Okay, frankly talking, let's start with the first question : what is house music ? Although most of you receiving In Da Mix will have your own definition, the best answer comes from the streets where you'll find the people supposed to be your customers. This leading to my first time ever — something like 1996 — in Miami for the Conf'. I was lilke lost, trying to find the place — The Fontainebleau Hilton — where it was happening. So I asked some people where was the spot for WMC' and the only answers I got were : "WMC' ? What's that ? House music ? Dunno what it is !" And now, seven years on, what is WMC' if not just a succession of beach parties, with key DJ's in search of playing the latest test pressings ? Cool in a way, but definitely not enuff, as if seing their records played during the Conf' was the absolute must for promoters who often forget that a review on a mag or an airplay on a radio show reaches more people at the end of the day. This is exactly the aim of that column, spreading infos not only as a feedback to record promoters but also reachin' key DJ's, club promoters, press reviewers and radio broadcasters, knowing that the more we are being connected, the better it is to increase our global impact…

The first track opening this issue ≠ 08 is the perfect exemple of a misunderstanding between two people who didn't know each other at the time. I remember asking what it was to the DJ (and also its producer : Marlon D) who played it, right after his set in Miami and what I understood was that it was entitled "He's Alive" and supposed to be released on MAW Records… Well the truth was in fact different for what stands for me as one of this year's WMC' corker ; I mean the infamous Jaqué's "Keys Of Life", released on Jellybean Soul, on this sort of afro/french West Indies rhythm patterns that is one of MAW and DJ Greogory trademarks. A true killer indeed very subtly produced.

On a slightly more sharp perspective, I would suggest U 2 make a listen to the Pt.2 of "Ken Goes Brazil" by french DJ/producer, Claude Monnet featuring Helena Nogueira and its crazy synths line as it's another bomb and, no doubt, its most efficient production so far (Ssoh).

Of course, we both agree, bootlegging is nothing but taking profit of someone's talent, but what is to be done when so many officially ordered remixes stay on the shelves of A&Ring depts ? This House & Garden's 12 inch is another perfect example of what can be done housewise from a soulful/R&B original song. Where the hell is this coming from ? Dis, I don't know as the A-side — "The Secret" — could be a hidden track from one of the numerous Quincy Jones productions, with its influences ranging from the Jacksons to James Ingram, Michael McDonald and Barry White, whereas the B-side — 1/2 & 1/2 — could well be some original work of Musiq Soulchild (your reactions more than welcome !).

Never heard of Floorplay Records before. Maybe also because they're just havin' their second release, but what a package ! A four-tracker including a stomping nu version of Lil'Louis'classic "Club Lonely" remixed by Riton and some ragga MC on the James Brownish version of "Bring U Up" from Romanthony as relased on Glasgow Underground + a supaccol instrumental rework of Erykah Baddu's "On & On".

François K goes house with some heavy drum patterns on its second round with brazilian songstress, Barbara Mendes, surrounded by Eric Kupper with a very (good) moody song — "Got To Be In Love" written by Prelude legend, Bert Reid formerly of Unlimited Touch clan (Wave).

In search of da good ol' four to four classic song, well the Jon Cutler's various works on "Feel Alive" by The Demetrios Project should feed your appetite. And the same ought to be said about Michelle Weeks' "The Light" and its retro funk feel as demonstrated with its riff alla "Haven't You Heard" on its Original Mix produced by Sandy Rivera (Defected). Meanwhile streetbeat diva Mary J Blige offers us an interesting collaboration with Jahiem under the form of the classy & emotional "Beauty & Thug" remixed by Smiths Boys (Fall Out Records).

CLAUDE MONNET presents MONICA NOGUEIRA Ken Goes Brazil Pt.2 (Ssoh)

JAQUÉ Keys Of Life (Jellybean Soul)

FUNK LA PLANET You Gave Me Love (Funk La Planet)

RON TRENT Running Away (Jazzflight Unlimited)

RITON Club Loney (Flooprplay)

HOUSE & GARDEN The Secret/1/2 & 1/2 (bootleg)

JAHIEM featuring MARY J BLIGE (Fall Out)

LITTLE LOUIE VEGA featuring RAÙL MIDON Cerca De Mi (Vega Records)

HARRY ROMERO featuring ROBERT OWENS I Go Back (Subliminal)

JAHIEM featuring MARY J. BLIGE Beauty & Thug — Smiths Boys Vocal Club Mix (Fall Out)

BARBARA MENDES Got To Be In Love (Wave)

DEEPSWING featuring CHANCE Freedom (Generate Music)

JON CUTLER featuring E-MAN It’s Yours — Joey Negro Vocal 2003 Remix (Vaults)

MIMOSA End Of Me — Jazzy Dub Mix (Deep Touch)

BEATROUTE featuring LADY K. Lazin ( CDR)

MIGUEL MIGS/PETALPUSHER City People (Transport)

AVALON featuring EMMA LANDFORD Take Me Higher (Su Su)

BILLIE featuring POUND BOYS It Comes Back Around (white label/test pressing)

KENNY BOBIEN Dance For Life — Little Big Bee Latin 2003 Remix (Disorient)