Releases / Ralf GUM feat. Kafele - “Complicated”

GOGO Music starts the year 2010 with absolute hotness, as Ralf GUM feat. Kafele’s “Complicated” with remixes by Raw Artistic Soul, DJ Christos and Kafele is a surefire winner and following up a highly successful year 2009 in which all releases of the label hit the Top 10 sales charts on Traxsource.

There seems no stopping for Ralf GUM, as he just has another fantastic year in his career behind him. He played countless DJ gigs worldwide and had numerous highly successful releases in a row which all cemented Ralf’s standing at the top of his game. But Ralf does not rest on his laurels and steadily continues to put out exceptional songs. With “Complicated” he drops another outstanding recording that reflects his love for sexy tunes with astonishing freshness and prodigious deepness. This time he teamed up with Kafele, who he remixed already for the praised “Above the sky” release on his GOGO Music label. Ralf’s Main Mix is a musical rich pearl with the right vibe for the dance-floor or just pure listening pleasure.

Kafele, trumpeter, composer and producer, has been playing the trumpet for over 18 years. He attributes his love and appreciation for the art to his father who often listened to recordings of John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis among others. As a by-product of becoming a Chicago resident for about 7 years, Kafele was inundated with lively, upbeat house music. This musically enriched background provided the influences that helped cultivate his unique sound. On his release with Andy Compton on GOGO Music, he already proved that he is not only a top trumpeter, but as well a great vocalist. His heartfelt vocal-performance for “Complicated” testaments this again. Kafele was that much into the song that he did a remix of it and the result is lovely lounge version with a completely new brass hook.

Phil Kullmann aka Raw Artistic Soul makes his welcome return to GOGO Music with another massive remix work. It is almost exactly one year since he remixed “Black Coffee feat. Bucie - Turn me on” for the label, which became a worldwide club-hit and #3 in the “Best of 2009” top-sellers of the year on Traxsource. Phil once again shows his superb talent to deliver monster mixes with innovative sound-design. With ultra low baseline, very own chords and lots of spacey delays his remixes are made for the heads and impresses most on a big sound-system.

DJ Christos joins the label’s releases again and comes up with two addictive remixes, one in a classical style pleasing all the soulful lovers and the second one with more influences by his home country. Christos is one of the key figures in the house scene of South Africa. He is one of the leading DJs, won several South African Music awards, has a radio-show on the national radio-station Metro FM, runs the successful label Katsaitis Music and initiated with some companions the South African Music Conference. Next to his own productions he steadily helped new talent to emerge into the scene and for all this reasons is called Godfather of house music in his country.

GOGO Music, which was called “one of the hottest imprints around” by UK’s “Blues & Soul” and “the synonym with the best Deep House produced in Europe” by Chicago’s house music publication “5 Magazine”, blasts into the year 2010 with this absolute essential release.

Tracklist Ralf GUM feat. Kafele - Complicated - GOGO 040:

G1 - Ralf GUM Main Mix
G2 - DJ Christos Afro Deep Mix
O2 - Raw Artistic Soul Main Mix
O2 - Raw Artistic Soul Dub

Additional available mixes as download:

01 - Raw Artistic Soul Vocal Dub
02 - DJ Christos Magic Session Mix
03 - Kafele Remix
04 - Ralf GUM Main Instrumental
05 - Raw Artistic Soul Main Beat
06 - Raw Artistic Soul Dub Beat
07 - Raw Artistic Soul Reprise

Enjoy the music...

PRESS REACTIONS AND REVIEWS:

SpiritofHouse.com (Switzerland)
Ralf GUM feat. Kafele - Complicated - GOGO 040

In the spotlight!
History repeats itself as Ralf GUM and his GOGO Music imprint kick the new year off strong with the essential "Complicated" featuring heartfelt vocals and superb trumpet play by Kafele, while Ralf GUM blesses us with a musical reach jewel oozing with a deep and soulful yet infectious vibe. Phil Kullmann aka Raw Artistic Soul goes as deep as it gets, turning the song into an absolutely irresistible dance floor gem that is guaranteed to cause a stir thanks to the hypnotizing chords used. South Africa's DJ Christos contributes both a classical styled soulful rendition as well as a deeper Afro workout. Last but not least there is Kafele's relaxed interpretation perfect for chillin' or loungin'. by Michael Fossati

Magma DJ web (Italy)
Ralf GUM feat. Kafele - Complicated - GOGO 040

The track is absolutely great! Lovely vocals by Kafele. Ralf GUM Main Mix has an afro beat with deep touch. The synth, the trumpet and the voices gives it something magic. Raw Artistic Soul Mixes are with a good intro, voices loops and with a minimal touch. Energetic... perfect for the dancefloor. DJ Christos Mixes are more deep and psycadelic...both the version... good vibes and sounds. Kafele remix brings a lot of bossa style...extremely refined and musically. Useful the instrumental versions. Another pearl under GOGO's brand. by Alessio Furia

SoulM8 (UK)
Ralf GUM feat. Kafele - Complicated - GOGO 040

The soulful sound of one of Germany’s best independent labels championing proper house music, spear headed by DJ Ralf GUM, continues of late to experiment with the influential vibes of South Africa and does carries it off well (again) on this new single. The Main Mix (partly vocal) rolls about with soft tribal rhythms, complete with a nod to Detroit techno of pulsating key stabs, and displays best sound running underground dance floors right now. Essential! by Marcia Carr

jjazproject.com (UK)
Ralf GUM feat. Kafele - Complicated - GOGO 040

I don’t recall the last time I was disappointed in a release from this label: Ralf seems to have the knack of delivering tasteful modern soul music that has both substance and melody. Although there are eleven mixes, you could be forgiven for not looking past the “Main Mix” which is the first. That said you’d be missing out on some stunning alternatives from DJ Christos, Kafele and Raw Artistic Soul. The title may be complicated but its effect is anything but; simply delightful! by Dean Serafini

Housepage.net (Italy)
Ralf GUM feat. Kafele - Complicated - GOGO 040

Back from the South Africa's tour, Ralf GUM returns on vinyl (and digital) with another soulful gem. "Complicated" by Ralf GUM feat. Kafele is an intense track, where the soulful atmospheres are fused with warm afro influenced rhythms and enriched by the brilliant trumpet by Kafele, that also provides an infectious vocal performance. The Raw Artistic Soul remix is a minimal and hypnotic affair with hot blips and spacey pads, while the South Africa's DJ/Producer DJ Christos provides 2 excellent remixes, the first one in classic funky/soulful stile, while the second one is a deeper and trippy rework enriched with great afro percussions. by Franco Martinelli

IDJ (UK)
Ralf GUM feat. Kafele - Complicated - GOGO 040

DJ Ralf GUM continues to experiment with South African influences once again and, just like the last time, he carries it off well. The main mix rolls about with soft tribal rhythms and pulsating key stabs, displaying some of the best sounds on underground dance floors right now. Remix-wise Kafele’s adds warm Rhodes, organs, live brass, flutes and just a smattering of percussion for a fabulous extra. by Marcia Carr

Faizemusic (UK)
Ralf GUM feat. Kafele - Complicated - GOGO 040

Ralf GUM has just notched up another fantastic year in his career and enters 2010 with this very powerful soulful release reflecting his love for sexy tunes with astonishing freshness and prodigious deepness. This time he teamed up with Kafele, trumpeter, composer and producer, has been playing the trumpet for over 18 years, who he remixed already for the praised “Above the sky” release on his GOGO Music label. Ralf’s Main Mix is a musical rich pearl with the right vibe for the dance-floor or just pure listening pleasure. Remixes come courtesy of Phil Kullmann aka Raw Artistic Soul & DJ Christos who both help to maintain a high quality release for those lovers of fine soulful house music. by Steve Parr

Some Ralf GUM feat. Kafele - Complicated - GOGO 040 DJ reactions:

:: "Main Mix and Main Instrumental: Awesome!" Sting International (Shelter, NYC)

:: "Super track, I like the mood & melody, nice uplifting vocal! I will test it for sure in my next dj sets and radioshows...Ralf GUM main mix & Raw Artistic Soul dub for me." Yass (France)

:: "Dope-ness." Karizma (USA)

:: "Loving this record, pre class!!" Jamie Thinnes (Seasons Recordings, USA)

:: "Ralf starts the new year off right with a soulful gem featuring soulful vocals from Kafele. hoootttttttt!" Dj Pope (USA)

:: "No words... Just Respect! 10/10" Danny Marquez (Bubble Soul, Spain)

:: "Loving Ralf Gum Main Mix....playing. In my new mix too. Thanks as always." CJ Mackintosh (UK)

:: "More magical musical moments from GOGO!" Craig Woodrow (UK)

:: "I love Christos' mixes, Ralf GUM Main Mix and Raw Artistic Soul mixes. Amazing package with great remixes included Original mix! Thank you for it. 10/10" Rocco (France)

:: "Nice package...Main Mix for me!! Here’s to a cracking 2010!!" Richard Earnshaw (Duffnote, UK)

:: "I love the Main Mix and a have some tricks up my sleeve for the Raw Artistic Soul reprise. Nice package all around..." Andre Harris (Innate Soul Digital, USA)

:: "Wicked release. Raw Artistic Soul Main is really working for us, all round good stuff." The Layabouts (UK)

:: "Awesome release, quality soulful house with an infectious African vibe, as we expect from GOGO. Love especially Ralf GUM Main Mix. Full support and review guaranteed, including review on God Is A DJ magazine (Spring issue)." Franco Martinelli (Housepage.net, Italy)

:: " I really like the Raw Artistic Soul Main Mix. Nice and deep with a cool vocal. I will be playing this in pacha this weekend for sure." Graham Sahara (Seamless, UK)

:: "Awesome track!" Myles Chalmers (Naked Soul, UK)

:: "Great package. Dope. Well for everyone. Ralf GUM Main Mix is my favourite." Alfred Azzetto (Italy)

:: "very nice package!!!" Luis Radio (Italy)

:: "Hard to choose a favourite here as they are all brilliant! Liking the instrumentation and smoothness of the Main Mix and DJ Christos Magic Session Mix. Raw Artistic Soul has also done another terrific job moving it into high gear." Roed Svensk (Germany)

:: "Simply gorgeous - I love the whole package...another winner from the GOGO camp!" DJ Dealer (Look At You Records)

:: "Slamming. Another great release from Ralfs GOGO camp!!!" Marlon D (Underground Collective, Columbia)

:: "Thank you very much this is such a beautiful song!!!! Deep house music with soul!!!!! It's very hard to choose which mix I ilke the best cos they'r all so good. I will probably play Ralf's and Raw Artistic Soul's first tho." Greg Gauthier (Dance Culture, Djoon, France)

:: "My favorite mixes are the Raw Artistic Soul ones." Matthias Vogt (MotorCitySoul, Germany)

:: "Again a big shot!!!! Main mix is sweet, love the atmosphere. 10/10." Rafael Yapudjian (Pacha Soa Paulo, Brasil)

:: "The overall package is nice. Leaning towards Raw Artistic Soul Mixes. Thanks again." Mark Grant (USA)

:: "What a package!! Really liking Ralf GUM Mixes and the Raw Artisitc Soul Dub, the Christos Afro Deep mix is hott too!!! HEATERS!!! Full Support from me!" Groove Assassin (UK)

:: "Another great track and set of mixes. l love Ralf GUM Main Mix and Raw Artistic Soul Main." Craig Bartlett (L'America, UK)

:: "Lovin the Ralf GUM Main Mix among the other tasty reworkings on this release. Great vibe and a great song...GOGO Music once again give us another quality house music relase. Big thumbs up from me." Niall Redmond (RTE Plus, Ireland)

:: "Love this pack. Ralf's main mix, the Raw Artistic Soul Dubs and Christos Magic Session mix are my picks! The entire package is dope." Lars Behrenroth (Deeper shades of house, USA)

:: "Thanks for new promo, I like the Original mix and Raw Artistic Soul Vocal Dub. Will play it for sure! Full support from Paris One Deeper." Vincent Loria (Paris One Deeper)

:: "Thanx 4 the promo. Sounding nice, 1 of the mixes wiil be on Oskido hot 9@9 countdown this week." Bobstar (YFM, South Africa)

:: "This is sweet and sensational, so much love and soul on so many levels." Marc LaCasse (Urbnet, Canada)

:: ""Complicated takes you on an epic journey of deepness and happy memories of the summer who went so fast by. Tropical summer, drinks, and you sitting grooving to this track while the sun goes down. 110% support from me. Favorite mixes: 'Main Mix' and 'DJ Christos Afro Deep Mix'. Keep the Good Work." Martin Schroeder (DV.FM General Manager)

:: "First release for new year is classy as always - I applause for your musical feeling, it’s like you was born and lived in New York. Ralf GUM Main Mix is just smooth piece of music, and Raw Artistic Soul dub is for me as well." Bogdan Taran (Capitol FM, Lativa and various more)

:: "A "killing me softly" production by Ralf GUM and superb vocals by Kafele. GOGO is showing the way things will go(go) in the years to come. Hard to pick a mix on this one but probably DJ Christos delivers the most spiritual mix of all." Smoothtraxx Radio (Greece)

:: "Very nice as always, props." DJ Mannix (M8, UK)

:: "DJ Christos afro deep mix is the one for me ... will definitely support. Great job." Ultra Nate (Deep Sugar Music, USA)

:: "Excellent work. Like Ralf GUM Main Mix and the Raw Artistic Soul mix the most. Really nice package as always." Gary Ward (Days Like This, Birmingham UK)

:: "Amazing release, with elegant touch, pure deep sound with much excellence. New release of the week at show #249." Essential deLuxe Radioshow (Spain)

:: " I love it. I play the versions "DJ Christos Afro Deep Mix" and "Ralf GUM Main Mix"." Franck De Champs (Groove Session Radio, France)

:: "GOD BLESS Your SOUL mate...dammmmm. Heavy-Rotation on 3Plus Radioshow, Shaya, Royal...Main Mix, Raw Artistic Soul Vocal Dub... everything..." Paco (3Plus Music, Brazil)

:: "Sensational release, real class with every joint, terrific vocals and live trumpet, my pick: DJ Christos Magic Session with gorgeous drum programming. FULL SUPPORT!!!!" Craig Stewart (Raunchy Rhythms Radio, UK)

:: "This is a great start with this outstanding new release. The main mix so soulful and jazzy. My preferred choice mixes are the 'Raw Artistic Soul Vocal Dub' and the 'DJ Christos Magic Session'. Full support." Ingo Haan (Bop FM, New Sealand)

:: "Excellent release - all of the mixes are really proper! I loved it. I will play in my next radio show." Bobi (Club FM, Skopje)

:: "I believe the world would be a happier place if everyone could hear feel and experience Ralf GUM's passion and talents! This release will be my TOP TRACK played at the Sundance film festival in Park City Utah!" Shawn Phillips (LatterDaySoul, USA)

:: "Love the release!!! Its very difficult to pick one for our crowd so I will have to play them all." Michael Alan (Sweat, Sole Notes, USA)

Ralf GUM Main Mix
Raw Artistic Soul Main Mix
Raw Artistic Soul Vocal Dub
Raw Artistic Soul Dub
DJ Christos Magic Session Mix
DJ Christos Afro Deep Mix
Kafele Remix
Ralf GUM Main Instrumental
Raw Artistic Soul Main Beat
Raw Artistic Soul Dub Beat
Raw Artistic Soul Reprise