Philip Lauer, the acclaimed Frankfurt producer, collaborates with Berlin-based vocalist Dena on Especial for a contemporary reimagining of Julie Stapleton’s soulful house anthem, “Where Is Your Love?”. This collaboration offers multiple versions across vinyl and digital formats.
Lauer’s prominence has surged since his 2016 “Hotel Lauer” EP on Especial, with albums on Permanent Vacation and Running Back, and a string of dancefloor-ready EPs on labels like Cin Cin, Futureboogie, and Skatebard’s Digitalo Enterprises.
Dena, born Denitza Todorova in Bulgaria, later relocated to Berlin’s vibrant music scene. Her electronic dance-pop style has graced labels such as K7 and Kitsune Music. Her appearance on “Make It Stay” from Lauer’s latest album signaled a natural synergy, perfectly suited to revitalize the raw, soulful sound of the cult UK label V4 Visions.
V4 Visions, founded by Alex Palmer, contributed significantly to the early 90s UK club scene with releases spanning street soul and deep house. “Where’s Your Love Gone?”, a collaboration between Palmer and then 18-year-old Julie Stapleton, masterfully blended Lovers Rock and Street Soul longing with the evocative sounds of US House.
This new EP respectfully reinterprets the classic. The “Club Mix” features a Larry Heard bassline interwoven with a marimba melody, elevating Dena’s vocals expressing youthful heartbreak. The “Demo Mix” follows, showcasing a warm, string-laden original version deemed essential by Lauer and the label.
DJ Slyngshot, a rising name with releases on his YAPPIN label and a recent EP on Workshop, contributes a deep, tech-focused remix. His analogue interpretation builds with hypnotic dub techno percussion, counter breaks, strings, and piano.
The EP concludes with the “Synthapella,” incorporating bongos, cowbell, and whistle to create a drifting Balearic soundscape perfect for late summer nights and sunrises, highlighting Dena’s vocals in a “sunrise” light. The track captures the essence of longing and lost love, echoing the question, “where is your love?”
