Saeed Younan ‘Spotlight 2’: track-by-track

Saeed Younan ‘Spotlight 2’: track-by-track

20 October, 2009 | 4.39AM

• Written by: Zack Rico
• Filed under: Music News: saeed younan, younan music

Saeed Younan might have been born in Iraq and raised in Washington D.C., but his sound sure is New York house.

From the dark tribal progressive of his formative years as one half of Saeed and Palash, to his label Younan Music which explores the big room side of drum heavy house and tribal, Younan’s style has been likened to that of New York house master Danny Tenaglia for most of his career.

The compliment is not lost on Younan - his new ‘Spotlight 2’ mix compilation describes itself as “music...[that]...recalls Danny Tenaglia in the mid-1990s: serious body working business.”

The compilation careers through pockets of house rhythms, beginning with the dark drums of Marshall and Libex ‘Turin Quality Clubbing’, before quickly escalating to peak-time tribal from Nikos Toscani (’Move Your Body’), and bouncey tech house by Mastiksoul.

“‘Spotlight 2’ is giving back, I’ve put in 100% to deliver an album for those who appreciate a warm and sexy vibe consisting of groove-driven basslines, and percussive rhythms,” says Younan.

We asked Saeed Younan to guide us through his big room house journey on ‘Spotlight 2’, track-by-track.

Saeed Younan ‘Spotlight 2’: track-by-track

Saeed Younan guides us through his latest mix compilation ‘Spotlight 2’.

Marshall & Libex ‘Turin Quality Clubbing’ [303Lovers]

I decided to start the album with this track because of its strong intro. I wanted the mix to convey a peak-hour during one of my performances.

I felt that ‘Turin Quality clubbing’ was the perfect track for that.

Gabriel Robella ‘Underground’ [Kult Records]

‘Underground’ is simple and effective. The track is massive when played on a proper soundsystem.

Nikos T. ‘Move Your Body’ [Kult]

I’m all about catchy vocal hooks, and ‘Move Your Body’ is that type of track. It has a great groove and catchy words, and it really gets you moving.

Saeed Younan ‘Kumbalha’ [Younan music]

This track represents me and where I’m heading with my sound. This track has gotten a lot of attention from Mark Knight, Steve Lawler, and Danny Tenaglia.

Franklin Fuentes ‘The Robots’ (Frank Knight Loco Dub remix Inst.) [Kult]

Great percussion work and programming on this track. Frank Knight is keeping busy these days and he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.

Saeed Younan ‘Analock’ (Loko Remix) [Younan Music]

I love Loko’s production approach, that’s why I asked him to remix ‘Analock’. One of Younan Music biggest selling artists, Loko always delivers.

This Argentinean producer is definitely up and coming. He’s getting the respect of many top DJs and producers right now, so we better watch this kid!

Saeed Younan ‘Backroom Honey’ [Viva Music]

Another favorite of mine. I signed ‘Backroom Honey’ to Steve Lawler’s label earlier this summer.

It made Beatport’s No.1 spot on the tech house Top 100 chart last month. This tune will work you!

Alejo Loaiz ‘Regresiones’ [Kult]

Kult Records are back at it again, and this is a sweet track! It’s got a great festive feel with the use of drums and horns, and it keeps the vibe happy and upbeat.

Mastiksoul ‘Bofe De Elite’ [4Kenzo Recordings]

Mastiksoul and I have been collaborating for years. Both bring different ideas to the table, but we both feel the same groove.

It’s great to have one of my good friends on this album.

D Rod ‘Perpetual Sound’ (DJ Vandersames & Rob Barbosa Inst. mix)

‘Perpetual Sound’ is perfect for DJs that want to edit and layer during a performance. I use this track on the road to layer effects and accapellas, in the same way as I did here, by using Lula’s ‘Twilo’ spoken words over the top.

Diegopericles & Skills ‘Fantastic’ [Younan Music]

This track has a bomb-ass bassline. With a properly EQed soundsystem, it can destroy dancefloors.

Mayna DJ ‘Feel This Moment’ (Diego Miranda and Jacksport Remix) [Kult]

I thought ‘Feel This Moment’ was the perfect track to end the album with. Keeping the vibe fun, perky, and bouncey. But most importantly, it keeps you asking for more.

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