden’s tales of New York City during the 90’s.  The final track “Dubai Dublin” perfectly rounds out the exquisite body of work with a groovy, silken vibe. The Answer EP couldn’t come at a more pressing time where the world needs a reprieve of happiness amidst the worldwide pandemic. 

    “We wrote ‘Work!’ whilst imagining there being a big vogue-off to the song.”

    Chris Lake

    Chris Lake’s career started in his bedroom making music and emulating artists like Armand Van Helden, whose career spans three decades.  Lake has since amassed his own series of chart-topping hits, earned a GRAMMY Award nomination, and founded the acclaimed independent label Black Book Records. His collaboration with Van Helden was sparked by a chance encounter.

    “I bumped into Armand in Miami at a pool party and we exchanged emails. A month later, he hit me up and floated the idea of working together. The vibes were flying after we sat down on the first morning, chugging coffee, visualizing what could be made.”

    Chris Lake

    For additional information on Chris Lake, please visit his official website. For more information on Armand Van Helden, please visit here.

    Chris Lake & Armand Van Helden  – The Answer EP

    1. The Answer (feat. Arthur Baker & Victor Simonelli) 
    2. Feel So Good
    3. Work!
    4. Dubai Dublin
  • Chris Lake & Armand Van Helden announce upcoming EP ‘The Answer’

    Chris Lake & Armand Van Helden announce upcoming EP ‘The Answer’

    Electronic music producers Chris Lake & Armand Van Helden announce a brand-new collaborative EP titled, “The Answer” which is scheduled for release on December 11 via Black Book Records/Astralwerks.

    In support of the announcement, the duo released the lead single and title track from the EP. Featuring Arthur Baker and Victor Simonelli, “The Answer” is currently available to stream/download here.  Sampling “Why Can’t We See” by Blind Truth featuring Tata and Toney, which was written and produced by pioneering producers Arthur Baker and Victor Simonelli, “The Answer” is an anthemic single that sets the groundwork for what is to come from the duo’s forthcoming EP. 

    In response to the title track, Armand Van Helden says,

    “It gave us our mantra for making the record: love is the answer.  The title track came together so quickly. We just followed the energy in the room.” 

    “I bumped into Armand in Miami at a pool party and we exchanged emails. A month later, he hit me up and floated the idea of working together.  I suggested I go to work with him in Miami to get some intensive days in together. The vibes were flying after we sat down on the first morning, chugging coffee, visualizing what could be made.”

    Chris Lake

    “The Answer” comes at the most pressing time when the world is in much need of a heavy dose of dance floor bliss. Kicking off the EP is the title track, which then continues with the uplifting, “Feel So Good,” which percolates pleasure and debauchery.  It then moves on to “Work!” which is an exuberant four-on-floor number.  The EP’s final track, “Dubai Dublin,”  completes the release and closes-out the exhilarating project.

    For additional information on Chris Lake, please visit his official website. For more information on Armand Van Helden, please visit here.

    Chris Lake & Armand Van Helden  – The Answer EP tracklist

    1. The Answer (feat. Arthur Baker & Victor Simonelli) 
    2. Feel So Good
    3. Work!
    4. Dubai Dublin

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