DJ Bopstar tipped me to his new mix of “Chiaroscuro” featuring Zara McFarlane. It doesn’t happen too often but when an original tune inspires beatmakers to stretch it further, we’re always in for a treat. “Chiaroscuro” was first featured on the Basement Soul comp, where Bopstar turned the broken beat formula on its head with his remix of the tune. The Vudoo Vocal Dub version is a soulful house mix where with each chorus, it builds musically in a crescendo and Zara McFarlane’s vocals glide flawlessly over the track. Got it on heavy rotation at the moment.

The EP of “Chiaroscuro” will be out September 25th, and Bopstar is giving a free download of the tune away on his site. While you’re on his site, read about how “Chiaroscuro” came about and the various people involved in getting it started.

If you’re in London, July 23rd, Bopstar will be hosting the “Out of This World” night at Centro (formerly AKA).

Wrap your ears around “Chiaroscuro” below. Download it HERE.

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You think it’s all about attending seminars and meeting record executives that make the WMC. In fact, it’s quite the opposite and is truly dependent on your musical tastes. The WMA I experienced was more impromptu and respective of my musical preferences, which are more underground. On the cusp of losing your mind with all the dance/trance music that permeates the South Miami Beach airwaves, a la Spring Break/Girls Gone Wild style, when you do find your scene, it’s a breath of fresh air.

This year’s Delano events featured K’naan, whose performance highlight was bringing Matisyahu to the stage for one song. Matisyahu is incredible live. I’m waiting to see what K’naan will grow into. He shows much potential with his message of the struggle, but the media frenzy is causing my side way looks.

The Raw Fusion events at Jazid were my highlights, featuring a large roster of artist such as DJ Spinna, Rich Medina, Daz-I-Kue (Bugz In The Attic), Mad Mats (Raw Fusion), Kissey Asplund, Erik Rico to name a few. From Taylor McFerrin doing his hereditary human beat box to DJ Spinner mixing up broken, Fela, and dub beats, had us all jumpin’ and funkin’. Attitudes were left at the door.

So here’s a shout out to a few of the people I met over the weekend who were happy to talk about their projects, share music, and opinions. Looking forward to gracing Muphoric Sounds with their flavor – Kissey Asplund, Taylor McFerrin, Yellowtail, Mad Mats, Ayro, DJ Chicus, and Bopstar.