Born in 1989 in Bamako, Mali, Nfaly Diakité is a member of the Donsow, Bambara animist hunters. Nfaly Diakité is named after his grandfather, the late Nfaly Diakité, one of Mali’s most respected donso chiefs. His grandfather did not play, but as a leading figure in the donso brotherhood, he was always accompanied by musician Yoro Sidibé. Nfaly grew up alongside Yoro Sidibé, who became his first master of the donso ngoni, a type of eight-stringed antelope skin harp. After leaving school to devote himself to his instrument, Nfaly continued his apprenticeship with Diakaria Diakité and Oumar Sidibé, two donso masters from the Wassolo region.
He quickly made a name for himself in the donso community and was much asked to play at the traditional ceremonies of his brotherhood. He then met percussionist Ibrahim Sarr and joined the BKO Quintet, with whom he recorded an album and toured Europe and the United States. His virtuosity on the donso ngoni soon attracted attention, and he took part in numerous music and dance festivals in Mali and abroad, with the aim of raising awareness of this little-known traditional instrument.
Nfaly Diakité is also a Kônô, meaning that he is responsible for passing on the history and culture of the Bambara people through music and song. He pursues his mission by combining tradition with more contemporary sounds and by collaborating with artists from a wide range of musical backgrounds. For him, music is a means of conveying messages of peace, love and harmony, and his compositions evoke the values of respect, tolerance and open-mindedness.
‘Tribute to Toumani Koné’ is Nfay Diakité’s first solo album, recorded in Bamako in June 2020. On the album, Nfaly is the only singer, providing backing vocals and playing the donso ngoni and keregne. The album is a tribute to the storyteller and poet Toumani Koné, the greatest donso ngoni player since N’gonifo Bourama. Nfaly Diakité is a representative of the new generation of donso ngoni players and he wishes to pay tribute to Toumani Koné, who throughout his long career has been a symbol of courage, daring, loyalty and honesty.
The nine-track of this solo album leaves no room for hesitation. Three instruments (donso ngoni, voice and keregne) manage to carry one into another dimension without ever tiring. The fitting and precise rhythm is a deep but melodious transe. Nfaly’s voice plays between expressive urgency and calm wisdom, and the choruses with his own voice multiply the planes of dimension of the music. The donso n’goni, of which Nfaly is an excellent player, sounds rough and earthy but always clear and sharp. All the strength of a music that does not belong to a single musician but to a long cultural tradition of which he is the spokesman is expressed here. The young Nfaly, thanks to his experience and sensitivity, succeeds on his own in pushing us into this world without feeling the weight of tradition but only the liberation of music that sounds all the more contemporary. This album is to be listened to in its entirety as one tight journey between repeated formulas, highlights and moments of rest within the same relentless rhythm. The densest moment is probably found in the heart of the album, between the tracks Nankama (the predestined one) and Mogote Diabeye (no one can please everyone). Here, the message, which can be deciphered from the translation of the lyrics, seems to transcend language barriers and intepret us directly about our human condition, urging us to move our bodies to the dense rhythm of life.
In 2016, Universal Music and The Walt Disney Company France presented ‘Jazz Loves Disney’, followed in 2017 by ‘Jazz Loves Disney 2 – A Kind of Magic’, as part of the We Love Disney series.
Produced by Jay Newland, arranged and directed by Rob Mousey, the project brought together talented and renowned artists to pay tribute to the most beautiful and symbolic tunes of Walt Disney’s magic world and render exclusive jazz versions.
The remarkable cast includes Gregory Porter, Melody Gardot, Stacey Kent, George Benson, Madeleine Peyroux, Laura Mvula, Jacob Collier, Bebel Gilberto, Jamie Callum and Eric Cantona.
Alessandro Alessandroni's "OPEN AIR PARADE" is finally reissued through SME. The very best library record by the cult maestro on the dreams podium alongside SPONTANEOUS, the 2 FARFALLA's recordings and RITMO DELL'INDUSTRIA we released 2 years ago. A long-awaited masterpiece and sought-after gem by record collectors all over the world originally released in 1972 on the mythical SR Records with two tracks by the great bassist Giovanni Tommaso who surely played in this session. A dreamy album with the top-notch, strung-out Psychedelic Funk sounds ever recorded in Italy during the early 70s, laden Beat and groovy music with lush arrangements and insane vocal themes by Alessandro Alessandroni's Cantori Moderni chorus. Italian Library gem!
Having shared stages with artists like Efterklang and Ólafur Arnalds, Samson has long felt like an outsider, caught between being “too experimental” for some and “too indie” for others. His struggle to fit into a defined space has deeply influenced his music. After the pandemic derailed a major indie record deal, Samson grew disillusioned with the industry, reflecting on how his search for belonging had often been met with barriers.
His new album “Songs of Beginning & Belonging” are reflections on these experiences. Moving away from the themes of home and displacement that coloured his earlier works, the new album reflects a sense of inner peace and renewal. It is a delicate, meditative collection that underscores Samson’s growth as an artist and a person, driven by a desire to move past old wounds and start anew.
“Songs of Beginning & Belonging” is an album that feels at once delicately sparse, at times even symphonic, but is tied together by a repeated and palpable feeling of quiet liberation - a determination for things to move forward rather than reflecting back on what’s come before.
Recorded between November 2022 and May 2024 in Will’s former studio, a secluded spot on the River Tejo in Almada, which he shared with Casper Clausen of Efterklang), the album was made specifically for Dauw, who had asked Will to create a piece of music for them. The album was, as always, largely recorded using his 1970's 'Uher 4200' tape machine, plus a small collection of other tape machines that wind their way in and out of the recordings and shape in it in a beautifully singular way.
Dear Friends, Shouldn’t we all take a moment to reect on ourselves from time to time, break away from habits, and venture down new paths? Simon Hinter, widely recognised as a house producer with releases on renowned labels such as Freerange, Quintessentials, and Kerri Chandler’s Madhouse Records, is now daring to explore something new with us, while embracing something old: Drum’n’Bass is his great old love, now rekindled with his Confusion EP.
Unsurprisingly, this comes with intense emotions, and the four tracks of the EP oscillate between profound euphoria and melancholia. You can sense both, the beginning and the end of a party night at the same time. These tracks, however, defy the current listening habits shaped by the need for instant grati¬cation. Instead, they are an ode to the loop. Here, the mind is invited to engage, to actively listen and perceptually complete the experience. We hope you enjoy this rollercoaster of emotions! Sincerly yours, Brombért P.S.: The physical release comes with handcrafted, screen-printed artwork by the fabulous graphic artist Zatina Kessl
Although he had already released his music on other labels, this time label owner Suburbial makes his long-awaited debut on vinyl under his own imprint for its fourth release. Featuring four distinct tracks, the EP firmly establishes the direction and identity of the DeepnosiS concept.
Quinoa Cuts proudly presents its 4th release: Marvin's 'Sweet Analog Memories' EP
This record is a sonic journey that bridges past and present, blending nostalgic analog warmth with a modern edge. A message that resonates loud and clear as you dive into both sides of this vinyl opus.
Side A opens with two tracks that deliver a lush, analog-driven soundscape, evocative of the iconic synth-wave movement of the ‘80s. These compositions are delicately interwoven with electro-inspired nuances, creating a bittersweet atmosphere that dances between melancholy and romance. It’s music that strikes deep emotional chords while transporting you to a dreamlike, neon-lit past.
Side B takes a darker turn, shifting the narrative entirely. While the golden-era analog textures remain present, these tracks explore a more progressive, shadowy, and haunting realm. They generate an intense sense of entropy, awakening the psyche and stirring emotions in unexpected ways. This side is a deep dive into a more introspective and visceral space, one that challenges the listener to confront their inner world.
Marvin’s EP is a record that demands to be felt as much as it is heard. Whether you’re a synth-wave enthusiast, an electro explorer, or simply a lover of forward-thinking electronic music, this release will resonate with you.
When a new RAXON release drops it’s always strongly recommended to firmly hold your socks and pants as they might get blown off. And oh dear… We caught him in an extraordinarily randy mood for his 4th outing on our prestigious Speicher series. “Acid Call” is a positively rude high energy funk beast, ready to take dancehalls of any size or color to pieces. With “Don’t Cry Pluto” Raxon turns into a punk version of the legendary Pied Piper, graciously luring us away from this boring village into a world of fun-fueled madness. What a guy, this Raxon!
Poet, novelist, musician and academic, Anthony Joseph teams up with legendary UK producer Dave Okumu for forthcoming album, ‘Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back’
Dave Okumu, known perhaps best as frontman for The Invisible, though digging deeper into his production credits, huge names emerge such as; Grace Jones, Amy Winehouse, Jesse Ware, Rosie Lowe and Eska. On this album, the magic and alchemy of Dave’s production style showcase subtle sonics and deep layering resulting in a contemporary sound to carry Anthony’s afrofuturistic metrical meanings.
Anthony and Dave first came across each other when working with Shabaka Hutchings during Covid broadcasts, and then after Anthony performed some poems on Dave’s 2023 album ‘I Came From Love’, the seeds of collaboration were sown.
With a little more psychedelia, a little more experimentation, Dave’s eclectic vision focuses on the actual sounds on these pieces. Anthony stated that “The best producers guide you, not push you” now add to that the fact that both these humans were born on the same day, a concoction of laid back attitudes in people with strong purpose, some real magic can happen, naturally.
Early writing sessions for this record took place in 2022, around Mount Blanc in France. Anthony was away touring with long-time collaborator, Jason Yarde. Ideas were a little thin and they found themselves somewhat repeating previous work resulting in Anthony rethinking things a little, and so entered Dave Okumu.
LP opener ‘Satellite’ is a fine example of how this new partnership pans out. New musicians have been enlisted; Dan See (Drums), Aviram Barath (Synths), Nick Ramm on Fender Rhodes and Byron Wallen (Trumpet). Add to that the mighty vocal power house of Eska and we have a whole new dimension of soul and depth, to carry Anthony’s statements. “You build a wall, we go under, you build it higher, we go higher, like a satellite” .
On the album's second single, ‘Tony’ - there’s a nod to all drummers and creators of African rhythms, from the point of view of Afrobeat legend Tony Allen. Highlighting this is drummer’s drummer Richard Spaven as Dave’s choice of skin beater. He successfully reminds us that Tony was someone who understood the real power of rhythm and how it is used to unite people.
As well as the new musicians on this LP, Dave Okumu played all the guitars and used the studio as his tool. On ‘A Juba for Janet’ - a poem to Joseph’s mother, and a track so bass heavy that it feels as though it could sit in a deep dubstep set in Plastic People days, - Anthony’s voice reaches straight down your ear canals next to dark drums, huge synths and delayed saxophone stabs from Colin Webster. Slightly more introspective verses on ‘An Afrofuturist Poem’ see Dave’s beats show off the real future sound of this record, kalimba, moog bass and guitars all played by the man himself.
Mellower and deeper moments are also present, Anthony’s cryptic yet informative storytelling is at its absolute best on ‘Churches Of Sound (The Benetiz-Rojo)’ - Caribbean and Windrush history reeled off alongside a linear musical timeline of Black music in the diaspora.
A reminder that this body of work is first of 2 volumes, ‘Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back’ is not a follow up to Anthony’s previous album, but more a development of his 2006 novel, ‘The African Origins of UFOs’ a book where experimental elements of afro-futurism, metafiction, science fiction, surrealism, mythology are rewritten in Anthony’s innovative language. Look out for Volume 2 also coming in 2025.
Anthony Joseph releases, ‘Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back’ (Vol. 1) via Heavenly Sweetness 7th February 2025 and he will play live at Ronnie Scotts in London on 14th March 2025, with Dave Okumu as a special guest.
After Dull Boy Johnny's previous release, a double EP with a tropical A-side and an erotic B-side, this time the three gentlemen are out on the dance floor. After all, the neighbours decided as much.
Unlike the recordings of their previous work that took place abroad, this time they stayed in a steamy attic room in Belgium, where guitarist and producer Jan built a studio. Unable to record at night because of neighbours who did not (yet) appreciate Dull Boy Johnny's music, they dove into Antwerp's nightlife.
The group's previous work took you on a cinematic journey where every musical nuance takes you to a specific setting. Be it an erotic seventies scene, a beach party in the Bahamas, or a blood-curdling chase in the Wild West, Dull Boy Johnny covers it all. Nard Houdmeyers, Rik De Bal and Jan found each other in a shared interest in film genres such as blaxploitation, neo-noir and spaghetti westerns. And therefore also the artists inherent to these genres such as Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield and Ennio Morricone. Dull Boy Johnny's conceptual approach to music can be traced back to this passion for cinema.
For the new EP, however, they traded that cosy movie-watching for turbulent nightlife (the angry neighbours, you know). Besides, it was about time to get their inspiration in the flesh. Dull Boy Johnny immersed himself in the pulses, flashes and swell of downtown Antwerp. Thunder chasing crept under their skin and then into their guitars. In grandfatherly fashion, they then turned to composing, first with just bass, guitar and vocals. In that small lineup and with the sounds of the night still reverberating in their minds, the first pieces of the puzzle were laid out. After that, the sound was opened up and a solid rhythm boost was added. This defined the catchy, up-tempo nature of the upcoming EP that centres on themes of dancing, flirting and partying. Expect rousing riffs, catchy hooks and swinging rhythms. Details were meticulously laid out and bricked into the songs with delicate grouting. The fine polishing of the songs was done with patient finesse and a constant attitude to serve the song. With songs like Suspicion, She Can Groove and Dynamite, it is immediately clear that the gentlemen got their mustard from the club: action, party and spunk! All without losing their typical sensuality.
Despite the different working methods for the third EP, there are a lot of recurring elements that define Johnny's fresh sound. The essence? Catchy high vocals contrasted with a sensual baritone voice, carried by a groovy bass and rhythm section. Around it, the details that give the songs the right atmosphere swirl.
Dull Boy Johnny's music prefers to function as a soundtrack to your own imagination. As you listen, you are invited to wander through the various landscapes of their musical world, regularly giving a nod to the more lustful side of your brain. The songs have already been praised for their compelling melodies and irresistible energy.
With this release, Dull Boy Johnny proves their ability to create timeless music that both touches the soul and moves the body. So surrender to Dull Boy Johnny's punchy grooves and dance the night away. Long live the neighbours!
Welcome to the kickoff of DemoDc's 5-EP series, where he reflects on the complexities of our times. Coining "Meiosistosis" from mitosis and meiosis, DemoDc creates a unique vocabulary to express his deep perspective. Released through Heart Heart Records, the music follows a non-linear, cyclic journey, with each track standing independently, guiding listeners through an evolving experience.
"A1 - Awake" opens the series, celebrating those brave enough to face their flaws in a world of false promises. With introspective melodies and harmonies, the track encourages self-discovery and reflection, urging listeners to seek their own truths.
"A2 - Not From Around Here" embraces individuality, using its ethereal tones to highlight the strength found in being different and celebrating the alien within us all.
"B1 - Glimpsed (Original Mix)" offers a brief taste of the profound mysteries of the present, reminding us that truth is personal and elusive.
"B2 - Glimpsed (Metapattern Mix)" the remix by Berlin's Metapattern transforms the original track into a deep, pulsating techno piece perfect for DJs, adding a powerful twist to this captivating musical journey.
Berlin’s Moses Yoofee Trio have confirmed details of their first new material since their 2023 mini-album, Ocean. ‘WHIP.wav’ will be released digitally on October 18, 2024, and represents the first taster for their debut full-length, MYT, set to be released by Nils Frahm’s LEITER on February 7, 2025. The German group recorded much of the album over ten days in April 2024 at Glaswald Studios, in the countryside outside Stuttgart, before returning to Berlin to polish the results and record two further tracks at LEITER’s Funkhaus studio. Available on vinyl and via all digital platforms, the album was produced by the trio with long-time collaborator and mixing engineer oh.no.ty. ‘WHIP.wav’, the original version of which was previously shared to social media to great response, is a perfect showcase for the band’s unique brand of sophisticated jazz, its laidback summer grooves lit up by Moses’ fluid piano lines, while drummer Noah Fürbringer’s deft rhythms lock in with Roman Klobe-Barangă‘s understated bassline. At just 100 seconds long, it’s also as succinct and straightforward as MYT’s title – and indeed many of its tracks – which reveals a lot about the Moses Yoofee Trio. The new album’s tracks display a remarkable determination to distil their work to its essence, allowing their prodigious talents and graceful versatility to flourish in uncluttered surroundings. Their goals, they state concisely, are “emotions, moments and bangers”, and careful attention was paid to arrangements to ensure nothing superfluous made the cut. Before coming together as a band, all three members were already deeply involved in the music scene, touring, recording, and producing for a wide range of artists and bands. They connected in 2020 when Moses met Roman at Berlin’s Jazz Institute, and it was the latter who suggested they jam with his friend Noah, who was living in southern Germany at the time but frequently visited Berlin. Amid the extended lockdowns of the Covid-19 pandemic, the trio embraced the chance to fully immerse themselves in the creative process. Since then, Moses Yoofee Trio have cultivated an extraordinary reputation for their shows, and this year they won the German Jazz Prize’s prestigious Live Act of The Year award. Recent highlights include a 2,500-capacity Elbjazz Festival booking beside Hamburg’s harbour, a riotous appearance at London’s Jazz Festival, and an intimate gig before 200 people at the German capital’s now redundant Tempelhof Airport on the rooftop of an air traffic control tower. Despite their own work as a trio, all three musicians remain busy elsewhere, with Moses, like Roman, often working with chart-topping Berlin-based Peter Fox, a frontman for reggae/dancehall/hip hop crossover act SEEED, and accompanying him on his extensive solo tours. Noah, meanwhile, plays with another renowned artist, German-American rapper Casper, as well as Sweden’s acclaimed Petter Eldh and German comedian / actor / musician Teddy Teclebrhan.
‘Belgium is too small for pianist Alex Koo’ – De Tijd
‘Stunningly original’ – Downbeat Jazz Magazine
‘Fabulous technique, sounding downright genius at times.’ – London Jazz News
‘When listening, Keith Jarrett’s name came to mind several times. Not because Koo’s playing is similar to that of the American master, but because it is of the same exceptionally high level.’ – Trouw
‘Koo’s compositions and playing are absolutely world class.’ – Written in Music
The son of a Belgian missionary sent to Japan in the seventies and a Japanese peace activist, pianist and composer Alex Koo refuses to be boxed into any traditional category. As the renowned German Jazzthetik magazine put it, "Alex Koo defies categorization."
With ten uniquely personal tracks, Blame It on My Chromosomes is more than a musical statement; it is a form of self-therapy. "The only way not to spiral into depression as a jazz musician nowadays is to vent and lose yourself in the music," Koo shares. "Music needs a purpose beyond self-promotion. For me, it's about accepting who I am and letting go of anything else."
Featuring celebrated trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire on two tracks, Blame It on My Chromosomes highlights Koo's fearless versatility. One of these tracks, "Jonass," is dedicated to Koo's childhood friend who tragically passed away, adding a deeply personal layer to the album. "When we were kids, we would skate and do stupid things with shopping carts, inspired by Jackass," Koo recalls. "That's why we called Jonas 'Jonass'-he had the biggest smile you could imagine, his laugh was contagious, yet he also was the most reckless one among us."
Koo, praised as "stunningly original" (Downbeat Jazz Magazine), is known for creating music that transcends genre boundaries, blending jazz, indie, contemporary classical and film music with innovative freedom. A native of rural West-Flanders, Belgium, he began his musical journey as a classical piano prodigy at the age of five. In his teens, he developed a passion for jazz and improvisation, earning praise from jazz legends such as Kurt Elling, Kenny Werner, and Brad Mehldau. Koo has even been described as "of the same rare high level as Keith Jarrett" (Trouw). His 2019 album, Appleblueseagreen, featuring Mark Turner and Ralph Alessi, was included in Downbeat's Best Albums of the Year.
Alongside Koo, Blame It on My Chromosomes features his longstanding trio, whose fearless interplay brings the album's narrative to life. The trio, with Koo on piano, Dré Pallemaerts on drums, and Lennart Heyndels on bass, represents the very best of the Belgian jazz scene. Their intuitive chemistry and artistry are the driving force behind the album's emotive power, with special guest Ambrose Akinmusire adding a transcendent layer on two standout tracks.
Fresh off the back of his Glitterbox remix of CamelPhat & Elderbrook's hit 'Cola', Mousse T. drops his first original release on the Glitterbox label, showing off the depth of his production skills in this sparkling genre-binding track 'Rock The Mic'.
Mousse T. enlists the help of artist TAZ, the man who became the first UK rapper to sign to hip hop mecca Def Jam, also earning a prestigious Ivor Novello award nomination for his writing skills. 'Rock The Mic' reunites Mousse with American song writer Inaya Day, best known for her unforgettable vocals on the German producer's biggest record, 'Horny'.
The catchy hook and toe-tapping groove of intertwine perfectly over smooth strings to make this an irresistible record. The killer collaboration combines hip hop with disco, giving us the best of both worlds. 'Rock The Mic' lives up to the hype, delivering six minutes of bliss alongside a percussive remix courtesy of Kon. Kon's Accapella and Instrumental versions round off this full rocking package.
PulciPerla will unveil “Tatekieto”, their new album, on its release, January 04, 2025, on Prado Records / Cie Pulcinella / The Pusher. This opus will be presented on Wednesday, February 05, 2025, on the stage of FGO - Barbara, Paris (France) during an exceptional launch concert. The eponymous single “Tatequieto” was released on all platforms on November 22, 2024.
Take an iconoclastic and energetic quartet from Toulouse, combine it with a female power trio from Bogotá, shake it up, and you will get Pulciperla!
After an explosive encounter in Colombia in 2019, the fiery trio La Perla and the unclassifiable Pulcinella decided to create an original repertoire: a hybrid, swaying, and sensual music where vocals, saxophone, keyboards, double bass, and percussion blend generously, driving a powerful trance-like pulse. A quirky and striking repertoire infused with bullerengue, reggaeton, funk, and champeta influences, which stirs the fire and gets you moving. The tribal music of La Perla’s percussionist singers merges with Pulcinella’s explosive groove to electrify the audience and awaken their primal instincts!
PulciPerla is composed of :
La Perla: Diana Sanmiguel: vocals, maracas, guacharaca;
Giovanna Mogollón ‘’Roberta Leono’’: vocals, tambor alegre;
Karen Forero:vocals, gaïta, tambora
Pulcinella: Ferdinand Doumerc : saxophones, flutes, keyboards;
Jean-Marc Serpin: double bass;
Bastien Andrieu: keyboards ;
Pierre Pollet: drums
Konstantin Sibold makes his debut on Adam Beyer’s revered imprint with compulsively danceable, highenergy, abrasively dark yet, in Sibold’s expert hands, somehow upbeat three-tracker ‘Lost In Space’. Previously releasing on Afterlife, Running Back, Aufnahme + Wiedergabe and Innervisions, the German producer eschews any genre straitjacket with his underground roots and mix of very diverse sub-genres. As a DJ, Sibold plays iconic venues worldwide inc.
Panorama Bar, Fabric, Tomorrowland, Awakenings and is famed for his marathon B2B sessions with artist inc. Solomun, Kobosil, Kerri Chandler, Kevin De Vries, and his remixes of such differing luminaries as Vintage Culture, Rebuke, Adriatique, Lana Del Rey, Laibach, Royksopp & many more. For the title track, Konstantin collabs with rising 20-years-young Brazilian talent KAF3R who aims to bring ‘sentimental and memorable experiences’ to all, creating a maelstrom of yin & yang. ‘Lost In Space’: This Peaktime Mainstage Melodic Techno monster efficiently resets the dance floor and turns it upside down at the same time.
A spacey robot vocal riff predicts a massive synth orchestrated shutdown. Konstantin Sibold debuted this beast at Tomorrowland Winter Mainstage. Heavily supported by Kolsch, Vintage Culture, ANNA, Kevin De Vries, Innellea and many more. ‘The Arrival’: This catchy stadium singalong hymn unites the dance floor with its Hands-Up hook, gated vocals and rolling baseline. Feels like a retro futuristic classic you already seem to know from a distant euphoric memory. ‘Dark Matter’: A hypnotic, recurring melody transcends between light and darkness. Referring to Konstantin Sibold’s old melodic techno hits such as 'Mutter', but with the addition of a trippy, alarming vocal fragment.
Zake's Drone Recordings label offers up this heartfelt collection in celebration of the label head's wife on a milestone birthday. Next to the man himself, awakened souls and Beno�t Pioulard also feature with the former offering 'Valleys and Peaks' from Julia's poem which blends Cynthia's ethereal vocals and James Bernard's bass with swirling synths and guitar. Beno�t Pioulard's lo-fi folk-pop 'A Heart Mirrored' and dreamy 'Our Era' reflect his signature style while Zake's cinematic pieces, including 'I Saw An Angel,' pay tribute to the inspiration of his wife. A lovely listen with a great concept
Tony Iommi ist ein englischer Musiker. Er war Mitbegründer der bahnbrechenden Heavy-Metal-Band Black Sabbath und war über fünf Jahrzehnte lang Gitarrist, Bandleader, Hauptkomponist und einziges ununterbrochenes Bandmitglied der Band. Er gilt als einer der Wegbereiter und Pioniere der Heavy-Metal-Musik und hat zahlreiche Subgenres des Metal inspiriert. Er gilt weithin als einer der größten Rockgitarristen aller Zeiten. Iommi hat eine Reihe von Preisen gewonnen. Dazu gehören Q Awards, Kerrang! Awards sowie drei Grammy Awards, die er als Mitglied von Black Sabbath gewonnen hat. Glenn Hughes ist ein englischer Musiker, der vor allem als Bassist und Sänger in der Hardrock-Band Trapeze und in den Mk. III- und IV-Besetzungen von Deep Purple bekannt ist. Außerdem war er Mitte der 1980er Jahre kurzzeitig Frontmann von Black Sabbath. Neben seiner Tätigkeit als aktiver Sessionmusiker verfolgt Hughes auch eine bemerkenswerte Solokarriere. Derzeit ist er Frontmann der Supergruppe Black Country Communion und war von 2013 bis 2015 Frontmann von California Breed und von 2019 bis 2023 Frontmann von The Dead Daisies. 2016 wurde Hughes als Mitglied von Deep Purple in die Rock and Roll Hall of Fame aufgenommen. Dies ist eine Neuauflage des zweiten Soloalbums des legendären Black Sabbath-Gitarristen Tony Iommi, das ursprünglich 2005 veröffentlicht wurde. Das Album enthält auch Gesang und Bassgitarre des ehemaligen Sabbath-Frontmanns Glenn Hughes. Diese Veröffentlichung enthält 3 Bonustracks.
Ring the alarm - multi-instrumentalist Jimi Jules scheduled for the album „+“ in 2022, executive produced by Innervisions label boss Dixon. The album features the most sought after and requested tracks of the last month including „My City's On Fire“, revolutionary „Der Aufstand“, dancefloor romance „Burning“ and „Clinomania“ featuring Joy Tyson, and fabulous Lily Allen / Elton John drummer Nathan Curran. The artwork concept is developed and designed by iconic graphic artist Trevor Jackson, whose multi-disciplinary works formed the graphical identities of design, music, fashion, and art by the likes of Soulwax, HFD / Comme des Garcons or Apple Music. Jimi Jules’ second album signifies his return to future-focussed album concepts. A welcomed novelty and venture. Exploring themes such as free thoughts and togetherness after a period of interpersonal absence. Better Together Forever.
A unique character in the electronic music scene, Jimi Jules is a multi-instrumentalist and school-trained musician with much more to offer than the standard four-to-floor sound. Jimi plays nearly everything from drums to trumpet and sings almost all the vocals himself. The talent probably lies in his roots, as many of his family members are known for their playing in jazz bands and classical ensembles. Most recently awarded a silver disk marking 200,000 copies of the 2020 track “Pushin On” in the UK, Jimi Jules also commenced a new collaborative partnership with Berlin-based booking agency, Temporary Secretary, earlier this year.
As the new era is underway for Innervisions, Jimi Jules “+” takes center stage of the label’s fundamental core - artist first, label second. For Jimi Jules especially, this new project represents the beginning of a whole new platform and innovative space for collaborations and symbiosis of mixed media.
‘One of the finest jazz guitarists of her generation, Halvorson is possessed of a questing, restless spirit.’ – Jazzwise
‘With an album of string quartet music as strong as this one, she is worthy of as much renown in the classical field as she holds in the jazz community.’ – New York Times
‘One of America’s finest guitarists. Halvorson’s musicianship is open-minded, demanding and richly engaging.’ – Uncut
Nonesuch Records releases Cloudward by Brooklyn-based guitarist, composer, and MacArthur fellow Mary Halvorson on January 19. The album features eight new compositions by Halvorson, performed with her sextet Amaryllis, the improvisatory band that performed on her critically praised 2022 albums Amaryllis and Belladonna comprising Halvorson, Patricia Brennan (vibraphone), Nick Dunston (bass), Tomas Fujiwara (drums), Jacob Garchik (trombone), and Adam O’Farrill (trumpet). Labelmate Laurie Anderson also is featured on the album track ‘Incarnadine’. Halvorson and Amaryllis will tour internationally following the release of the new album, including January dates in Europe, as well as at the Big Ears Festival as part of Nonesuch’s 60th anniversary celebration.
Halvorson says, “All of the music on Amaryllis was written in 2020, during the thick of the pandemic, in one of the more bizarre time periods I’ve experienced in my life. While composing for Amaryllis, I expanded upon certain musical concepts I’d developed in my life up until that point—the ones that felt fruitful—and left others behind, hitting the reset button and attempting to build from scratch. Two years later, after the release of the first album, I was still writing music for Amaryllis.
“All the music on Cloudward was written in 2022, mostly in the fall and winter, when things started moving forward. Life felt like a creaky machine starting up again,” she continues. “Air travel, however chaotic, had resumed, and we were once again cloudward. Performances and tours and recordings were happening after a long hiatus and with a renewed sense of gratitude. This band, for me, was quite simply working, both musically and personally, and the main thing I felt while writing the music was optimism.”
The Guardian said Halvorson’s 2022 double release “shows how far this single-minded original has come, and affords a glimpse of how far she may go. Both sessions confirm how years of jaggedly lyrical solo and ensemble improvising and a quirkily subversive affection for mainstream music have now nurtured a composer of unpredictable but warmly expressive character… These are new landmarks in Halvorson’s already inimitable discography.” Pitchfork said, “Amaryllis and Belladonna are distinct statements; one could hear either album on its own without a sense that something is missing. But they are most powerful when taken together, like a landscape and its reflection in rippling water.”
Halvorson has released a series of critically acclaimed albums, from Dragon’s Head (2008), her trio debut featuring bassist John Hébert and drummer Ches Smith, expanding to a quintet with trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson and alto saxophonist Jon Irabagon on Saturn Sings (2010) and Bending Bridges (2012), a septet with tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and trombonist Jacob Garchik on Illusionary Sea (2014), and finally an octet with pedal steel guitarist Susan Alcorn on Away With You (2016). She also released the solo recording Meltframe (2015), and most recently debuted Code Girl (2018, 2020), a new ensemble featuring vocalist Amirtha Kidambi (singing Halvorson’s own lyrics), trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, saxophonist and vocalist María Grand, bassist Michael Formanek, and drummer Tomas Fujiwara.
One of New York City’s most in-demand guitarists, over the past decade Halvorson has worked with such diverse musicians as Tim Berne, Anthony Braxton, Taylor Ho Bynum, John Dieterich, Trevor Dunn, Bill Frisell, Ingrid Laubrock, Jason Moran, Joe Morris, Tom Rainey, Jessica Pavone, Tomeka Reid, Marc Ribot, and John Zorn. She is also part of several collaborative projects, most notably the longstanding trio Thumbscrew with Michael Formanek on bass and Tomas Fujiwara on drums.
KingCats are a German Show Band from West Germany, formed in 1972 first as AristoCats. They became KingCats in 1976. The lineup was Peter "Pit" Kurz and Norbert "Knox" Rieger on vocals and guitar, Theo Wild (and later, Hans-Jörg Koch) on keyboards and vocals, Eberhardt "Lupp" Krieg on bass and vocals, and Rolf Knauss on drums and vocals. French drummer/singer Patrick Buchmann, alias "Sdinganuff", joined the band in 1980 upon recommandation from Claus Backhaus (Studio 2000, Mannheim, Germany) and saxophone superstar Peter Drischel, alias « Pete Tex ». Before Buchmann’s departure to Los Angeles to study at Musicians Institute, he suggested they record an LP to document some of the band’s compositions which led to the original self titled "KingCats" album in January of 1983.
This rare album was recorded and mixed in Strasbourg, France at Omega Studio by sound engineer Francis Adam, the LP showcases a variety of 80’s unique compositions by Buchmann, Kurz and Rieger. The song "Down In California" gently made its way to the public ear since. Luckily, Francis Adam found the original 16 track, 1 inch tape in early 2024 and saved the original project from desintegration. This long awaited discovery led to this freshly edited, remixed and remastered 2024 version of "KingCats". Produced by Francis Adam, Patrick Buchmann and Peter Kurz, no instruments or vocals were added, and no animals or vegetables were harmed during this process. We hope you will like this new limited edition of "KingCats" !
LP on blue coloured vinyl in printed inner sleeve.This is country as it was meant to be: raw and honest. Not perfect-and it doesn't need to be. The beauty lies in the off-note, the stumbling rhythm, the simplicity of three chords that tell you everything you need to know.
The West is crumbling. It's values, once unshakable, have buckled under the weight of a world spinning ever faster and growing ever more hollow. Revival Of The West, Blue Gene's debut album, is his exploration of this collective malaise-a call to rediscover meaning in a world that has grown estranged from itself.
On his debut, Blue Gene gives voice to the contemporary themes that keep him awake at night: consumer hysteria, the numbing grip of social media, the solace found at the bottom of a bottle, the crushing weight of taxes, and the paralyzing complexity of a world where humanity seems to have been reduced to a cog in the machine. Yet, despite all the despair, his songs always carry a spark of hope: after the fall, you can rise again. These stories are wrapped in the sound of classic country music-music about life as it truly is: bent, battered, but full of resilience.
This is country as it was meant to be: raw and honest. Not perfect-and it doesn't need to be. The beauty lies in the off-note, the stumbling rhythm, the simplicity of three chords that tell you everything you need to know. Blue Gene's country music is the song of a man wrestling with life and himself, infused with humor, sharp lyrics, and anecdotal musical moments. Because sometimes, we just need to remember to laugh. In short, it's a mirror showing us our demons, but also a reassurance that teaches us how to live with them.
And yet, the question lingers: who is Blue Gene? Is he just a country singer putting strugglesto music? Or is he a modern Robin Hood in cowboy boots, a voice trying to do justice to lost ideals? Blue Gene exists in the grey area where music and meaning meet-and it's precisely there that he finds his strength.
Revival Of The West is no nostalgic longing for a bygone era. It's an invitation to reinvent the values we've lost. It urges us to return to a place where life can be honest again-where music doesn't aim to please, but to say something real. Because sometimes, a song is all it takes to make sense of the world around us.
Blue Gene (vocals & rhythm guitar) is joined on Revival Of The West by his loyal band of outlaws: Nathan Ysebaert (lead guitar & vocals), Tijl Van de Casteele (drums & percussion), and Tom Vienne (bass guitar, saxophone & vocals). The record is further enriched by guest appearances from Bart Vervaeck (pedal steel), Nils De Caster (violin, mandolin), Mathijs Steels (piano), Ciska Dhaenens (vocals), and Harry Descamps (vocals). Recorded in spring 2023 by Michiel Renson, mixed by Jan Chantrain and Michiel Renson, and mastered by Uwe Teichert. Produced, composed, and written by Timotheus De Beir.
Revival Of The West will be released on January 24, 2025, via On The Level.
The time has arrived for the release of the long awaited EP by LEBA, with the prolific title - Into The Lights.
Carefully and thoughtfully crafted over two years, the legendary record producer of High Power Music, General Lee, teamed up with the magnificent Legends Sly and Robbie, to produce the daughter of legendary Jamaican Icon Toots Hibbert: LEBA.
This LP features 7 songs including a feature from Jamaican Portland deejay Blackout JA, on track "No one loves you like me", which was released in 2021. These songs carry you on a musical journey of time and space, on a dub and reggae background, which soothes the ears of its listeners, and gets them grooving to the bassline of the late Robbie Shakespeare OD and Sly Dunbar OD and Taxi Gang.
The songs paint a picture through conscious words and messages, heavy and spacey instrumentation, recorded & mixed at One Pop Recording Studio Kingston Jamaica by Rorey Baker. An atmosphere that will surely transport its listeners into the calm and relaxing space of reggae and dub music.
DIG CURATED the infamous four of this EP in an omnivorous fashion, allowing vinyl wizard Louis the 4th to take us on a ride of stylistic adventure between old and new-school techno wickedry.
Olivia Mendez (the curator behind this EP) picked these gems according to the way she would build her sets; each track corresponding to a distinct part of a blazing journey. Each track being a different color on a powerful, vibrant palette, attesting to the versatility of an artist whose emblem is anonymity - remember Detroit? - and reinvention. The man behind the bandana doesn't shy away from paying homage to the old school while at times enveloping us into a computerized sound chaos - classy as it is.
This selection reveals a side of LTF that hasn't been shown before, catching the ears of a great number of peeps, who could easily find their match here.
"Dilatation" is a chugging techno zinger, with a groove that feels minimal yet keeps expanding through punctured breaks and urging synth enveloped into a sustained air- a kind of tool that mounts the energy to near combustible.
"Almost There" decompresses space into a light-weight, energy saver atmosphere, that fleshes out a brand-new compartment in LTF`s music wallet. Threaded through driving rides and a rhythmic zeal, it wobbles gently between sustain and release.
On the flip side, "Kurrikulum Vitae" flexes LTS mechanics, with rascal shifts in a groove that feels simultaneously ancient and totally new, amassing a depth of textures and tones towards a skanking peak.
"999" seals the deal with multilayered distortions enveloped into ghostly undertones and reverbing crunches, half-step of being a techno-artefact and a dazzling sound puzzle, made of a loopy melody edging towards poise.
First Word Records is very proud to present a brand new EP from Yazmin Lacey - 'When The Sun Dips 90 Degrees'.
This EP follows on from her two recent singles, '90 Degrees' and 'Something My Heart Trusts', both of which are included here, along with three previously unreleased tracks, 'Heaven', 'Body Needs Healing' and 'Burn & Rise'. This set illustrates again Yazmin's candid songwriting delivered in her uniquely laidback soulful style, whilst a glorious fusion of neo-soul and jazz performed by Pete Beardsworth and her trusty band rides throughout.
In recent times, Yazmin has made live appearances on Jazz FM, BBC Radio 4, 1Xtra and NTS, & received widespread acclaim across the airwaves, including BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Worldwide FM and Mi-Soul, plus Spotify love from the likes of The Independent and heavy support from DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, Tom Ravenscroft, Huey Morgan and Jamie Cullum. Yazmin appeared heavily in The Guardian / The Observer's recent extensive feature on the UK's new Jazz movement too.
Initially a Brownswood 'Future Bubbler' graduate, Yazmin self-released her debut EP, 'Black Moon', last year. This lead to a Maida Vale session late 2017 with Jordan Rakei, Moses Boyd, Oscar Jerome and now label-mates, Children of Zeus. She kicked off the year with a performance at the Worldwide Awards with Skinny Pelembe, and has recently done shows with artists such as Ezra Collective, Tall Black Guy and Fatima. Yazmin has a UK tour scheduled for later in the year, as well as several festival appearances across Europe locked in. There's a lot more to come from this Notts-based Londoner yet.
In Yazmin's words: "'90 Degrees' is about that time of the day / night when there's a shift in pace and energy. When you decide to lock off from the 'outside' world and create your own atmosphere, take some time to give thanks for what's breathing love into your life and smoke off the fuckeries. Everyone needs a little routine for self preservation."
Inspired by Dua’s own self-discovery, Radical Optimism is an album that taps into the pure joy and happiness of having clarity in situations that once seemed impossible to face. The hard goodbyes and vulnerable beginnings that previously threatened to crush your soul, become milestones as you choose optimism and start to move with grace through the chaos.
Infused with the energy of Dua’s hometown, London, the attitude of the album embodies the rawness, honesty, confidence and freedom of ‘90s Britpop. Radical Optimism transports its listener to a dreamy pop world rich in musicality, lyrically unapologetic and sonically liberating.
The 3x GRAMMY and 7x Brit Award-winning global pop powerhouse worked with a team of core collaborators throughout the project including Caroline Ailin, Danny L. Harle, Tobias Jesso Jr. and Kevin Parker.
Super Flu has crafted a unique and special track with a fresh reinterpretation of Cher’s legendary Grammy Award winning song “Believe.” Infusing raw electronic beats and atmospheric soundscapes, this track reimagines the classic in a way that resonates with the burgeoning underground dance community, but at the same time retains the essential melodic elements of the tune that gave it such universal appeal. Experience the haunting allure and hypnotic rhythms that only Super Flu can deliver, redefining a timeless anthem for the next generation of listeners.
Early support from Keinemusik, Black Coffee, LP Giobbi, Blondish, Desiree, Adam Ten and more
Quentin Tarantino, geboren 1963 in Knoxville, Tennessee, gilt als einer „der einfl ussreichsten Regisseure seiner Generation“ und wurde bisher mit zwei Academy Awards, zwei BAFTA Awards, vier Golden Globe Awards und eine Palm d'Or geehrt. Zu seinen berühmtesten Filmen zählen "Pulp Fiction" (1994), "Jackie Brown" (1997), beide Teile von "Kill Bill" (2003-2004), "Death Proof" (2007), "Inglourious Basterds" (2009), "Django Unchained" (2012), "The Hateful Eight" (2015) und "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019). Auf vorliegendem Album wird eine Auswahl der besten Songs
vorgestellt, die Tarantino als Soundtrack für einige seiner fi lmischen Meisterwerke gewinnen konnte.
Minimal goovin goodness. ViGi is back with a worldwide EP ! Four artists from four different continents unite to blend their diverse roots and influences into a superb EP designed for the dance floor and clubs, taking us away from our usual habits and refreshing our familiar frequencies. The result is a range of subtle yet punchy variations in styles and rhythms, all centered around dancefloor-ready minimal tunes that embody ViGi's classy and elegant DNA.
Re-issue label Sentinel Island Disco returns to the stage with their long-awaited soca compilation featuring highly sought after soca cuts, raw 90’s soca house and deep blends of reggae, calypso and disco.
Structured by a PARTY and a SOUL side, the compilation offers a snapshot of the 90s electronic soca scene in all its multifaceted glory. The party side serves up a selection of pulsating, feel-good party tracks that encapsulate the carefree spirit that is the very heartbeat of soca parties. While the soul side explores a more introspective soundscape, where soulful vocals and deep electronic beats merge to create a powerful emotional experience and where melodies linger long after the music stops.
Label owners Barney Graman and Coco Vink have spent the past 3 years on bringing these lost and obscured recordings back into the limelight, some of which now pressed on vinyl for the very first time. All tracks are carefully remastered and some have been edited or remixed for the modern dancefloor, while staying as close as possible to the original brilliance.
The result is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a celebration of soca’s rich heritage and its ability to unite both different cultures as well as divergent musical themes, from joyous celebration to soulful reflection. All in all, a must-have compilation for all the collectors and aficionados of the rich and uplifting music of the African diaspora, as well as DJ's, dancers and music lovers looking to spice up their collection with some incredible soca music!
Comes as a transparent colored vinyl, featuring a small booklet with artist and label pictures as well as full liner notes on the genre's history and introduction of the tracks.
‘The Night of the Stars’ is the fantastic sixth album from Swedish dream pop favorites AZURE BLUE. The album pushes the quality to its peak, exhibiting a richer, clearer, and more luxurious approach to the patented AZURE BLUE sound across ten enticing tracks. Three of the songs generated significant buzz when released as singles. Album opener ‘Rise’ is a shimmering track with a rushing drumbeat topped by luxurious layers of analog synths and a Peter Hook-like bass. The song is a dream pop anthem featuring a timeless chorus and vocal harmonies from AZURE BLUE’s long time companion The Land Below.
The crystal-clear topline in ‘Three Times The Drama’ shines over electric guitars and analog synths to create an immediate pop song with great summer hit potential. The song is also a bittersweet dedication to Tobias Isaksson’s mother, who recently passed away, and its completion provided comfort following a period of unspeakable grief. The album also includes ‘Define Your Dreams’—a bright flare first previewed during the dark days of the pandemic with massive synth walls and lyrics that suggest that while difficult times have passed, more difficult ones may be coming. ‘Visions and Themes’ will have its premiere on October 25 when it is released as the fourth single from the album, while the remaining six tracks provide even further evidence of the brilliance of one of Sweden’s most internationally acclaimed indie artists.
Mixed by Tobias Isaksson and Ollie Olson. Mastered by Håkan Åkesson at Nutidstudio.
Artwork by Alexander Palmestål. Design by James Tassos and Steve Lippert.
Charlotte de Witte marks the homecoming to her own imprint KNTXT with her brand new EP ‘Return to Nowhere’. The captivating record exists out of four long-awaited tracks called ‘Return to Nowhere, ‘Ensemble’, ‘Sgadi Li Mi’ and ‘What’s In The Past’.
Further exploring her sonic realm, the record features techno sound reminiscent of her ‘Selected’ EP, but switches out the acid stabs for haunting hymns. The result is a gripping dismal soundtrack that feels desolate yet hopeful. With this spellbinding EP which combines her iconic hard-punching techno with mesmerizing chants effortlessly, Charlotte proves once again why she remains at the forefront of the industry.
The release of ‘Return to Nowhere’ fits perfectly in these uncertain times. Charlotte says: “I made the EP before the current COVID-19 crisis. After being inspired by recordings of age-old traditional chants. So, I never intended it to be a “Corona record”. However, it did grow on me during this period of isolation.”
ReKaB drops another strong four-track EP, rooted firmly in the Detroit sound with a nod to the soulful techno styles that shaped the UK underground in the 90s. His second EP for Cologne's YORE Records. The production, as always, is spot on—sharp, detailed, and endlessly listenable. While the tracks carry the weight of tradition, they’re not stuck in it. There’s a fresh, forward-facing energy here that keeps things exciting.
My Inspiration opens with classic metallic strings and a tight, robotic square bass that locks you in straight away. Just when you think you know where it’s going, the vocal drops—a bold touch that shifts the track into more human territory, giving it an emotional pull without losing its edge.
Soul Brother is a late-night cruiser. Rhodes chords, rolling bass, and lush strings set the scene for a proper cityscape vibe. It’s smooth, it’s warm, and it glides effortlessly, all while keeping enough groove to move.
Future Times kicks things up a gear with more tempo and bite. Acidic basslines and a writhing lead sit alongside deep chords, making it equal parts hypnotic and urgent. It’s the kind of track that turns heads in the club—direct and effective without being predictable.
Wrapping it up, Random Fragments pulls things back into a more reflective, dubby space. The layers are rich but restrained, with chirps and analogue echoes drifting through a hazy atmosphere. It’s introspective but not sleepy, the perfect comedown to round off the EP.
ReKaB’s consistency is something else—each release feels like it’s levelling up, pushing his sound forward without losing its roots. This EP is no different. It’s a tight package of ideas, all executed with precision and style. One for the heads, no question.
Fantastic Planet returns with its sixth release, "Survival Mode," a statement dedicated to the ongoing struggle for freedom in Georgia. This electrifying compilation brings together a diverse lineup of visionary artists, each channeling their own unique sound to amplify the message of resilience and resistance. Survival Mode - is a mindset, a relentless fight for existence when all other options have been stripped away. It's about the raw, primal instinct to keep moving forward, even when every door seems closed, and there's no way back. In this mode, every moment is a battle, a test of endurance and resilience. For the people fighting for freedom in Georgia, survival mode represents their unwavering determination to push through oppressive forces, refusing to be silenced or broken. It's the point where compromise is no longer an option, where you either rise or fall-but surrender is not part of the equation. This struggle is about more than just survival-it's about carving out a future, no matter the cost. Design Giorgi grdzelishvili
'Cupar Grain Silo' is Sam Annand's first release on the Blackford Hill label. Its nine tracks blur the lines between ambient electronica and sonic history, as synthesised melodies and rhythms reverberate through the extreme acoustics of the disused Cupar Grain Silo in Scotland. Built in 1964 as a sugar store, the silo towers 60 metres above the surrounding Fife countryside. Its industrial life was short: in 1971 it was closed, and barring a short period as a grain store, remained empty for decades.
In 2014, Sam Annand was given access to the silo as part of the Resono project, set up to study a series of highly reverberant locations across Scotland. The ambitious industrial architecture of the Cupar Grain Silo has given the space a reverberation time of 36.5 seconds. This measurement describes the time a sound takes to decay or 'fade away' in a closed space. To put this in perspective, the Cupar Grain Silo reverb time is around three times longer than that in cathedrals like York Minster and St Paul's.
"The acoustics are immediately noticeable when climbing the ladder into the main chamber", Sam says. "The sound of your voice begins to circle around and above you, inviting you to shout, clap and bang objects to excite the space into revealing its intimidating architectural voice."
Sam began to experiment with musical compositions which responded to the unique acoustics of the silo space. He used impulse responses – a short, sharp sound like a gunshot – to record these acoustics, allowing him to experiment with the silo's reverb in his production. Sam's compositions were performed using a modular synth system, a Roland Juno-6 polyphonic synthesizer and a bowed ride cymbal.
"Chords can be constructed in time by hanging successive single notes in the air," Sam describes, "The flutter echoes from the immediate cylindrical walls can be used to create bursts of scattering spatial imagery and harmonic blooms, following short percussive moments."
Originally recorded on 21st May 2016, 'Cupar Grain Silo' is now released on 12" vinyl with an accompanying booklet of imagery and essays. The compositions are at once true to the unique architectural acoustics of the silo whilst also being playful and experimental with the creative possibilities it offered. Arpeggiated melodies ebb and fall across extended call-and-response shapes formed by the silo's reverb; modular drum patterns crackle like dying machinery; whilst bowed drones waver and wash over.
"We all love reverberation," reflects Prof. Peter Stollery, Professor of Composition and Electroacoustic Music at the University of Aberdeen, on the project. "As kids, we play in it – yelling in forests and caves, surreptitiously dropping objects in huge churches – mouths wide open at the lingering smears of sound which come back to us."
In 'Cupar Grain Silo', Sam Annand has harnessed the extraordinary acoustics of the disused silo to tap into this sense of joy and amazement that reverberation can bring.
To coincide with its 20th anniversary, Clint Mansell's haunting score to Darren Aronofsky's 2000 film, Requiem for a Dream, performed by Kronos Quartet, returns to vinyl. This was Mansell’s second of several collaborations with Aronofsky, following 1997’s π, and features arrangements by David Lang of Bang on a Can. The film stars Academy Award-winner Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans, and was adapted from the 1978 novel by Hubert Selby, Jr. (Last Exit to Brooklyn), who also wrote the screenplay with Aronofsky. Set on the rusted mean streets of Coney Island, Brooklyn, Requiem for a Dream tells the parallel stories of four people pursuing their dreams of better lives. The reissue features the original soundtrack, plus two bonus tracks.
Clint Mansell, a musician, composer, and founding member of the band Pop Will Eat Itself, first worked with Darren Aronofsky on the score for his 1998 film π. Also released by Nonesuch are Mansell’s scores for Aronofsky's The Fountain (2006), nominated for a Golden Globe, and Noah (2014). His other scores include The Wrestler (2008), Moon (2009), Black Swan (2010), Filth (2013), Stoker (2013), High Rise (2016), for which he received an Ivor Novello nomination, and Loving Vincent (2017).
For more than 40 years, San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet – David Harrington (violin), John Sherba (violin), Hank Dutt (viola), and Sunny Yang (cello) – has combined a spirit of fearless exploration with a commitment to continually re-imagining the string quartet experience. In the process, Kronos has become one of the world’s most celebrated and influential ensembles, performing thousands of concerts, releasing more than 50 recordings, collaborating with many of the world’s most eclectic composers and performers, and commissioning over 850 works and arrangements for string quartet. A Grammy winner, Kronos is also the only recipient of both the Polar Music Prize and the Avery Fisher Prize. Most recently, in 2019, Nonesuch released Kronos’s ground-breaking collaboration with composer Terry Riley, Sun Rings, and, in 2017, Folk Songs, featuring Sam Amidon, Olivia Chaney, Rhiannon Giddens and Natalie Merchant.
In the intricate maze of Tokyos neon heartbeat, Yuki Takasaki, known as Altone, creates a world where time and sound dissolves into dub techno. Altones work, steeped with an old-school sonic palette, is a symphony of resonating bass lines, rustic layers and delicate synths, crafting a port rait that connects the fleeting with the timeless. Altones music t ranscends mere sound, offering an invitation to explore the shadowy corridors of consciousness and minimal dub aesthetics. Each original track unfolds like a tranquil journey through an urban nocturne, haunting and beautiful in its harmony. Brendon Moeller, a master of dub techno, reimagines Altones >Self Replication< In two distinct yet sonic territories. The first remix pulses with a futuristic rhythm, its syncopated beats dancing on the edge of awareness. The dub remix, by cont rast, plunges into a vortex where liquid acid intertwines with hypnotic bass lines, conjuring a dreamscape infused with laser guided drums and crystalline texture. Through these remixes, Moeller crafts a sonic voyage that weaves through the complex tapestry of the dub landscape and keeps reminding us that the territory is still vastly unexplored.
Damian Lazarus returns to Crosstown Rebels with new single ‘Sunrise Generation’, featuring Fink. Including a remix from Norwegian talent and up-and-coming Crosstown family member Meera, the single marks Lazarus’ first material on his iconic label in over a year.
Visionary DJ/producer and Crosstown Rebels founder, Damian Lazarus, makes his long-awaited return to the label with his new single ‘Sunrise Generation’, featuring the voice of acclaimed and celebrated singer-songwriter Fink. Set for release on 8th November 2024, the highly anticipated production marks Damian’s first material on Crosstown since his collaboration ‘Revolution’ with Dennis Cruz in October 2023, his Grammy-nominated single ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ with Diplo & Jungle, and his first solo release since his ‘Beijing Spring’ project on sub-label Secret Teachings in April 2022.
An emotive, captivating and uplifting track, ‘Sunrise Generation’ is not just a return to form but a heartfelt homage that celebrates the magical moment and euphoric energy of sunrise.
The release also features a return for Norway’s Meera, an exciting artist whose recent outing on Crosstown Rebels with her ‘Stikk’ EP made notable waves, building on her debut on sister label Rebellion last year in style. Her remix brings fresh energy, layering deep textures and rhythms over Fink’s haunting and heavily processed vocals to create a stirring counterpart to the original.
A sonic celebration of unity and renewal, ‘Sunrise Generation’ once again affirms Lazarus’ status as a true leader within the electronic scene. The single follows a series of high-profile remixes, including reinterpretations of tracks from Josh Wink, Jamie Jones, Bedouin, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED), and Made By Pete, along with his acclaimed collaboration ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ with Diplo and Jungle. As always, Lazarus’ ability to craft atmospheric, emotion-driven soundscapes shines through here as he continues to innovate and inspire with another cherished anthem crafted for special dancefloor moments.
Barcelona-based Italian record label DANCE CONMIGO introduces themselves with 4 exciting tracks ready to blow up the dance floors!
A1 Lukinsky takes us on a dreamy journey, something you can’t let drift away, getting lost in a nostalgic memory. A2 Elgo Blanco picks up the tempo slightly, giving this release the right kick to slide from day to night.
In B1 we find Flavio Folco’s inimitable touch, his live bass-line in a fresh energetic arrangement! While B2 is a collaboration of Daryl System & Mr Fantasy, bringing back a warm 80s vibe and sexy harmonizing that invites to dive into cosmic spaces, reaching out to other dimensions…
Compiled and produced with love by Chico Simon, hoping to support other DJs in fulfilling every dancer’s desires. Limited to 300 copies worldwide!
This minimal electro remix of Raga Bhairav reinvents the avant-garde essence of Charanjit Singh, enhanced by the raw pulse of the TB-303.
On this vinyl, Traumer & Anton (as Antraum), Lowris, Jakub, and Bassam push the original sound towards new horizons: breaking away from its origins, each of them shapes a unique perspective, transforming the raga's imprint into an electronic journey that is timeless and resolutely contemporary.
Spanish duo Los Suruba have done it all over the last 25 years, captivating dancers with their blend of House, Minimal, Electro, psychedelic, and deep vibes.
They have established their own network of record labels, with almost 250 releases, Nazca being the latest addition. They’ve also released music on labels like Crosstown Rebels, Diynamic, and Get Physical and have been remixed by international artists such as Solomun, Adriatique, Clarian, and Okain. They describe their music as "Memories of the Future," the motto of their brand Nazca.
As DJs, they’ve performed at the world’s best clubs and festivals, bringing their unique sound across the globe, holding residencies from Ibiza to London, and creating countless underground hits.
They are in top form once again with this latest journeying EP, where Los Suruba and their label Nazca return to vinyl releases, featuring two new remixers for this vinyl edition of the ‘+33 EP’.
Innovative opener 'Dial Banger' is a wonky house sound with wet claps and a gurgling bassline that gets ever more wild. It's a playful cut that teases and pleases in equal measure as the low-slung grooves, string stabs, and unhinged leads keep dancers locked.
'Elegancia La de Francia' is a more experimental house affair with eerie synth leads and freaky filtered vocals, making a dark and menacing atmosphere.
Warm melodies infuse the track with soul and make it perfect for the late-night hours.
First remixer Cristina Lazic launched her own label La Zic, earlier this year. It's a platform that looks to uplift and mentor exceptional female talents next to the Italian's own blend of minimal, deep and tech house sounds. Her fantastic take on 'Elegancia la de Francia' is stylish and stripped back with supple minimal drums and the muted synth sounds bubbling away over punchy kicks.
Romanian artist BRYZ has a refined minimal sound that has established him in the European scene over the last decade. He deals in intricate melodies, pulsating rhythms, and atmospheric textures on labels like Storytellers and Esente Records.
His version of 'Elegancia la de Francia' is silky and deft, with sustained pads locking you into a trance while gurgling bass and trippy melodic motifs add great detail to the rolling minimal house grooves.
LRK Records is excited to announce their next special limited edition 45 by Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers. Due to high demand from DJs and fans alike, we're bringing the in-demand 'Soul Clap' (Radio Edit) to 7". The most streamed track from their album of the same name, this radio edit condenses the energy of the original, which runs over 7 minutes, into an electrifying 3 minutes and 54 seconds. The A-side will be revealed soon, with a special track announcement coming in the next few weeks.
Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers, originally from Chicago and now based in Los Angeles, are known for their dynamic fusion of 60s/70s soul and funk. Fronted by the Grammy Award-winning Bella Brown, who embodies the power of Tina Turner and Sharon Jones, they channel the fierce spirit of 70s Blaxploitation icons. Backed by The Jealous Lovers, they offer a fresh, modern twist on traditional soul and funk with high-energy live performances.
'Soul Clap' is a dance floor-ready track with Bohannon-style rhythms and James Brown-inspired funk. It's a celebration of the communal energy shared between musicians and audience, perfect for DJs looking to bring the party to life
The new single, "Always Christmas Eve" is an instant holiday classic. The song pays tribute to the band's Chicago soul roots and is produced in their signature style. This original composition offers a modern take on classic soul, featuring real instruments, genuine performances, and authentic artistry. True to the tradition of Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers, the song carries a meaningful message: "Always Christmas Eve" shares a hopeful message of Christmas joy in an imperfect world, highlighting the goodness in all of us, and reminding us that we can embody the loving spirit of Christmas in any season, even during challenging times.
"Always Christmas Eve" drops digitally November 15, 2024 and will also be released, through LRK Records, as a special edition 7' colored vinyl 45. The 45's B-side features the group's "Soul Clap - radio edit". A funky dance track, which was digitally released as a preview to their Soul Clap LP, and is now making its vinyl debut. The radio edit has already racked up tens of thousands of streams and received extensive airplay across Europe, North America, South America, and Japan.
So Happy Holidays from LRK Records and Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers!!
Building up a head of steam, Ace Vision returns on the heels of his Raising Awareness EP.
For Shaped Mind, the Italian artist is exploring new musical avenues. While his musical essence, glow and style remain, a darker dancefloor palette is employed on the release. Polyrhythmic patterns race in the sample strewn “Second Phase”, rumbling waves and warehouse echoes tempered by swirling stabs. A bouncy liquid groove ushers in “Nu să Chan”, rasping beats shrouded in smoky bass while bars bend around an assortment of textures and tones. “Katana Cut (Trance Mix)” conjures up images of dancing bodies waiting for the dawn. Melodies circle percussive layers, meandering undercurrents of acid bubbling beneath shimmering synthlines. The finale comes with “Mixage Électronique.” Steady kicks and crisp cymbals give way to juddering chords, clean keys and snare rolls countering to a close.
Since Outlaws in 2020, Ludivine Issambourg's flute has not cooled down. How could it have, when with that album of Hubert Laws covers, it had reached incandescence? Still panting, burning despite the lid of its case left wide open, it awaited the opportunity to continue the adventures that Master Laws himself had praised.
A continuation? Above The Laws isn't quite that.
Although his name still appears, Hubert L. is no longer the sole guide in exploring the vast galaxies of jazz-funk. Through covers but especially as an enhancer of her own compositions, Ludivine has invoked the spirit and intangible presence of Jeremy Steig, Ronald Sneijder, and Bobby Humphrey—the legends of the flute.
Guided by an unescapable groove, with a musical dial set to the late 70s and early 80s, Ludivine has enlisted the help of a brass section this time, a true propulsion engine for funk that can also shift to a soulful breath if the moment calls for it. Supporting the keyboards, there's a Moog laying down its rich layers or twisting tones.
The flutes are used like levers to stabilize the flight or, conversely, to make it soar even faster through the measures. The alto version, which Ludivine had previously used sparingly, adds the necessary velvety note when it’s time to embark on smoother destinations. Speeding up the tempo to make passengers rise from their seats as if danger were imminent; calming the atmosphere to put them in a reassuring cocoon where they can let their thoughts and spirits wander, the improvisations find their place in the compositions observed from the porthole. Detached from gravity, yet still very much in tune with the vibe of cities marked as hot spots on the current jazz scene radar, it's the scent of these streets that permeates some tracks of Above The Laws.
Directed from the control tower by Eric Legnini, Chassol, Alex Finkin, and Michaël Lecoq, Above The Laws benefits from a few stops along the way where precious connections are established. Nils Landgren and his trombone in the colors of the Swedish flag, Laurent De Wilde for a chase between flute and Fender Rhodes, Céline Bonacina’s saxophone for an Afrobeat detour.
But it's at the edge of a journey where organic intensity has continued to assert itself without losing power that Ludivine connected with Brian Jackson for a cover of "Angel Dust," a track from the era when he and his partner Gil Scott-Heron were creating soul masterpieces. One of them featured a flutist by the name of Hubert Laws.
The starting point of Ludivine's latest jazz-funk explorations also becomes the endpoint. Elevated by the ten tracks of Above The Laws, Ludivine Issambourg closes a loop where she has placed her flute and its flourishes in an undeniably leading role. Opening the doors to ambitious orchestrations, unexplored horizons, she weaves into her compositions the experiences, places, and encounters that have shaped her.
The strange thing about the music of Anima is that it’s often considered as strange, while it’s actually very natural. It has a free spirit, analog to nature. For this release the natural spirit is strengthened by the participation of indigenous American flute player and composer R. Carlos Nakai who did a series of concerts in the US and Europe with Paul and Limpe Fuchs in the 1980’s. As with almost all Anima work, the natural feel manifests itself not only by the musical approach and sounds generated by metal, wood, stone and air, but also by the absence of electronic devices.
This LP is a reissue of a rare privately released cassette from 1988 and was recorded by the Bayerischer Rundfunk. May this slice of timeless free spirit be a trigger to more awareness concerning our decaying freedom.
Belgian independent label De:tuned, founded by Ruben Boons and Bert Hermans, celebrates its 50th release with the long-awaited 10-track studio album 'Analog Days' by Swedish electronic music pioneer Robert Leiner. During the first years of De:tuned, Robert Leiner (aka The Source Experience) played a vital part in kick-starting the label. He also graced the De:tuned parties with his outstanding dj sets and captivating live acts.
Continuing the label's 15th anniversary celebrations, De:tuned and Robert Leiner mark the occasion with an extraordinary collection of mostly hardware productions recorded between 2005 and 2015. These diverse jams have now been mixed and completed for this momentous milestone. On offer a unique interplay of rhythmic movement and soothing sounds, each presenting Robert's distinct characteristics. Enjoy the trip. It has always been there, you just have to discover it!
Kevin Foakes (Openmind, DJ Food, Ninja Tune) created all the graphic work. Mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis. A separate digital release will also be available at the usual digital shops. Stay tuned!
Ashley Henry präsentiert mit diesem Album eine spirituelle Jazzreise, die Hingabe, kollektive Träume und den Kampf um Freiheit vereint. Mit gefeierten Künstlern wie Judi Jackson und Aja Monet ist diese Platte eine kraftvolle Hymne an unsere Zeit, die Nina Simones Erbe widerspiegelt und gleichzeitig Inspiration am Puls der Stadt London und im kollektiven Träumen findet. Gelobt von globalen Medien ist Ashley Henry mit seinem charakteristischen Klavierspiel und seinen beruhigenden Gesangsklängen auf dem besten Weg, einer der einflussreichsten Jazz-Acts in Europa zu werden.
Auf 'Who We Are' arbeitet Henry mit einer Vielzahl zeitgenössischer Künstler zusammen, darunter die Grammy-nominierte Dichterin und Texterin Aja Monet, der Grammy-nominierte Trompeter Theo Croker, die Sängerin Judi Jackson und der Londoner Hip-Hop-Künstler MAK. Henrys lebendige Ausdrucksformen der Jazzkultur wirken ebenso schön wie bedeutungsvoll. Henrys tief verwurzelte Einflüsse und seine visionäre Überzeugung machen ihn zu einem der aufregendsten, neuen Londoner Musiker. Seit er mit Christine & The Queens weltweit auf Tournee war und Loyle Carner in ganz Großbritannien unterstützte, hat Henry viel Lob von den Kritikern bekommen. Unter anderem von The Guardian, Evening Standard, Clash und Wonderland.
Das wunderbare Album erscheint auf Naïve als Gatefold 2LP-Set und CD!
Hardcover Book which includes a 208-page book documenting Louisville's rich Black Gospel music legacy and access to a comprehensive digital archive.
In the mid-20th century, Louisville gospel music was occasionally recorded when members of the local gospel community pressed 45rpm records and LPs, and released them through grassroots record labels such as Sensational Sounds, Grace, Blessed, and D.J.S. Over the years, a substantial body of work was produced in our city, but those recordings are in danger of being lost forever.
The Louisville Story Program has been working with dozens of people in the local gospel music community to locate, digitize, and preserve hundreds of these recordings and to develop a book that documents and honors the legacies of the people and communities that produced them.
For decades, the passion, hard work, and support of countless people across dozens of Black church communities in Louisville have nurtured and sustained a rich gospel music ecosystem. This music has served as a central part of people's religious practice and as an expression of Black pride, joy, affirmation, love, dignity, determination, and hope. This legacy continues to this day.
With support from The Owsley Brown II Family Foundation and Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation, LSP has partnered with members of the gospel community and a local advisory group of local gospel historians and luminaries:
To locate, clean, and digitize gospel records of local artists released by small local labels
To accompany the local Black gospel music community in developing a 4 CD box set that includes a 200+ page hardcover book with first-person documentation of their rich history
To create an accompanying double LP featuring 26 of those songs
To create and maintain a public-facing digital archive of 1,000 songs and 1,000 photographs
To celebrate the final release with a large concert at the Brown Theatre (September 28, 2024)
We’re teaming up with ELUCID and Fat Possum for a limited edition of 300 copies of a Rush Hour black ice coloured edition.
E L U C I D, one half of the illustrious duo Armand Hammer, is here with the full-length follow-up to 'I Told Bessie'. Further experiments in the sonic, expanding on the 'live' side of music paired with the embracing of chaos. Something you haven't heard, or not so for a very long time. E L U C I D is here to reveal the bleakness of reality.
''There is never time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now.''
James Baldwin
A raw, crackling urgency runs through rapper-producer ELUCID’s new album REVELATOR like an underground power line. There is no space here for sepia-toned reminiscences or indulgent self-mythologizing. Intellectual rabbit holes have been filled in with concrete and rebar ; there is nowhere to hide and no off ramp from the audio Autobahn that ELUCID has fashioned—a renegade Robert Moses with gold fronts, bulldozing the homes of the powerful and the complicit. REVELATOR brims with the energy of now, with a refusal to look away. Carpe diem in a murder one mask.
Born in Jamaica, Queens, ELUCID has been on the cutting edge of New York’s underground scene since the mid-2000s. From the beginning, he has defied both convention and expectation. He ran with Okayplayer darlings Tanya Morgan, but his own music eschewed their throwback charm for glitchy noise experiments and bass-swamped culture jamming. His 2016 debut studio project Save Yourself (re-released in a deluxe edition last year) announced him in earnest. But in recent years, his Armand Hammer releases with partner-in-crime billy woods have received significant attention and acclaim. Serving as a followup to his last solo album—2022’s comparatively balmy I Told Bessie—ELUCID hoped to “re-distinguish” himself with REVELATOR, setting himself apart amidst the increasing attention around the music he and his friends are making together.
For ELUCID, this meant setting bold new challenges for himself. One of these was diving further into live instrumentation than ever before—”getting my Quincy Jones on,” as he puts it. The testing ground for this approach was Armand Hammer’s most recent project, 2023’s We Buy Diabetic Test Strips’ Möbius strip soundscapes, warmed with instrumental flourishes and skin-shedding beat progressions. With REVELATOR, though, ELUCID strove to create an atmosphere of chaos, embracing experimental electronics and atonal sample bursts. He worked on much of the album with co-producer Jon Nellen, who comes from a background in avant-garde and Indian classical music. “I wanted to get as freaky as I could at this moment. I wanted people to hear things, maybe for the first time, or in a way they haven’t for a long while,” the rapper explains.
ELUCID arrived at the studio with a collection of noise sources: non-referential samples, glitches and noises. Together he, Nellen, and others created forms out of them and, as ELUCID recalls, “just started playing drums with it.” Their fried, distorted sound was directly inspired by Miles Davis at his most uncompromising—specifically, the tone-clustering funk track “Rated X” from his 1974 double LP Get Up With It. At times, the pairing of rap with avant-fusion sounds also brings Emergency! from The Tony Williams Lifetime to mind, perhaps in an alternate timeline where the late drummer was listening to Ice Cube’s AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted.
“The World is Dog,” REVELATOR’s lead single, functions as the album’s aesthetic thesis statement. Like the Davis track, the textures are punishing, the tonality is in free-fall, and the driving breakbeat of a groove cuts in and out unceremoniously. Avant-jazz bassist Luke Stewart, who appears throughout the record, holds the whole thing together just long enough for ELUCID to tightwalk over the beat. This tension is exactly where REVELATOR sets itself apart; in a time of drumless loops, and safe soul samples, this is a high-wire act with no safety net. Similarly, the song announces the themes of the album within just a few phrases, evoking the way societies accept and adjust to new levels of debasement and brutality while suffocating under the weight of history: “Can’t clock the kill, all a mystery/Forced past will eating everyone eventually/The world is dog.”
Many of the songs on REVELATOR grapple obliquely with dissolution and disenfranchisement in America and across the world—the grim realities of our domestic sociopolitical climate and our involvement in foreign conflicts. “Much of my artistic and political sensibility comes from the Black arts movement here in New York,” ELUCID explains. “Recognizing the interconnected global struggles against oppression, artists and thinkers created works and actions in solidarity with freedom movements in South Africa and Palestine.” ELUCID cites intellectuals like Amiri Baraka, Kwame Nkrumah, Audre Lorde, Sonia Sanchez, and Nikki Giovanni among his heroes. (One track on the album is specifically inspired by Lorde’s work, “SKP,” citing the scholar’s paper “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic As Power.”) Songs like REVELATOR’s insistent closer “ZIGZAGZIG,” find ELUCID applying up-to-the-minute messaging, making explicit reference to the conflict in Gaza: “Feed a war machine…from river to sea, in lieu of peace.”
Despite ELUCID’s preference for cacophonous system overload here, the rapper also provides moments of respite. Recorded at The Alchemist’s Los Angeles studio, the laid-back, wheezing “INSTANT TRANSFER” is a collaboration with billy woods, which crystallizes their shared sense of creative determination. “With much momentum behind us and even more on the horizon, I knew a purpose, and that every step was ordered to that purpose,” ELUCID said of the experience. Meanwhile, the jittery “HUSHPUPPIES” is a playful anomaly on the track list, providing a snapshot of ELUCID watching his grandparents in the kitchen while preparing for Friday night fish fry dinners.
“Love still rules over on this side,” ELUCID says. ”I’m raising a family. We are making meaning and finding joy in the midst of all the fucked up-ness of everything around us because the alternative is cowardice and slow death. We remain rooted. We celebrate our people and our wins. Struggle is necessary.”
“IKEBANA” is one of ELUCID’s strongest statements of purpose on the record, blending the record’s heaviest themes with its most hopeful sentiments. supported by a shoutalong refrain and an urgent prog-funk groove. Breaking away from images of dissolution and crumbling societal systems that populate REVELATOR, ELUCID notes that the only way to navigate life’s bleakest landscapes is to cling to love and believe in those around you—to look forward toward something better that may or may not be possible. For the rapper, one of the album’s most trenchant lines comes during a centerpiece of a beat drop: “Being alive/I must look up.”
“The lyric ‘being alive I must look up’ is important especially in the context of this album. Much of the album imagery is harsh and reflects the actual doom some of us experience. But still I/we exist,” ELUCID explains.
Every artist is, in one way or another, the product of their time, bound by life’s leaden gravity to operate within the space of that which is already known. But there are some who are able to shake free of these ties, to shape the culture as it unfolds, to make the present their own.
Revelation, as a concept, points to the scales falling from people’s eyes—something that has been hiding in plain sight becoming clear. “The revelator relates to things that have been talked about, things that have been forecasted,” ELUCID adds. “And now they’re really here, and everyone sees it. And there’s no escaping.” REVELATOR plays out with the unmitigated power of those storms, laying waste to any genre conventions in pursuit of a certain physicality. Here, ELUCID develops a wholly distinctive musical language to explore our fractured modernity.
REVELATOR's packaging was designed by longtime Armand Hammer / Backwoodz art director, Alexander Richter.
Secondo's awaited return comes in the form of Unlikely Companions — a growling, alien rhythm from the warmer tropics of technofunk. Marco Passarani’s wild take flips the mood with some skittering Aphex-style darkness, primed for the late, after hours dancefloor.
Paddan's Sigtryggur Baldursson and Birgir Mogensen are lifelong friends from Kópavogur, Iceland, who started as mates on the local football team, then graduated to making music together as teenagers, and even later as young men doing time in the experimental punk collective KUKL, from 1983 - 1986.
KUKL was populated by survivors of the post-punk scene in Iceland in the early 80s, which is well documented in the film Rock in Reykjavik from 1982. The band was released by the Crass collective in London and featured members, apart from Birgir and Sigtryggur, like Guðlaugur Óttarsson, Einar Melax, Björk and Einar Örn, some of whom would become better known later in outfits like the Sugarcubes and their respective solo work and other collaborations.
Sigtryggur has a long career in music, having worked with among others, Emiliana Torrini, Howie B, Les Negresses Vertes, Tomas R. Einarsson, Petur Ben, KK, Kaktus Einarsson, and many many others. He also produces an award-winning documentary music show for RUV called Hljómskálinn.
Birgir Mogensen is a classically trained classical guitarist and bass player who has worked through the years with artists ranging from KUKL to Killing Joke to Spilafifl and Inferno5.
Birgir and Sigtryggur formed Paddan during the 2010s, and are now preparing to release their EP Fluid Time, which has been inspired by their perception of time and space. Birgir Mogensen says, "As a duo, we trusted our musical intuition and were guided by allowing the first idea to remain unchanged during the recording process"Recorded, produced, and arranged by the pair, Sigtryggur and Birgir play basses and drums along with various other instruments.
All recordings are played on live instruments except a modular synth which is programmed in the background of two tracks The duo is joined by the great harmonica and lap steel player Gaukur Davidsson on "Vaguely" and "Bug," and trumpet player Eirikur Orri Ólafsson on "Splash," not to mention the mixing expertise of Vaccines bassist Arni Hjörvar Árnason on "Bug," "Splash," and "Kokka," and sound-mixer Albert Finnbogason on "Vaguely."
We proudly present the first release under the Statica imprint “M2-9: Wings of a Butterfly”
STATICA001 comes in the form of a split ep from two extremely unique & talented artists.
With two dance floor ready, techno driven tracks full of unpredictability and excitement from the prolific Central Intelligence on the A side.
Followed by a B side of reflectionism within the 4/4. Two emotional, energetic tracks, from madrid based producer Victor Reyes.
A contrast of sound that showcases everything that Statica sets out to encompass…”Forces in Equilibrium”
Minkowski 2-9 (M2-9) is a planetary nebula that was discovered by Rudolph Minkowski in 1947. It is located about 2,100 light-years away from Earth. This bipolar nebula takes the peculiar form of twin lobes of material that emanate from a central star. Its form also resembles the wings of a butterfly.
Credits-:
A massive thank you to Central Intelligence & Victor Reyes for their Contributions. Distributed by Deejay.de. Mastering by Justin Drake. Design and Curation by Alix
Sundries has already established the now well-known "Disco Goodies" series, with the fourth VA compilation in a row featuring obscure disco and boogie gems that cater to diverse tastes and occasions. This series is dedicated in memory of Juan Vargas aka Sould Out who sadly passed away 2 years ago. This 6-tracks EP kicks off with "Soul Driven Dynamics" by Berobreo, which opens dramatically, setting a curious tone as it builds tension, leaving us anticipating a resolution that arrives unexpectedly in the form of a loose, seductive soul sample cut. Oldchap brings a touch of sunshine with groovy, free-flowing track "Coloridos", that carry the happy spirit of latin disco, perfect for enriching any feel-good DJ set. "Still Come Home" by X Gets The Crest wraps up the A-side, combining a baritone sax and funky bassline into a well-balanced blend of styles. The B-side ventures into Afrobeat house with "People Says" by Alexny, featuring hand-drummed rhythms and chanted vocals layered over solid kicks. Sould Out delivered another boogie-funk gem with the excellent "City Gal", while Workerz closes the EP with "Since You Came" an uplifting track filled with soulful vibes and heartfelt expression.
Barkley Bandon’s debut album “Love Machine” is a sexy concept album, perfect pop record and an experimental look at club music all in one.
Hard to pin down stylistically, it’s visiting multiple spaces on a colour spectrum, with hues of Sophie’s hyperpop, Hudson Mohawke’s cheek, the nostalgic shades of Oneohtrix Point Never, a nod to Dean Blunt’s DIY aesthetic and maybe flirting a little with the of Teaches of Peaches. But really, it’s carving out a sound all for itself that is like nothing else out there.
The mysterious London producer recently contributed a song on CASISDEAD’s chart topping, Brit Award winning debut album ‘Famous Last Words’ and has worked with London RnB vocalist Gloria on her release Metal, which came out on Gaika’s label The Spectacular Empire.
Working here, on in his own playpen, he shows off his pop production skills on tunes like ‘Green Light’ and ‘Nails’ (collaborations with rising artist Kaleab Samuel from Aurora, Colorado) and ‘You Decide’, a collab with pig$ - the incredible producer from LA who makes up the other half of their joint project Parking Big. Then he flips the approach, stuffs a bunch of percussion sounds in a box, shakes it and lets clanky club bangers like ‘Vertigo’ and ‘Eye Candy’ tumble out.
Fronting the cover we see Barkley’s real life wife as a teen dream - his ultimate Love Machine.
The album will be released on 25.10.2024 on his own label Laterhosen Records on digital and limited cassette tapes.
“That bass… absolutely filthy” Tom Ravenscroft, BBC Radio 6
Soul, funk, jazz, Brazilian, Latin music... P-VINE's Groove-Diggers series has unearthed quality records that transcend genres, nationalities and ages since the series was launched in 2006. Now, we have decided to release a compilation album containing a selection of great sound sources from our vast collection. It is no exaggeration to say that this compilation, which includes a wide selection of previously overlooked finds and popular tracks that everyone has probably heard at least once, would not have been possible without the Groove Diggers team.
(incl 40p fanzine written by Matt Annis with photographs by Simon Pyke and Ian Brodie) Postpunk Theory is a meticulously curated compilation by the legendary Tony Thorpe, known for his work with The Moody Boys, 400 Blows, and The KLF. These classic tracks were played at parties by Thorpe at the time, making them his personal classics. The compilation features 16 rare and sought-after tracks from the post-punk era, including works by Mark Stewart and The Maffia, Basement 5, 23 Skidoo and more.
Defining post-punk is no easy task. While punk was defined by a raw, rebellious simplicity, post-punk (1978-1986) expanded into a diverse array of sounds and ideas. It maintained punk's independent spirit but embraced experimentation, incorporating influences from various musical and cultural traditions, resulting in a movement far more eclectic and fragmented than its predecessor.
At its core, post-punk broke away from traditional rock structures, blending genres like industrial, goth, and punk-funk with emerging dance music cultures. This era's spirit of innovation and defiance against musical norms continues to inspire, making post-punk a pivotal moment in music history that defies easy categorization.
Tony Thorpe presents Postpunk Theory - Alpha ? is a meticulously curated compilation by the legendary Tony Thorpe, known for his work with The Moody Boys, 400 Blows, and The KLF. These classic tracks were played at parties by Thorpe at the time, making them his personal classics. The compilation features 16 rare and sought-after tracks from the post-punk era, including works by Mark Stewart and The Maffia, Basement 5, 23 Skidoo, African Headcharge, and more.
Growing up in a vibrant musical environment in South London, Thorpe was deeply influenced by the eclectic sounds around him, from jazz-funk to Brit-Funk, and later, the post-punk records he discovered. As Thorpe recalls, "Post-punk was a mishmash of different cultures and ideas. Out of post-punk came dance music culture. That period was the most creative time because the culture was in its experimental phase." This compilation captures that innovative spirit, offering a glimpse into the era that shaped Thorpe's musical journey.
The album comes as a limited 2xLP set, accompanied by an extensive 40-page fanzine. The fanzine, written by Matt Annis (Join The Future), dives deep into the post-punk movement, offering insight and context enriched with striking photographs by Simon Pyke and Ian Brodie.
The first in a new compilation series, "How We Walk on the Moon," was selected and supervised by the project "VINYL GOES AROUND," which operates under the concept of "redefining record culture" in the era of subscription services.
The album is themed on "quiet nights." It is not too close to healing/easy listening, but has a beautiful tension and a pure, mellow mood, and the fantastic soundscape that makes you want to listen to it under the moonlight blends into the environment.
The selection of beautiful pieces is a woven ensemble of various genres, including not only ambient and jazz, but also soul, library, and alternative, and will serve as an introduction to the pop side of ambient music, which many people find intimidating. It is a must-listen for all music fans.
In addition, the LP comes with a completely new type of obi called "ORIGAMI" supervised by "VINYL GOES AROUND". It is a special design that further deepens the worldview of the album.
The tracks included are "Harmonica and...", a 7-inch only track by Sven Wonder, an up-and-coming artist who was nominated for the Jazz category of the 2024 Swedish Grammy Awards; "Clouds" by Gigi Masin, which has been cited by Namedaruma, Nujabes, and Bjork; and "Morning Sunrise", a popular song by Weldon Irvin that has been sampled in countless songs since the 2000s. The lineup is set apart from conventional healing/ambient compilations, and will be useful for DJs as well.
This is a record that will make spending an evening with you feel incredibly luxurious, as if your mind is being freed to go on a free-spirited journey.
*****
It is an honor to be included in this compilation alongside so many other talented artists who have been an important part of my musical journey and hold a special place in my heart. - SVEN WUNDER
Rag’n’Bone Man is ready to accept joy into his life. Born Rory Charles Graham, the Sussex-born singer known for his gravelly blues vocals, took the world by storm with his debut album ‘Human’ in 2016. Now multi award-winning, the British vocalist is embracing newfound balance, returning to his creative foundations while building anew.
It’s the most vital chapter to date in one of British music’s defining stories. A truth-telling voice that has framed an era, Rag’n’Bone Man’s success speaks for itself: his debut album ‘Human’ went platinum four times over in the UK and multi-platinum in a further twenty-seven countries - becoming the fastest selling male debut album that decade. While his latest release ‘Life By Misadventure’ debuted at #1 and spent seven weeks in the Top 10, making it the fastest-selling album by a solo artist in 2021. With over nine-billion worldwide streams (and counting) over his entire catalogue, Rag’n’Bone Man is a voice that can be heard across the globe. Now he’s ready to eclipse this: assured, and built with love, his uplifting new album “What Do You Believe In?” finds the multi award-winning British artist (with three BRITs, two MTV Europe awards, and an Ivor Novello to his name) facing the future with passionate excitement.
‘What Do You Believe In?’ is anchored in the blossoming of confidence and the enduring support network he finds in family life. It’s taken time, but Rag’n’Bone Man is in a secure, loving place - and he wants to share that feeling. The period surrounding second album, 2021’s ‘Life By Misadventure’, was marked by self-doubt, with troubles weighing down on the singer’s shoulders – but then things changed - As a result, new album ‘What Do You Believe In?’ has a bold, yet radiant touch.
With the pairing of the poignant and ubiquitous themes and the sonic brightness of both 00s hip-hop and the youthful memories they prompt, the release of the albums title track ‘What Do You Believe In?’ sets the tone for the for the thrilling musical journey Rag’s is preparing to take fans on.
The second volume in the "Lisztogrooves" series from Igor Gonya's label Lisztomania is packed with both heavy hitters and emerging talents. Across both sides of the vinyl, you'll find some exceptional tracks, starting with Manuel Sahagun's slick deep house groove "Get Yourself." There's also a taste of US house from Human By Nature, enriched with a rich atmosphere and 90's piano riffs. The A-side concludes with a high-energy, uptempo jackin' filter workout from Serbian mainstay and the MTV Europe Music Awards winner Gramophonedzie. The B-side offers a more stripped-back yet deep and solid groove. French producer Naux builds his arrangement around chord stabs, which serve as the foundation of the track. Stogov delivers a soul-drenched, late-night cruiser with "Walking Wide," while JR From Dallas and Justnique close out the EP with a perfectly seductive slice of deep house, complete with smooth chord work and warm, sneaky vibes. This is another hugely effective and stylish release.
'Brat and it’s the same but there’s three more songs so it’s not' is the deluxe album of Charli xcx groundbreaking album 'BRAT' The CD & Vinyl will be out 11th October and available for pre-order from 9th August with the full tracklist available.
‘BRAT’ is shortlisted for the Mercury Prize 2024 and has already reached Gold certified status in the UK with over 100k sales since June 7th. Charli has just landed her first lead #1 single in the UK with ‘Guess’, which features on the deluxe album.
Avant-pop and electronic superstar Charli xcx has become an iconic figure in the arts, having
helped expand the landscape of popular music over the last decade by seamlessly traversing the underground and mainstream with her artistic output. Over the course of a trailblazing career, the multi-hyphenate creative has earned critical acclaim for her innovative style and
entrepreneurial spirit and seen her forward-thinking approach reshape pop culture in the process.
Her lasting impact was cemented last year when Charli was honoured with the Visionary Award at the annual Ivor Novellos in London, while she also received the Powerhouse Award at Billboard’s Women In Music ceremony in Los Angeles in March.
Kerri Chandler joins forces with Nae (SA) for new single ‘Caged Bird’, accompanied by remixes from the widely beloved Atjazz, and Moplen.
Leading the release is the ‘Full Vocal Media Mix’ of ‘Caged Bird’, which sees Kerri Chandler lay down emotive piano melodies, organic drums and atmospheric strings alongside soulful vocal stylings from South Africa’s Nae.
Up next is Italy’s Moplen, producer for the likes of G.A.M.M. and Lumberjacks In Hell delivers his twist on ‘Caged Bird’, shifting gears into more classic house realms, infusing drifting keys, weighty lowend tones and heavily swung drums and violin melodies with the original’s smooth house aesthetic.
On the flip side is the first ‘Atjazz Remix’ of ‘Caged Bird’, a nine minute cinematic excursion from the British composer, embracing the soulful fragments of the original and twisting them into a slow burning, subtly evolving nine minutes delicately detailed with sweeping echoes, reversed reverberations, crisp percussion and choppy stab sequences. An ‘Atjazz Remix Instrumental’ follows, as the name would suggest stripping away the vocals.
Acquit Records are setting out on an ambitious one, presenting their latest foray into vinyl releasing with this incredible new LP from Arbilla. Both label and artist move incredibly low-key, but unearthing the info was worth it. Arbilla aka. Phil Robertson and his own adjacent imprint, Xistence Records, follows up prior greats such as the 'Movement' EP with this full-length, which takes after Detroit techno and catapults it to ever further cosmic reaches. Zooming out to the macro-point of galaxy filaments and Bootes Voids, we begin with the brukky opus '3500 Miles Away From Detroit' before seguing into the percussive workouts of 'Brighter Swallow' and 'Mecca'. A real sense of expanse is given off from the otherwise raw and up-close analogue sound; the cosmos is, of course, airtight.
RARE & PREV. UNRELEASED PSYCH-FUNK AND GARAGE ROCK !!!
Say hello to Down & Wired Vol. 7 as Perfect Toy Records unleashes yet another instalment in its long-running compilation series! Once more, the label provides a delectable selection of obscure funk and soul-influenced psychedelic and garage rock tracks to delight even hardcore collectors of both genres.
And make no mistake, there is plenty to discover among these eleven tracks. At the funkiest end of things, Function's Free Style morphs from West Coast psychedelia to country funk to swamp rock and back again in its sub-three minute length, Dandy King provide psychedelic funky-soul and The Whiz Kids take a heavy dose of funkiness with them into psych-rock territory – sample fiends watch out for the fat twenty-second drum break towards the end of the latter! Purer psychedelia can be found in the offering from Third Stone while Würzburg band Prisma provide all-out epic psych-rock carnage. And if rock carnage is your thing, you'll be feeling the dirty garage rock onslaught of The Comin' Generation and a previously unreleased cut by Synod - soon to be a 45 single on Perfect Toy. That just leaves The General Store, The Soul Society, The Vestells and another unreleased cut from The Villagers (from whom the label will be dropping more unreleased material soon!), to close the circle by adding a heavy dose of garage soul.
A worthy successor to the previous volumes, Down & Wired Vol. 7 is once again accompanied by an insert containing detailed information and photos of the bands and a download code is also included with every vinyl LP.
After 17 albums and a prestigious GRAMMY® Awards nomination, Ibrahim Maalouf returns with a new and highly innovative musical project. In terms of philosophical, historical and musical aspects, T.O.M.A, which stands for "Trumpets of Michel Ange", is a great adventure that takes us to a world where folklore and modernity become one. As always, Ibrahim's music strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and approachability, making it both challenging and inviting for a diverse audience. "T.O.M.A” is first and foremost a mixed album, a true blend of influences where the festive and nostalgic East is expressed with a rare freedom.
"T.O.M.A" is also the name of a brand of trumpets created by Ibrahim in collaboration with French manufacturers. It is this unique instrument, invented over half a century ago by his father, that Ibrahim plays on stage, and on which he now educates the new generation of trumpet players.
Last but not least, 'T.O.M.A' is a big celebration that brings together generations, amateurs and professionals alike, along with special guests!
With T.O.M.A, Ibrahim lays the cornerstone of an ambitious life project combining lutherie, French cultural exceptionalism, teaching, albums and live performance, and above all aiming to bring us together around shared values.
Am 04. Oktober 2024 erscheint das neue Coldplay Album „Moon Music“.
„Moon Music“ ist das erste Album von Coldplay seit „Music Of The Spheres“ (2021), das unter anderem #1 in UK, #2 in Deutschland und #4 in den USA erreichte und als „Album of the Year“ bei den Grammy Awards nominiert war.
Was macht das neue Album zusätzlich zur Musik so besonders? Die physischen Veröffentlichungen des Albums setzen neue Nachhaltigkeitsstandard. U.a. mit neuartiger EcoRecord ePET LP hergestellt aus 100% recycelten Plastikflaschen.
Nachdem Coldplay auf ihrer aktuellen Tour bereits völlig neue Wege in Sachen Nachhaltigkeit gehen - im Vergleich zur letzten Stadiontour konnten die CO2e-Emissionen bisher um 59% reduziert werden - hat die Band alles daran gesetzt, auch die physische Veröffentlichung von „Moon Music“ so nachhaltig wie möglich zu gestalten.
So wird „Moon Music“ als weltweit erstes Album als 140g EcoRecord rPET LP veröffentlicht. Das bedeutet: Jedes Exemplar enthält neun recycelte PET-Kunststoffflaschen, die aus Haushaltsabfällen gewonnen wurden. Dadurch wird die Produktion von mehr als 25 Tonnen neuem Plastik vermieden und die CO2-Emissionen bei der Herstellung im Vergleich zu herkömmlichem 140g Vinyl um 85 Prozent pro Kilogramm reduziert. Auch die CD-Edition von „Moon Music“ setzt neue Maßstäbe. Sie erscheint als weltweit erste auf einer EcoCD, die zu 90 % aus recyceltem Polycarbonat besteht, das aus Haushaltsabfällen gewonnen wurde. Mindestens 78 % weniger CO2-Emissionen pro Kilogramm werden auf diese Weise produziert, außerdem entfällt die Produktion von mehr als fünf Tonnen Neuplastik.
Am 04. Oktober 2024 erscheint das neue Coldplay Album „Moon Music“.
„Moon Music“ ist das erste Album von Coldplay seit „Music Of The Spheres“ (2021), das unter anderem #1 in UK, #2 in Deutschland und #4 in den USA erreichte und als „Album of the Year“ bei den Grammy Awards nominiert war.
Was macht das neue Album zusätzlich zur Musik so besonders? Die physischen Veröffentlichungen des Albums setzen neue Nachhaltigkeitsstandard. U.a. mit neuartiger EcoRecord ePET LP hergestellt aus 100% recycelten Plastikflaschen.
Nachdem Coldplay auf ihrer aktuellen Tour bereits völlig neue Wege in Sachen Nachhaltigkeit gehen - im Vergleich zur letzten Stadiontour konnten die CO2e-Emissionen bisher um 59% reduziert werden - hat die Band alles daran gesetzt, auch die physische Veröffentlichung von „Moon Music“ so nachhaltig wie möglich zu gestalten.
So wird „Moon Music“ als weltweit erstes Album als 140g EcoRecord rPET LP veröffentlicht. Das bedeutet: Jedes Exemplar enthält neun recycelte PET-Kunststoffflaschen, die aus Haushaltsabfällen gewonnen wurden. Dadurch wird die Produktion von mehr als 25 Tonnen neuem Plastik vermieden und die CO2-Emissionen bei der Herstellung im Vergleich zu herkömmlichem 140g Vinyl um 85 Prozent pro Kilogramm reduziert. Auch die CD-Edition von „Moon Music“ setzt neue Maßstäbe. Sie erscheint als weltweit erste auf einer EcoCD, die zu 90 % aus recyceltem Polycarbonat besteht, das aus Haushaltsabfällen gewonnen wurde. Mindestens 78 % weniger CO2-Emissionen pro Kilogramm werden auf diese Weise produziert, außerdem entfällt die Produktion von mehr als fünf Tonnen Neuplastik.
Ever more secure in her chosen path, Nídia radiates gloriously in all moods for the dancefloor in this, her album number 3. Consistent with her fiery nature and mixed roots in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, »95 MINDJERES« is framed by the decisive role of women freedom fighters in PAIGC's struggle for the independence of Guinea-Bissau from Portuguese colonial domination during the 1960s and 1970s. Among others, the names of Teodora Gomes and Titina Silá shine brightly as leaders of a group of 95 women, providing them with military training and political awareness.
The album starts righteously with a question-themed banger; ambiguous in its sense of curiosity, even mischief, or perhaps it is a passionate commentary on the hard atavic realities of the world. It sets the tone for the wonderfully bouncy »Deep«, pads gently pulling at the legs, longing for action.
All of Nídia’s work has been basically concerned with pushing forward, instant piece by instant piece, a particular, some would say peculiar, view of what culture is, what role it plays in social life. She exercises her experimental inclination within the groove, interweaving percussion sequences and melodies in a very lean way - track durations are generally within range of what many would call "sketches" but the music just says what needs to be said. Beats are never artificially extended for the dancefloor, there's not a hint of that culture in »95 MINDJERES«. Closest would be "cp", an actual drum tool. Ideas are in motion now. And they fly out during the following »Mindjeres«, marked by gentle stabs as if counting the steps skyward. Unexpected turns near the end make final songs "abcd" and "Paradise" accentuate a longing sensation.
Stuff is ready, bodies alert, mind is sharp with warmth and fellowship, detoxed, we can now hear the overall tone of the album, a clear view on self nurture, freedom and responsibility. We believe it is sustained by Nídia’s progressive interpretations and approaches to promote harmony in never-ending family entanglements, reconcile notions of ancestry and uproot, and try out means to resist and fight. In praise of Love.
A full tank of gas, the gentle glow from the radio dial, & stretches of open highway await, Forever Gamblin’ On You meanders through miles of soulful AOR, funky folk, & dusty soft rock obscurities. A follow up to Sky Dust Drifter, this compilation was gleaned from American private press oddities & rarities of the 70s & 80s, all of which are seeing their first official reissues on this album. A celebration of love, rebirth, and exploration radiating like the warmth of a loved one from the passenger seat.
Featuring “Feeling The Fire”, a jazzy, AOR grooving declaration of love and desire taken from the sole release from The Mad Brother. The compilations’ title track “Forever Gamblin On You” by Petroc And Pals, features an echo-laden folk rock recollection of hard feelings delivered with swelling guitar in a mournful soft psychedelia. Angie Pepper’s “Miss You Too Much” dwells on a past love, rolling along with an effortlessly cool rhythm section, while Roy McComas croons of his manifested “angel of love” on the swirling psych folk rocker “Girl Of My Dreams”.
Forever Gamblin’ On You unfolds as a hopeful yet equally melancholic collection of nomadic anthems, primed for a memorable journey along the back roads of familiar American landscapes.
Throughout their lifetime and a handful of releases, the trio have carefully fostered and perfected a style of music that is technical and beautiful but doesn’t shy away from any avant-garde, noisy, or punishing moments.
While you’re able to discern sounds brought from noise rock of the 80s and 90s, post-hardcore of the 90s and early aughts, as well as multiple waves of emo and screamo, Abandoncy’s affinity for abstract structure, strange time, and dramatic pause gives them a style all their own.
At its end it is breathtaking, addictive, and harrowing to experience.
On their third full-length, Assailable Agonism, you find the band pushing even further. All six songs boil over with masterful instrumentation and crushing composition.
Clocking in at just under 19 minutes, it feels like a brief but brutal haunting of all of your personal spaces.
Paranoid, blistering, and all-consuming, coated with the grime of drying riverbeds and dust storms. Through its juxtaposition of melodic and noisy elements, it has a presence that will draw in fans of all different styles of music.
"Assailable Agonism" is released by Vina Records (Italy), The Ghost Is Clear (USA), Learning Curve (USA).
Multi-talented, Ghana-born, UK-based sonic shaman K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana - the professional name of vocalist, composer and visionary Kweku Sackey) presents his third album on Pura Vida, the imprint of respected French label Heavenly Sweetness spearheaded by much-loved French DJ and producer GUTS.
Born and raised in Ghana, but having spent much of his adult life in the UK, for K.O.G this record can be seen as the culmination of a lifetime spent absorbing, combining and refining the diverse influences that have shaped his music and his character.
Kweku explains: This album is a very personal journey. I speak about three things: the soul of my community, where I found my inspiration. The roots, highlife, soul, going to church, being around traditional ceremonial setups. Taking people to the very origin of my voice, my soul, my impulses, my community, my culture.
And the next phase is cross-culture: living half of my life in UK and half of my life in Ghana. Putting myself at this crossroads to see the effect of the sonic consciousness, how awake I am with the music from Ghana, and also how living here, having children and family here has also influenced my music.
And thirdly, it’s mirroring my personal journey. Starting in Ghana, with my band in Ghana, and my roots, then moving up to UK, Going from Zone 6 all the way to Europe. Highlife - the syncopated fusion of local music and jazz which is at the core of Ghanaian music, and which from the 1930s spread like wildfire across anglophone West Africa - is one of the core building blocks of this album. But don’t be fooled by the catchy melodies and bright sonics. K.O.G is using it to speak about some topics that are anything but bright.
Highlife is absolutely dark. Most of the places you hear real highlife music, it’s funerals! And it’s part of the culture. Death is part of life. Seeds die for life to germinate. Art is just an emotive expression, when you can cause an emotion in somebody, and it’s not always happiness.
This theme of self-expression and vulnerability is a consistent one throughout the record. With special guests Pat Thomas, Dizraeli, Fameye, Ogunskele.
Paul Bradley returns to Knite Breed with an absolutely EPIC release, the Dead Evil EP. Part of the hugely successful Move-E series which spans many of the Kniteforce Related labels, this one is dark and tough, as you would expect from an EP that samples The Evil Dead, but all the tracks on the EP show off Paul Bradleys skill and mercurial style....
Yuzu Music is a Brooklyn, NYC based deep and minimal house record label operating under the direction and creative vision of label boss Coral O'Connor. A long time friend of the label, Gunnter serves up four beautiful tracks with his signature futuristic, yet timeless deep house sound. We immediately fell in love with these cuts, which are thoroughly buoyant, thundering, groovy and of the highest quality.
DJ Funny and Bojvck, who are of the same age as
the zodiac sign of the horse, the two wild horses that
awaken their unstoppable galloping instinct,
and their heart rate begins to speed up as
they hear the sound of the horses’ hooves. 'Horse To Horse',
the 4th Vinyl-Only release of Sambo Records,
with the theme of 'music that runs at a tempo as fast as a horse',
including Electro, Breakbeat, Ghettotech, and Footwork."
After years of reluctance, finally a new album from Dada Pogrom. The Icelandic musician Kenneth Walter Balys has created a masterpiece of elaborated synth passages with wonderful pop melodies. His performances are few and far between, but in March 2024 he had already played some of the new songs in front of a full sold out house at the Kernkrach Festival. The audience was thrilled and demanded encores. The synth god in perfection!
Grammy Award-winning band Phoenix returns with their next full length, Alpha Zulu, due out 11/4/2022. This follows their 2020 single "Identical,'' which went #1 at AAA radio, from the Motion Picture "On The Rocks". The project was recorded during the height of the pandemic in Paris, at the iconic Louvre museum. Phoenix are set to perform at festivals like Primavera Sound (Barcelona), We Love Green (Paris) and Austin City Limits (Texas) and will embark on a full headline tour in the US, UK, and EU in Sept 2022. The band has seen over 1.5B+ streams across their catalog, and have previously headlined Coachella, Governors Ball, Primavera Sound, Austin City Limits, and more. They've performed on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, amongst others.
Sameheads & Mutant Radio are going a teenie weenie bit further and unifying their ongoing collab in plastic. The kind you play, not the stuff you throw away.
Released in Spring, at a party we’re throwing together in Tbilisi, this little beaut is a double sided 7”.
The MUTANTHEADS split 7” features some solid sound rep from both projects….
For Sameheads, Andrea & Alexander release their first material together, acting as a kind of trailer to an upcoming album released later this year on R-I-O. The track “Olias” finally gets its press after once being performed live at the fabled Sameheads festival “City of a Thousand Suns”… those were the days eh…..
On the Mutant Radio side, fresh talent TINA delivers her debut release, and for that matter, the first ever track Mutant have put onto a piece of vinyl….. The track “Vacation” is the squelchy black sheep counter balance to the silky synth vibe of the other side. Just how they like it.
The release will be up for pre-order from next week, and the digital stuff too…. Just the 300 copies available…… So,,, fix up look sharp……
Rain&Shine proudly present ENERGIZE, a band out of Marin County, California in 1979. Previously unobtainable even for top DJs due to rarity, Rain&Shine gives this double A side modern soul/disco 45 an official re-issue treatment. About ENERGIZE (words by Dan Hays - Guitarist, Songwriter):
ENERGIZE came to age in a post-hippie era, where musicians went back to playing covers in bars. However Marin was still inexpensive and it was possible to pool money together to buy studio time.
That's how ENERGIZE formed - working musicians led by the superb producer and guitar player, Archie Williams (son of Archie Williams Sr - a passionate educator, WWII air force pilot and 1936 Olympic champion) Dan Hayes - songwriter and guitarist, and John Isabeau - lyrics and our executive producer.
John is now a successful Hollywood producer, Oscar documentary award winner, and resides in James Brown's former house in Las Vegas.
The record also features a hugely successful blues vocalist who has asks to remain uncredited. Archie, John and I now have grown children and a few grandkids as well and getting a kick that 40 years later, our self-produced record has found an audience. Far Out
DJ support: Tim Sweeney, Make A Dance, Parris, Pleasure Voyage, Camillo Miranda
Back yard - Back yard is the first single from the new Teen Daze album, Elegant rhythms, and features singer-songwriter Andy Shauf on drums, and LA jazz staple, Sam Wilkes, on bass. This is a stark change in sound for Teen Daze, who’s last album Interior was an exploration of neon-lit House music. Back yard is a mellow groover, conjuring up images of Laurel Canyon in the 70s, yet still with its flourishes of contemporary sounds.
We’re out of phase again - We’re out of phase again is another vulnerable glimpse into the inner world of Teen Daze, and marks the release of his most personal album to date, Elegant rhythms. In contrast to the synthesized, digital world of his prior album, Interior, here we’ve been brought into a lush, organic arrangement, brought to you in large part to the stunning bass playing by Sam Wilkes. While the verses pulse forward, the chorus slows things down, and evokes the sophisti-pop sounds of The Blue Nile. This track is a stunning showcase of the world of Elegant rhythms.
Nothing’s gonna change my love - Teen Daze returns with his second single of the year, Nothing’s gonna change my love. The stark change in sound, as heard on previous single Back yard, is on display here again: a smouldering, 2 and a half minutes of slow jazz-pop, indebted to the great Sade, or perhaps the feeling of leaving downtown LA at 2 AM. Lyrically, we hear a story of a love, challenged by the unpredictable nature of our lives. This may be Teen Daze’s smoothest song to date.
Neighbourhood - Neighbourhood is the third single from the recently announced LP from Teen Daze, Elegant Rhythms. Along with Andy Shauf on the drums, and Sam Wilkes on the bass, Teen Daze gives us a languid tour of his quiet neighbourhood. The sun has set on the pleasant, tree-lined streets, and a stranger, more surreal environment presents itself. The song plods forward at an extremely comfortable pace, held down by the paradoxically loose-yet-tight rhythm section. Lyrically, we walk around the Neighbourhood at night, and while the chorus reveals a type of sobriety, the vibe of the song makes it easy to feel a little…effected.
Fade away - Fade away sets the tone for Elegant Rhythm’s side B: a deeply personal, though somewhat veiled, confession of loss. How does it feel to grieve something that was never really here? A smouldering, slowly progressing first half erupts in synthetic noise, and then fades into the ether with it’s repeating refrain, “I can feel you / feel you fade away / when there’s nothing / nothing left to say”.
Fall ahead - A sweet piano tune which serves as a quiet break in the record, intended to help the listener reflect and take a moment of pause before we reach the final two songs on the album.
HST underwater - The penultimate track on the record tells a story where the narrator finds themself in an alien, yet oddly familiar place. Arpeggios soaked in crystal blue water flow through the stereo field, while the narrator, vocoded and drenched in autotune, searches for meaning and purpose in a confusing world. This is one of Teen Daze’s most cinematic, emotional songs yet.
In the rain - It’s never really made explicitly clear on this record, but a lot of these songs find Teen Daze wrestling with life as a new father, and this song, the final on the album, expresses the fears of generational trauma. A touching, tender ode to his children, we hear Teen Daze at his most personal and vulnerable. The falling rain surrounds some absolutely breathtaking bass playing from Sam Wilkes, and Teen Daze’s signature ambient keyboard sounds.
It is on dark and sweaty dance floors that we get inspired, connect and leave our differences away to live in the present. With this compilation of music pressed in two parts and written by a set of artists from very diverse horizons, it is Polychrome’s perspective on the rave that we want to share. One where sound and light are the only points of reference, opening the space for liberating experiences.
Diffraction EP takes you through the full journey of waveforms traveling through our beloved clubs. Sparking the A-side, Hong Kong’s wonder producer and Mihn Club resident Xiaolin fires up with a progressive and flamboyant house cut, opening an ambitious dance. The tension is taken one notch deeper with Barcelona’s duo Iro Aka signature hypnotic and driving techno sound, dimming the lights for an introspective groove. On the B-side, Lyon’s Desire flirts with an electrifying psy-infused track where pounding beats and floating melodies dance in harmony and psychedelia. It is in a firework that Dublin’s prodigy Dylan Forbes closes out the EP, with an energetic progressive anthem that will light up the space
It is on dark and sweaty dance floors that we get inspired, connect and leave our differences away to live in the present. With this compilation of music pressed in two parts and written by a set of artists from very diverse horizons, it is Polychrome’s perspective on the rave that we want to share. One where sound and light are the only points of reference, opening the space for liberating experiences.
The dance floor is also a space of self-reflection. The A-side is catered by two artists from one of our favorite collectives, De Lichting. With “A Reflection”, RDS opens up and shares a beautifully crafted house gem, providing for a soft and introspective yet groovy “eyes closed” dance. Nathan Kofi takes on the A2 with his unique deep house sound, layering sweet and cinematic synth sounds over an Afro-induced drum sequencing, creating a warm sonic envelope. On the B-side, James Free mixes acid synthesis, roaring bass line, and breaks to create a progressive and subtly melodic dance floor track, one that leaves you positively triggered. With the final track of the record, Rotterdam’s Mata Disk offers a glowing light over polyrhythms and very electronic noises, offering this body of work a deserved radiating curtain close.
Hello 24! Nice to have you here. 23 is so yesterday, so over the top, really. Well, we’ve been dancing the following dances recently. What about you?
What lasts a long time usually turns out well. Having admired TEE MANGO from afar for many years, our A&R Michael Mayer took heart and invited him to this year’s TOTAL. “So In Love” is in the best tradition of the KOMPAKT minimal funk of the early years. We are delighted to have this lovely Englishman on board!
REINHARD VOIGT has always placed great emphasis on loving animals. On the track with the unsurprising title “Der, der mit dem Gummiball sang (Orange)”, he lets whole hordes of different four-legged friends and poultry on the microphone. Hopefully the stench will dissipate from the studio.
When Rhenish cheerfulness meets holiday anticipation, the result is something like this Hawaiian shirt turned music called “Chee-Caruso” by JÜRGEN PAAPE. No animals were tortured for this piece either, even if it sounds like it.
We stay in the realm of fauna and turn our attention to London’s award-winning pedigree dog REX THE DOG. “Laika” is a heart-warming ode to the mongrel dog of the same name, who was the first living creature to make it from the streets of Moscow into space. She would have loved that bleep.
A little-known fact about MICHAEL MAYER is that he is one of the fastest crossword puzzle foxes on the left bank of the Rhine, always in relentless rivalry with Wolfgang Voigt, who thinks he is even faster. The big battle is yet to come. Uninvited guest with five letters? “Urian”.
As an integral part of the family, JONATHAN KASPAR is of course not to be missed. “Are You” celebrates the kind of early morning rapture that is commonplace at his new DJ venue, the brand new Cologne superclub FI. Everything is so colourful here.
SASCHA FUNKE takes a bow to one of the greats of German showbiz with the trippy electro smasher “The Heck”. Born – like DJ Koze and Barnt – in Flensburg, died in Berlin in 2018 and wore glasses. More will not be revealed.
More emotion, more love, more sing-along factor? Si, claro! ARGIA’s “Love Keeps You Running” masterfully combines groove and pop – a blend that sounds very familiar to us. She may be at home in Madrid, but there’s Cologne DNA in her somewhere. We’re sure of it.
Let’s meet the legends, the veterans! JÖRG BURGER is still in a psychedelic mood in 2024. That suits him, that’s where he needs to be, that’s where we want him to be. A parallel universe is conceivable in which such music is affectionately called Goa.
Before going to bed, the WASSERMANN reads us a fairy tale from the Arabian Nights. At the same time, we focus on a point between everything, but really everything, and absolute, stark naked nothingness. 3, 2, 1… Let go.
Hallo 24! Schön, dass du da bist. 23 ist ja sowas von gestern, geht gar nicht, echt. Also, bei uns tanzt man neuerdings die folgenden Tänze. Und bei Euch?
Was lange währt, wird meist gut. Schon seit vielen Jahren aus der Ferne TEE MANGO bewundernd, hat sich unser A&R Michael Mayer ein Herz gefasst und ihn zur diesjährigen TOTAL eingeladen. “So In Love” steht in bester Tradition des kompaktschen Minimal Funk der frühen Jahre. Wir freuen uns, den quirligen Engländer an Bord zu haben!
Tierliebe wird im Hause REINHARD VOIGT schon immer groß geschrieben. Auf dem Stück mit dem nicht weiter verwunderlichen Titel “Der, der mit dem Gummiball sang (Orange)” lässt er gleich ganze Horden verschiedenster Vierbeiner und Federvieh ans Mikro. Hoffentlich zieht der Gestank wieder aus dem Studio ab.
Wenn rheinischer Frohsinn auf Urlaubsvorfreude trifft, dann kommt so etwas wie dieses Musik gewordene Hawaiihemd namens “Chee-Caruso” von JÜRGEN PAAPE heraus. Auch für diesen Beitrag wurden garantiert keine Tiere gequält, auch wenn es allenthalben so klingt.
Wir bleiben im Reich der Fauna und wenden uns London’s preisgekröntem Rassehund REX THE DOG zu. “Laika” ist eine herzerwärmende Ode an die gleichnamige Mischlingshündin, die es von den Strassen Moskaus als erstes Lebewesen ins All geschafft hat. Den Bleep hätte sie bestimmt gemocht.
Eine wenig bekannte Tatsache über MICHAEL MAYER ist, dass er zu den schnellsten Kreuzworträtsel-Füchsen links des Rheins zählt, stets in unbarmherziger Rivalität zu Wolfgang Voigt, der sich für noch schneller hält. Der große Battle steht noch aus. Ungebetener Gast mit fünf Buchstaben? “Urian”.
Als fester Bestandteil der Familie darf natürlich auch JONATHAN KASPAR nicht fehlen. “Are You” zelebriert frühmorgendliche Entrückungszustände, wie sie in seiner neuen DJ-Wirkungsstätte, dem nigelnagelneuen Kölner Superclub FI Gang und Gäbe sind. Alles so schön bunt hier.
SASCHA FUNKE verneigt sich mit dem trippy Electrosmasher “The Heck” vor einem der ganz Großen des deutschen Showbiz. Geboren – wie DJ Koze und Barnt – in Flensburg, gestorben 2018 in Berlin, Brillenträger. Mehr wird nicht verraten.
Mehr Gefühl, mehr Liebe, mehr Mitsing-Faktor? Si, claro! ARGIA’s “Love Keeps You Running” vereint meisterlich Groove und Pop – eine Melange, die uns durchaus bekannt vorkommt. Sie mag zwar in Madrid zuhause sein, aber irgendwo steckt in ihr eine Kölsche. Da sind wir uns sicher.
Auf zu den Legenden, den Urgesteinen! JÖRG BURGER zeigt sich auch in 2024 in einem psychedelischen Mood. Das steht ihm, da muss er hin, da wollen wir ihn haben. Es ist ein Paralleluniversum denkbar, in dem solche Musik liebevoll Goa genannt wird.
Der WASSERMANN liest uns vor dem Schlafengehen noch ein Märchen aus Tausendundeine Nacht vor. Wir fokussieren uns gleichzeitig auf einen Punkt zwischen allem, aber auch wirklich allem und dem absoluten, splitterfasernackten Nichts. 3, 2, 1… Loslassen
This dancefloor-centric release boasts five tracks designed to captivate with their powerful beats and deep vibes, perfect for the summer season. The EP showcases resident artists Nicole (Satz) and Carriego (Over think, Lirica Archives, Cosa Nostra), as well as Italian artist Mariiin (Pleasure Club), Uruguayan artist Alfalfa (Mephis Records), and French artist Sekance (3Mâts Records).
Embracing the fusion of sound and mysticism, the label aims to convey metaphysical and humanistic principles, promoting awakening and connection. Each EP in the series represents a spiritual journey through the chakras, with "Order Behind Chaos" focusing on the sacral chakra's orange hue, symbolizing creativity, emotional expression, and self-esteem.
Sasha returns with atmospheric gem 'How to Wear Raybans Well' Featuring remxes from heavyweights Roman Flügel and Nathan Fake.
Electronic luminary Sasha has had a busy 2024 that has so far yielded standout collaborations with the likes of Super Flu & Sentre and a solo single 'Florian Drift' that proves he remains at the cutting edge. His Last Night on Earth label continues to serve up a rich mix of melodic house and techno from the most exciting names in the scene and this latest solo single finds the boss head into new realms once more.
The superb 'How to Wear Raybans Well' is awash with fizzing dub chords and electric lines that flash about the mix. The deep rooted drums have a subtle bounce as they serve to sweep the floor off its feet and lock them into a state of melodic techno bliss.
First to remix is Nathan Fake, a UK talent who has always had his own unique sound. It's based on his mastery of synths and melody and has arrived on labels like Ninja Tune and Border Community as well as his own Cambria Instruments. His remix ups the ante and strips things away to bring more defined drums and crisp hits. The synths bring a range of emotions as they unfold with a mind of their own throughout this most captivating track.
Roman Flügel has been an ever present in the electronic world almost since the start. The German's output has covered endless ground from micro house to acid to techno on the most tasteful labels from his own Playhouse to Mule, Dial and Live At Robert Johnson. His remix is timeless surging techno that comes with waves of warming synths and unrelenting drum pressure designed for peak time dance floor wig-outs.
Rising Japanese duo SUDO debut on Drumcode with the inspired ‘Real World’ EP.
The brothers Isao and Takashi – the former based in Berlin, while the other holds forte in their hometown of Kansai, Japan – have been grafting away at their craft for many years, never compromising on quality, while eschewing trends. Instead, patiently creating and waiting for their opportunity.
The duo remembers their first vinyl purchase from back in the ‘90s – a white label they’d later find out to be Underworld’s legendary ‘Rez’. It’s from these incendiary roots that ‘Real World’ takes inspiration. A trio of tracks imbued with depth, subtly and impact.
The title track is a deep barrelling trancey composition and is trippy in nature, conjuring visions of the Underworld classic, while never losing a future-minded ethos. ‘Construction’ starts as a chunky slice of percussive techno, before a mesmerizing ambient interlude takes the track to another realm. ‘Mercury’ is a transcendental slice of tech-trance that’s timeless in every sense. Bliss.
Tomi Ahmedeus is an Artist originally hailing from south London's Champion Hill estate in Camberwell. His debut EP God Iz Enough is a five track sonic vignette which takes you on a poetic but succinct soundscape, lending itself to an astute yet playful choice of sampling and production references from 70's soul to 80's house music.
God Iz Enough is truly an immersive journey into the deep and diverse cadence Tomi Ahmedeus chooses to swim in. His debut extended play has been mixed and mastered by Grammy award winning engineer IRKO who's previous works include DONDA by Kanye west and The Roots, streams of thoughts.
There are few people across the globe, who will have not been touched by the work of Frankie Knuckles. Forever regarded as ‘The Godfather of House’ for his unrivalled contribution to the house music we know today; what started as an underground movement in Chicago has grown to international heights thanks to Frankie. His records earned him recognition on a global scale, allowing him to work with some of the globes biggest names including the likes of Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.
Frankie passed away in Chicago on 31st March 2014 leaving behind one of the greatest house music legacies spanning almost four decades. Now he is commemorated by long time writing and production partner Eric Kupper. Eric, himself a seasoned DJ producer and writer, has worked on over 116 Billboard #1 Dance Records and played a pivotal role in many of Frankie’s productions. Having both worked together for many years they established themselves as ‘Director’s Cut’ from 2011 and set about producing original releases and remixes based on the classic ‘Def Mix’ sound while sharing equal credits for their creations.
Together they re-produced and re-purposed classic cuts for modern dancefloors, with reworks including tracks from Marshall Jefferson, Ashford & Simpson, Artful & Ridney and The Sunburst Band, alongside Frankie Knuckles originals. These releases have now been brought together by Eric to feature on special album called ‘The Directors Cut Collection’ on SoSure Music.
For the third volume classic cuts such as Inaya Day & Robin S. - Right Now (A Director’s Cut Master) and Marko Militano - Good People (Director’s Cut Signature Mix) are nestled alongside equally absorbing Directors Cut mixes of Vintage Lounge Orchestra covering 'Dreams' and Art Department pres. Martina Topley Bird feat. Mark Lanegan & Warpaint covering 'Crystalised'.
The Director’s Cut Collection is a fitting tribute to commemorate the seventh anniversary of Frankie’s passing whilst giving Eric a platform to tell his side of the creative story. This album is to be released in collaboration with The Frankie Knuckles Foundation who work to continuing Frankie’s legacy well into the future.
Axel Boman - 5/5 - "It's all about love - not about emotions!!!!
Adam Beyer - 5/5 - "<3"
Space Dimension Controller - 5/5 - "Always"
Tensnake - 5/5 - "Classic Love It"
Jonny Rock - 5/5 - "Hot!!!"
Prins Thomas - 4/5 - "very nice! fresh take on an all-time classic"
Len Faki - 5/5 - "It's been a while listening to this masterpiece - and yes - it's timeless and I love the new touch on the new version. thanks Frankie!"
robdabank (Radio 1) - 5/5 - “One of my all time faves and great mixes here!”
Fortunea Records is thrilled to present 2 great Italian producers for its 33rd record. DJ Rocca & Mike Riviera will release their 4 tracks packed Night Jamz EP this spring on the Austrian label to shake up the dancefloors with their combined power of raw and snappy warehouse grooves.
The former is a living legend! He began his career in the late 1990s with drum’n’bass-, breakbeat- and future jazz productions under the brand Maffia Soundsystem, which was also a club in Italy where he was the main resident dj. What followed was an impressive work history in the house and disco scene with many memorable tracks and collaborations with artists such as Dimitri From Paris as Erodiscotique or Marcello Giordani under the moniker Supersonic Lovers.
Michele Tessadri aka Mike Riviera resides in Berlin and is mostly known for his italo disco inspired productions with Luc Sauvage. But he released also solo under pseudonyms such as Fratelli Riviera on the labels Slow Motion and Bear Funk and occasionally works on impressive edits of disco- and funk records.
The Night Jamz EP will come out on all the digital stores and streaming services on may 24, 2024 and will be available on limited vinyl shortly after.
Double LP in a gatefold sleeve designed by Simon Fowler. Long-awaited vinyl release for this critically acclaimed album. Featured in The Quietus (best albums of 2023), Mojo (4/5) and Louder Than War.
Seattle's own Manatee Commune (aka Grant Eadie) makes his long-awaited return to
Bastard Jazz with his fourth album, 'Simultaneity'. Lush and vibrant production is
familiar to his previous works, though Eadie has significantly matured in the activation of
space and character. A step away from standard songwriting, and a total disassociation
from lyrics at all, has made this record closer to the ambient genre than anything
Manatee Commune has released, all the while keeping one solid foot in the realm of
dance music.
'Simultaneity', as a whole, is an exploration of the collision between texture and time.
Captured recordings reminiscent of wind in wheatgrass, soft rain showers in the open
plains, and cascading beach sand wash over the mix, splashing into warm drones and
ascending melodies that cleanly syncopate against a steady rhythm. Though decidedly
electronic at times, a raw human element is ever-present in the form of a vocal motif:
just tiny moments of a loving voice lost in a sea of reverberation.
The album is a noticeably positive evolution from previous works. All nine tracks depict
a calmness and subtlety in musicianship, relying primarily on tenuous snippets of live
instrumentation and synthesis that hypnotically coil and coalesce with one another.
'Love Tone', the opening track, features Eadie's partner, a small voice memo clipped
and expanded into an ethereal vocal melody. A crisp felt piano delivers a complex
arpeggiation in 'Mosaic', a warm sonic bath scape reminiscent of Olafur Arnalds or
Kiasmos. Simple, undemanding bass lines drive tracks 'Path' and 'Faulted', though their
simplicity is contrasted with a variety of patterns that combine to create unique auditory
shapes, both building and landing in satisfying climactic movement. The album
culminates in the final track, 'Touch Theme', where a block of sound in the form of a
broad, open synthetic chord warms the ears, eventually twisting and shifting to rhythmic
chunks that shove against a familiar house rhythm.
It's difficult to ''label'' the songs of this authoritative and necessary official reissue (after the shameful fake of 10 years ago). ''Zombi'' and ''In the Land of the Zombi'' are two electro disco-funks from 1979, therefore from three years before was born the ''Italo-Disco'' style, certainly more powerful, aggressive and more electronic than the ''Made in Italy'' disco style of the 2nd half of the 70s (Fratelli La Bionda, Pino Presti, Claudio Simonetti, Celso Valli and others.). The creation of the original 7" by Salvatore Ida, great musician and bandleader - to whom this excellent reissue is dedicated - was a sort of game for the authors of the two pieces: Federico Ida and Massimo Ida, were protagonists 4 years before of the Italian progressive rock scene with the sister Silvana Ida, Marcello Surace and Franco Vinci thanks to the immeasurable and acclaimed album ''Apoteosi''. So The Zombies were destined to pair with another easy '79 joke by the Ida brothers: ''Let's Go'' and ''Mustang'' by Sandwich, also reissued on 12inch by Best Record Italy. The Zombies comes out with the original artwork of the time, but in a full embossed picture sleeve and released in the classic black vinyl and on red vinyl with black shades (limited edition with red copies numbered manually (1/250: 2/250 and so on...) What else to add except that: the two long versions of ''Zombi'' and ''In the Land of the Zombi'' were re-edited by Massimo Berardi, always diligent and active, as well as tidy and aware of where he was putting his hands, are fundamental in order to complete this 12" fully remastered by Dom Scuteri.
RAYE has been on a real journey prior to her stratospheric rise to the top and notching the first #1 UK hit of 2023. Nominated for 7 x Brit Awards (the most by any artist in one year) her long-awaited independent debut album, My 21st Century Blues, made an immediate impact hitting the #2 spot on the UK albums chart. As a welcome result of her self-fulfilling new work, RAYE unknowingly created the song that has become synonymous with 2023 – the chart topping, viral global smash “Escapism” featuring 070 Shake – that earned her first Top 10 slots at US Pop and Rhythm radio and and is the biggest selling single by a Female British artist in the UK in 2023. From the radio to the club, it put RAYE on the map in a whole new way earning the Best Contemporary Song Award at the 2023 Ivors, AIM Best Independent Track and Best Social Trending Song at the Global Awards, as well as contributing to her winning a BRIT Billions Award in recognition of 1 Billion career UK streams (globally, 4.5 Billion cumulative). RAYE also received the Live Nation Best Female Award at the O2 Silver Clefs and was nominated for the Best International Act at the BET Awards. Fresh off sold-out tours with Lewis Capaldi, Kali Uchis, and SZA, she embarked on a mammoth journey of her own. Two headline tours spanning the UK, Europe, and North America saw her energy ignite sold-out crowds every night. Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage felt her command, and the Royal Albert Hall, draped in the magic of her orchestra and choir, witnessed a BBC special for the ages. This year, My 21st Century Symphony arrives at the o2 Arena, then it's on to Coachella. After playing and owning the pop game, RAYE bet on herself and won.
Tracklisting
1. Overture. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 2. Oscar Winning Tears. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 3. Hard Out Here. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 4. The Thrill Is Gone Requiem. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 5. The Thrill Is Gone. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 6. Five Star Hotels. - RAYE, Heritage Orchestra 7. Mary Jane vs Graeme Blevins. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 8. Mary Jane - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 9. Environmental Anxiety. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 10. Body Dysmorphia - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 11. Ice Cream Man. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 12. Dani's Interlude. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 13. Flip A Switch. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 14. Worth It Prelude. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 15. Worth It. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 16. Black Mascara. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 17. Buss It Down. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 18. Escapism. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra
Congratulations to RAYE on her phenomenal night at the Brit Awards.. with a record breaking six wins in one night, including ..
The Berlin-based artist Simina Grigoriu debuts on DCLTD. The opener ' Declare Me' steps up the energy with searing intent, while never losing a sense of deep brooding atmosphere. One for the marathon Sunday afternoon sets. ‘Astral Waters’ bubbles away with tight drum work and a deep Motor City vibe. ‘Technology of Prayer’ mixes late-night techno soundscapes with driving rhythms. An essential tool for bridging moods during longer sessions. And finally ‘The Right Calibre’ positions tribal rhythms at the fore for a rolling cut that doesn’t take a backwards step from creating plenty of tension through the mid-section via a stirring break.
Upon examining the eventful life of Can bassist Holger Czukay,
one might conclude that this intrepid musician was a loner. His
turbulent career exuded an enduring eccentricity governed by a
boundless free spirit. Yet Czukay, who passed away
unexpectedly last year at the age of 79, constantly emphasized
that his creativity was always contingent upon a musical
partner, whether that was a skin-and-bones counterpart or an
anonymous manifestation that interacted with him through
radio waves or, as happened later, the internet. Nonetheless,
most of his partners were of flesh and blood.
His oeuvre, which is in itself cinematic in nature, boasts a cast
worthy of a Martin Scorsese film. Only the most interesting
character actors were cast: Brian Eno, Phew, Rolf Dammers,
David Sylvian, Annie Lennox, Jah Wobble, his Can bandmates...
the list could go on and on.
Many of these masterpieces are now out of print, so Groenland
Records, who already released the highly acclaimed
retrospective 'CINEMA' to mark the occasion of Holger's 80th
birthday at the beginning of the year, has taken it upon
themselves to release reissues of Holger's music in order to
make it accessible once again.
Acclaimed Canadian electronic producer Francis Latreille, known as Priori, unveils his new singles "Learn To Fly" and “Segue” today, marking the first releases from his upcoming third album, This But More. "Learn To Fly" offers a taste of the album's lush, dubby techno soundscapes, while "Segue" showcases the album's ambient side. Arriving May 24th via NAFF, This But More marks a sonic departure for the artist, exploring a richly textured landscape of electroacoustic compositions inspired by literature, cinema, and the transformative power of nature.
Priori delved into This But More from September 2023 to March 2024, drawing upon archival recordings and fresh ideas. "This album is about healing," Priori explains. "Not necessarily 'music that heals', but about the process in its ups and downs, its beauty and uncertainty." Themes of protection, healing, sleep, and decay naturally emerged during the creative journey.
To craft this immersive world, Priori collaborated extensively. Writer and musician Devon Hansen penned a series of "Suggested Stories" to accompany the album, adding depth to its lore. Musically, Priori teamed up with James K, Ben Bondy, Sabola, Adam Feingold, and Jesse Osborne-Lanthier, infusing the album with diverse instrumentation, including violin, guitar, software instruments, and field recordings.
This collaborative spirit extends to the album's striking visuals. Jesse Orsborne Lanthier designed the main and single artworks, while Ulysse De Lezenne crafted a unique jewel, both pieces seamlessly connected to the album's narrative.
The intricate world-building sets This But More apart. "It's the biggest collaborative project I have tackled so far," Priori notes. This spirit of exploration extends to the second single, “Wake”, featuring Priori's first vocal collaboration with close friend Jamie Krasner (James K).
Priori's artistic process is grounded in self-awareness and intuition, asking vital questions about how each element serves the greater purpose of the music. Swimming sessions between studio work provided clarity and focus throughout the album's creation. These meditative moments reflect in the music, inviting listeners into a contemplative, dreamlike state.
Beyond music, Priori draws inspiration from the literary worlds of Gene Wolfe, Ursula K LeGuin, China Mieville, Brian Caitlin, the evocative games of Hidetaka Miyazaki and Yoko Taro, as well as the ever-evolving beauty of myths and nature.
"The Anthology" wurde ursprünglich 1999 veröffentlicht und enthält die erfolgreichsten Tracks aller ATCQ-Alben bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt, wie z.B. "Can I Kick It" (275m+ Streams), "Electric Relaxation" (160m+ Streams) und "Vivrant Thing" (50m+ Streams), sowie Songs aus Soundtracks. Auch dieses Album war außerhalb der USA seit vielen Jahren nicht mehr auf Vinyl erhältlich und erscheint jetzt als schwarzes 2LP-Vinyl-Set.
Prolific visionary Yetsuby makes her debut on all my thoughts with a celestial concept LP that chimes into the deeper, inner emotions.
Yetsuby is the solo project of South Koren artist Yejin Jang. Since 2019 she has carved out a reputation as
something of a prolific visionary, with 6 albums, 7 EPsand a flurry of singles between her two projects to date. Her recent album “My Star, My Planet Earth” received the “best electronic album of 2023" award at the KoreanMusic Awards.
Beyond her solo work Jang is also one half of the critically acclaimed electronic duo Salamanda, which has been featured in Pitchfork, Crack Magazine, and Dj Mag. The duo also host a residency called “shadow dance” on NTS radio. Yetsuby’s debut release on Seb Wilblood’s all my thoughts label is a heartfelt and forward thinking mini LP.
Yetsuby’s debut release on Seb Wilblood’s all my thoughts label is a heartfelt and forward thinking mini LP.
The 6 track release effortlessly chimes into the deeper, inner emotions whilst providing a window into her
abundant breadth of skills through tantalising themes of sonic alchemy.
“I want to put comfort into the music and give some message to people who blame themselves” - Yetsuby
The resulting effect is a release that feels sincere and deeply personal but has a celestial magic about it that feels both kaleidoscopic and transcendent. It effectively creates a world for the listener to inhabit, whilst inviting them to connect with the album’s themes on a personal level.
fabric Records to announce the highly anticipated release of *fabric presents Confidence Man*, set to drop on 23rd August 2024. The mix features Confidence Man’s innovative sound and includes two exclusive tracks from the band, alongside new music from renowned artists Joe Goddard, Joshua James, and Mona Yim.
Confidence Man, celebrated for their infectious energy and distinctive style, bring their unique flair to this mix, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of dance music. The exclusive tracks, “BREAK IT DOWN (ON THE BASSLINE)” and “Let Them Bells Ring,” showcase the band's signature blend of high energy and catchy grooves, promising to be instant dancefloor favorites.
Complementing Confidence Man’s contributions are cutting-edge tracks from Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard, whose production mastery continues to redefine electronic music. Joshua James, known for his deep house and techno expertise, delivers a track that captures his club-ready sound. Mona Yim adds her ethereal touch with a fresh composition that embodies her innovative approach to electronic music.
fabric presents Confidence Man* stands as a testament to fabric Records’ commitment to curating pioneering music that pushes the boundaries of the genre. This release not only highlights the versatile talent of Confidence Man but also features some of the most exciting contemporary artists in the electronic scene.
The album will be available for digital download and streaming across all major platforms on 23d August 2024.
The record ‘Rīgas Elektromašīnbūves Rūpnīca (RER)’ has many distinctive characteristics. I would like to draw listeners’ attention to the fact that the recording was made with 16 microphones in an abandoned factory in Sarkandaugava (Rīga, Latvia). Over two days, KODEK recorded how the music sounds specifically in this vast space – how the window panes vibrate, how the metal lockers rattle, and how the sound waves propagate uniquely. This created a special and unparalleled musical sound. In this record, KODEK not only plays musical instruments but also the space itself, resulting in an added value or a new chapter in the history of world music – The Sound of Sarkandaugava. – Kaspars Rolšteins Artist bio: Musician Raivo Vainovskis, widely known as KODEK represents a narrow nonacademic electronic music genre while having proven his excellence and gained international recognition performing in countless electronic and experimental music festivals like CTM Festival in Berlin, Amsterdam Dance Event in Amsterdam, Cynetart Festival in Dresden, MUTEK festival in Montreal among others. KODEK is a core figure behind the globally acclaimed Latvian electronic music instrument manufacturer Erica Synths and often uses their synthesizers in his work. Since 2011 he co-organizes experimental music mini-festival Brīnumu Nakts in his native city of Madona which is one of the rare occurrences of such events outside the Latvian capital Riga. Since 2005 both in his releases and live performances he challenges his audiences with his unique stage presence and sonic aesthetic that is rooted in the spirit of truly independent music and art. KODEK has been nominated (and has won) The Annual Latvian Music Recording Award in the category ‘’The best electronic music album’’ for his ‘’Flavours From The Future’’ LP in 2012.
For its 16th instalment, Swiss label CAF? invites DJ duo Charlotte aux Fretz to curate a compilation EP, building bridges between the French and Swiss contemporary club scenes. Ignited while organising and attending free parties, “Rave Alert” covers a whole range of atmospheres one could encounter during these summer nights. From phone-lit forest journeys to sweaty peak-time dance floor moments, all the way to hypnotic sunrises where the first rays of light reshape your surroundings.
Dub-tech master Beatrice M. offers a great opening to the compilation, subtly combining their signature sonic ingredients with your favourite DJ meme. Amor Satyr drastically rises the cruising speed to 175bpm with his d&b infused track, while Lia Catreux follows the pace with a bouncy track that will keep your feet off the floor. The flip side starts with an introspective journey with Spirit Vortex Club’s first recorded appearance, while Israfil keeps the energy high (and mercury retrograde away) with an uncompromising rave track. Yolek and Freeky (both previous CAF? contributors) wrap up the release with a slow but heavy closing burner. Last round of applause and you can finally go to bed (you think).
Nonna Fab is a core part of Sheffield’s progressive music scene, founding Apricot Ballroom, Footprints Jazz Club, Jazz On The Park Festival, and his band Fuji Speedway. He’s also part of the consortium behind Grub Records, a new record shop and wine bar opening this summer. As well as regularly playing as part of his duo with Apricot Ballroom, Nonna Fab’s back catalogue of releases explores house, boogie, jazz and broken beat. This release shows an organic curation of instruments, touching on live elements, jazz improvisation and dance-floor orientated rhythms. We Still Out Here began a few years ago as a nod to the iconic New York City sound of Dinosaur L and Francois K, and to serve as a message that there are still producers out here working on and inspired by that sound. This release also features remixes by Admin and Comb. Bristol-based collector and beatsmith Admin is known for his sampling finesse, self-releasing some killer 7s, edits on his Community Disc-O's label, and music on others including Boogie Café Records, Take Away, Better Listen, and Future Boogie. The second remix comes from Norwich-based artist and I Travel to You label manager Comb, one half of the duo Dangerous Goods and the producer behind the popular Comb Edits series.
Platipus Records proudly announces the highly anticipated release of the 4th vinyl installment in the Platipus 30 Years series, featuring four iconic tracks that epitomize the label's storied sound.
Leading the collection is Libra presents Taylor's timeless classic "Anomaly / Calling Your Name," produced by the legendary BT. This is followed by POB featuring Xavia's "The Awakening" in a captivating Quietman Remix. The B-side showcases fresh talent from label head honcho Simon Berry with the track "Gargantua," alongside a rediscovered gem, Union Jack's "Cockroach." This release is a celebration of Platipus' enduring legacy in the electronic music scene.
Accomplished NYC singer-songwriter Kelli Sae unveils joyful new single Good Feeling on 21st June 2024, the first fruit of her fourth solo artist album due early next year. Good Feeling swings, sways and shimmies with playful Latino spirit; a summer-fun delight all about seizing the day and embracing love and life. Sae’s sizzling vocals dance in and around deft keys, layered horns, tight guitar parts and, of course, that infectious percussion. Verses switch up to agile scat solos and down to emotive breakdowns – it’s the very best of feelings….
Good Feeling is produced by Chris Franck, co-founder of Da Lata, chief instigator behind Zeep, Smoke City and Batu, and long-standing mastermind for a wealth of other studio projects and remixes. The record features a talented cast of musicians including award-winning Brazilian composer Rafael Martini, who arranged and conducted the horn sections in one of Latin music’s truest heartlands Belo Horizonte.
Kelli Sae’s story has it all. An internationally acclaimed artist, she previously shone as lead vocalist for renowned jazz-funk collectives Incognito, Count Basic and Defunkt, and worked with Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Ashford & Simpson and Me’shell Ndegéocello among others. Born of Puerto Rican, African and French descent, Sae has soulful eclecticism in her blood. The exciting mix of sounds, cultures and influences across her three, independently-released solo albums to date is testament to this, as well as her respected forays into composing, playwrighting and stage performance.
Good Feeling is Kelli Sae’s latest impactful outing for Reel People Music, following singles Good Love, Right Now and Believe In A Brighter Day earlier this decade. The special relationship is set to blossom further over the coming months. We. Can’t. Wait.
Recorded almost entirely in a single day at the legendary Total Refreshment Centre in London, JOY MACHINE brings together some of the most exciting musicians in London’s new jazz explosion. With features from Alabaster DePlume and trumpeter Jonathon Enser (Nubiyan Twist), vocals from Dizraeli (Worldwide Music Awards Best Album nominee), drums from Ben Brown (Alfa Mist, Mulatu Astatke), bass from uk jazz scene favourite Daisy George, synths from Joseph Costi (Yusef Cat Stevens, Bahla) and saxophone from free jazzer Ronan Perrett.
In the tradition of Miles Davis’s Bitches Brew, the band came to the studio in October 23 with only one pre-written track (the uplifting summer anthem Greek Summer) and once that was recorded, spent the rest of the day improvising wild, explosive music laced with Dizraeli’s rap and spoken word lyricism. The result is JOY MACHINE, a record bursting with urgency, intensity and life, and one that cements Dizraeli’s position as an innovative wordsmith, bringing both personal depth (as in Abigail, a homage to the sister who died before he was born) and fierce political commentary (as in Dear Cousin, a goosebumps-inducing narrative that transports the listener aboard the boat Adriana carrying refugees across the Mediterranean, which sank in June 2023 drowning 500 people, and then confronts a very English bigot in the second verse).
SHDW & Obscure Shape invite Invexis for his first 12" in almost 20 years as the German live act and producer returns to Mutual Rytm for his impactful EP, 'Odyssey'.
With an ethos of merging the past with the present and future, harnessing classic techno influences and shaping them into the sounds of tomorrow, SHDW & Obscure Shape's Mutual Rytm imprint has become an exciting home for rising talents of note and established artists to shine a spotlight on the genre. However, the next release on the label welcomes a long-awaited return from Georg Kohler, aka Invexis. Known for releases such as 'Kalibreur' on Salpeter Records and 'Chiffre' on Planet Rhythm Records, with further releases via Compound and Kazumi, the German talent crafted and shaped his own sound within the techno landscape in the early 2000s. Returning with his first EP release in close to two decades, late December welcomes a return to Mutual Rytm, following on from the inclusion of his track 'Elektronenwind' on the label's 'Federation Of Rytm I' release, as he delivers a selection of dynamic, melodic and driving techno offerings across 'Odyssey'.
'Silhouette' opens the package with authority as spirited drums and spiralling synths take hold of a twisting and turning lead effort, with 'Non Return To Zero' building a spiralling groove via frantic yet measured percussion, sweeping melodies and funky stabs. 'Red Storm' opens the B-side with a more up-front production combining harsher metallic tones with relentless drive and crashing hats, while 'Body Impulse' utilises dubby stabs and eerie atmospherics to balance light and dark. The title track 'Odyssey' closes the vinyl offering, with a euphoric and rapturous production harnessing resonant chords, looping drum grooves and elated leads to bring things to an impressive crescendo and deliver a record that will remain in the ears of listeners for a long time. As always with the label, digital purchasers are treated to an exclusive track as Kohler combines zig-zagging grooves, refined synths and off-kilter glitches and bleeps across digital exclusive 'Transition'.
"I am in shock of what you are saying and don’t you go anywhere else and spread such false information”
Inspired by the underground night life in Iran, where Salar Ansari’s journey as a selector started in the mid-2000s, each cut on 'Chi Gofti? Nagi Jayi!" touches on a specific mood & scenario.
"Dorehami Melo دورهمی ملو", referring to a mellow get together after the last rave being raided;
"Tu Jaddeh Savaarkaar تو جاده (سوارکار)" is the rush of driving through the mountains listening to driving beats, heading to a party on the outskirts of Tehran through mountains
"Raghs e Ghalamou رقص قلمو" touches on the artist's commitment to painting sonically to unify with his people through creativity and resonance
"Long before discovering house music as a teenager I was bred as a dancer, a slave to the rhythm, in my parents vibrant house parties of dancing the night away till you drop. This is my culture, to surrender, to give in, to react to the rhythm, every corner of it. PGS is family to me and I am so happy to have this music that is very dear to me, come out through this imprint. PGS is about community, Hamtramck is about community, Detroit is about community, Iran is about community, this music is about community." - Salar
Written, produced, recorded by Salar Ansari
Design by Salar Ansari & Ben Saginaw
Thanks for: Ahang Ahmadi, Sina Matinsefat
"Tu Jaddeh Savaarkaar تو جاده (سوارکار)" music video by Vinnie Massimino, shot by friends in Iran
Paolo Rocco delivers his ten-track debut album ‘Life In Pieces’ this April on FUSE.
Born Canadian of Italian descent, Montreal-based DJ and producer Paolo Rocco has emerged as one of the most consistent names within house music over the past decade, with a wealth of material via the likes of Hot Creations, PIV, Berg Audio, Constant Sound, Taverna Tracks, and Rutilance Records showcasing his own take on house, deep house, and minimal territories. Having closed 2020 with fresh music on his own RAWMoments imprint, late-April welcomes the arrival of his biggest project to date as he makes his label debut on London’s FUSE to deliver his eight-rack debut album, ‘Life In Pieces’.
A body of work rich in classy collaborations with artists such as Robert Owens, Alix Alvarez, Kiki & Mavi and slick solo production, ‘Life In Pieces’ delivers a blissful journey through Rocco’s rich sound palette, revealing the most in-depth project of his career while marking his long-awaited debut on FUSE in style.
DJ Support: Enzo Siragusa, Archie Hamilton, Fabe, Fleur Shore, Us Two & VITO (UK).
UK based rising star DXNBY debuts on TRMNL Records as they reveal their next eagerly awaited EP on the Birmingham based imprint, and one of Holland’s newest hottest exports Marsolo completes the package on remix duties.
One of the main artists at the forefront of Bandcamp’s thriving underground market alongside releases on East End Dub’s Belief, Max Dean’s neXup and Ben Rau’s META to name a few, DXNBY brings his in demand signature garage and underground house crossover sound to the label with two killer cuts. The label has already offered up a plethora of sounds across the underground electronic spectrum with releases from credible names including East End Dubs, Yaya, Djebali, Ray Mono and Samu.l
Title track ‘Ozone’ oozes everything that TRMNL as a brand and the second city champions - warping basslines laid down in a fast-moving fashion for those peak time moments. ‘No Return’ continues the mind-bending journey with cleverly manipulated vocals, skippy drums and hypnotic samples before dropping into another uniquely assembled heavy hitting bassline.
Dutchman Marsolo follows up from impressive EP’s on Prunk’s PIV and East End Dub’s Eastenderz by stepping up with his take on ‘Ozone’ - as the remix takes you into after hours territory with skippy drums and a cutting bassline that creates moments encapsulating the true essence of the underground
THE WORLD'S FIRST EVER 'LIVE-TO-DIGITAL' ALBUM RECORDING, RELEASED IN 1979.
This album - dedicated to Einstein on his centenary - is now viewed by fans as one of the highpoints of Giorgio's career.
Cash Box magazine named Moroder as Producer of the Year on the basis of this album. American music trade paper Record World rated 'E=MC2' as 'unquestionably Giorgio's most accessible work'.
Giorgio rode the disco tidal wave of the Bee Gees in the 1970s and went on to become a legendary producer, performer and composer. In 2013, he was once again at the forefront of a major comeback, through his work with award winning act Daft Punk, and his high profile continues to date.
NIX is back with 'My Friend Was Eaten by a Modular Rack', a fresh release from Ocirala. Hailed for his hugely popular release ‘I Want To Lick Your Brains’, Ocirala now returns with a four tracker that veers away from his earlier vocal-driven work while maintaining his naughty style.
'My Friend Was Eaten by a Modular Rack', a year in the making, captures a collection of those odd yet perfectly cohesive tracks. The A-side delivers high-energy, club-ready tunes, while the B-side, though perfect for after-hours, retains the power to electrify any big system setup, all confirming Ocirala's talent for impeccable sound design. Wild synths, haunting atmospheres, driving drums and twitchy kicks, there is something for everyone.
Longtime collaborators Olga Korol and Per Hammar are releasing a long-awaited new record on Abartik this summer. The title track Glizzo features a captivating blend of house and breaks, along the other originals with minimal touches, showcasing their signature style.
Developed over years of producing and DJing together, this record promises rhythmic complexity and understated elegance, perfect for both dance floors and intimate listening sessions.
"Two-pronged, remix attacks don't come much more exciting and potent than this... as here - thanks to our good friends at Nervous NYC - we're beyond hyped to bring you the legendary Masters At Work and Dave Lee on one single, fully weaponised package.
Putting their own, inimitable spins on Louie Vega's ˙Music Is My Life˙ - which features the unique talents of Unlimited Touch - we're treated to a pair of wonderfully complimentary, but no less idiosyncratic re-rubs from these two stalwarts of the scene.
With a production hand and artistic touch like no other - Masters At Work lead the way here, with their main remix. Characterised by that trademark looseness and deliciously warm, organic approach - their rework is awash with woozy psychedelia and layered so expertly, that getting lost in the music is both gloriously simple and an absolute pleasure. But no true Vega & Dope remix suite, would be complete without a bonafide Dub version. And for ˙Music Is My Life˙ - this sees the dynamite duo take proceedings down a distinctly more mesmeric and mood-laden path… one where the vocal is instead used as a powerful rhythmic weapon, and the star of the show, is a surreptitiously morphing and shape-shifting, delicately acid-laced synth lead.
Next up - having recently switched his attentions to productions under his own namesake - is Z Records' head honcho, Dave Lee. Snapping into life with its crisp and punchy drum work - what Lee's remix does share with that of the Masters is in the over-arching, tripped-out haze which douses proceedings. However - where his remix opts to stick its head well and truly above the parapit, is in it stylistic flavouring. As when it comes to slicing that genre cake, so to split the worlds of Disco and House perfectly down the middle - there's simply no one who does it finer.”
Boston is not exactly worldwide known for its coldwave or synth pop artists. Most of us know the Capital of Massachusetts because of its hardcore legacy that still continues today.
And yet, just like flowers in a rugged land, here comes House Of Harm, a post-punk trio whose new approach to the genre was showcased on their two tape EPs, earning them a cult international following as well as an imposing line up of supporting gigs opening for Editors, She Past Away, Lust For Youth, and The Cure’s Reeves Gabrels. Due on September 4 is their debut full-length Vicious Pastimes out on vinyl LP and digital format.
Nine songs where timeless melodies of Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me-era Cure perfectly match French coldwave moodiness, enhanced by Cocteau Twins ethereal airiness and Creation Records seminal shoegaze sounds. Just enough light reaches House Of Harm’s base layer, giving life to infectious hooks and unforgettable mantras. The gritted core of every song makes expansive moments of release cathartic, always tethered by commanding drums.
Check out the very first single they wrote Isolator and its melancholic synth pop refrain, or Against The Night whose darkwave is as claustrophobic as One Hundred Years. Catch sounds almost like a Sarah Records hit, while the title-track hurls us back into the bleak realms of the Sisterhood. Different influences but everything is just in its place simply because House Of Harm are the rare band where you can feel every individual member’s devotion to each song’s world.
RIYL: The Cure, Depeche Mode, A Flock Of Seagulls, For Against, Drab Majesty.
Die in Los Angeles ansässige Dark-Melodic-Metal-Band Witherfall präsentiert ihr viertes Album über DeathWave Records. Der Vorgänger 'Curse Of Autumn' konnte großes Lob in der relevanten Fachpresse sowie die # 20 in den deutschen Album-Charts als auch US-BILLBOARD-Charts verbuchen.
Das neue Album wird von einem ehrgeizigen Zeitplan mit sieben Singles begleitet, von denen jede ein offizielles Video enthält, das die Geschichte des Albums voller Herzschmerz, Wut und Hartnäckigkeit erzählt. Das sind Witherfall, immer bereit, die Extrameile zu gehen, um endlich zur Speerspitze der internationalen Metal-Szene vorzudringen. Witherfall wurde 2013 in Los Angeles gegründet. Seitdem hat die Gruppe drei vielbeachtete Alben veröffentlicht. Die band macht keine Abstriche und engagierte für 'Curse Of Autumn' u.a. den international anerkannten Top-Drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Jordan Rudess). Die Band engagierte erneut den Produzenten/Studio-Zauberer Chris "Zeuss" Harris (Rob Zombie, Queensrÿche, Shadows Fall) als Ingenieur/Co-Produzent sowie für Mix und Master
Das Cover von Blake Armstrong (In Flames, Megadeth, Kataklysm, Harry Potter) bietet einen visuellen Gegenpol zur Musik auf dem Album sowie zu Michaels kompromissloser Text-Offenheit.
Neben der CD gibt es schwarzes Vinyl sowie zwei limitierte farbige Versionen!
'Matriarchy' is a rebirth for the celebrated, multi- faceted artist, as girli further explores her sound and takes the reins with full creative control, truly cementing her place as a cult figure and ambassador for the next gen of LGBTQIA+ music.
girli's passions have always migrated beyond music and she continues to use her platform to ignite conversations around feminism, sexuality, identity and mental health, opening up topics that most have always shied away from. Representation matters more so now than ever, and girli is ready to rewrite the rules.
YOIONWAX's 10th anniversary record is already here! This is our second fully printed record with an incredibly cool zoetrope artwork by Alex Mikheev. This time, we're embarking on an amazing journey to unexplored places, and our guide is the very cool and experienced musician Donnie Cosmo.
We start in a tropical forest, and as we walk through the tropics to the starting pad of our ship, Donnie suggests trying Jungle Juice. Moving on, we encounter The Man From Planet X, whose story accompanies us to a small stop as we switch from side A to side B.
Mystical Journey begins as soon as we put the needle on the record on side B. The zoetrope artwork, which is now located on the entire record, can be examined indefinitely, especially when we listen to such a soundtrack. It is at this moment that we break away from the earth and find ourselves in open space, an exciting journey awaits us. Having traveled a long road through stars, planets, galaxies, Donnie suggests Prepare Your Soul, and we prepare our souls for the transition to a new level, because we have come a long way with you, and this record is a great gift for the sixth anniversary of our project, which took place at the end of May.
We are actively working now on the development of the project and are preparing something new, we are sure it will be very cool, and you will like it, so do not miss your chance now to become the owner of a collector's edition, a truly exclusive and legendary record - YOIONWAXOIO!
CEP Records is ready to release its first various artists compilation. This collection features six tracks with a wide range of groovy, funky and driving techno.
On the A-side, Alec Dienaar kicks things off with a gripping atmospheric tune, introducing top-notch groove elements and catchy vocal shots. Cult’s track ‘Big Pimpin‘’ displays his signature, featuring snappy filter cuts, driving drums, and a dogged energy. Closing out the A-side, KAIPE takes a funkier side with a leading bassline and a memorable melody that exacts attention. Next up, Marcos Fagoagas delivers ‘Surreal Awake’, a track with a uniquely structured low-end and self-sung vocals that retain the rhythm organic. ‘Feel So Alive’ by SOURCE CODE embodies a full-on summer vibe with infectious vocals and tuneful high-pitched stab elements. Bringing this release to a close is THD+N's dub techno gem ‘Voicemail’, characterized by a winding synth line and timeless vocals that captivate throughout.
DJ support: Folamour, Benny Rodrigues, Prunk, M-HIGH, Jamback, Dennis Quin
Aron Volta, one of the first in-house artists of PIV returns to the label with his long awaited 'Get On Down' EP. The track has been doing damage on dance floors around the world for almost two years already. Finally, the moment is here to show this future classic the light of day.
'Crescendo' is the captivating result of a collaboration between the Swedish producers Emil Holmström and Peter Wikström, who form the duo Ecovillage, and a multi-talented cast of musicians all of whom share a passion for improvisation and experimentation.
Recorded between 2019 and 2022 in Los Angeles and Umeå, Sweden, the sessions were designed to explore the possibilities of creating a sonic environment that blends jazz and ambient to create something altogether fresh, vibrant and immersive.
‘We always wanted to create something new and original, something that would challenge us during the recording and also evolve our listeners. We also tried to break away from the conventions and expectations of ambient music’.
The album consists of ten tracks, each with its own mood and style. Some songs are uplifting and energetic, while others are mellow and dreamy. The vocals range from soft whispers to powerful chants, adding texture and emotion to the music.
‘Crescendo is an album that invites the listener to immerse themselves in a rich and diverse musical landscape that reflects the vision and spirit that we had during the recording process’.
Composed, mixed and produced by Emil Holmström & Peter Wikström
Featuring Jonas Knutsson, Laraaji, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Green-House, Brothertiger, Kenji Kihara, Botany, Nightlands, nubo, Nat Birchall, Oceananda, Sharananda, Thore Pfeiffer, Annie Barker and Joseph Shabason
Recorded in Austin, Berlin, Los Angeles, Manchester, Mainz, New York, Philadelphia, Tokyo and Umeå
When all you want to do is be the fire part of fire… say it to yourself and then say it again. Repeat it like a mantra. It’s what UTO did.
Anyone familiar with the UTO’s lauded 2022 debut Touch The Lock, which Pitchfork praised for its “prismatic synth pop”, will be aware of the variegated nature of what they do. This album is just as colourful, with Neysa’s vocalwork sparking similarities to Kim Gordon’s off-kilter vocals, which they both ceremoniously jets through a post-electronica blender mixing stylized indie sleaze productions with 90s breakbeats.
While they might appear as a singular entity to others, UTO wrote large sections of this album apart, converging by the fireside to discuss the day’s work before coming together to hone and finish the songs. 2023 was, by their own admission, a difficult year, and that’s reflected in the Dantean themes expressed in songs such as the lead single ‘Zombie’, which arrived at the end of November as a taster for the new record; the latter’s dark heart is belied by the skittering beats, glitchy electronics and pummeling sequencers that elevate it from the void.
From fire, early man’s discovery, to AI, humanity’s next great adventure - with all of the wonders and complexities of human relationships in between - When all you want to do is be the fire part of fire really is about life, the universe and everything. Just remember, be the flame, not the moth.
Albert Alan Owen was born in Wales in 1948 to parents of Welsh and Latvian heritage. His family later moved to Zimbabwe, where his father took up a teaching position. There, Owen was deeply influenced by local music and culture, while also exploring American RnB and jazz. It was during this period that he became acutely aware of the harsh inequalities under British colonial rule, which instilled in him a lifelong aversion to discrimination and racism.
In 1967, Owen returned to Europe to pursue his studies and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He went on to spend time in Paris, studying composition with the eminent Nadia Boulanger and piano under Jacques Février, a favorite pianist of Ravel’s and Poulenc’s. Owen's focus shifted almost entirely to composition, and the acquisition of a Fender Rhodes electric piano marked the beginning of a divorce from his classical Western training. This transition allowed him to merge his passion for African and African-American music with the impressionistic styles of Ravel and Debussy while exploring the innovative realm of electroacoustic composition.
These formative experiences framed Owen’s career as a composer and educator at the Royal Academy of Music and London’s Working Men’s College. He eventually returned to Wales, where he continues to reside.
In 1979, 29-year-old Albert Alan Owen released Keyboards & Strings, a light magical chamber music masterpiece.
Transcending the formal conventions of its era, Keyboard & Strings is an acoustic and electric piano piece, where the violin is met by synths and electronics.
As is often the case in Albert Alan Owen’s most intimate works, there is a sense of ethereal beauty that emerges from the music, akin to the emotional state one might experience while contemplating a Félix Vallotton landscape or the unfathomable mystery of dawn’s first light.
Quiet, profound, and immersive, Keyboard & Strings stands out as an electronic-age tone poem, a rare gem that transcends time and place.
‘Inevitable Incredible’ is a brand-new studio album that sees Kelly writing primarily on the piano for the first time. Recorded on a remote island in Norway, the forthcoming album sees Kelly step away from the comfort of Stereophonics and explore emotion and vulnerability. The album features 8 incredibly evocative cinematic songs, all with live vocal & piano plus stunning orchestral strings. Available on deluxe book bound CD and heavyweight vinyl with stunning artwork by artist Christine Clark.
Having plied his trade around the world for more than three decades, German guitarist, bandleader and musical explorer Jan Whitefield has always instilled in his craft a natural aesthetic of authenticity, a key component which has seen him amass a sizeable and varied catalogue of material which has remained timeless where some of his contemporaries have faded away.
In the early 90s, as various UK bands were signed up by sizeable labels and enjoyed even mainstream chart success in the Acid Jazz and rare groove boom, Jan and his brother Max formed the Poets Of Rhythm, self-releasing their own uncompromisingly hard-edged take on 70s street funk on the then completely unfashionable 7" single format, forerunning the Deep Funk scene by almost a decade. 30 years on, in spite of a legion of retro-focused bands having followed in their wake, few have yet to come close to matching the energy and spirit of those early Poets 45s.
Since then, Jan has applied himself to all manner of new incarnations and innovative side-projects, releasing further funk surveys as the Whitefield Brothers before leading his own band under the pseudonym Karl Hector, with releases on labels such as Stones Throw, Daptone, Ninja Tune, Mo'Wax, Strut and more. An avid music lover, explorer and record collector extraordinaire, Whitefield's music has effortlessly absorbed his expanding interests along the way, particularly drawing influence from Ethiopian Jazz and West African funk and highlife, as well as Kraut-rock and ambient via his Rodinia alter-ego.
More recently, Whitefield has begun to venture into the astral planes of what's now commonly referred to as 'spiritual jazz', and this is very much where we find him manifesting on 'The Infinity Of Nothingness'. A set of mature, delicate and meditative orchestrations, like much of Whitefield's best work the album is studiously true to its key influences - and in this instance the twin figureheads of Sun Ra and Pharoah Sanders are particularly preeminent - but also completely avoids falling into a trap of mere tribute or facsimile. With subtle yet diverse accents of Hip Hop, Library and the Avant Garde appearing wholly unobtrusively, the album is unified by a marked trance-like feel, beginning with the sparse, processional opener 'Nothingness' through to the 3 part 'Infinity Suite' of 'Time', 'Space' and 'Energy'.
As he did as a schoolboy with the Poets of Rhythm, with 'The Infinity Of Nothingness' Whitefield achieves that exceptionally rare feat of creating music that is not only worthy of sitting alongside that of his overarching influences, but will also stand up with it against the tests of time.
Death Is Not The End together all three LP volumes of the critically acclaimed If I Had a Pair of Wings LP compilation series for a bundled edition.
"...all of the music on this compilation is the result of the forward-thinking artists and producers that realised the worth of local Jamaican artistry during a time when the island's leading political figures had not yet managed to throw off the colonial yolk. These are sounds with a certain innocence and the optimistic promise of better to come, with the influence of American pop ballads and doo-wop looming large, yet already pointing to the innovations of the future. Listen keenly and take in the sounds of the Jamaican music industry at its very beginnings, its singers and players drawing from the popular styles of the island's larger neighbour and already changing those styles into something their own." - David Katz
Lauren Laverne's comp of the week on BBC Radio 6 Music w/c 11th Jan.
On his new album always centered at night, moby has once again conjured into reality a collection of heartachingly beautiful, tender-yet-defiant songs, made in collaboration with uniquely talented, soulfully aware, other-worldly vocalists. All the songs are love letters to the unrestricted and enchanting music scene of late ‘70s, early ‘80s New York that shaped Moby as a musician. The featured vocalists were given the same assignment: “Please don’t write anything commercial. Let it be weird. Let it be personal. It doesn’t have to make sense.”
“Because of that randomized freedom, I’ve been on the receiving end of so much genius work,” says moby. “And the result has been one of the most exciting, surprising things I’ve ever done as a musician, and it’s one of the most worthwhile things a human being can do: make tender, gentle, vulnerable music that’s a clarion call to act.”
Featured on this album are some of the most exciting vocalists of our time. Some are well-known - such as serpentwithfeet on the breathless daydream of a song ‘on air’, the jazzy soulstress Lady Blackbird on the haunting ‘dark days’, or the astounding poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah on ‘where is your pride?’. Other contributors have been found in relative obscurity - such as friend and vocalist Brie O’Banion on the Cream cover ‘we’re going wrong’, or Sheffield poet laureate Danaé Wellington on the powerful ‘wild flame’.
“The goal for always centered at night is to do something uncompromising,” says Moby. “To make music that is emotional, atmospheric and potentially beautiful. And what better use of this weird privilege I have than trying to foster creative expression that has uncompromising integrity?”
Haunted from Italy are back with their first album since 2018 and their wonderfully slow and mournful
doom is better than ever. Their songs will embrace you and sweep you away
Following two revered albums, ‘Dissolve’ in 2017 and ‘Avalanche’ in 2019, London-based electronic songwriter and producer Tusks, aka Emily Underhill, has returned with her third: ‘Gold’.
‘Gold’ took form slowly over several months spent rewriting and reworking; half created at home in the middle of London and half during two solitary trips to Devon, where many of the songs found their inspiration. In need of some space, away from a shared house that had just been through a pandemic together as well as from a relationship that was coming to an end, she travelled to the south-west. It was here that she would get the bulk of her writing done, recognising there were some things she would have to work through alone, and in no small part it came to her in the form of a torrential storm. Bringing the album back to London, Tusks partnered with producer Tom Andrews to bring the tracks to life from studios like Ten87 in Tottenham and SS2 Recording in Southend.
Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and leading UK jazz vocalist Zara McFarlane releases Sweet Whispers – Celebrating Sarah Vaughan on 14th June. The album honours the jazz great who inspired her on her own artistic journey and whose centenary year is marked in 2024.
‘Sweet Whispers’ is more than a run-through of some of Vaughan’s most popular songs. It’s not hard to imagine the immense task in selecting those songs, after all, Vaughan’s recording career spanned 50 years notching up almost 60 albums (plus nearly 30 again in compilations and box sets). Through a thoughtfully chosen selection of songs, formed across months in collaboration with producer, and the album’s clarinettist and saxman, Giacomo Smith – Zara journeys through the musical life of Sarah Vaughan, from her first to last recording, bringing to life and breathing new life into some of her best and less familiar songs. But importantly, the songs that mean the most to Zara.
Zara McFarlane said “It was when I started to listen to Sarah Vaughan that I really began to appreciate jazz vocals. She had such control across her range and a vocal command that was cheeky, playful and fun yet sophisticated and articulate. I really wanted to pay homage to her as I feel she has been somewhat overlooked amongst the jazz singers. Although I do love Ella and Billie, it's all about Sarah for me.”
‘Sweet Whispers – Celebrating Sarah Vaughan’ was recorded analogue at Durham Studios, London. Giacomo assembled a stellar cast of musicians - Joe Webb on piano, Ferg Ireland on double bass, Jas Kayser on drums, Marlon Hibbert on Steel Pan and Gabriella Swallow on cello – to record 11 tracks live to tape; with minimal overdubs, the recording has retained a live, vintage feel. A celebration of Sarah Vaughan could be in no better hands than that of Zara McFarlane, who makes an inspired homage to the ‘Divine One’. Beautifully performed in Zara’s own inimitable style, with her own playful swoops and slides, she has added her own
touch to the music. With a silken voice and timbre that bring emotional depth, attitude and personality to this collection of SaraH Vaughan songs, this is a masterful celebration
A group of friends go sailing and one disappears. The others start
searching for her. But it gradually becomes apparent that she won’t
be found. So the friends return home one by one. Only the missing
girl’s lover and her best friend remain.They have begun an affair.
As the lovers come together the girl’s disappearance is all but
forgotten.
From Michelangelo Antonioni — “Auteur of eerie angst”
(L’Avventura) by Richard Skinner from Vade Mecum Essays,
Reviews & Interviews (Zero books, 2015).
Ever dreamed to travel to Trinidad & Tobago? Disco Segreta makes this dream come true with it’s 6th release: the much awaited officially licensed reissue of this tropicalo-disco synth bass boogie atomic bomb, from the original analog masters.
Written in late 1983 by Mario Baldoni aka Miro of “Real Life Games” LP (1977) and Brina’s “Stranamore” (1984) fame. Originally released in July 1984 on the small Pineapple label – a sublabel of Armando Sciascia’s “Vedette” – with close to no success and a pressing fault: a glitch on the vocal version, that affected all copies.
This tropical summerish blend of italo and boogie, along with the male/female alternate spanish/english singing, turned into a true classic of the genre over the years, slowly making the playlists of the most respected DJs and diggers worldwide. The 4-tracks 12″ features the original vocal and instrumental versions in their original length, carefully dubbed from the analog stereo masters and taken back to new life through Disco Segreta’s usual respectful mastering. Also, two new remixes are featured.
A kaleidoscopic sonic riot, Nandakke? is the hotly anticipated debut album from Japanese-Belgian duo Aili. Featuring 10 tracks of surreal electro-pop, joyful electronica, house music and more, Nandakke? is a euphoric album that sees Aili Maruyama and Orson Wouters more than fulfil the promise of their acclaimed debut EP.
Recorded over the course of six months in Orson's studio, packed full of vintage synths, Nandakke? captures the spontaneous spirit and creativity of those sessions. Exchanging riffs and rhythms, bouncing sounds and samples off each other, Aili and Orson would let the music take them where it wanted. The result,an album full of wild ideas and bold, playful experimentation.
More than anything an exhilarating feeling of discovery courses through Nandakke?, leaving you never sure where it will go next. One minute a pulsing electro-pop number featuring Aili's dad discussing his takoyaki (battered octopus) recipe, the next an explosive high energy workout song like Up & Down.
Certainly Aili was surprised to find herself singing in her own unique version of Japanese again.
"I thought that I was done with that after our debut EP, but apparently not as I speak even more Japanese on the album!" said Maruyama. "Every time we were in the studio these words would just tumble out. It's a complicated language but I just love to play with it.
"In many ways I'm an outsider, I left Tokyo aged 7, so there's a lot I notice as someone who is not a native speaker and it doesn't always make sense, there's a lot of mistakes in it.But in a way that sums up the whole philosophy of the album and how Orson and I work together."
That notion of duality, a sense of belonging but feeling apart, of being between two worlds and inventing your own captures the spirit of Nandakke?, itself a Japanese word that roughly translates to "Well, what was it?".
"It's something you say when you're looking for a word, like you know it but have forgotten how to say it. That's literally how I communicate with my dad the whole time," Maruyama explains. "The main feeling I have when I go to Japan is that I know the language, I can speak it, but part of me still feels like it doesn't have all the vocabulary. There's a gap there that nandakke has always filled for me. All the lyrics come from that place, that seven-year old trying to speak Japanese."
Whether Aili's singing about the language she invented with her father over the years to bridge the gap between them (Nandakke?), the idiosyncratic Japanese relationship to fashion (Fashion) or riffing on children's playground songs (Yubikiri) the result is a remarkable album that defies easy categorisation.
Bursting onto the Belgian scene in 2021 with their acclaimed debut EP, Dansu, its lead track spent 8 consecutive weeks at the #1 spot of Radio 1's VOX list and saw the band nominated for Studio Brussel's De Nieuwe Lichting ('New Generation') award. Since then Aili have appeared playing live on the Belgian TV show Roomies, been tipped by the likes of Rolling Stone, become regulars on tastemaker stations like KEXP and KCRW in the US and Nova in France, toured across Europe and, just recently, played their first sell out shows in Japan.
After “Matjesfilet” or „Verbrennungsmotor”, the single “Supermarkt” by Berlin producer ACUD, released in 2023, was also very successful. On the radio, on streaming platforms or on the festival stages: the song was present
everywhere! A remix EP was just a formality and is now celebrating its awakening, digitally and on vinyl! Included are the Norwegian disco masters PRINS THOMAS and OST&KJEX, as well as the Mexican MIJO, the
Argentinian ANA HELDER and from Berlin: AMOUNT. There is also a new acid variant from ACUD itself, as well as the original. Reason enough to fill existing gaps in the vinyl case.
THE TWO CLASSIC AND HIGHLY COLLECTABLE INEVITABLE SINGES PLUS RELATED PEEL SESSION RECORDINGS. CAPTURING THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF DEAD OR ALIVE’S CAREER. ON BERRY-RED VINYL! A SEQUEL AND COMPANION RELEASE TO 2023’S CRITICALLY AND COMMERCIALLY SUCCESSFUL ‘LET THEM DRAG MY SOUL AWAY’.
Having been ‘discovered’ working in Liverpool’s Probe Records during the punk rock explosion of the late 1970s, Pete Burns quickly found himself fronting his very own band, Nightmares In Wax, who quickly mutated into the more familiar Dead Or Alive.
A star was born. But prior to pop superstardom, tabloid-tantalising celebrity and his later revival and recognition as an icon of gay punk and pop culture, Pete led Dead Or Alive into far darker waters, as one of the earliest explorers of the post-punk Goth scene.
Captured on two remarkable 7” singles originally released on Liverpool label Inevitable, the band also caught the attention of the
ever-reliable John Peel, and recorded material for his seminal BBC Radio One programme. ‘Running Wild’ compiles those early
singles and related Peel Session highlights, bringing the latter to vinyl for the first time. Pressed on berry red vinyl,and housed in
a cover photograph by Dead Or Alive’s then manager Francesco Mellina, ‘Running Wild presents an early glimpse at the
phenomenon Pete would become, and a long overdue back story accompaniment for fans and collectors alike.
Recorded on the edge of Berlin in a semi-deserted building complex formerly used by the East German Sociality party, André Uhl's debut on the label taps into the spectral frequencies of the space and the ritual practices of recording.
Created in isolation amongst this decaying structure and surrounded by lakes, dense forestry and the sounds of boars and unknown wildlife outside, Every Step Causes a Crack is a title that reflects Andrés connection to the environment around him and the death or glory stance of the artist, with field recordings, electric doom synthesis and lurching drum tracks temporarily fracturing the darkness before being pulled back through the void.
Plafond continues, taking center stage after the mother label BAKK ceded. Here, two long-time collaborators, Ekolali, originating from Sweden, and Tala Drum Corps, from the Netherlands, await their returns. The former reappears with a characteristic approach earlier heard on 'Doggerland'. The latter did multiple dance releases yet now debuts for this series, expanding on his stylistic spectrum. Despite shared tempo, the energies of the track are each of their own. Pulsating with energetic urgency, Ekolali, towards hypnotic movement, Tala Drum Corps. 'Totem Mollusca' shoots for the sun, like a budding landscape, yellow rays, waterdrops - kraut-inspired yet club-like without seeking a climax. 'tokyo subway' has a marimba-ridden, timeless approach - a clock-ticking, crude atmosphere, as a dream long passed, slowly ascending. Known for its two-sided, two-songs approach, Plafond offers two artists or artist combinations the freeform room for exploration and elongation of their respective sound and practices. This is the eighth in the series.
After a long pandemic-induced hibernation, MUZI cartel returns with another vinyl only VA, this time highlighting the healthy relations between French and Belgian producers.
The French mastermind Varhat kicks right in and sets the mood with “A1 - Doggo”, a versatile track suitable for all occasions. No compromises here. Moving to “A2 - Fieu” by ALDO, the brotherhood between Lowris & Adema, reinforcing the A side with a powerful acid bassline and trippy vocal chops.
B stands for Boost, as we gladly welcome Nathan Boost for his long awaited MUZI debut. With “B1 - Aerozine”, he seamlessly teleports us to higher spheres, right into his realm.
The B-side is completed by another MUZI debut, this time from within the cartel itself, as Töni & Roland present you their first studio collab with “B2 - The Strong Silent Type”. Atmospheric sounds and stabs all around, wrapping things up nicely.
"Let's dream of underground raves or enigmatic gatherings of the clandestine, where your mind shall wage ethereal battles against soulless algorithms amidst the nocturnal dance, traversing a labyrinth of dystopian dreams. Dance the night away, dance the night away."
This is Mulatu Astatke’s protege and Ethiopian saxophonist and composer Jorga Mesfin’s debut album. It’s a long foray into Ethio-jazz that takes this courageous syncretism further by fusing spiritual experimentation with bits from all kinds of situations in Ethiopian music, jazz music, and specifically Ethiopian jazz music that precedes it.
Jorga Mesfin is widely regarded as one of the most talented contemporary musicians and composers in Ethiopia. He started his professional career at the young age of 17 and has since collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Tsegaye Gebremedhin, Carolyn Beard Withlow, The Last Poets, Vijay Iyer, Wayna Wondossen, Kirk Whalum, Takana Miyamoto, Gizze Reggae band, Dionne Farris, Aster Aweke, Mahmoud Ahmed, and Mulatu Astatke. Additionally, Mesfin was a resident at Astatke's legendary African Jazz Village in Addis Ababa every Thursday.
Jorga Mesfin is the founder of the Ethio-jazz group called Wudasse. He composed the music for the epic Ethiopian film "Teza" directed by Haile Gerima. His work on the film earned him the Best Music Award at the 22nd Carthage Film Festival and Best Composition at the 5th Dubai International Film Festival.
Muzikawi is a record label, music publisher, studio, artist management, and event organizer based in Addis Ababa and Stockholm. With extensive experience in curating and representing artists from all regions, Muzikawi has a deep understanding and appreciation of Ethiopia's culture.
Live artist Innellea dropped his limited vinyl deluxe album . ‘The Belonging’ including two bonus tracks, poster and colored vinyls. The LP forms part of a conceptual storytelling project. The album features focus track ‘Shelter’ w. CamelPhat & Monolink, along with diverse and significant collabs with Grammy winner Flowdan, Swedish indie singer/songwriter Karin Park, live musician Juan Hansen. Additionally the deluxe vinyl album includes Innellea´s feature with Paris Paloma 'under Earth'
‘The Belonging’ project is a cohesive multi-media concept, comprising the album heralded by a series of singles, multiple music videos. All of this will evoke a ‘collective catharsis’ after charting a personal and universal journey. This says Innellea: ‘As personal crises are part of life, we want to go through this journey collectively, from a silent, burned out state of ‘Where do we belong?’ Together, we will go forward forever through all the insanity until the certainty that ‘We belong here!’ as each track charts a step away from crisis, towards this feeling of belonging.
Xone:96. The long-awaited follow-up to a genuine club classic.
A new, uncompromising analogue DJ mixer, destined to be the heart of your creativity, Xone:96 takes the legendary soul of the acclaimed Xone:92 and redelivers it, enhanced, and with state-of-the-art digital connectivity.
It’s all here. The huge, detailed, space-shaking analogue sound that only Xone delivers. A refined, precision 4-band EQ. Unrivalled dual Xone:VCF filters with CRUNCH harmonic distortion. And a dual 32-bit USB soundcard (24 Channels @ 96kHz) with Traktor Scratch certification right out of the box.
Xone:96 lets you connect your whole rig, from laptops and turntables, to pedals, synths and drum machines.
Two dedicated FX sends, four stereo input channels (with 4-Band EQ), two stereo input channels with all new 3-Band Parametric EQ + two auxiliary stereo return channels. And a separate master insert for your outboard hardware.
Explore new possibilities with a familiar layout of beautifully tactile controls. And rely on the industrial build quality that exceeds the demands of relentless back-to-back performances, night after night.
Xone96: You mixed. We listened.
Features:
• Type Analogue
• Channels 6 + 2
• EQ
o Channel 1-4, 4-Band EQ
o Channel A-B, 3-Band Parametric EQ
• USB Soundcards Dual 24 Channel (12 in / 12 out)
o Hi-Speed USB2.0 / Mac Class Compliant
o 32bit / 96kHz
o MIDI over USB
• Line Inputs 4 x RCA (CH 1-4)
o 4 x 1/4″ TRS (CH A-D) Mono/Stereo
• Phono Inputs 4 x RCA (CH 1-4)
o LN/PH Switch for DVS
• USB Inputs 6 x USB (CH 1-4 + CH A – CH B)
• Mic Input 2 x XLR
• Master Output 1 x XLR (Balanced)
• Master 2 Output 1 x 1/4″ TRS (Balanced)
• Booth Output 1 x 1/4″ TRS (Balanced)
• Record Output 1 x RCA (Un-balanced)
• Master Insert 1 x 1/4″ TRS
• MIDI Out 1 x 5-Pin DIN
• Send/Return I/O
o 2 x 1/4″ TRS Send
o 4 x 1/4″ TRS Return
o 1 x LN/Hi-Z Switch (SND1/RTNA)
o Filter 2 x VCF Filter
o HPF / BPF / LPF
o Adjustable Frequency & Resonance
o Assignable CH 1-4 + CH A-B
o CRUNCH (Controlled Harmonic Signal Distortion)
• X-Link 1 x RJ45
• Headphones 2 x 1/4″
o 2 x 3.5mm
o Split Cue Monitoring
• Channel Faders 60mm VCA / Replaceable
• Chanel Meters 9 Segment LED
• Channel Fader Curve 3 Types
• X-Fader InnoFADER / 45mm VCA / Replaceable
• X-Fader Curve 3 Types
• Earth Ground Terminals x 2
• Headroom 20dB
• AC Mains
o 100 to 240V
o AC 50/60Hz
o Consumption 45W max
o Mains Adaptor 3 pin IEC socket
• Height 109mm / 4.3″
• Width 336mm / 13.25″
• Depth 410mm / 16.2″
• Weight 7kg / 15.4 lbs.
Reissue of this 1981 gem from New York's Warren Doris. Remastered from the original 16-track tapes.
A veteran of the NYC's nightlife and dance music scenes, Warren worked with names like Mark Kamins & George Benson, and produced the Larry Levan favourite Affinity - Don't Go Away before leaving the music industry and starting life as a high school teacher.
Lost In Space by New York City based Warren Doris flew under the radar upon its initial release in 1981. Despite radio play in the Northeastern US, the tune never completely broke out and instead became a closely guarded secret among soul music aficionados. More than four decades after its release, the emotional power of Warren's vocal performance and the lush, swelling arrangement have cemented the record's well deserved status as a holy grail for collectors.
Meticulously remixed and remastered from the original 16-track tapes by Warren himself, this new edition of Lost In Space does justice to the original with three all new cuts; The familiar extended mix and new radio edit pair with an instrumental version and a heavy dub of “Let It Show” the flip side on the original pressing.
“This was my breakup song for my ex-wife. I was 28 and she was 32 at the time. Now here we are 43 years later. It was originally released on my label, Maya Communications. At the time it got a bunch of airplay in New York, South Carolina, and Washington D.C., but I got jerked by the distributors on my money, so I couldn't keep up with the demand for the repress. The fact that it stayed enough to be selling for $1000 says a bunch.” - Warren Doris
Dr Packer's is back with his masterful rework of Candi Staton’s timeless disco classic 'You Got The Love!' Renowned for his unparalleled expertise in the electronic dance music landscape, Dr Packer's remixes consistently captivate audiences, earning him accolades and chart-topping success across leading platforms.
With over three decades of DJ experience and a distinguished portfolio of achievements including countless Traxsource awards,, Dr Packer stands as a trailblazer in the industry. His rework of 'You Got The Love' is one of his finest moments to date and sure to heat up the dance floor, with Dr Packer’s trademark groove pumping all the way through the track.
On remix duties is Sydney rising talent St Croix, who has already built a solid reputation for her own productions and a slew of top charting Aria Club chart moments. St Croix amps things up even further with her peak time dancefloor weapon.
Glasgow based Seated Records return with more 1980s Scottish Post-Punk / New Wave material. In this 8-track mini compilation the label introduces the work of Stirling band 22 Beaches, offering a deep dive into music recorded between 1980-1984 - the majority of which has never seen the light of day!
22 Beaches formed in Stirling in the late 1970s as an evolution of the short lived group ‘Alone at Last’ - drummer Fred Parson’s and guitarist Stephen Hunter being the two who spanned the divide. Out of the six members of 22 Beaches, many were school friends, and the rest naturally fell together. The band toured extensively and played at a truly diverse set of venues across the UK: from a local swimming pool boiler room, to small nightclubs and university parties, to several fundraisers for the miners strike. Maybe most notably of all, drummer Fred Parsons described playing at what he calls “the Grangemouth International”, organised by local promoter Brian Guthrie and which featured an all-star lineup of 22 Beaches, The Exploited and the first incarnation of The Cocteau Twins. A coach was hired to ship the audience to Grangemouth from Stirling, the cost of which was included in the ticket. The gig then paused halfway through for a 'help yourself' buffet. Young promoters take heed. This is how it's done!
Over the course of the 80s the band released music on three different, and now sought after, various artists compilation cassettes. “What Day Is It?” and “Sadie When She Died” were released on a compilation of local Stirling artists 'The A.N.K.L.E File'. The track from which the current record takes its namesake - “Dust” - was initially released on a compilation-tape for the fanzine 'Another Spark'. And ‘‘Zoo” (also featured on this record) was first released on Glasgow label Pleasantly Surprised via compilation, 'An Hour Of Eloquent Sounds', where 22 Beaches rubbed shoulders with early music from Scottish names Primal Scream, Cocteau Twins, The Wake and Sunset Gun. Unfortunately, 22 Beaches never met the same level of commercial success as these others and decided to retire the project in 1984 - leaving their recordings and demos to gather dust (hehe)…until now!
This compilation, “Dust: recordings 1980-1984” follows the band's journey and the changes in their sound over the years. It moves from the raw, punk energy of early DIY recordings through to the A Certain Ratio style Balearica of their later pieces. The record's opener and title track “Dust” is perhaps the most shining example of the latter. Characterised by the plenitude of sonic space in the mix, “Dust” has an almost dub sensibility that is communicated through centrality of Parsons’ drums, McChord’s percussion, and Fildes’ Bass while the harmonising vocals of Sharkey and McGregor chant over the top to give the track its distinctive psychedelic edge. This is an atmosphere only exacerbated by the lofi quality of the recording which sits the vocals in the same aural realm as much 1960s psych-folk. On “Cartoon Boy”, the band strips things down further. A droning bass line persists through the tape fuzz and is accompanied by the sounds of a sole looping guitar chord sequence and McGregor and Sharkey’s vocals - respectively and carefully dancing around one another before harmonising in the most beautiful way. The result is a haunting and abstract Marine Girls style heartbreaker. ‘That Girl’ again delivers a dub adjacent rhythm section similar to that of “Dust”. However, on this instance crisp guitar chords, a distant, phased organ and blue-eyed soul vocal delivery, produce a track that could easily have been a lost Orange Juice recording from their sessions with Dennis Bovel. On “Somebody Got It Wrong” and “One Of Us” the band employ a more macro approach where a jangling guitar with an almost highlife-influenced tone, vocal ad-libs and syncopated percussion give the music a Talking Heads-esque swagger.
Taken together these tracks illustrate a clear trajectory in the band's sound, moving from from the high energy no-wave quality of early recordings towards a more dub influenced, and stripped-back sound - a sonic trajectory followed by so many bands of the time, not least those emerging from the diaspora of Manchester’s Factory Records.
On “Breathing’’ we hear the beginning of this transition, with the strong influence of the oddball NYC disco styles of Was (Not Was) and ZE records. All of this is meshed together with the residual punk rock energy of 1980s UK. This combination is employed to excellent effect with the addition of the distinctly Scottish (and what the band confirmed to me to be spontaneous) vocal delivery of: “Do you love me? Do you want me?” “Aye!” “Do you love me? Do you need me?” “Naw!”.
On the record’s closing tracks, “Zoo” and “Talent Show”, we hear early examples of the band’s work, playing with their rawest all-in-one-take live energy where Hunter’s spiralling guitar riffs and McGregor's distorted vocal exclamations lead the charge. The band recalls that these initial-forays did not always translate so well into multitrack recording and overdubbing: “the deconstruction took away some of the band's natural feel”. On “Talent Show” the record ends with Sharkey delivering an almost unintelligible spoken word section over the top of the track, making for one final, disorientating, almost manic slice of post-punk.
These tracks from 1980-1984 chart the progress of a unique contribution to the world of Scottish Post-Punk and New Wave, encapsulating not only the musical trajectory of 22 Beaches but also echoing the broader sonic landscape of 1980s UK, a testament to the adaptability and creativity of the UK’s underground music of the time.
Subject To Restrictions Discs presents “Abisso” by Tagliabue. Inspired by the immeasurable depths of the abyss, the Milanese DJ and producer creates a dense and intense soundscape that evokes images of a submerged world of cosmic frequencies.
Prepare to dive into “Abisso”, the latest sonic creation by the talented Joseph Tagliabue. An EP that defies the ordinary and captures attention from the very first moment, “Abisso” is a musical journey through four unreleased and completely different tracks. A1 explodes with the power of a mid-tempo bomb, Joseph’s trademark, while B1 amazes with a thrilling break that transforms into a progressive shaker perfect for the dancefloor. B2 restarts with another eruption of broken techno energy, and the EP closes with a post-peak-time electronic mantra that hypnotizes the listener in a suspended dimension. “Abisso” is a work that leaves no one indifferent, a sonic experience to be lived and carried away by.
Musica Per Immagini is glad to present the first vinyl release of Detto Mariano's “Delitto Al Ristorante Cinese”, the second original Soundtrack in the so-called 'delitti' series. It's another classic iteration of the crime-comedy films that came out of the partnership between director Bruno Corbucci and actor Tomas Milian, a special connection that had started with the great success of “Squadra Antiscippo” and was followed by eleven more pictures, all centered on the character of Nico Giraldi, a former criminal who, while having become a cop, was unwilling to give up his in your face attitude and the Roman slang of the city's thieves. The score by the Italian composer is a mix of sounds characterized by a unique investigation of musical timbre. Nine tracks that cross the entire sound spectrum: electronic pulses,
funk rhythms, jazz and Mediterranean sounds and some oriental atmospheres. A brief summary of the artist's creativity passed away a few months ago.
The discography of the phantom Gruppo Sound exceeds over thirty titles published in an undefined time frame between the Eighties and the Nineties. However, there is very little information about this curious pseudonym. it is possible to find a library music album by Gruppo Sound inside the Canopo, Deneb, Flower, Monosound Records and Teams catalogues, all managed by Flipper Music publishing group, but both the creators and the musicians have never been the same. Gruppo Sound is only a collective name, maybe to identify a certain number of 'new' productions characterized by an electronic background And, not by chance, the author of “New York City” is a single artist, the multi-instrumentalist Gabriele Ducros. Son of the prolific composer Remigio Ducros, he first followed his footsteps in the field of music libraries and soundtracks and then become the author of many tracks for television commercials of a certain relevance, winning some international awards.
“Some of these tracks may have been associated with a pornographic film. Others were, however, made as brief comments for a theatrical show, perhaps never made”, remembers Gabriele Ducros. What unites the thirteen pieces is the same musical language, which derives from a widespread funk and jazz matrix. Both genres are thus declined through a different approach and taste, in line with the fusion trends of the time, when the early synthesizers were used by few artists. A handful of electric guitar notes for a 'urban' mood, the acoustic ones from a dreamy morning awakening. Electronic keyboards to arouse a sense of nostalgia in the listener, while flute and saxophone always punctuate different atmospheres. A computer melody, a theme for children and a sophisticated ode to the fusion sound of the Big Apple, perhaps true source of ispiration of the work. “New York City” is not a concept album, but one of the best cross-sections of Gabriele Ducros' great creativity.
When all you want to do is be the fire part of fire… say it to yourself and then say it again. Repeat it like a mantra. It’s what UTO did.
Anyone familiar with the UTO’s lauded 2022 debut Touch The Lock, which Pitchfork praised for its “prismatic synth pop”, will be aware of the variegated nature of what they do. This album is just as colourful, with Neysa’s vocalwork sparking similarities to Kim Gordon’s off-kilter vocals, which they both ceremoniously jets through a post-electronica blender mixing stylized indie sleaze productions with 90s breakbeats.
While they might appear as a singular entity to others, UTO wrote large sections of this album apart, converging by the fireside to discuss the day’s work before coming together to hone and finish the songs. 2023 was, by their own admission, a difficult year, and that’s reflected in the Dantean themes expressed in songs such as the lead single ‘Zombie’, which arrived at the end of November as a taster for the new record; the latter’s dark heart is belied by the skittering beats, glitchy electronics and pummeling sequencers that elevate it from the void.
From fire, early man’s discovery, to AI, humanity’s next great adventure - with all of the wonders and complexities of human relationships in between - When all you want to do is be the fire part of fire really is about life, the universe and everything. Just remember, be the flame, not the moth.
Italian Ibiza favourite Tuccillo returns to legendary NYC label Nu Groove with another four-track EP, ‘Frames’, including a feature from Chicago native Ron Carroll. With previous Nu Groove releases like the ‘Sunshine City EP’ and ‘I Believe’ with TradeCraft earning the respect of esteemed selectors including Archie Hamilton, Chloe Caillet and Laurent Garnier, Tuccillo’s expertly crafted sound is revered for its analogue approach. Similarly, his passion and respect for vinyl has earned him respect from crate diggers and house music tastemakers globally ever since the 90s. Tuccillo’s ‘Frames EP’ opens with the eponymous lead, showcasing his malleable sound that comes alive in underground scenes for heads in the know. Chicago house authority Ron Carroll lends his vocals to ‘Don’t Walk Away’, supported by Tuccillo’s fresh club-defining production that also permeates ‘You Got Me’. ‘Everything’ closes out this collection of pure house excellence, with expressive yet softer synthwork creating a cooler feel perfect for the afterhours.
Phét is a Tibetan syllable that means to cut through. Through concepts & obscurations. Through anything in the mind that stands as an obstacle to our direct engagement of the present. Such tempting distractions! Phét says: RIGHT NOW. As Phét does: RIGHT NOW.
That Jarrett Gilgore named his project after this mantra—Phét Phét Phét—underscores his interest in music as a form of awakening. Music as presence, manifestation, & channeling, more than as ornamentation or description of experience. This is no vessel for preconceived notions, but a record of musicians opening themselves to discovery & encounter through play. Through each other’s company. Phét Phét Phét says: Say farewell to what you’ve known. Say hello to everything you feel now, & to all the things that feel through you.
After the great response to the launch with Deer Jade and David Hasert/Niconé, our lively split EP format is going into the next round. Always true to the motto: Only killers, no fillers!
Brazilian born come Berlin resident Joyce Muniz teams up with Algerian born come Rome resident DJ producer Sara Bluma for their phenomenal Kompakt debut “Beats & Lines”, an uplifting electro disco affair with plenty of pop appeal. “I met Sara Bluma a year ago, when she booked me to play at one of her parties in Rome. We connected straight away. It was a matter of time that we decided to make some music together. I had this idea for a while, so I sent it to Sara and asked her if she would like to do some vocals. She came up with this great fun text. This tune interprets the energy from both of us. Which is supposed to be fun!“. Mission accomplished… The good vibes between Sara and Joyce are definitely contagious!
London’s Hardt Antoine is back to the mothership with a bang! “I Will” is a sensual, percussion-driven house anthem for those morning hours, when spirits are high and the sense of unity is palpable. “La Mosca” is taking a more hypnotic approach, putting a joyous chant of unknown origin to good use. Something tells us that 2024 will become a banner year for Antoine!
Hyper Records is an original South London jungle label from the early 90’s which was run by DJ Freaky since 1990, releasing early rave inspired tracks all the way through to drum and bass. Around 2000 the label retired and the music packed away on DAT in various boxes.
But thanks to a link from Monita of Skeleton Records, Vinyl Fanatiks managed to track down DJ Freaky who still had the DATS neatly packed away and a label collaboration was formulated.
First release is this 1993 collab by Freaky with Panik featuring the amazing ragga vocals of Sleepy Ranks. This is the true origins of jungle music from London, raw, rolling with heavyweight ragga vocals. A total box ticker for any collector or recent convert.
Lenticular-Cover 2x12″ 180g black Gatefold 2x printed Innersleeves Dl-Card
Released in 2018, Monolink's debut album, Amniotic, has collected over 100 million combined streams to date. The project was largely supported through remixes from the titans of the modern house and techno scenes such as Patrice Bäumel, Tale Of Us, Rodriguez Jr, Ben Bohmer, Artbat, Adam Beyer and Nicole Moudaber. These remixes all went on to achieve Beatport Top 10 placings, with Artbat's remix of 'Return to Oz' reaching a staggering 43 million combined streams.
"Under Darkening Skies" will pick up where "Amniotic" ended.
