Jose Zaragoza – Shooting Star Vol 2
DJ, producer, remixer, promoter and label boss Jose Zaragoza is eying to hit the electronic music world once more, with his latest project ‘Shooting Star Vol. 2’. Set to be released on the 20th of April, 2015, ‘Shooting Star Vol. 2’ will feature three remarkable tracks, progressing Jose Zaragoza’s constant top-notch production imprint. The Chicago native and understudy of the legendary Tony Rodriguez and Burt Blanchard, has gone a long way since his beginnings in mobile DJing and is now to be considered another quintessential export of this renowned city, which is much recognised for its influence on House music.
His deep roots in House music and unique blend of Tech, Disco and Funk infused sounds has made Jose Zaragoza a staple feature on various ‘Top 10’ charts, including: Traxsource, Juno, Stompy, and DJshop.de amongst other online stores. Since hitting the scene in 1987, he has been constantly in demand, growing his fan base, gaining tremendous support from his peers and featuring in various press including: Mixer Magazine, Klublife, Tribe, Nocturnal, Muzik, Ottawa Express, The Coast, M8, International DJ, BPM, Urb, 5mag, and Rey Eye amongst others. Apart from warming crowds with his live performances worldwide, his reach has also extended online, through his hit show ‘Hot 4’14’ on Beatport, a project he followed through after the success obtained in 2013, when all his mixes featured in the ‘Top 100’.
Jose Zaragoza has now put together another exciting project, which draws sounds and inspirations from a multitude of genres, adding Vocal House, Tech House, Techno, Nu Disco, and Deep Tech to his signature Chicago House. ‘Feel the Night’ showcases Jose Zaragoza’s House music pedigree, kicking off with a stunning drum groove which has House written all over it. A sub by bass-synth is then introduced to add depth to the single’s sonic palette, whilst the vocals spice up both the groove and melodic aspects of the production. The talented DJ and producer controls the dynamic levels of the track with different processing styles on the vocals, whilst putting in left field melodies and effects to darken up the atmosphere.
On the other hand, ‘Black Patterns’ has a lighter feel, building up from a minimalistic drum pattern, and adding female vocals for a smooth feel. The single ascends into an infectious bass-synth led melody with off-beat rhythmic effects, accumulating complex layers of harmonic melodies and rhythmic patterns. As in every track, Jose Zaragoza includes elements such as the outer-space inspired synth melody, which set him apart from other producers.
‘Take it’ provides another side to this EP, kicking off with uplifting percussive rhythms, joined by a deep bass-line to set the tone of what’s to come. ‘Take it’ is where Jose Zaragoza truly explores the deeper end of the sonic spectrum; instrumental melodies are chunky and sub by, whilst the grooves accompanying them are solid and punchy. The female vocals and later, the processed acoustic piano are included to sweeten up things whilst the use of male vocal syncopations provides a groovy lift to the production. As in every production, Jose Zaragoza’s musical knowledge and maturity is put on display by the command he shows of all the different sounds and the sectioning of the track, exhibiting meticulous attention to detail.
‘Shooting Star Vol. 2’ is being released through Jose Zaragoza’s own label, Deep Hype Sounds Records, an imprint he’s been the proud owner of since 2008, together with Chicago compatriot, Jesse Rivera. An ambassador of innovative House, Techno and Tech-House music, Deep Hype Sounds features an eclectic roster comprised of top DJs and producers such as: Carl Dean, Eric Sutter, Reece Johnson, SeanDoughty, Nagwoode, Louie Gomez, Melo Blanco, Jay Bird, Reza Ecilo, Tony Smart, Mathie Delois, Jack U Tron, Funkelastiks, John Daminato, and Paul Woodhouse to name a few. ‘Shooting Star Vol. 2’ is a continuation of Jose Zaragoza’s legacy of quality contributions to his label, setting a textbook example of what Deep Hype Sounds’ productions should sound like.
