Love In The Air Riddim – Ted Ganung (2026)

Label: Ted Ganung | Deep Vision Recordings
Ukulele, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Keys by: Ted Ganung
Percussion by: Modupe
Recording Engineer by: Konata Alleyne (Songhai Studio) & Dennis Frederick
Vocal Recording Engineers by: Dickie Delamix, ChainLinxxx Productions, Azizzi Romeo, Blackout JA
Mastering by: Nick Burchall
Album Artwork by: Isaac Rudder
Release date: 11/20/2026

Built around a gentle calypso rhythm, warm acoustic guitar melodies, and delicate ukulele arrangements, Love in the Air Riddim celebrates the soulful, melodic side of groovy soca. The project is spearheaded by New York City-based DJ, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator Ted Ganung, whose deep connection to Trinidad and Tobago continues to inspire his musical journey. Spending considerable time on the island with his Trinidadian-born wife and children, Ganung draws inspiration from its rich musical heritage and the vibrant traditions surrounding Trinidad Carnival.

The concept for Love in the Air Riddim emerged after Ganung attended his sister-in-law’s wedding in Trinidad. Surrounded by family, friends, live soca music, steel bands, and traditional moko jumbies, he envisioned a musical project that would capture the joy, unity, and cultural spirit of Caribbean celebrations. The experience inspired him to create a sound rooted in traditional calypso while embracing the warmth and infectious groove of contemporary soca.

Recorded at Songhai Studio in Woodbrook, Port of Spain, the riddim showcases Ganung’s versatility as a musician. He performed nearly every instrument himself, beginning with the ukulele before layering acoustic guitar riffs, electric bass, and programmed drums. Renowned Trinidadian percussionist Modupe Folasade Onilu contributed the finishing rhythmic touches. The result is an intimate, stripped-down production that blends the traditional influences of calypso and groovy soca, emphasizing melody, soul, and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere rather than the high-energy tempos associated with power soca.

Following the classic one-riddim format, Love in the Air brings together multiple vocalists, each delivering an original song over the same instrumental foundation. Originating in Jamaican music culture and later embraced by soca producers during the 1990s, this approach allows artists to explore different lyrical themes while maintaining a cohesive musical identity. For this release, the central theme is love in its many forms, from romance and emotional healing to spirituality, unity, and personal resilience.

Love in the Air marks the fourth standalone riddim project from Deeper Vision Recordings, the independent label co-founded by Ted Ganung and Anthony Granata and distributed through UK-based LabelWorx. Initially focused on drum and bass, the label has expanded its musical direction to embrace reggae, soca, and other Caribbean-inspired sounds, bringing together artists from different backgrounds and generations.

The release campaign begins on October 23, 2026, with Blackout JA – “Love Is All We Need”, an uplifting anthem celebrating love as a powerful force for healing. The UK-based Jamaican vocalist brings his distinctive raspy delivery and strong connection to British bass culture to the production. On October 30, Trinidadian soca artist M1 aka Menace, formerly the lead singer of 3Suns, follows with “You Don’t Love Me”, exploring emotional deception and relationships driven by personal gain.

On November 6, veteran British-Jamaican reggae artist and activist Macka B contributes “Are You Going My Way”, a conscious reflection on peace, compassion, and solidarity. The series continues on November 13 with Azzizi Romeo, son of legendary Jamaican reggae singer Max Romeo, whose track “Obstacles” delivers an inspiring message of spiritual strength, perseverance, and determination.

The complete Love in the Air EP is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026, with additional collaborations potentially arriving ahead of the 2027 Trinidad Carnival. Ganung remains open to expanding the project as more artists express interest in recording over the riddim, allowing the music to evolve naturally while preserving its original message of love, togetherness, and Caribbean cultural celebration.

With its organic instrumentation, infectious island rhythms, and diverse lineup of reggae and soca voices, Love in the Air Riddim offers a refreshing celebration of Caribbean musical traditions, reminding listeners of the universal power of love and music to bring people together.

Original article by Patricia Meschino.

1. Azizzi Romeo – Obstacles
2. Blackout JA – Love Is All We Need
3. Macka B – Are You Going My Way
4. M1 aka Menace – You Don’t Love Me
5. Love In The Air Riddim