Releases / Ralf GUM feat. Monique Bingham - “Kissing Strangers”

“Kissing Strangers” is the perfect example for Ralf GUM’s deep love for timeless, sophisticated music and another top-release for his GOGO Music label. In the business since 1991 Ralf always followed his musical mission with absolut straightness. Since the first time he got in touch with housemusic he was hooked and while other artists seem to change their style just like their underwear, Ralf always kept true to what he feels uncompromisingly. After releases on various top imprints, he founded his own GOGO Music in 2001. His strict search for meaningful tunes that are not only totally danceable, but also tickle the mind of the listener brought him great plaudit as a producer, remixer and worldwide respected DJ since many years now. In a busy 2007 with about 150 DJ gigs, various remix works and own single productions Ralf GUM managed to finish as well his first full length album “Uniting Music” which is forthcoming in April 2008. Taken from this album “Kissing Strangers” is the harbinger what to expect. Based on a slick groove with fine live instrumentation it features no one less than New York’s Monique Bingham on vocals.

Monique’s career began at an impromptu session for what was then Francois Kevorkian’s brand new “Wave Music” label in 1995. She was called in to write and sing on a spoken word collaboration for Dana Vlcek, bandleader for the 7 piece live act Abstract Truth. She was asked to front the band on the spot. The first single from their debut EP, “Get Another Plan,” garnished international critical acclaim and was picked up by Gilles Peterson for his UK imprint, “Talkin Loud” in ‘96. When the live “acid jazz” scene in NYC began to dwindle in the late 90’s, Monique began solo collaborations with top producers and musicians from all over the world. Thanks to Monique’s voice and intelligent songwritting each of these releases received great attention - “We Had a Thing”, “Pure”, “Don’t You Love Me”, “Go-Getter”, “Fools Got Nothing”, “Flight”, “Found Him” and more recently “Poor People” and “You Can’t Have New York” with Quentin Harris. In a genre of music so dependent on new product, Monique’s commitment to writing “real songs” has made her one of the most respected lyricists in the game. “In the Morning” with Kerri Chandler released on Monique’s own label Bigga Sounds and her first full-length album to be released in Fall 2008, are sure to solidify her standing as one of the most unique and sophisticated voices to emerge from the NYC deep house scene.

Remix contributions come from two of the most sought after artists in the scene: Frankie Feliciano and Raw Artistic Soul. Frankie is coming from a background rich in music and culture and has become one of the house music community’s most respected denizens. He’s produced such gems as “Don’t Ever Give Up”, “Hindsight”, “Invitation”, and achingly beautiful remixes of anthems such as “Flight” (Monique Bingham), “To Be In Love” (India), “Father” (Kenny Bobien) and numerous others on Masters At Work, Strictly Rhythm, King Street Records or his own Ricanstruction label. His music is meant to inspire your intellect, and the beat is meant to inspire you to dance. And that’s exactly what his superb remix of “Kissing Strangers” does. Raw Artistic Soul is percussionist and musician Phil Kullmann who managed within the last years to get named as one of house music’s top artists. With his two albums “What about Love” and “You got rhythm too” on GOGO Music within just 3 years, plus the numerous singles taken from them, he proved that he’s come to stay with every bit of his work. His dope deep remix takes the track to the early morning hours and completes this outstanding GOGO Music single release.

Tracklisting Ralf GUM feat. Monique Bingham - Kissing Strangers - GOGO 028:

G-Side 1 - Ralf GUM & CrisP Original Club Mix 7:43
G-Side 2 - Raw Artistic Soul Mix 5:59
O-Side 1 - Feliciano Vocal Mix 6:40
O-Side 2 - Ralf GUM Alternative Club Mix 7:52

Additional available mixes as download:

1 - Feliciano Instrumental 6:40
2 - Raw Artistic Soul Instrumental 5:59

Enjoy the music...

PRESS REACTIONS AND REVIEWS:

www.SpiritOfHouse.com
Ralf GUM feat. Monique Bingham - Kissing Strangers - GOGO 028

Pick of the week!
With "Kissing strangers", Ralf GUM presents a fabulous production that has timeless stamped all over it thanks to the delightful organic live orchestration as well as to the unmistakable vocals provided by the one and only Monique Bingham. The differently arranged 'Alternate Club Mix' intensifies the funk flavors and puts the emphasis to the groove while not letting loose anything from the magical orchestration. Frankie Feliciano's take on the song is a masterpiece in its own right thanks to the relentless soulful groove and beautiful melodies that will instantly make you move. Phil Kullmann under his Raw Artistic Soul guise adds another dope remix to the package that takes the song to way deeper grounds by giving it a definite early morning sound. "Kissing strangers" is taken from Ralf GUM's forthcoming album "Uniting music" expected for release around April 2008. by Michael Fossati

Blues & Soul (UK)
Ralf GUM feat. Monique Bingham - Kissing Strangers - GOGO 028

Ralf GUM is one of Germany’s top soulful house producers and with every release he demonstrates just why. Here he teams up with NYC’s Monique Bingham, and with her distinctive vocals and classic sounding production from Ralf, this really stands out. Add to that mixes from Frankie Feliciano and Raw Artistic Soul and it’s easy to see why this is already picking up support across the board from all the A-list DJs. by Curtis Zack

M8 Magazine (UK)
Ralf GUM feat. Monique Bingham - Kissing Strangers - GOGO 028

With its selection of six different styled mixes complimented by Monique Bingham’s always deliciously soulful vocals this package makes for very easy listening indeed. Although it’s all really down to just how you like the rhythm section i.e. with straight-up beats or with that bit more swing, because musically everything from latin to funk to jazz is contained here in abundance. A good place to start would be either the rock solid ‘Original Club Mix’ or Frankie’s deeply satisfying ‘Feliciano Vocal Mix’. M7/M8 by Greg Fenton

www.jjazproject.com
Ralf GUM feat. Monique Bingham - Kissing Strangers - GOGO 028

Track of the week!
Since this arrived last week, it’s been by far the track I’ve listened to most often. Monique’s pedigree is beyond question, possessing a wonderful and distinctive voice and having worked with the likes of Sir Piers, Kerri Chandler & Matthias Heilbronn to name but a few. There are four mixes included with a couple of extra instrumentals on the digital release. Ralf GUM and CrisP deliver a stunning “Original Club Mix” with crisp beats, captivating chords, compelling bass and wonderful pianos to compliment the vocals. Moving on, Phil Kullmann aka Raw Artistic Soul transforms the track completely in a manner that almost defies description into a deep rumbling number with amazing synths. Frankie Feliciano’s mix includes a killer bassline, with atmospheric synth strings and percussion that shuffles along daring you to stand still. Finally Ralf GUM’s “Alternative Club Mix” is dominated by a truly funky bassline while sporadically dropping in some of the key elements from the “Original”. This package truly has it all, soul, (in abundance), depth, creative production and amazing vocals - track of the week for me!!! by Dean Serafini

www.Houspage.net & www.DjOriented.com
Ralf GUM feat. Monique Bingham - Kissing Strangers - GOGO 028

GOGO Music starts the new year with another hot release, this time Ralf GUM teams up with NY top singer Monique Bingham and the result is the beautiful "Kissing strangers". The "Original mix" is a super brilliant soulful track with an infectious deep flavour and solid funky beats, enriched by the superb vocal performance of Monique Bingham. The remixes comes courtesy of Franke Feliciano, who provides an intense and groovy version without losing the soulful vibe and Raw Artistic Soul, who delivers a dope, deeper and quite minimal mix. Ralf's Alternatative mix is also included in the package. "Kissing stranger" is taken from the forthcoming Ralf GUM full album "Uniting music" coming later this spring. by Franco Martinelli

Some Ralf GUM feat. Monique Bingham - Kissing Strangers - GOGO 028 DJ reactions:

:: "What a vocal!!! Sure to be one of 2008’s big ones. Alternative Club Mix is my fave… GOGO continues to set the standards for other house-labels! 10/10" Dave Wareign (Redsoulmusic, UK)

:: "Kissing Strangers is dope. I've been banging it on all my gigs." DJ Karizma (Kohesive Productions, USA)

:: "Great job from Ralf, Frankie and Raw Artistic Soul here! Playing this everywhere! Liking the song and the dubs also go somewhere special. As a whole this is a true grower!" Sir Piers (Curious Records, UK)

:: "What a way to start the New Years off with Kissing Strangers." Dj Pope (Poji, Baltimore, USA)

:: "Slamming. Feeling Frankies mix and also Raw Artistic Soul mix. Thanks. Will be playlisted." Marlon D (Underground Collective, NY, USA)

:: "We like very much this new song from Monique. The Raw Artist Soul Mix does it for us, the arrangement and the groove work perfectly for a club setup! We’ve been playing this a lot over the Holidays. Great tune overall! Full support from Tony Records." Tony Humphries and Jacko (Tony Records, USA)

:: "Thank very much for the new project! Really really enjoy all the mixes, as well as Frankie does it as always!" Jamie Thinnes (Seasons Recordings, USA)

:: "Great music...diggin the original mix." DJ Meme (Brasil)

:: "I really like the original mix, very well produced with high musical arrangements." Kiko Navarro (Pacha Rec., Spain)

:: "Really wonderful selection of mixes...hard for me to choose my favorite right now but I think I will have to give Frankie's mix the nod - really diggin' those chords." DJ Dealer (Look At You Records, USA)

:: "Nice one! Great package of mixes, thank you!" Yannick (Needs, Germany)

:: "Dope tune." Jojo Flores (Got Soul, Canada)

:: "Your last track feat Monique Bingham is dope!!! Keep making good music!" DJ Yass (Paris, France)

:: "MY GOD! What a release!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Raw Artistic Soul killing me!!!! Feliciano no word!!!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZING Work!!! BADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS" Rocco / Rodamaal (France)

:: "Superb release! All the mixes are great. Full support!!!" Richard Earnshaw (Duffnote Rec., UK)

:: "One of the most talented vocalists ever to grace soul-kissed House records, the sharp witted Monique Bingham returns, on this occasion alongside Ralf 'Gogo' GUM. Kissing Strangers charts passion with new lovers, backed by steadfast keys and cutesy flutes. Raw Artistic Soul pitches in with a wonderful Quentin Harris style pointed keyed revision, whilst Frankie Feliciano supplies a swooning stringed remix." Jon Freer (Freelance Journalist, UK)

:: "Really, feeling this Ralf congrats! GOGO Music going onto a whole new level...All mixes for me!" Soy Mustafa (Shack Music, London)

:: "Excellent work! Really Feeling this as well, especially Frankies remix. hot! Will be charted on the show this week for sure." Master Kev (USA)

:: "Loving this very much. Great set of mixes too. Full support from me & will be playing in this weeks show." Nick Adams (Soul Emotions Show, London UK)

:: "What a beautiful kickoff for the new year. My faves are your Original Club Mix. Quality musical production topped with Monique's soulful vox. And the Alternative Mix, where the vox is kept lowdown and let the music takes it over. Deffo add my support." Ken N (Belgium)

:: "Another quality release from GOGO that goes directly into my rotation. Really diggin' Frankie's remix. Thank you and keep the great music coming!" Carlos Mena (Ocha Records, Bembe)

:: "A great way to start 2008. Raw Artistic Soul Mixes for me." Umberto Giannini (Rushes, Ministry of Sound Radio, UK)

:: "Kissing Strangers is absolutely MASSIVE for everyone at Soul Candi Records, with plays on all our radio shows & a key track on our upcoming compilations! 10/10" Ricardo Da Costa (Soulcandy, South Afrika)

:: "Yes, Yes & Yes! I love Monique’s work - and Ralf, you know how I feel about yours. A brilliant outing here…and what a way to start the year!! I’ve got a host of radio mixes to do this month, I’ll be sure to include this on them all." Russell Pollitt (Defected, UK)

:: "Simply amazing, a very nice composition and beautiful lyrics. It doesnt matter if you play this or that mix, all versions sound really cool. Top 5 in my chart." Christian Hornbostel (Housepacific, Soulfuric)

:: "What a 2008 beginning, this release is awesome, love all the mixes but the Original Mix is my favourite. Stunning release! Full support and review coming very soon!!!" Franco Martinelli (Housepage.net, Italy)

:: "This is absolutely GENIUS!!!!!! They lyrics say it all. Of course the different mixes apply to different moods on the dancefloor and on the airwaves! Ralf GUM does it again with music to touch our lives and make us want more!!!!! Thanks!" Shawn Phillips (Movin' 100.7
Billboard Club Chart, Latterdaysoul)

:: "Love the new track - all the mixes are strong on this package, look forward to spinning the Original and Feliciano mixes! Played it on my show tonight ... fantastic!" Myles Chalmers (Naked Soul, UK)

:: "How can u possibly go wrong with Monique's vocals? This is a strong package for the soulful peeps." Groove Junkies (Morehouse Rec, USA)

:: "WAAHHOOOOUU! It's terrific! I like dat ! Very pure and real HOUSE !! I play it on my radio show and on Party. Monique's magic voice! I prefer the Original, and F. Feliciano mixes. Super release, it's rare at the moment! Serious i love it!" DJ Rork (Stalwart, France)

:: "Wow. Massive track!!!" Charles Spencer (Loveslap, USA)

:: "Very wonderful pumpin vocal track - love the original club mix! A classic." Robert Graf (Housemusic-Online.com)

:: "I play it on Paradise Garage Radio Show. Big Release. Fantastic Mixes, fantastic Vocal, Congratulation! Full support." Dj Floy (Paris, France)

:: "Big production once again. I like all the versions. Good pack more and more:-)." Rico (SlipNSlide, Raisanidoubai, GKF Records)

:: "Thanks for this fantastic release! Alternative Mix 's for me." Chris.G (The Henchmen / Nightlife Mag, France)

:: "That is a very good package! All mixes are cool and my favourite track is the Feliciano vocal Mix! Congratulations Ralf, nice work!" Ivan F (Deephousesection, Italy)

:: "Great tune." Joan Ribas (Ibiza Global Radio, Spain)

:: "First class for this project! Close your eyes and you'll see dance your soul. Hard to choose which version to play. All versions are great!" Fabio Tosti (Italy)

:: "Bingham's vocals shine and wonderful production. Plenty of mileage on this vibrant track!" DJ Marcia Carr (TalkingMusic Productions, UK)

:: "What a beautiful track." Bernd Niedergesaess (radio 42, Germany)

:: "Gonna go down hard in Miami..." Mike Stukes (Mystic Vybes, WHCR 90.3 FM, NY; USA)

:: "Kissing Strangers is pure dancefloor excellence. The wonderful and distinct vocals of Monique Bingham fit the hip shaking, body moving, foot taping groove like a glove. The dancefloors around the world will be twisting and turning to this through out 2008. Pick your poison each version delivers, its a DJs delight. Producers Raw Artistic Soul, Frankie Feliciano and Ralf GUM do a masterful job. Salute!" Michael Alan (Sweat, Atlanta)

:: "I love the Kissing Strangers!!!!! I am rocking it every Sunday Night at my party!!!" David Harness (Pink, San Francisco, USA)

:: "This tracks are huge." Alessio Furia (magmaweb.it, Radioshow)

:: "Favorite takes are the Alternative Mix and the Feliciano remix - that last one is really good, reminds me Osunlade someway. I played it on our last radioshow." Lennart Lensco (Beyondjazz.net)

:: "All the instrumentals sound good in my ears. Will try em out." SUMO (Heya Hifi, Sweden)

:: Kissing Strangers is HOT HOT HOT!!!" JoeB (King Street, NY)

Ralf GUM & CrisP Original Mix
Raw Artistic Soul Remix
Feliciano Vocal Mix
Ralf GUM Alternative Club Mix
Feliciano Instrumental
Raw Artistic Soul Instrumental