“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.
GOGO Music ... Music it is and is it!