Daptone Remixed - Part 2: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, 'Keep on Looking'

Posted on Nov 6th 2007 10:00AM by Mike Spinella
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For the second installment of the Daptone Records remix series, we've cued up Brooklyn soul sister Sharon Jones. Jones and the seemingly omnipresent Dap-Kings band meet their match when legendary house DJ/producer Kenny Dope gets in the mix for 'Keep on Looking.' Dope takes it in an unexpected direction, while maintaining the integrity of the original, with a manic vintage hip-hop beat.

Keep reading to download the remix and read an exclusive Q&A with Daptone co-founder Neal Sugarman of the Dap-Kings and Sugarman Three.

Download: 'Keep on Looking' (Kenny Dope Remix) by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, (MP3)

'Keep on Looking' (Original Version)

Exclusive Q&A with Neal Sugarman:

What was the most exciting element of getting other folks to work with the Daptone sound?

When Scion approached us to curate the release, we decided to aim high in terms of which remixers and producers we approached. Mark Ronson, Kenny Dope, Hank Shocklee are pretty high profile folks. So I guess, for me as owner of the label, just hearing the enthusiasm of people that I respect for what we're doing and how anxious they were to be involved in the project was amazing. Nine times out of 10 they seemed to go for what we had in mind. Plus, as an indie, Daptone doesn't have deep pockets, so the fact that all these folks contributed to the project means a lot. It shows their enthusiasm for the music and I guess we picked the right folks for it!

What do you think sets Daptone apart from other indie labels?

What we are trying to get across is the same excitement you might feel when you pick up a Stax, Motown or early Atlantic Record. What I don't see in other indie labels, is a brand and a commitment to a particular genre of music. We at Daptone are trying to keep the quality control high, so when you pick up any Daptone 7" LP or CD, you have a pretty good idea of what kind of soul, funk excitement you're about to get yourself into.

If you had to pick one 45 out of the Daptone vault, which one would it be and why?

Right now I'm just feeling the Menahan Street Band featuring Charles Bradley ("The World"), one of our more recent 45s, and one of the new additions to the label (feat. Tommy TNT Brenneck of Dap-Kings and the Budos Band). They sound fresh and amazing to me. All the pieces of the puzzle just fell together. It's a super soulful track. Right now I'm really feeling that, but it could be that's because it's new and I haven't heard it as much!

Previously:

Daptone Remixed - Part 1: The Budos Band, 'Chicago Falcon'

'Scion CD Sampler v. 19 - Daptone Records Remixed'

CD 1 Daptone Remixes
1. The Budos Band, 'Chicago Falcon' (The Washington Sq. Lads Remix) feat. Wale(a)
2. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, 'Keep On Looking' (Kenny Dope Remix)
3. The Daktaris, 'Eltsuhg Ibal Lasiti' (Mad Professor Remix)
4. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. 'Stranded In Your Love' (Cool Calm Pete - Sweet Nothing Mix)
5. The Sugarman Three & Co., 'Take It As It Come' feat. Charles Bradley (Afrodisiac Soundsystem Remix)
6. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, 'How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?' (Ticklah Remix)
7. The Budos Band, 'T.I.B.W.F.' (Hank Shocklee Remix)
8. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, 'My Man Is A Mean Man' (DJ Spinna Remix)
9. The Sugarman Three & Co., 'Bosco's Blues' (Bull Jun Remix) feat. Large Professor

(a) Remixed by Mark Ronson

CD 2 Daptone Originals
1. The Budos Band, 'Chicago Falcon'
2. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, 'Keep On Looking'
3. The Daktaris, 'Eltsuhg Ibal Lasiti'
4. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. 'Stranded In Your Love'
5. The Sugarman Three & Co., 'Take It As It Come' feat. Charles Bradley
6. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, 'How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?'
7. The Budos Band, 'T.I.B.W.F.'
8. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, 'My Man Is A Mean Man'
9. The Sugarman Three & Co., 'Bosco's Blues' feat. Large Professor