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The next installment of MFM's popular multi-artist compilation Virtual Dreams: 'Virtual Dreams - Ambient Explorations In The House And Techno Age, Japan 1993-1999'. As with Part One, released in 2020, 'Virtual Dreams II' shines a light on house and techno-adjacent music that helped redefine the definition of ambient music during the 1990s.

The focus of Part One heavily fell on music from techno and house producers in Europe, eagerly exploring new soundtracks for chill-out rooms and re-imagining the potential future of club culture from new perspectives. For Part Two, we narrow the lens to focus on a unique time and place, namely Japan between 1993-1999. Despite missing out on the 'Acid House Fever', club culture was beginning to take shape in Japan during the early '90s. In contrast to the rest of the world, where ambient techno / IDM emerged as a by-product or response to the scene, 'listening techno', as it is known in Japan, was a central pillar of the culture right from the start.

'Virtual Dreams II' aims to shine a light on this unique moment in time where the thread of ambient music weaved its way through the music of an emerging club culture. This period saw the birth of many great Japanese techno labels such as Sublime Records, Transonic Records, Syzygy Records, Frogman Records, and Form@ Records, following in the late '90s. 'Virtual Dreams II' features ambient, chill-out, and intelligent techno from these leading labels alongside other lesser-known but equally influential imprints, as well as ambient deviations from Japanese house producers. Much of the music featured has only ever been released on CD.

'Virtual Dreams II' is compiled by Eiji Taniguchi and Jamie Tiller, who have worked closely together on previous Music From Memory releases such as 'Heisei No Oto' and 'Dream Dolphin - Gaia'. It is also the final project Jamie Tiller worked on before his tragic passing in 2023. Jamie had been researching, planning, and compiling this version of Virtual Dreams even before the first chapter was released, believing that there were many great tracks in Japan that fit the concept of the series. Knowing how much love and energy he put into compiling it gives it an extra special place in our hearts.

Compiled by Jamie Tiller and Eiji Taniguchi with artwork by Kenta Senekt, design by Steele Bonus and liner notes by Itaru W. Mita,

Fronted by former South London lovers rock vocal harmony group, Alpha (sisters Jackie & Jean Heron and Marlene Richardson), Take Three was the brain-child of writer/producer trio "S.H.E." - Steve Sinclair, Peter Hinds & Kevin Ellis.

Meeting each other at The Factory community centre in Paddington (now known as the Yaa Asantewa centre and in the last few years, The Yaa Centre) Steve & Kevin began a partnership writing and directing their own theatre productions as part of The Black Theatre Co-Op, which called the centre home at the time. When a song they had written together for one of their productions received praise and plaudits, the path toward writing and producing records began, bringing in more seasoned hand Peter Hinds - formerly a member of key brit funk groups Light of the World and Beggar & Co, and player with Incognito, Imagination & Loose Ends - to complete the circle.

Take Three represented the first project for a creative partnership that would spawn multiple projects/aliases spanning the UK soul, funk & dance scenes, and still continues to this day. With this compilation we showcase for the first time the group's combined output as Take Three, complete with previously unreleased material.

"In the mood for love"
A bohemian atmosphere caught between Paris and Rio. Melodies and Harmonics that have a french taste and rhythms rooted in Brazil. Laura Fedele the time stopping voice.

"Take 4"
Up tempo track characterized by a soprano sax that swirls out melodies making you feel like you have travel back to the 70's. The jazzy guitar riffs opposed to flutes makes the picture complete; all weaved by S-tone inc. 's hand.

"Rendez-vous à minuit"
A Bossa Lounge motif with Wes Montgomery guitar riffs combined to scat voices all packed in relaxin' cruise formation.

"Vai Ser Bom"
Dedicated to Iemanjà, Brazilian sea god. A dreamy rhythmic atmosphere sweatened by the tender voice of Adi Souza and acoustic guitars inpired to Baden Powell.

"La Boca del Rio"
The acoustic bass distinguishes this up tempo track that creates great ambience. The acoustic piano duets the keyboards enriched by strings. The rhythms falling between house and bossa nova.

"Limbe"
A scent of India in a down tempo track, a bit psychedelic with sitars and tablas making the background for a French melody. Velvet voice of Laura Fedele gives the track that extra dimension.

"Memphis Freeway"
Funky track with a 70's taste starting with the flute that plays the theme with horns 'Temptations' style. The beat is a straight 4/4 kick with a groovy bass.

"Entre o Ceus e a Terra"
Like the dualism in the title, the track is divided between the tension of the spoken riff and the solarity of the melody both moved by a "bossy" up tempo base.

"Effetto Notte"
A cinematic feel for a soothing chill out theme on the keyboard alternating with dreamy orchestrations.

First new material from UK soul heroes Stone Foundation for over a year. As they head into their 11th studio album due in 2025, this taster of new material shows the band experimenting with new sounds and influences whilst still remaining distinctively Stone Foundation. Mick Talbot (The Style Council, Dexys) joins the band to bring some of his trademark keyboard magic to both tracks.

Strictly limited to 500 units worldwide, don't miss out on what is sure to be another future Stone Foundation collectible.

In celebration of National Album Day, All Saints' iconic debut album All Saints is finally making its debut on Green Vinyl. This release brings forth the timeless allure of the British girl group's chart-topping hits, including the infectious rhythms of "Never Ever," the soulful harmonies of "Under the Bridge," and the irresistibly catchy "Bootie Call." Transport back to the late 1990s, where the signature blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop captivated global audiences.

Lyrics written by Ontto, except “Voitelu” written by Ontto & Evill

Produced by Oranssi Pazuzu
Recorded by Julius Mauranen and Niko Lehdontie
Additional recording by Juho Vanhanen and Tom Brooke
Sounds captured at E-studio, Astral Studio, Cellar of Deposition and Inner Oscillations between November 2021 and December 2023.

Mixed by Julius Mauranen at Studio Kekkonen
Premix engineering by Niko Lehdontie
Mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers
Album artwork and layout by Jenna Haapaharju
Management by Erin Lynch, FlyingFox AB
Thank you: Mikko Männistö, Tom Brooke, Erin Lynch, Jens Prueter, Jyri Riikonen, Timo “Moit” Alatalo
Evill - grand piano, vocals, effects
Ikon - guitar, sampler, synthesizers
Jun-His - the voice, guitar
Korjak - drums
Ontto - bass guitar, synthesizers

DJ Support: Chris Stussy, Luuk van Dijk

Oh yes, Kepler in the house!
I’ve been a huge fan for years and when he sent me some unsigned tunes I knew I had to sign these.
Three slamming house cuts + an epic remix by no other than S.A.M. that makes you drive 50mph over speed limits.

Another excellent selection of proper old skool breakbeat business, featuring the legendary Stu Chapman on remix duties, alongside Gaffer and Renegade Genius...absolute mayhem....


"New York Hip Hop revolutionaries Ced-Gee, Kool Keith, Moe Luv and T.R. Love, known as Ultramagnetic Mc’s dropped their seminal debut album Critical Beatdown in 198 Immediately grabbing the attention and pushing the boundaries of hip hop into new horizons, it was hailed as a masterpiece by the underground. Influential hip hop magazines The Source and Hip Hop Connection both listed Critical Beatdown in their Top 100 charts, naming it one of the best 100 hip hop albums ever. The 1986 single “Ego Trippin” is one of the first tracks to use the SP1200 drum machine (programmed by producer Ced-Gee), and the SP1200 would later become the golden standard for many hip hop producers. This expanded edition features not only the original album with the 15 tracks, but it also includes 6 bonus tracks: the original 12” versions of “Funky”, “Bait”, “A Chorus Line” featuring Tim Dog, “Mentally Mad” plus “Traveling at the Speed of Thought (Hip House Club Mix)” and “Ego Trippin (Bonus Beats)”. Don't miss out on the opportunity to catch them live as they are touring the globe again. Critical Beatdown (Expanded Edition) is available as a limited edition of 2000 individually numbered copies on green coloured vinyl. It also contains a 4-page booklet with interviews, rare photos and liner notes. "

Critical Beatdown by Ultramagnetic Mc's, released 23 February 2024, includes the following tracks: "Ego Trippin (Original 12” Version)", "Kool Keith Housing Things", "Feelin’ It", "Ain’t it Good to You" and more.

This version of Critical Beatdown comes as a 2xLP. This release comes with (a) Booklet & Insert(s).

The vinyl is pressed as a green disc. Another vinyl is pressed as a

Music On Vinyl, in collaboration with Warner Music Ben- elux, presents the new versions of the Dance Classics series. Originally released between 1988 and 1990 as a series of cd compilations which included soul, funk, and classic-disco tracks.

Dance Classics Vol. 1 includes floorfillers by Chaka Khan, Change, Sheila & B. Devotion, Sister Sledge, Zapp, Chic, Jenny Burton, Starpoint, Lace, George Ben- son, Sheila E. and more tracks. All songs have been newly selected, remastered and feature a broad selection of dance classics, including hidden gems and rare tracks.This collection includes full length 12”/album versions and unmixed dj-friendly tracks.

The sleeves have been updated with new, yet familiar, artwork and are instantly recognizable. Each edition also includes a 2-page insert with credits and cover photos.

Dance Classics Vol. 1 is available as a limited edition on 2LP’s on gold coloured vinyl and includes an insert.

« A Fantastic mixture of Brakka, Reggae & Afrobeat Recorded between 1980 and 1984 from the underground Afropean boxer Mushapata »

“Saba-Saba Fighting” or fighting for peace, is the message that Mushapata, a legend of the African reggae underground scene in Paris with an extraordinary destiny, has fought for all his life.

Born in Bukavu, a city nowadays located in the Democratic Republic of Congo at the border with Burundi, Mushapata arrived in France at the end of the 1970s to pursue his career as a boxer. A few years later, revolted by the professional sports industry, he became a personal protection agent on the advice of his manager. He escorted many celebrities among whom Bob Marley during his legendary French tour of 1980. This encounter awakened the musician hidden behind the boxing champion. Mushapata had stepped out of the ring but he kept fighting with music, lyrics and his band Saba-Saba Fighting.

Ignored by the record labels of the time, his first self-produced recordings reveal a rough mix of lo-fi reggae, afrobeat rhythms accompanied by a brass section close to Free jazz. The nonchalant sounding voices of Mushapata and Tshayi complete this explosive cocktail and carry, in Swahili language, the Pan-African ideas of Lumumba and other great figures of African-American struggles.

This maxi single, conceived as a mini-compilation tribute, includes 4 titles from the first two albums recorded between 1980 and 1984. Limited edition!

"Amid the great British bands that have inspired the theme of this year’s National Album Day, Stereophonics continue to prove themselves to be one of the greatest. Originally formed in Cwmaman, South Wales, in 1992, the group, now consisting of Kelly Jones (vocals, guitar), Adam Zindani (guitar) Richard Jones (bass), Jamie Morrison (drums) and touring member Tony Kirkham (keyboards), made their mark with the Words Gets Around (UK No.6) and Performance and Cocktails (UK No.1) albums, and continued their chart-topping run with their third release, 2001’s Just Enough Education to Perform. Remaining at the top of the UK charts for two weeks, the album sold 140,000 copies on its way to becoming the fourth biggest-selling album in the UK in 2001. Re-entering the charts several times over the next three years, it would be certified six-times platinum and crowned the 39th best-selling album of the decade. With more than 400,000 copies sold to date and streaming figures sailing past the 340 million mark, Just Enough Education to Perform makes a welcome return to vinyl for this year’s National Album Day, in an exclusive, limited-edition green pressing. Beloved by fans, the album featured three Top 10 singles, ‘Mr. Writer’ and ‘Have a Nice Day’ making for a timeless work that fuels Stereophonics’ continued appeal. Still releasing music today, the group have continued their chart-topping streak, with their latest album, 2022’s Oochya!, becoming their eighth UK No.1 album."

Classic album, rriginally released in on 23 October 1989, via RCA Records, The Wedding Present’s second studio album, "Bizarro", marks its 35th anniversary this year. It is home to two of their biggest tracks – Brassneck and Kennedy, their first UK Top 40 hit. The band are touring Europe and the UK with special Bizarro 35th anniversary shows in September and October. This release is on Orange BioVinyl, a more environmentally sustainable product as it doesn’t contain any petroleum content

The debut album from the London-based band, it is home to their biggest hit ‘She’s So Lovely (191m+ streams) and well as some of their other most popular tracks Elvis Ain’t Dead (55m+ streams) and Heartbeat (45m + streams). This has not been available of vinyl for many years and this release will be the first time it has been available on (Orange & Black Marble) Colour LP Vinyl.

This isn't the only press release we're putting out for Keeley's second album, Beautiful Mysterious, but this one's from an entirely subjective position. Around the release of Keeley's debut, Floating Above Everything Else, there was a flurry of press which seemingly continued unabated for months and - to our mystification - seemed to offer no clues as to what, exactly, was going on with this artist or how or why any of it mattered. That album's label, Dimple Discs, has a roster of predominately Irish (and generally excellent) artists; I suppose in some unconscious way we wrote it off as "I suppose you've got to be Irish to get it". And then we were solicited Keeley's next album. Well, boy were we wrong! KEELEY is a band led by Keeley Moss, with musicians Lukey Foxtrot and Andrew Paresi, although it's a tight-knight group who propel the project and it makes no sense not to mention manager Nick Clift and studio genius Alan Maguire, who are also intrinsic members of this outfit. There's a conceit behind the band's work. Every song in the band's full repertoire shares a single subject - Inga Maria Hauser, a teenaged German backpacker found brutally assaulted and dead in a remote part of Ireland's Ballypatrick Forest in 1988. Moss's personal interest in the case caused her to create a blog, The Keeley Chronicles, which has reported on the case so doggedly that it's now viewed as the crucial source of public information on the case. And there's more to that story, of course. But our point is this: Beautiful Mysterious is that rarest of all jewels, the instant classic. Imagine going back in time to when you heard Fear Of Music, Colossal Youth or Forever Changes for the very first time, knowing what each would mean to you many years later. Don’t miss that chance with Keeley’s incredible Beautiful Mysterious. Well, here's your chance

Freestyle Records drop a killer UK soul/early street soul reissue LP from 1988, in the form of Rick Clarke's hard to come by 'Time Keeps Moving On' album.

Originally appearing on the Raven label in 1988, Time Keeps Moving On constituted Rick Clarke's first LP following his work in the earlier eighties as part of brit-funk groups Potion and Side On, and solo output including Love with a Stranger (released on The Specials' Ghost Town's producer John Collins' Local Records imprint) and a few singles for RCA. Largely co-written and co-produced with Peter Hinds (Take Three, Atmosfear, Light of the World) and a guest turn from Master T aka Toyin Agbetu - this is foundational street soul that appeared at a time when the likes of Loose Ends were starting to break through to the US, and Soul II Soul just emerging.

BLIND EGO ist zurück! Der Gitarrist der deutschen Vorzeige-Artrock-Band RPWL Kalle Wallner hat sein Versprechen wahr gemacht und ein neues Album aufgenommen. "The Hunting Party" drückt im Vergleich zu seiner Hauptband RPWL das Pedal deutlich zugunsten von Rock- und Metal-Elementen durch. Seit dem Debut aus dem Jahre 2007 ist der neue Longplayer bereits sein fünftes Studio-Album. Dazu erschien 2017 ein Live-Album und 2022 sein "beinahe-Instrumental"-Album "Voices" unter eigenem Namen. Wallner scheinen die Ideen und die Lust am Produzieren nicht auszugehen - trotz seiner Hauptband RPWL, dem eigenem Label Gentle Art Of Music, seinem Tonstudio und vielen weiteren Projekten als Produzent und Gitarrist. Dabei stand die Tour des letzten Albums 'Preaching To The Choir' unter keinem guten Stern. Für viele Fans waren diese Konzerte im Frühling 2020 die letzten unmittelbar vor dem Corona-Lockdown und für viele Monate die letzten Konzert-Erlebnisse. Zum großartigen Gesamteindruck des Albums trägt neben Wallners außergewöhnlichem und markantem Gitarrenspiel vor allem der talentierte und erstklassige Sänger Kevin Kearns bei. Kearns, der bei seiner eigenen Metalcore-Band Cyant normalerweise ganz andere Töne anschlägt, entpuppt sich als Idealbesetzung: er interpretiert die Songs auf 'The Hunting Party' ganz besonders emotional, nimmt einen durch alle leisen und lauten Passagen mit - mal schnörkellos, mal filigran, aber immer höchst ausdrucksstark und voller Energie strotzend.?Dazu gesellen sich erneut Ausnahme-Drummer Michael Christoph und Wallners langjähriger musikalischer Weggefährte Yogi Lang (RPWL), der dem Album nicht nur als Mitproduzent und Keyboarder seinen Stempel aufdrückt, sondern sich auch für den glasklaren Mix und das Mastering verantwortlich zeigt.
Kevin Kearns führt hier den Hörer atemberaubend durch alle emotionalen Höhen und Tiefen, ehe die Wogen ruhiger werden und der längste Song des Albums mit einen wunderschönen Gitarren-Solo schließt. Nicht zuletzt wegen solcher Soli fällt einem bei Wallner sehr schnell der Vergleich zur Pink Floyd-Ikone David Gilmour ein. Dieser zentrale Song umfasst sehr gut dieses emotionale und abwechslungsreiche Album.

Line-up:
Kalle Wallner - guitars, bass, keyboards, programming
Kevin Kearns - vocals
Yogi Lang - keyboards
Michael Christoph - drums

Zum fünften Mal präsentiert Kerstin Ott ein Album, das das Leben in all seinen Farben schildert. Und
zugleich ist es der nächste Schritt in der Entwicklung einer besonderen Sängerin und Songwriterin, die uns
an ihrem Leben und ihren Gedanken teilhaben lässt. Wer sich darauf einlässt, wird mit Sicherheit immer
wieder schöne Momente und Impulse für sich selbst darin finden.
Kerstin hat die deutsche Musiklandschaft in den letzten acht Jahren bereichert wie wenige sonst. Sie
hat mit ihrer Musik Brücken gebaut zwischen Genres, Generation und über gesellschaftliche Gräben hinweg. Sie steht klar für ihre Werte ein und lebt vor, was es heißt, sich nicht für den Erfolg zu verbiegen.
Stattdessen erarbeitet sie sich diesen mit Authentizität, Bodenständigkeit und immer dem Gefühl für den
richtigen Ton für jede ihrer vielen Geschichten. Knapp 1,5 Millionen verkaufte Tonträger, Gold- und Platinauszeichnungen für alle ihre Alben und erfolgreiche Tournees durch Deutschlands größte Hallen zeigen die
große Liebe, die ihr Publikum ihr dafür schenkt. Über Genregrenzen hinweg zählt Kerstin Ott zu Deutschlands bekanntesten und erfolgreichsten KünstlerInnen. Und mit „Für immer für dich“ veröffentlicht sie nun
ihr fünftes Studioalbum.

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and RZA) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and RZA) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and RZA) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

"Adult Swing" is the first full album as KCT (aka Karel Cuelenaere from Black Flower, John Ghost and Ping O.D and is immediately one that will put the trio firmly on the map.



Karel Cuelenaere, in the wake of Black Flower, John Ghost and Ping O.D. has gained numerous compliments from the international press. Louder Than War (UK) talks about his "incredible keyboard virtuosity" and OOR (NL) labels him as a "descendant of Keith Emerson". The Standaard (Belgium praises his "decisive contribution to the sound" of the aforementioned bands.
While Karel is now mainly perceived as a keyboardist within the prog-, rock- and hybrid jazz scene, with KCT - abbreviation of Karel Cuelenaere Trio - he resolutely opts for the grand piano. He is assisted by double bass and drums, respectively performed by Cyrille Obermüller and Gert-Jan Dreessen, both highly respected musicians in the Belgian jazz scene.
The trio is stylistically anchored in the Belgian jazz tradition, building on the work of Aka Moon, Octurn and Jozef Dumoulin, among others, and incorporates the atmosphere of 'saudade', a kind of melancholy that Karel got to know on a tour in Brazil and recognizes in the recordings of pianist Keith Jarrett during the 60s.

"Adult Swing" is the first full album as KCT and is immediately one that will put the trio firmly on the map.

Amsterdam's resident by choice, Torky Tork's Seed Tape Vol.1 is a reminiscences to his love for growing plants. Having created his own personal "music for plants" project, to keep flora and fauna entertained and triggering the blooming process.
Simultaneously to the album, Torky's own OK KUSH weed-strain will be introduced to the world. The lush & laid-back stimulating sounds and baselines are beneficial for the plants and the listeners cortex equally.
Torky's sound - even across various projects can be described with the broad spectrum of influences. The restless Berlin native has never stuck to one formula. His urge for ever new input is reflected by the constant change in the centre of his life - for some years now, he has been constantly traveling back and forth between his Berlin Bunker studio and Amsterdam, his home of choice. So the influence of weed has naturally been around him for a while, yet inspiring him to dive into the album TWO BE OK.
The illustrious line-up of musical guests on the album contains Germany’s most in-demand producers, the self-taught bedroom beatmaker FloFilz, Berlin’s bunker studio affiliate S. Fidelity, wine aficionado Dexter (also mastering engineer of the album), Wandl and more. This is the perfect soundtrack for watering your favourite plants while watching them grow.

Let’s Get It On is the 7th album of reggae pioneer Ken Boothe . The album is produced by Lloyd Charmers and is originally released by Trojan Records in 1974.

The record includes the well-known Syl Johnson cover of “Is it Because I’m Black”, plus Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On’”.

Let’s Get It On is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

They still exist, these stories: A fresh newcomer project from Cologne sends their first demo to just one address. An A&R, who has a medically certified autotune allergy, listens to the demo, hears an autotune track and signs the band anyway. ‘Streetpoet’ by Mourad Kehailia & Sebastian Fischer aka 9OASES is as unusual as the genesis of this record. It’s a wild hybrid of raving breakbeats, a chord hook that would have done Underworld proud in their heyday and the aforementioned autotune rap. It is magical. Axel Boman is a remixer who can make the magic even more magical. His 8-minute version of ‘Streetpoet’ establishes a long overdue new genre: trancehall! With ‘New Ballad’, 9OASES show us that they really mean business with their plans for world conquest. This is great techno pop with heart and mind. We are very excited to see what the guys from Cologne will do next.

Es gibt sie noch, diese Geschichten: Ein frisches Kölner Newcomer-Projekt schickt ihr erstes Demo an nur eine Adresse. Ein A&R, der eine ärztlich bescheinigte Autotune Allergie hat, hört sich das Demo an, hört einen Autotune Track und signt die Band trotzdem vom Fleck weg. ‘Streetpoet’ von Mourad Kehailia & Sebastian Fischer aka 9OASES ist so ungewöhnlich, wie die Entstehungsgeschichte dieser Platte. Es ist ein wilder Hybrid aus ravigen Breakbeats, einem Chordhook, der Underworld zu ihren Glanzzeiten alle Ehre gemacht hätte und eben besagtem Autotune Rap. Es ist magisch. Mit Axel Boman wurde ein Remixer verpflichtet, der das Magische noch magischer machen kann. Seine 8 minütige Version von ‘Streetpoet’ begründet ein längst überfälliges, neues Genre: Trancehall! Mit ‘New Ballad’ zeigen uns 9OASES, dass sie es wirklich ernst meinen mit ihren Welteroberungsplänen. Das ist großer Technopop mit Herz und Verstand. Wir sind sehr gespannt, was die Kölschen Jungs als nächstes tun werden.

In partnership with Hollywood Records and Regency Enterprises, Waxwork Records is thrilled to present BARBARIAN Original Motion Picture Music by Anna Drubich. Barbarian is a 2022 American Horror film written and directed by Zach Cregger in his solo screen writing and directorial debut. The film stars Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long. The plot follows a woman finding out that the rental home she has reserved has been accidentally double-booked by a man, not knowing of a dark secret within the dwelling. Anna Drubich is an award-winning film composer from Moscow. Her diverse body of work includes live action features, animated features, television series, documentaries, and plays and concert halls across the world. Anna has score over 35 major film and TV projects including a co-score with Oscar-nominated composer Marco Beltrami on the Guillermo Del Toro adaptation of Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark, Netflix's hit feature Fear Street: 1994, the horror-comedy Werewolves Within, and more. Waxwork Records is proud to present BARBARIAN Original Motion Picture Music as a deluxe vinyl album featuring 180 gram "Mother's Milk & Blood" splatter colored vinyl, heavyweight gatefold jackets with matte satin coating and UV spot-gloss varnish, new artwork by Steven Reeves, and an 11"x11" art print insert!

Emotive and raw, British (St. Albans) punk band returns with fourth album “Heaven Can
Wait.” With “Heaven Can Wait.”, the band effortlessly blend punk rock and post-hardcore;
shining melody and searing lyricism. New album includes features from Eric Vanlerberghe
of I Prevail on single “Be Someone” & Kenta Koie of Crossfaith on single
“filthy//RIGHTEOUS”.

The Lost Record is the underground rock 'n’ roll exploitation sci-fi film of this time. Starring Pauline Jorry andf eaturing appearances and contributions from Henry Rollins, Emmett Kelly, Michelle Mae, Paul Zone, Howie Pyro, Kid Congo, Crush, Automatic Band and scores of other underground notables, The Lost Record—directed and produced by Ian F. Svenonius and Alexandra Cabral—is a film set in a murky indeterminate future / past world where one record, The #1 Record, holds sway over society. In this world The #1 Record is unavoidable and ubiquitous; pumped out nonstop on the airwaves, intercom, and television with its irresistible and infectious message of totalitarian consumer control. The status quo is challenged when a protagonist—played by Pauline Jorry—a worker on an art assembly line, stumbles on another record at a junk-shop which is neglected, lost, and unplayed. Called The Lost Record, it suggests another way to live; another set of values. Enchanted, she begins to play it for others, much to the consternation of the authorities. Can / will it challenge the #1 Record? And what will happen if it succeeds? Based conceptually on the Escape-ism song of the same name, the soundtrack features a beautiful original score by Alex Minoff (of Golden, Extra Golden and Weird War fame) plus music by Emmett Kelly, Escape-ism, The Make Up, plus sound blurbs from this singularly poignant, funny, and affecting film which has won citationsand & notices at Belgrade's Kinoskop festival, Indie Lisboa, and the Chicago Underground Film Festival among others.

Andrew Davie (Gitarre, Lead Vocals), Joey Haynes (Gitarre) und Kevin Jones (Drums, Bass) sind Bear's Den. Ihre schon jetzt große und ergebene Fanschar haben sich Bear's Den mit ihrem Sinn für Songwriting und berauschende Harmonien und sicher auch mit ihrer DIY-Attitüde, ihren individuell per Hand gestalteten Konzert-CDs und ausführlichen Touren erspielt. Nun erscheint ihr Debütalbum Islands. Vorbote ist der Song 'Elysium', zu dem der Filmemacher Marcus Haney ein bewegendes Video gedreht hat. Wie der Song selbst angelegt als eine 'Ode an die Freundschaft', kam es bei den Dreharbeiten, bei denen er Studenten während der letzten ausgelassenen Tage ihres Semesters begleiten wollte, zu einer dramatischen Wendung, die dem Song im Nachhinein eine ganz neue Bedeutung gab. Ein bewaffneter Einzeltäter erschien auf dem Campus, erschoss einen Freund der Gruppe und verletzte zwei weitere Menschen. Nach reiflicher Überlegung beschlossen die Beteiligten, die Dreharbeiten fortzusetzen und den Opfern mit dem Video ein Denkmal zu setzen.

Zur Feier des 10-jährigen Jubiläums des gefeierten Debütalbums „Islands“ von Bear's Den aus dem Jahr 2014 wird das Vinyl in einer neuen limitierten Farbe veröffentlicht. Das Album enthält Fan-Lieblingssingles wie „Agape“ und das für den britischen Ivor Novello Award nominierte „Above the Clouds of Pompeii“.

Time to welcome another newcomer to Freerange with a brilliant debut that has already been gaining a lot of interest from early spins. Stefano Ritteri should be a familiar name to many, having dropped several well- received releases on key labels such as Pets, Rockets & Ponies and Get Physical as well as his own monthly Rinse France radio show. A producer in the old school sense, he has the ability and desire to flip from deep, emotive and down tempo jams to the most impactful, high energy floor fillers, all with a deft touch and unique and experimental spin. The Italian producer, now relocated to London, has a studio chock full of vintage synths and hardware outboard which keep him inspired and ensure his output sounds fresher and fatter than most, as can be heard on this excellent two-tracker entitled A Different Happiness EP The title track is a spaced out, percussion-heavy jam which takes a minimal approach but wins hearts and minds with an ear-worm of a melody that gets gets you hooked in from the start. Snippets of spoken word add to the intense atmosphere making this one of those sure-fire, perennial tracks which can work in a variety of sets and still guaranteed to make an impact and stand out in the crowd. Flip over for Pocket Melody, another simple yet effective and inventive track which sees Stefano letting loose on his synths and coming up with some warped Zawinul-inspired vibes in the process. The playful melody snakes around in an improvised way whilst the dubby drums and classic analogue machine beats ensure everyone stays locked into it's hypnotic groove. Definitely a producer to watch for us and we're sure Stefano is on track to continue making some amazing music. We hope you love this as much as we do!

2024 Repress
The Aggrovators were one of Jamaica’s finest session bands, many of the tracks you know and love from the 70’s Reggae scene probably featured this group of musicians in some shape or form.
The band were put together by Bunny’Striker’Lee , one of Jamaica’s formidable producers, who with no studio of his own had to rely on buying studio time from the existing establishments, such as Randy’s Studio or Channel 1.
The updating of Studio 1 classic’s which in some cases were reworkings of American R&B tunes was common practice. The rhythms were much loved favourites and with the added incentive that the musicians knew the tracks inside out.
This set of dubs are straight from the master tapes of such sessions orchestrated by the man Bunny Lee himself, no one knew better…you can’t keep a good tune down never mind a great one..
So sit back and enjoy The Aggrovators in fine Studio 1 style….RESPECT

For the next reissue in Mr Bongo’s Cuban Classics series, we look to Raúl Gómez’s entrancing 1977 Instrumental album. Presenting a unique blend of orchestral disco and jazz-funk, with Afro-Cuban flavours and soundtrack influences, it’s rich with drum breaks, energy and evolving compositions. A record that forever keeps you guessing, powered by an exemplary orchestra at the top of their game.

Cuban composer and singer Raúl Gómez is most known for featuring in the groups Mirtha Y Raul and Los Bucaneros alongside producing the Cuban classic Los Reyes 73 album, amongst a whole host of other incredible productions over the years. Released on Cuba’s state-owned label Areito, Instrumental sees Gómez not only as an instrumentalist and author, but also as a producer and arranger.

It's an album that deftly evades pigeonholing. Floating between instrumental mood music and library/soundtrack mastery, followed by explosions of cosmic-Latin funk, psych guitar workouts and compositions that reflect the orchestrated disco coming out of the US at the time, from greats such as Love Unlimited or MFSB. Lace that together with a healthy serving of Afro-Cuban magic to underpin the tracks and it’s a recipe for a record that captivates from start to finish.

Predominantly an instrumental album as the title suggests, the record showcases the Orquesta EGREM in full flow, soaring strings and vibrant horns at every turn. Highlights include 'Mi Samba Carnaval' with its breathtaking drum break, bubbling synths and sublime arrangements and the romantic film music impressions of ‘Tema De La Sierra', that have been a sampling source for many a producer. Elsewhere, ‘6 Son’ is a mind-melding psych guitar powerhouse, with 'Dacapo', written by Gilberto Peralta, offering up a slice of atmospheric and energetic Latin shuffle. One of only a handful of tracks where scat vocals compliment the orchestral tones, a Brazilian percussion theme marries with dancefloor sensibilities for a dose of feel-good, brilliance.

A wide-ranging, multi-dimensional release, Instrumental exhibits musicianship, composition and creativity at its finest and demonstrates another key example of the rich output of music that flowed from the island of Cuba post revolution.

Gerry Mulligan mit der Night Lights Band auf Europatournee 1959. Das großartige Quartett besteht aus Gerry Mulligan am Baritonsaxophon und Klavier, Art Farmer an der Trompete, Bill Crow am Bass und Dave Bailey am Schlagzeug. Die Band war auf dem Höhepunkt ihres Könnens, und diese atemberaubenden Aufnahmen trugen entscheidend dazu bei, Mulligans Band als eine der angesagtesten Bands jener Zeit zu bestätigen.

In Zusammenarbeit mit dem Swedish National Radio Archive und dem Gerry Mulligan Estate ist es uns gelungen, die Original-Masterbänder im Tresor von Sveriges Radio ausfindig zu machen und sie Kevin Gray zur Verfügung zu stellen, der mit seiner gewohnten Magie beim Mastering und Editing diesen bisher unveröffentlichten Aufnahmen eine unglaubliche klangliche Bandbreite verliehen hat. Das neu gestaltete Cover wurde von Two To Tango entworfen, die regelmäßig mit New Land zusammenarbeiten, und bietet einen großartigen modernistischen Look.

Hergestellt bei Pallas und gedruckt auf 180g Vinyl im Reverse-Board-Sleeve, ist dies eine wichtige Ergänzung für jede Sammlung. Der Baritonsaxophonist Gerry Mulligan war eine wahre Ikone des Jazz und von den 1950er Jahren bis zu seinem Tod 1996 eine der herausragenden Persönlichkeiten der Westcoast-Szene. Mulligan, der vom Downbeat Magazine 42 Jahre in Folge zur Nummer eins auf seinem Instrument gewählt wurde, war einer der wichtigsten Musiker seiner Zeit und ein Aushängeschild, das den Sound des Jazz mitgeprägt hat. Gerry Mulligan spielte sowohl in der Miles Davis Formation der Birth Of The Cool-Ära als auch im pianolosen Quartett mit Chet Baker und war immer an vorderster Front, wenn es darum ging, was in Amerikas einzig wahrer Kunstform angesagt war und ist.

It's a pleasure, a labour of love and a yearly highlight to present a new volume of the Mr Bongo Record Club series. In this collection, we have curated new finds alongside old, treasured tracks that hold a special place in our hearts, selecting music inspiring us from the Brazilian, Latin, soul, disco, gospel, cosmic, dancehall and downtempo genres. We have chosen a diverse array of artists, including Os Panteras from Brazil, stomping underground disco by Claude Jay, the Danish soul sounds of Gitte & Inger and the gospel excellence of Truth & Devotion, to name a few.

Most of the selections in this volume are older vintage productions, however, there is one very special contemporary production, recorded exclusively for Mr Bongo Record Club 7. For ‘Spring Has Sprung’, we linked three of our cherished musical family together; the legendary cult artist Asha Puthli, the wonderous band SOYUZ and Swedish maestro Sven Wunder. The result, as you’d expect, is completely breathtaking.

Reflecting on Volume 7, it now feels like a record comprised of two themes. Firstly, we have gone quite heavy on the Brazilian selections. This saw us searching further afield and digging into other areas of the endlessly rich Brazilian musical tapestry. The reflection of a more folk / Afro-Brazilian sound than presented in previous volumes in the series, can be heard in the songs of As Sublimes, Romeu Fernandes and Conjunto de Percussão Dora Pinto. The second theme is a representation of the tracks that we have been playing in our club DJ sets and are aimed more at the dancefloor. Disco tracks such as 'Come Inside' by The Shades of Love and The Duncans' 'Too Damn Hot' have been firmly tested favourites in recent years.

We hope these songs, by the sensational artists on display, inspire you as much as they do us. Music is the gift that keeps giving and there is so much more to learn, find, and share.

Pique is the sensational debut solo album from Dora Morelenbaum, one of the key talents spearheading Brazil’s new musical wave. A member of the Latin Grammy award-winning band, Bala Desejo, Dora showcases a new side to her solo productions on this special LP. Whereas Dora’s first solo EP, Vento de Beirada, was a leap of faith, Pique sees her soaring as one of Brazil’s standout stars, emboldened, emphatic but ever elegant. Building bridges between past and present, it’s a funkier, more groove-based affair, weaved together with those signature, slower, celestial tracks. Touching on disco, MPB, soul, R&B and jazz, the album is enriched with an indie pop aesthetic courtesy of fellow Brazilian star and co-producer, Ana Frango Elétrico.

With an ethereal, enveloping air few can match, Dora’s gift shines through both the serene and the spirited songs contained within. The blissful, sun-soaked ‘Não Vou Te Esquecer’ opens, before the funk-fuelled, feel-good ‘Venha Comigo’ and ‘Sim, Não.’ give a glimpse of the creativity bursting from the production partnership between Dora and Ana Frango Elétrico. Elsewhere, the album reclines into hazy lean-back realms via ‘A Melhor Saída’ and ‘Petricor’, virtuoso jazz funk in the form of ‘VW Blue’ and radiant MPB through the album’s title track ‘Pique’.

The drumming is tight, fresh and swung, the horns and strings deftly arranged, as funk-driven basslines and strutting guitars mesh with playful production touches that give an added vibrancy to the record. It is an album that exhibits every side of Dora and one she has been involved in from the ground up, from the songwriting, singing, arrangement and production to booking the studio time and sourcing the artwork designer, Maria Cau Levy.

An exchange of musical ideas powers every great scene and Rio’s contemporary landscape is no different - a family of interconnected musicians and friends that collaborate on each other’s productions. Pique is graced by a wealth of these leading Brazilian lights including her Bala Desejo bandmates Lucas Nunes, Julia Mestre and Zé Ibarra, as well as Guilherme Lirio, Alberto Continentino and Tom Veloso to name just a handful. This exchange crosses generations merging tradition with modernity. In a full circle moment, Dora’s parents Paula and Jaques Morelenbaum, who featured in countless recordings from Tom Jobim's Nova Banda and Ryuichi Sakamoto to Gal Costa and Gilberto Gil, join on the album through backing vocals and arrangement.

Pique sees Dora embrace a freedom through fresh forms, showcasing the depth and diversity of her creative artistry. An infinitely listenable release that nods to Brazilian greats like Gal Costa, Banda Black Rio and Lincoln Olivetti, fused with the indie pop edge of Ana’s production. The result is truly unique and sure to be a future Brazilian classic.

Masterminded by the prolific collaborators The Fattoruso Brothers, Airto Moreira, and Hermeto Pascoal, Opa’s Goldenwings a latin-jazz-fusion extravaganza that weaves a sonic world that lives at the intersection of lush three-part vocal harmonies, tender flute solos, pulsating percussions, and robust synth textures. Reissued on vinyl for the first time in 50 years as part of Jazz Dispensary’s Top Shelf series, the album was cut from the original analog tapes by Kevin Gray, pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a gatefold tip-on jacket.

Reissue auf bandeigenem Label Vier Promille: Das Debütalbum der Promillos - der Klassiker von 1999 - 25 Jahre später und zehn Jahre nach der letzten Auflage wieder als limitierte (Auflage 500) LP! Gelb-schwarz marmoriertes Vinyl mit doppelseitigem Insert. Seit 2012 nicht mehr mit dabei, hat der damaliger Gitarrist und Sänger Volker Grüner mit Gründung von 4 PROMILLE - erst als Projekt, dann als volle Band - mit dem Schreiben dieser Songs gezeigt wie "Ausstieg", Läuterung oder Kehrtwende praktisch aussehen kann. Ein langer Finger in Richtung jeglichem braun-rechtem Gedankengut und die Augen nach vorne gerichtet, bewies dieses Album wie Oi!-Punk musikalisch und textlich klingen kann. Damals schon und wie auch heute noch dabei: Pommes (Thomas Müller) und Basspromillo (Ralf Schmidt). Ein Meilenstein der Oi!/Streetpunk-Szene! 12 gut produzierte Oi! Punk Songs der Düsseldorfer. Mal kräftiger, mal ruhiger, mal mit männlichen, mal weiblichen Vocals, immer abwechslungsreich. "Es sind einfach gute Lieder die die Leute berühren. Sie zum Mitsingen und Spass haben, vielleicht auch zum Nachdenken bringen. Natürlich lässt man das ein oder andere Lied im Proberaum auch gerne mal weg, weil man es seit 20 Jahren auf jedem Konzert spielt. Aber wenn wir auf der Bühne stehen und die Leute schon beim ersten Akkord von ,Ich werd mich ändern" ausrasten, kriege ich immer noch eine Gänsehaut. Dafür machen wir das alles." Thomas 'Pommes' Müller zum 20. Jubiläum von Im Nächsten Leben/Tough Magazin, 2019

Gilles Peterson: "Fascinating… love this. Thoroughly recommended"
The Observer: "The focus is on great grooves and fine playing. A band to seek out."
The Guardian: "Delightfully quirky album of folk songs reimagined from Afrobeat to reggae"
The Times: "Minyo Crusaders sound like nothing else lurking on your Spotify playlist"
(PRESS FOR PREVIOUS ALBUM)

Minyo Crusaders return with theiir highly anticipated sophomore album TOUR OF JAPAN following on from their debut that has sold 4k on vinyl since release and their runaway single smash 'Cumbia Del Monte Fuji' that has almost hit 5million streams on Spotify.

Since the release of their debut in 2019 the band have toured Europe four times playing major European festivals such as Roskilde, Best Kept Secret, Green Man Festival, WOMAD, Fusion, Les Escales, Lowlands and many, many more, succesfully road-testing the songs from this album.

On this new album which has been mixed by Mario from Frente Cumbiero, Minyo have finessed their winning formula of adapting ancient Japanese folk somgs to global rhythms with influences this time from Ethiopia, boogaloo, salsa, West Africa and jazz. Says band-leader Katsumi: "The concept of this album is the sea with various expressions".

Fohn brings connection, displacement and new identities into the moment, on pastoral debut album Seanteach - informed by island life, marine folklore and musical tradition.

Connection to the land, the severing of earthly ties, explorations of environment, mythos and generational memory: under the moniker of Fohn, English violinist and producer Tom Connolly (Quade, AD93) takes to the fiddle on which he learned his craft as a child. Forging new bonds with his family’s island home off the coastal west of Ireland, their story is retold in Seanteach (Irish for ‘old house’), released on Odda Recordings.

“Seanteach explores the nature of my relationship with Ireland, and Connemara in particular, where my dad’s family is from,” explains Connolly, speaking on a long-form work that blends new compositions on traditional Irish fiddle with ambient electronics and evocative field recordings.

“It explores how the island of Maighinis became an almost mythological space for me, growing up in England - we would spend every summer there, but it felt equally present for me when we were back in the UK, a sort of mental solace that I found through music especially.”

Each track on the album is a reflection of aspects of that relationship to island life - where physical features intersect with mythology. Such as, ‘Boreen’, named after a colloquial term for rural byroads sometimes shared with otherworldly neighbours. ‘Aisling at Sea’ draws on the primal, unstoppable momentum of the water, while the folklore of ‘Immram’ reflects on generationally-kept tales of marine bravery and supernatural accomplishment.

“The compositions often sit at the fraying edges of memories I’ve inherited from my own experiences, that of family lore, or from stories that I have come across. I wanted the compositions to tread the space between documentation and fantasy that feels so reflective of my relationship with this place.”

Tying these worlds together is the presence and memory of Connolly’s ‘Mamó’ (Irish for grandmother), Bríd. Despite passing during Connolly’s childhood, this “larger-than-life character” shaped his imagination with anecdotes and stories, representing both a familiar figure, and the poignancies of potential and regret.

“Even at a young age I sensed a sadness emanating from her. Through a series of unfortunate and fortunate circumstances, she found herself leaving Ireland and settling in Boston like so many others. Under the impression she was an illegal immigrant in the US she didn’t return to Ireland for decades.”

‘Between the Shoreline and the Gorse’ channels her early childhood, born to a large Catholic family in the island’s ‘Seanteach’, and cast adrift from her old life - a severance of ties that Connolly attempts to make ethereal amends for, with the album named for her family home.

“It’s something that feels so visibly prominent in Connemara with its landscapes charcoaled with deserted ruins. It’s a feeling I also experience, despite never having lived in Ireland, which prompted me to want to explore the idea of longing for something/somewhere ‘un-experienced’, and to a certain extent, fictionalised.”