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" Brooklyn-based DJ and producer Justin Cudmore has come a long way since his first debut release in 2016, "Crystal," on San Francisco's beloved label and queer party outfit, Honey Soundsystem. The record, which has had DJs and Discogs collectors begging for a repress since it first flew off the shelves, revolves around a slick, acid-drenched synth line and vocal snippets from a cult-favorite ballroom recording of Crystal LaBeija, founder of the legendary House of LaBeija, from the 1968 documentary The Queen. Now, five years later, following its initial release, and Cudmore's own international success as a DJ and string of records on The Bunker, Phonica, and Cin Cin, he's marking this milestone in a very special way.

The result is 'Of Course You're Beautiful,' a set of 12 brand-new remixes from queer/POC/straight allies—and dear friends—from the US scene from which he found his artistic voice. The record drops on Major Records, Cudmore's label with The Carry Nation, two close friends turned musical collaborators and luminaries of the US queer DJ community. As club dancefloors finally fill worldwide, it's prime time for Justin and his comrades to add a new chapter to the Crystal story through 12 tracks, each with an entirely different vibe and creative interpretation of the iconic vocal. To pay homage to the roots of "Crystal," the remix is focused on raising money for the Ali Forney Center, an essential LGBTQ+ nonprofit based in NYC. The record sales will benefit the center through financial donations; its remixers and their music represent the creativity and energy that has made them the pride of the US dance music community.

Mike Servito graces the studio once again to follow up his original "730 Reshape" by extending Crystal's original vocal and peppering in some sounds of the city, plus a careful new take on the bassline. The Bunker's Lauren Flax joins the release with a sassy, chopped-up rework that adds some colorful synths atop Cudmore's own classic line. Things turn darker and more punchy on Majorettes' Remix, which includes Cudmore himself. In Auspex's mix, things go full acid techno, while Olive T's pacy "Tea" Remix charges forward like an Acela train. Things come full circle with Honey Soundsystem founder Jason Kendig's smooth and spacey Opalesce Mix, as well as current House of LaBeija member, Sky Labeija's warehouse ready take—a cherry on top of an already nostalgic record about being your best and beautiful self on the dancefloor (and off). "

-- Words by David Garber

Brooklyn, NY via the Midwest

soundcloud.com/cudmore

residentadvisor.net/dj/justincudmore