We Speak Music

Kat Orlando Releases New Ballroom Dance Single “BlackTie”

Published

2 months ago

August 6, 2026

Detroit’s own Queen of Sax, Kat Orlando, follows up her highly danceable “Mean Daughter’s Wedding” with another gem!

“Black Tie”, the title track of the EP, is expertly crafted for the urban ballroom dance community, capturing the ele gance, rhythm, and sophistication that define the culture. Its smooth, soulful groove is complemented by a subtle yet infectious drive, creating the perfect tempo for dancers to effortlessly glide across the floor. Whether moving gracefully within a crowded ballroom or sharing an intimate moment as a couple, the song’s rhythm invites every step with confidence and style.

Lyrically, Kat tells a story of attraction and anticipation. The female protagonist is captivated by a distinguished gentleman wearing a black tie, his presence commanding attention from across the room. As their eyes meet, the music becomes the soundtrack to an unspoken connection, em bodying the romance, confidence, and timeless elegance that make urban ballroom dancing such a unique and memorable experience.

While Kat possesses a distinctive style and vocal identity all her own, this groove pays tasteful homage to the smooth, infectious R&B sound that defined an era. Listeners may catch echoes of classics such as “Too Close” by Next, along with other iconic tracks that blended irresistible rhythms with soulful melodies. Rather than imitating those influences, the song embraces their spirit while allowing Kat’s artistry to shine through with authenticity and freshness.

Once again, producer Gayle Brannan demonstrates an exceptional ear for pairing the right musical landscape with Kat’s natural gifts. By crafting a production that complements rather than competes with her voice, Brannan creates the per fect setting for Kat’s rich, soulful vocal delivery to take center stage. The result is a seamless fusion of contemporary soul and nostalgic R&B influences, showcasing Kat’s emotional depth, vocal versatility, and undeniable ability to connect with listeners through every lyric and melody.

Kat Orlando’s lifelong passion for music began at just four years old, inspired by the 45s her grandmother and aunt brought from their restaurant jukeboxes. Early influences ranged from the flute mastery of Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson to the vocal powerhouses Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross. She studied with Denver Jazz Bebop saxophonist George Keith, honing her craft and developing her unmistakable tone and phrasing. As a songwriter, she draws heavily from legends like Stevie Wonder and Prince, infusing her music with a mix of social consciousness, emotion, and irresistible groove.

On stage, she’s a dynamic force—switching effortlessly from lead vocals to sax, flute, and harmonica, all while moving with the rhythm and engaging audiences with every beat.

We Speak Entertainment

Colette Van Sertima and Porky Paul Celebrate the Now With “Live For The Moment”

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Jimmy Star

Some dance records are built simply to fill a dancefloor. Others manage to bring a message along for the ride. Colette Van Sertima’s “Live For The Moment,” produced by Porky Paul, does both.

The acclaimed dance vocalist has returned with an uplifting house release that puts her unmistakable voice front and center, pairing it with Porky Paul’s polished production and a message that feels especially timely: stop waiting for the perfect moment and start living the one you’re in.

Written by Colette Van Sertima and Porky Paul, “Live For The Moment” is rooted in positivity, possibility and making the most of life while it’s happening.

For longtime dance music fans, Van Sertima needs little introduction. Her voice is closely associated with O.T. Quartet’s “Hold That Sucker Down,” one of the memorable club records of its era, as well as the cult house favorite “Life’s A Bitch.” Those records helped establish her as a vocalist capable of delivering the kind of performance that can cut through a club production without sacrificing soul or personality.

“Live For The Moment” takes that history and moves it forward rather than trying to recreate it.

Porky Paul gives the record a contemporary house foundation that allows Van Sertima’s vocal to remain the centerpiece. There’s warmth and familiarity in the track, but it doesn’t feel trapped in nostalgia. Instead, the collaboration connects the emotional pull of classic vocal house with a production designed for today’s dancefloors.

The release also comes with an impressive remix package.

Ruff Loaderz takes “Live For The Moment” deeper into peak-time house territory, delivering several versions including radio, extended and dub mixes. Blakk Habit approaches the song from another direction entirely, giving it a UK Garage treatment and a different rhythmic personality. The result is a release that can move comfortably between house and garage audiences while retaining Van Sertima’s vocal identity. Apple Music lists the five-track Live For The Moment EP as having been released on July 10, 2026.

The Blakk Habit remix has already picked up additional attention, including being selected as Track of the Week on SubJam FM, adding to the support surrounding the release.

What makes “Live For The Moment” work, though, goes beyond the mixes. There’s something particularly fitting about hearing an artist with Van Sertima’s history deliver a song centered on living in the present.

She isn’t trying to live off yesterday’s records. She’s making another one.

With Colette Van Sertima on vocals, Porky Paul behind the production, Ruff Loaderz bringing the house fire and Blakk Habit supplying the UK Garage edge, “Live For The Moment” is a celebration of where dance music has been and, more importantly, where it can go next.

Sometimes the message really can be that simple:

Turn it up. Hit the dancefloor. And live for the moment.

Listen to “Live For The Moment” by Colette Van Sertima:
Stream “Live For The Moment”

Listen to Colette Van Sertima on Apple Music