Celebrating two decades of SKYLAX RECORDS, label-head Hardrock Striker teams up with longtime friend and music partner DJ Sprinkles, under their new project name SKYLAX HOUSE EXPLOSION (S.H.E.). Forming a template for their future musical projects, they present a large compilation that features a mix CD accompanied by three vinyl releases comprised of unreleased music personally curated by S.H.E.

As with each of the vinyl EPs, they make reference to a particular space as it pertains to the formulation of house music. Under The Ballroom is of particular resonance to DJ Sprinkles who, in the early ’90s, started out in transsexual sex worker clubs like Sally’s II that were centers for the drag queen ballroom culture that originated in New York City.

As with the two EPs before it—Under The Garage and Under The LoftUnder The Ballroom features tracks personally curated by DJ Sprinkles and Hardrock Striker. Populating the A side is Laurer who’s cataloged leanings towards more ’80s dance music sounds are nearly as old as the SKYLAX label itself. He is joined by SKYLAX RECORDS signee Octo Octa, who presents “Running,” a piece full of what are slowly becoming the signature house sounds of the Brooklyn-based producer: pitched vocals and machine noises that ally with some of her tastes for deep textures, drawing from house as well as her love for drum & bass. Taking up the entire B-side with “Soleil Mauve” is Violence FM & The Underground Soulsavers, who are making their production debut under this moniker as part of the 20 Years of SKYLAX compilation. 

We’re told that Under The Ballroom makes up the final piece of the SKYLAX RECORDS 20 Years compilation, but sets a precedent for future projects presented by SKYLAX HOUSE EXPLOSION.

Tracklisting

01. Lauer “Bigs”

02. Octo Octa “Running”

03. Violence FM & The Underground Soulsavers “Soleil Mauve”

Ahead of the Under The Ballroom EP’s July 13 release via Skylax Records, you can stream Octo Octa’s “Running” in full below.