This week it’s the turn of Sandy Rivera to talk us through some of his selections for Defected In The House Brazil ’11. Plus there’s a 10 minute mix for you to check out, featuring a selection of tracks from the compilation…

Sandy Rivera featuring April ‘Take Me Back’ (SR’s 2011 Original Mix)

Brazil is full of surprises every time I go there and this track also started as a pleasant surprise. While cruising around the city in the summer time, I heard a girl singing out loud while she was riding a bike past me. I just could not believe the voice I heard pass me, so I quickly went around the block to see if I could find her. I caught up with her at the next block and asked her to come to my studio. April came the next day for a session. This is still the original version and that is how it stayed from the beginning. This song is like an easy morning, when you know that the best of it all is ahead of you. That’s how every morning feels whenever I’m in Brazil – keeping it positive. It is a perfect way to start a mix. Defected have also lined up some nice mixes by newcomers Simon Mattson and Virus J.


Simon Mattson ‘Downforce’

‘Downforce’ is one of the tracks for the new BlackWiz Farm album 2 by Simon Mattson, aka Simon.S. It just so happened that its percussion and the whole vibe of the track has resemblance to the ones that come out from Southern America and perfect for this compilation.

Sandy Rivera & Rae ‘Hide u’ (Sandy River & C. Castel’s Remix)

While getting the compilation together, this mix of ‘Hide U’ felt like the best one here. C. Castel has put a lot of her heart into it and it came out just right. Minor arrangement tips from myself, Defected and this deep techy track is definitely in my top list at the moment, and it does some magic on the dance floor. You can get a sneak peak of C. Castel on my ‘Dirty Sax’ video.

Sandy Rivera & Virus J ‘Put Your Hands Up’

My secret weapon at the moment – prime time head banger. No matter whom you throw it at it does exactly what it’s called for so ‘put your hands up!’ This track came out when I was in Lithuania recording a singer in Virus J’s studio. At the end of the day I had some time so Virus and I made a simple track which I decided to add to my vocals. This track adds that spice of real raw house music to this compilation.

Kings of Tomorrow ‘Finally’ (East and Young Remix)

I got one of the biggest surprises this year, ‘Finally’ has got a 2011 remix by East and Young and he nailed it…. Massive remix! ‘Big Room’ at its best and I was very happy to get this.


Quentin Harris & Ultra Nate ‘Give it 2 U’ (Sandy Rivera Mix)

I got very excited when I first laid my hands on this track from Quentin Harris & Ultra Nate. One of the few remixes that I know the outcome before I even started working on it. I wanted to make it juicy and throbbing with energy. All I can say is that I am really pleased with how it came out and the reaction on the dance floor is amazing. 

Defected In The House Brazil '11 is out 31st January - click to listen & pre-order