quête:carol

Drummer-composer Tom Skinner announces Kaleidoscopic Visions, his second solo album, out 26th September 2025 via Brownswood Recordings and International Anthem

Kaleidoscopic Visions unfolds across two distinct sonic landscapes. Side A presents entirely instrumental compositions performed by Skinner's live Bishara band—bassist Tom Herbert, cellist Kareem Dayes, and Robert Stillman and Chelsea Carmichael on various woodwinds and reeds—with electric guitar on two tracks courtesy of Portishead's Adrian Utley. A drummer-composer bringing his wealth of experience to bear on the role of bandleader, Skinner composed primarily on guitar, embracing the freedom that came with writing on his secondary instrument.
These compositions include "Auster," dedicated to late novelist Paul Auster, and "Margaret Anne," which honours Skinner's mother Anne Shasby, a former classical concert pianist prodigy who abandoned her own promising career in the face of systemic misogyny, only to impart on her son what Skinner calls "the gift of music."

Skinner’s musical world opens further on Side B, where a collection of poised vocal collaborations stretch out from jazz and improvisation towards a more dream-like, soulful sound. The centerpiece is "The Maxim," a ten-minute collaboration with Grammy Award-winning Meshell Ndegeocello, a dubby, spacious meditation on life and death, delivered with a free-spirited grace. For Skinner, working with Ndegeocello—whom he first saw at Glastonbury as a teenager in 1994—represents a full-circle moment, indicative of the indirect paths and inspirational detours that have shaped his life.
The album goes on to feature South Carolina-based singer Contour (Khari Lucas) who appears on the low-lit soul ballad ‘Logue’, and closes with ‘See How They Run’, featuring London keyboardist-vocalist Yaffra (Jonathan Geyevu). It is the album’s most overtly lyrical track, an articulate exposition of jazz-inflected spoken word that speaks not only to the genre-fluid nature of the music but the breadth of Skinner’s palette.
This should come as no surprise. On Kaleidoscopic Visions, one of London’s most vital musical figures gives us a sparkling glimpse of the multi-coloured lens through which his unique sound is now refracting.

The title says it all - A Cellarful Of Motown! ..A Northern Soul Love Affair.

West Grand has been set up to mine the deep vaults of mighty Motown courtesy of a licence deal with Universal Music.

The first West Grand LP fuses two musical religions, Motown and Northern Soul.

In some ways they are unlikely bedfellows. Motown became known as Hitsville by churning out hit after hit, while Northern Soul passion is fired by a constant search for the unknown and the obscure.
The 16 tracks here - on incredibly the first Motown various artists vinyl album released worldwide for 40 years - join the dots. All of them were recorded in the 1960s. None of them were released at the time, despite being prime examples of the sublime magic conjured up by Berry Gordy’s genius-like team of singers, writers, producers, arrangers and musicians at that tiny little snakepit of a recording studio on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit.

Motown authority Adam White’s album sleeve notes confirm just how productive that studio was. It often ran 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As a result, lots of the most sublime music ever made was somehow rejected for release. It would have stayed unknown and unloved in tape boxes if it had not been for detective work by Soul aficionados turned detectives. That’s Northern Soul power. Many were DJs and collectors tracking down cassette copies or acetates (some of them found in rubbish skips and about to be destroyed). Others, notably Paul Nixon, the founder of the CD series A Cellarful Of Motown! which inspired this album, badgered the Motown gatekeepers so much they were eventually granted access to the forbidden kingdom.

Over recent years all the tracks contained here have been released—some bootlegged, some on legitimate seven-inch issues, some on CD, one download-only. The album proudly boasts debut vinyl release for some in the collection. All have been remastered and have never sounded better.

As a homage to Motown music makers + Rare Soul fanaticism, WEST GRAND believe we have come up with a classic.

Label owner Nhan Solo is back to his own imprint Mother Recordings with a massive House bomb! This time entitled a beautiful collab track "Do You Feel It" with the amazing DiVine from Amsterdam. The Ep includes three other awesome cuts by Alaia & Gallo, Denis Ago and Blaqwell ft. Curtis Richa of Brobot Records New York. All time classics on one vinyl, enjoy fam!

Tracks are heavy supported and played by Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Danny Tenaglia, Claptone, Nic Fanciulli, Mark Knight, Cassimm and many more.

Multi platinum-selling musician and multi-instrumentalist Jamie Cullum today announces The Pianoman At Christmas - The Complete Edition. Due for release on 19th November via Island Records. The deluxe album completes last year’s critically acclaimed hit album The Pianoman At Christmas Part 1, with its Second Part - featuring 11 covers of classic Christmas songs, as well as two original songs, including lead single ‘Christmas Don’t Let Me Down’, out now.

Drawing from the past and inspired by the present, The Pianoman At Christmas - The Complete Edition sees Jamie team up with London jazz innovators Kansas Smitty’s, as well as composer and producer The Vernon Spring and acclaimed LA-based jazz singer Lady Blackbird to complete a piece of work that is imbued with seasonal sophistication. Alongside his two original tracks, Jamie breathes new life into classics such as ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Frosty The Snowman’, ranging from ‘Amazing Grace’ to ‘Man With The Bag’ and ‘Sleigh Ride’. The Complete Edition will be released on double CD and double black vinyl formats, alongside a limited run of 180G Heavyweight coloured vinyl in red and gold.

Speaking on the release, Jamie said -

“I had a huge amount of fun creating part two of TPAC. Recorded live, all in the room together - it’s the party after the big show, with friends, drinks and some of the finest musicians on planet earth.”

Released almost a year to the day before The Complete Edition is due out, The Pianoman At Christmas featured 11 original songs played by 57 of Britain’s best musicians, recorded in Abbey Road’s famous Studio 2 and produced by Greg Wells whose The Greatest Showman soundtrack spent 28 weeks at number 1. The album sold over 37,000 copies, spending 6 weeks in the album chart and peaking at number 11. In December Jamie broke the Guinness World Record for the largest music lesson ever, when he held a virtual piano lesson for 2,282 people, teaching them the carol ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’ with special guests Robbie Williams, Sigrid and Dodie.
With 10 million album sales and over 890 million streams to date, Jamie is a celebrated musician the world over with loyal fans in every corner of the globe. With a career spanning over 20 years, his legendary live shows have seen him perform and work alongside artists as diverse as Herbie Hancock, Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar and IDLES - Jamie writing on the latter’s album Ultra Mono. The success of Jamie’s major label breakthrough, Twentysomething in 2003 and its follow up Catching Tales saw him nominated for a BRIT, Grammy and numerous other awards around the world. In 2020 he won an Ivor Novello Award for his track ‘Age of Anxiety’, taken from his acclaimed 9th studio album Taller. In addition to his enduringly successful recording career, Jamie has also established himself as a multi-award winning music broadcaster; his BBC Radio 2 show celebrated its 11th year on air this year.

With her debut album Black Acid Soul earning critical praise, Lady Blackbird is a revelatory new talent with music that transcends the jazz scene through which the LA-based artist is rooted. Reflecting influences as varied as Billie Holiday, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner and Chaka Khan, with critics drawing comparisons to Adele, Amy and Celeste, Lady Blackbird’s distinct and beguiling voice is not one to be missed.

UK band Kansas Smitty’s have developed a musical voice wholly unique from what’s happening around them. They are led by band leader and producer Giacomo Smith who's cinematic compositions feature on their releases, most recently 2021's acclaimed Things Happened Here for Berlin based label !K7. In 2015 they launched their own east London venue and bar, of the same name, which became one of the conception points for the current UK jazz boom.

Londoner Sam Beste aka The Vernon Spring is a polymath in music who has production, writing and performance credits as eclectic as Amy Winehouse, Matthew Herbert, Kano, Joy Crookes, Beth Orton, Blood Orange, Gabriels and MF DOOM. Since 2019 he has been making waves with solo project The Vernon Spring, which foregrounds his rare capacity to hold sophistication and simplicity in the same hands through highly intimate muted-piano compositions and improvisations.

The first official reissue of Dorothy Carter"s folk-music exegesis comes 46 years after its original release, 20 years after Dorothy passed, and 11 years before the centennial of her birth. Yet it seems right on time for a new celebration of her music. Appalachian folk tunes, old and ancient psalms and hymns, Scottish, Irish, French and Israeli melodies, and original tunes flow together effortlessly in hypnotic gardens of eternal world musics. A highly energized, alternately meditative and proselytic recital whose vitality has only burgeoned in the decades since it appeared. As it should be: the music of Dorothy Carter is akin to a portal, linking her and us with the eternal. This edition of Troubadour reproduces the original album package, adding an insert adorned with additional photos of Dorothy and her collection of instruments, as well as notes from Eric Demby exploring the era - his childhood - from a vantage point of some 50 years. This reissue is a long-held family dream come true, and it is dedicated in loving memory to Bob Rutman, Constance Demby, David Demby and Dorothy Carter.

The first Skarb is a well-crafted split from two promising Ukrainian producers. Limited to 200 copies.

Originally scheduled for release way back in March 1996, "The Raw Factor" by North Carolina native Omniscence is one of the last of the unreleased mid-90's albums to see the light of day. Despite being awarded The Source's coveted "Hip Hop Quotable" and dropping two well-received singles ("Amazin" and "Touch Y'all"), record label politics meant the full-length "The Raw Factor" album was never released and fans were left wondering what might have been.

28 years later, "The Raw Factor" is finally being released on vinyl, CD and digital stores. Featuring punchline-driven lyrics from Omniscence delivered in his unmistakable cadence, and backed by head-nodding production from Fanatic, the album is a must-own for fans of 90's Hip Hop.

Omniscence haunted the same early 90's cyphers and stages that many lyrical greats from the era had to cross. With a gruff delivery and equal adeptness with punchlines and metaphors, his high finish at the 1994 edition Battle For World Supremacy at the New Music Seminar assured heads across the culture were watching. After this, Omniscence locked in with producer Fanatic (who also laced tracks for Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e and Michael Jackson). The result was "The Raw Factor" album, fifteen plus tracks of jazzed out boom-bap, replete with crackin' drums.

Now Below System Records has not only given the album its first deluxe physical release (including 2xLP, CD and digital) as well as a slew of bonus/unreleased tracks.
















p Touch Y'all (Remix) feat. Sadat X
















p Touch Y'all (Remix) feat. Sadat X
















p Touch Y'all (Remix) [feat. Sadat X]

DJ Support - Wehbba, Ilario Alicante, Marco Faraone, Paco Osuna, Cristian Varela, Mauro Picotto, Adam Beyer, Richie Hawtin, Luigi Madonna, Joseph Capriati, Eli Brown, Marco Carola and Charlotte de Witte.

Joseph & Indira's ‘Mantra’ is another testament to ARTCORE's ever-increasing weight in Techno and global electronic dance music and features a duo of racy cuts laden with signature sonics from both artists, kicking off with 'Ananda' and its potent classic Techno feel, with a prominent Capriati core of thumping kicks, crisp percussive drive and progressive energy shifts and playful twists, laced with Indira's hypnotic exotic vocal chops and gritty LFO shots.

'Mantra' rounds off the release with an inverted sound transition, leaning heavier into the 'Psy' sound that has seen Indira's notoriety skyrocket. Flooded with undulating low-end movement, creative off-beat flare, shifting rhythmic patterns and uplifting musicality, its immersive blend of darker sounds and spiritually utopian nuances makes for an undeniably unique statement track.

Whilst famed for his endless spree of unforgettable mainstage performances and international club shows, including standout residencies in Ibiza, Joseph Capriati's studio productions have been carefully selected and rare in recent years. With the emergence of their latest studio productions, Joseph and Indira's ‘Mantra’ release serves as a stamp of approval from one of Techno's most respected tastemakers and an insight into the potential of ARTCORE's indelible impact on global dance music.

Home of The Good Groove Records would like to introduce Psalmist Shonda L. English, otherwise known as “The Gospel Diva”.
Every once in a while, an exceptional and incredible talent impacts the music industry and leaves an indelible impression. Shonda is one of those rapidly expanding outstanding musical virtuosos who has done just that in the gospel arena. Home of The Good Groove Records are more than jubilant to be able to announce that the label’s first release will also be Shonda’s first 7-inch vinyl single release.
Her incredible vocal capability transcends and mesmerizes gospel and soul music lovers alike!
Originally a native of Boston, Massachusetts, at a young age Shonda relocated to South Carolina where she grew up and currently lives today. Shonda began singing on the children’s choir at the tender age of three and began playing the piano by ear at the age of five. Not only is Shonda gifted with phenomenal vocal capabilities, Shonda is also a multi-faceted gospel recording artist, song writer, organist, percussionist, choral conductor, composer, radio personality and novelist. She also plays the congas, tambourine, xylophone and the flute. In addition, she is an extraordinary “actress” who has appeared for her 4th time on stage and her 3rd time in a leading role. Her extraordinary gifts and talents continue to revolutionize the gospel music industry.
Taken from Shonda’s digital album release, Travelin’ (from 2023), the 7-inch vinyl release A-side, 'There Wouldn’t Be a Me', is a delightful mid-pacer with a riveting vocal and an instantly catchy melody that grabs your attention and is guaranteed to get any dancefloor flowing. Flip the 7-inch over, and get ready to feel the shivers up your spine as Shonda’s beautiful vocal (and harmonies) create a wonderful soulful gospel groove in ‘Feels Good’ that will elevate the emotions. ….You will not be disappointed.
Shonda’s Motto: “If you never take a leap of faith, you’ll never know how high you can fly.”

On their debut EP 'Trainwrecks at the Seaside', Gos Rosling delves deeper into harsh and ironic songwriting. These songs showcase everyday joy, the cruel pain life throws at you once in a while and the irony of being good to the people around you.

With their singles 'Caroline (I should've known better)' and 'Somehow/Somewhere', Gos Rosling managed to show people that feeling blue but wanting to jump from excitement are emotions that are not contradictory at all, they go hand in hand.

'Trainwrecks at the Seaside' throws you around the room with upbeat indie bangers like 'Caroline (i should've known better)' and songs like '(Not) A Slow Song' that will get you to your knees, making sure you'll feel what you need to feel.

Produced and recorded by Koenraad Foesters (Jupiter Studios), this EP combines UK upbeat indie nuances with melancholic and 'to the bone' lyrics. Gos Rosling delves deep into that sound, tearing their hearts open and treating you with a real emotional rollercoaster.

Danny Blackburn has mastered their EP at The Nave (Leeds, UK) who also worked with Snarky Puppy, Bill Laurence, Adult DVD and many more.

Catchy indie pop for fans of Bombay Bicycle Club and Two Door Cinema Club.

We follow up Carolyn Crawford’s recent big selling Kent 45 ‘Get Up And Dance’ with another top class Mickey Stevenson production on ‘It Takes A Lotta Teardrops’.

After a six year hiatus, multi-talented artist Rebelski has returned to All Day I Dream with his new The Sirens EP, a collection of six ambient and enigmatic originals and an official remix by Tim Green.

Vast and absorbent, The Sirens is a transportive listening experience laden with complex melodies, sweeping instrumentals, and effervescent vocals

Mannequin Records is proud to present the official reissue of Caroline K's outstanding 1987 album, "Now Wait For Last Year."



This haunting, wistful work of post-industrial synthesizer music sees the late Nocturnal Emissions co-founder only solo record, which has accrued a fervent cult following over the past 40 years, and copies of the original pressing are today extremely rare and sought-after.

The music on "Now Wait For Last Year" seems to exist firmly outside of it. Tags like industrial, minimal synth or proto-techno can't really do justice to the richly cinematic sound-world that Caroline K describes: from the sustained ambient tension of sidelong opener "The Happening World" to the future-primitive rhythms and stately piano flourishes "Animal Lattice", and the melancholic, deep-frozen synth sequences of "Cheart".



For fans of Throbbing Gristle, Chris Carter, Nocturnal Emissions and even early Detroit techno lovers should pay special attention to it.



All selections composed, arranged and played by Caroline K

Recorded and produced by Caroline K



Photograph by Jake Kirkwood

Original design by Nigel Ayers



The first five tracks of Now Wait For Last Year were originally released as a vinyl LP by Earthly Delights in 1987

In 2021, we welcomed Endrik Schroeder to the Bordello family with his Second Breath 12”. The memorable hooks and attention to detail that characterised his first appearance run deep in his latest. The Hope sees the French producer accompanied by a true legend of electronics, Caroline Hervé aka Kittin. Hervé’s penchant for combining brighter tones with darker shades is evident from the needle. Industrial hiss pierces swirling vocals. Clean claps, warm bass and crystalline chords give way to woe-streaked lyrics, lyrics that ascend into an arc of pulsating synthwave pain. Schroeder takes the reins on the flip. A beam of light is cast over throbbing arpeggios and a slicing snare, notes drifting ever higher as “The Dogs” takes hold. Strings swim as a spread of sounds grow, a palpable energy building under Schroeder’s watchful ear and hand in this seven minute plus odyssey into his

DJ Support: Danny Howard, Pete Tong, Sarah Story, Triple J, Groove Armada, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola,Nic Fanciulli, Sam Divine, Carlo Lio, Mat.Joe, Todd Terry, Jansons, Eskuche, Moon Boots, Format:B, Low Steppa, Robosonic, Dantiez Saunderson, Charlotte Van De Peer, Dario D’Attis, Shiba San, Dennis Cruz, Pirupa, DJ Rae, Danny Tenaglia, Rene Amesz, Juliet Fox, Ashibah, Boris, Carly Wilford, Booker T, Dateless, Melvin & Klein, Paco Osuna, DJ Lora

Nothing Else Matters is proud to bring an exciting new vinyl from HoneyLuv who makes her debut on Danny Howard’s imprint, teaming up with New York DJ, producer, singer-songwriter and vocalist Roland Clark for their brand-new single, ‘This Is My Life’. Crowned Radio 1’s Future Star of 2023, HoneyLuv has taken the Dance scene by storm in recent years with support from Seth Troxler, The Martinez Brothers, Nicole Moudaber, Kevin Saunderson, Maya Jane Coles, Loco Dice, Idris Elba and more, with releases signed to Black Book, Insomniac, Tuskegee, Three Six Zero and more. On the other hand, Roland has worked and co-produced music with many of the greats, including Fatboy Slim, Mark Knight, Todd Terry and Bob Sinclair, with his vocals considered the “voice of House” and one of the rare few that can bring you an electrifying DJ set while getting on the mic and giving you a performance unlike no other. Making for the perfect pairing, ‘This Is My Life’ is set to propel both artists to even greater heights and will surely be a firm favourite at clubs and festivals worldwide this year. Kicking off the B-side is a killer rework from the legendary Carl Cox who brings his A-game with this one infusing his signature grooving basslines and high-energy, hypnotic percussive grooves. Rounding off the package, Bontan’s rework delivers organic drums and captivating Afro-House rhythms catapulting the track to new audiences and new heights.

Official reissue! :)

Trowback to 1991 with a mega timeless wax via Orange Wedge. Diamond Dimension E.P. is the perfect fusion of House, Techno and Trance rhythms.

The package, posted from Inglewood in California, dropped through my letter box…
I was looking forward to seeing this, the VHS of the then relatively ‘unknown’ but now legendary live show at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. But when I fed it into my VHS player, I was disappointed. I could not quite figure out why. The band were tight, each musician sounded great, the product of being on the road, year after year, club after club in the States, sometimes playing five shows a night, all propped up by one of the best soulful voices we had ever heard, the maestro Frankie Beverly.
It took a second play of the VHS to realise what was missing. It was ‘too comfortable’ an atmosphere. A few wealthy customers sat around coffee tables quaffing champagne. It seemed to me that this audience, somehow, did not fit the band.
Paul Fenn at Asgard promotions received the contract from the band to appear live in London and Manchester. I became more and more convinced that his UK fans were going to be a lot more responsive than those from New Orleans.
We put the word out with just a couple of exclusive ‘shout outs’ by Robbie Vincent on his Radio London Soul programme. Those two plugs were enough to sell out all four shows at London’s premier music venue, the Hammersmith Odeon. The ticket office was rammed and the queue six deep, stretched halfway down Queen Caroline Street.
“I have never seen anything like it” expressed the manager of the theatre as he rolled down the shutters and turned on the “Sorry, SOLD OUT” notice above the theatre box office.
I was curious, so I went up and stood in the wings of the Hammersmith stage on that first show. Frankie, introduced to the stage by his sound engineer, Greg Blockman, sauntered past me, strumming his rhythm guitar, dressed in a casual dark green towelling suit, a brown leather visor and flip flops…and then five seconds later, he suddenly stopped. He seemed suddenly to be aware of the thunderous ’Welcome to London Maze’ roar, circling around the theatre about to engulf him. He slapped every black and white hand offered up to him that night, with a huge smile as he circled the edge of that stage. We wanted to get next to him, even if it meant climbing over rows of seats in front of us to do so.
That was the beginning of our love affair with Maze and Frankie Beverly. It certainly wasn’t New Orleans comfort; it was more like a crazy, but friendly, London riot.
Five albums on from the “Live in New Orleans” LP, Frankie sauntered into the California recording studio, probably with the same swagger as in London, to cut the delightful A-side here, “Somebody Else’s Arms”, from his aptly named ‘Silky Soul’ album. Along with the B-side, ‘Love is’ (from the “Back To Basics” CD, 1993) both are so delicious you might want to relax and pour yourself that London glass of champagne, 1983 vintage. Tell your mates your Maze/Hammersmith story too. You deserve it.

Repress!

4 To The Floor is committed to delivering seminal house music to wax, making sought after heritage tracks readily available on vinyl for crate diggers to add to their collections. The third edition of the series pays homage to one of the most heralded names in house music - Armand Van Helden. While Armand’s productions like ‘U Don’t Know Me’ and ‘Bonkers’ have soared to #1, he has remained a true legend of the underground. One of the most illustrious remixers in the game, this 12” package celebrates this part of Armand’s skillset. Kicking off the A-side is his remix of the 1993 club anthem by Tonja Dantzler ‘In And Out Of My Life’, followed by the Shan and Gerd Janson edit which amplifies the original even further. On the flip is a classic bouncing house and garage sound from 1997 on Armand’s remix of Geoffrey Williams’ ‘Sex Life’, followed by the more recent Armand remix of Lee Walker vs. DJ Deeon’s ‘Freak Like Me’ – an explosive club track that was championed by everyone from Marco Carola to Annie Mac.

Early DJ Support: Marco Carola, Jamie Jones, Chris Stussy, Seth Troxler, Brawther, Raresh, Joseph Capriati, Laurent Garnier, Samuel Deep, Saoirse, Janeret, Richy Ahmed


UK talent ADMNTi makes his FUSE debut and opens the label’s 2024 schedule with ‘Vibrations’, featuring a remix from Vigenere boss Malin Genie. Whether serving up his take on minimal-leaning house across a wealth of the capital’s key venues, or front-left on the dancefloor himself, London’s ADMNTi has been shaping a sound and curating his ear for years to become one of the city’s most well respected emerging tastemakers. A regular at FUSE over the years, with his sound palette harnessing his roots within the city, his releases on Dansu Discs, Beeyou Records and Caposile Music have seen him rack up love from the likes of Petre Inspirescu, Raresh and Voigtmann alongside mentor Enzo Siragusa. And it’s Siragusa who now welcomes him to his iconic FUSE imprint for the very first time as he makes his longawaited label debut to open the 2024 schedule with four originals across his ‘Vibrations’ EP - with Mandar favourite Malin Genie also joining the package on remix duties. Skippy and armed with a menacing bassline at its core, ‘Vibrations’ brings the heat from the off as slinking percussion warps around hazy pads for a lively opener, while ‘Infinite Function’ brings a paired-back and tumbling groove full of squelchy interludes, bright electronics, resonant organ melodies and subtle chords. On the flip, B1 ‘Original Sin’ is a spacey and cosmic trip into acid-tinged soundscapes, before Malin Genie’s remix of the title cut brings a funk-fuelled and deep dive into the early morning hours as he crafts a slinking groove that captures the imagination instantly.

The greatest hits of the 1960s and 1970s are now available on the „Golden Chart Hits of 60er & 70er Jahre“ vinyl compilation.

Enjoy 14 hits being still unforgettable up to the present day and played daily on numerous radio stations around the globe, including Top 10 hits such as Secret Service „Ten O‘Clock Postman“, Patrick Hernandez „Born To Be Alive“ or Kool & The Gang „Ladies Night“. An absolute must for all fans of 60s and 70s music!

V-House Sound boss, AJ Christou is next to make his Hot Creations debut with the two-tracker ‘Babaloop’.

Hailing from Manchester, AJ Christou stands as a testament to artistic accomplishment with his unwavering commitment to his evolving craft and sound. The success of his new label, V-House Sound, has made this year particularly significant for him, with unshakable support from industry heavyweights like Marco Carola, Joseph Capriati, and Jamie Jones, backing his reputation as one of the most sought-after DJs in the game. With another impressive year behind him, December now marks his debut on Hot Creations as he delivers two club ready gems in his ‘Babaloop’ EP.

The bumping two-tracker kicks off with ‘Babaloop’, a lively late-night house cut featuring entrancing male chants and a bouncing bassline that captivates the listener with its groove. ‘No Fear’ follows up with a funky bass riff, alluring female vocals and deep stabs, radiating prime-time resonance and bustling club energy.

Ron Henderson released only one album with his Choice of Colour band, and that was Soul Junction in 1976. The North Carolina-based singer-songwriter has become an object of cult admiration over the years which is what might explain how an original of that album can often go for upwards of $800 at auctions. The 2020 P-Vine reissue soon sold out and included an extra single from 1983, 'Gemini Lady.' It is that which now gets pressed up to its own 7". It comes with the same label design as the original with a special jacket to make it even more of a collector's item.

Tamango Records boss Yaya heads to TRMNL Records as he unveils his latest EP on the imprint, backed by remixes from Salty Nuts head honcho Fabe and label resident Vito.

Heading up his Tamango Records imprint while serving up killer cuts and remixes on Desolat, Moan, Revival New York and more, Yaya is a man in high demand across the globe. With his take on house music bridging influences from Africa to Italy, his percussive-driven and slick sound has made him a favourite for those looking for productions leaning towards the more energetic yet minimal end of the genre. That style is on show once more as he adds a new label to his catalogue. Joining the likes of Djebali, East End Dubs, Ray Mono and Samu.l, late July brings the release of his new EP ‘Para Siempre’ on UK imprint TRMNL Records, accompanied by a slick pair of remixes from Fabe and Vito to shape up the package.

Title track ‘Para Siempre’ is a skippy and bouncy lead effort as crisp drums, a zippy bassline, and warped vocals go to work to showcase a production bursting full of vigour, while ‘Umbrella Corps’ leans towards more organic, rolling percussion arrangements, shuffling rhythms and elastic melodies guide things towards the later hours. On the flip, Fabe steps up for the first remix as he brings his signature groove-led style to proceedings for a swingfuelled slice of funk, before Vito’s crisp take on ‘Umbrella Corps’ closes the show with a final injection of early hours goodness.

Early DJ Support:
Joseph Capriati, Marco Carola & ALISHA

Remastered reissue of another stone cold New York club classic from the legendary
SAM Records label - home to so many fabulous disco/boogie recordings from the
1980s.
• Pure early 80s electronic disco joy for the packed, sweaty dance-floors. A true boogie
classic, a huge club hit that got spun from The Garage to the streets of London.
• Not much is known about Komiko, an undercover studio outfit that featured guest
vocals Carol Williams, Tracey Weber and Vicky D. This single is their sole release.
• Remastered by Phil Kinrade and presented in a 7” Discobag sleeve.

"Tonight" is a captivating, extraordinarily song written and arranged by Paolo Gianolio (one of Mauro Malavasi's most valid collaborators), who strongly wanted Ivana Spagna as a vocalist. In those very early 80s Spagna used to lend her refined voice.to successful productions using various pseudonyms: Mirage, Carol Kane and Yvonne Kay and precisely Barbara York The piece released in 1982 with Delirium Records was then released in 1983 on Smash One Music by Pino Toma who jealously preserved it making it one of the many rare gems of Italo-Disco. Now after 40 years here it is revived by Best Record in all four original versions, perfectly remastered by Dom Scuteri.

Rising star SOSA collaborates with established producer and DJ duo Prok | Fitch. Together, they weave their distinct sound of groove-based tech house, releasing a club-driven creation suitable for transient and peak-time moments on the dancefloor.

The title tune opens with a minimal vibe before a sultry vocal slip into the soundscape, evoking a sunrise-at-the-rave mood. Stripped-back percussion allows the lyrics to breathe, while a robust kickdrum conveys a clubby feel. Like the title suggests, Sweat is a pacier tune that ripples with a low-slung bassline and sizzling vocals with a touch of reverb—the perfect late-night groover. Final tune Footsteps In The Dark unfurls with a stabby synthline and snappy percussion, offering a peak-time production primed for a club soundsystem.

Since breaking through with groundbreaking releases on Sola, Hottrax and Cuttin Headz, Liverpool-born SOSA has gained support from leading names in house music such as Jamie Jones, Michael Bibi, The Martinez Brothers, Chris Lake and East End Dubs to name a few. Having launched and established his imprint and event series COCO in Liverpool, SOSA now plays across the UK, counting gigs at Printworks, Motion, Mint and beyond into America and across Europe. Brighton-based producer and DJ outfit Prok | Fitch remain two of the most alluring producers on the house circuit, with their music gaining strong support across a spectrum of the biggest names in the industry from Marco Carola, Michael Bibi, Hot Since 82 to Carl Cox, Adam Beyer and Fatboy Slim.

Upcoming album 'Fruit Of The Void' to be released later this fall.
Kosmo Sound is a perfect balance of tight rhythms and extended melodies, and they constantly strive to push boundaries with their sound. Having worked together with dub legends Daniel Boyle and Alpha & Omega and having played as the support act for Adrian Sherwood, The Twinkle Brothers and Omar Perry, heavily inspired, they took refuge in the studio to record this album full of meditative sounds and dense grooves.

“It's a slow motion dub explosion.” - Woodburner

“As a mixture of Slimmah Sound, El Michels Afffair and Khruangbin in which deep dub basses flirt with thin desert blues guitars, jazzy drum patterns and tufts of saxophone.” - Indiestyle

“The canvas that these six musicians span as Kosmo Sound has a musical breadth that effortlessly ranges from dub over jazz to psych.” - daMusic

"an amalgation of styles that tickle the senses" - ReggaeVibes

“This remarkable debut makes one curious about future releases” – Irie Ites

Birimingham’s TRMNL Records returns with its third release this September, coming courtesy of Paris, France’s Djebali.

Djebali has been releasing his twist on House and Techno since 2008 via the the likes of Fuse London's label and sub-label Infuse, Burnski’s Aesthetic, Chez Damier’s Balance Music, REda daRE Records and of course his own self-titled Djebali label which has been the predominant home for his output over the past decade.

Here though we see Djebali join the roster of the fledgling TRMNL Records, launched by the Birmingham club night of the same name so far the imprint has unveiled two EP’s by East End Dubs and Samu.l to date and here the story continues.

Title-cut ‘Rave Vision’ leads with a squelchy acid bassline and robust drums running alongside gritty stabs, spacey atmospheric pads and choppy vocal samples. ‘Line 56’ follows, shifting focus to dubby stab sequences, heavily swung drums and a bumpy bass groove all flowing with a subtly nuanced feel throughout.

The Hypnotic floaty sounds of ‘Cotton Candy’ then round out the release, diving deeper via an amalgamation of airy synth flutters, resonant synth licks and snaking subs atop a shuffled drum groove.


DJ Support:

Marco Carola
Chris Stussy
Rich Nxt
Davide Squillace
Mahony
Ilario Alicante
Jorge Savoretti
Silvie Loto
Hermanez
Tobi Neumann


DJ Feedback:

Rich Nxt - Top groove!

Salvo Borrelli - una bomba !!!!

Carlos Valdes - dope!

Alejo Galvez - lovely grooves!

Hermanez - Loving the grooves.

Tobi Neumann - Decent grooving & sounding tracks..

Karlos Sense - Wow!!!.Amazing EP. bro!!!

Mirko - super ep!

Mancini - Great EP as usual from Djebali!!

Sasa - Solid EP

Adrian Barr - Solid release, cool club rollers

Jade - Brilliant !

Lis Sarroca - all nice!

Juliche Hernandez - MASTER Djebali!! Amazing!!

Ocean Lam - Lovely summer vibes! Rave Version is my fav,

Chris Davis - rave vision is amazing!

Jorge Savoretti - Love Line 56, Djebali groover all the way

Lele Sacchi - cool deep acid driver, reminiscent of early 00's brit electronic deep, yess.

Conform Re-Touched Series has delivered other 5 gems to collect with the Vol.IV! The result is brilliant thanks to the contribution of great artists such as Radio Slave, Honey Dijon, Mark Broom, Adriana Lopez and Shlomi Aber.

When it comes to Radio Slave, no one can ever remain indifferent to the quality of Matt Edwards' production. Once again it has hit the mark by re-interpreting "Inside" by Gaetano Parisio in a masterly way. The track is a continuous crescendo but always well anchored to its original groove. The great British producer, Mark Broom, once again leaves no doubt about his ability to create real dace-floor killers. Seems that his edit was created to challenge the sound systems of all clubs around the world. It is the dream of all DJs to play a track of such impact during a party. His version remains faithful to the original but it has that broomish which makes it super catching.

Honey Dijon, an absolute star in the world techno firmament, makes her debut on Conform with her Re Rub interpretation of a classic like Dual Ep by C&G Southsystem, the project created by Gaetano Parisio and Marco Carola. Honey puts all of her Chicago background into this version. By adding vocal she manages perfectly to make two such different schools coexist, the Neapolitan one and the Chicago one. The result is simply sublime.

Likewise, it's a debut on the label also for Adriana Lopez absolutely respected throughout the techno scene for her extreme quality music. Her interpretation leaves no room for doubt that she doesn't like middle ways. Her remix is dark and hypnotic at the same time. Adriana gave her best and the delivery is just outstanding.

The grand finale takes place with the digital bonus track. Ben Sims "Carnival part one" re-edited by Shlomi Aber. This is definitely the icing on the cake! If you are a DJ you'll immediately desire to play this track as soon as possible. His edit it's just perfect leaving intact the original vibe of the English legend's track. Its tribal groove echoes the early 2000s sound. For those who love the genre this is unmissable.

Celebrating a Decade of Dark Entries with a compilation titled ‘Tens Across The Board’. We revisit our roster and chose 10 songs from 10 bands from 10 different countries spanning the years 1981-1993. The songs flow in chronological order and have never appeared on vinyl, with 7 of the songs previously unreleased.

The compilation begins in 1981 with Parade Ground from Belgium, the duo of brothers Pierre and Jean-Marc Pauly with help from Patrick Codenys and Jean-Luc of Front 242. “The Light’s Gone” was one of their earliest experiments and employs a stark minimalism with modular synthesizers, guitar reverb and tape delay. Next we venture to Granada, Spain in 1982 to meet the trio of Diseño Corbusier. Influenced by Cabaret Voltaire and Dadaism, “La Esperanza está en Antenas” was the band’s take on melancholic pop fueled by a robotic DR-55 bass-line. Sailing the Mediterranean Sea to Athens to meet Greek electronic goddess Lena Platonos who shares a demo from 1983. “Μια Γάτα Σασ Περιμένει Στη Γωνία” translates to “A Cat Is Waiting On The Corner” and is possibly the witchiest sounds we’ve shared yet, ending with a blood curdling scream. Frozen in 1983 we cross Ionian Sea to Messina, Italy and visit Victrola, the duo of Antonino “Eze” Cuscinà and Carlo Smeriglio. They’ve unearthed a melodic instrumental version of “Luca” fueled by a Korg Polysix and TB-303. Traveling across the Adriatic to Slovenia circa 1984, where Borghesia are working on their album ‘Ljubav Je Hladnija Od Smrti’. “Magla” translates to “Fog” fitting for the thick, somber electronics of Aldo Ivancic providing a dense atmosphere for the baritone vocals of Dario Seraval.

On Side B we go down under to Sydney and excavate a hidden Tom Ellard song recorded in 1984 under the alias Lord Metal, an anagram of his name for copyright reasons. “Ga Duum Blitzfonika” is a slow-motion, unadulterated dance groove originally released on the cassette compilation "Independent World”. Skipping ahead to 1986 in Tours, France we salute X-Ray Pop the minimum new wave duo of Didier "Doc" Pilot and Zouka Dzaza. They contribute the hypnotically fragile “Corto Maltese” that originally appeared on the cassette compilation ‘Plop’. Crossing the German boarder we arrive in Dortmund at the apartment of Andreas Sippel of Second Decay who recorded the instrumental demo “Lübeckerstrasse” in 1988 with partner Christian Purwien. Utilizing an TR-808, SH-101 and Arp Odyssey this cold slice of futurism was named after the street Andreas lived on. Traveling westward to England, specifically Basildon, Essex to the teenage bedroom of From Nursery To Misery, the trio of identical twin sister vocalists Gina and Tina Fear and keyboard player Lee Stevens. “Contentment” is an introspective, ethereal pop song with child-like vocals that originally appeared on the Belgian tape compilation ‘Heartbeat Vol.4’ in 1989. Finally, we return home to San Francisco and close out the compilation with Cyrnai the moniker of multi-instrumentalist Carolyn Fok. “Digital Grit Box (Demo)” was an outtake from the ‘Transfiguration’ album sessions recorded in 1993, utilizing dark dance drum beats made with MIDI sequencer programs Studio Vision and Sample Cell.

All songs have been remastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios. The vinyl is housed in a custom designed jacket by Eloise Leigh featuring our label’s colors black-white-red with connect-the-dots pattern linking the 10 songs via maps/timeline/location, all relating to the reissue process, plus source images from San Francisco, our hometown. For this landmark release we've also printed a 2-sided fold-out wall poster that includes every artist we've released in our first 10 years 2009-2019 in black, red and silver metallic ink, plus an 8x11 insert with lyrics, notes and photos.

Supported by Villalobos, Dorian Paic, Mattia Trani, DJ Tennis, Verrina & Ventura , Giorgia Angiuli, Carola Pisaturo, Julina Perez
There are people who place their soul at a border between two worlds that are completely different one from the other.
Giulio Paternò has always split his heart in two halves: one beating for Pink Floyd's, Dire Straits' and Deep Purple's rock; the other for an electronic sound influenced by the likes of John Talabot, Nicolas Jaar or David August.The final result by mixing these two different souls is all channeled into his project Swoosh, where house and techno meet the psychedelic sound from the '70s. So here is a captivating and a magnetic sound which is shaped exclusively by a live act with Ableton, a Gibson Les Paul and various controllers.Swoosh's peculiarity drew the attention of top national venues and festivals such as Tenax in Florence, Circolo degli Illuminati in Rome, or Amore and Spring Attitude Festivals.By Spring 2016 Swoosh will be releasing his first EP "Over and Above" with Autum Records, a label based in Rome and New York.Feedback:> DJ TENNIS: Great record, Swoosh is a producer to keep watching... / Gran disco, Swoosh è un producer da tenere sott'occhio...> VERRINA & VENTURA: Great, the slow one is fantastic! / Complimenti, traccia lenta fantastica!
> CAROLA PISATURO: Liked it so much. / Mi piace moltissimo.
> GIORGIA ANGIULI: I really enjoyed the whole EP, tracks are so stilish! / Mi piace molto l'EP, tracce super stilose!> JULIAN PEREZ: Good listening, a good listening. / Un ascolto piacevole > MATTIA TRANI:above mi piace moltissimo bell'atmosfera!