Stefan Schwander of course is a man of many names and visions (such as Harmonious Thelonious, Repeat Orchestra and A Rocket in Dub) and here's his latest one: While My Sequencer Gently Bleeps comes up with "OK" on new Hamburg-based label Unsure. As While My Sequencer Gently Bleeps Schwander strips down his equipment even further and refines his longstanding idea of creating reduced minimalistic tracks radiating warmth, digging deep and delivering the groove.
The five tracks on "OK" all follow one basic flow: big basslines, elegant chords and transparent arrangements, rhythms as compelling as unobtrusive. Schwanders love for dub shimmers through the tracks, just as his pop-trained flair for seductive harmonies.
Beautiful groovy music from Düsseldorf to the world. On and on and on.
Utopia is an unimaginable alter world that is created by Mastering Black’s universe of sonic escapism.
When I have been overwhelmed with the amount of work that I've been doing in the past years, I have decided that I needed a certain get away - a certain sacred space for me to pursue the reason why I actually signed up for this in the beginning. Music composing that love is!
Earlier this year , during a trip in African island group Cabo Verde, we went to this night excursion to the Viana desert. We have taken some random photos shot some videos of the Moon thru a telescope. That didn’t struck me as an amazing experience yet I was there many distorted feelings in my mind trying to enjoy and forcing myself trying to be in the moment.
So when I have looked at these pictures back on a calmer state when I was home In NL , I've seen the vast amount of breather - a space - enough that is needed in life to let the blood flow in vein the way it’s suppose to flow. Envisioning your life from moon to create clarity - looking to life on earth - to understand what our mistakes are as human beings - or learning from 8 years old’s pure heart - that’s when my 8 year old daughter collaborated with the fist opening track to summarize the main purpose of our life - love or so called Utopia!
- Īlker (October 2023)
Soms is haat het enige waar je over hoort, maar er is in deze wereld meer liefde dan je je ooit kunt voorstellen.
The Swedish trio ITALOVE consists of Dr Mateo, Blix and LaRoxx and it’s a result of the shared passion and sympathy for Italo Disco and HI-NRG. During the first test sessions in the studio, the song “L’Amour” was created and sent to Flashback Records. The demo was immediately signed and soon released on vinyl. Subsequent singles repeated the success of the first one and 5 years the Swedish trio released their first album. It is full of electronics, sounds borrowed from Italo disco, euro dance and hi-nrg mixed with the Swedish approach to creating hits.
Fool’s Paradise is the exciting new label from Toolroom Records’ Mark Knight - that comes straight from the heart, it’s a natural progression from his hugely acclaimed 2021 album release, ‘Untold Business’, which saw Mark go back to his roots, paying homage to the more funky, soulful, and vocal House from the 1990s from where he came.
With a focus on real instrumentation and production, coupled with great song writing, this new Toolroom sub label will be a platform for high quality House music that’s designed to stand the test of time. Launching the new label with a mighty bang and delivering the first in our exciting new vinyl sampler series is head honcho, Mark Knight who joins forces with Australian Toolroom label mate, Sgt Slick and British Soul sensation, Beverley Knight on a dynamite cover of Prince’s 1979 classic, ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’.
Respectfully transporting the song onto today’s dance floors, Mark & Sgt Slick deliver a classy uplifting soulful house production, loaded with funky guitars, warm pads and sublime key performances. Adding the icing on the cake and putting her own stamp on things, Beverley belts out one of her signature spine-tingling vocals, garnished with lush harmonies and BV’s that would indeed make The Purple One proud!
Completing the vinyl package is Dance music stalwart, Opolopo, and British Soul icon, Jaki Graham, who together bring the dance floor heat with their new single, ‘Fire’. Powered by a potent soulful house groove from Opolopo, loaded with warm piano hooks, emotive synth melodies and a sublime popping bass hook, ‘Fire’ see’s Jaki flaunt her electrifying vocal talents with a show-stopping performance on this irresistibly catchy song.
- I Wanna Be Your Lover reached Traxsource #1 where it stayed for 6 weeks consecutively - Radio support on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Cornwall, Hedkandi, Kiss FM, Mi-Soul, Gaydio, Radio 105 / Montecarlo (Italy), Mambo Radio, Rinse fm, Select Radio, Totally Wired Radio, Point Blank, RTE, Power fm (Ireland), Metro FM (SA), Cool Fm, Radio Reverb, Radio FG (France), Release Radio and many more.
DJ support from Husky, Hector Romero, Javi Bora, Grace Bones, Judge Jules, Sebb Junior, Jay Vegas, Odyssey Inc, ATFC, Claptone, Black Legend, Cevin Fisher, Michael Gray, Kisch, Hoxton Whores, Full Intention, Booker T, Jamie Jones, Knights Of The Turntable, Sam Divine, DJ Rae, CASSIMM, Alex Preston
There are two versions of the vinyl - classic black and triple-color limited Indie Shop edition.
Both have special insert inside with the bands bio and photos.
Generacja JAZZ is a project showing a fragment of the new wave of Polish jazz, treading its own path, creating, touring and jamming across Europe. Borders don't exist - especially musical - the new generation is engaging with nightclubs, festivals and playlists. The time has now come to show its broader perspective. We created a project which involves a handful of groups that have already racked up debut albums and festival wins, as they set out on their musical odyssey. The groups also have other things in common, like their passion, originality and, for the needs of the project, age - all the artists during the recording of this album were under 30 years old. This is the new generation - the Jazz Generation.
For the Jazz Generation record we invited five bands who had already released debut albums: Immortal Onion, Klawo, Rejoin, Twoosty Mayonez and USO 9001. We also reserved two spots on the compilation for the winners of our open call competition, whereby on the basis of the jury's choice (jury: Monika Borzym, Paulina Przybysz, Envee, Wojtek Mazolewski i Marcin Groh Grośkiewicz) we met the winning bands: Kosmos and quietet.
The sleeve artist is Kornelia Nowak, who won our open call for young designers and graphic artists. Here once again we could rely on the opinion of a prestigious jury comprised of: Beata Śliwińska Barrakuz, Bovska, Maciej Animisiewasz Grochot, Grzegorz Forin Piwnicki i Marcin Groh Grośkiewicz.
Generacja JAZZ LP is also a start of the new imprint - U JAZZ ME, which will be focused on jazz from Poland.
And here are the bands from the album:
1. Immortal Onion - A band from the Tri-City playing a broad spectrum of instrumental music.
The band Immortal Onion has already established itself as one of the most interesting projects of the new wave of Polish jazz, and is consistently being labelled as such abroad. After two well received albums ("Ocelot of Salvation" (2017) and"XD Experience Design" (2020) U Know Me Records) they released their third album "Screens" in 2022, which was recorded with the well known Tri-City composer and saxophonist - Michał Jan Ciesielski.
The inspiration behind the band's formation were such artists as: Esbjörn Svensson, Hiromi Uehara, Tigran Hamasyan and Tosin Abasi.
The group's guiding principle from the very beginning was the fusion of often disparate musical styles, which bore "post instrumental aggressive gay pop". Despite the stylistic discrepancies, between which they swim, the group has forged its own identifiable language, characterised by complicated rhythmical structures, energetic riffs and trance beats with lyrical melodies.
The trio has performed its original material at many venues and festivals around Europe and Asia.
2. Klawo - seven adventurous adventurers from Gdańsk, who were brought together by their love for music, halvah and throwing Frisbee. Their self-named début album, released in 2022 on the local label Coastline Northern Cuts, is an amalgam of the inspirations of each of the team members and played backwards contains tips on how to reach the Kashubian pyramids. After a win at the international competition Jazz in the Park, held in Cluj-Napoca in Romania, the band began work on their second album. Meanwhile, they were also travelling the length and breadth of Poland on a mission to infect people with the idea of Baltic Funk.
3. Kosmos is a Łódż based jazz quintet. It was formed in 2020 by Pianist Stanisław Szmigero, Saxophonist Iwo Tylman and Trumpeter Jan Ostalski. However, it wasn't until 2022 that Kosmos found its true form when Kamil Gużniczak (Upright bass) and Kacper Kuta (Percussion) joined the line-up.
Their compositions are influenced by Polish yass bands, electronic music and hip-hop. Kosmos music is a mix of lyricism, space, intensity and elements of experiment.
The band members are all eccentric characters possessing different means of musical expression - looking at them, one could even argue they are a group of oddballs. Despite this, for reasons unbeknownst to themselves, the members of Kosmos complement each other on stage and form a unified artistic vision of the world around them.
Kosmos officially released their début single "Ja" in June 2023. They regularly play concerts across Poland and recently were selected as distinguished artists at JAZZiNSPIRACJE (JAZZiNSPIRATION) - a competition held during the 13th Lublin Jazz Festival.
4. Quietet (formed at the beginning of 2023) is the result of meetings between five talented musicians with a deep passion for musical creation. Its sound is a unique blend of Jazz and classical music with a hint of hard rock. The band is inspired by the Scandinavian approach to making music, which brings a characteristic atmosphere and melodies to their work. Their music captivates listeners with its originality, refined improvisations and flawless technique. Both classical and modern musical trends feed their inspiration when creating passionate and emotional compositions.
Their works are full of sound experimentation, which equally surprise and expose new musical horizons. Through their compositions, "Quietet" aims to share their emotions evoked during performances, creating a musical journey that affects and inspires.
5. Connecting jazz with electronic music in fresh interpretations, six young musicians make up the group Rejoin. The group re-formed in 2020 after a four-year break, playing their debut concert at Lotos Jazz Festival Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa. The musicians in Rejoin have performed alongside such artists as: Urszula Dudziak, Krystyna Prońko, Marcin Masecki, Szczyl, Kuba Więcek and Paulina Przybysz.
Most of the members of Rejoin are students from the Katowice Music Academy, where they also develop their own projects. Rejoin was a recipient of the Fabryki Norblin Music Masterclass Foundation scholarship.
6. Twoosty Mayonez is something your grandad would listen to with his younger sister. The non-standard approach to jazz alongside a pursuit of strange sounds, culminated in the conceptual album entitled "Carmin". The material was created by Bartosz Wolerta (percussion) and Dominik Kaniewski (bass guitar/synths). "Triceradiplodocus" tells the story of a mechanical dinosaur that lives on the yet undiscovered planet Carmin.
There's a saying amongst the elders: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning!" When you first hear the pulsating rhythms of "Joy (Hallelujah)," you realize that the darkness of the night has ended, and the glory of morning has arrived. Produced by the legendary DJ Marley Marl and lifted by the soulful lead vocals of House music empress Lady Alma and the powerful refrains of the iconic Kenny Bobien, "Joy (Hallelujah)" delivers nothing less than a pure soul-stirring, hand-clapping celebration. As gospel means glorious good news, and House denotes body jacking, heart pumping and high-energy rhythms, this union gives birth to a spectacular anthem that will serve as a reminder that all music can heal, inspire, convey thanks and give praise all at once. "Joy (Hallelujah)" is an expression of nothing but love!
Grens is a Dutch duo who turned the heads of the Vrystaete label head with a self-released tape Geen Mens Die Op Mij Let. As such he has signed them up for this new album De Verborgen Kamer which he says is "a bit darker" than usual, but we love it. It is both organic yet dark electronic and sounds as much like a recording of a live performance as it does a meticulously crafted studio work. The six pieces are all heady ambient works that pair wispy pads and warm, glowing harmonies over occasional broken beats and suggestive rhythms. It's lo-fi, gritty and imperfect but with a very human sense of emotion.
GET A LIFE 001" is an exclusive vinyl-only music label specializing in carefully curated edit tracks spanning various genres, including Hip Hop, Pop, House Classics, and Soul.
The debut release, 'GET A LIFE 001,' introduces listeners to a unique blend of House Music with subtle influences from minimal and 90's house beats.
This fresh and innovative edits label, masterminded by the artist Hessa, offers a dynamic and dancefloor-focused experience, featuring deep tracks that invite you to explore their origins.
With 'GET A LIFE 001,' music enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the art of musical transformation and rediscover familiar tunes in a new and exciting light.
So, take a moment to indulge your ears and embark on a sonic journey with this Vinyl-Only Gem.
Juan Manuel Cidrón, hailing from Almeria (Andalusia), is a legendary Spanish synthesist who embarked on his musical journey in 1976. A veteran of analog electronic sounds, his early influences come from the Berlin School of the seventies (Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, etc.) and American Minimal music.
Cidrón has independently released 16 albums on his label, Extrarradio, with very limited distribution. ‘Juan Manuel Cidrón has always been immersed in music. As a child, he fell in love with a radio adorned with flashing lights – radio is now one of his professions. He was equally captivated by the music that enveloped him. With whatever little money he had as a child and during his youth, he would spend all his money on records and analog machines. Music is everything to him, and that’s why we understand his compositions as a celebration of life. The vastness that his electronic keyboards offer us is akin to the immensity of the desert, snow, and wind. Albums like ‘Tau’ or ‘Sonido Para Acciones’ belong to the realm of Spanish electronic music and are cherished by enthusiasts of sonic poetry. This vinyl edition holds a special place as it marks a return to analog, a medium Cidrón reveres and continues to embrace. In this way, it becomes a classic, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the quality that arises from the harmonious blend of natural and artificial rhythms. The result is always him: a tangible presence that brings us closer to dreams and the unadorned face of the world.’ (F. Labordeta Blanco)
‘SLG3’ is a long-awaited double album with four lengthy tracks (one per side), available in a limited edition of 300 copies. It’s the first release exclusively on vinyl in over a decade (since ‘Patagón’ on Geometrik in 2012), considering that Cidrón has mainly released his recent works on CD.’The tracks S, L, and G evoke the personal perceptions that I could imagine for each of the three elements comprising our planet in all its forms, manifestations, and presences. The track ‘3’ evokes my unique interpretation of how an imaginary being from another world might perceive Earth – its discovery, journey to it, exploration filled with admiration, bewilderment, hope, and respect. However, all of this is open to free interpretation and imagination for those who listen.’ (Juan Manuel Cidrón, 2023)
All tracks were written, produced, and mixed by J.M. Cidrón between 2017-2019 at the Extrarradio Studio in Almeria.
Marino Scarabelli, the creator of unforgettable progressions in “Are You Loving” and “Love In A Summer Night”, so characteristic and unique that can still give us goosebumps, sat down in the studio again and composed another italo banger. Traditionally, he was joined by Stefano Brignoli, who wrote the lyrics and lent his voice, and that’s how we witnessed the creation of new bomb by Some Bizarre.
But this is not the end of the sensation, because Linda Jo Rizzo joined the band as a guest and you will hear her in female vocal parts, as befits real, indigenous Italo disco. The whole thing was produced by A.P. Mono in collaboration with Marino Scarabelli. For dessert, a very nice remix by Electro Potato.
Dana V Andrews is a man who is still very much in love with music of all types. At 23 years old and far from living a perfect life, his love of music led him to go to Los Angeles, California in 1973 with a talented songwriter in search of fame and fortune.
Dana played a role while working on a song and album that was a big hit for the now deceased Mr. Barry White. In 1975 he met David Futch and together they formed a record and publishing company that recorded R&B and Gospel music.
One of the gospel Groups, the Highland Park Community Choir out of Highland Park, Michigan had a song nominated for a Grammy Award in 1976. That same year, Dana V. Andrews recorded two songs titled “Mr. Justice” because he was distressed by the social injustice he saw and still sees in our world. His humble hope was that “Mr. Justice” could be a rallying call for the majority of good people in the world.To unite and vote for responsible, fair, politicians who had helping the people foremost in their hearts. And “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” because he had faith that eventually right will win out over wrong. He still does to this day. He still believes today that when the majority of people stand for righteous justice with genuine love leading the way that governmental bipartisanship will defeat hate, prejudice, and injustice.
RR7005 sees the Parisian raggamuffin deejay-cum-crooner Peter Youthman joins the Red Robin flock with a haunting ballad about love gone wrong and the loneliness that results.
With nods to classic, melancholic love songs of the 80s, Peter sings over a deep, dark Naram riddim that carries the DNA of lo-fi roots anthems from the likes of Wackies.
As you'd hope, there's there's accompanying stripped back version from Naram on the flip. Mixed to tape, and fine tuned by Downbeat Mastering, this is a unique piece of music that will please those with a love for the darker side of rub-a-dub.
Reality is overwhelming. The future remains a big question mark while the present seems to be increasingly crude, twisted and bleak. Inevitably witnessing and feeding off this malaise, Bruno presents "Quemando Iglesias," an EP born in the vertiginous years of 2020 and 2021. It will be the first of many manifestos that Desencanto will have to deal with the disillusions of today's world: political, social, economic and also those left by old loves.
It's been 40 years since Michal Turtle released his seminal, ground-breaking album "Music From The Living Room" into the world and promptly disappeared back into the aether.
An extremely obscure cult classic known only to deep diggers and aficionados of the finest order, it wasn't until Music From Memory reissued some of the tracks from it via retrospective compilations of Turtle's unreleased music almost 30 years later that his name become more widely known and a new generation were able to discover the artist's unique and pioneering style of experimental electronic music production, the majority of it very much ahead of its time, and to this day, still timeless.
Invisible Inc contacted Turtle in the summer of 2023 about releasing something else by him and it was during this exchange of emails that ideas were expressed about releasing not simply a straightforward reissue of "Music From The Living Room" to mark its 40th anniversary (the album has never been reissued in full) but rather a re-imagined/re-constructed take on the album bringing contemporary techniques, styles and newly recorded vocal and instrument parts into the mix and breathing new life into these wonderful compositions.
Collaborators old and new were brought into the studio and the songs re-created from the ground up. Familiar songs like "Are You Psychic?" and "Village Voice" get overhauled and echo remnants of their original counterparts but simultaneously sound like completely new tracks. The always mesmerising "Phantoms of Dreamland" is represented through a live recording at Café Oto featuring original album vocalist Lucianne Lasalle and regular collaborator HOVE on electronics. The remaining tracks, however, will be completely new to the ears of most people, never having been reissued or heard in these new forms ever before.
Regardless, whether in some way familiar or not, these hypnotic and repetitive pieces of beautiful sound art, all very different in style from one another, have an entirely new identity that even diehard devotees of the originals will fall in love with.
“Holy shit. This record is amazing. 'Are You Psychic?' is really something” dj_2button Dummy Hand / Weirdos Inc.
“What a record!” Cosmo Vitelli I'm A Cliché
“Amazing release. Probably your best release yet! Does everything an amazing record should and more...” Alexis Le-Tan Oddity Radio / Full Circle / Offen Music
Flowers’ is an homage to the journey of my first love, the patience it requires, and the pivotal moment I met my wife. It reflects on our memories and tells the story of the comfort I feel in that relationship.” This new single from Jordan Rakei showcases his affecting vocal and ability to reveal his truest feelings, wrapped in his captivating production.
RAWMoments is back with a collaborative EP; featuring the original artists who brought you that refined house aesthetic sound, combined with a raw, soulful inspired approach that has inspired many of the "in" artists in today's scene. This EP boasts 4 original Paolo Rocco collaborations with Lessi S., Pijynman, and Red Meat Therapy. All 4 tracks are infused with a proper classy house influence fit for any house lover. Let the RAWM series continue!
Embark on our new adventure with Luca Olivotto as he leads the sixth release on Small Great Things. This limited vinyl and digital EP marks the inception of a new release series featuring exclusive Small Great Things artists.
Showcasing four finely tuned tracks that seamlessly blend classic house vibes with contemporary beats, creating an irresistible dance floor experience.
On the A1 side, 'After the Beep' initiates the journey with a classic house groove and the sultry serenade of a smooth saxophone.
The title track, 'Love Transmission' on A2, takes the spotlight more on its infectious groovy bassline and captivating vocals.
Flipping over to the B side, 'Take Me' delves into deeper realms, offering a timeless track that resonates with raw emotion.
Closing the release on the B2 side, 'Redsape' delivers a classic house tune tailor-made for the dance floor.
Olivotto's expertise shines through, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and cutting-edge, ensuring a brilliant journey on this 6th release.
Luca Olivotto's 'Love Transmission' EP is a testament to the evolving soundscape of Small Great Things. This collection promises to captivate enthusiasts and DJs alike.
Dive into darkness and discover the pulsating sounds of Amsterdam based Raderkraft: a masterful fusion of minimal synth, darkwave, and post-punk elements. His love for synthesizers combined with the right dose of DIY spirit has resulted in three EPs.
Raderkraft takes you on an introspective journey to the darkest corners of the human mind. “Politiestaat?!” is a raw and unapologetic expression of the times we live in, inviting listeners to reflect on their own input and behaviour regarding pressing issues that dominate our world today.
The icy synthesizers, hypnotic rhythms and piercing vocals weave a story with the central themes of fear, misunderstanding and rejection. Raderkraft brings his signature sound, a unique mix of raw energy and refined minimalism, back to life. This time only up-tempo songs, partly in Dutch and also including a remix of Dyatlov track “Insect Paranoia“ (exclusive 2023 remaster) plus a cover of Belgium 80’s minimal wave act Violence Conjugale. It -finally- marks the vinyl release of crowd favorite “De Witte Streep” (exclusive 2023 remaster).
The lavish lyrics reflect a sense of rejection in an indifferent polarizing society. This mini album will make you think, feel and finally realize that we live in turbulent times.
With his sensational full length debut, now well and truly bedded in - Duncan now treats us to the first of two, super special ‘Return of The Strobelight Kid’ - Remix EPs.
Taking pride and place, as the sole rework on side A, is Mr. G’s beastly ‘Changing Timez’ dub of ‘Rise Above’. A track full of poise, playful experimentalism and sub-licked attitude - it’s one that positively writhes in its own, wonderfully succulent, analogue filth.
Then, kicking off Side B proceedings and taking on album closer - ‘The Future Of Love’ - we have the refreshingly singular, duo-driven talents of Bodhi; who, full of confidence and clarity of vision - boldly choose to take the delicate, soul-quenching OG into unexpectedly fierce, propulsive and heads down Techno territory… a roll of the dice mind, that pays dividends and then some.
And finally - wrapping up Side B on this first ‘Return Of The Strobelight Kid’, remix EP - is Duncan himself…who here we see re-mould, ‘Quantum Particles Falling From Space’, into an even more incisive, heavily snarled and intensely rifling slice of forward-thinking Jungle-meets-Techno weaponry.
Accomplished Spanish artist José Cabrera enters a fresh creative chapter with the new album Le Bateleur. The storytelling and hugely personal record arrives on his own A Harmless Deed label and is a deep dive into the house music he has always loved.
Over the last two decades and under several aliases, Madrid- born Cabrera established himself as a leading techno producer. He has released on influential labels like Fred P's Soul People Music, Tresor, Deeply Rooted and Ron Moreli`s' L.I.E.S. records and co-runs A Harmless Deed with friend Damian Schwartz. As a DJ he has toured Europe, Asia, North and South America and proven himself to be an experimental DJ with a long-standing residency at Tresor in Berlin.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Cabrera felt detached from the techno world so used his time at home to explore new sounds. He has always had a love of house so set work on making a proper house record in the mold of greats who went before. He worked with other musicians and vocalists, made use of an array of Roland drum machines, Juno synths and Casio keys to cook up a raw and authentic sound and drew from a wide range of the back music that has soundtracked his life. The resulting album is packed with life and energy, skits from friends and timeless grooves.
The album opens up with cosmic synths radiating warmth and jazzy melodies then 'Endless Dream' is a steamy house thumper with aching r&b vocal fragments next to swirling pads. It's a passionate house cut followed by 'Live Your Life' feat Jae. This one brings classic piano energy and another gorgeous female vocal that explores dancers to cut loose and live. Following a dusty downbeat skit that features spoken word encouragement from former collaborator Fred P, 'Track For Clau' is hyper-speed future house with bumping kicks and busy synth arps bringing the light.
A prog rock guitar rings out in the cosmos during 'K-Brain Tribute' feat. NBlue and Damian Schwartz, and 'I Thought You Were the One' feat. Jae & Persa layers up booming kicks and claps with a spine tingling vocal and fat bassline. 'RL Stadium 92' taps into classic Chicago house and 'Halftime Report (For Little José)' gets down and dirty with a menacing bassline and dusty 909 sounds. Another US house heavyweight in DJ Qu features on the atmospheric ''Friends and Family Skit' alongside some of Jose associates and 'For Princess L (I Love You)' feat Jae is an exquisite deep house cut with crisp snares and a heart swelling that is loved up and blissed out. Another skit leads into the outro which is a melancholic ambient synth excursion that sends you off feeling utterly calm.
Le Bateleur is another captivating entry into the ever-evolving discography of José Cabrera.
Hannah Archimbault is a multidisciplinary French artist based in London. Hannah opens up her inner deep emotions throughout minimal sequences and loops of sustained and touching organ notes, with reminiscences of Philip Glass, Eva-Maria Houben, Harold Budd or Kali Malone and a contemporary vein that questions love in current times. "The EP came after a break up as I decided to compose in the process of going through this love grief and how you could grow from it, learn to love oneself after the break-up. Each song represents a different stage on this life chapter.". Indeed moving anger, sadness and acceptance are well represented on this sonic, brave redemption of the grief through the artform.
SY Rockers is the new project from Ryan Aitchison aka Mella Dee and KALLIDA Festival bossman Reuben G. Their story goes all the way back to 2009, when Reuben invited Ryan to be a resident for his party LSS at Hi-Fi Club in Leeds.
The pair went on to bond over their shared love of bass-led music in the UK underground, a sound that was especially important to their native South Yorkshire. Fourteen years on, Ryan and Reuben revisit those early inspirations as SY Rockers. Their debut EP is a slickly produced expression of bleep, UK techno, bassline and dub, redrawing lines between the sound legacies of cities like Sheffield, Bradford and Leeds across three tracks.
True to those roots, the result is a hypnotic blend of raw drums and subsonic impact. ‘Windy Dub’ introduces the record with a hazy, heads-down bass, occasionally shivering into a cavernous space echo before it locks back into a haunting synth hook. ‘Modem’ does what it says on the tin: gameboy tones bounce around a warm sub, calling back the ‘less is more’ aesthetic of the original bleep era. Finally, ‘Rhythm Resonate’ zooms in on where it all started—the drum machine. 909s, lasers and a touch of perc combine to create the ultimate techno tool.
Vinyl Only The first physical release for any publisher is a huge milestone, and we feel the same way, especially nowadays. Next to our digital publications, our artists' music can finally be enjoyed on turntables as well. We consider each of our artists to be immensely talented. We are excited to present our first vinyl release and hope you receive it with the same love with which we created it. Phonoda
Longtime D&B producer Submorphics launches his new imprint Rosebay Music with a 2 track single showcasing the modern-yet-timeless soul sound that he is known for. Fusing elements of Motown, deep house, footwork, 80s & 90s, funk and orchestral film soundtracks, the nomadic producer displays his love of emotive, eclectic D&B in signature form on this first single.
Rosebay Music releases will connect the dots between disparate styles of soulful music, with unexpected collaborations, remixes and genre hybrids - focusing on melodically strong D&B, adjacent forms of dance music, hip hop and modern soul. Cinematic, visceral, heartfelt music; Rosebay will be a place for honest musical expression.
DJ Support:
LTJ Bukem, Bryan Gee, High Contrast, Logistics, Lenzman, Bredren, Sustance, Satl, DJ Marky, Doc Scott, Bailey, Technimatic.
When Cicadas appear in the area they cause a huge uproar. It’s hard to escape the distinctive noise these critters make, reaching up to 120 decibels. The hypnotic, trance-inducing sound disappears with the insects. A few months after Cykada's explosive debut, the world was hit by turbulence and from Cykada there was silence - fortunately only seemingly, because the next cycle began underground, in the privacy of the studio. It was there that the cicadas matured, waiting for a metamorphosis.
The year 2019 was very successful for Cykada, with a brilliantly received debut album, concerts at numerous festivals in the UK and Europe such as Glastonbury, Wilderness, London Jazz Festival, BAM Festival, La Defense Jazz Festival or Love Supreme Festival, along with constantly composing and preparing material for the second album. As the musicians entered the studio, the coronavirus pandemic was already in full swing across the globe. It was clear then that the world would never be the same. With increasing restrictions Cykada went underground, waiting for changes to surface again. Unfortunately the expected change that was happening seemed only for the worse - Brexit and its socio-economic consequences, worldwide disinformation, accelerating climate catastrophe and Russian invasion of Ukraine. The collapse of the old world order is the perfect moment for metamorphosis and with this message Cykada steps out again into broad daylight, matured and carrying a message with their long-awaited second album “Metamorphosis”.
The meaning behind the title is multifaceted. It refers both to changes taking place in our society and changes to our world as nature defends itself from human stupidity and greed. It is also a reference to the personal and musical development of the band members in that difficult period. It all became a foundation to bravely attempt to make new beginnings.
The metamorphosis is also clear in the musical aspect of Cykada. Their debut album was already difficult to shoehorn into specific genres with their sound that balanced jazz, electronics and elements of global music styles. With the second album their eclectic style has evolved into something distinct and innovative, combining folk/jazz song form and improvisation with heavier sounds inspired by sound system culture and rock. The band grew into a septet thanks to multi-instrumentalist Rob Milne, expanding the horn section to 3 instruments and galvanising its sound. But the biggest change that happened compared to the first album is the singing of Cykada leader Jamie Benzies in singles “So Divided” and “The Crack in the Bricks”. Both songs carry an important message, showing us that the changes in the world are already happening and that only we can make it head in the right direction. This unique sonic mix along with the message unleashes a powerful energy that the musicians want to send to and infect every listener.
Shake The Feeling: Outtakes & Rarities 2015-2021, Iceage's second full length for Mexican Summer, is a collection of non-LP cuts (or “misfit children,” as lead singer Elias Bender Rønnenfelt describes them) from the seven years during which Iceage made Plowing Into the Field of Love (2014), Beyondless (2018), and Seek Shelter (2021). As with all of Iceage’s albums, whether it be the sensual daring-do of their dark-hardcore masterpiece debut, the Flying Nun-dappled “Oi!!!!” of You’re Nothing, the shift to cowpunk gothic romanticism on Plowing Into the Field of Love, or the space truckin’ gospel-rock of their most recent albums, Elias Bender Rønnenfelt, Johan Suurballe Wieth, Jakob Tvilling Pless and Dan Kjær Nielsen make the impossible seem effortless.
Kintsugi (金継ぎ, "golden joinery") also known as kintsukuroi (金繕い, "golden repair") is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, a method similar to the maki-e technique.
As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.
Moxie’s On Loop imprint proudly presents ‘Manifold’, the highly anticipated debut solo EP from Amaliah. The rising Londoner delivers on her burgeoning ravey promise, unleashing a remarkable trio of percussive club tracks that link UK house aesthetics with global soundsystem influences, and comes with a wonderfully knotty remix from celebrated producer Call Super.
Borne Fruits founder Amaliah has rightfully ascended through the musical ranks of her native city to emerge as one of its most exciting voices. As a DJ and producer, she intersects at the exhilarating crossroads of contemporary house sounds, soundsystem culture and UK club influences to packed dancefloors weekly across the UK and EU. The Manifold EP flexes Amaliah’s parallel trajectory as a wicked tunesmith, offering her long-awaited and most substantial musical offering to date for Moxie’s much-loved On Loop imprint.
Opening track “Helix” curls a percussive membrane around its funky core, pumping along with nocturnal rave menace punctured by sirens and grotty synths. Next up, “Me So” shimmers with bubbling assuredness, diffusing Detroit-inspired melodies atop a bumpy house stepper that spurts with synthetic glee along its way. “Spooky Dub” greets us on the flip, wasting no time in igniting its punchy dembow groove while peppering its rubbery bassline amongst some dub-drenched fx. It briefly retreats for a half-step breakdown before re-launching us straight back to dancefloor salvation. Can You Feel The Sun’s Call Super sees us out with a typically psychedelic labyrinth-like remix of “Helix”, refracting a minimalised Electro groove through a magnificent fairground ride of wide-eyed sound design and intimate melodics.
Early support from Saoirse, Call Super, Parris, Moxie, Niks, Roza Terenzi, ISAbella and featured in Pangaea’s BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix.
Jackie Mittoo is one of the most important artists in the history of Jamaican music. As founding member of the legendary Skatalites, as in-house arranger/producer at Studio One and as a solo artist in his own right leading groups such as The Soul Brothers, Sound Dimension and Soul Vendors.
These classic and rare recordings were made in the mid 1960's at Studio One. The Soul Brothers bridged the gap between Ska and the arrival of Rocksteady mixing it all up with Funk, Jazz and Latin styles. The Soul Brothers recorded at Studio One between 1965-1967. This was the transitionary period between Ska and Rocksteady where the music was a mixture of Funk, Latin and Jazz sometimes with a reminder of Ska and the hint of Rocksteady.
The previous era of Ska had been dominated by the Skatalites, the first in-house band at Studio One who created classic hits such as "Guns of Navaronne", "Man in the Street", "El Pussy Cat" and many more. Unfortunately the strong personalities in the group meant that The Skatalites stayed together for less than two years. It was also around this time that the mentally unwell Don Drummond was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, the dancer Margerita.
In August 1965, barely a week after the demise of the original Skatalites, The Soul Brothers (featuring ex-Skatalites members Jackie Mittoo, Roland Alphonso, Johnny Moore and Lloyd Brevitt) were up and running as the new house band at Studio One.
The Soul Brothers were essentially a collective, releasing material under their own name or under a nominal leader (usually Jackie Mittoo or Rolando Alphonso). The group line-up changed over time with Bobby Ellis (trumpet), Bryan Atkinson (bass), Dennis Campbell (Sax), Harry Haughton (guitarist) and Joe Isaacs (drummer) replacing various members alongside the ever present Jackie Mittoo.
REVIEWS
"Jackie Mittoo was a true star of Jamaican music; a founder member of The Skatalites, a prolific composer and the keyboard powerhouse behind many a classic tune. His simple, often hypnotic approach, to ska, rocksteady and reggae made him one of the most distinctive sounding musicians of the era." BBC.
"Jackie Mittoo was one of the great names in Jamaican music, manning the keyboards for the Skatalites, the Soul Vendors, and Sound Dimension-- three of the greatest house bands of the 60's
(and I mean anywhere, not just in Jamaica)." PITCHFORK.
A command across genres has distinguished Yasushi Ide’s work as a DJ and producer since emerging from the multiscene spawning big bang that was Tokyo’s highly influential club milieu of the 1980s. His productions draw variously from hip-hop, dub, house, punk, jazz dance, exotica and electronic music - and at their most expressive, synthesize sensibilities within a single track. The respect Ide’s earned is well evident in the impressive roll call of collaborators he’s accrued over the years - Masters At Work, Tom Verlaine, Don Letts, James Chance, DJ Krush, Pharaoh Sanders, U-ROY, and Bongo Herman, just to name a legendary few.
Now available for worldwide distribution from Love Injection Records in both digital and 7-inch 45 vinyl formats, the Yasushi Ide “A Place In the Sun (Kaoru Inoue Remix)” is paired with the equally gorgeous “A Place In the Sun (Dub).” On the former, Inoue’s treatment largely strips away the track’s beats, anchoring it to a subtle percussion pulse that emphasizes the composition’s irresistible melodic qualities. The latter finds Yoko Ota at the controls restoring and pushing reverb-soaked drums to the forefront of the mix, accentuating Ide’s affection for the sound system aesthetic while exercising just the right amount of spacial arrangement flourishes to inject some brawn amidst the beauty.
These serendipitously rediscovered renditions of a back catalog deep cut are just the latest examples of Yasushi Ide’s artistic reach. In addition to recording such acclaimed albums as 2020’s Cosmic Suite and its 2022 sequel (for which Love Injection has remixed a track), his work has spanned music supervision of some 200+ compilations for major labels, artist management, his Grand Gallery shop/gallery proprietorship, and books showcasing the depth of his archival sensibilities, including vintage t-shirt and ephemera curation. Perhaps most inspiring, however, is that Ide is still winning new appreciators and collaborators in unexpected ways four decades into a revered career that continues to evolve and expand.
'Give Me The Strength To Be Me' is the exclusive single for Lovemonk by Soulnaturals, featuring London singer Chalibrann. This stunning track fuses all the power and beauty of gospel and soul music with exquisite arrangements that take Soulnaturals to spiritual heights, akin to contemporary artists such as Michael Kiwanuka and Sault.
Soulnaturals is the London-based project of songwriter, producer and band leader Tony Cannam, who collaborates with outstanding guest singers and musicians on high-quality soul/R&B music which has received rave reviews from Blues & Soul, Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show, Jazz FM, Andy Peebles at Smooth FM, Solar Radio, Clash Magazine and London Live TV, among others. Cannam is influenced by the rich heritage of 60s and 70s US soul/funk artists and arrangers such as Norman Whitfield, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones.
Soulnaturals released their debut album, "Love Says Yes!", in 2017 as part of Record Store Day, receiving strong critical acclaim and a nod as contender for album of the year from UK Vibe. Their second album, "Parlo Discoteca", came out in October 2023 on their own label, British Soul Standard.
Over the past few years, we have strengthened our ties with photographers to showcase music we stand for.
Art Curation is deeply rooted in Délicieuse’s DNA. It all started with our Youtube channel where we have been showcasing the music we love for 10 years now. Parallel to music curation, our curiosity and appeal for aesthetic imagery brought us to enhance the music with photographs, illustrations or cinematic scenes. As a result, our Youtube channel has been the laboratory of our collaborations with photographers from all horizons such as Yosigo, Victor Costa or George Natsioulis.
Following that path, the Chambre Noire Compilation tends to expand the synergy between music & imagery. The idea is to highlight a photographer’s work & make the compilation a gallery in itself. For this first episode we are collaborating with Yosigo, a well established photographer from Barcelona. The art direction and graphic design side is imagined in collaboration with Brazilian art director Hermes Miranda.
The compilation contains 12 exclusive tracks released digitally and physically across a double vinyl edition. The physical edition includes an A6 photo booklet aiming to highlight Yosigo’s work while exploring the compilation concept.
Musically speaking the compilation follows Délicieuse’s travels and features a blend of established & emerging artists from all over the globe featuring the likes of Tell, Domenique Dumont, Fertita, Logh, BowAsWell, Pool Boy, Scissorwork, Jesper Ryom, Marvin Horsch, Jah One, Brothers of Eternal Love, and Golf Trip oscillating between Balearic, Deep House, Electronica, Electro & Indie Pop.
Get ready for an immersive and captivating musical experience with Chambre Noire.
Hot'n'Spicy' is back for a captivating compilation of hedonistic disco delights.Experience the magic as disco players come together again on this album. Featuring the German groove sensation Delfonic, the iconic House stallion Franck Roger, the very Cosmic Dj Steef , and the Disconimo HOLDTight. Get ready for the musical journey filled with quality slow-disco soul jams, feverish disco beats, and enchanting cosmic grooves. On Side A, a Chicago disco groover « Everything is love » by Delfonic, followed by the slow house cracker « Disco Power » by HOLDTight. OnSide B, « Pinguino Bloumo », a superb piece of disco cooked by Franck Roger, and indulge in the Cosmic journey of « Warp Odyssey »by Dj STEEF. This vinyl release is a must-have for any discerning music lover seeking an exquisite blend ofdisco. Thanks for being with us on this journey. As always, a tasty piece for diggers and late-night DJs...
Four tracks from '20 Years Of Phonica' on limited 12" vinyl!
We start off with a collaboration from Paramida & E-Talking. Paramida is the well-respected head of the Love on the Rocks label whilst E-Talking is the pseudonym of Emmanuel Corre, one half of Nummer who have given us stunning releases over the year on their own label, AD93 and Going Good. ‘Read My Lips’ strikes the perfect balance of old-school warehouse acid and early morning Berlin dance floors.
Next up, Dauwd’s bass-heavy monster ‘Slam’. The US born, Berlin residing DJ & producer Dauwd has been pushing his sound through various styles and genres since the early 2010s. From dub-steppy and tech-house beginnings to his most recent house and dub-techno Psssh imprint outputs he has been driving record collectors crazy for his 12’s for over a decade!
On the flip, Daniel Avery's ‘Bell’ finds the Phantasy and Mute artist at his most contemplative and melodic; it’s streamlined stylings reminiscent of UK Artificial Intelligence 90s techno and Kompakt’s golden era.
Finally, Mancunian producer Willow’s ‘Willbush’ shows why she has been a leading name in the underground house scene for over a decade now, including releases on the renowned Workshop label.
Lee Jeffries Brings Northern Soul Holy Grail 7” to life in live form with the Unsung Wonders playing live and recorded onto 2 inch tape with no editing to give you stunning versions of these northern soul treasures.
The Album was recorded back in 2016 in Leicester with Lee's dad Steve Jeffries, one of the world's leading Northern Soul’s rare record dealers.
Lee's good friend & now pressing manager at Sonic Wax Pressing Manager Adam Bucanan also was involved in the producing and mentoring the young band to deliver these stunning records.
With 50 years of Northern Soul Wigan Casino in 2023 it's great to see new Northern Soul music is being made.
The Rice N Peas is the alternative ego to The Unsung Wonders and give a stunning Lovers Rock / Reggae take on these holy grail tracks.
On March 26, 2015, a surprising announcement sent shockwaves through the Belgian music scene. Noe?mie Wolfs declared her departure from Hooverphonic, the band she had fronted as the lead singer for over five years. She described it as the end of an incredible chapter in her life and expressed her desire to forge her own musical path, which she did by releasing her critically acclaimed debut album "Hunt You" a year later.
In February 2020, the long-anticipated second solo album by Noe?mie arrived, titled "Lonely Boy's Paradise," brimming with melancholic hues. Taking her time to craft and record this album, Noe?mie delivered a collection of songs that resonated even more deeply with her. At the production helm was Yello Staelens (also known as Yong Yello). With "Lonely Boy's Paradise," her confidence grew, allowing her to embrace risk and unconventional ideas. However, the international lockdown soon threw a spanner in the works, as the society shut down a day after her celebrated sold-out release show at the Ancienne Belgique. Rather than sit by, she therefore retreated to her home studio to work on new music.
Making music from the heart has always been in the DNA of Belgian singer Noémie Wolfs and yet this time it is a tad different as she's gearing up to release her third album, "Wild At Heart," in November. This time around, she joined forces again with her partner in crime, Simon Casier (of Balthazar and Zimmerman), to write and produce the album in their home studio. Despite being in the business for years, the upcoming project also immediately presented a challenge for her because this time she was involved both as a writer, but more importantly as a producer, giving the album an even more personal touch. Everything was done from an emotion or a vision, you notice and hear the love for enchanting arrangements immediately.
The ten tracks on "Wild At Heart" promise a distinct sound, enriched with meticulous attention to detail. The melodies are interwoven with dreamy, melancholic strings and an array of synths, revealing a new facet of Noémie's musical evolution. The new sound of Noémie evolved from a hip-hop-oriented use of samples on her second album "Lonely Boys Paradise" to a more electronic approach, where danceable beats with analog synths join forces with big orchestrated strings to capture the different facets of a love story.
"Strings are actually very hopeful or often form a warm blanket for many people, but can also be very frightening, oppressive, dark, and sad. It might even be my favourite instrument, which is why I definitely wanted to use them on this album. Sometimes you can even hear 42 violins at the same time, with which we wanted to capture the grandeur of Hollywood," she says about including strings.
The upcoming album is not a sonic continuation of her previous albums, but a deliberate exploration of what has always inspired her. "Wild At Heart" tells the story of two lovers who cannot live with each other, but also cannot live without each other. The dramaturgy of the album also reflects itself musically, which is immediately evident with the first single "Lonely Heart". In almost eight minutes, you feel the matchless passion in her music and her voice remains the narrative thread that makes you forget time and space around you for a moment. Noémie Wolfs' new music is therefore the perfect way to take a break from the daily grind and digs deep into all forms of romance.
"Wild At Heart" is Noémie Wolfs' reintroduction and her most personal project so far. For dreamers, lovers, and travelers.
One more year, we are now working tirelessly on our beloved label. Just as we did last year, this 2023, we are back with our 'ANAØH INVITES' series.
Last year we had the wonderful presence of James Ruskin and Ben Sims as guests of honor, that wonderful 12' vinyl sold out in a few weeks, however it is time to present our second volume, where again Dig-It and Fixon as hosts of the label invite 2 artists to join them and release original 4 tracks on a special edition 12' vinyl. In this second chapter we have the presence of a veteran whom we respect and love deeply, one of the main people responsible for the classic hardgroove sound , Mark Williams.
As well as one of our wonder boys, the virtuous CRAVO.
We feel honored and moved to have this second collaboration, which we hope will please everyone! Thank you for all the love and support during these first 7 years of adventure.
Sometimes you just stumble upon some music randomly, fall in love with it and you quickly look to grab a copy, but only a CD was ever released of it.
So after playing it digitally for quite a while now, it was the right decision to get it pressed on Vinyl, as some of you out there prefer that format.
Here we are, after more than 2 years preparing it, finally the Vinyl release of FC Europe is ready!
A joint project made by Andy Rantzen, Anthony Maher and S. Correa, first saw the daylight back in 1999 on Air Recording Australia.
From housey tracks to the finest breaks and hints of Drum & Bass, this Album has everything for everyone out there, must have record in every collection.
