We are heading for a night to Itaewon from where French artist Booh has drawn his inspiration from this release. On the remix duties we have his friend Krijka who is currently resides in Seoul and who has done a stellar job while keeping the essence of the original. The name of the tracks on this 12” are named after the iconic clubs of Korean’s capital where the artist managed to spend good quality time and draw his inspiration from, a major city with its vibrant nightlife that is very close to the soul of the artist. Booh is on the roll recently with a string of releases on very well-known and respected labels of the underground with many more planned, so it's an honour to finally welcome him on Exarde. Enjoy this record and transport into the mind of this proficient artist that has opened a window into his world for us.
This is the story of how a tiny label from New Jersey changed the course of music history not once but twice.
Cheri Records was established in 1974 in New Jersey and run by one Boo Frazier. Cheri's output was limited, producing a catalogue of just eleven releases between the years 1974 and 1982. On the face of it, this appears to be insubstantial output. However, if you dig a little deeper, the quality released on Cheri Records reveals an exceptional legacy of groundbreaking music.
A dark horse in the world of record labels, a true unsung legend that would go on to alter the course of musical history and intersect with a remarkable array of talented artists, bands and DJs. From Rare Pleasure; Sandy Barber; Julius Brockington; Boo Frazier; Patrick Adams; Tom Moulton; Larry Levan and MF Doom: Cheri Records has directly impacted their artistry in significant ways. Cheri's influence even extends into the present, with DJ icons like David Morales, Dave Lee, Danny Krivit, and Colin Curtis continuing to champion its contributions.
This compilation brings together the most compelling tracks from the Cheri Records catalogue, shedding light on the label's extraordinary story and underscoring the idea that music, no matter how unassuming its origins, can transcend boundaries and reshape, influence and inform music to come for future generations.
This collection also represents the start of a new series here on Miles Away, a series that will delve into the labels and studios that were responsible for leaving a lasting imprint on the musical world. We've named this seriesEchoes From,and this compilation will be the first of many.
The vinyl package comes in a gatefold sleeve with in-depth liner notes and features interviews with Colin Curtis and David Morales. Also available on CD and digitally.
Sonum presents Paradise City Breakers – Midsommar Energy
Sonum’s debut release lands with Midsommar Energy, a 4-track solo EP from the Italian Boyz, born in the Puglian sun. Setting the foundation for the label, the record flows through bass-heavy grooves, glowing synths, and moods that shift seamlessly from peak-time energy to morning light.
The title track sparks the night with boogie basslines and playful textures, while "Too Bad… Because He Believes in You" dives into raw electro spirit with vocoder twists and a tight groove.
On the flip, "Hypnotic Mango" carries the crowd into sunrise, lush and immersive, before "They Don’t Know" closes with 80s-inspired pads and pure dancefloor fire.
A strong first step for Sonum, Midsommar Energy embodies the label’s vision: sound as connection, freedom, and celebration.
Daniele Baldelli
Considered one of the first DJs in Italy, Daniele Baldelli began his career in 1969 mixing vinyl at the Tana Club in Cattolica (his hometown),
predating the birth of the modern DJ by several years. In the following years, he solidified his talent and technique at histor such as the Tabù Club, Baia degli Angeli, and Cosmic. From 1979 to 1984, Baldelli created his unique and eclectic style, blendi ic clubs ng seemingly distant sounds and musical styles, complementing them with tempo adjustments (bpm) and deliberately extreme equalization,
creating a truly distinctive sound, known as "Afro Disco." Soundscapes and tribal percussion blend with early electronic music experiments, and Baldelli's sets become truly mystical experiences, where, for the first time, the temples are replaced by the dance floor.
The documentary film "A Cosmic Life" has just been released, starring Daniele Baldelli alongside other illustrious guests from the nightclub scene, recounting the history and formation of this movement from the 1970s to the present.
Gaudi
A producer/musician among the most highly regarded on the international dub/electronic scene, over the past 30 years Gaudi, from his
London studio, has contributed significantly to expanding the boundaries of musical genres with high-profile releases and innovative
music production techniques. Recently nominated for a Grammy Award with 'Mass Manipulation', the album he produced for the reggae
band Steel Pulse, and also nominated for a World Music Award with his album 'Dub Qawwali' with Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali
Khan, Gaudi has collected a series of number 1s on the international charts: Billboard - with the album 'Heavy Rain' by Lee "Scratch"
Perry, 'Vessel of Love' by singer Hollie Cook and with 'Mass Manipulation' by Steel Pulse -, UK Chart n.1 with the album 'Prism' by the
band The Orb (with whom he has collaborated as a producer and keyboardist since 2008), with 'Blue Monday' - by Gaudi himself with
the band Dub Pistols -, UK Dance Chart n.1 with 'Jus Come rmx' produced with DJ Angelino for Cool Jack. He also reached no. 41 the UK charts with the album ‘Midnight Rocker’ by reggae singer Horace Andy (known to the general public for his hits with Massive in
Attack), no. 13 with the album ‘Dubwise 2’ by the band Dreadzone and no. 5 in the Italian charts with the song ‘Lasciala Andare’, written
by him for Irene Grandi. With 19 solo albums and 350 remixes and productions under his belt, Gaudi, with his artistic versatility, has
worked with Groove Armada, UB40, Simple Minds, Brian Ferry, Devo, Big Audio Dynamite, Damian Marley, Seun Kuti, Mad Professor,
Trentemøller, Grandmaster Flash ft KRS-One, Lamb, Don Letts, The Beat, Deep Forest, African Head Charge (in which Gaudi is a keyboardist and dubmaster), Elisa, Scientist, Dub FX, Roedelius, Caparezza, Caravan Palace, EMF, Sizzla, Jovanotti, Sly & Robbie, Piero Pelù, Youth of Killing Joke, and Maxi Priest, to name just a few. Capleton,
Daniele Baldelli & Gaudi
DJ Daniele Baldelli and producer Gaudi first met three years ago at the Jazz Cafe in London. Mutual respect and an innate need to
create new stylistic fusions were the catalysts for Baldelli and Gaudi, leading to a series of subsequent meetings that inevitably culminated in the need to create music together. The project began at Gaudi's Metatron Studio in London using analog equipment and later
moved to Baldelli's studio in Cattolica, where the two organically defined their sound, also inspired by Baldelli's precious record collection. The duo consolidated a powerful compositional symbiosis, and the project, born from a simple initial groove, later transformed
into an entire EP consisting of four original tracks and a highly innovative sound, featuring fusions of psychedelic-funk, tribal-dub,
electronic-disco, and, of course, "Afro-Cosmic"! Daniele Baldelli and Gaudi began their sonic collaboration without setting any stylistic
direction and with the intention of not creating pre-established goals to achieve; it is a project of pure artistic freedom guided by their
compositional instinct and their experience. Constantly active with their evenings and live concerts, Baldelli and Gaudi have performed
individually in many of the best international clubs and festivals.
Cybernetic disco maestro Patrick Cowley graces Dark Entries once again with Hard Ware, an LP of far-out funk and synthpop celebrating what would have been Cowley’s 75th birthday. Best known for his chart-topping disco anthems, Cowley left us with an incredible body of work before his tragic death in 1982 due to AIDS-related illness. Since 2009, Dark Entries has been working with Cowley’s friends and family to uncover the singular artist’s lesser-known sides, including his soundtracks for gay pornographic films, which the label chronicled on compilation albums School Daze, Muscle Up, and Afternooners. Hard Ware presents the closing chapter in a trilogy of unreleased Cowley dancefloor bangers that began with 2022’s heavy-hitting Male Box and was continued with the soul and garage-inflected From Behind in 2024. The most expansive release in said trilogy, Hard Ware delivers ten tracks of pure, uncut Cowley: sultry, psychedelic, sarcastic, and just a bit sleazy. Cowley devotees will delight in “Tech-No,” a sparse instrumental demo version of his epically dystopian “Tech-No-Logical World.” You could soundtrack your next aerobics session with cheeky numbers like “Pajama Party Massacre” or “Shake It Up,” both of which feature Cowley himself on vocals. The frenetic “Big Ass in Motion” is built around samples from Rudy Ray Moore and The Madam’s infamous “Sensuous Black Woman,” an X-rated comedy record that would later feature in classic booty house records. Mid-tempo cosmic groovers are well-represented with jams like “Hellfire” and “Megablue,” which perfectly capture Cowley’s bathhouse-in-outerspace sensibilities. No collection of Cowley’s work would be complete without an interstellar floor-filler, and we’ve got quite a few here, like “Jungle Jump,” which pits whirling beats with dub-laced swirls of synth, or “Spellbinding Lover,” a Donna Summer-indebted melancholic boogie masterpiece that features Sylvester backup singer Jeanie Tracy. Hard Ware closes with the chilling synth-hymn ”Ice Age,” in which Loverde vocalist Peggy Gibbons sings of a coming frosty apocalypse. The story told in “Ice Age” mirrors the coming AIDS crisis and feels like a haunting premonition from Cowley. The record comes in a sleeve with a hand-airbrushed circuitboard-inspired design by Gwenaël Rattke, and includes lyrics as well as liner notes by Andrew Ryce and Peggy Gibbons. Hard Ware is another crucial document of a tremendous talent taken too soon.
Tesfa Williams' La Clique EP is a masterclass in house music's evolution - a sprawling, intricate journey that seamlessly connects the genre's past, present, and future.
Drawing from a well of deep musical knowledge, the Londoner continues to push things forward, offering a stunning five-track release that moves effortlessly through Deep, Afro, Bassline, UK Funky, and everything in between. He's also brought a few friends along for the ride: Zansika, Obi, and Tendai, each adding their own unique touches to this sonic exploration.
Opening track 'Beat & Break' is a perfect introduction to what the La Clique EP has in store, Tesfa leans heavily on a classic house sound and keeps the momentum with 'Don't Stop' featuring Obi Franky. 'Brain' is a rich and bass heavy swinger while 'Gonna Get Through' featuring Zansika hits all the right notes for an anthem in the making. Last but not least there is 'Shake It Up' featuring Tendai, a pairing that is a good as it gets when Tesfa's signature Uk house goes full into swing.
Each track stands as a distinct creation, unique in its flavour and style, but all delivering the same high level of quality we've come to expect from Tesfa Williams.
When Radial Gaze meets Nicola Kubebe, the result is Iron Pinky Toad — a title that sounds either like a secret kung-fu move or a lost cartoon book. But don’t be fooled — this one hits hard.
The long-awaited collab brings three original tracks — Phantom Limb, Lights of Phoenix and the title cut Iron Pinky Toad — that effortlessly bridge the gap between slow-burning tribal techno and the raw pulse of new beat nested into an early techno nutshell. Imagine dancing barefoot in a ritual under a disco eclipse — you’re getting close.
To seal the record, Playground Records boss Martin Noise steps in alongside rising sensation Anastasia Zems, pushing the release into full-blown dancefloor sorcery. The groove is deep, the bass is sweaty, and the toad… well, the toad is on fire !
Dropping Friday, July 18, 2025, via THISBE Recordings — available on vinyl and digital. Spin it, stream it, or whisper its name into the smoke at 3AM — either way, the dancefloor won’t know what hit it.
It's been over 60 years since the original recording, and now, this classic masterpiece is back in a monaural version with fantastic sound.
Hideo Shiraki, a key figure in Japanese jazz, left his mark with unique music and a strong presence. One of his standout works is "Matsuri no Gensou," recorded in 1961. This incredible piece takes a Japanese melody and transforms it into a cool jazz style, using a special arrangement with the koto. The collection also features exciting tracks like "Just One Or Eight" and the dynamic "Cherokee" with an amazing solo. Contributions from experts like Hidehiko Matsumoto and Yuzuru Sera add to the greatness. Even after 60 years, the music still feels fresh and passionate. Now reissued in monaural for the first time, this work stands as a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Enjoy the overwhelming sound of this significant piece in Japanese jazz history.
DUSTY DONUTS ISN’T JUST A LABEL — IT’S A TURNTABLE MANIFESTO.
Since its inception, the collective of vinyl scientists behind Dusty Donuts has been applying their signature "Dusty Formula" to every cut – a potent blend of deep crate knowledge, razor-sharp edits and roots firmly planted in the Hip-Hop culture. Each 45 is crafted with the instincts of seasoned DJs and the ears of lifelong diggers, spinning like a secret weapon on the decks: restructured classics and forgotten gems, reimagined with just the right bounce for today’s dance floors.
Now, with their new imprint DUSTY DONUTS CLASSICS, the crew levels up – kicking things off with a standout collaboration featuring the incredibly talented Emma Noble, who they first crossed paths with at the legendary Mojo Club. Emma’s soulful style and versatility made her the perfect fit for the launch of this new venture.
They assigned me your heavy, brooding planet. I don’t complain. Because what lies ahead is Contact.
You are still primitive. That’s not an insult — just an observation. You’re tangled in your inner workings. Fascinated by your metaphysical genitals, if we’re being precise. And yet — your spirit scored pretty high on the Interplanetary Index. Which is rare, and promising.
Your Enlightenment is near. And Enlightenment is essential — for Contact.
Many of you have already tasted the Synthetic Harmonies.
They’re signals. Invitations. Crafted by Artists who, knowingly or not, have already opened the gate.
You look up. You name stars.
You build flying machines.
You surf the sky in metal tubes, sipping juice.
You make big sounds with small boxes.
You fly above the clouds — and play with fire, hoping it counts as progress.
It does.
You’re getting closer.
But first, you need to fix one thing.
Learn to float.
In sound.
In light.
In pulse.
Float in the silence between the kicks.
And stop talking on the dancefloor!
Soon, we’ll drift together through the Great Cosmic Pattern.
Soon, your voices will be heard beyond atmosphere —
not shouting, just resonating.
Believe — Contact is closer than you think.
When it first appeared in 1986, the 'Desert Equations: Azax Attra' album
was greeted with enthusiasm, awe and disbelief: nobody had done
anything quite like that before, and this dizzying, inspired blend of
Persian tradition, New York avantgarde and electronic music remains
incomparable, powerful and mesmerising to this day
A haunting and futuristic album, it combines the sublime voice of Iranian vocalist
Sussan Deyhim and the electronic wizardry of US composer Richard Horowitz.
'Desert Equations' wonderfully blends the duo's multiple sources, including their
experiences at the epicentre of New York's early 1980s avantgarde music and
theatre scene, Sussan Deyhim's knowledge of traditional Persian music and its
reverberation in modern Iranian arts, and Richard Horowitz's background in jazz,
electronics and Moroccan folk music. This 2021 remastered reissue includes
three previously- unreleased bonus tracks, one included on the LP and two only
available on the CD and digitally, and a rich booklet with photographs and notes
recounting the duo's fascinating life stories.
Sussan Deyhim went on to work with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Jah Wobble,
Bobby McFerrin, Adrian Sherwood, Ornette Coleman, and renowned visual artist
Shirin Neshat. Richard Horowitz has collaborated with David Byrne, was the
original artistic director of the Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira, and has written and
recorded film soundtracks for the likes of Oliver Stone. In April 2021, Deyhim and
Horowitz were invited to perform at the first Nobel Prize Summit.
Continuing the percussive-driven and emotive themes from his previous EPs, CAIN reaches beyond the boundaries of experimental electronic and Celtic music from the Scottish Highlands. "Lineage" is the result of a life-long goal to combine his passion and experience in these respective worlds. The album includes Brighde Chaimbeul on Scottish small pipes, James Mackenzie on flute and vocals by Katie Mackenzie.
The common thread that connects his discography is the intense rhythmic and melodic elements that convey his love of ‘infectious rhythm, ethereal beauty, or an otherworldly strangeness’. His productions have garnered support from DJs like Ben UFO, Gilles Peterson, Peggy Gou, Hunee, Haai, Erol Alkan, Ame, Oneman, and Midland, amongst others. Balancing rhythmic precision with profound harmonic depth, CAIN weaves evocative builders that ignite dancefloors at peak time and reveal intricate sonic tapestries in the intimate confines of headphones.
CAIN's musical background is rooted in traditional Scottish bagpipe music, which evolved through his competitive performances on an international level. His experience and knowledge enhanced CAIN’s understanding of how regional folk music reflects specific environments and cultures. Through the competition circuit he met Brìghde Chaimbeul, out on the scenic games fields of Uist, Glenfinnan and many others. He also competed against James Mackenzie, an amazing piper and flautist. James is a former member of the band Breabach. His wife, Katie Mackenzie is a superb Gaelic singer.
The recordings with James and Katie were done on the island of Bernera, off the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and recordings with Brìghde were made in Edinburgh.
Mastered by Sam at Precise, Design by Alexander Horne, Pressed and printed at Record Industry
Ketapasando presents “Mesetarian Breaks” (KTPV004): a high-speed journey through breakbeat terrains Madrid-based label Ketapasando returns with its fourth vinyl release: “Mesetarian Breaks” (KTPV004) — a 12” compilation that celebrates the raw energy and diversity of breakbeat in all its forms.
Four artists, four unique visions, one common goal: break the dancefloor. Pressed on 180g vinyl with full-color artwork and a protective silicone sleeve, this EP delivers an explosive blend of jungle, technoid, ragga-core, and futuristic breaks.
Each track showcases a distinct approach to rhythm, crafted by key figures from both the Spanish underground and the broader European scene.
THE ARTISTS:
FFF, a cornerstone of the European jungle scene, brings a ragga-core blast soaked in rave heritage and hardcore attitude.
Berman, co-founder of Madrid’s Bellota Dubs, delivers a rolling cut built on tight vocal samples and chopped-up 160 bpm energy.
Jailed Jamie, known for his audiovisual storytelling, blends jazzy melodies with sharp breaks for a cinematic yet floor-ready experience.
Tarek, core Ketapasando producer, makes his vinyl debut with a deep, heavyhitting technoid track forged in the fires of the 174 bpm realm.
“Mesetarian Breaks” is more than a record — it's a love letter to broken rhythms, a sonic dive into the Iberian underground, and a statement of intent from a label fully committed to the breakbeat spectrum. Snippets available in this email.
Det Gode Selskab presents its latest vinyl release, DGS10Y2. This exclusive drop continues the label's 10th-anniversary festivities, encapsulating the sound that has shaped Oslo’s underground house music scene. DGS10Y2 brings together a standout selection of tracks, each crafted to capture Det Gode Selskab's unique blend of dance floor energy and rich musical storytelling.
Label founder, Tod Louie opens Side A with Trixie, a playful, modular-heavy progression that shifts between intense stabs and melodic synths, embodying a “devil on the shoulder” vibe. Mike Shannon’s Data Missive follows, blending crunchy modular tones with evolving percussion. Side B features Since Day One by Ohm Hourani, adding hopeful synths and trippy vocals, while Karl Fraunhofer’s Protect The Party closes with a low-slung groove and distinctive vocal effects, telling a well-known late-night tale.
With 200 copies only, this limited edition release stands as a piece of the label’s history. Make sure and don’t sleep on this.
Nine Inch Nails returns with over 70 minutes of new music for the motion picture TRON: Ares, the first soundtrack / score work from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross that will live under the Nine Inch Nails moniker; consisting of all original music, complete at 24 tracks. Reznor and Ross bring their Grammy and Oscar-winning sonic vision to the Grid, crafting a soundtrack that hums with menace, melancholy, and momentum. More than an album, its architecture in sound: pulsating synths, distorted textures, and haunting melodies that rewire the TRON universe from the inside out. It is the collision of analog soul and digital dread—a score that doesn't just accompany the film, it possesses it.
Deep In Dis Intl. is back with another killer release, this time by Brazilian sound system culture precursor Rassan and his Don't Hesitate EP. It includes a remix by UK's rising DJ Producer Bailey Ibbs. It is widely known by now that the Brazilian electronic music scene is one of the fastest growing and its artists are gradually developing a unique style with a strong international influence. Rassan, co-founder of the Nice & Deadly record label is a promising talent, making noise with his 90's raver influenced productions.
A1. "Don't Hesitate" is like stepping into a time machine. Nostalgic piano riffs, classic breakbeats and catchy vocal samples. Perfect summer anthem.
A2. "Rota De Fuga" is one of those tracks that can really transport you just by closing your eyes. It has a darker, trippy and speedier vibe that stimulates and submerges you deeper into the night.
Flipping the record, B1 is just a perfect example of Bailey's dynamic skills to program beats, adding some quirky sounds, an infectious electro pattern and a super deep breakdown. Robot dance style for this one!
B2. 'Bury The Hatchet' closes this wicked EP with a sublime energy. Proper deep jungle vibes. Four special tracks for any special moment of the party.
"It all originates from a state between dream and reality - a drunkenness. Each title alludes to something blurry, abstract, or even unfinished. The next day, you wake up and don't know if what you did was or simply wasn't. A distinctive endeavor with a somewhat lo-fi filter, featuring ambient touches, experimental dub elements, and holistically defined as avant-garde."
New identity for new music, Bastien is part of anonymous Barcelona. And little more can be said about him.
Craigie Knowes day-one affiliate The Burrell Connection rejoins Craigie Knowes for his much anticipated EP ‘I Waste My Time So You Don’t Have To’. Featuring the fantastic ‘E Before I’ which has been heard in various forms across Berlin’s underground in the past few months, accompanied by an additional version taken from The Burrell Connection’s recent LIVE performance in Tresor, invited by Wania’s LNS & DJ Sotofett. The B-Side comes correct with the dubbed-out power of ‘Celestial’ alongside the quintessential Burrell Connection galaxy-spanning pads and bass combo on ‘Ensemble’. One for the real heads, from dub to club.
The landscapes of Orlan 19 resembled the dream of a mad cartographer: cliffs were floating above the surface, horizons were bending and vanishing into infinity, and energy vortices were flaring up beneath their feet in psychedelic patterns. The familiar laws of physics didn’t apply here — gravity shifted chaotically, and time flew with unpredictable intensity. As Spacelunch, absorbed in thought, stroked the ground which distorted like a mirage under his touch, Cat’s grumbling echoed simultaneously from the past and future:
— Doc, don’t you think we’re just walking in circles?
— No wonder. That’s how inverse modelling works. Every action we take reshapes the surrounding space.
— Can you explain it in simpler terms? There’s only one genius here.
— Ever heard of the Philadelphia Experiment?
— Of course! You know how much I love sushi rolls!
— Well, I set myself up for this predicament… Back in my university days, we experimented with magnetic fields trying to program them by thought. You get where I’m going, don’t you? The planet is reacting to our intentions. So, focus on visualizing the portal.
The confusion on Cat’s face gave way to a mask of detachment. Clusters of matter began to tremble pulling the threads of reality to their breaking point before finally forming a vortex. Having devoured as much as it could, the vortex snapped shut with a loud pop and dissolved in a blinding flash.
As the scene began to take shape, silhouettes emerged under the soft glow of a desk lamp, evoking an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. A worn desk and a small bed stood by the wall adorned with faded photographs, while the floor let out a gentle creak underfoot. The clearer the interior came to be, the more paralyzing the realization, and the more elusive the explanation for what had happened became.
— Holy…! Cat, are we looking at the same thing?
— Yeah, but… This can’t be real.
Spacelunch slowly approached the window and froze still. A single thought raced through his mind: “The only force strong enough to pull me this far… was love.”
Zurich-born, New York-based DJ Tony y Not is best known for her free-spirited sets, seamlessly weaving together techy acid, progressive, dark disco, and heart-opening indie. She brings that signature energy to her Kompakt debut with striking precision. Have You Lost Your Mind channels a touch of Swan Lake-era Todd Terry – one of NYC house’s legendary figures – delivering a razor-sharp acid line, a rock-solid groove, and one of the most flawlessly executed breakdown/drop combos in recent memory. Deep Don’t Stop follows suit, skillfully reviving the essence of ’90s New York club culture in a way that would have set Junior Vasquez’s Sound Factory ablaze. True to her mission, Tony y Not continues to spread joy and uplift others, both on and off the dance floor.
TEE MANGO’s first release on Kompakt has been a long time coming. Ever since Michael Mayer heard his sunkissed remix of The Invisible’s ‘K Town Sunset’ back in 2017, he’s been obsessed with his music. The two tracks here, ‘Moonshots’ and ‘My Mind Is Making Up Monsters’, are prime examples of TEE’s ability to create heartfelt, uplifting modern house music. There’s a sense of bacchanal liberation, a potent transcendental element that opens the mind to joyful bliss.
This 1998 album compiles unreleased sessions from the late 70s featuring Weldon Irvine, Don Blackman and a young Marcus Miller. Known for his rare groove classics like Spirit Man in 1975 and Sinbad in 1976, Irvin's work shines here and highlights come thick and fast. They include the soulful 'Morning Sunrise' which was famously sampled by Jay-Z and Drake, the jazzy funk of 'The Sisters' with Miller's bass and Tom Brown's trumpet and the smooth 'Heard It All Before' which mixes urban sophistication with mellow fusion. Toni Smith's dynamic vocals on the funky 'Think I'll Stay A While' is another doozy which makes this masterpiece rich with jazz, soul and funk goodness.
Portuguese based Nørbak returns to Soma with his second single for the label, the Myelination EP. Nørbak is quickly making a name for himself in the global scene and has just completed his debut album to much critical acclaim. The young producer has built a wealth of knowledge on sound design and is clearly represented in his music which is deep and rich in sonic experiments whilst retaining dancefloor focus. This latest EP has Spanish techno maestro Oscar Mulero & fellow Portuguese talent Lewis Fautzi, deliver two fantastic remixes that perfectly compliment the originals.
Nørbak's "Myelination" starts the EP with driving percussive elements that propel the track from the opening. Swamped with light & ethereal FX, dark and droning sounds take the track down a ominous path. Lewis Fautzi steps up next with his remix of Myelination. With a more minimalistic interpretation he manages to continue the dark and direct momentum of the original. On the flip, Mirante rattle hards with steady and precise percussion, bolted together with heavy rolling kicks and sub and a perfectly muted rhythm throughout. Techno don Oscar Mulero closes the EP with his version of Mirante. He immediately ups the ante with driving 909 beats and huge atmospheric FX that guide the rhythms. Mulero always on point with his signature sound design and techno aesthetic.
Now we look to the horizon of the unknown, We have no need of other worlds. We need mirrors. We don't know what to do with other worlds. A single world, our own, suffices us; we can't accept it for what it is, But the Journey has already began - Fantastic planet 004 Will be out soon with dearest friends @byronyeates @hamatsuki @reshio.dj Huge thanks @ggrdzelishvili for Art direction and @alden.tyrell 4 Dope mastering
Sophomore release from the acclaimed trio of Inspectah Deck (Wu-Tang Clan) And 7L & Esoteric. Features MF Doom, GZA, Method Man, Large Professor, Juju Of The Beatnuts, Ra The Rugged Man, & Meyhem Lauren. Packaged in a 70+ Page Hardcover CD Casebook / 2LP on Clear vinyl with Lyrics & Cover Art From L'amour Supreme (Mishka NYC). Includes a comic, written by Esoteric with artwork by Gilberto Aguirre Mata (El Ultimo Codice) & L'Amour Supreme. CZARFACE - Wu-Tang founding MC Inspectah Deck and veteran Boston duo 7L & Esoteric - isn't concerned with the glitz and the B.S. that modern consumer culture is pushing. And neither are the group's fans. In 2013, the trio appeared relatively unassumingly with their self-titled debut, which was chiefly produced by DJ 7L and included guests ranging from Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna to Vinnie Paz, Action Bronson and Roc Marciano. The soon-to-be acclaimed group found out quickly that there was a groundswell of hip-hop fanatics thirsting for the lunchpail, lyrics-above-all-else rap they fell in love with in the '90s. Several pressings of the album on CD, 2-LP and even cassette later, they are back and ready to up the ante. This time around the group is the same, but it's fair to say that all three men have stepped up their game. We knew how we felt about the last album, but weren't sure how it would be received by listeners,' explains MC Esoteric. But people really responded to it, even more than we had hoped. That gave us the confidence to really spread our wings and let loose on this one. The chemistry is even tighter this time around. We know exactly what lanes we are cruising in and what weight class we are fighting in for Round 2.' Inspectah Deck adds, Czarface is like the Danger Room for the X-Men, I can use all my weapons on there. When I'm in Wu-Tang, I have to come a certain way because we have a certain style of fan, when I'm here doing the Czarface projects, it allows me to actually be an MC, it allows me to actually just spit...I love that. I love when i can just spit freely and just be an MC.' The fighting analogy - whether drawn from pugilism or '80s wrestling, both which figure into Every Hero Needs A Villain - is an apt one, considering the unrelenting lyrical attacks that Deck and Esoteric unleash on track after track, each trying to one-up the previous verse. Best of all, it is friendly camaraderie, based around a loose theme of renegade mutant MC talents running wild. DJ 7L explains, All three of us are influenced by comics, sci-fi movies, TV, wrestling. Czarface encompasses all of that, and it helps with the visuals as well.' On the production side, 7L shows yet again - as he did with the group's debut - that he remains a formidable yet underappreciated musical force, constantly providing hard, funky and alternatingly ominous backdrops for the assembled MCs to use as lyrical luge paths. If that wasn't enough, it's all iced with a ridiculously intricate and beefy 70-plus page, hardcover CD casebook with lyrics and extensive artwork by Gilberto Aguirre Mata (El Ultimo Codice) and L'amour Supreme, and with Death & Abduction,' a comic written by Esoteric, and an explosive, comic-book-inspired cover by L'amour Supreme (Mishka NYC).
01. Don The Armor
02. Czartacus
03. Lumberjack Match
04. Nightcrawler (Feat. Method Man)
05. World Premier (Feat. Large Professor)
06. The Great (Czar Guitar)
07. Red Alert
08. Junkyard Dogs (Feat. Juju Of The Beatnuts)
09. Sgt. Slaughter
10. When Gods Go Mad (Feat. Gza)
11. Ka-Bang! (Feat. Mf Doom)
12. Deadly Class (Feat. Meyhem Lauren)
13. Escape From Czarkham Asylum
14. Sinister
15. Good Villains Go Last (Feat. Ra The Rugged Man)
Happy to welcome back Dust Yard who released excellent music on Zingiber Audio for 5 years and De Yan who released a digital ep on the early years of the label. Only quality tracks with this 2 amazing producers whom know very well the deep and minimal house we release for 15 years.
Very limited copies as usual so don’t sleep on this one too.
I know that people love to read the stories related to the background of each release on Future Retro London & how they came together, but I'll be honest, I have no recollection at all about how this release came into existence????
Sorry that I can't give much insight on anything to do with this release, I imagine that DJ Sofa pitched me the idea to get remixes done of our collab from her FR011 release and one thing led to another...
Rather than try and piece together the process of what happened to make this release into a thing, I'll just skip to the big ups. Thanks to Soeneido, Cheetah & Janaway for their remix work, to DJ Sofa for the idea (I think?) for this release and for her work on the original and to my memory for failing me in this moment where I was hoping it would come through for me.
Trust in 6 was a one-off project by Torsten Stenzel, produced in collaboration with André Fischer (Recall IV, Technoline, Scope) and Lars Janzik (Scrot). Their sole release, “Life in Ecstasy”, came out in 1991 on Techno Drome International, a sub-label of ZYX Records, and earned a spot on the first volume of the legendary Techno Trax compilation series. The track fuses techno and EBM with a dark, driving energy-layering classic trance arpeggios, eerie pizzicato samples, and haunting, hypnotic vocals into a standout piece of early '90s electronic music.
Limited edition of 300 copies on black vinyl and 200 copies on clear vinyl, including both original mixes, the renowned Digital Mix (also known as Razormaid Mix), and a radio edit.
SEVEN welcomes Seoul-based Suman, whose vocal-driven signature sound marks our seventh release. This EP, exclusively showcasing the talents of Korean artists, features longtime affiliates of Seoul's club FAUST and early friends of SEVEN. The B-side is enriched with two remixes by female artists, DAMIE and Mars Parck. While the opening track drives forward with a more energetic, fast-paced vibe, the remaining tracks on the A-Side embrace dreamy, laidback house grooves accented by slightly cheesy yet classic vocals - perfect for a daytime dance.
4 track EP of smokin' hot disco & funk re-edits from Chicago's CRAIGNTHEM. In the same vein as the popular GU "CLASSIQUES" series and just as good. The debut vinyl release soon to be followed by more ripped out of the digital vault. Don't sleep on these. If you know, you know.
Mexican enfant extraordinaire Iñigo Vontier is rolling in with his debut EP for Feines Tier and it’s a match made in heaven. Just judging on the name alone, as he seems to be from some kind of royal Tier family descent. But enough with the mind-numbingly bad puns and on to some brain-meltingly good music.
Rolling. Everything’s rolling. Zongato is rolling. We don’t know who or what a Zongato is (a Google search just led to a Twitch streamer with that name and 0 followers), but they are definitely rolling. It’s got this special combination of straight and uncompromising beat and bass paired with psychedelic synth sirens floating around your head that somehow only the Mexicans really know how to nail.
Astrolo is rolling. Like a well-oiled machine. Well, maybe like a not so well-oiled machine, one that’s shrieking and creaking, but has been running since forever and reliably will do so until we’re all gone from this Earth.
If you ask Google Translate, Mucha Onda means „very cool“ in English, „molto bello“ in Italian or „valde frigidus“ in Latin and there is nothing more to add to that.
The psychedelics are back (were they ever gone?) and kick in in full swing on Hedonist Lizard. A dangerous cocktail of high-proof alcoholic drum and bass patterns paired with some sugary spicy herbals of unknown origin, better not down it in one go. You were warned.
On The Sounds Are Good, the sounds are good indeed! And rolling.
LDF (Lello Di Franco) makes a powerful return to Skylax, this time teaming up with Detroit's own Javonntte. Following his stellar release with Gari Romalis, LDF delivers a release that is pure gold for fans of the original Detroit sound. If you appreciate the styles of Moodymann, Theo Parrish, or Omar S, this record is bound to resonate deeply. The EP opens with "Disco One (All Night Long)," a groove-heavy track that embodies the essence of classic Detroit house. It pulses with soulful basslines and infectious rhythms, setting a hypnotic tone that's perfect for late-night sessions. "Saved" ventures into Chicago acid territory, a tribute to the raw, driving energy of classic acid house. With its punchy 303 basslines and tight, snappy percussion, it channels the best of Chicago's underground with a fresh, modern edge. "After Midnight" offers a smooth, after-hours vibe, balancing deep, jazzy chords with a pulsating rhythm that keeps the energy simmering. It's a track that brings warmth and intimacy, ideal for closing sets or introspective moments. "Martha" is a lush, emotionally rich track that embodies LDF's Italian roots while staying grounded in Detroit's heritage. With warm melodies and a rolling bassline, it delivers a balance between soulful warmth and a classic dancefloor feel. "Love Anthem" is a heartfelt groove, merging lush pads and laid-back percussion with a sense of nostalgic euphoria. It's a track that brings people together, a true love letter to house music. "People From Mars" pays homage to Omar S, with its stripped-down, gritty approach. The track has a rough, analog feel, capturing the raw energy and spirit of Detroit's underground. Finally, "The Dirty Digital Show" closes the EP on an intense note, with a driving rhythm and futuristic soundscapes. As an Italian DJ and producer from Naples, LDF brings his decades of experience—starting from his early inspirations in house and techno in 1993—into this record. Also, as co-owner of Frole Records and co-founder of Basic Frame Distribution, his knowledge of the scene is profound, and it's reflected in each meticulously crafted track. This release is a testament to the timelessness and diversity of house music.
Artwork done by legendary french cult designer H5 (Daft Punk, Air, Etienne de Crecy …)
A pioneering force in African music, Jo Tongo has always been on top of the game. Since the late 60s he has been recording music under his early Jojo L'Explosif moniker. His debut album "Jo Tongo" was released 1976 on Fiesta/Decca and features classic tracks like Jangolo and Piani. Now, after decades of underground influence and global recognition, his second album Sa Discossa (1980) is re-released for the first time. Being an electrifying fusion of African rhythms, disco, makossa, reggae and funk it is reflecting his lifelong journey of musical exploration and cultural storytelling and claims its place as an essential recording in the Afro-disco movement.
Jo Tongo's music is inseparable from his life's story-a journey that spans continents, struggles, and victories. From his early years as a leading African musician before the global rise of Afrobeat, to his deep roots in classical training, and his time performing in France and Germany, his sound is shaped by a rich blend of influences. Having played in bands across Europe, from American military bases in Germany to the jazz and soul circuits of Paris, he absorbed the pulse of multiple musical worlds, creating a sound uniquely his own.
"My music is my life. I never saw it as a way to become a star-I am a simple man," Tongo explains. "I came into music to say something, to tell about life, to share my experiences with the world." His perspective on fame and artistry is deeply rooted in his Cameroonian background. "I wasn't interested in business. I wanted to build something with music, to create a sound that was mine."
But Jo Tongo's music has always carried a deeper message. His work reflects his strong political stance against colonialism, social injustice, and oppression. "I cannot stay silent while my people suffer," he says. "Music is a way to resist, to stand strong, and to remind people of their dignity and their power." Throughout his career, Tongo has used his platform to advocate for African identity and independence. His songs, layered with messages of social consciousness, have continued to resonate with younger generations who recognize the relevance of his words even today.
Sa Discossa is more than just a disco record. It embodies Jo Tongo's philosophy of resistance, identity, and celebration. The title itself is a blend of "disco" and "makossa," reflecting the seamless fusion of African groove and the dancefloor energy that defined the era. Tracks like Bunya, sung in his native language, carry messages of love, gratitude, and resilience-sentiments that remain as relevant today as they were nearly 50 years ago. As Tongo describes it, "Every day, give thanks and praise to your Lord. Every day, show me your love. Every day, let me show you my tender love."
Tongo's musical journey also took him through the world of reggae, inspired by his exposure to American and Caribbean artists. "At first, I didn't like reggae-it was too slow for me," he admits. "But then I heard Bob Marley, and I realized the power in its simplicity. The rhythm, the
message-it was all connected to something bigger." He later found himself embracing reggae as an essential part of his musical DNA. "I realized that my music and reggae shared the same roots. We are all connected, all telling the same story in different ways."
Having spent much of his career performing across Europe, Jo Tongo reflects on his connection with international audiences. "I've played everywhere-from Africa to Germany, from Paris to other cities in France and what I've learned is that music speaks a universal language. You don't need to know the words to feel the message."
Despite taking a step back from the stage in recent years, he remains open to new possibilities. "Music is like a fire-it never truly dies. I have a lot to say, and music is the best way to say it."
For Jo Tongo, music is more than entertainment-it's a language of truth, a testament to history, and a bridge between cultures. The rhythm of Sa Discossa lives on, stronger than ever. With Sa Discossa returning under the African Edge series on The Outer Edge label, Jo Tongo's legacy continues to resonate, proving that real music never fades.
Imagine having a song go viral for 17 years - without even knowing it. That's exactly what happened to the German 1980s band FEX. And this isn't just any song - it's The Most Mysterious Song on the Internet, a track that puzzled music detectives for decades before finally being identified in November 2024. Now, it has been officially released - twice.
The Story in Brief:
Sometime around 1984, a song was broadcasted on NDR Radio. The name of the song was Subways Of Your Mind - only found out 40 years later in November 2024. Back then, a listener recorded the NDR show on cassette, a common practice at the time. Decades later, the tape resurfaced, but while most songs from the recording were identified, one remained an enigma. On March 18, 2007, the track was uploaded to the internet in an attempt to uncover its origins. Due to its now-iconic opening lyric, it was tentatively titled Like The Wind. Over time, the mystery deepened, and the song was given a nickname: The Most Mysterious Song - or simply TMMS.
Starting in 2019, a dedicated Reddit group, TheMysteriousSong, now boasting over 63,000 members, took up the search. They meticulously documented every lead, hoping to solve the riddle of the song's origins. Then, in 2024, the breakthrough: Reddit user marjin1412 reached out to musician Michael Hädrich after discovering a reference to his band FEX in an old newspaper article. Hädrich, FEX's keyboardist, provided a recording from an old demo cassette which included an alternative version of the song. On November 4, 2024, the mystery was officially solved: FEX was the band, Subways Of Your Mind was the title.
What Happened Next:
Since then, FEX has released two singles - both featuring Subways Of Your Mind - through the Berlin-based independent label The Outer Edge. First, the demo cassette version was pressed onto vinyl, as the original NDR radio recording remained lost (see EDGE-028). The Remastered Demo Mix single instantly topped Bandcamp's global charts, holding the #1 spot for several days. By then, it was clear: this was more than just an internet curiosity. A real fanbase had formed. Enthusiastic comments on the sales page ranged from "best post-punk song to ever exist" to "FEX themselves (are) perhaps the most underrated musicians of all time."
But the story didn't end there. A higher-quality version of the NDR radio recording was rediscovered in late december, remastered, and now sent for a second vinyl pressing: the TMMS Version. This new vinyl 7" is backed with Talking Hands another great and unissued song that was found on the demo cassette.
Fame Comes with a Price
Suddenly, time isn't standing still for FEX. The band had to come to terms with the fact that they had become Lostwave super stars. A FEX fan club quickly formed on Reddit, fan-hosted FEX parties are popping up, and the internet is demanding more - an album, merchandise, live performances. But how does a band prepare for a comeback after a 40-year hiatus?
For now, FEX is carefully considering their next steps. Their demo cassette contains six songs - and a few other recordings have resurfaced which probably could be restored and compiled. But foremost, a brand new re-recording of Subways Of Your Mind is in progress.
One thing is certain: The Most Mysterious Song will continue its unstoppable journey around the world. Don't miss this (second) chance to own a piece of music history!
Re issue of Timmy Thomas's long sought after "Afrcaino" 12" excavated from the deepest realms of the TK Disco vaults.
When it comes to this Deep Disco cut, Africano is one of those tracks that became a dancefloor favorite of Danielle Baldelli who during the 80s played Disco, African records, American R&B, and reggae to create what has been since become known as the Afro-Cosmic scene at the height of Club culture in the discotheques of Northern Italy. Remastered, represented and brought back into focus for 2017's DJ bags and dance-floors!
As usual, these TK represses are always done in the proper manner. 100% legit re-edits, from the archive, remastered and released in conjunction with Henry Stone Music / TK Disco - Miami FL.
It’s been a journey, but thanks to the guys at Universal Music we are very grateful and privileged to bring you this fine piece of modern soul music on vinyl.
Both tracks, on the 7-inch, are taken from the MP3 only 2020 album “Vintage R&B”.
It’s an Anglo-Swedish affair, delivered to you by Swedish songwriters, composers and musicians, Henrik Wikstrom and Anders Lewen, together with UK producer Andrew Stannard.
Side A “Time to Make A Change”, features in Episode One of the 2023 BBC documentary “Fight the Power – How Hip Hop Changed the World”. A track to surely get the dancefloor moving.
After some deliberation of which track to include as a Side B, it was decided as a “Thank you” gesture to invite Universal Music to pick the song of their choice from the MP3 album. “Good, Good Feeling” was the proposal, a song title that is reflected in the composition.
The top side, with its driving beat and the strong vocal ability of Liverpudlian Tommy Blaize, is reminiscent of a Motown track at the peak of its popularity. After listening to the lyrics, it is understandable why this track was used in a “Civil rights” segment within a documentary. A timeless message that can be applied to many social and personal life situations. Listen to the tight musical arrangement. These guys know what they are doing. A track that will surely even get my ageing hips loosened up for the dancefloor. Don’t be tricked by the “paused” ending, a wonderful touch!
The title of the flip side, “Good, good feeling” is exactly that……… A “good feeling” song. Here, the tempo is lowered slightly and the sixties vibe here also leads to a more mainstream direction compared to the A side. Those floaty soulful tones from the UK’s Louise Marshall are very pleasant to the ears, lifting your spirits on any day of the week. Like the A side, get your earlobes in to that musical arrangement. There was no holding back with the broadness of musical instruments in the studio and I especially like the sound of the flute happily skipping throughout. Overall, an enjoyable easy listen.
For many italo disco fans, Dyva is nothing short of a mythical name. A cult act surrounded by mystery, legend, and endless debates fueled by pure passion. And it all started with their iconic track “Oh Mama Tonight”, which, adding fuel to the fire, was released only as a promo single. That rare Boot Legs vinyl became the holy grail for collectors, a lifelong hunt for true italo enthusiasts.
After just three official releases (the last one in 1990), Dyva seemingly vanished from the face of the earth… Until the early 2000s, when Finnish italo aficionado Kimmo Salo tracked them down in Sestri Levante, Italy. That unexpected meeting sparked a brand-new chapter, both for Kimmo’s soon-to-be-born label Flashback Records and for Dyva’s founding members Roberto Calzolari & Massimo Traversoni. Encouraged by Kimmo, the duo returned to the studio to bring back to life not only their long-lost 80s demos but also fresh new material.
This album is a true time capsule, covering the period between 1986 and 2024, featuring never-before-released single versions, true gems. For any die-hard Dyva fan, this is nothing less than an essential addition to the collection.
INDEPENDENT RECORD SHOP AND LABEL KLANG TONE RECORDS RE-ISSUE DEBUT ALBUM BY 8 PIECE INSTRUMENTAL EHTIOPIAN JAZZ/AFRO-BEAT/PROG COLLECTIVE;
TEZETA
“Absolutley gorgeous from start to finish…”
- Deb Grant, BBC 6 Music
“An instant obsession. Impeccable rhythms and hypnotic melodies—Tezeta crafts a spellbinding fusion of Addis and Avon that takes you on a journey."
- Don Leisure
“Gorgeous mood music with more than a nod to Addis. Lovely tapestries and textures”
- Matt Temple, Matsuli Music
'Formed in Bristol back in2014 Tezeta were an experimental 8 piece instrumental group effortlessly combining Ethiopian jazz, Afrobeat, prog and improvisation. The band spawned out of the much loved Bloom Collective - a collective of musicians and friends from an experimental corner of the city’s buzzing music scene.
Led by composer, pianist and bandleader Daniel Inzani (Spindle Ensemble, Cosmo Sheldrake) the band also featured tenor saxophonists Andrew Neil Hayes (Run Logan Run) and Lorenzo Prati (Count Bobo, the Evil Usses, Itchigo Evil), Harriet Riley (Spindle Ensemble, Paraorchestra) on Marimba, vibraphone and percussion, Pete Gibbs (Count Bobo) on bass, Conrad Singh (Alabaster dePlume, the Evil Usses) on electric guitar and finally two(!) drummers Matthew Jones (The Brackish, Slate Trio) and Daniel Truen (Yama Warashi, The Evil Usses, Rozi Plain, Count Bobo).
They initially got together to play music from ‘The Ethiopiques Volumes’, in particular, the work of Mulatu Astatke, hence the name Tezeta (Ethiopian for nostalgia) but quickly evolved into their own style with all original material, incorporating many other influences along the way. Their much loved, debut album 'Seventh Place' was released in Sept 2016.
“We at Klang Tone have been admirers of Daniel Inzani’s work with Spindle Ensemble and I was fortunate to catch Tezeta perform before they disbanded. I bought one of the last available copies of their home released cdr at their gig at local Stroud venue The Prince Albert. It became a firm favourite - a recording I keep playing and never got tired of. It’s such a beguiling mix of styles - always evolving and resolving in different ways to what you might expect - some thrilling ensemble playing rhythmically propelled by two drummers and a percussionist with Daniel’s evocative melodies at the centre. I was convinced this was a recording that deserved a bigger audience and felt it needed to be heard on vinyl so I started a conversation with Daniel about releasing it on Klang Tone as it perfectly encapsulated the raison d'être of the shop and label. We didn’t want this recording to languish online barely listened to - I felt it was in danger of becoming a lost classic. I hope that this vinyl release is a worthy testament to this great band and helps draw attention to the creative genius of composer Daniel Inzani and the talented ensemble of players featured on the recording.” - Sean Roe, Klang Tone Records
Tezeta had a cult following among other musicians and were known for their wild group solo wig outs, virtuoso musicianship and creative use of unusual rhythm, harmony and melody. They toured across the UK at various venues and festivals including Glastonbury, Shambala and Green Man, and subsequently released an EP named ‘Curious Bubble’ in 2020.
In 2023 Tezeta performed a sold out final show at Strange Brew, Bristol as Inzani decided to pursue solo releases, notably his critically acclaimed triple vinyl album ‘Selected Worlds’ released on Hidden Notes Records which landed in the Guardian Top 10 Contemporary Albums of the Year in 20204. The third disc ‘Play’ was a clear continuation and development of the music Inzani had developed with Tezeta and featured many of the same musicians.'
The cover image is from ‘Project Rewind’, a double exposure photography collaboration between Karen Dews and Paul Blakemore.
Graphic design by Adam Hinks.
