quête:le disco

PHILIPP ROLLER produced his album, "Sommer 97," back in 1996 during his student days in his small home studio. Drawing inspiration from acts like Kraftwerk, Orbital, various artists on Warp Records, and computer game music, Roller crafted a unique sonic experience. Initially released on cassette, the album was unveiled to an intimate audience at Künstlerhaus Stuttgart in February 1997. Following the initial release, Roller had the opportunity to sign with a small British label. Unfortunately, circumstances led to the label's dissolution before the record could see the light of day. Despite efforts to secure a new label, "Sommer 97" remained confined to DAT tapes and hard drives for years. Fast forward to 2020 when Michael Kübler and Daniel Varga (Rework) joined forces to establish EXLOVE Records. Recognizing the album's potential, they decided to bring "Sommer 97" out of obscurity and into the world. Philipp Roller, now residing in Berlin and working as a freelance interface designer for music software, has had an illustrious past creating a lot of music not only on his own but even for fashion shows, art and image films, and contributing ideas to Rework's debut track "Anyway I Know You" on Playhouse. In August 2021, Roller released his first single, "Kiss & Tell / Roller Disco," on Exlove Records. Finally, after a remarkable 26-year journey, Roller's legendary "Sommer 97" tape is set to be released as a double album on vinyl.

The Bony King of Nowhere is the artistic alias of Belgian artist Bram Vanparys. He made a mark in 2018 with the release of his critically acclaimed album Silent Days. The record received consistent 4- and 5-star press reviews and was hailed as his best album to date. It also earned Vanparys a Music Industry Award (BE) for 'best author-composer'. Silent Days revealed the full potential of the singer-songwriter and his commitment to never repeat himself and keep surpassing his creative abilities.

The new album, entitled Everybody Knows, has been a long time coming, partly due to Vanparys' aforementioned pledge to artistic evolution. The first two tracks he unveiled give a definite hint of what to expect from this album. 'Are You Still Alive' and 'Almost Invisible' carry the quality mark, known colour scheme and scent of The Bony King of Nowhere, but add many more hues and details. The new record showcases the new league Vanparys is playing in. Themes like rusted patterns in society, the obedience of the everyday man, the structural false ignorance of big shots, the toxicity of online communication and other very recognisable but not always pleasant subjects. Inspired by the observations of many sociologists, Vanparys dissects our society, the loneliest ever. This album is not just disconcerting though, in its strength lies a sense of hope and vigour.

The first singles promise a new album with lots of punch and energy, while Vanparys is unveiling the complete complexion of his voice whilst remaining vulnerable and honest. On the album, he is accompanied by multi-talent guitarist Vitja Pauwels (Naima Joris), pianist Hendrik Lasure (Tamino, Bombataz), drummer Simon Segers (Sylvie Kreusch, Stadt) and bass player Jasper Hautekiet.

While the songwriting legends, particularly Neil Young and Bob Dylan, have always kept Bram company, his latest compositions also draw inspiration from more contemporary artists. The influence of PJ Harvey, Blur and Nick Cave are unmistakable when you listen to his music. While staying true to his heartfelt songwriting style and captivating voice, The Bony King Of Nowhere embarks on a journey into uncharted musical and thematic realms.

The last time this band was on tour in support of 'Silent Days', they took a big leap forward while touring 75 shows across renowned venues and festivals in Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, and France, with a packed Ancienne Belgique in Brussels as one of the highlights. Now the five-man-band, consisting of Jasper Hautekiet, Simon Segers, Thijs Troch (Nordmann), Gertjan Van Hellemont (Douglas Firs), will start this tour with shows in Ekko, Utrecht on March 6 and Ancienne Belgique, Brussels on March 8.4

The Bony King of Nowhere is the artistic alias of Belgian artist Bram Vanparys. He made a mark in 2018 with the release of his critically acclaimed album Silent Days. The record received consistent 4- and 5-star press reviews and was hailed as his best album to date. It also earned Vanparys a Music Industry Award (BE) for 'best author-composer'. Silent Days revealed the full potential of the singer-songwriter and his commitment to never repeat himself and keep surpassing his creative abilities.

The new album, entitled Everybody Knows, has been a long time coming, partly due to Vanparys' aforementioned pledge to artistic evolution. The first two tracks he unveiled give a definite hint of what to expect from this album. 'Are You Still Alive' and 'Almost Invisible' carry the quality mark, known colour scheme and scent of The Bony King of Nowhere, but add many more hues and details. The new record showcases the new league Vanparys is playing in. Themes like rusted patterns in society, the obedience of the everyday man, the structural false ignorance of big shots, the toxicity of online communication and other very recognisable but not always pleasant subjects. Inspired by the observations of many sociologists, Vanparys dissects our society, the loneliest ever. This album is not just disconcerting though, in its strength lies a sense of hope and vigour.

The first singles promise a new album with lots of punch and energy, while Vanparys is unveiling the complete complexion of his voice whilst remaining vulnerable and honest. On the album, he is accompanied by multi-talent guitarist Vitja Pauwels (Naima Joris), pianist Hendrik Lasure (Tamino, Bombataz), drummer Simon Segers (Sylvie Kreusch, Stadt) and bass player Jasper Hautekiet.

While the songwriting legends, particularly Neil Young and Bob Dylan, have always kept Bram company, his latest compositions also draw inspiration from more contemporary artists. The influence of PJ Harvey, Blur and Nick Cave are unmistakable when you listen to his music. While staying true to his heartfelt songwriting style and captivating voice, The Bony King Of Nowhere embarks on a journey into uncharted musical and thematic realms.

The last time this band was on tour in support of 'Silent Days', they took a big leap forward while touring 75 shows across renowned venues and festivals in Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, and France, with a packed Ancienne Belgique in Brussels as one of the highlights. Now the five-man-band, consisting of Jasper Hautekiet, Simon Segers, Thijs Troch (Nordmann), Gertjan Van Hellemont (Douglas Firs), will start this tour with shows in Ekko, Utrecht on March 6 and Ancienne Belgique, Brussels on March 8.4

The acclaimed Cleveland-born saxophonist Joe Lovano came to Blue Note Records in 1990 and over the next 25 years became one of the most recorded artists in the label’s history, building a formidable and far-ranging catalog that explored the full breadth of his artistry. Recorded in September 1997, Trio Fascination: Edition One stands out as one of the more remarkable sessions in Lovano’s discography with the saxophonist joining forces with two all-time legends—bassist Dave Holland and drummer Elvin Jones—in a spare trio setting that finds these three masters conversing freely. Throughout Lovano can be heard on tenor, soprano, alto, and straight alto saxophones, as well as alto clarinet, and the set consists of nine creative Lovano originals including the pulsing opener “New York Fascination,” the spacious “Sanctuary Park,” the Sam Rivers tribute “Studio Rivbea,” and a stunning rendition of the lone standard “Ghost of a Chance.” This Tone Poet Vinyl Edition marks the album’s first-ever release on vinyl.

The Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series was born out of Blue Note President Don Was’ admiration for the exceptional audiophile Blue Note LP reissues presented by Music Matters. Was brought Joe Harley, a.k.a. the “Tone Poet,” on board to curate and supervise a series of reissues from the Blue Note family of labels.

Extreme attention to detail has been paid to getting these right in every conceivable way, from the jacket graphics and printing quality to superior LP mastering (direct from the master tapes) by Kevin Gray to superb 180g audiophile LP pressings by Record Technology Inc. Every aspect of these Tone Poet releases is done to the highest possible standard. It means that you will never find a superior version. This is IT.

This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio) from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at Record Technology Inc. (RTI), and packaged in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket.

Now-Again Records presents catalog-wide reissues of Latin music propellant Joe Bataan’s legendary Ghetto Records. Next up in the series - Joseph “Candido” RodrÌguez - Candido was mentored by Tito Punete, and his debut features a fantastic mix of fiery Salsa, Latin Jazz and Sweet Latin Soul. Ghetto Records was Joe Bataan’s way to get over on “The Man” and out of the ‘hood, a bold move by an artist looking for independence and creative control in an industry that had exploited his talents and treated him like chattel. As Bataan puts it today, “Ghetto Records was part of my journey, a stepping stone to everything else that I’ve done. I learned enough that it enabled me to get out of the box with my thinking, it showed me how to deal with adversity.” Like many dreams and schemes born of the street, this one was audacious, perhaps even reckless to a fault. Hatched from desperation yet full of hope Ghetto Records came crashing down shortly after its inception. The seven albums in its discography languished out of print - until now. These are the definitive reissues of these albums, licensed from Joe Bataan, with his oversight and input into a 16 page oversize book by Pablo Yglesias that details Bataan’s larger-than-imagination life and his little Latin label that could.

Achtung, Babyboomers und Digital-Ureinwohners: Fettes Brot doktert sich mit der hausinternen Zeitmaschine retour in die hinteren Jahre des vorherigen Jahrtausends und buddelt die ersten vier eigenen 90s-Hip Hop-Meilensteine wieder aus. Anders ausgedrückt: Es gab ein Leben vor dem Internetz - und die Vorstadtkrokos von Fettes Brot planschten damals schon im Haifischbecken Musikindustrie. Doch, wer weiß das noch? Auf den FeBro-Konzerten der letzten 10 Jahre lief kaum mehr 'classic material' als "Jein", "Nordisch By Nature" und "Da Draussen", die Tonträger bis 2000 gab's seit fünf Sommern nur noch 2nd Hand zu kaufen und null davon je legal-digital. Nur: die Bevölkerung braucht das. Zum Glück hören die 3 Partypiepen manchmal sogar zu und schworen sogleich Besserung. Das Brot der frühen Jahre erscheint endlich wieder in vier frischen Portionen auf LP - neu gemastert in old school Stereo, erweitert um einen Batzen Bonüsse (B-Seiten, Remixe, Features, Demos und Live-Perlen), verziert mit luftigen Lebenslügen der 3, ergänzt um reichlich zwielichte Zeitzeugenberichte und zugeschüttet mit einem Füllhorn verschollener Fotos.

AUF EINEM AUGE BLÖD (1995):
- Der Deutschrap-Klassiker - das erste Fettes Brot Album gibt es nun endlich wieder auf Doppel Vinyl!
- Original-Album inklusive "Meh' Bier", "Nordisch by Nature" (9-minütige Originalversion!) und mit Gastauftritten von Fischmob, Eißfeldt (aka Jan Delay), Der Tobi & Das Bo, u.a.
- Weinrotes+hellblaues Doppelvinyl, Remastered, um Fotos und Essays erweitertes Artwork und mit MP3-Downloadcode des ganzen Albums plus 7 zusätzlichen digitalen Bonustracks!

Theme Ltd. is back with its fourth wave of exclusive releases, this time on one-sided 7” vinyl. Allow these tracks to guide you through their diverse production as they blend genres and tone to provide insight into their fresh production technique.

‘Everywhere’ positions the listener in a gentle mood for love. Snares snap and mix with a slightly discordant, far piano as lyrics and chords bounce off each other at a steady tempo. We are apprehended by the doleful vocals that invite us to gaze with an ‘illuminated stare’, and as we diffuse into the end of the song, a cool-aired beat breakdown leaves us in media res. A sprawl of love left everywhere. Great !

Supershy is the electronic alter-ego of Tom Misch. Drawing from classic disco, contemporary house, and crate-digger soul. On this debut mixtape Misch delivers 10 club tracks touching disco house, french-touch, acid and more - all underpinned with his unique musicality.

Andreas Dorau wird am 19. Januar 2024 zum ersten Mal sechzig. Anlässlich dessen legt er sein neues Album "Im Gebüsch" vor. Darin lauern 13 Stücke, auf denen Kaleidoskop-artig verschiedene Pop-Realitäten aufblitzen, erstmals auch auf Englisch: "Touristen-Englisch", wie es Dorau selbst bezeichnet, die Platte als eine Sightseeing-Tour des Pop. Dabei begibt sich Dorau auf einen Streifzug durch diverse Spielarten elektronischer Musik, wobei eine fröhliche Traurigkeit seine treue Begleitung ist. Außerdem wurden für dieses Album u. a. Gäste wie die Musikerinnen Güner Künier und JJ Weihl (Discovery Zone, Fenster) sowie Brezel Göring (Stereo Total) rekrutiert. "Im Gebüsch" ist modern, retro und postmodern gleichzeitig. Das kann nur einer, das kann nur Andreas Dorau!

Batov Records' Middle Eastern Grooves 45s series welcomes the latest addition to its eclectic roster - a two-track EP from Eje Eje, the psych and funk inspired project from Şatellites band leader and producer, Itamar Kluger. Featuring the tracks "That Rainy Down" and "Coral Sex," the EP showcases Eje Eje's unique blend of Middle Eastern melodies, soulful grooves, and psychedelic sounds.

On the A-side "That Rainy Down," The electro baglama player takes the lead, building and building as if, “he is pushing himself to his limit”, says Itamar, “seeking catharsis as he walks to the edge of the cliff with confidence”, whilst the a baladi rhythm plays like an immense march of drummers. On the B-side we find the funkier "Coral Sex", which according to Itamar tells a story of a drunk tramp bothering the refined and self-important occupants of an exclusive hotel lobby. Reflecting this friction, the track juxtaposes a silky and sophisticated R&B sound, with loosely, pr even drunkenly, played take on rebetiko, a traditional Greek music associated with the poorest of city dwellers, played on a long-necked Greek lute known as a bouzouki.

As each track develops, new layers are revealed, inviting the listener to delve deeper. The effect is intentional. As Itamar says, "there is this kind of music that hooks you in a different way every time you hear it, different places in the songs lighting up in different colors, like slowly revealed layers. In our (Eje Eje) case, it is just such a hazed blend. It could make a very specific atmosphere, color a very specific movie scene that is lost in time or yet to be directed, or a very specific moment with your headphones on a long bus to the desert."

Itamar Kluger is best known for his work with the Şatellites, a six-piece band whose blend of Turkish folk and psych with funk and disco won them champions and listeners across the globe, from KEXP in Seattle to BBC Radio 6 Music, and FIP in France.

Eje Eje’s first 45 promises to be at least as quirky and original, if not more so, since the project is even more unshackled from traditional concepts of a band.

The original 12” has sold for over $800 on ebay and discogs.
“The Price is Right” was used by DJ SHADOW in his “DIMINSHING RETURNS” Mix.

Into the best Balearic tradition boldly steps Milan’s Rollover crew. As well as a regular party in Milan, the Rollover DJs (Tiberio Carcano & Rocco Fusco) have been making edits and releasing tunes over the past several years, but with this release there has been a step change in ambition. The latest collection of songs has been produced in a studio with actual musicians and songwriters, but with the ear of an experienced DJ. The best of both worlds. It was recorded almost exactly one year ago in December 2022, with the cream of Italian players, including bass player and Jovanotti collaborator, Saturnino, sticksman Sergio Carnevale, vocalist David Blank and guitar and synth boffin Lorenzo Morresi, who’s helped the guys with production. It follows in the tradition of a new generation of Italian musicians, like Nu Genea, Mystic Jungle Tribe and also DJs like Volcov. The lead single, ‘What Do You Live For’ was what Rocco & Tiberio describes as, “a funky track inspired by the early 1980s” and grooves so hard, with Blank’s message hitting right in the solar plexus. This will be followed by a pair of bangers, ‘Change My Mind’, a mid tempo disco chugger that is a tribute to LTJ Experience, the Bologna DJ Luca Trevisi, while ‘Never Found The Way’ heads towards Arthur Russel, before pealing off directly to the dancefloor. There’s also a Bawrut remix that adds some urgency and darkness to proceedings. The package is completed by lovely artwork by Riccardo Corda, whose work has adorned the Nu Genea releases. Is it Balearic? We think it is.

We're both over the moon and at the same time sad to have this track with us on Food Music, as we wave goodbye to one of UK house music's most talented duos. After releasing their sublime 'Tell Ya Something' with us, Mak & Pasteman will be calling it a day to focus on personal projects and what a way to sign off.

This looped up disco thumper tops the tree when it comes to the right vibe and production, and as if this wasn't enough, house legend Junior Sanchez joins the digital package with a huge rework and completes the perfect send off for Craig and Matt.

Thanks for choosing us to close your huge musical chapter - and we hope you won't be missing for too long!

Mitte der 1970er erlebten Diskotheken in Tokio und ganz Japan einen Boom, als die Disco-Welle aus den USA zu ihnen rüberschwappte. Bis in die frühen 1980er hinein wurde die Musik von erfahrenen Studiomusikern - und nicht per Computereinspielung - aufgenommen, was für einen soliden Sound auf dem Dancefloor sorgte. Disco-Musik lief auch in TV-Serien, Werbespots und Animes. Von Godiegos Monsterhit 'The Birth Of The Odyssey – Monkey Magic' bis zu Pink Parachutes obskurem (und ausgezeichnetem!) 'Disco Great Tokyo' erkundet diese Auswahl einige der besten Disco- & Boogie-Tracks, die Ende der 1970er/Anfang der 1980er auf dem legendären Nippon Columbia-Label veröffentlicht wurden.

ITALIAN LIBRARY GEM RE-IMAGINED BY BEATMAKER KORALLE AND RAPPER ILLA J

Four Flies is proud to present a new installment in the RELOVED series, 'New Levels / Chartreuse', with an original track from late-70s Italian ensemble Modern Sound Quartet and a rework from producer and beatmaker Koralle featuring iconic rapper Illa J.

In keeping with the aim of the series, which is to put a modern and urban spin on tunes from Italian golden age soundtracks and library music, Koralle has used the unique jazz-funk sound of the original sample to create a smooth and stylish hip-hop beat to which Illa J adds irresistible swag and coolness. More than a remix, 'New Levels' is a new composition that takes 'Chartreuse' into the world of contemporary hip-hop and rap.

Lorenzo Nada, aka Koralle, is a musician, beatmaker and producer from Bologna, Italy. Nada is best known for his project Godblesscomputers, which kicked off a couple of years ago while he was living in Berlin. After releasing four albums/EPs and touring Europe with a four-piece band, Nada is heading into a new direction as Koralle. Firmly rooted in hip-hop, Koralle is taking his jazz crates and field recordings to the studio. Equipped with an array of synths, Rhodes and bass, he creates deeply textured tracks that touch mind, body and soul. "Each beat is like an object found at the bottom of the sea," says Koralle to describe his music. And adds: "The samples emerge from the depths of my record collection and find a new meaning, transformed, like corals from the bottom of the ocean."

Rapping on Koralle's beat is Detroit artist Illa J. Raised in a musical family (his father played piano, his mother sang, and his older brother is the late hip-hop producer J Dilla), he grew up surrounded by jazz, gospel and soul, before building a name for himself as a rapper with a distinctive flow and timbre, but also as a singer and songwriter. Illa J has said of his approach to lyric writing that "the melody comes first, then I bring the words in, even when I'm rapping, you know rhythmically. I'm a singer, so melody comes first, but in terms of the subject matter, the music tells you."

The Modern Sound Quartet was an ensemble led by Milanese pianist and composer Oscar Rocchi. It included Rocchi on keys, Andrea Surdi on drums, Ernesto Verardi on guitars, and Luigi Cappellotto on bass. 'Chartreuse' (written by Cappellotto) comes from their 1976 library LP Cocktail Bar – a collection of jazz-funk/jazz-rock/fusion tunes, each named after a famous spirit. While little known to the general public, Cocktail Bar is highly sought after by diggers, DJs and beatmakers.

'New Levels / Chartreuse' is the fifth release in the RELOVED series, following Jolly Mare's retouch of Piero Umiliani's 'Discomania' (12"), Free The Robots' rework Gianni Safred's 'Autumn 2001' (7"), Dengue Dengue Dengue's remix of Giuliano Sorgini's 'Oasi Nella Giungla' (7"), and Fratelli Malibu's reversioning of Alessandro Alessandroni's 'Tema di Susie' (12"). The 7" releases are co-curated by fellow independent label Little Beat More.

A compilation of rare spiritual jazz and funk grooves culled from the archives of producer Bob Shad's Mainstream Records. Alice Clark's cult classic Never Did I Stop Loving You' features here alongside many gems uncovered for the first time.
Bob Shad worked with titans such as Charlie Parker and Lightnin' Hopkins in the 40s, founded the EmArcy jazz label in the 50s, and discovered Janis Joplin in the 60s, and started the Mainstream label in 1964.

From Afrique's classic House of the Rising Funk' and its funky wah wah frenzy, to Hadley Caliman's deep jazz Flute ode, From one of Clark Terry's famous Mumbles (Shad produced the original with Oscar Peterson) to Jack Wilkins' Red Clay' sampled by both A Tribe Called Quest and Chance the Rapper. A Soul Music lover, Shad also excelled in soul divas and produced Ellerine Harding, Maxine Weldon and of course the mighty Alice Clark. Carmen McRae, one of Shad's long time collaborators, gives a soulful, conga-led version of the classic Feelin' Good, originally made famous by Nina Simone

Die New Visionaries sind der in Großbritannien lebende australische Künstler Joel Sarakula und der niederländische Musiker Phil Martin. Ihr fesselndes Neo-Soul-Debüt 'Roadmaps' lässt den Hörer in eine Klangexpedition eintauchen, bei der Grenzen verwischen und sich zeitgenössische Elemente mit Anspielungen auf musikalische Pioniere zu einem charakteristischen Sound für Soul-Enthusiasten, Filmgrooves-Liebhaber und Musikentdecker verbinden. Trotz Phils Engagement in der europäischen Soul/Funk-Szene und Joels Neigung zum Soul-Pop ist ihre gemeinsame Affinität zu modernen Instrumentalbands (Khruangbin, Calibro 35, Air El Michels Affair) und klassischen Einflüssen (David Axelrod, KPM Library Series) massgebend.

Skylax Records Is Proud to Introduce You to the Sound of Uk Artist De La Phoenix, Introducing "Dancefloor Fatale" - an Explosive 12 Inch Driven by the Revolutionary Soundscape Crafted by Klf, Kraftwerk, and the Infectious Allure of Italo Disco. This Ep Unleashes a Formidable Assault on the Dancefloor, Merging Futuristic Beats, Pulsating Rhythms, and Infectious Melodies. "Dancefloor Fatale" Showcases Five Electrifying Tracks: "1991 Ultra," a Nostalgic Homage to the Early '90s; "Dancefloor Fatale," an Irresistible Anthem Commanding Bodies to Move; "Blade Runner," a Cybernetic Voyage Through Dystopian Soundscapes; "Prometheus," an Epic Odyssey of Melodic Euphoria and Sonic Rebellion; and "The Rite," a Ritualistic Experience Defying Conventions. These Tracks Resonates With the Spirit of Resistance, Igniting Raves in Northern England During the Era of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. De La Phoenix's Sonic Artistry Proudly Follows in the Footsteps of Justified Ancients of Mu Mu. Embark on a Bold Auditory Journey That Challenges Norms and Leaves an Indelible Mark. "Dancefloor Fatale" Epitomizes De La Phoenix's Innovative Vision, Pushing Sound Boundaries to Invigorate the Electronic Music Scene. Brace Yourself for a Revolution That Captivates and Energizes....

After Releasing Amazing Music on Labels Such as Skylax, Amsem, Kitsune or Hard Fist, Through an Exploration of a Wide Range of Electronic Sounds, Joe Lewandoski Delivers a New Ep Full of His Eclecticism and Sharpness. We Are Very Happy at Friendsome Records to Join Force With Him to Deliver a Beautiful 4 Tracker That Will Make You Travel ! This Ep Is the Perfect Demonstration of Joe’s Ambivalence as a Producer. That’s Why We Divided It in Two Distinct Sides, Clair & Obscur, Reflecting on Side One a Club Driven Housy and Acid Vibe to Make Dancefloors Sweat. Cosmic & Acid Nap Are Two Tracks Driven by Lewandowski’s Capacity to Get Things Straight Forward, Bangy and Dreamy, Made for a Pictime Crowd. on Side Two Where Joe Explores a More Dark and Intimate Approach to His Music, as Well as Where He Comes From, You Will Find Nick and Play the Game. They Are Much More Dark Disco and Rock Inspired, Full of Heavy Basses and Guitar Riffs, Perfect to Get to the Bottom of It !...