Japan's Takuya Matsumoto returns to Inhale Exhale with a new six-track EP entitled 'Song Of The Ocean'.
Japanese DJ and producer Takuya Matsumoto has quietly established himself as one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from Japan's contemporary house scene. Known for his warm, deeply musical approach to production, Matsumoto blends classic house
sensibilities with jazz, funk and soulful influences, crafting records that balance dancefloor functionality with rich musicality. Through releases on respected international labels like Clone's Jack For Daze and Royal Oak, Vibes and Pepper, and Fina he's built a
reputation for refined grooves, elegant arrangements and a timeless approach to house music.
Across the six tracks Matsumoto once again radiantly showcases the depth of his production skills as the project sonically traverses Balearic-tinged House, bouncy acid- laced electro, cosmic nu-disco, breaks driven jungle and dub infused deep house.
Buscar:dj fun
DJ Support: Gilles Peterson and Lauren Laverne on 6Music, with club play from the likes of Axel Boman, Peter Kruder and Erol Alkan.
Photay drops epic acid breakbeat magic on ALWAYS COSMIC. The A-side features his remix of United Freedom Collective’s ‘Always Open’ (featuring the vocal talents of Falle Nioke) in both original and instrumental form. With early plays by Gilles Peterson & Lauren Laverne, the hype around this incredible track is building for good reason. There is an exceptional combination at play: slick, detailed, hifi dance production with powerful, prodigious talent on the drums – we call it ‘the PHOTAY advantage.’ The B-side brings expansive cosmic dub versions, the first track derived from the Always Open session, the second from Photay’s recent remix for Conclave & Toribio. Deep, emotional stuff that doesn’t lose track of fun-factor with sheer, un-fakeable excitement in the rhythm section!
2024 repress
Lars Huismann makes a quick return to SHDW & Obscure Shape's newly minted Mutual Rytm imprint as he delivers a medley of classic, groove-driven techno productions via his "Sounds From The Past I" EP.
With recent releases via labels such as Slam's iconic Soma, Berlin-based DJ and producer Lars Huismann is quickly growing to become a familiar name of note within today's modern techno landscape. Having featured as one of the artists on the label's debut V/A release in February, with the German set to feature as a regular across the imprint in coming months, he unveils fresh shades to his sound palette on his return to Mutual Rytm with a combination of six slick techno cuts across his "Sounds From The Past I" EP.
The powerful, rolling dynamics of "Surge" open proceedings as Huismann quickly sets his stall, while "Collison" veers into slick, looping territories as the energy and tension are kept tight and high. Next, "Echo" ups the pace as tough kicks meet zipping melodies, filtered chords and looping vocal interjections amongst a medley of flurrying percussion licks, before "Funk Shed" takes cues from its title and showcases a classy blend of classic Detroit-influenced sonics guided by sweeping synths. Title cut "Sounds From The Past I" brings with it flashes of serenity and peace, before erupting and spiralling effortlessly into infectious and captivating drum grooves, before closing the show via the rich yet muscular tones of final offering and digital bonus track "Jackin".
Lars Huismann "Sounds From The Past I" EP drops via Mutual Rytm in March 2022.
Consistent funk operator Ralo is back with a brace of tunes that will shake your bones loose. First up is 'Broken Way', a magnificently jumbled rhythm made from languid bass and kicks, peppered with organic percussion and heated through with soft synths. It's atmospheric and real, like the overheard soundtrack to a party happening in your kitchen. 'Djembe' then brings out some brassy horns to take things to the next level. They jump out of the low-slung drums and add jazz, soul and colour that cannot be ignored. Gledd and Monsieur Van Pratt step up on the flip with cultured reworks that turn things up to 11.
Daskal debuts on DJ Tennis’s Life and Death label today with the release of “Changes,” the first single from his forthcoming album OD, out March 6. The release marks a defining moment for the producer and composer, whose work moves fluidly between contemporary dance, film, and electronic music, and represents his first full-length statement reconnecting his compositional practice with the dancefloor.
“Changes” arrives alongside a striking accompanying video directed by award-winning filmmaker Tamir Faingold, featuring dancers from the world-renowned Batsheva Dance Company. Rather than functioning as a traditional music video, the piece uses contemporary dance as its primary language, translating the emotional charge and magnetism of nightlife into movement. Together, the single and visual introduction frame OD as a bridge between club culture and the expressive traditions of modern dance and composition.
A classically trained composer with deep ties to the world of choreography, Daskal has spent recent years creating original scores for institutions including Los Angeles Dance Project and the Royal Danish Ballet, while simultaneously developing a parallel body of work across ambient and experimental electronic music. OD emerges as a convergence of those paths: a ten-track album shaped as much by physical movement and spatial awareness as by club tradition, positioning Daskal between concert hall, black box theater, and late-night club environments.
Recorded and mixed primarily using vintage hardware — including a rare 1980s German mixer in a high-end Tel Aviv jazz studio — OD reflects a deliberate shift away from purely atmospheric writing toward rhythm, repetition, and physicality, while retaining the precision and restraint of his compositional background.
DJ support: Soul Clap, Walla P (Voyage Funktastique), Moniquea
The first lady of MoFunk Records is also considered by many to be one of the queens of modern funk music. Her latest, “Womp In My Spirit,” fuses a wide range of styles within its ten tracks and shows the true versatility of funk music. On one end, the deep g-funk bounce of songs like “Womp In My Spirit” & “However You Are” show you Moniquea's west coast roots clearly, while uptempo boogie bangers like “Get It Together” sit in the lane that MoFunk is best known for. Tracks like “Red Light” go in a more dancey direction, welcoming the sleekness of house music to mingle with g-funk whistles and rubbery synth bass, a track that recently caught the ear of Soul Clap and was remixed by them on their recent “Soul Clap vs. MoFunk” EP. The majority of production on the album was handled by MoFunk head honcho XL Middleton.
- A1: Cliché - 木漏れ日 (Komorebi)
- A2: Nejauši - The Dome
- A3: Kristaps Puķītis - Lielās Kož Nost Mazās
- A4: Dj Keda Feat. Ieva Dreimane-Sidare - Gaisma Nāk
- A5: Baziits - Ceļš Tik Šaurs (Antons Megamikss In Da Haus Mix)
- A6: Niklāvz Feat. Kenji - Chill Hot
- B1: Ksenia Kamikaza - See The Sea
- B2: Eque - Give Us One God
- B3: Omiros - Sapnis Pirms Miega
- B4: Alter V - Some Day
- B5: Existal - Mind Vortex
Liepāja’s Elektrons is a contemporary electronic music compilation on vinyl, bringing together artists connected to the Baltic city of Liepāja. The LP features eleven original tracks that reflect the diversity and vitality of the local electronic scene — from deep techno and liquid funk to experimental ambient, IDM, and broken beats. Across the record’s two sides, Liepāja’s Elektrons brings together a diverse constellation of producers shaping the city’s electronic identity. The A-side features Cliché, Nejauši, Kristaps Puķītis, DJ KEDA feat. Ieva Dreimane-Sidare, BAZIITS, and NiklāvZ feat. Kenji, moving fluidly from intricate IDM textures and atmospheric experimentation to liquid funk rhythms and high-energy drum’n’bass. The B-side continues the journey with Ksenia Kamikaza, Eque, OMIROS, ALTER V and Existal, exploring deep and peak-time techno, minimal house and progressive sonic structures.
Back on Celestial Echo Records with CER010, a record that’s been a fixture in the right record bags for a long time.
Africano – “Open Your Hearts” is a serious modern soul tune for the Chicago DJs. Super funky, big on feeling, and powered by explosive instrumentation that just keeps driving. — strong, emotional, and made for proper dancefloors.
It’s been spun for years by DJs like Mark Grusane, Theo Parrish, and others in that Chicago scene — and it works every time. Part 1 on the A-side is the one you know, while Part 2 on the flip stretches things out and lets the groove roll on.
As always, Celestial Echo is about soul records that have earned their place. Remastered with care and pressed properly, Africano is one we’re proud to finally put back out there.
Battle tool repress taken from DJ Junk's infamous Second To None label.
Two legends from New York City here for the price of one, as Downside Up Recordings boss Brandon De Carla - noted for his incendiary PAs and DJ sets around the Big Apple from the 90s onwards, as well as releases for labels as luminary as Kevin Saunderson's KMS - enrols the even more celebrated Joey Beltram to add a remix to his three originals here. De Carla's productions sure are uncompromising, not so much as inviting you onto the dancefloor as prodding you on with their itchy, wriggly sense of metallic funk and spaced out atmospherics, especially the latter on the beatless but substantial, grungy DJ tool that is closing track 'Valley Of The'. Beltram's mix, meanwhile, is pinned down by handclaps that sound like they were forged in a steelworks, but again manage to wrangle a sense of irresistible funkiness from the heaviest duty ingredients. Proper 3am techno gear, make no mistake.
Big Bombs EP marks the debut release on Bertie Bassett’s self-titled label, introducing a collection of groove-led house cuts rooted in classic influences and underground club culture.
Already gaining global support from DJs like Marco Carola and, Shaka Loves You and featured on Traxsource’s Essential Afro chart.
Across four tracks, Bertie Bassett delivers a mix of DJ-focused tools and edits, blending raw house rhythms, funk-driven elements and stripped-back arrangements designed for dancefloor use.
From the driving energy of Get House and Back To Underground to the reworked grooves of Man In Black (Edit Mix) and Finga Loop (Bertie Bassett Rumba Remix), the EP offers a versatile selection suited to both peak-time and deeper club sets.
With a long-standing background in house music and production, Bertie Bassett brings a seasoned approach to this first release, combining classic influences with a modern underground edge.
As the first release on the label, this EP sets the tone for the project moving forward, offering strong appeal for DJs looking for fresh, playable house cuts with a raw, groove-led feel.
A natural fit for fans of labels such as Razor-N-Tape, Toy Tonics, Bed Edits and Disco Express.
A DJ-friendly and versatile release for stores supporting underground house and edit-driven sounds.
The second vinyl release on Platz fur Tanz continues the narrative of techno's past and future. Experienced artists reinterpret the shadowy vibe of dancefloors around the world, giving it new form and depth.
The record opens with a track by Swedish techno futurist Lakej, featuring his signature sound of machinery on a working factory floor. The music immediately transports you into the industrial atmosphere of a rave.
This time, the Italian-born, Berlin-based artist VSK takes us on a journey through the emotional waves of deep techno. A slightly jazzy groove makes this track perfect for peak time dancefloors.
Latvian producer Ksenia Kamikaza stays true to her style, transporting us into a world of visualized melodies and rhythms. The bassline sets the groove, while the unhurried rhythm allows you to fully surrender to the dance.
Liza Aikin brings an uncompromising Berlin vibrations to the release, reminding us how a true rave should sound. Her style is not heavy but persistent. Liza never stops experimenting, and this track will be a highlight of any DJ set.
Another Latvian electronic talent closes the release. Igors Vorobjovs blends the best of electro and techno in his track. Nervous rhythms and loud sounds stir the emotions, while the raw, untamed resonance will leave no true connoisseur of feral techno indifferent.
Both multi-instrumentalists and seasoned producers, J and Peter took an all-hands-on-deck approach to these original collaborative tracks. The sonic seeds of "Underappreciated" and "Facile" were planted by Peter, JKriv cooked up the demo of "Over Suffa", and all three were completed together in J’s Brooklyn production studio. With live-recorded guitar, bass, analog synths, and drums/percussion by and a cohort of Brooklyn accomplices, the Facile EP marries live elements with modern club-ready production.
The punchy horns and no-nonsense vocals on "Underappreciated" come via Peter’s long-standing stage and studio connection with Ibibio Sound Machine, Favorite Recordings staple singer Olivya delivers the soulful EP title track performance, and Samy Love’s insistent vocal on "Over Suffa" is a pleading message to end the war and suffering in his native Cameroon.
With a remix of "Underappreciated" by French producer extraordinaire Yuksek, songs in both English and French, and influences ranging from boogie funk, 80s R&B, and classic Zouk, the Facile EP is a varied and dazzling collection of music for both listeners and DJs alike.
Brussels-based Maloca presents Paradise Mountain, the new EP from Katatonic Silentio, DJ and production moniker of Italian sound artist Mariachiara Troianiello. Positioned in counterpoint to her darker,
more visceral work, the record delicately folds Detroit electro and techno drum structures into a softened New Age glow, generating environments that breathe, shimmer, and slowly coalesce.
Across the EP, tracks unfold gently, rife with wet modular tones, chromatic arpeggiations, and light-touch percussion which drifts in and out of focus, blurring the line between dancefloor function and inward-facing sound art. Paradise Mountain ultimately traces a slow ascent through luminous, carefully crafted terrain - quietly joyful and deeply hypnotic in its approach.
Ruf Dug flies to Duca with 4 edits showcasing his Ruf Kutz have never been far from the mind.
Rhythm Section, International Feel, Pinchy & Friends, Wolf Music, Music For Dreams and Klasse Wrecks all released the Dug, it’s super honouary to board.
Manchester to Guadalope to Ibiza, his reputation as a DJ, producer and toker is example to all. Here we go. Dug dives in, drum machines ready, mutated across scenes. Street Soul, si! Industriale, buono! Beatdown, no problemo !
Ruffy’s Big Decision is UK Disco meets back alley Boogie, love pains galore over driving funk bass. You Are The One !
Ruffy’s TV Channel is metalica. Heavy beats, unrelenting. Funk to 11. Sherwood. Ciao. Pursuit of trivia. Television, The Drug Of The Nations !
Ruffy Electric Bill. Now we move. Cowbell chiunque? New York ‘81. Smoke stacks. Cars bouncing Downtown. Nobody gets to meet the Duke. Set. It. Off !
- A1: Black Line - Myele
- A2: Mbamina - Nzoumba I-Robots 1975 Unreleased Edit-44100
- A3: Mbamina - Watchiwara
- B1: Oxid - Bright Heron
- B2: Oxid - Oxid Trail
- C1: Stratosferic Band - Nowhere - Reverberated Unreleased Version
- C3: The Boston Garden - Lady Pick-Up
- D1: Mbamina - Nzoumba Unreleased-44100
- D2: Oxid - Oxid Trail Unreleased Extended Version
Daniele Baldelli
"A pleasant surprise to find in this release various atmospheres and sounds that have always been part of my DJing. It even made me rediscover M’Bamina, whom I used to play back in 1974 at the Tabù Club in Cattolica.
There are afro vibes as well, with Black Line – Myele, which is featured on one of my Cosmic tapes, and Nowhere by the Stratosferic Band recalls a track I used to play at the Baia degli Angeli…
Excellent work!"
Voom Voom Music was an independent Italian record label based in Turin, founded and managed by record producer Ivo Lunardi (Turin, December 6, 1940 – December 9, 2010). A pivotal figure in the Piedmont music scene, Lunardi was active both as a DJ and as the owner of several disco clubs.
The label operated for several years in the latter half of the 1970s, releasing mainly productions connected to the Italian dance and pop scene.
Since 2016, the original master tapes from the Voom Voom Music catalog have been owned by Gianluca Pandullo (I-Robots), a close friend of Ivo and Luca Lunardi. Through his labels Opilec Music and Turin Dancefloor Express, Pandullo oversees their preservation and historical enhancement.
The artistic direction of Voom Voom Music was marked by a distinct sonic identity — eclectic yet visionary. The Turin-based label founded by Ivo Lunardi embraced a sound that blended disco, pop, and rock influences, interwoven with African American grooves in a pioneering, international perspective.
Voom Voom Music was among the first Italian labels to introduce this kind of musical language in the country. A prime example is the Italian edition of the debut album by B.T. Express, Do It ('Til You're Satisfied), released in LP, 8-Track Cartridge, cassette, and 7" single formats.
The label’s productions clearly reflected the influence of black and funk music, as evidenced by the references and inspirations running through its catalogue. The track “Lady Pick-Up”, for instance, includes direct nods to “Do It Good” by KC & The Sunshine Band and Manu Dibango’s iconic “Soul Makossa”, revealing a musically refined and contemporary sensibility.
Among the label’s most representative works is Splash (1977) by the Stratosferic Band, a project conceived by Luigi Venegoni — producer, songwriter, and guitarist of Arti e Mestieri. Venegoni’s artistic journey spanned from progressive rock to space and Italo disco. The album artwork was designed by Piero D’Amore (1944 - 2022), a charismatic and multifaceted figure of Turin’s art scene (one of his works was even acquired by the MoMA in New York).
The record includes a disco reinterpretation of Van Morrison’s classic “Gloria”, and “Splashdown”, a track fusing the disco-rock energy of Rockets and Space. In contrast, “Nowhere” revisits the 1975 single by Hokis Pokis, a soul/disco band from Nassau County (New York), transforming it into a vibrant disco-funk number.
Another significant expression of the label’s catalogue is the afro-rock sound of M’Bamina, an Italo-Congolese group whose rhythmic energy and dialogue between African percussion and Western funk evoke the style of international formations such as Osibisa — themselves linked to a rich artistic history in Italy.
MonsieurWilly – “Stomp” (Nu-Disco Remake of The Brothers Johnson) – 7" Vinyl Single Get ready to move your feet: MonsieurWilly revitalizes the timeless funk anthem “Stomp” by The Brothers Johnson with an electrifying Nu-Disco makeover. Pressed on a high-quality 45 RPM 7" vinyl, this remake blends vintage groove with modern dancefloor energy, delivering an irresistible combination for DJs, collectors, and funk-disco lovers alike.
MonsieurWilly’s production pays homage to the original’s infectious basslines and uplifting spirit while injecting fresh synth textures, crisp beats, and a stylish contemporary polish. The result is a vibrant re-imagining that feels both nostalgic and brand new— perfect for setting the tone at any party or adding standout flair to your vinyl collection. This is another special and exclusive 45/7“ release via Soulkitchen Distribution…
Detroit Legend, Rick Wade joins Collect Records for the first time with Just Beneath EP. A key figure in Detroit's second generation of house producers and founder of Harmonie Park, Rick Wade delivers three deep and hypnotic cuts rooted in jazz, soul and classic machine funk. Warm, stripped-down and functional, with one acid-leaning track adding extra tension to the EP. Underground house music for late night hours. Collect Records operates from Collect, the Lisbon-based record shop and radio located in Cais do Sodre, a meeting point for DJs, collectors and the local underground scene.
Collettivo Immaginario is set to unveil their newest single, "Tempo Al Tempo," on November 10th. This musical journey transcends genres, evolving from a jazz-funk odyssey into a disco-house exploration, adorned with delightful hints of Brazilian-inspired melodies and the enchanting ambiance reminiscent of Italian 70's library music. On the B-side, esteemed DJ and producer Patrick Gibin offers his reinterpretation of the original track, ensuring its irresistible allure on dance floors across the globe.




















