quête:dj origin

2024 Silver Vinyl Repress!

On the label (A-Side):
This special release is dedicated to Detroit DJ Legend Ken Collier. His untimely passing deeply touched me personally, as he was one of a small few who always supported me & my music. Because of Ken Collier, Detroit developed a dance scene, which inspired artist & producers to make dance records, which gave birth to Techno, which has provided careers for many of you in the business today. So I dare ask all you techno producers, djs, record labels, record shops, techno magazines, clubs which play techno music, and fans of techno to pay respect to Ken Collier just as you would our other fine music innovators.

Side B:
However, this special compilation isn't about techno, it's about H.O.U.S.E. sounds - broadcasting it to you live from the inside in lovely Ste - re - o!!. This record contains no artist or track listing because i don't want this to be about who made the tracks, track titles, or even who wrote this commentary. This record is my personal tribute to him and how he has motivated me to make my contributions to house music. Thank you Ken Collier, for helping me grow not just as a dj or record producer, but as a person. Every dj and dance artist here in Detroit owes thanks to you for going out into the musical forest, chopping down trees, thus paving the way for us to build HOUSE!.

"In Loving Memory Of Detroit DJ Legend Ken Collier"

Now celebrating 20 years since the original release of 'Salsoul Nugget' in April 2001, M&S enlists Mighty Mouse and Mark Knight for some amazing remix to celebrate this milestone anniversary.

Mighty Mouse pulls out all the stops with expertly chopped vocals and loops that builds intensity with a breakdown that is equal parts intense and euphoric and is sure to get the club absolutely heated.

With a career that spans across two decades, DJ & Grammy-nominated producer and Toolroom head honcho Mark Knight jumps on board the Salsoul Nugget mix package. It's fair to say Mark Knight knows his way around creating records that connect with house music lovers. 2020 highlighted Mark Knight’s more soulful house roots and follows his desire to create timeless dance records that stand the test of time, including the Sunday Shouting sampling 'All 4 Love' (feat Tasty Lopez). 2021 saw the release of ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’ with Beverly Knight and the London Community Gospel Choir. For his mix of Salsoul Nugget, Mark beefs up the drums for the main rooms while being respectful to the original.

The original vocal and original extended vocal mix and original extended Klub Mix are on the flip.

What do you get when you combine two of the most essential jungle labels in the scene? An EP that smashes it out of the water. Ruffkutt supplies the original tune, a melodic but tearing jungle roller, and then Harmony and Tim Reaper bring their own perspectives to their remixes, taking each one to their inevitable and incredible conclusions....

Timeless soul, 'Cool Cool' is the standout title track from James Alexander Bright's recent album. It's an immediately enchanting gem, with tendermusicianship and a stripped back production highlighting James' voice, pitchedsomewhere between Eddie Chacon, Beck and Michael McDonald. Athens of theNorth's in-house band East Coast Love Affair add a delightfully psychedelic Balearicpiquancy with an beautiful dub version on the flip.

'Cool Cool' has been enjoying a plethora of worldwide support; seeing James insession for Gilles Peterson, suppling a Block Party mix for Huey Morgan, interviewedby Bandcamp Weekly, and played across tastemaker shows on stations includingBBC 6 Music, FIP, Jazz FM, KCRW, KEXP, Les Inrocks, NTS, Soho Radio, Triple R,WDET, WNXP.

The past six years has seen James release a veritable treasure trove of music:'Mallorca' and 'Strange Folk' EPs, debut album 'Headroom', joyous second 'Float', analbum of collaborations and reworks with cosmic Americana-disco DJ/producer duoFlying Mojito Bros, and a new project with Groove Armada's Tom Findlay as Bright &Findlay. 'Cool Cool', his third solo album since 2020, was released on 26th July 2024.

This release is part of the Move-E series, but not only that, it is a certified classic. Originally released on a white label in the early 90's, this EP was much sought after then, and remains a personal favourite of many Djs for its eclectic take on early jungle and the incredible combination of samples and sound styles.

DJ Support from Danny Howard, Annie Mac, Mistajam, Pete Tong, Charlie Hedges, Kraak & Smaak, Maxinne, Todd Terry, Alex Preston, Full Intention, GW Harrison, DJ Rae, Rudimental, Alaia & Gallo, Illyus & Barrientos, Johan S, David Penn, Sam Divine, Riva Starr, Claptone, Nice7, Dario D’Attis, Mousse T, SMan, Huxley, KC Lights, Friend Within, Dombresky, Gorgon City, Chris Lake, Format:B, Pirupa, TCTS, Alan Fitzpatrick, Low Steppa, Mat.Joe, Raumakustik, Eskuche


Kicking things off on Toolroom’s next 4-track vinyl sampler series is Mark Knight’s hugely successful rework of Groove Armada’s seminal classic ‘Get Down’. Considered one of the holy-grail records of their back catalogue so it’s an absolute honour for us, and Mark Knight, to be re-presenting this incredible record to a new audience. Fusing those unique vocals from Stush and classic Groove Armada synth line, coupled with the energy and insatiable groove of a Mark Knight record, this is a sure-fire dance floor weapon for 2024! Next up are a fan favourite of the label, the mighty duo Illyus & Barrientos who make their long overdue return with ‘When You Gonna’. Tracks such as ‘Shout’, ‘Promise’ and most famously, ‘So Serious’, propelled them to be one of the most exciting and sought after acts in the World. This record is trademark Illyus & Barrientos and reflects their personalities as artists perfectly. Think high energy house music filled with fun and peak-time dance floor vibes! Leading the charge on the b-side is an incredible collaboration from 2 heavyweight house artists, working together for the very first time! David Penn has a career spanning over 25 years. He was recently crowned the #1 house artist on Beatport and boasts over 1 million monthly listeners across leading streaming platforms. OFFAIAH appears on Toolroom for the first time in his career under this alias, although he was a firm part of the original Toolroom Family line up as Michael Woods. So this is a SPECIAL ONE! The record screams sun-drenched terraces, pool parties and chilled cocktails! A huge bass line, infectious tribal vocals and some lush house pianos for good measure. Last but not least, Long-standing Toolroom Family member and fan favourite, Ben Remember returns to the label with ‘Waiting 4 You’. As with all of Ben’s records, this is super creative and super original. Based around an infectious disco vocal sample and all created using out-board, analogue studio gear which gives the track a real gritty
undertone.

Countless radio plays on Radio 1 from Danny Howard, Sarah Storie, Pete Tong Other notable radio plays – Kiss FM, Toolroom Radio, Sirius XM, Data Transmission Radio, Radio 1 Dance Anthems, Radio 1 Party Anthems, Rinse FM, Select Radio, Tomorrowland Radio

Remixers: SLS aka Samuel L. Session, Petru KSS and Mica (UK) “Deepsomnia proudly presents Sipa, the debut vinyl release from Filipino DJ/producer Alinep. The EP’s title, “Sipa,” meaning “kick” in Filipino, is a fitting name for this powerful techno anthem. Alinep’s original mix is moody and fast-paced, setting the tone for the release. Accompanying the track are three dynamic remixes: a hypnotic take by techno legend Samuel L Session (SLS), a hard-edged version by live electronic artist Petru KSS, and a melodic, driving rendition by UK minimal talent Mica. This EP showcases the diversity of modern techno, with each remix bringing a fresh perspective.” “Sipa”, the Filipino term for “kick” and is the first vinyl release of Deepsomnia. This EP features an original masterpiece by label honcho, Alinep with different interpretations from techno legend SLS (Samuel L Session), live electronic extraordinaire Petru KSS and the very talented minimal freak, Mica (UK).

Still Music Chicago is thrilled to announce the reissue of Jiraffe's ''Out'A The Box,'' a legendary dance record from New York City. Originally released in 1988 on Goldqwest Records, this track emerged from the collaboration between Richie Weeks and Al Smith. This limited 12'' release includes a full sleeve with a never-before-seen picture of Richie Weeks with Vaughan Mason at Vaughan home studio and a story of ''Out'A The Box''. Richie Weeks, known for his work with The Jammers and Weeks & Co, founded Goldqwest Records after Salsoul Records closed. Inspired by his friend Vaughan Mason, Richie ventured into house music production, recording demos that caught the attention of Reynald ''Crazy Frenchman'' Deschamps of M.T.I Exports. A generous supporter funded Goldqwest's third release, leading to Richie and Al Smith creating ''Out'A The Box'' at Al's home studio in Philadelphia. The track blended post-disco, dance, latin, and proto-house elements, achieving cult status among DJs worldwide.

First Word Records are very proud to present a brand new album from Kaidi Tatham!

'An Insight To All Minds' is Kaidi's 3rd solo album under his own name, following several EPs and two albums for First Word; 2018's acclaimed 'It's A World Before You' and the re-press of his seminal 2008 sophomore album 'In Search Of Hope' last year.

For those that don't know, Kaidi Tatham is a legendary multi-instrumentalist. Once dubbed "the UK's Herbie Hancock" by Benji B, he's a virtuoso on the keys and a true innovator in sound production as one of the original creators of the Broken Beat sound. Over the years his musical prowess has blessed numerous projects, initially with the likes of Bugz In The Attic and The Herbaliser, and more recently with DJ Jazzy Jeff (through the PLAYlist projects), Andrew Ashong (on the acclaimed 'Sankofa Season' EP last year) and with longtime accomplice, Dego. This in addition to session work for artists such as Mulatu Astatke, Slum Village, Amy Winehouse, Soul II Soul and Leroy Burgess, along with First Word label mates such as Eric Lau, Children of Zeus and Darkhouse Family. Kaidi is also a revered DJ known for rocking parties globally, whilst his solo catalogue spans tons of EPs and releases for labels such as 2000 Black, Eglo and Theo Parrish's Sound Signature.

On 'An Insight To All Minds', Kaidi says it's "not about a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going. Nothing in this world can torment you as much as your own thoughts… We are all going through it. We can all feel what the next person is feeling, believe it or not. It's learning how to tap into it".

The album is comprised of an assortment of Kaidi's unique flavours - uptempo jazz-funk bruk, laced with rhodes, flutes, live bass and delicious percussion. Using that blueprint he moves effortlessly through latin and samba, half-step, deep afro house and a sprinkle of curveballs, all presented in Kaidi's inimitable way.

'Intergalactic Relations' brings with it some 110bpm synthed-out spacey electro-breaks, 'Could It Be' sets off sounding like a Morricone film score, whilst 'Rodney' is some serious heads-down business; stark and punchy off-kilter broken beat and vocal stabs. There are a few guests too - 'Chungo' sees the return of Uhmeer (who previously appeared on 'Cupid' on the album 'It's A World Before You'); here the young Philly MC deftly rides a 9/4 time signature beat. Meanwhile 'Stro Kyat' invites in another supreme talent, Stro Elliot (The Roots), who provides a suitably crisp & crunchy riddim to accompany Kaidi's key play over a mind-bending 5/4 time signature.

With this new album, Kaidi Tatham adds further to his already impressive catalogue, a body of work that falls within the cracks of jazz and dance music, exemplifying modern British black brilliance once again; uncompromising, innovative, groundbreaking, intricately sophisticated and deeply funky. His fanbase expands on every release and it's no surprise that that fanbase includes peers such as Madlib ("ahead of his time"), Gilles Peterson ("a key part of an entire movement"), K15 ("a limitless source of inspiration"), Alexander Nut ("a true virtuoso") and Kyle Hall.

Following the recent vinyl reissue of Manuel Tur's cinematic downtempo album "Intertextural", originally self-released during the Covid 19 pandemic, comes this package of fresh remixes featuring interpretations of four standout tracks from the record by DJ Counselling, All Is Well and Yuu Udagawa.

London-based DJ Counselling opens the EP with his energetic version of "Omina", raising tempo and hands with an expertly executed arrangement, while the newly added filtered synth chords echo some of Tur's best-known releases of the late noughties. Next up is Montreal's Frédéric Blais aka All Is Well, who after his recent LP success on Drumpoet and another brand-new album under his main moniker Fred Everything just released, turns "Flakon" into a head-nodding groove masterpiece that recalls the subtle 90s trip-hop flavor of the original version. On the B-side, Tokyo native Yuu Udagawa, who has collaborated with Tur on several occasions, unleashes two beautiful and ethereal remixes of "Slow White" and "Shadowgraph" that let us float through her signature sparkling sound.

Originally released on KLIK Records, in 1975, Dread Locks Dread became one of the new Front Line label’s first key releases when reissued in 1978.

One of reggae’s best and most recognizable ‘toasters’, Big Youth broke new ground as a DJ in the early ’70s with a flowing, chant-like cadence that was equal parts melodic and invigorating, applying his infectious vocal approach to heavy social and political lyrics.

A huge favourite of the punk and new wave artists at the time of release, Big Youth was embraced by The Clash, via Don Letts, and PiL, amongst others. John Lydon was part of Richard Branson’s A&R envoy to Jamaica, helping sign credible artists to his new Front Line reggae label.

Featuring the legendary Skin, Flesh & Bones band, formed around Lloyd Parks (bass), drummer Sly Dunbar (before he started working with Robbie Shakespeare), Ansel Collins on keyboards, and trombonist Vin Gordon. The album was produced by Tony Robinson and Errol Thompson and mixed at the famous Joe Gibb’s studio.

Dread Locks Dread skanks from punchy, rhythm-heavy reggae to the deepest, dubbiest roots. The hypnotic Some Like It Dread reworks Dennis Brown’s “Some Like It Hot”, where the DJ’s toast is entwined with a bluesy harmonica (the dub version re-titled (Black Man Message). Also features a fiery version of Burning Spear’s “Marcus Garvey” (Marcus Garvey Dread), a tasty take on the John Holt classic “Keep on Moving” – Moving On and a scintillating dub of the Techniques’ rocksteady masterpiece You Don’t Care.

Not your typical DJ album by any means, the music equals the toasts and vice versa – an essential release for a dub fan or a Big Youth supporter.

Re-mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London.

Out of print for over 20 years!

King Tubby the Dub Master, who's output was as prolific as it is sought after, and who's presence is surely missed. We would like to take you on another dub excursion. This time through some essential cuts made for the Producer / DJ Tappa Zukie. King Tubby always added something a little special to the tracks he worked on. Producers would often bring their already recorded tracks to his home studio at 18 Drummlie Avenue in the Kingston district of Waterhouse. The backing tracks which were laid at various other studios around Kingston. Like Channel 1and Randy's Studio 17, would then be voiced/Re-voiced at King Tubby's. Tubby and his team which included Prince Jammy and Philip Smart would be left to create the version cut.

Having listened to the track it would be striped back to the bone of bass and drums and rebuilt. Sprinkling his magic over the track by dropping the bass in and out, adding echo and emphasising various elements of the song. In some cases, dubbing the cut into something unrecognisable from its original sound.

The tracks would be aired on Tubby's Hometown Hi-Fi Sound System. Which acted much like a pre-release for the record to gauge the crowd’s reaction, before the tracks would be unleased on the public. We think we have sourced another fine collection of Tubby Cuts see also King Tubby's Lost Treasures JR001, comprising of work with Mr Tappa Zukie. Lost cuts to some of his own tracks like 'First Street Rock', alongside productions he undertook with the great Prince Allah, Junior Ross and the Spears. Also, the much-overlooked vocal group Knowledge. Some great rhythms, some great tracks, worked over by the greatest dub mixer of them all. Hope you enjoy the set as much as we have compiling it...

Respect Jah Floyd.

Repress

Admittedly, being able to embrace someone back into your life, when they seem to have never left might be a little strange - but that’s exactly how it feels with Âme, one of clubland’s mainstays, consisting of Kristian Beyer and Frank Wiedemann. Case in point: they’re certainly not getting tired of gracing stages big and small with their DJ sets and live performances around the globe, yet “Asa“ actually presents their first original material since three years. Particular track sees the duo on top of their game, as it offers another example of peak time dance floor that is still so much more than just the sum of its components. “Asa“ is big, joyful, euphoric, and sonically adventurous. It relies on repetition, but no single part is allowed to stagnate before everything finally culminates in a symphony of daring synths, driving beats and dueling melodies. It’s a spectacle that might or might not be the musical notification of something way bigger heading our way.

Arguably the biggest and most in-demand electronic artist in the World, James Hype, puts his spin on Toolroom’s classic ‘Feel My Needs’. James needs little introduction, attracting more than 12 million listeners to his music monthly, accumulating over a billion streams and selling out arena’s all over the globe including his weekly residency at Hi, Ibiza.

The record is a peak-time monster and has become the ‘ID’ everyone is asking for on his social media and in his DJ sets! James has taken the essence of the original and added trademark tough drums and bundles of energy, very much akin to the vibe of his DJ sets.

Included on the flip is the unmistakable original from Weiss.

Founded by Radio 1’s Danny Howard, ‘Nothing Else Matters’ celebrates 100 releases with a series of limited coloured vinyl; compiling their biggest and most sought after releases. ‘If You Were’ saw huge DJ support from Camelphat, Marco Carola, MK, Claptone, Riva Starr & Alan Fitzpatrick, while ‘Touch Me’; reworked by PAX alongside original artist Rui Da Silva received support from Fischer, Pete Tong, Arielle Free & Gorgon City. Moods very own Nicole Moudaber released ‘Rise Up’ with the vocal talents of London’s Community Gospel Choir and was a huge moment for the label receiving support from Catz N Dogz, Jamie Jones & Fatboy Slim. Finally ‘Down To Earth’ by Armand Van Helden and Mark Knight was another huge release on the label, pairing two Dance heavyweights together with a release that continues to garner support across club and radio.

UK-born, Lisbon-based DJ, Producer, Songwriter, and activist Megatronic joins the RNT roster with her ‘Do I Belong To You?’ EP, a bold statement of her soulful and visionary sound. Side A opens with the deeply emotive ’The World’ featuring soulful and melancholic vocals by Stavros, then moves to the pulsating and freewheeling groove of Nuffin’ But Love (co-produced by Jitwam) and finishes with the jazzy vibes of Organic, with Meg’s sultry spoken poetry floating over live instrumentation. On the flip side two superlative remixes by heavyweights Jimpster and Kiko Navarro take Meg’s music straight to the dance floor, with Jimpster bringing is his signature lush deep textures to ‘Been Thinking’ (the original of which is available as part of the digi EP only) and Kiko delivering an acid afro-house banger of a mix on ‘The World.’ A gorgeous listen from beginning to end, this EP captures a sound that feels both classic and futuristic all at once.

Frankfurt’s Max Buchalik is in the early phases of his production career but has many years of experience throwing parties in his hometown, where he is a pioneering force. With his deep understanding of dancefloor dynamics, he now pairs his love of the 80s with rich sound designs on his debut release for Brooklyn-based imprint Melodize.

Opener ‘Higher State’ is a bright house cut awash with sugary, pixelated chords and twinkling pads. Its retro-future charms and colourful, uplifting arps all serve to get hands in the air and heads amongst the stars. Remixer Venice Arms is an alias of accomplished dark disco don Curses, who has long been a fixture in the Berlin underground. His take on ‘Higher State’ is a snappy proto-house cut with 80s synth work and natty chords that are busy and full of fun.

The second original ‘Midnight Passion’ is another vibrant track with throwback synth progressions and retro textures. The melodies shine bright as they rain down over snappy drums and melancholic leads packed with exciting emotions. Remixing this one is Italian DJ, producer and label owner Fabrizio Mammarella, who has a fine discography that takes in releases on DFA, Permanent Vacation and Correspondant, as well as his own Slow Motion Music, Wrong Era Records and Emet. His lively disco-house version is lit up with shiny chords, chattery percussive patterns, woodpecker-like hits, and sustained chords that will dazzle the dance floor.

London-raised, Lisbon-based songwriter, producer, and DJ William Florelle has been on our radar at R2 Records for some time now having released some of our favourite organically soulful
electronic jams of recent times, so when the opportunity came to release some of his music it was a natural fit.

“Red Velvet” is a sultry and soulful jam that typically blurs the lines between Will Flo’s soul-driven influences from jazz through R&B to club-focused dance music capturing his unique organic yet
electronic syncopation.

The maestro Kaidi Tatham has delivered a stunning remix featuring his signature broken-jazz virtuosity – timeless music.

Karizma comes in the door with one of his beat-down Dubs for that late-night drop, and finally Ato Ayerra blesses the release with the Beringel “2am Snack” Remix.

Flashback - Frankfurt am Main in the 1990s: Matthias Vogt writes record reviews for Groove magazine, works as a DJ in various clubs and studies jazz piano. His first releases as a producer are already on the street. When one of his favourite labels, for which he had written numerous reviews, Force Inc, opened a house sub-label (Force Inc US), Matthias submitted two of his own tracks to the label. The "DJ Matt" EP entitled "Die Tiefe / Augen zu" is released. The two completely analogue-produced tracks mark the beginning of Matthias' journey into the realms of deep house music.
A few months later, Matthias Vogt's career takes off, with a move within the same Frankfurt corridor, from Force Inc. to INFRACom! and the launch of his projects re:jazz, Motorcitysoul and Matthias Vogt Trio. Cut. Today: A social media post drew the attention of Berlin DJ, producer and label maker Johannes Albert to the story surrounding the 1999 release. Now, 25 years later, "Augen zu/Die Tiefe" is being completely remastered from the original DAT tape by Gyso Hilger (Nektarium Darmstadt) and reissued - looking and sounding great - as a 10" on Frank Music.

Once the last few copies of the 2LP version (BC013LP) have sold through it will be deleted, this new version will be the only vinyl version of this album available. Shrouded in mystery, hailing from Hamburg, Germany, Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band (BRSB) releases their long awaited debut '55' on Brooklyn's own Big Crown Records. Long time multi-instrumentalist and band leader Bjorn Wagner spent a few months in Trinidad & Tobago where he became fascinated with Steel Drums. His initial intrigue with local steel pan music culture led him to learning the instrument both through help of local players and on his own. After he became proficient on the pans Bjorn had his own instrument built from a used oil barrel by legendary pan man Louis C. Smith. Upon returning home to Germany, Bjorn set out to blend the Tropical Steel into his already sharply honed Funk, Soul, and Hip Hop sensibilities. The outcome is an updated take on a classic format, a truly unique sound. Their first two recordings were covers of The Meters 'Look A-Py-Py' & 'Ease Back' which they self-released on a 45. Looking back on these two sides you can tell they were just getting their chops up for what was to come next. This is evidenced by how all hell broke loose when they went on to cover 50 Cent's hit PIMP taking the DJ and vinyl collecting communities by storm. Many people thought the recording was the original sample and probably still do to this day when it is played. The original Mocambo pressing sold out quickly and is now a collector's item fetching heavy prices when it changes hands. It was this tune that made the introduction between Bjorn and Danny Akalepse of Big Crown. They immediately hit it off and starting making plans to do a full length project with the band. Keeping in the tradition of Steel Drum records, 55 is a journey through re-interpolations and covers with an updated approach, pushing Steel Pan music to uncharted territory. Flawlessly bringing previously untouched genres into the steel pan cannon ranging from Underground Hip Hop tunes to staple Funk tracks and some of all that falls in between. BRSB's 55 is reinvigorating tunes both well-known and helping to shed some light on tunes still largely undiscovered. However, some of the strongest tunes on the album are original compositions, from spaced out Disco vibes on 'Beetham Highway Ride' and 'Port Of Spain Hustle' to the ugly face inspiring drums of 'Laventille Road March'. Recorded to analog 8 track tape at The Mocambo Studios in Hamburg, 55 is a gritty, punchy journey in sound drawing on music from around the world, using production aesthetics from across both eras and genres, all coming together seamlessly. If the 45s that have already come out on Mocambo, Plane Jane, and Truth & Soul are an indication, this full length is going to be a staple to both casual listeners and Disc Jockeys alike.