Michael Cignarale revives NYC house vibes in latest EP, ‘Dance Like Me’
Out via Medusa Records, the fierce three-tracker blends tribal rhythms, funky basslines, and dramatic strings
Medusa Records’ head honcho Michael Cignarale strongly represents the label’s fifth release with his latest EP, ‘Dance Like Me’.
This high-energy collection boasts three cuts deeply rooted in the rich sounds of New York City house and ballroom scenes from the '90s and early 2000s.
Title track ‘Dance Like Me’ showcases Michael’s signature style with tribal house drums and a funky disco bassline, topped off with catchy, distorted vocals. Keep an eye out for an accompanying music video, featuring Shanghai’s fiercest nightlife queens.
On the B-side, ‘She Thinks She’s Fierce’ brings the ballroom energy with a UK funky beat and sampled vocals of queens throwing shade. Laced with M1 pianos, organs, and dramatic strings, Michael describes it as “A love letter to my absolute obsession for Junior Vasquez and the Sound Factory.”
The track’s ‘You Gotta Go Mix’ serves up full sassy vocals and a piano breakdown, while ‘The Delusional Diva Dub Mix’ packs on even more groove and is more of a vocal-light edit.
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As co-founder and resident DJ of MEDUSA, one of Shanghai’s most iconic monthly queer parties and record labels, Michael’s influence towards the scene in Asia is undeniable.
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Recently, the Recording Academy gave a nod to Medusa Records as one of its 5 LGBTQIA labels to look out for.
Purchase ‘Dance Like Me’ here.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
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