Releases / Ralf GUM feat. Robert Owens - “Fly Free”

GOGO Music is delighted to present the first single taken from the forthcoming "Ralf GUM - Never Leaves You" album, which will be released later this year. "Fly Free" is featuring "the voice of House Music" Robert Owens over a sleek and simmering track of Ralf GUM, that has a right portion of afro influences. DJ Spinna lends his first-rate remix skills to the project, to complete a choice release worthily GOGO Music's 50th vinyl single release.

Ralf GUM constantly built his reputation as a central figure within the soulful dance community during the last two decades. As a DJ who's playing House Music since 1991 and since his first releases on US underground labels in 1993 (as GUM project), at a time when only a few German producers knew what House Music is about, he earned the unfailing respect from likeminded artists, just as the dedication of his unclassifiable fans around the globe. After releasing countless successful singles and remixes on famous labels as Easy Street Recordings, Peppermint Jam or Defected, Ralf GUM put out his first artist album "Uniting Music" to great critical acclaims in 2008 on GOGO Music. The CD which contained the best selling House Track of 2008 "Kissing Strangers" or the outstanding "All This Love For You" was called "simply one of the best albums of the year" by UK’s "M8" magazine and the German 3Sat TV show "Kulturzeit" wrote on its web-site that "no single second of the album bores". 2012 will see the release of Ralf GUM's second long player entitled "Never Leaves You", which should furthermore attest his prominent position in the scene. The first single taken from it "Fly Free" is an exclamation for freedom and against oppression sung by "the greatest male voice in dance music" (Muzik Magazine), Robert Owens, and based on a compelling playback by Ralf GUM.

Robert Owens has not so much embellished House Music as played a large part in defining it. "Tears", "I'll Be Your Friend" and "Ordinary People" are just some of the tunes that have borne his black velvet voice and gone on to become truly classic dance records. By the time people like Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles were designing House Music's blueprint, Robert was already DJ-ing at smaller clubs in Chicago. In 1985 he met pioneering producer Larry Heard and formed Fingers Inc with him and Ron Wilson. Thanks to this cooperation the instantly recognisable house standard "Can You Feel It" and one of house music's first full-length albums "Another Side" saw the day of light. Following the call of Frankie Knuckles, Robert went to New York in 1989 to record with the Def Mix posse. His 1991 single "I'll Be Your Friend" finally gave Robert the overground success he so obviously deserved, climbing the charts to #1 all over the world! In 1993 he left New York behind and relocated to London where Robert since worked with a remarkable list of influential artists like Sandy Rivera, Photek, Coldcut and with some of contemporary house music's most respected names on his latest album "Night Time Stories". Living up to his reputation as the man who breathed life and soul into house music, Robert put real emotions in "Fly Free", which is driven by pain, but at the same time is life affirming.

Vincent "DJ Spinna" Williams is something of an anomaly in music. A cornerstone of Hip-Hop's late 90's indie-uprise, DJ Spinna made much of his first impression on listeners as the musical background of his group The Jigmastas, as well as providing the canvas for an array of that era's legends like Sadat X & Grand Puba (Brand Nubian) and Guru (Gangstarr) to even The Jungle Brothers. But Spinna's sonics soon infiltrated numerous genres. Tapped by everyone from Roy Ayers to the Brand New Heavies to Mary J. Blige to Motown Records and always relevant to the current, Spinna's monumental version of Shawn Escoffery's "Days Like This" catapulted him into his now stately presence in the dance music scene. GOGO Music already worked with him in 2010 for a remix of "Ralf GUM & Monique Bingham - Little W. 12th St.", which hit #1 on Traxsource and was selected by Louie Vega for his "10 Years Of Soul Heaven" CD. His exquisite remix of "Fly Free" includes some of Spinna's early House influences and sounds futuristic nevertheless. We are sure it will be likewise appreciated as his previous works.

Just right after GOGO Music's 10th anniversary, celebrated with 4 digital compilations available in every major download store, we are proud to present you another milestone with our 50th single release. It gives you a taste of what to expect from Ralf GUM's forthcoming album and showcases our label philosophy in a splendiferous way, which is put out music that coevally touches the soul, has a message and moves the body.

Tracklist Ralf GUM feat. Robert Owens - Fly Free - GOGO 050

1 - Ralf GUM Main Mix 7:36
2 - Dj Spinna Nostalgic Future Remix 7:11
3 - Ralf GUM Main Instrumental 7:36
4 - Dj Spinna Nostalgic Future Instrumental 7:11
5 - Ralf GUM Beat 7:21
6 - Radio Edit 3:49

GOGO Music … music it is and is it!

PRESS REACTIONS AND REVIEWS:

5 Magazine (Chicago, USA)
Ralf GUM feat. Robert Owens - Fly Free - GOGO Music

For the last two decades, Ralf GUM has been embroidering his name into the fabric of the colorful cloth called House Music. Be it soulful, dubby, or jazzy, Ralf's remixes are becoming the "goto" mix on some of today's biggest songs in the dance community. Now set to release his second album, Ralf enlists one of Chicago's veteran vocal crooners for his album's debut single, "Fly Free". Enter ROBERT OWENS... Now that I've said his name, you needn't read any further!! But if you insist... "Fly Free" is everything that you need in a soulful single: rhythm, soul, percussions, and sultry vocals to take you out of your inner body experience! Modern-day mixes are handled by Mr. GUM himself, including a full-on soulful vocal mix that would do equally well on commercial radio as it would in any venue on Collins Ave in South Beach Miami. But the "Ralf GUM Beat" mix is to DIE for - you haven't heard a "nothing-but-drums" mixdown like this in YEARS! Also included are a pair of deep mixes from DJ Spinna - you already KNOW he works it!! - which are the perfect compliment to Mr. Owens' distinctive vocal style! And if you listen closely to Spinna's "Nostalgic Future Remix", you'll find it intentionally reminiscent of classic Fingers Inc . All in all, "Fly Free" is sure to be a summer banger!! by DJ Lil John

Spirit Of House (Switzerland)
Ralf GUM feat. Robert Owens - Fly Free - GOGO Music

It all started with "The way love goes" by Dara Band with vocals by Michael Procter ten years ago, and ever since GOGO Music have been going from strength to strength. "Fly free", the 50th single release on the label is taken from Ralf GUM's forthcoming second artist album "Never leaves you" and features the legendary 'Voice of House Music' Robert Owens whose inimitable emotive vocals make this something truly special, with Ralf GUM laying down a beautifully orchestrated silky smooth yet infectious backing. On remix duty is the one and only DJ Spinna who combines some of his early influences with a futuristic touch as only he can do. A seminal release having timeless written all over it, guaranteed to make you yearn for more. by Michael Fossati

Jjazproject (UK)
Ralf GUM feat. Robert Owens - Fly Free - GOGO Music

The latest promo from Ralf GUM's stellar GOGO Music label arrived a couple of days ago. Featuring the unmistakeable vocals of the legendary Robert Owens, it is certain to cause a stir over the coming weeks and months. The mixes are provided by Ralf GUM and DJ Spinna and I can assure you that they do not disappoint. by Dean Serafini

AND

GOGO Music reaches its 50th release in the finest possible style as label boss Ralf GUM teams up with the legendary Robert Owens. The term legend is often misused or applied too liberally, however I feel safe to make use of it in reference to a vocalist who has contributed so much to the scene. Since coming so spectacularly to our attention back in the 80s while working with Larry Heard and Ron Wilson as part of Fingers Inc, Robert’s vocals have featured on numerous classics. His vocals, as on so many of his projects, ooze emotion and passion on an almost unparalleled level. The production from Ralf GUM and the remix from DJ Spinna provide a backdrop of incredible depth and substance. In the few days since first hearing this masterpiece I have struggled to work out which of the versions I prefer and have now just accepted that I love them both. This is without doubt one of the defining releases of 2012. by Dean Serafini

Magma (Italy)
Ralf GUM feat. Robert Owens - Fly Free - GOGO Music
GOGO Music is ten years old, and now is celebrating its 50th release. This time it is a great collaboration between Ralf GUM and Robert Owens. Ralf GUM's mix is a deep track that start with percussive groove. Deep, fat bassline under elettro synths perfect for dancefloor. The remix is under Dj Spinna's knowledge with same ingredients but more deep and hypnotic. Useless to comment Robert Owens voice. Always useful instrumental and beat versions. A package to have... for sure in top 10 singles." by Alessio Furia

Some Ralf GUM feat. Robert Owens - Fly Free - GOGO 050 DJ feedback:

:: "Damn - GREAT release!" Brian Tappert (Soulfuric, USA)

:: "Simply outstanding. Love it!" Craig Bartlett (L'America, Tilllate Mag, UK)

:: "Loving this." Aaron Ross (Defected, UK)

:: "That's just dope. Manoo (France)

:: "Here we go again on GOGO street. Ralf GUM with friends Robert Owens & Dj Spinna. TIGHT PACKAGE!!!" Vinny Da Vinci (House Afrika, South Afrika)

:: "Another GOGO classic for sure... lovely stuff." Russell Pollitt (Prime Dist, UK)

:: "Loving the Ralf GUM mix! Always quality from GOGO!" Carlos Mena (Ocha, USA)

:: "Great!" Roog (Hardsoul, Netherlands)

:: "Loving Ralf GUM Main Mix...very nice." CJ Mackintosh (Mn2S, UK)

:: "Wicked release. Full support." Luis Radio (Italy)

:: "All over it! Will play on Cyberjamz tonight! " Ingela Borgefjord (Sweden)

:: "Very nic mate!! Liking both Ralf GUM and the DJ Spinna mixes. In my wallet!" Richard Earnshaw (Duffnote, UK)

:: "Been banging this one ...quality package as usual!!! HEAVY!" Groove Assassin (UK)

:: "Love to play in the club and on my radio show." Dj Pope (USA)

:: "What else to expect from GOGO Music 50th vinyl release... Ralf GUM Main Mix all the way for me! Perfect blend of a sexy beat, soulful vocals & music elements. Not surprising it got a very nice crowd response at the Afrodesiamp3 night in Miami." MAQman (Switzerland)

:: "Great release and song from Robert Owens & Ralf GUM! Perfect for my people! Full support!! All versions sounds good!" DJ Rork (Stalwart, France)

:: "My favourite vocal for quite some time now." DJ Christos (Katsaitis Music, South Africa)

:: "Deep, smooth & mellow..... well produced. Well done RALF!" Lorenzo Al Dino (7th District, Austria)

:: "Main mix all the way for me....lovely project involving 2 wonderful people, way to go Ralf & Robert!" DJ Dealer (Look At You Records, USA)

:: "Great release!!" Andy Ward (UK)

:: "Liking your the Ralf GUM Main Mix." Niall Redmond (RTE Pulse, Ireland)

:: "I've made it my track of the week." Dean Serafini (Jjazproject, UK)

:: "Fly Free - Ralf and Robert urges you, and you can't do without this new awesome work. Close your eyes and Fly Free..." Peter (Smoothtraxx Radio, Greece)

:: "Beautiful package." Soulmagic (Denmark)

:: "Mixes are sounding great." Time White (House Afrika, South Africa)

:: " This is superb. Will be one of my spring classics." Joan Ribas (Ibizasoulstice, Spain)

:: ""Fly Free is just outstanding!" Myles Chalmers (Naked Soul radioshow, UK)

:: "Fly Free Main Mix is a nice piece of soulful house music. Robert Owens voice is perfect for this. Nice work." Deep Index (New Zealand)

:: "DJ Spinna mix for me all the way, excellent stuff." Antony Angell (Essential House Radio Show, UK)

:: "Very nice." Danny Seeber (Jack Tracks, Germany)

:: "Another perfect pack from GOGO Music! Excellent release! Amazing track, Ralf continues with great discography, Main Mix & DJ Spinna Nostalgic Future Remix are for my set. Full Support." Bobi (Club FM, Mazedonia)

:: "Loving the Spinna Mix and the Original beats." Show B (Compost, Radioshow, Germany)

:: "MEGA! Wonderful! Full support!" Aga Heller (Supratone Radioshow, Germany)

:: "Killer track, all mixes are dope, even DJ Spinna is on this need i say more." DJ Edsoul (Kaya FM South Africa)

:: "This is one special release, i feel that its going to be a future classic! I love the message behind the song and the vocals of the legendary Robert Owens are out of this world he takes it to another level beautifully written and delivered. I like the Main mix the most ... Big up!" JustMo (Yfm, South Africa)

:: "What a tune cant stop playing it. 10 / 10." Neil McCall (Spand Eexsessions)

:: "For me Ralf Gum Main Mix is perfect." Rafael Yapudjian (Pacha, Brasil)

:: "Grande! Loving it. Main and Spinna are both heavy hitters!" Henri Kohn (Clubstar, Germany)

:: "Banger. Main Mix is my fav." Gregor Wagner (Germany)

:: "Thank you so much for this amazing song. I will play it a lot in my parties and radio show. Full support. All mixes are dope. Main Mix and Spinna Nostalgic Mix as my favourites." Edground (Brazilian Soul Crew, Brazil)

Ralf GUM Main Mix
DJ Spinna Nostalgic Future Remix
Ralf GUM Main Instrumental
DJ Spinna Nostalgic Future Instrumental
Ralf GUM Beat
Radio Edit