Search:e life

Celebrating its anniversary with a characteristically bold move, Kyiv-based vinyl label Artreform isn't closing a chapter - it's opening a new one. Rather than issuing a standard 50th release, the label jumps straight to release 51 with this striking 8-track mini-album - a sly nod to the new sounds and exciting events still to come.
Splitting the anniversary release into two parts (four tracks each) creates a liminal space between the past and the future; between canonical house sounds and futuristic sound experiments. Unwavering ambition and a daring vision have long defined Artreform - and are deeply embedded in the creative credo of its founder, DJ, producer, and vinyl connoisseur Joss.
After an impressive 13-year journey, it's fair to say that Artreform has never succumbed to the lure of fleeting trends, remaining steadfast in its dedication to quality tech house, deep house, and microhouse. At the same time, the label continues to stay sharp, hungry for new ideas, and firmly in step with the times - while many imprints of similar vintage slide into self-mythologizing mode, focusing on reissues and retrospective compilations.
The new release makes this abundantly clear. The second half of the celebratory mini-album features a vibrant, life-affirming dancefloor cut from JOSS; a peak-time rave-inspired killer by iO (Mulen) - an artist who's been with Artreform since day one; a stylish deep house groove from seasoned masters Gorje Hewek & Binu Raal; and an ethereal vibe courtesy of Swedish standout Cirkel Square, whose music sounds dreamy, arresting, and otherworldly.

For the first time on Little Beat More, Sweden’s Cumbiasound deliver a vibrant 7” that expands their ever-evolving exploration of tropical soundscapes. Led by Daniel Fridell, the band has long been pushing the boundaries of cumbia while keeping its analogue heart beating strong, blending classic Colombian and Peruvian sounds with Afrobeat, reggae, jazz, funk, and beyond.

The A-side Mas Paz (Rework) breathes new life into one of Cumbiasound’s most beloved tracks, originally featured on their album Cosas del Universo. Vocalist Lis Flores Varela brings her unmistakable smoothness, while Chilean rapper Boogie Castillo lays down thoughtful verses with his signature flow in a track that captures the essence of the band: rooted, soulful, and globally connected. And to top it off, this new version has a fresh new vocal feature by Congolese singer José Pereelanga.

On the flip side, Jinsei, is a collaboration with Japanese cumbia band Mumbia y Sus Candelosos, led by composer and percussionist Mutsumi Kobayashi. With its breezy guitars, soft tropical groove, and the warm vocals of José Pereelanga, the track drifts like a slow river, effortlessly bridging continents and traditions.

With this 7”, Cumbiasound once again affirms its place among the most interesting projects in today’s nu-cumbia landscape with a vision that crosses borders with ease.

Made with Love by Little Beat More 2025 “We Dance We Think”

Temple Needs Water. Village Needs Peace." is a philosophical exploration into the essence of community, spirituality, and transformation.

This 15-track collaboration between producer Real Bad Man and Memphis rapper LUKAH medi-tates on themes of unity, leadership, sacrifice, and renewal. With contributions from billy woods (Armand Hammer), Adrian Utley (Portishead), and Shabaka Hutchings, this album ascends through personal and spiritual achievements, delves into the duality of knowledge, the unseen forces, and the cyclical nature of life and death.

The album reflects on growth, resilience, duty, ancestral wisdom, and the healing power of words, culminating in a celebration of inner peace and communal harmony. With a backbone of musically ambitious beats and soul-baring verses, this album carves its mark as the year's most enthralling listen.

Dana Ruh offers up part 2 of her ‘This Journey So Far’ project via Yecad here.

As a long standing and widely respected figure in the world of underground house and techno through her releases on the likes of Slices Of Life, Ostgut Ton, Cocoon, Cave and of course her own Brouqade, Dana Ruh’s reputation stands tall as one of the finest purveyors of this sound. Amongst her releases, Dana maintains a heavy tour schedule taking her across the globe each year to many hotspots in key cities, here she marks another milestone in her career with a double 12’’ release, entitled ‘This Journey So Far’, as a musical reflection on all that’s led to this point.

Following the success of Part one, the second instalment now follows - kicking off the release is ‘MF Now’, stripping things back to a shuffled, bumpy rhythm section, resonant synth chimes and billowing textures. ‘Grey With Some Light’ then leans into a more experimental glitch realm via twitchy oscillating percussion, unfurling atmospherics and drifting keys. ‘The Look’ leans back into House territory with raw stabs, sax lines, metallic chimes and vacillating low-end tones before ‘Song For The Lonely’ concludes the project, encapsulating the essence of deep house with ethereal pad swells, circling stab sequences, low-slung drums and cossetting subs.

There are many reasons why summer always feels like the invincible season, and one certainly is its ability to sketch colorful pictures of life rife with options. Now Sebastian Mullaert and Layla Rehana are drawing one themselves. And they use solar paint for it.
Coming from completely different backgrounds - Sebastian, a sound explorer with a history of exploring musical textures and moving dancefloors while the work of vocalist Layla weaves intuitive healing and subconscious reprogramming - they were immediately ready to take creative chances as first improvised sessions already felt like everything is perfectly keeping up with their very own sensibilities.
The resulting LP for Bigamo offers a collection of patient and almost meditative tracks that feel as natural as breathing. Everything is interconnected. Glowing. Soothing. Like a memory, everything is now and then. It’s the equivalent of laying on your back and watching fair weather clouds as they gently transform and eventually disappear. It’s when you realize that love is all there is, is all you know of love. Although we’re slowly but steadily entering the annual phase of shorter and darker days, their sun clearly sets only to rise and shine again.

'Yara Asmar’s new album presents 11 pieces recorded over the past year between the small town of Alfred in upstate New York and Beirut. These sometimes fragile and tentative sound sketches reflect the times as Yara steps out, as if onto ice, into a new life on a new continent during a time of tragedy, turmoil and upheaval. She works with unfamiliar instruments, new materials and new sounds to build on her intimate style; homemade mechanical music boxes and a personal archive of family recordings form the backbone of its delicate textures. Asmar explores the peculiar resonance of the metallophone and her collection of deconstructed toy pianos, and guides her music into ever more surreal territories. The result is a work that is dreamlike, fragmentary and strangely timeless.'

Three decades on from its original 1995 release, Todd Terry’s 'Devil’s Dance' still burns with the kind of manic, floor-filling energy that defined the early years of Hard Times. Now, Todd and the label return to the track, inviting a trio of today’s most vital club architects to rework one of Todd's most incendiary productions for a new generation of dancers.

Following a year that saw Chris Stussy and Dan Shake breathe new life into 'Bounce to the Beat,' Hard Times closes out 2025 with 'Devil’s Dance (Remixes),’ a collection that bridges old-school grit and new-school heat. Rossi., Demi Riquísimo, and Cinthie each bring their own distinct combustion to Todd’s iconic organ riffs and bulbous bassline, reframing the track through London, Berlin, and Balearic prisms.

Rossi. leans into the city that raised him: “It’s been a real pleasure to remix such an iconic inspiration for me as an artist. Todd is a legend and part of the reason why we have the culture of music we have today. I wanted to bring my remix back to my London roots - a UKG skippy, warpy approach that still carries those iconic chord riffs.”

After appearing on the in-house series The Secret Sun under the moniker Sensefinite, Dan Piu once again graces OCD with pure aural bliss.
This EP took a long time to come to life—not for lack of material, but because the sheer volume of brilliantly composed, unique, and exciting productions to choose from turned the process into a literal “lost in music” experience: a psychedelic journey that at times seemed to have no end in sight.
Talk about first-world record label problems…
It’s techno, it’s trance, it’s house, it’s bleep—it’s all of that and more, seamlessly blended with the gentle finesse Dan brings to all his productions.

The cult series returns with the brand new
“The Mood Mosaic Vol. 22 - Funk IT.”
. A sonic journey through rened grooves
and timeless atmospheres, crafted with
unmistakable taste.

During the 35 years of making music, Dave Lee has constantly been searching for new singers and writers to work with. A search that’s ended up with many fantastic collaborations and releases with the likes of Thelma Houston, Taka Boom, Dianne Charlemagne and Seal. More recently this quest led him to Maurissa Rose and the creation of their album ‘London / Detroit’. After hearing Maurissa's voice on a Theo Parrish record Dave reached out to her and after a few long phone conversations and mp3 swaps they both agreed a visit to London would be much more fun than trying to work together remotely. Maurissa made the journey from her home in Detroit to write and record an album with Dave at his studio in March 2022 - as they both feel that creating music together in the same room is always better. The fruits of their labour yielded 11 brand new songs (and 1 cover) tapping into their collective love of Soul, Disco and R&B, with a sprinkle of Soulful House. This album is a special one for Dave Lee as it’s the first time in his career he’s recorded an entire album with same singer on every track.

In the album’s liner notes Dave talks of how Maurissa is a naturally creative person, full of ideas, warm & unpretentious which is reflected in her vocal performances throughout ‘London / Detroit’. Dave’s expertly crafted music is backed up with a deeply passionate yet effortless delivery from the Detroiter, a marker of someone who has honed and perfected their art. When it comes to the music side of this LP, Dave Lee is once again proving he’s still at the top of his game and shows no sign of relenting. Drawing from his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Soul/Funk/Disco, we are treated to a range of styles, BPMs and influences from 95bpm street soul to more uptempo disco and boogie flavours. Be it the rippling synth voyage opener of ‘You Decide’, taking the Johnnie Taylor classic ‘What About My Love’ into a modern Boogie realm, upping the tempo on the soulful houser ‘I Feel the Sun” or bringing the tempo back down to the bassy acidic chug of ‘You’re Giving Me Life’. Mr Lee is truly adept at creating a modern disco soul sound without the usage of samples.

London and Detroit might be two very different cities on opposite sides of the Atlantic but this album is proof that creative synergy knows no distance.

Out everywhere on Feb 28th on Gatefold Vinyl, CD and Digital/Streaming.

Natasha Pirard returns with her most personal project yet, dedicated to her mother and late grandmother, whose care shaped her life. Fernande, Cecile is a photobook of songs, weaving voice, field recordings, synthesizer, and violin into an ode to her matrilineal line. Pirard lost her grandmother at seven, yet Fernande’s warmth stayed with her as a touchstone. Her mother, Cecile, has been a constant presence, guiding her through difficult years.

Alzheimer’s—her grandmother’s illness—and the fragility of memory permeate the work. A conversation with her mother sparked the album: over coffee, Cecile placed a hand on her heart and said, “If I ever develop this disease, don’t forget I’m still here (inside).” That moment became central to the compositions, which translate Pirard’s gratitude and love into music as tender as possible.

The music moves in fragments—notes, chords, loops—evoking gardens, sunlight, and childhood afternoons. Rhythms shift like life itself, carrying echoes of loss and the persistence of memory. Ambient textures brush against her voice and instruments, sometimes punctuated by her grandmother’s favorite bird.

The album unfolds in two parts: Fernande, capturing her grandmother’s warmth and fading recollections, and Cecile, honoring her mother’s care and resilience. Track titles trace memories while the music drifts through longing and gratitude, articulating what words cannot.

The album was written and recorded by Natasha Pirard, produced and mixed by David & Stephen Dewaele of Soulwax/2manydjs at DEEWEE.

DJ Support: Antal, I Cube, Noel Watson, Colleen Cosmo Murphy, Sean Johnston, San Soda, Takaya Nagase, Tina Edwards, Pete Herbert, Kenneth Bager, Severino, Aaron Paar, Felix Joy, Harri Harrigan, Laroye, Telford, Darker Than Wax, Rocky (X Press 2), Shane Johnson, Dan Tyler, Felix Dickinson and many more

Having previously released selected retrospectives focused on the musical output of Ryo Kawasaki and Joan Bibiloni, NuNorthern Soul has now turned its attention to the vast back catalogue of Jasper Van’t Hof’s pioneering electro-acoustic, Afro-fusion collective, Pili Pili.

The band was established in 1984 by Van’t Hof, a Dutch pianist who began his career in Europe’s jazz scene of the late 1960s, as a way of combining his love of jazz-fusion and the music of North-West Africa. Van’t Hof already had a reputation for combining roles in traditional jazz combos with more experimental and abstract projects. These included a spell in violinist Jean-Luc Ponty’s first band, years spent masterminding jazz-rock outfit Jasper Van’t Hof’s Porkpie, the recording of an all- electronic album (1982’s Visitors), and a celebrated collaborative live album with the great Archie Shepp, Mama Rose.

Pili Pili, though, was another step forward for Van’t Hof. Working with percussionists and vocalists from Benin and Mali (including the now legendary Angelique Kidou) and a string of adventurous jazz soloists (saxophonist Tony Lakoto and trumpeter Annie Whitehead included), Van’t Hof’s collective frequently combined live and programmed percussion, electronic and acoustic instrumentation, and the talented improvisor’s own memorable melodies and impactful solos.

NuNorthern Soul’s retrospective focuses on the most productive and celebrated period of Pili Pili’s near three-decade history, showcasing tracks originally recorded and released on studio albums released between 1984 and 2002. The six tracks on show offer an essential glimpse into the musical gold to be found across the Pili Pili catalogue.

In keeping with NuNorthern Soul’s previous retrospectives, the vinyl version of Selected Works 1984-95 comes with extended liner notes telling the remarkable story of this most unusual of cross-cultural collaborations. These feature extensive quotes, reflections and memories from Jasper Van’t Hof and were written by music historian Matt Anniss.

A surefire Salsoul classic and comfortably one of the label's finest moments, the self-titled LP from The Strangers was originally released in that golden year of 1983 and is one of the greatest albums of the post-disco era. It’s one of Be With's favourite ever LPs and it's a complete honour to be giving it our reissue treatment.

Still strangely overlooked but not for much longer, The Strangers contains flawless tracks with truly top tier production and includes the eternal Paradise Garage favourite "Step Into My Dream."

Are they Strangers to us? Well, no, they shouldn't be. The Strangers were a US electronic-funk studio concept group comprising Edward "Tree" Moore, Howard King and Hubert Eaves III, all key members of Mtume and Gary Bartz NTU Troop and, in the case of Eaves, one half of D-Train.

Now I KNOW you're gonna dig this!

We kick off with the dope electro-funk of "Wanna Take Your Body" which features Gary Bartz on sax (!) and becomes more sensational and irresistible the longer it plays. The wonky super-bomb "Let Me Take You Home" has a punk-funk, post-Prince feel, driving and delicate all at the same time while "Show Me How You Like It" is pure FUNK, the groove just pure fire.

Side B is perfection. It kicks off with the NTS favourite "Love Rescue", a track so slick it positively SLAPS out the gate and, while it bangs throughout, the vocals and melodies elevate this to the status of EMOTIONAL POP.

Next up, "Step Out Of My Dream" swaggers forth, the undisputed masterpiece that was huge with the London DJs and UK Soul fraternity; it's not hard to see why. It's a gliding, smooth, soulful piece of once-in-a-lifetime magic.

Pilot Talk II is the fourth studio album by New Orleans rapper Curren$y, and follow up to his widely celebrated release, Pilot Talk. Originally released in November 2010, and initially only available on CD & digitally, Pilot Talk II was first pressed on vinyl and exclusively available in the Jet Life: Pilot Talk Collection Vinyl Box Set. For the very first time ever and after much anticipation from fans, Pilot Talk II will be released as a standalone vinyl product, exclusively available for Record Store Day Black Friday 2025 to celebrate the album's 15 year anniversary. Pilot Talk II includes standout tracks such as "Michael Knight," "Famous," "Hold On (feat. Trademark Da Skydiver & Young Roddy," & perhaps one of Curren$y's biggest solo songs, "Airborne Aquarium." Pressed on stunning Purple, Black & White 3 Color A Side B Side Vinyl and limited to 3000 copies worldwide, Pilot Talk II is a must have for any Curren$y or blog-era rap aficionado.

Making his debut on Depth.Request, Duellist delivers Intensive Living - a fierce three-track statement inspired by the restless energy and chaos of modern city life. Reinforced by remixes from industrial heavyweights Orphx, Statiqbloom, and label co-founder G.xist, the EP captures the tension between control and collapse - where rhythm becomes ritual and distortion takes on a human pulse.
'Burn Your Way Out' opens with offbeat crunch and abrasive energy, setting a volatile tone. The title track 'Intensive Living' moves with rhythmic swagger and pounding drums, its momentum unwavering. 'Ritual Component' closes the originals with throbbing low-end pressure and hypnotic drive - the sound of machinery breathing.
On remix duty, Statiqbloom transforms 'Intensive Living' into a desolate, melodic descent, Orphx expand its framework into a widescreen rework charged with cinematic tension, and G.xist pushes 'Burn Your Way Out' into industrial hypnosis, fusing intensity and groove in equal measure.
Intensive Living stands as a hard-edged introduction to Duellist's world - precise, forceful, and fully alive in its urban grit.

Kriv’s much-loved Bedits series is now getting the vinyl treatment with a few choice selects from previously digi-only releases, as well as some fresh unheard heat. From 90s dance to low-slung R&B, loopy disco and bouncey house, this 4 tracker is a party from beginning to end. Straight from the bed and into the bag!

Making his long-awaited return to Spatial, JLM Productions serves up another sizzling andvaried concoction of atmospheric breakbeat goodness.

A1 - Unraveling

Opening with a blissful, playful melody which fades in and out of effects and padwork,Unravelling shows off an insanely crisp 2-step break at its core - definitely suited for thedancefloor with a buoyant bassline rumbling beneath the waves. The track leaps furtherinto life with JLM adding some additional drums to elevate the breaks further still, all withserene, harmonious melodies dancing around in the mix.

A2 - Forced Perspective

A purposeful melody opens Forced Perspective as JLM Productions unleashes a stellarblend of atmospheric bliss with a unique epic urgency. Sci-fi synthwork surrounds anenergetic selection of drums edited with trademark clarity as layers upon layers of synthintertwine dynamic patterns with ease. This is a great example of JLM's expansive suite ofinfluences combining to create a deliciously detailed and unique whole.

AA1 - Surface Scan

Light cymbals commence a DJ-friendly intro to the second track, Surface Scan. Bothrousing and deep, smooth padwork leads into a drop which brings with it long, whooshingmelodic synths and crunchy stacked breakbeats. As the atmosphere develops, JLM addsin a bunch of effects and subtle, sumptuous sci-fi synthwork, strings and more to completeanother masterpiece from a true pillar of "old school brand new" methodology.

AA2 - Mixed Motive

Straight into a serving of subdued breaks perfect for the intro, JLM rounds off this stunningEP with Mixed Motive. This is a track which explores the atmospheric drum & basslandscape in style. Our creatively-edited breaks soon evolve into a crescendo of joyousdrum patterns with an old 720-style stabby melody punctuating the mix while deep &melodic basslines jostle below, adding dense texture to a stunning piece of music.

Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial / Red Mist)

F_Phono is an artist who has spent a significant part of his life immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of clubs, where he discovered a deep passion for electronic music. Through years of exploration across various musical genres, he found his true voice in a sound that blends Electro and Synth Pop, drawing clear inspiration from the iconic styles of the '80s and '90s. The result is a modern and distinctive sonic identity—deeply rooted in the past yet forward-looking in its execution.

"Santi e Peccatori" is an album that tells a story—one of ancient duality, where light meets shadow, the sacred meets the profane, and the physical collides with the spiritual. It explores the timeless tension between opposites: black and white, yin and yang, raw and ethereal. Through a seamless blend of driving, hard-edged beats and dreamy, melodic textures, this sonic journey invites both the mind and body to move. Each track is a chapter in a narrative of contrast and connection, where electronic music becomes the language of balance and transformation. Santi e Peccatori isn't just an album—it's a rite of passage through the grey spaces between extremes.

Mastered at : BurbiDub
Artwork : Marcos Pedrero

Housewives, househusbands, ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between… Avril A is ready for relaunch.

A - V - R - I - L

Never released Hi-NRG, synth-pop, wonky rock n' roll from a queer Manchester underground icon of the 80s and 90s.

By day, Avril Eventhal was a housewife in North Manchester's Orthodox Jewish community. By night, she was the fabulous Avril A, a larger than life cabaret performer who found a loyal audience in gay venues across the country and was adored for her outrageous live shows.

With her signature leopard print dress and feather duster in hand she delivered an unforgettable song and dance routine - as it was billed, “an audio-visual assault on the audience”.

She celebrated her unconventional style, finding joy and space for creative reinvention with the queer community.

Avril died in 2017, leaving behind a massive archive of material documenting every aspect of her career in songwriting and performance. For two years, Memory Dance has been working with Avril's niece and family on a digitisation and restoration project bringing these audio recordings back to life.

MAXED OUT MAXI EP OF THE HIGHEST ORDER FROM TAPES, HONOURING JAHTARI'S 20 YEARS OF D.I.G.I.T.A.L. BUSINESS IN FINEST STYLE...LOADED WITH RIB-8-BIT PRESSURE!

Four digital dancehall scorchers with two accompanying 8-bit versions meticulously crafted with the soundsystem session in mind!

Tapes has been spreading wonky saturated riddim goodness since his ground breaking “Hissing Theatricals” EP in 2009. Now, after a brief hibernation in the northern spawning pools, he’s spinning up his reels once again to present a new killer set of amphibian friendly, nintendo-fied sound system depth charges!

The “Photos of My Frog EP” is croaking off with its oddly addictive namesake: a surefire pond party starter – Ribbit! Hopping along, the adorable but tuff “Cleat Skank” and its gameboy driven pollywog follow, swinging their 8bit melody lasso till the cows come home. Yeehaw!

“Ramp Up” on B is a dense and raw FM synth digi banger, sure to fry any nearby circuits, so best beware! “Back Cramp Riddim” then turns up the low end even more and swirls its drums and synths into the next delay vortex, warping into a pixelated 8bit conclusion.

Whatever your taste in insects there’s something on this record for any lover of vintage dancehall and amphibious wild life alike!

These are going to fly out - sticky tongues at the ready!

High Focus Records is proud to unveil the artwork for the forthcoming Verb T & Illinformed collaborative album: ‘The Land Of The Foggy Skies’, designed by Siou Escalon.

As you would expect from two of the hardest working artists in the UK rap game, Verb T & Illinformed have delivered a fitting sequel to the iconic 2015 release ‘The Man With The Foggy Eyes’. The pair have both raised the bar, taking their already incredible chemistry to new levels, as demonstrated with singles ‘Rotten Luck‘ & ‘New Paths‘.

An all encompassing cinematic opus, ‘The Land Of The Foggy Skies’ once again proves why Verb T is one of the most decorated MC’s in UK Hip Hop and why Illinformed is in a class of his own when it comes to production.

R.F.I. is the first collaboration between London-based drummer Andy Baxter (Robohands) and LA-based multi-instrumentalist Jack Barone. The EP focuses on Middle Eastern scales and features 100% analog instrumentation, including guitar, bass, synth, and drums. It was recorded using fully analog gear to achieve a warm, saturated sound. Trumpeter Cesar Apolinar Hernandez and vocalist Alya Olcan appear on tracks A1 and A2. The record's title references Radio Frequency Interference, and the B-side includes an etching of radio towers as a visual nod to that concept. R.F.I. was designed with a clear structure across its tracks and highlights the artists' shared interest in analog production and global musical influences.

With over 81,000 Spotify followers and nearly 10,000 vinyl records sold worldwide, Robohands has earned widespread acclaim, including support from BBC Radio 2's Jamie Cullum (Best in Jazz), Huey Morgan (Album and Beat of the Week), KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic, Soho Radio, and Paste Magazine. His music—an evolving blend of jazz, krautrock, and ambient—has landed on top editorial playlists such as Jazz Vibes, State of Jazz, and Mellow Morning. A prolific artist, Robohands has released five albums since 2018, beginning with his debut LP Green on Village Live Records. He has performed at leading international festivals including London Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Fest, and Waking Life in Portugal. Robohands' latest project sees him collaborating with LA-based composer and producer Jack Barone, known for his film scores and commercial work.

Dive into our latest release, a tribute to the vibrant spirit of Guadeloupean music. This track, born from the improvisational magic of the '70s, weaves together the legacies of the Latour brothers and the soulful essence of jazz. With a rich history of collaboration and creativity, we honor the past while
breathing new life into cherished melodies. Experience the rhythm, feel the memories, and let the good vibes flow.
Play it loud!

“The high priest of country cool” - Rolling Stone

“I like him very much. He’s very special. He’s singing with a voice I never heard before” - Townes Van Zandt

“A conscious, soulful brother” - Horace Andy

“He’s a brother to me - one of the best singer/songwriters I’ve ever met” - Adrian Sherwood

“Unearthed mine of gems from inner Wales - a songbook of ideas - that's Jeb!” - Gilles Peterson

Jeb Loy Nichols is a bonafide Country (Got) Soul legend. The Music Maker presents 21 incredibly deep, grooving and soulful songs from the cream of Jeb's catalogue; from its earliest days to his latest unreleased gems via countless rare and unbelievably good lost-classics. This 2LP set is presented in a gatefold sleeve complete with freshly commissioned artwork courtesy of Jeb himself.

In collecting these uncut, under-heard gems, we hope to do justice to Jeb's jaw-dropping artistic brilliance. A man who, in working with Adrian Sherwood, Dennis Bovell, Dan Penn, Larry Jon Wilson and countless other legendary characters, has crafted some of the most deeply affecting folk, country, soul, funk, blues, dub, reggae, gospel, rap and electronic music, ever heard.

The first music Jeb really felt a connection with was southern soul: "I used to listen to the radio at night and fell in love with Bobby Womack and Al Green, The Staple Singers and Joe Simon – that whole Nashville/Memphis/Muscle Shoals thing.” But Jeb was so much more than a soul boy, Indeed, he "went to bluegrass festivals with my dad and come home and listened to jazz records with my mother.” And, when he was fifteen, he heard his first punk record: "God Save The Queen" by The Sex Pistols. “That and The Ramones completely changed me.” In 1979 he got a scholarship to go to art school in New York: “A great time. Punk was over but hip-hop was starting and I got into that in an obsessive way.”

His first recording, in 1980, was an unreleased rap song called "I’m A Country Boy". If that isn't an insight enough into Jeb's kaleidoscopic path through music, in 1981 he visited friends in London and found himself living in a squat with Adrian Sherwood, Ari Up (from the Slits), and Neneh Cherry. “Adrian put me to work immediately, moving boxes of records all across London. It was Adrian that was and is my biggest influence – in his complete disregard for genre purity.” So, presumably you're getting the picture? A veritable musical magpie with a voracious appetite and unimpeachable taste.

"Mine has always been a meandering career. I've done what I've done, and made the music I've made, due to chance meetings. I'm not particularly ambitious; it's more important to me that I work with friends and like-minded people. I've been a big fan of Be With for years. Everything they release is essential. When they asked about rereleasing "Countrymusicdisco45" I was both pleased and flattered. We began talking about how we'd do it; two years and twenty-one tracks later, here we are. I've always thought of the music I make as Country Music. Music conceived in the country, written in the country, recorded in the country. I left London and moved back to the country so I could live among the trees, the grasses, the animals, those things that don't go to war and get greedy. This compilation is the story of that life. Hand made, lo-fi, ramshackle, stripped down, real deal music. Heartworn and funky. Music made in the kitchen, not in the studio. As the great Skip Mcdonald said, Perfect ain't perfect. It's great to see all these tracks gathered together. It feels like a family reunion. Some older members of the tribe, some newer arrivals."

Opener "countrymusicdisco45" is a song Jeb wrote about how his crew lives, tucked up blissfully in the hills: "House parties full of country folk dancing to disco, reggae, soul, country, hip-hop. All night. I recorded it at home under the influence of Stevie Wonder." It's one of the funkiest records you'll ever hear. "Sometimes Shooting Stars" was recorded in Nashville and mixed by the legendary Dennis Bovell. It's deep, dubby, majestic. A thing of fragile, melodic beauty. The party ramps back up again with the undeniable groove of "Short Cut Home" before the profoundly moving "Disappointment" arrives. One of many songs he's recorded with good buddy Benedic Lamdin (aka Nostalgia 77): "We were going for a Leon Thomas meets Richard Brautigan meets Alice Coltrane kind of thing". We think they nailed it. "Days Are Mighty", like a lot of the tracks on this collection, "started life as a demo, an attempt to get something down while it was fresh. No frills, nothing fancy, just feel." And what feels!

The irrepressibly funky "Don't Dance With Me Tonight" is a deeply moving, slow-mo organ-drenched head-nod-funky country-ballad. Next up, the breezy "You Got It Wrong" was recorded in Wales with some of Jeb's good friends and neighbours, The Westwood All Stars, featuring Clovis Phillips and Will Barnes. Skanking fiddle-flecked gem "Ring The Bells" was the first thing Jeb recorded when he moved to Wales. A combination of all his loves; country, reggae, soul. It's followed by "Let's Make It Up", a truly sumptuous string-drenched emotional groover. "When Did You Stop Loving Me" is another Nashville track, written and recorded during a time Jeb was spending a lot of time with the Muscle Shoals crew, Donnie Fritts, Spooner Oldham, George Soule and Dan Penn: "It shows, I'm sure, their influence." Oh, you bet it does!

The swaggering country-funk of "Just Beginning" should grace many groove-focused DJs' sets whilst "Wintering Of The Year", again made with Clovis, is pastoral, campfire soul. The glacial, gorgeous "Let It Rain" is from an unreleased record Jeb made with the great British jazz bass player Andy Hamill and "We Tell Each Other Who We Are" is freaky country-soul made by a man with a love for strutting, wonky hip-hop stylings. Rounding out the side, "Trip To You" is pure, uncut amphetamine-propelled drum-machine soul.

The spare, beautiful "Dirt" is from an EP Jeb made with Julian Moore in his house in South London: "All first takes, straight to tape." Swoon! "Heaven Right Here" was a very minor league hit in America: "It was produced by the brilliant and much missed Wayne Nunes. It was started in the countryside of Missouri, finished in the countryside of Wales, and recorded in the countryside of Sussex." Double swoon! "If Later Ever Comes" is electronica meets J.J. Cale business whilst "Remember The Season" is truly wonderful and breezy guitar soul. "A Little Love" was made with Wayne Nunes as well, after a night of listening to Studio One and Northern Soul. Bouncy dub closer "Weary Traveller" was written by Bill Monroe, the hero of Jeb's youth: "Monroe's music was heavily influenced by black southern churches; I've tried to keep some of that feral feel." This was the final recording by Jeb's 1990s Country-Dub band, Fellow Travellers.

The name of this compilation comes from a time when Jeb lived in Peckham, south London and he used to DJ and sometimes perform at a local bar: "The owner of the bar, a Jamaican named Count Percy, once asked me what I called my music. I told him I wasn't sure, I guess just pop music. He thought about it for a minute and then said, 'no, more like mom and pop music'. Rather than call me a country singer or a folk singer he always referred to me as The Music Maker."

With the long overdue deluxe overview of his beloved music, we hope to finally shine a light on the unheralded genius of Jeb Loy Nichols. RIYL Larry Jon Wilson, Townes Van Zandt, Bobby Charles, country got soul artists, dub, deep soul, disco, dancing, heartbreak. This deluxe collection, spellbinding from beginning to end, should hopefully go some way to ensuring Jeb reaches an ever bigger, ever more appreciative crowd of followers. Mastering for this special double vinyl edition was overseen by Be With regular Simon Francis and it was cut by the esteemed Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios to be pressed in the Netherlands by Record Industry. The artwork has been lovingly put together by The Music Maker, himself, Jeb Loy Nichols. "Be With is the perfect home for this mongrel music. I am forever in their debt." The pleasure is all ours, Jeb.

2025 Repress
Gregory Porter’s “1960 What?” continues to be one of Expansion’s most sought after releases and comes now in new enhanced packaging. It combines the original with the Opolopo Kick & Bass re-Rub

Gregory Porter as narrator, sounding like Amiri Baraka, declares on “1960 What?” that “the motor city is burning y’all—that ain’t right” and refers to Martin Luther King Jr.’s death and describes trigger-happy policing (supported by a trumpet that blares, jabs, rumbles, and yearns); and the song portrays how certain events turn people against the possibilities of life and light. A vision that only recognizes strength and cruelty and rage is dangerously imperfect: rather, creativity, education, intelligence, sensitivity, democratic political participation, and compassionate social work are goals and virtues that can be affirmed, if not actively pursued, in all times.

Knowledge The Pirate returns with a powerful new statement with his new album, The Round Table, which is now available. The Round Table is produced in its entirety by longtime collaborator and legend Roc Marciano through his Pimpire International imprint.

With roots in New York’s revered ‘90s hip-hop scene, Knowledge The Pirate has steadily built a reputation as one of the genre’s most consistent and authentic voices. A frequent Roc Marci collaborator and key figure in the modern underground renaissance, Knowledge fuses golden-age grit with new wave innovation—bridging generations while staying firmly rooted in New York’s timeless sound.

Since his 2018 debut Flintlock, Knowledge has carved a lane entirely his own through his label Treasure Chest Entertainment, Inc. With five acclaimed projects under his belt, including the recent 5lbs of Pressure, he continues to deliver unfiltered street wisdom and personal reflection in every bar.

The Round Table stands as a testament to his evolution—an uncompromising body of work laced with Roc Marciano’s signature production and Knowledge’s lived-in lyricism. It’s not just a record—it’s a meeting of the minds, an audio council of kings.

“The Round Table is cinematic storytelling, teaching street knowledge, eating etiquette that will save your life” Knowledge professes. “This album is like an Honorable Elijah Muhammad book; How To Eat To Live. Produced fully by the true creator of the new wave sound, Roc Marciano, you are all invited to a seat at The Round Table; and break bread with the true Godfathers of this new wave rap renaissance.”

Stiletti City Tape Archives is the fourth Stiletti-Ana album, showing off the Finnish mastermind’s talent for making electronic music that’s immediately inviting while generously rewarding the focused listener.
Following on stand-out work for labels like Public Posession and Höga Nord – not to mention all sorts of odd jobs within the Sex Tags multiverse – Stiletti-Ana presents his latest offering: eight irresistible jams cooked up in the hallowed halls of Helsinki’s Haista II studio.
Here, vintage and modern synths joined forces with live drums and the occasional robot-voiced interjection, resulting in a body of work that’s dazzlingly off-kilter, rich in detail and instantly addictive. The artist himself states: “I think the music has a sense of urgency which relates to city life. Still,
Stiletti City is a small and cozy place, a bit freaky and not gentrified.” Stockholm label Studio Barnhus is delighted to invite fellow travellers into this secret town – welcoming and full of surprises.

N1_SOUND & Ras Yunchie join forces on an 8-track LP that transcends both definition and generation. INNA DJ STYLE, out November 7th, marks the Toronto veteran singer’s first-ever vinyl release.

Pairing four vocal cuts with four dub versions on the b-side, INNA DJ STYLE bridges experimental dub, digi, and roots, embodying what Ras describes as an “open” sound—one that draws from reggae traditions while boldly breaking new sonic ground.

N1_SOUND first encountered Ras’ distinctive voice and soaring falsetto at Toronto sound system parties. A cornerstone of the city’s reggae scene, Ras Yunchie has been performing since 1983 and remains a vital presence more than 40 years on. His contributions have been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National DJ Association, alongside titles such as DJ of the Year, DJ Sound Champion, and winner of the 1985 DJ Sound Clash.

While the rhythms pulse with heavy bass and the three-dimensional lead melodies synonymous with N1_SOUND, it’s Ras’ vocals that make INNA DJ STYLE truly shine. Each track was recorded in a single take and left largely untouched—a testament to the raw talent and enduring artistry of the 61-year-old singer. Across the four vocal cuts, the alchemy of contrasting styles, influences, and lived experience highlights how collaboration can push sound and genre into bold, unexpected territory.

10 years of KONFLKT - time to celebrate.

We started the label in 2015 as a home for our own productions and for tracks from artists and friends we appreciate. From the beginning, the goal was simple: to release music we'd want to hear ourselves on the dancefloor - the kind that makes us pull off strange, unrhythmic dance moves. In the same spirit, the fifth Sammelwerk compilation brings together familiar label artists and new contributors, all delivering tracks we'd be excited to rave to ourselves.

Making this album was an absolute joy. We used Rothko’s artwork as a major influence. His use of colour fields, blending, mood and scale really helped us build an album of tracks that could stand on their own and also work together as a coherent whole across all the tones we had been working with. It was also a chance to fall back in love with our 909, 808 and 707.

While working on music for several other projects, the “Rothko” project got renamed Loud Ambient because it did not really sit right with the My Brutal Life series. We often talked about what people make of The Black Dog and whether they think we only make ambient music. We do not. Over the last year or so, one of us would be working on something and someone else would say, “That is a Loud Ambient track.” The name stuck. We liked the funny side of it.

With Loud Ambient, everything just fell into place creatively. Surprisingly for us, the tracklisting never changed, just small tweaks here and there. That rarely happens. It marks a first for us as a band. All the stars aligned and the confidence in this album is the strongest we have ever had.

Loud Ambient was made to dance to, something we have not done in a while. We welcome the return to the dancefloor with both hands. Will you join us?

France via Hong Kong, Taiwan and now Lisbon–based producer and DJ Romain FX delivers his Memory Muscle label debut, Floating World EP. As a true kid of the world, Romain FX draws on a life across continents to create a sound that fuses global influences with overground club sensibilities.

A prolific name on the scene over the past few years, he has released on Sound Metaphor’s Bless You, Sound of Vast, Kalahari Oyster Kult, Toy Tonics, and his own label Fauve. The EP opens with the title track Floating World, a percussive roller packed with drums, colourful synth stabs, and hypnotic swirling melodies that build into an ethereal vocal hook. Who Knows takes things further with crunchy acid lines locked to a pummelling breakbeat groove.

On the flip, Track ID? channels classic 90s house vibes with a stomping 909, bubbling basslines, organ stabs, and euphoric vocal samples. Rounding out the release, Memory Muscle’s London duo deliver a direct club remix of Who Knows, featuring filtered pads, driving breaks, 808 thump, and their signature M1 organ bass.

Sicily's SLV is able to merge technical mastery with emotional resonance. His potent techno sounds have come via the likes of SHWD's Mutual Rytm and Slam's Soma, and unite timeless yet forward-thinking sonics.
On 'Fleeting Dreams', he continues to refine his signature sound while channelling introspection and intensity into a collection of meticulously crafted cuts that balance precision and feeling, energy and space. Each track reveals a different side of his sonic identity: hypnotic rhythms intertwine with evolving soundscapes, while layers of distortion and melody merge into a dreamlike tension between the mechanical and the organic.

'Fading Moments' kicks off with a sleek blend of driving, supple kicks and warm synth ripples, while a euphoric vocal cry is buried deep to amp up the emotion. 'Scenario' then brings icy hi-hats and sinewy synths bring a futuristic feel to the unrelenting, high-pressure drums down low. 'Daruma' has a darker energy with menacing textures and paranoid FX bringing the rolling drums to life, while 'Bass Grit' has a hunched up rhythm, with groaning pads and fizzing static electricity that charge up the party. To close, 'Shimmer' sinks down into a muscular and deep rhythm that's marbled with restless synths and ever-rising tension.

In addition, digital bonus cuts 'Trust' and '1990' offer different perspectives with slamming drums, seductive vocals and feisty synth loops making for two more bold, immersive techno weapons.

Originally released in 1997, Black Corsair stands as a true milestone in late-’90s house music — a record that captured the raw energy, soulful depth, and forward- thinking sound of an era. Now this legendary EP returns in a fully remastered reissue, bringing its timeless grooves and hypnotic rhythms back to life with pristine clarity. Celebrated for its deep basslines, lush textures, and irresistible dancefloor spirit, Black Corsair remains a defining statement of the underground house movement —an essential rediscovery for collectors and new listeners alike.

Following a promising debut, Cosada returns with its second release, “Astral Destiny” a four-track, vinyl-only EP from label head Laseech. Inspired by the peaceful yet rugged nature of life on the Adriatic, the record blends calm atmospheres with a raw, textured edge. EP opens with the title track on A1 — a warm, transportive deep house journey. A2, “Dreams,” blends lush pads and broken beats with a soulful voice from Swaylo, delivering a dreamy, introspective mood. On the B-side, “Abyss” explores bold, abstract sound design and experimental club rhythms. Closing the EP, B2’s “Evolving Depths” is a slow-burning, downtempo song rich in atmosphere and deep groove. A refined and versatile release, showcasing Laseech’s range while marking another strong chapter in Cosada’s growing catalog.

Volume 2 locks the formula: brand-new remixes up front, original Sub-Urban classics on the flip. Micky More & Andy Tee uplift Platinum Doll ft. P.Y. Anderson - “Believe In A Brighter Day,” while Michael Gray brings sleek, peak-time finesse to Key To Life ft. Sabrina Johnston - “Forever.” Flip for two original staples from back in the day: Deep Zone ft. Ceybil Jefferies - “It’s Gonna Be Alright (Help Is On The Way) (The Mike & Matty Show)” and Jazz-N-Groove - “Keep Givin’ Me Love (The Groove Mix)”. Authentic USG swing and organ glide.

Yan Tregger, born Edouard Joseph Scotto Di Suoccio, is a prolific French-Italian composer, trumpeter, arranger, and library music specialist.
Tregger built a vast and varied catalogue of over 1,400 works registered with SACEM as a library music composer.
His output spans funk, jazz-funk, psychedelic disco, electronic experiments, film soundtracks, advertising jingles, and even relaxation music.
This LP is a compilation of rare or unreleased tracks made by the Maestro in The 70's.

Advanced Art was formed in Tampere, Finland, in 1985 by Jana, Pete, and Vince. Too young to be part of the first wave of Finnish groups inspired by German synth pioneers and New Romantics, they instead forged their own path and soon became pioneers themselves. For the next ten years, Advanced Art defined and dominated Finland’s small but growing electronic underground. They inspired a new generation of Finns to experiment with synthesizers, built an international cult following, and were deeply involved in the local scene—running clubs, organizing events, and performing at some of the very first warehouse parties in the country.

Although the line-up shifted over time, the group’s creative drive consistently came from the partnership between Jana, who supplied the voice and words, and Vince, who shaped the music with his machines. Together they defined the band’s distinctive blend of sharp electronics and lyrical vision.

After several cassette demos and two 7-inch singles, Advanced Art signed to Poko Rekords in 1991. The EPs Scar and Time raised their profile both at home and abroad, especially thanks to valuable exposure on MTV Europe’s 120 Minutes. Known for their perfectionism, they finally released their debut album Product in January 1993. On Product the line-up was Jana (lyrics, vocals), Vince (music, production), and Factor (percussion, studio work). Having moved through phases of synth pop, EBM, and industrial, the album showcased Vince’s vision of a unified sound and style more clearly than ever before.

Force followed in 1994, conceived as a multi-part concept album (Update / Live / Retro). Recorded with live percussionist PW joining Jana and Vince, it expanded on the groundwork of Product with new beats, ideas, and a sharper, more defined identity.

By 1995, exactly ten years after their founding, Jana and Vince decided to bring Advanced Art to a close on the band’s birthday, 13 October. Their run had been precise: one decade of creative output, ending with a legacy that laid foundations for Finland’s electronic scene.

Now, conveniently coinciding with the band’s 40th anniversary, Advanced Art present Forced Product. This double-LP set, fully remastered, features Product in its entirety, alongside the Update and Retro sections of Force, plus additional EP tracks and remixes recorded between 1991 and 1994 at “Audible Art” – less a studio than a concept, existing wherever machines and people met.

Limited to 450 copies, Forced Product comes in a gatefold sleeve with poster and sticker, offering a definitive document of Finland’s pioneering electronic cult heroes — a band that helped invent their country’s scene and left a lasting influence far beyond it.

The Wire: his most satisfying collection to date Resident Advisor: return to minimalist roots on a noise rock-influenced new live record Support from: Barnt, Ben UFO, Vladimir Ivkovic, Boris, OPTIMO 180 gr. colored vinyl pressing incl. art poster and sleeve - limited edition of 50 copies available via distribution Philipp Gorbachev is back at it with a new conceptual album. KGC Radio is all about returning to music-making roots - choices are raw, minimalist and different from the sonic industry environment. The flow is kept simple but deadly, using only the bare essentials to blow up the rave and festival scenes: analog synths, drum machines, a mic, and some sick percussion. The whole album was recorded in one take, like some kinda secret radio wave you stumble on in the middle of the night. Catch it, and you're diving headfirst into a maze of vibes and meanings you ain't seen coming. On the visual side, KGC Radio is a collab with Zhanna Maliti, this dope Moscow-based artist and photographer. Her one-of-a-kind style and imagery are a perfect match for the music, bringing the whole vibe to life. Sounds Like: Underground Resistance, Daniel Maloso, NIN, Broken English Club Mastering by: Beau Thomas