Nu Groove was one of the pioneering house music labels out of New York, originally active between 1988 and 1992, and its mark on the scene was to be felt for years to come. Originally set up by Karen and Frank Mendez as a vehicle for the Burrell twins, Rhano and Rheji to explore the more underground and avant-garde nature of their musical minds, Nu Groove also became an outlet for many up and coming producers, including Kenny Dope, Bobby Konders, DJ Smash, Frankie Bones & Lennie Dee, Joey Negro and Joey Beltram to name but a few. They covered a variety of styles, from deep, jazzy and minimal house, through to soulful vocals, bumping grooves and jacking sample tracks, all a reflection of New York’s house sound of the time. These releases fueled the explosive dance scene of the late 80s and early 90s. Warehouse rave culture and UK pirate radio all relied heavily on Nu Groove’s steady output of underground grooves to inspire a generation of house music lovers, dancers, DJ’s and producers. Almost 30 years on, the spirit of this seminal New York label lives on.

The Utopia Project is another alias from producer and creative genius, Rheji Burrell. Rheji presents a sublime instrumental EP spread out over the course of 4 unique tracks. ‘Files’ is deep house at its best, kept simple but dripping with jazz and down-low grooves, this one’s for the dancers!

The Utopia Project 'Files'

1. The Utopia Project File #1
2. The Utopia Project File #2
3. The Utopia Project File #3
4. The Utopia Project File #4
5. The Utopia Project File #5
6. The Utopia Project File #3 (Mak & Pasteman Remix)

Written, Produced & Mixed by Rheji Burrell
Track 6 Remix & Additional Production by Craig McNamara & Matt Bridgewater
Published by Defected Music Limited
P&C 2017 Nu Groove Records