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Lava La Rue’s long awaited debut album STARFACE is an epic Sci-Fi inspired adventure that at its lyrical core is concerned about what makes us human. Exploring various genre influences from funk, to dance, to alt rock, and featuring collaborations from Cuco, Audrey Nuna, tendai, and more, Lava La Rue has marked their arrival, with their eyes set on world domination.

With just two guitars and a drum set, Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers created a rocked-out, hypnotic, ultra-danceable sound that is as emotionally powerful and wildly energizing today as it was the day they produced it. This GRAMMY-nominated album was released shortly after Hound Dog's death and features the Houserockers' magic captured "live" in club performances, full of raw energy and high spirits. Over 90,000 sold worldwide. "Natural for partying, drinking and talking loud"--ROLLING STONE

A key funk release from 1971, 'For The People' was the 2nd album by interracial Soul-Rock band led by vocalist Milt Matthews.

Uncanny Valley is back with a tape that dives deeply into the musical underground of Lusatia, an area not far away from the label's home base Dresden. Expect analogue extravaganza with a punk attitude by two mysterious artists from the region of the Slavic sorbs. During the slow building odyssey that is LIVE IN NOCHTEN, it creaks and groans like the wind that shakes the giant F60 overburden conveyor bridge in the Lusatian coalfields. For this jam, the elusive figure that goes by the name of Luzyca Bambaataa and usually hides in the back room of a hair salon, has wired together countless worn-out synthesizers and recorded a soundtrack to the surroundings. But others claim, that Luzyca Bambaataa is the street name of a complex character who fully immersed into some gear that a youth center in Hoyerswerda acquired with left-over EU fundings. After the cassette has been turned, things get even more serious with Graef's first outing of his electronic alter ego. The four killer tracks range from the dance floor anthem GAIVAL via the almost cosmic ghost song HAUNTING VOYAGE and the brutal drum heavy monster R0GU3 D3L4M41N to the fascinating IDM study SOLIFUGE. Born Benjamin Butter to his parents in Hoywoy, he nowadays is a full-blown artist who adds a colorful DIY edge to all the different art forms he puts his hands on. The artwork was created by graffiti artist Techr.

Samosa Records cranks up the summer groove with another sizzling release in the outstanding (Re) Funk+Head series – a collection of juicy tracks from the Samosa back-catalogue selected and re-edited by the man himself, De Gama.

This sumptuous vinyl cut of ITALO Funk and Boogie kicks off with Mexico’s finest, The Funk District and the enigmatic ‘La Rapina’. This is pure, unfiltered Funk District chemistry from the first bar. Snake hips guitar, rolling bass and that super-solid 4-4-4 beat pound into your consciousness whilst the hypnotic chant and Latino-infused vocal tempt you into sin.

Next up on the A-side is Samosa head honcho DeGama and his deliciously refreshing ‘Piňa Colada’ - a new edit of the original 2011 version never previously released on Samosa. And what a mystery box it is. Tight beats, punchy bass, looped synth and house-tinged high-hat lead us to a haunting, melodic vocal breakdown. There’s a subtle Afro flavour to this one, definitely for sipping cocktails in a hammock or Caribbean beach bar.

On Side B Italian Maestro Paul Older takes the beats down several notches with the explosive ‘Daboom’ – the DeGama Re-Groove of Paul’s first vinyl release way back in 2019. This is a straight up, mid-tempo peacock strut down Funksville Boulevard. Possibly wearing a Zoot Suit. Imagine having breakfast with Herbie Hancock and you might get an idea of just how funky this tune is. He’s passing you the eggs and you’re buttering the toast.

The last track sees DeGama delve into his dark magic box for the mind-melting, film noir themed ‘Higher’. The tempo is scaled right back to 92bpm for this portrait of pain, joy, lust and hallucinogenic dreams. ‘Higher’ reveals a side of DeGama that we know lurks in there, but only sometimes makes it to the surface. Smokey, sassy and sultry, this is definitely one for the dimly-lit after party.

The latest episode in the (Re) Funk+Head has set the Samosa bar even higher. This simply has to be in your summer record box and don’t you dare leave home without it.

Get a taste of everybody's favourite terrestrial with something extra, Jimi Tenor and his fresh brand of galactic balladry with two single versions from his upcoming album on Timmion Records, "Is There Love In Outer Space?". On the A-side, the title track effortlessly merges cosmic synth flourishes with a soulful backbeat, Jimi's smooth vocal and flute stylings, delivering a splendid questioning continuum to Sun Ra's similarly named statement. Flipping to the B-side, the mostly instrumental "Orbiting Telesto" launches us to the outer rings of Saturn with a healthy helping of vintage sci-fi movie soundtrack and library music themes. Accompanied by the down and dirty energy of Cold Diamond & Mink, Jimi's seasoned artistry shines through, showcasing his ability to blend celestial sounds with gritty moondust funk. With these two tracks, Tenor teases our appetite for the two cosmically themed albums in the pipeline for 2024. These songs crafted together with the Timmion crew serve as a testament to Jimi's unique ability to create captivating moods that transcend the usual.

Taken from the forthcoming "Movements Vol.12" compilation album, "Funky Broadway" by The Villagers has never been released - until now. The B-side features the Garage-Rock cut "You're My Baby (Don't You Forget It)" from 1966, the same year as Dyke & The Blazers recorded the original version of "Funky Broadway".

Info: The soulful power of Asabi Goodman's vocals is finally on vinyl! Blunted Stylus ft. Asabi Goodman s' "Rhythm's Got Soul" has "groove and style" reminiscent of the back-to-back, wall-to-wall packed dancefloors of the fever-pitched disco era, steady spinning in at 115 BPM. The highly anticipated collaboration between the renowned singer/ songwriter Asabi Goodman, and producer/arranger Geoff Boardman A.K.A. Blunted Stylus brings authority and intrigue to the dance floor, with soul.... "Free your mind and the mirror ball will follow".

Side A "Rhythm's Got Soul bursts through the stratosphere 'all frequencies blazing!"

Treating the listener to pitched horns, filtered drums, those sultry Asabi vocals, reinforced by the everlasting bass from Andrew 'Bigfoot' Leslie.

Momentum steps up with the rhythm guitar of Dave VHS, accompanied with vamp keys and hectic percussion.

The SOULICITORS are the band on this release 'sitting in the groove', syncopated and loose after the MPC4000 sample treatment, a sort of new paradigm of band-samples soul-fusion exploration!



Side B "Rhythm's Hot" (Afro Instrumental) is a monster cut on the flip, a relentlessly persuasive percussion groove, well timed transitions spread smooth like butter, akin to Midnight Marauders chords, styled across 'A Taste Of Honey' bassline for example, on an Afrocentric trip building up to the disco-fever instrumental strut.



Asabi Goodman is an American born (Oklahoma), entertainer now calling Australia home, consistently performing in stage and screen productions, and touring with bands and Broadway musicals (Hairspray! The Musical, CHICAGO). Asabi's vocal ability effortlessly elevates from 'sweet and soulful' to 'commanding and powerful', all the while showing unmistakably that her passion for the audience, and respect for the song is at the heart of every performance.

Geoff Blunted is an Australian producer, avid record collector, and co-founder of the ground breaking sample-funk group the 'RESIN DOGS' (1996-2005) extensively touring and producing. From the early days in the 80's of cutting his teeth in mixtapes, and volunteering at community radio at 4ZZZ in 1988 (arguably the golden era of hip hop) hosting Australia's first dedicated Hip Hop show "Just2Def" that aired for 1 year. Four Jazz-funk sample albums under his belt, 'Rhythm's Got Soul' arrives cued-up ready! The track highlights Geoff's ability to blend his time proven sample ethic into a resonating dynamic disco experience.

Tetsu Shibuya, better known as simply Tetsu or BRISA is a Japanese producer and DJ known for works on the iconic Japanese Jazzy Sport imprint, King Street sub-label Nite Grooves and his own BRISA Music. Leading the EP is title-track 'Stir', in collaboration with Turbojazz BRISA delivers a classic slice of deep house built upon layers of bright stab sequences and loose organic percussion. Detroit's beloved Jon Dixon turns his hand to 'Stir' next, encapsulating the soul of his hometown in reshaping fragments of the original composition. The original of 'Reverie' opens the B-side, laying down a broken rhythm, low-pitched vocal hooks and elongated bass grooves for a more bruk tinged feel. Byron The Aquarius then extracts the core of 'Reverie' and spins it into bumpy, subtly nuanced house workout. Lastly the third original 'Flux' rounds out the release, shifting deeper in funkinfused realms with a playful plucked bass groove and heavily swung drums.

Embarking on an unconventional premise for a beat tape is par for the course for Detroit native Waajeed, who thrives on breaking conventional boundaries. Known as the self-titled futurist Producer, DJ, and UMA Director, Waajeed typically pushes forward, but some narratives demand retrospection. Enter the compelling saga of Patricia Hearst, AKA Patty Hearst—an emblematic American tale—reimagined against the backdrop of 30 raw Hip Hop productions crafted between 2005.

LRK are excited to announce their next full album release LRKLP-08

'ALL I EVER WONDER' By Johnny Burgos

Available on LP/CD/DIGITAL

Singer, songwriter, and producer Johnny Burgos converges with veteran soul producer, Jeremy Page, (Kendra Morris, Czarface, MF Doom) to offer their first joint album together titled, 'All I Ever Wonder.' The album is a vividly vulnerable and honest effort by Burgos, lyrically and vocally, supported effortlessly by Page's masterful production. The pairing of the two seems meant to be, with a sound steeped in retro soul techniques, the album is equal parts novelty and nostalgia, equalling a timelessness that speaks to the humanity in all of us. All I Ever Wonder will be released on Vinyl, CD and all digital platforms on Friday, JUNE 28th, 2024 via UK-based Soul label LRK Records.

Johnny - "Jeremy and I have been ships passing in the night for years now. However, our first official collaboration was a 2021 remix of my song The Grey, which featured his long-time co-collaborator Kendra Morris. From the get-go, the musical chemistry was strong, so we took a shot at writing some original tunes. Since then, we've locked in on a creative groove and churned out a bunch of material. As we learned how to complement each other's musical strengths, the project took on more form and purpose, exploring heavier subject matter and expanding its range of genres. I'm pretty sure that's what makes this project so fun for us, and possibly what the early gatekeepers and listeners resonated with most. Neither of us expected such a reception to the music, which only made us more excited to hone in with more intention towards a goal. This also allowed me to bring more raw ideas to the table and have the confidence in Jeremy to hear the potential, then work his magic to extrapolate on my foundation. The teamwork in this effort was inspiring as we listened and referred to each other in every step of the process, and had a crew of killer musicians on deck for when we needed the extra feels on some joints.

We worked really hard on this record and hope it reconnects our listeners to being human in a visceral way. It's accessible, honest, and soulful because I wanted it to speak to anyone who still wants music to relate to. Music to help you through the valleys, to celebrate the peaks, and handle everything in between. It's a journey of the soul that explores ego, insecurity, love, loss, survival, enlightenment and trusting the process. It's truly 'All I Ever Wonder.' "

"All I Ever Wonder" will have its digital release through LRK Records on all platforms on Friday, JUNE 28th, 2024.

Johnny Burgos is a Brooklyn - born singer, songwriter, producer & engineer. His brand of future-soul embodies a raw uncompromising sound revealing beauty from pain, hope from despair, and the will to keep fighting. Especially influenced by his uncle and world-class percussionist, Andre Martinez, Johnny grew a fascination with the percussive rhythms of salsa and soul music, eventually manifesting into a devoted passion for Hip Hop production using an Akai MPC. With influences from Michael Jackson, OutKast, J Dilla, Lauryn Hill and D'Angelo, Johnny's music draws upon the core principles of R&B, while encompassing elements of Hip Hop, Funk, Pop, Salsa and Reggae.

Johnny has collaborated with DJ Skizz, for Mobb Deep & M.O.P., Marco Polo, Frans Mernick, Liza Colby (The Gold Setting) and led his band Bridge City Hustle, with whom he toured nationally.

As a solo artist Johnny debuted with back-to-back brand endorsements from French's Mustard and Samsung US, using them as a platform to launch his 2018 EP 'Love Through it All.' His debut album 'Gone Into The Grey' was released to critical acclaim in March of 2021 and has since been added to multiple editorial playlists by Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal, creating exponential growth. In 2022, Burgos' song 'Wild About You' was heard as the soundtrack to Neiman Marcus' "It's Your Moment" global streaming campaign. Johnny's currently amid promoting his latest album, The Tangent Tape, performing with his band The Butter, recording new collaborations and preparing his upcoming LP with Jeremy Page & LRK Records.

credits

releases June 28, 2024

Introducing ATA's latest Disco sensation: "United Disco Organisation's 'Feel It For Yourself'". Following the success of "Send The Rain/Funky Thing," this release features Kweku Sackey and his phenomenal backing singers, delivering a sun-soaked 70s afrobeat hit perfect for those endless Summer nights! Crafted during a creative session for an upcoming United Disco Organisation project, bassist Neil Innes conceived a captivating Afro-Disco concept. Picture a rhythmic journey, laden with percussion, reminiscent of Manu Dibango with a dash of Tony Allen's flair. With the UDO lineup of Neil on bass, Chris Dawkins on guitar, Joost Hendrickx on drums, and Danny Templeman on percussion, the foundation was set. Adding a distinctive touch, ATA regular Richard Ormrod contributed a mesmerizing alto sax solo, steering the track towards instrumental brilliance. However, it didn't quite align with the album's theme, so it took a brief hiatus. Enter Kweku Sackey (K.O.G.), who, during a studio visit....

‘Danse Cette Zik!’ by Parbleu is the debut LP from this enigmatic group of musicians and is a multi-cultural fever dream, wherein energized expanses of dynamic disco, futuristic funk, and cinematic jazz fusion are colored over by warming vibes of Caribbean dub, Latin tropicalia, and sunshine Afrobeat. Evocative instrumentals intertwine with breathtaking vocal performances, which move between sleepy-eyed soul serenades, mystical melodic chants, and expressive diva enchantments while pads swell in support—sometimes sparkling like ocean glass, other times raining down like a Morricone symphony.

Pianos and guitars converse via funk flourishes, reggae riffs, and jazz rock solos as blazing fusion synthesizers set the air aflame. Drums move between kinetic dancefloor urgency and islander rhythm relaxation and hand percussions both organic and electronic evoke rainforest ceremonials while basslines revel in 70s fusion fire and Italo synth-funk squelch. And the entire experience has been expertly captured and magically crafted by the sorcerers of sound at the West Hill Studio, resulting in a thrilling adventure of imagined exotica, one equally adept at scoring coastal paradises, filmic deserts, riviera cruises, or nightclubs sweltering in the light of a mediterranean moon.

(Words by Octagon Eyes)

Grippng, grooving digi-dubs from the late-80s.
Replay Version sets the mood — malevolent, sick and haunted, but funky like a train, with cruelly brilliant effects; really a stunning piece of music.

Ein sehr persönliches soziopathisches Juwel, das als futuristische Interpretation der Funktionsweise von Musik geliefert wird, eine melodiöse Brise mit einem Hauch von giftigem Lärm. Ein Album mit zehn Songs, dazu ihr zehntes Studiowerk. Die Gegenüberstellung des Konzepts des `dunklen Sonnenscheins', eine brütende Solo-Platte, auf der Kristin Hersh zusammen mit Freunden ihre klangliche Vision erweitert; ein quietschender Mix aus disharmonischer Schönheit, Rückkopplung und Phasenkreisel von einfach klirrender Normalität. Man stelle sich Dinosaurier Jr. und My Bloody Valentine vor, die Dylan Verse vertonen. Mit beiden Extremen des Klangspektrums: atonal und arrhythmisch, ein einzigartiger Sound und eine glorreiche Rückkehr zur Form für eine der wahren Innovatorinnen des Alternative Rock. "Imagine truly buying your own sunshine and charm, but also your darkness and violence; the two sides of your psychology showing each other off in relief. Songs can do that...we can't, really. Darkness we've seen." - Kristin Hersh, July 2018 "She's still as powerful a presence as she ever was." - Pitchfork "The prodigious output and commitment to quality is pretty staggering, but then Kristin Hersh is a very, very special musician." - The Quietus

Habibi Funk is thrilled to share a second collection of deep grooves and unreleased songs from Algeria's Ahmed Malek, often compared to Italian heavyweight Ennio Morricone. Malek’s music effortlessly switches between thematic jazz, funk, reggae and Algerian folk – creating indelible soundscapes that intersect the musical innovations made in African jazz by Mulatu Astatke, Bembeya Jazz National along with some of Europe’s finest experimental composers like Piero Piccioni and Janko Nilovic. “Musique Originale de Films, Volume Deux” is out June 28th, 2024 via Habibi Funk.

Whenever an interview asks about a “memorable moment” in Habibi Funk label history, one we always reference is how we got in touch Ahmed Malek’s (22K Spotify Followers, 285K Spotify Monthly Listeners) music and subsequently his family. It all started with us coming across Ahmed Malek’s music on YouTube in 2012. We were mesmerized by how effortlessly the music would switch between jazz, funk and Algerian folk while counterweighting it with an undertone of melancholia. Musical perception is different for every person, but there is a chance that his music will touch you in one way or another. At the time, we had just started the Habibi Funk label and we felt Ahmed’s music might be a good fit for the sound we were trying to highlight. Fast forward three years: we had become captivated with the idea of reissuing some of Ahmed Malek’s music. We knew some people had tried to locate his family but, but with no success. In the end it was an incredible amount of luck that made it possible for you to read these words and listen to Ahmed’s music. We were on a DJ gig in Beirut playing old Arabic records and we mentioned our passion for Ahmed Malek’s music to a friend. She said she knew one person in Algier, and as much as it would be a shot in the dark, she could ask her if she had an idea of how to find Malek’s family. Two weeks went by before we heard back, and what we got was incredibly good news - her Algerian friend was the neighbor of Ahmed Malek’s daughter! We’re not spiritual people, but it felt like the universe wanted to see the release happen. We started to speak with Henya, Ahmed Malek’s daughter and she was more than happy with our idea. She assured us that her father would have loved the plan as well. She provided us with tons of awesome material, from great photos, to unseen video footage and unreleased tracks. Eventually we visited Henya in Algeria and we licensed some of her father’s music, first for one (Habibi 003), then for another (Habibi 005), then we eventually organized an exhibition in June/July 2019 – Planète Malek – Une Rétrospective – at the Musée Public National D’Art Moderne & Contemporain in Algiers, focusing on Ahmed Malek’s artistic life. We also produced a small movie about him that our friend Paloma Colombe shot and directed. “Musique Originale de Films, Volume Deux” is a deep collection of unreleased songs and stemmed grooves from the Algerian master, from jazz, funk, psych to reggae rhythms and Latin flavors, all under the sonic umbrella of “Planète Malek;” and to quote the maestro, “I didn’t choose music, music chose me.” Lead single is the subtlety funky “Thème Rythme Léger,” out May 3rd along with LP Pre-Order (coincided with Bandcamp Friday for a larger impact) a delicate sonic dance between flute, piano and Spanish guitar with a Bossainfluenced groove. The steady, swingin’ drum groove is cloudlike - definitely toe-tapping friendly so just grab a partner to feel the Rhythme Léger. Second single out May 17th is the reggae-infused “L’Empire Des Rêves” – a sultry sax melody weaves through a prismatic rocksteady thematic groove. 3rd and final single “Thème Djalti feat. Aïda Guéchoud” – is a true Western-inspired ode to his Italian counterpart Ennio Morricone. “Thème Djalti” features the haunting vocals of Aïda Guéchoud, and combines elements of baroque and Bossa-jazz in a timelessly thematic way that seems grandiose yet remains uniquely personal to your ears. Swelling strings, trumpet, fem vox, flute, and plucked guitar expertly arranged, feels like you’re riding a horse into the sunset. Focus track “La La La” is fiery afro-arab-funk of the highest order! Put on your dancing shoes as Ahmed cuts the rug and gets us grooving along. Sonically the cut sounds like if Ahmed ran into The JB’s and Fela Kuti at a Cymande concert. Driving guitar and organ solos vie over pulsating bass riffs and afro-funk drumming that’ll have you out on the dance floor in no time. As always, both vinyl and CD come with an extensive booklet featuring background and interviews with Ahmed compiled through found newspaper clippings and newsreels, also including unseen photos, scans and more. “Ahmed Malek: Musique Originale de Films, Volume Deux” will be out everywhere June 28th.

You know it's a guarantee when we welcome back the legendary Breakbeat Junkie to represent the 14th installment of the Toxic Funk series that things will be all about the Party rocking Breaks!

The Breakbeat Junkie has been around since the early nu funk days as a solo producer and as part of the dynamic duo Second Hand Audio, who has dropped various classic releases on both BBP and the Ghetto Funk label.

Toxic Funk Vol. 14 features 2 golden funky cuts from the beat master, which will be sure to get the party rocking anywhere its dropped.

Lately The Breakbeat Junkie has been stable with his bootleg jams on Craig Charles Funk and Soul show on BBCand we know these cuts will go down perfect with the big jams played on this show.

Another timeless 7- inch donut that will be going quick so get it while you can and look out for more Toxic Funk coming very soon…

Our Label Records Vol. 1 präsentiert eine Auswahl an zumeist vergriffenen Funk 45s aus zwanzig Jahren Labelgeschichte. 2005 starteten die Brüder Tom und Gu mit der 7” Veröffentlichung "Give Me A Minute" von The New Mastersounds aus Leeds, UK, und haben seitdem mit Bands und Künstlern aus der ganzen Welt zusammengearbeitet. Gerade in den Anfangsjahren war Unique Records als Vertriebspartner einer der Garanten sich schnell zu etablieren. Auf dieser Compilation gibt es Uptempo Funk, smarte Breaks und soulful Grooves die sich als sichere DJ Tracks bewiesen haben. “Give Me A Minute (Part 1 & 2)”, geschrieben von Gu, war nach drei Monaten ausverkauft. Das von DJ-Ikone Keb Darge und Eddie Roberts produzierte “Bread & Water” von The Inmates war nach sechs Monaten nicht mehr zu bestellen. Die "Song 2" Coverversion von Diazpora schaffte es sogar in den Trailer einer britischen Castingshow. Mothergroove, Sir Ali Bengali, Wake&Bake! und Renegades Of Jazz sind Klassiker in den Vinyl Kisten von DJs weltweit und Garanten für volle Tanzflächen. Einige hatten auf Our Label Records die ersten Veröffentlichungen ihrer Karriere. Mit “Smudgin'” von The King Rooster findet sich auf dieser Werkschau zudem eine ganz neuer bisher unveröffentlichtes Funk Monster. Zehn Tracks stark ist "Our Label Records Vol. 1" eine sichere Bank für Funk Fans, Vinyl Enthusiasten, DJs und Sammler. Die erste Vinyl Auflage von 500 Exemplaren erscheint mit einer Bonus 7” aus dem Our Label Katalog.

An extremely rare and in-demand record from the disco-funk group has been unearthed and restored. The Movers enjoyed huge success in the 1970s, releasing album after album of ground-breaking sounds, including fusions of South African marabi jazz, funk, disco and jive. The line up of the band shifted throughout its existence - however this particular album produced by David Thekwane features musicians Jabu Sibumbe, L Rhikoti, Lloyd Lelosa and Sankie Chounyane.

If you're looking for some summer fire from the Soul-Funk-Disco world then look no further than this new from Micky More & Andy Tee. Groove Culture Bosses teamed up with Angela Johnson and Dj Meme Orchestra for the cover of the classic Rose Royce's song 'Is It Love You're After'. Strings, Horns, synthesizers, guitars, bass etc... All here is played live, more than twenty musicians worked on this project. 'Is It Love You're After' is a track that contains the beauty and the essence of Soul-Funk-Disco: Instrumentation and vocals of the highest level. Package sees Legendary New York City DJ Danny Krivit providing a dj-friendly edit for the dancefloor plus a housy Mix From Da Lukas. A MUST HAVE!

Repress!

Vocal powerhouse Izo FitzRoy exploded on to the scene in 2017 with her debut LP 'Skyline', the album incorporating a stunning fusion of styles spanning gospel, funk and soul as Izo's raw bluesy tone and direct lyricism took centre stage.

Her new album 'How The Mighty Fall' builds further on the soul foundations of her debut. Recorded between Paris, London and Sheffield, it sees her collaborating with three stellar producers and a host of talented musicians.

Disco royalty – Dimitri From Paris (Glitterbox, BBE) directs fellow Parisians Cotonete on her smash single 'I Want Magic'. Studio wizard Shawn Lee (BBE, Ubiquity) brings the funky AOR vibes on 'Slim Pickings' and the Mercury Prize nominated - Colin Elliott (Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker, Paul Weller) who produced the bulk of the album, completes the trio. Guesting on the record are the UK's most in demand brass section – The Haggis Horns and Izo's long-time collaborators - Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir.

Conceived during the aftermath of the breakdown of her long-term relationship, Izo looked to this personal experience for inspiration for the album as well as casting further afield at the wider themes of mental, societal and communication breakdowns.

Despite the strong material, at one point it seemed the record might never materialise. Just as the world was getting on board with her debut LP and international touring was taking off, Izo lost the use of her voice and required surgery on her vocal chords in the second part of 2018. A long schedule of vocal rehabilitation was necessary to get back to a position where she could first talk, then sing regularly enough to get back to work.

Thankfully after this difficult personal period for her, the silver lining from the experience was that post-recovery she gained a whole new octave at the top of her vocal range! This in turn has influenced her song writing on the album & allowed her to enhance her compositions with more vocal light and shade from this unexpected gift.

2024 Reissue

For the first time in a decade and a half, Kansas City-born multi-instrumentalist Nathan Davis is having his If album reissued. It first came on the respected educator and musician's own Tomorrow International label in 1976 but now arrives on Japanese favourite P-VINE. Any true jazz-funk and rare groover head will be familiar with its unique charms and anyone not soon will be in love. Only 100 copies of this were pressed up back in the day which is why it has become so hard to find and such a cult classic. Do not sleep on this one.

Being back in the prairies after decades away opened up boxes of tightly wrapped insanity, delicate stuff, and bizarre things. The joy and sorrow of the place drives me into the Blues studio to make more art for you. It's made with big heart from way out West, to keep you alive and virile.”

Welcome back. Where's the party at? Son Of Dave's 11th album kicks off with homecoming outbursts. After 26 years in London UK he's back in the Canadian Prairies demanding as much attention as always. Themes of flat Midwest cities, classic-rock lovin' truckers, and a weird call for More Mayonnaise will keep his multitude of international fans chuckling. The usual Son Of Dave bag of tricks colours the album: Blues-harmonica, beat-box, cheap electric guitar, and that voice that shouts and croons his own brand of Blues infused old-school R&B.

As always, he messes with different rhythms: Funk, Boogaloo, Rock-Steady, or Techno, always doing it his own way. How do you categorize a Son of Dave album? He's become his own style, loved and shared by millions of fans worldwide. That's why you'll find his music in the Breaking Bad soundtrack and many more. You'll hear it on college radio or boomer generation blues radio programs from Switzerland to Argentina. A true maverick Bluesman.

Most of the record is done completely himself. All writing, instruments, editing, recording, mixing and artwork. You're welcome. Three exceptions are “Where's The Party At” , produced by long-time collaborator Tim Gordine in London, and two recorded on Vancouver Island by Zac Cohen at lovely Woodshop Studios, “Yahoos” and “I Told You All I Know”. The album will be released on July 12th. Four singles will lead up. Plenty of videos and fun coming. Shows and tours forthcoming.

SPEED und Hardcore sind zwei Worte, die zu einem Synonym geworden sind: Die in Sydney, Australien, ansässige Band hat das Genre durch
berauschende Live-Auftritte, Musikvideos und die Treue zu sich selbst für sich beansprucht.
Die fünfköpfige Band hat den Begriff ONLY ONE MODE geprägt, und so ist es keine Überraschung, dass er auch den Titel ihres ersten Albums darstellt
Das Debütalbum ist ein Beispiel für das Wachstum der Band, ohne dabei den SPEED-Ethos zu vernachlässigen. Das ist es, worum es ihnen geht:
Hardcore, hart gespielt, schnell gespielt, "für uns, von uns" - explizit, unmittelbar, definitiv - in Anspielung auf all die entscheidenden Bands, die vor
ihnen gekommen sind.
Im Juni sind Speed auch in Deutschand live zu erleben

SPEED und Hardcore sind zwei Worte, die zu einem Synonym geworden sind: Die in Sydney, Australien, ansässige Band hat das Genre durch
berauschende Live-Auftritte, Musikvideos und die Treue zu sich selbst für sich beansprucht.
Die fünfköpfige Band hat den Begriff ONLY ONE MODE geprägt, und so ist es keine Überraschung, dass er auch den Titel ihres ersten Albums darstellt
Das Debütalbum ist ein Beispiel für das Wachstum der Band, ohne dabei den SPEED-Ethos zu vernachlässigen. Das ist es, worum es ihnen geht:
Hardcore, hart gespielt, schnell gespielt, "für uns, von uns" - explizit, unmittelbar, definitiv - in Anspielung auf all die entscheidenden Bands, die vor
ihnen gekommen sind.
Im Juni sind Speed auch in Deutschand live zu erleben.

Introducing X-Ray Ted's debut album 'Moving On', a testament to years spent honing his craft and refining his signature sound. Seamlessly blending Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, Beats and Breaks, X-Ray Ted delivers a collection that encapsulates his diverse influences as both a producer and turntablist who is endlessly crate digging for hidden gems. From the infectious opening guitar riff to the final beat, it is clear that 'Moving On' promises an experience that is as engaging as it is dancefloor focused. Each track showcases X-Ray Ted's innate ability to re-interpret vintage sounds from decades past, offering listeners something that is both alluringly familiar and refreshingly new.

X-Ray Ted is not alone in creating his musical vision. He is joined by Hip Hop royalty in the form Jungle Brother's Afrika Baby Bam, Jurassic 5's Fullee Love (AKA Soup), and UK MCs Dr Syntax and Professor Elemental. Adding soulful depth and irresistible hooks to the mix are the vocals from fellow Bristolian Carys Abigail. Together, they effortlessly bridge the gap between retro 60's vibes and contemporary beats, creating something that is truly timeless, celebrating the past while embracing the future.




d 04: Get out the House (Dirty Version) feat. Afrika Baby Bam

"1996-97? Yeah, that’s when New York was still NEW YORK!

That was around the time we really started to get hold of exotic herbs. Copper Haze, hydroponic! The vibes in the studio were always lovely. I had hair at the time! Dread-Locs down to my shoulders... I was still rockin’ the Wallabees, or British Walkers as we called them - representing for Brooklyn and my West Indian roots!

There was no social media, no supervision, nobody all up in our business… It was classic "mind your own business" NYC Vibes! I was DJing at a lot of the hot clubs and THE hottest afterhours in the city. There were nights when I saw Micheal Douglas roll into the afters with Grace Jones - they were there to party and unwind and I was there dropping the dope tracks for the people.

When it was studio time, with my homie Matt Echols...I was probably setting things off with some quality herbage, a big ass bag of Funyuns and my trusty SP-1200, lol. I had picked up some tips and tricks from Todd Terry and by '96-'97 I was a Shaolin with it myself! This was around the time tracks like "Flowers" and "Only Love Can Break Your Heart (Dub)" were tearing up the clubs. I wanted to be able to get my ideas out with no problem, and by then I had a lot of confidence...

Being able to Dj in some of the hottest NY hot spots at the time, I was able to really see what worked and what didn't on the dancefloor. The best House Dancers from around the world and around the Tri-State area would be at my jams. I'm talking Ejoe, Voodoo Ray, maybe kids from the Mop-Top Crew... I was definitely taking note of the kind of rhythms and sounds that would make them go crazy on the dancefloor!

And that's how we went about it - I laid down the rhythms that made it happen in my sets and translated the vibes I was picking up from NYC itself. Matt threw down musically and we were just being as creative and inventive as possible! But we always kept in mind that our job was to make the people on the dancefloor jump!

A lot of the jams from those days got signed to various record labels, we dropped a lot of them on our own label...and some of them ended up in the archives - until now!"

- DJ Romain

The multifaceted Perth-based record label 823, founded by Australian producer and creative powerhouse Ta-ku, is gearing up for "All Things Considered Vol. 3." Committed to detail and a celebration of life's simple pleasures, this LP refuses to be confined to any single genre. Noteworthy releases from 823 include Cabu's "So Far To Go" EP, Ta-ku and Matt McWaters's collaboration "Black and White," featuring the Masego collaboration "Flight 99," and their debut project with Australian producer and instrumentalist Kuzich.

This time, The guest list includes Jakarta Records beat-veterans Alexander Flood, Lucid Green, and Cabu, bringing RnB with a soulful twist that's sure to warm the heart. Playfully melodic artists Makzo, falcxne & Seb Zellner blend jazz, soul, and sweetness creating a natural and playful sound for the LP. Den Brooks, Lovesome, and Tambala all contribute to the rhythmic neo-soul zest on the iconic 808 beat.

On the whole, "All Things Considered Vol. 3" embarks on a forward-thinking rhythmic journey into the creative minds behind the LP. It's as diverse and eclectic as those minds themselves and proudly follows up on its first and second volumes. Natural sounds blend seamlessly with electronic elements, from lush melodies to wintery vibes. Playful vocals adorn this 12-track gem, from Lucid Green's ethereal journey "Splash" twisted in UK garage vibes to the jazz-pop infused "Lost & Found" by Makzo & friends, echoing Jamiroquai-esque beats. The first single, "Babyslowdown" by MXXWLL, takes center stage with its strings, while Alexander Flood's James Bond-inspired melody receives a funky update.

Keep on Dancing EP by Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg on 10-inch 45 rpm vinyl with four versions fresh out of the oven. Faithful to the essences, the band of the only Ramone still standing trims all the fat off the originals and makes every second count. High voltage. DESCRIPTION Marky Ramone needs little introduction. The only Ramone still standing was born in 1952 in Brooklyn and joined the band in 1978, replacing Tommy, and remained with the Ramones until they disbanded in 1996 (with a 1983-1987 hiatus due to personal problems). He is a restless person and has never stopped recording and performing live, either solo (MR & the Intruders, MR & the Speedkings) or in projects and collaborations (Joey Ramone, Teenage Head, Tequila Baby, Wardogs...). MARKY RAMONE'S BLITZKRIEG is the name of the band with which he has been touring the world for 15 years celebrating the Ramones' legacy, as well as adding some own-penned songs and some covers of other iconic punk rock bands to his repertoire. Over the years the line-up has varied, but in recent times the band has consolidated its position on stage with the resounding presence of Vitoria-Gasteiz's own Iñaki Urbizu "Pela" (La Excavadora, Victima's Club) as frontman and vocalist, and the Argentinians Marcelo Gallo and Martín Sauan (Expulsados) on guitar and bass. So, the time seemed right to transfer all the energy generated live to a 10" plastic EP. Four versions fresh out of the oven. Three tracks under two and a half minutes and one just over three minutes. True to the Ramones essence, they remove all the fat that was left over from the originals and make every second count. The Gentrys' "Keep On Dancing" opens the selection. The original track reached number four in the US charts in 1965 and, after passing through the hands of MARKY RAMONE'S BLITZKRIEG, classic Ramones covers like "Do You Wanna Dance" inevitably come to mind. The idea is easy, speed up the original a bit, in 4/4, and then play it faster. The hard part is that the result is so exciting and energetic. "It's Not Unusual", the Tom Jones hit, becomes maximum fun. The familiar, catchy tune is elevated to a whole new level of energy and intensity so that the chorus can be belted out loud. The Beatles' "Octopus's Garden", originally composed and sung by Ringo Star, is transformed into a playful punk-pop song to escape, if only momentarily, from the worries of the earthly world in the backdrop of a bar with a good sound system. Closing "New York, New York", the classic song from the Frank Sinatra songbook, celebrates New York City. It fits perfectly with Marky's identity as a native of the city, rooted in its culture and spirit, capturing the vibrant energy and rebellious attitude of the city that never sleeps. Some can cover hundreds of different songs and make them their own, and others can't. MARKY RAMONE'S BLITZKRIEG, like their originators, are certainly one of those who can. The band is just as comfortable with a colossal song as they are with a ditty, it's all about electric atmosphere and chemistry and, on each of these new recordings, the voltage is very high. One euro from the sale of each record will go to the victims of war. Stop the war!

SYLVAN Konzerte waren und sind stets etwas Besonderes. Auf unzähligen Festivals und Konzerten weltweit präsentierte die Hamburger "New Artrock"-Band schon seit dem Jahr 2000 ihre atemberaubende Musik. Wie bei vielen Künstlern waren aufgrund der Corona-Pandemie ihre Konzerte zuletzt etwas rar, doch sie ließen sich davon nicht verunsichern und setzten mit ihrem erfolgreichen Studio-Album "One To Zero" ein deutliches Ausrufe- und Lebenszeichen. Auf ihrer Tour im Jahr 2024 zeigten SYLVAN nun, warum ihre Fans sie so lieben: eine perfekte Show mit einer spielfreudigen, eingespielten Band, eine perfekte Show mit bis ins Details abgestimmten Lichteffekten und Visuals und eine Setlist, die nun wirklich aber auch gar keine Wünsche übrig ließ. Die fünf Hamburger verstehen es dabei wie kaum eine andere Band, ihr Publikum auf eine emotionale Reise mitzunehmen. Eine Reise voller Extreme: mal laut, mal leise - mal zerbrechlich, mal vor Energie strotzend - mal scheinbar einfach, mal komplex. Aber immer melodiös und fokussiert auf den momentanen Hauptdarsteller: sei es Ausnahmesänger Marco Glühmann, Tasten-Zauberer Volker Söhl oder Gitarren-Virtuose Johnny Beck, welcher seinem grandiosen und unverwechselbaren Gitarrenspiel das Publikum bezaubert und eine wahre Bereicherung für SYLVAN auf der Bühne ist. Das Fundament bildet die äußerst solide und eingespielte Rhythmus-Sektion mit Bassist Sebastian Harnack und Drummer Matthias Harder. Die Song-Auswahl ist eine Mischung aus dem Besten der langjährigen Band-Historie, garniert mit Songs des letzten Albums, welches sie ja vorher aus genannten Gründen noch nicht auf einer Tour präsentieren konnten - diese Mixtur entfaltet einen wahrhaftigen Live-Spirit und bringt nochmal einen ganz besonderen Touch und Power in die Musik.
Sylvan treten hier den unwiderlegbaren Beweis an, dass sie nun mit voller Kraft zurück auf der Bühne sind.

Paige is a visual Artist, Dj and Co-Founder of London’s loved techno event - NightService. Her musical style involves combining tribal, UK funky infused tracks with heavier techno sounds.

Die Multi-Platin-Rockband MR. BIG veröffentlicht ihr zehntes Studioalbum mit dem treffenden Titel "Ten"! Inmitten ihrer letzten Tournee - THE BIG FINISH - wollten sich MR. BIG, inspiriert von den unzähligen Fans, die im vergangenen Jahr ihren Abschied mit ihnen teilten, mit einem brandneuen Studioalbum verabschieden. Nach mehr als drei Jahrzehnten musikalischer Partnerschaft zünden Martin,
Gilbert und Sheehan mit Hilfe des Newcomers Nick D'Virgilio noch einmal den Funken und nehmen mit dem kommenden "Ten" eine neue Form an.

Das gesamte Album wurde sowohl live im Studio als auch im Tourbus aufgenommen. Die erste Single und das dazugehörige Video aus "Ten", "Good Luck Trying", ist ein lauter, rauer 70er-Jahre-Blues-"Rock"-Song, der Einflüsse von MR. BIGs frühesten musikalischen Inspirationen, gefolgt von dem aus der Feder von Paul Gilbert stammenden Up On You" - ein geradliniger Stomp-Rocker!

Glam metal band Pretty Boy Floyd formed in 1987. Their 1989 debut album Leather Boyz with Electric Toyz spawned two singles: "Rock and Roll (Is Gonna Set the Night on Fire)" and "I Wanna Be with You". At the heart of Pretty Boy Floyd's appeal lay their unabashed celebration of all things glam. With their teased hair, flamboyant outfits, and unabashedly hedonistic lyrics, the band embodied the spirit of excess that defined the era. The LP captured the essence of the glam metal genre, combining catchy hooks, driving rhythms, and over-the-top theatrics to create an album that was as infectious as it was unapologetically fun. Over the years, the album has grown into an incredibly influential classic within the glam metal community.

Som, Sangue e Raça is still one of the milestones in Brazilian music. The music of Dom Salvador e Abolição is a funky and smooth blend of samba, soul, rock, jazz, forro and baião. The band's sound was a major influence on the successful group Banda Black Rio. Som, Sangue e Raça still stands out for its catchy and groovy melodies and shows the wide range of the band. All this makes this samba/soul classic a must for all music collectors.
Som, Sangue e Raça is available as a limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on translucent red coloured vinyl.

Emilia Sisco's latest 7" vinyl single is a testament to the timeless allure of vintage soul music. Backed by the esteemed Timmion Records house band Cold Diamond & Mink, Sisco delivers a stellar double-sider that captivates you from start to finish. On the A-side's "Lemon Lime Sour" Sisco's spirited vocals soar over infectious crossover soul terrain, creating an irresistible groove that celebrates the bittersweet feeling of falling in love. The track's joyful energy invites audiences for a dance along its uplifting message. Flipping the record reveals the B-side, "Love Can Carry Me," a soul-stirring beat ballad that showcases Sisco's growth both as a songwriter and a vocalist. The song's emotive lyrics and dark melodies create an intimate atmosphere, drawing listeners into its introspective narrative of resilience and hope. During these tumultuous times, the two tracks encapsulate what funky, emotion-driven music made by real humans is all about, blending Sisco's undeniable vocal talent with Cold Diamond & Mink's impeccable musical craftsmanship. With its universal themes and timeless appeal, the new single is poised to resonate with soul music enthusiasts around the globe.

Limited Transparent Green Vinyl. Emilia Sisco's latest 7" vinyl single is a testament to the timeless allure of vintage soul music. Backed by the esteemed Timmion Records house band Cold Diamond & Mink, Sisco delivers a stellar double-sider that captivates you from start to finish. On the A-side's "Lemon Lime Sour" Sisco's spirited vocals soar over infectious crossover soul terrain, creating an irresistible groove that celebrates the bittersweet feeling of falling in love. The track's joyful energy invites audiences for a dance along its uplifting message. Flipping the record reveals the B-side, "Love Can Carry Me," a soul-stirring beat ballad that showcases Sisco's growth both as a songwriter and a vocalist. The song's emotive lyrics and dark melodies create an intimate atmosphere, drawing listeners into its introspective narrative of resilience and hope. During these tumultuous times, the two tracks encapsulate what funky, emotion-driven music made by real humans is all about, blending Sisco's undeniable vocal talent with Cold Diamond & Mink's impeccable musical craftsmanship. With its universal themes and timeless appeal, the new single is poised to resonate with soul music enthusiasts around the globe.

A1 - String Theory
Senses arrives on Curvature in epic form, String Theory opening with a memorable pad melody before the track bursts into life with a stunning amen workout - edited and chopped impeccably with finely honed skills from a storied history in drum & bass. A subtly pleasant female vocal graces the track in the breakdown as a cacophony of melodies dance around in the mix, before the amens rip back to the forefront in style.
A2 - Cosmic Telemetry
Continuing a fine exploration of sounds of yesteryear, Cosmic Telemetry showcases a delicately jazzy vibe with breaks that hark back to classics such as Planetary Funk Alert, modernised with an atmospheric twist. Rolling out with a plethora of familiar samples and keys as synths elevate and rise in the backdrop, Cosmic Telemetry is an elegant pastiche for the ears and the dancefloor alike.
AA1 - Papillon
Clean old school breaks introduce Papillon, an earthy track with deep room-filling bass underpinning tight analogue drums, playfully decorated with an assortment of wavy synths, horns and flutes, plinky melodies and delicious female vocal samples in the breakdown before Senses subtly edits the breaks as a voice declares "I'm all yours" to synths pitching up and down at will to great effect.
AA2 - Past Lives
Closing the EP on an intensely atmospheric tip, Past Lives is full of heavily reminiscent rhythms from the classic 90s atmospheric era with sharp drum samples and ethereal synthwork that transport you to a nostalgic dreamscape, seamlessly blending the past and the present with classic 808 basslines and fluid, harmonious strings that perfectly complement the dramatic, all-encompassing padwork.
Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial / Red Mist)