PRIDE, A DEEPER LOVE DEBBY HOLIDAY AND KRISTINE W RELEASE NEW PRIDE SONGS

BY PATRICK GERRITY

Jusko and Blacklow, the dynamic producing duo best known for their bootleg remixes of Lady Gaga’s “Rain On Me” and P!nk’s “Just Like A Pill”, as well as their official remix of Katy Perry’s “Small Talk,” are out this month with their first original track, “Love Lift Me Up” featuring Debby Holiday. The big-room electronic dance track is already gearing up to be the Pride anthem of summer 2023.

“We want everyone who hears the song to tune out any negativity and focus - even if for just a moment - on unity and love,” says Blacklow, “because isn’t leading with love always the best way forward?”

“The world is not perfect, especially with all of the political and social opposition to the LGBTQ+ community,” Jusko acknowledges. Living in Texas, he says that he experiences anti-LGBTQ sentiments every day. “Texas has introduced fifty-seven anti-LGBTQ bills in the state legislature just this past year. It drives me to inspire change. Our hope is that through songs like “Love Lift Me Up”, the power of music will help people to put differences aside and work together to make the world a better place.”

Along with the radio edit, Jusko and Blacklow are releasing remixes of “Love Lift Me Up” from today’s top DJs including Dan Slater, Block & Crown, Matt Consola and Brett Oosterhaus. A second remix package, containing Jusko and Blacklow’s VIP House Mix, will drop on June 23rd along with remixes from Toy Armada, Larry Peace, and a disco remix from Dan Slater.

Another artist that knows about the power of music – it was the name of her much beloved 2013 album – is Kristine W. She returns to dance floors this summer with her new Pride single, “By My Side”, the second soulful pop groove from her soon-to-be-released album.

The song is a celebratory homage to the people in our lives who offer unconditional love, support and friendship, no matter the circumstance. “My grandmother used to caution me about investing too much time in fair weather friends,” Kristine W explains. “I didn’t understand what that really meant until I got older, but now, I see. Loyalty is a rare characteristic. Many folks treat others as disposable. They don’t take the time to nurture a friendship or love interest. When you find that person who is willing to stick by you, cherish them. They are greater than gold.”

Kristine W wrote “By My Side.” James Hurr, one of the masters of UK House, produced the original track along with Smokin Jack

Hill, John Keenan, and Dirty Disco’s Matt Consola. Kristine began recording pop, R&B and dance tracks in the nineties. “Feel What You Want” was her first single to reach #1 on Billboard in 1994. Since then, she has had a steady flow of chart toppers and ties Mariah Carey for the sixth-most Billboard number ones.

Still, with all her success, she admits the last few years have been difficult. “The passing of my mom and my sister has been debilitating. They were my wing women throughout my life. I could always count on them to be there for me, by my side.”

She hopes “By My Side” serves as a reminder to all in the ‘Land of the Living’ a reference to her 1996 smash hit that we are here for a short time. She insists, “It is important we tell all of the angels in our life that we love and appreciate them.”