Mona Musique

Over 25 years of digging, and more than 2 years in curation. Nick V’s debut compilation pays homage to forgotten gems of the classic Italian House scene, circa 1991-1993.In the early 1990s, Italy hosted one of the most flourishing scenes in the burgeoning world of House music. Whilst the majority of Europe was only just beginning to digest the arrival of this new musical genre born in the US, Italian clubs, DJs and labels were hot on the heels of their counterparts in the already established scenes of New York and London. The clubs of the Adriatic coast – also known as the Italian Riviera –were full every weekend. The soundtrack was provided by the major US and UK acts from the day but also local resident DJs that had been honing their trade since the early 80s. By the early 90s, Italian House music was regularly exported around the world with labels such as UMM, Zippy, D-Vision, MBG, Flying, Palmares, DFC and Irma releasing tracks inspired by the original New York House and Garage sound, but with a very different, unique and emotional take. Distinct from both Italo-Disco and Italo-House, this was the specific aesthetic that was to become the House sound of the Riviera, the soundtrack of the golden era of Italian House music. Nick V’s compilation on Mona Musique brings together 8 iconic tracks from this specific period, covering the whole spectrum of the riviera sound. From the powerful vocal tracks by Korda and Be Noir to the dubbier cuts by Syncopate and Underground Ghosts, without forgetting of course the characteristic Riviera deepness with tracks from Subway Ground Master, Centric House, Groove Sense and Optik. Artists featured include legendary DJs and producers from the day Ricky Montanari, Alex Neri, Enrico Mantini, MBG and Ivan Iacobucci.The compilation comes in a double gatefold sleeve with liner notes by Nick V illustrated by flyers and photos from the original Riviera days. This is a DJ friendly 45 RPM vinyl only release, all tracks have been remastered with the sound staying true to the dynamics of early 90s production.

Mona Musique returns with more delectable Deep House for it’s second release : the debut EP from veteran DJ Lea Lisa, featuring Rich Medina.Consistently flying the flag for House music for over 15 years, Lea Lisa is one of those understated DJs responsible for pushing the sound, regardless of electronic trends. A mainstay through her residencies in Lyon and Toulouse and integral involvement in respected record store Innerdisc, Lea has been cultivating her production skills for some time behind the scenes, until now. A long time friend of label boss Nick V, playing each other's parties back in 2004, Mona Musique presents it’s second release “Walking La Mona”. Inspired by the work of her mentor Larry Heard and her close friend Kerri Chandler, “Imagine That” is classic House : simple, effective but above all emotive. Complimented by the haunting deep tones of Rich Medina, his conscious spoken words echo discontentment around the current political (or global) climate.On the flip side Lea reminisces of the early 90s with a revived spirit on “Intention”. Certainly one for the dancefloor, it is Lea Lisa’s subtle production work in the beats, synths and organs that make the difference here.

Having turned his deep house and vintage garage inspired Mona night into one of Paris' most hyped regular parties, Nick V has decided to launch the Mona Musique label. This first 12" features tracks from two largely unheralded talents: Jazzy Couscous and Menace contributor Hugo LX, and newcomer Tim 2T. The latter offers up "Rue 32", a thrilling late night bumper influenced by the likes of Roach Motel and Tedd Patterson. It's as authentic as they come, with short, soulful vocal samples jostling for position with throbbing, dark room riffs, and bombastic beats. While Hugo LX looks to the same period for inspiration, his "Drifting Away" is an altogether deeper, drowsier and woozier proposition.