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"After releasing EPs like 2018’s Stereo and 2019’s Friends, as well as the full-length Ivory album, fans have been keeping track of Omar Apollo’s growth as a person and musician over the years. On December 1st, 2023, the Grammy-nominated singer released his latest body of work, a new EP titled Live For Me. Altogether, Live For Me has been transcribed as a “transitional” era for Apollo’s music. The EP features four tracks: “Ice Slippin,” “Live For Me,” “Angel,” and “Pilot.”


For Omar Apollo, longing is an art form—and he’s mastered it. The young singer/songwriter’s aching, visceral musings on love and heartbreak have earned him connection with a devoted fanbase as well as industry-wide recognition, including a GRAMMY nomination for Best New Artist, two Latin GRAMMY nominations for Record of the Year and Best Alternative Song (“Te Olvidaste,” with C. Tangana), Variety’s Future Icon award, and most recently his first RIAA-certified platinum record for viral hit “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me at All)”—which was also his Billboard Hot 100 debut. He ushers in his next chapter with a new EP, Live for Me, with some of his most personal writing to date, expressing themes he hasn’t previously spoke about. Born in Hobart, Indiana, to parents who immigrated from Mexico, he often felt isolated as a minority in his hometown. As he draws on another year of life, love, and longing for his latest chapter, Apollo’s promise is limitless."

The final instalment of the trilogy of albums by the Julian Nicholas Band is entitled 'Love' and is live recording from 1995 in Brighton which took inspiration from West African percussion, early Weather report and Miles Davis. This vinyl only release is limited to 100 copies only and comes with front cover artwork from UK artist Kavel Rafferty. All three sleeves combine together to make one unique piece of art.

Multi-Platinum artist, Collective Soul, is releasing 7even Year Itch: Greatest Hits, 1994-2001 for the first time on vinyl. The album features hits such as “Shine” and “The World I Know,” along with “Perfect Day,” featuring Elton John. In addition to their hits, the band included two new tracks, “Next Homecoming” and “Energy” on the original album. The 2001 release hit #50 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on the Canadian album chart. The album celebrates Collective Soul’s breadth and versatility.

This is one of the last Chet Baker albums recorded in the States prior to the artists relocating to Europe in the early ‘60s. Likewise, the eight-tune collection was the final effort issued during his brief association with the Riverside Records imprint. The project was undoubtedly spurred on by the overwhelming success of the Shelly Manne-led combo that interpreted titles taken from the score to My Fair Lady (1956). In addition to becoming an instant classic, Manne’s LP was also among of the best-selling jazz platters of all time. While Baker and crew may have gained their inspiration from Manne, these readings are comparatively understated. That said, the timelessness of the melodies, coupled with the assembled backing aggregate, make ‘Chet Baker Plays the best of Lerner and Loewe’ a memorable concept album.

ONE LEVEL is delighted to announce its latest release, the captivating 'Big Tal's Elements' EP by French DJ/Producer, ALEQS NOTAL.

Following the resounding success of One Level's debut release, the awe-inspiring Afro-futurism of Hagan's 'Forward Focus' EP - a production that ignited a dynamic and fruitful chapter for the London-based artist - the label has been meticulously crafting its return. One Level prides itself on championing quality over quantity, and this ethos is beautifully demonstrated in its second release...

Aleqs Notal, the former scratch champion and consistently evolving producer, joins the label family with a collection of four remarkable tracks. Despite his years of experience, Aleqs admits that he's still in the process of refining his own sound and with 'Big Tal's Elements’, a nickname affectionately bestowed by longtime friend and fellow artist Manaré, his four carefully curated house joints encapsulate a wealth of influences, all beautifully combining to create a modern and innovative soundtrack.

Following his early years of turntable virtuosity, and having embarked on a new creative chapter in the studio, it was 2014 and as a founding member of the innovative ClekClekBoom collective - a group of young French talents who spearheaded a groundbreaking movement that reshaped the Parisian electronic landscape - that saw Notal continue to cultivate his own sound, one rooted in the sounds of Detroit and Chicago. He became a respected DJ on the cities’ club circuit, and has gone on to to feature his music on esteemed labels including Phonogramme, Salon Recordings, Release Sustain and Patrice Scott's Sistrum Recordings.

The EP opens with 'Untwisted Delight', a homage to the timeless sound of the Motor City. A bass-driven DJ tool, pulsating with the resonance of the 808, evoking echoes of Pittman, and igniting a powerful dancefloor energy.

‘Save Ya’ is an ode to determination and self-preservation. A track with its roots deeply embedded in the dancefloor and featuring an archive sound-bank vocal alongside glorious hi-hats, it is a firm favourite of Notals. “I think its from my scratch background. I always work with the hi-hats. For me, when I hear the hats its as though I hear somebody singing." Fully road-tested at Fabric London, Save Ya is now set to rescue many a night.

'Come Get It' channels the spirit of early Chicago house. A fusion of spirited 606 and 808 drum patterns, coupled with the enchanting allure of resounding hi-hats, it offers a heartfelt homage to the revolutionary sounds that defined an era and continue to influence so much of today’s music.

Concluding the EP is 'Hymn Of Passion', a track inspired by Ron Trent's Future Vision imprint. Drawing on a diverse palette of Nigerian percussive elements and samples garnered from past projects, Aleqs weaves a sonic mosaic. Crafted in a single jam session, the track elegantly melds a rhythmic finesse with resonant congas, intertwining with the emotive Rhodes piano, to craft an unforgettable finale.

With a diverse array of influences seamlessly interwoven, Aleqs Notal’s ‘Big Tal's Elements’ EP is a journey through sound that fully captivates the listener.

Lipphead is a production duo consisting of veteran producers Blockhead (Ninjatune, Future Archive Recordings) and Eliot Lipp (Alpha Pup) creating eclectic instrumental hip hop that dances effortlessly between Blockhead's sample-based hip hop beats and Lipp's evolving synth-laden swing. Illustrated by artist Maddison Chaffer, the titular character serves as the group's mascot and as a tongue-in-cheek personification of the artist’s fused styles. In 2022, the pair released their debut LP ‘In the Nude’ via Michigan label Young Heavy Souls to critical acclaim.
Building on that success, Lipphead is back with 10 new tracks and a fresh selection of singles to introduce the forthcoming record entitled ‘From the Back’. Kicking off with the irresistible disco soul of ‘Midnight Brain to Georgia,’ the duo hits the ground running. The second single effortlessly guides the listener through a showcase of fluttering flute samples, jittery synthesizer flourishes, and a bassline that is sure to please even the most selective funk enthusiasts. Throughout ‘From The Back’, fans can expect an even groovier spin on their genre-blending mix of downtempo, hip-hop, and electro-funk, along with a healthy dose of the duo’s trademark sense of humor.
Reflecting on the album, Lipp states that “Lipphead really starts to perfect their stylistic fusion on this record. Plenty of oddball beats and goofy samples, but this time there’s an upbeat funk vibe throughout. ‘From The Back’ is basically a window to what goes on in Lipphead’s wild-ass brain.”

This Rough Guide features both the guardians of this musical tradition as well as some of today's key innovators who continue to push the boundaries of the genre. * An album which unlocks the mysterious and intriguing rhythms behind Capoeira * Following on from the success of other Brazilian-themed albums in the Rough Guide LP range * Capoeira combines dance and combat to the distinctive sound of the berimbau and other traditional instruments * Includes tracks by the legendary Grupo Muzenza & Capoeira Nago * A remarkable living-tradition originally developed by enslaved Africans inBrazil at the beginning of the 16th century * A seamless collection of tracks which provides a unique insight into today's vibrant scene * Featuring trailblazing artists who have taken the musical genre into a whole new electronic dimension * The music of Capoeira continues to serve as a major inspiration for Brazilian artists to this day * Music is the driving force behind capoeira which makes it so distinctive and captivating * Half-dance, half-combat, capoeira has become synonymous with the beaches of Brazil.

The Syphons are the house band at Suit Yourself Music, a collective of exceptional musicians. This is their first release and features Darrell Smith. In 2024 there will be a series of releases with The Syphons featuring other artists and vocalists in the genres of Soul, Northern Soul, Acid Jazz, Mod Jazz, Rhythm & Blues.

All these releases will be new compositions taking inspiration from the original artists in these genres, but ‘Respecting The Architect’ by taking influence to pen new music rather than cover versions.

First time on vinyl!
Newly remastered. LP housed in a gatefold jacket.
Featuring Herbie Hancock, Martha Reeves, Alphonse Mouzon, Chuck Rainey, Patryce “Choc’let” Banks, Carlos Morales, and members of The Pointer Sisters.

In the 1970s, Betty Davis defied genre and gender by pushing her voice to extremes and embracing the erotic. She articulated a kind of pre-punk, funk-blues fusion that had yet to be normalized in mainstream music – a style that few musicians have come close to replicating. As one of the first Black women to write, arrange, and produce her own albums, Betty was a visionary who disregarded industry boundaries and constraints. Raw, unapologetic and in full control, Betty paved the way for generations of future artists who said “funk you” to the music industry and social norms.

In 1979, when Davis entered an L.A. studio to record her fifth and final album, she was reeling from a series of setbacks. Three years earlier, after recording her fourth album, Is It Love Or Desire, Davis was dropped from her label and the LP was subsequently shelved. In 1978, her beloved band Funk House went their separate ways. Looking for a fresh start, Davis relocated to Hollywood to focus on songwriting. Before long, British manager Simon Lait (Toni Basil), offered to fund her next project.

With renewed vigor, Davis reunited with former Funk House guitarist Carlos Morales and brought together industry veterans like fusion drummer Alphonse Mouzon and session bassist Chuck Rainey. Old friends Anita and Bonnie Pointer (The Pointer Sisters) and Patryce “Choc’let” Banks joined Davis on vocals, as did Motown legend Martha Reeves. The resulting album, Crashin’ From Passion, was her most musically diverse, blending elements of reggae and calypso (“I’ve Danced Before”), jazz (“Hangin’ Out in Hollywood,” “Tell Me a Few Things”), dark synth-pop (“She’s a Woman”), and even disco (“All I Do Is Think of You”). Equally exploratory are Davis’ vocals, as she trades in her signature sass and snarls for more nuanced stylings.

Among the album’s few funk tracks is “Quintessence of Hip,” in which Davis hails musicians like Bob Dylan, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, and John Coltrane, while deftly integrating elements of their work. The song also offers a moment of stark vulnerability, as she sings, “Isn’t rich? Isn’t it queer? Losing my timing so late in my career.” It would prove to be a prophetic line in the months to follow.

The mixing process was mired by artistic differences and then cut short, amid the death of Davis’ beloved father. Bereft and exasperated, Davis returned home for the funeral, setting into motion her retirement from the music industry. Crashin’ From Passion, meanwhile, would be shelved for 15 years and licensed for a CD-only release, without Davis’ consent, in the ‘90s. This 2023 edition of the album, made with Davis’ full approval and cooperation, marks its first official release and first time ever on vinyl. The package was designed by GRAMMY®-winning artist, Masaki Koike, while the album cover features an incredible shot of Betty captured in London in the mid-1970s by renowned photographer Kate Simon.

Crashin’ From Passion was remastered by Dave Cooley at Elysian Masters and pressed on vinyl at Record Technology, Inc. (RTI). The accompanying booklet includes a treasure trove of rare photos from the era, plus lyrics, and new liner notes by writer, ethnomusicologist, and Betty’s close friend, Danielle Maggio, who integrates interviews that she conducted with Davis, marking her last ever interviews.

Following split EPs from DeFeKT and Rico Casazza, plus Tripeo and Cycloplex, Cultivated Electronics Ltd (CE's vinyl only sister label), returns with Volume 3 of their in demand 'For the Floor' series. As the name suggests all the tracks in the series are primed for the dance floor with Volume 3 featuring two more tracks apiece from two artists making waves in the Electro sphere. Electro heads should already be very familiar with Scand resident, Steve Allman who's also released stellar tracks on Soma's sister-label, Avoidant and A-Future's EON label. While Alex Jann is well known for being the man behind the excellent Censor Music as well as appearing on the likes of 20/20 Vision and brokntoys. Get ready for some no-holds-barred floor fillers to update your record box.

The live reunion of Bob Dylan and The Band during 1973-74 yielded one of the decade's most celebrated, dynamic, and astonishing tours. Captured on Before the Flood, the results portray the two artists' shared chemistry as well as Dylan's instinctive ability to challenge audiences, his group, and himself via inventive rearrangements of classics that simultaneously ward off nostalgia and renew with meaning. Said by noted critic Robert Christgau to be "at its best, the craziest and strongest rock and roll ever recorded," Before the Flood crackles with intensity, relevance, and unhinged performances.

Arriving at a crucial time for both Dylan and The Band, Before the Flood is the furthest thing possible from a nostalgia trip. It's where Dylan begins his now-trademark feat of turning songs upside-down, taking risks, challenging expectations, and leaving audiences riveted to the edge of their seats in anticipation of what might come next. He sings with unabated passion, the moods spanning bitterness to jubilation. And his willingness to play fast and loose with the music gives way to compelling shifts, under-the-surface textures, complementary intricacies, and a sense of newness and discovery on par with that of an adventurer embracing total freedom.

Before the Flood buries any notion of limits, safeguards, or borders. It is an open map, each song a route begging for exploration without need or concern for exactness or an appointed leader. Collaborative in every sense, it's a portrait of six inimitable musicians feeding off one another, trusting in their past history as they hurdle towards uncharted territory, using soulfulness as a compass and opportunity as their vehicle.

Wholly different than the live episodes heard on Bob Dylan Live 1966, The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert, Before the Flood is equally seminal and, from the perspective of witnessing an artist dare not only his audience but himself to break through to a new plane, even better. Utterly astounding.

Hot off of the success of their multi-platinum self-titled debut, The Youngbloods shuffled their line-up (with the departure of co-founder Jerry Corbitt) and used their heightened caché to go big on their follow up, the Charlie Daniels-produced Elephant Mountain. Over multi-layered acoustic-folk and electric-rock instruments, Jesse Colin Young, Banana Levinger, and Joe Bauer create a free-feeling set of tunes that playfully careen between front-porch folk and stadium rock (best exemplified in the classic single "Darkness, Darkness"). That this diverse set of musical influences remained cohesive and artistically daring makes it an underground classic whose admiration continues to grow today. Impex is proud to bring it to you in pristine all-analogue glory!

Kastil, aka of the spanish Mario Castillo, is well known and especially for his role as a producer of furious and intricate techno works with a high industrial influence. But at 30D we like that our close people (and Kastil is very close, since he is responsible for the mastering of all our label's releases) have absolute freedom to release what they consider appropriate, here is a clear example: Mario leaves aside his usual four-to-the-floor vision to immerse himself -completely on purpose- into classic IDM and into the most beautiful, musical and even epic electronica. Only one of the four tracks that conform the EP ('Polymorphic') clearly looks to the dance floor although it shares, along with the three remaining tracks, the artist's passion for the timeless sound of the 90's. QuadroQuill EP will be released on 30D Records' sub-label ExoPlanets, in both, vinyl (strictly limited edition) and digital format.

Back in 2017 Tear Apart Tapes released "Run", a song by Shakkatam. John Talabot immediately connected with it and played it as the closing in many of his dj sets. We are now grateful to present "Run" in a new context, with three covers from artists we admire: Cucina Povera, Celine Gillain and Dania. The original song and Dania's cover are out now. Full release and vinyl will be available in October. Artwork by Arnau Pi Mastered by Frederic Stader

Leon Rosselson has been at the forefront of songwriting in England for over sixty years For 'Chronicling the Times', Rosselson delved into his storied political satirist's song catalog to assemble seventeen of his favorite recordings. Featuring English folk luminaries such as Martin Carthy and Billy Bragg, this collection proves that Rosselson, now well into his 80s, has created an oeuvre comparable to other social critics such as Phil Ochs. He started performing in the early days of the folk revival as a member of the Galliards with whom he made many radio and TV broadcasts. His early songs were topical-satirical, but eventually absorbed many different influences from around the world. He has recorded many albums and published two songbooks. His song "The World Turned Upside Down" was taken into the pop charts by Billy Bragg and covered by artists including Dick Gaughan and Chumbawamba. Rosselson has also published seventeen children's books, the first of which, 'Rosa's Singing Grandfather', was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal in 1991. Billy Bragg deftly summed up his career: "Leon Rosselson is the embodiment of the original ideals of punk rock- using fearless wit and political integrity to highlight the hypocrisies of those in power."

Apocryphonis the fourth studio album by American heavy metal band The Sword and featuring The Veil of Isis, Cloak of Feathers, Arcane Montane and The Hidden Masters Recorded at Magpie Cage Studios in Baltimore, Maryland with producerJ Robbins, it was released by New York label Razor & Tie in October 2012.Apocryphonis the band's first album without original member Trivett Wingo, and the first to feature his replacement Santiago "Jimmy" Vela III, who took over from interim touring drummer Kevin Fender in October 2011; it is also the first of the band's albums to be released by Razor & Tie, with whom the group signed in early 2012 after seven years with Kemado Records. Remastered and pressed on 180 gram vinyl. Housed in a gatefold jacket featuring artwork by the award-winning comic book artist and penciller, J.H. Williams III. "Heavy metal distilled to its purest form." - Consequence

Oddisee's breakthrough album: Imbued with love, honesty, and selflessness, The Good Fight is virtuosic in its musicality, direct in its language, and infinitely relatable In a landscape overrun with abstract indulgence and shallow trend-chasers, the Prince George's County, Maryland artist has created a record that reminds you that it's music before it's hip-hop. For Oddisee, "The Good Fight" is about living fully as a musician without succumbing to the traps of hedonism, avarice, and materialism. It's music that yields an intangible feeling: the sacral sound of an organ whine, brass horns, or a cymbal crash. It's a meditation on our capacity to love and the bonds binding us together. It's our ambition and greed warring with our sense of propriety - a list of paradoxes we all face when living and striving. Oddisee's production simmers in its own orchestral gumbo. You sense he's really a jazzman in different form, inhabiting the spirit of Roy Ayers and other past greats. The Fader's compared him to a musical MC Escher, calling hailing his "grandiose and symphonic sound" and "relevant relatable messages." Pitchfork praised his "eclectic soulful boom-bap.

Problem Patterns have got something to say and they're going to say it fucking loudly Unfiltered, raw and absolutely vital, queercore quartet Problem Patterns are angry. When Problem Patterns reconnected during a break in the pandemic, they realised that the mission was more important and the rage was extra- critical. This, surely, was punk rock time. Problem Patterns are not limited by age or ability or binary identities. They don't have a front person, they swap instruments and roles to ensure that each member of the group has a voice. They espouse queer punk and they have shared touring schedules with Queen Zee, JOHN, Pink Suits & soon to be Bob Vylan. They are part of a supportive musical community in Belfast that includes Gender Chores and Strange New Places. Live shows are celebratory and uplifting. Outbreaks of fun and positive havoc are part of the experience. The band's admiration for Bikini Kill and the riot grrrl movement led to an online conversation with the artist Kathleen Hanna, who they later went on to support (Bikini Kill) in Manchester and Glasgow. "She's been part of relighting the fire," says Ciara, "and the trust and confidence we have in ourselves as a band. We've for more of a 'fuck it' than we've ever had. And we already had that. Punk provides protest songs and it provides a release for feelings." Beverley agrees: "We're talking about what's currently happening right now. Always.

Baiana (pronounced By-Anna) is the alias of powerhouse Liverpool-born Brazilian jazz artist, Laura Doyle Following on from performances at Love Supreme, the Manchester Jazz festival, world famous jazz clubs The 606 and Pizza Express as well as an unprecedented 12 weeks on the A- list of the Jazz FM playlist, with her breakthrough single "Saudade Samba" Baiana's highly anticipated self- titled debut album is finally here. Produced by the legendary UK Latin percussionist, Snowboy, 'Baiana' features 11 finely crafted songs covering a huge range of Brazilian styles from fiery Sambas to Bossa Nova, Jazz Fusion to Baiao and everything in-between. Singing in both Portuguese and English, Laura evokes a vocal style reminiscent of the great romantic torch singers of the 40's and 50's such as Julie London and Peggy Lee and yet one can clearly also feel the passionate expression of Portuguese Fado and the Brazilian greats such as Elza Soares, Gal Costa and Elis Regina as she sings of love-lost and broken hearts. An unexpected candidate for Brazilian jazz with her Scouse accent and fiery red hair denoting her Irish roots, Laura became enraptured by Brazilian music after living in Rio de Janeiro where she was seconded as "first lady" with the Italian diplomatic service.

Three tracks that were included as bonus tracks on the Gherkin Jerks compilation CD from a few years ago are now up for their release on vinyl. All originate from the same Gherkin sessions as Mr. Heard's two outstanding late 80's EP's but were never released as such. The moniker showed a different side to his sonic pallet, and would innovate the acid sound to great FX, influencing a great many of artists in the decades that followed. Psychotic Fantasy eventually made its way to the Dance 2000 Pt. 2 album, while the original full take of Ecstasy and Reznaytor never saw the light of the day. Now for the first time on wax and still sounding as futuristic as ever!