Simina Grigoriu is on a direct path to international stardom this year, with an anthology of highly-anticipated releases to add to her extensive discography. Closing out 2023 in flying form, the Kuukou Records label boss made her Drumcode debut with ‘Flight Tracker’, before delivering an impeccable remix of Bullzeye’s ‘Padrobiotic’ for Movement Recordings.
Now, revisiting her 2019-released ‘Spring Storm’ collaboration alongside MIR Music head YAIDE, the pair have cherry-picked a selection of the most exciting up-and-coming talents to breathe new life into their acclaimed single. Flawlessly executed, Simina and YAIDE’s refined original is a masterclass in melodic techno that enjoyed heavy rotation throughout the club and festival circuits during its release year.
Opening the collection of remixes, we’re treated to a highly-impactful edit from Spanish DJ, producer and saxophonist Andres Luque. Keeping the original’s melodic phrases very much intact, Andres employs crisp percussive elements and rave-ready synth work that’s conducive to his house-leaning back catalogue. Next up we have fast-rising Ukrainian artist Katy Rise, who creates a warmly euphoric atmosphere on her production with trippy synth patterns and driving kicks. A wonderfully hypnotic producer, Katy’s powerful rework proves to be deeply immersive, whilst maintaining strong danceability.
The pack’s third offering comes from Spanish duo Eleene, who guide the original into darker techno waters with the use of haunting vocal edits, heavy industrial tones and gritty distortion. Ebbing and flowing between its aural components the track has an ethereal spirit that makes it worthy for both club and at-home listening alike. To round out the anthology, Simina and YAIDE welcome No StraiN; a duo project made up of EZEK and Messier. Promising to leave a new footprint on the melodic and progressive dancefloors, the outfit’s fresh opus is brimming with influences from across the vast electronic spectrum, welcoming intrigue around every corner.
One of the most dedicated and hard-working characters in the industry, it comes as no surprise that Simina has another cardinal year in store for 2024. Having just presented the ‘Best Of Kuukou Records 2023’ compilation, the esteemed artist and label chief now looks ahead to her upcoming releases on We Are The Brave and OFF Recordings, as well as a collaboration with Sneaker Pimps’ Kelli Ali.
