Tesser Music presents ‘Can’t Stop Me’, a Benn Starr original given a restrained and atmospheric rework by Roger Pauletta. Starr’s groundwork sits at the centre of the release, with the remix leaning into the depth and character that have possibly defined his place in New York’s house history.
The remix strips the track to its core elements, working with a handful of vocal phrases that sit low in the mix and leave plenty of room for the groove to breathe. It’s a slow-burner aimed for late hours and rooms that appreciate subtle pressure.
The original comes from Benn Starr, a figure who has apparently been part of New York’s house and club culture since the late '70s. His roots stretch from WBLS and WRKS to his own WNYU radio shows.
Across four decades, he has moved between DJ booths, studios, and engineering rooms, including a run at Time Warp Studios in the ’90s, where he recorded and mixed major hip hop artists.
His early work for Todd Terry’s Freeze Records set the tone for his career. He later co-founded Bennyboy Records with Mercedes Martinez, releasing a run of original cuts that carried his soulful touch.
Roger Pauletta takes the reins for this remix. Raised in the thick of New York’s club culture, he helped shape the sound of early hip house as half of 2 in a Room, possibly known for tracks like ‘Do What You Want’ and ‘Wiggle It’.
His rework keeps its focus on Starr’s foundation. It’s sparse with a classic New York sensibility running through everything from the drum programming to the way the vocal slips in and out of view.
© justaweemusicblog.com
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