quête:m craft

Over the past decade Tuccillo has steadily honed his craft as a producer and is now widely known and beloved for his contemporary twist on raw groove driven House music which has found a home on the likes of Nu Groove, Kwench, Melodeum, Holic Trax his own Unblock label and of course Kaoz Theory where he returns here following 2023’s ‘The Waves’ EP.

Title-cut ‘Sundown’ leads the release on a deep house tip with a swinging drum groove, airy chord sequences, intricate filtered vocals and a funk-infused bass line. ‘Holding On’ then shifts gears into Chicago House territory via a bouncy bassline and dubbed out vocal chops, intertwined with a playful organ melody, tension building strings and skippy percussion.

‘Whatever’ then opens the b-side with a more stripped-back feel, laying focus on crisp, low-slung drums, hypnotic atmospherics, choppy dub stabs and an amalgamation of vocal murmurs. ‘Velvet City’ then concludes the EP, encapsulating the core aesthetic of deep house with wandering jazzy keys, ethereal pads, organic drums and rumbling subs all silkily ebbing and flowing amongst one another.

ZamZam 95 is a link with the enigmatic French producer Hiss Is Bliss. We’ve been fans since the very first drop on their 777Hz label and these two sides drive straight to the heart of the dub techno galaxy.

Little is known about Hiss Is Bliss beyond the fact that they hail from France, are steeped in esotericism, and create tunes as masterfully grounded in roots reggae as they are in techno and related strands of electronic music. Their releases are utterly free of hype, beautifully crafted 10” vinyl plates that let the singers and tracks speak for themselves.

At the risk of being cheeky, “Nope” is absolute dub techno bliss. The 808 kick propels the track relentlessly forward, saturated washes of color streak the night sky, while syncopated hi hats and warm, soulful chords bring life- dare we say funk- to a style too often stiff and clinical, too in thrall to the past to truly step forward. Matching Hiss is Bliss in mystery, Ras Lys’ vocal brings a Dread perspective on music and the sometimes shady business of music, a grounded contrast to the deep inner space explored by the tune itself. The B-side version “Abbadia” splits musical atoms through the desk, focusing squarely on the stripped 4/4 elements and gloriously distorted pads that echo and cycle like tides in a darkly shimmering sea.

Forest Law's debut album, "Zero," is a vibrant journey blending Balearic funk with urban Tropicalia, showcasing his adept guitar playing, old-school sampling, and UK- styled beats alongside his mellow yet sombre vocals. Recorded across eclectic locations from Icelandic fish net factories to a garden shed in Romford, this innovative release marks a new chapter for the multi-instrumentalist producer.

Released in collaboration with the UK home for jazz and electronic sounds, Total Refreshment Centre, Zero is Forest Law’s first release since his debut EP on Brownswood Recordings four years ago, marking a new and exciting chapter for the up-and-coming talent.

Crafted over seven years, "Zero" is deeply influenced by Law's experiences, from immersive stays in Porto where he delved into Portuguese music to an artist residency in a remote Icelandic fishing village. The album was finished, and recorded in his garden shed in Romford, East London. It’s a beautiful juxtaposition about a boy from Essex, who fell in love with international music, discovered the world, and then produced a musical treatise about his adventures from his shed.

Winston Hytwr is a co-release presented by K and Perennial. Born in Columbus, Ohio in March 1993, Winston Hightower is a prolific home recording artist with an expansive discography that crawls across space and genre. A staple in the Midwestern punk/DIY scene, his first work under the eponymous moniker was a self-released tape in January 2015. Since then, he has put out over 100 songs on tape, online and on video. The music defies easy categorization, and instead breezes through a landscape of synths that effortlessly blend pop, rock, rap and jazz. In doing so, Hightower continues to build a cohesive, ever-morphing experiment in pushing the boundaries of underground guitar music, all with his signature wit and charm. This body of work is almost entirely written and recorded alone in his room, causing many to refer to him as `the Black R Stevie Moore,' a fitting epithet as his influences likewise include modern "lo-fi" progenitors such as Guided by Voices and Vivian Girls. Hightower has released much of his own work and more on his tape label, the FAH-Q Catalog, which boasts over 12 releases He has also collaborated with numerous other Ohio legends such as members of Times New Viking, Slant 6, and Ron House. Both mysterious and effervescent, Winston shape shifts into roles that have also included pro skater (UNITY, Adidas) and touring hardcore guitarist/bassist (most recently with the groups Minority Threat and Twompsax). With such an extensive pedigree, and having toured ceaselessly since he was a teenager, it's shocking that Winston Hightower is largely unknown outside of the Midwest. K records is thus thrilled to be putting out his first ever record, "Winston Hytwr" KLP292/PRNL50 which will cull songs from his previous and impossible to find releases. Remixed by Capt. Tripps Ballsington and Remastered by Amy Dragon. This release continues the rich tradition of DIY bands crafting instant pop hits entirely on their own terms, which has long been the hallmark of the International Pop Underground. 1000 vinyl copies.

“There goes my TARDIS!” Demon Records celebrates David Tennant and Catherine Tate’s partnership as the Doctor and Donna with two audio-exclusive stories, read by the actors themselves. In Pest Control, read by David Tennant, the Doctor and Donna face monstrous insects and a ruthless robot exterminator when the TARDIS is lost in battle on a distant planet. The Doctor sets off in pursuit of his craft, while Donna finds herself accepting a commission in the Pioneer Corps. Something is transforming soldiers into monstrous beetles - and she could be the next victim. In The Forever Trap, read by Catherine Tate, the duo find themselves imprisoned in a complex of luxury apartments in space, and neighbours to a terrifying assortment of aliens. Deadly mobs wage battle in the corridors and on the stairwells, and the travellers must cross their paths as they search for the ultimate authority. Who, or what, lies at the heart of the Edifice? This stunning box set, with an illustrated lift-off lid, features 6 x 140g vinyl LPs - three in Transparent Red and three in Transparent Yellow - each housed in a unique inner sleeve. A four page booklet features sleeve notes by authors Peter Anghelides and Dan Abnett, who reflect on the process of writing for the Tenth Doctor and Donna, and how they regard the stories 17 years later. Now for the first time on vinyl, accompanied by original sound design and Murray Gold’s Series 4 arrangement of the familiar theme music, these two high-octane adventures are a reminder of the excitement, humour and magical wonder of Doctor Who

Introducing "Show of Force", the latest creation from label head Kessell. Set against
Granulart's careful work, this vinyl release is a fusion of raw energy and refined precision, featuring tracks that pulse with rhythms and intricate layers, showing off Kessell's signature style.

Crafted with care, the vinyl itself is a work of art. A blend of crystal clear transparency, solid yellow warmth, and bold black accents, adding a visual dimension to the auditory experience.

Zobol - Retrofuturism EP is a nostalgic yet forward-looking release that invokes past visions of the future.

It features five original tracks, ranging from upbeat and energetic to more ambient and introspective. Each track is a storytelling journey, exploring different aspects of Electro and Braindance.

Crafted with both analog and digital machines while enhanced by modern production techniques, it epitomizes the main concept of Retrofuturism. The result is a series of warm, melancholic soundscapes where the past meets the future.

After the success of "Miss The Rave" released last year on the Fresh Blood VA series, Onlynumbers is back on Taapion with a solo EP carefully crafted for the French imprint that will definitely make a statement in the artist's discography.

Introducing "The Architecture of Oppression Part 2" - the highly anticipated follow-up to Jake Ferguson's critically acclaimed debut album - Part 1. Ferguson is recognised as the ‘other half’ of The Heliocentrics, producing his solo work under the moniker, The Brkn Record. Effortlessly merging the realms of music and activism, he has created a groundbreaking album, which is set to be one of the most important bodies of work that illustrate ongoing systemic racism this side of the millennium. Ferguson takes the listener to a world where artistry and social consciousness intersect. Crafting an array of captivating soundscapes and themes. This album showcases the vocal talents of both established artists and hidden gems discovered through Ferguson's day-job as a former charity CEO and community activist. While Part 1 served as a rallying cry to dismantle oppressive systems, Part 2 offers a compelling soundtrack of a Pro-Black world reclaiming its destiny. This thought-provoking art piece invites listeners to envision alternative paths while avoiding the pitfalls of past paradigms. Unlike a broken record, this The Brkn Record album keeps pushing boundaries— By enlisting the voices of The Global Majority, The Brkn Record creates a platform for genuine expression through sound. Renowned for his production skills, Ferguson has captured the admiration of industry heavyweights including Nas, Madlib and Kanye West. However, rather than seeking popular features, he chooses to amplify the authentic perspectives of the talented youth he collaborates with in Hackney. One such initiative supported by Ferguson, Account Hackney, introduced him to two gifted artists showcased on this album – Great Okosun and Yolanda Lear. ‘This album serves as a visceral demonstration of my anger at the racially founded status quo in this country and globally. The continued oppression of people on the basis of their race is beyond evil, its common place and needs to end. Simple as.’ The album also sees Ferguson joining forces with award winning laureate Anthony Joseph and legendary hip-hop MC Percee P - their dynamic and thought-provoking lyrics seamlessly intertwine with expertly produced musical landscapes. "The Architecture of Oppression Part 2" is not just an album; it is a transformative journey that challenges the listener and wants you to ‘feel’. It’s Art. A musical experience that inspires, compels, and empowers. Over to you!

The Dream Of Delphi is an ode to motherhood created in LA, Natasha’s second home, during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a sonic archive of a time when Natasha birthed her daughter Delphi earth side. The record weaves together ten song poems, documenting the polarity of navigating both an exterior world that was seemingly turning upside down, whilst also experiencing theprofoundly personal and transformational early moments of mothering Delphi, named after the Greek Oracle, the ancient future teller. The music became Natasha’s sanctuary, born out of stolen trips to the studio, where each track was improvised and completed in a few hours and chronologises her diary like offerings over a period of two years; from “The Midwives Have Left”; to writing a “Letter To My Daughter”; and all the way through to “Waking up”, as well as a cover of her daughter’s favourite song, “Home”.While the storytelling behind Bat For Lashes’ previous albums have traditionally used otherworldly narratives and female lead characters (e.g. ‘Laura’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘The Bride’), for the first ti me, The Dream Of Delphi is about Natasha’s personal experience of the magical and sometimes melancholy intimacy of early motherhood. This record creates a more private form of mythology around the music than her previous work. The Dream Of Delphi touches on more of an instrumental “Bat For Lashes” world, and shows Natasha to be both a confident composer and craftswoman of intimate landscapes. While the music creates a more womb-like, ambient space for the listener, it still leaves ample room for her signature dream pop songwriting to vibrate through. Natasha has worked with Brad Oberhofer, Mary Lattimore and Jack Falby on this record.

Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts is an American rock band from Nashville founded and fronted by former Biters leader Tuk Smith, originally from Atlanta, now living in Nashville. The band released their debut single "What Kinda Love" on January 10, 2020 and were also added as an opening act for The Stadium Tour with Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe on the same day. Then came the onset of Covid 19. “When the pandemic hit, it was like hitting the reset button on my music career” recalls Tuk, “everything got taken away…album campaign, stadium tour, record deal. The world was in lockdown, and the only way to escape was to throw myself into writing. My thoughts began exploring the past, and the inspiration for the songs just came in tidal waves.”
The new collection is a rock ‘n roll silver lining that came out of the solitude and reflection of the pandemic. Ballad Of A Misspent Youth is the new single (and subsequent album of the same name) released summer of 2022 on Tuk’s new record label MRG, through Virgin Music. Tuk explains, “I decided to make a rock and roll record for me and what I like because there was no label, there was no committee involved…just me and my stories. I wanted to create a setting and an authentic feeling about everything. I reunited with long-time friend Dan Dixon and recorded these songs in his garage studio, and there is a purity to the work that came from all the circumstances of that time.” Growing up as an outsider in rural Georgia, Tuk found solace in hardcore punk acts like Black Flag and The Exploited. From there, Smith branched out into exploring seventies New York bands like The Dead Boys and New York Dolls, which lead him across the sea where he embraced first-wave British acts like The Buzzcocks and the Clash. Smith wasn’t just a casual fan of these acts, he was obsessed with them and traced their lineage with fervent dedication. “I was always into the Clash growing up and Mick Jones’ favorite band was Mott The Hoople, so through the years I ended up developing a love of the first wave of British glam, power pop and things like that,” he explains. Soon Smith was forming his own acts, touring relentlessly and building a following with his high-energy live shows, including his tour of duty as lead singer for the Biters, who he fronted for nearly a decade. He offers “Then after being on the road for years, I had a reckoning about where I was at and the future ahead. …I realized the only way to achieve something meaningful was to be a good songwriter…that clicked. I went on a musical diet where I stripped the obscure stuff away, and I really started focusing on the greats. When I started clicking that it was just about the songs, things changed. I had already put my 10,000 hours in the van to play in the dive clubs, but then I put my 10,000 hours into figuring out how to write. I also started working with other songwriters. I humbled myself… it was an education, like going to school.” Tuk elaborates, “I wanted to kind of branch out musically and do different things, and I figured to go solo would be better. My manager actually suggested I call my new band “The Restless Hearts” and that's what he would call me all the time. It was the title of a Biters song that people loved and I’d seen a few restless hearts tattoos at our shows along the way… and so Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts was born. I was in a period where I changed everything including the way I lived my daily life. I experimented with different ways to tap into positive/creative energy…it was an evolving overall process (and still is).” Tuk summarizes, “Things used to be about debauchery, and now they’re more about dedication. I mean, I was always driven, but I was sometimes focusing on the wrong things. Now I focus on the music and the craftsmanship of writing and producing and performing. “

-Debut full-length album from Miami-based soul jazz trio Fat Produce. -Featuring musicians who played with The White Blinds, Scone Cash Players, Jungle Fire, War, The Bombillas. Featured in Relix Magazine’s April/May new artist spotlight to over 250k subscribers.
-Upcoming shows in California and Florida. F-Spot Records proudly presents the debut LP "Fresh Squeeze" from Miami-based soul jazz trio Fat Produce. Led by guitarist Addison Rifkind (The Soul Vaccinators) and drummer Michael Duffy (The White Blinds, Jungle Fire), this duo is joined by world-renowned bass player Rene Camacho (Poncho Sanchez, War) to bring you 14 all-new and original soul jazz instrumental cuts that's a guaranteed head-nodder from start to finish. When Rifkind and Duffy first met on a gig with organist Adam Scone (Scone Cash Players), both felt an instant chemistry musically, and the seeds of Fat Produce were born. In sharing their passion for classic soul jazz, in addition to funk and hip-hop, Rifkind and Duffy started to dive in, taking the idea of a guitar trio to new heights unlike anything you've heard before. After a year of playing gigs and honing their craft, both descended back to their hometown of Los Angeles, CA, to meet up with Rene Camacho and spend two days recording at The F-Spot HQ under the helm of producer and label owner David M Celia. Recording all live in one room to 1/2" tape, the resulting sessions truly captured the essence of Fat Produce's sound. Forced to be in the moment tracking live with no overdubs, "Fresh Squeeze" highlights the authentic tone and feeling from those two special days spent breathing new life into the guitar trio format. From the more straight-ahead soul jazz tunes like "Sticky Beets" and "Slick" to more outside-the-box cuts like "SON!" and the afrobeat-inspired "Afrenetic," rounded out with groove-focused compositions such as "Cadillac Converter," Grease on the Range," and "818 Don't Hate," this LP brings a variety of styles and feels, while all keeping it under the same umbrella of guitar, upright bass, and drums. Highlighting the chordal and melodic stylings of Addison Rifkind, the signature drum tone and feel of Michael Duffy, and tastefully executed playing from bassist Rene Camacho, "Fresh Squeeze" is the perfect sonic experience. From the first note on side A to the last hit on side B, it's a full sound, a timeless listen, and one slated to be on repeat for decades to come

The Dream Of Delphi is an ode to motherhood created in LA, Natasha’s second home, during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a sonic archive of a time when Natasha birthed her daughter Delphi earth side. The record weaves together ten song poems, documenting the polarity of navigating both an exterior world that was seemingly turning upside down, whilst also experiencing theprofoundly personal and transformational early moments of mothering Delphi, named after the Greek Oracle, the ancient future teller. The music became Natasha’s sanctuary, born out of stolen trips to the studio, where each track was improvised and completed in a few hours and chronologises her diary like offerings over a period of two years; from “The Midwives Have Left”; to writing a “Letter To My Daughter”; and all the way through to “Waking up”, as well as a cover of her daughter’s favourite song, “Home”.While the storytelling behind Bat For Lashes’ previous albums have traditionally used otherworldly narratives and female lead characters (e.g. ‘Laura’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘The Bride’), for the first ti me, The Dream Of Delphi is about Natasha’s personal experience of the magical and sometimes melancholy intimacy of early motherhood. This record creates a more private form of mythology around the music than her previous work. The Dream Of Delphi touches on more of an instrumental “Bat For Lashes” world, and shows Natasha to be both a confident composer and craftswoman of intimate landscapes. While the music creates a more womb-like, ambient space for the listener, it still leaves ample room for her signature dream pop songwriting to vibrate through. Natasha has worked with Brad Oberhofer, Mary Lattimore and Jack Falby on this record.

Having been based in Sussex, Philip moved to an old mill in France and never stopped writing. In 2014 he released his organic and honest solo debut album "I'm Not The Man I Used To Be". This was followed up by the critically acclaimed Mental Home Recordings is upon us. And now Philip Parfitt is set to release Dark light via Chicago/London/Paris based label Tip Top Recordings.

A significant milestone in his long accomplished career, Dark Light features 10 beautifully crafted pieces, including deep cuts 'I know I shouldn't but voices' and 'Dark light' the title track, give ample evidence of Philip's prowess as a wordsmith and musician, but also arranger and producer. Think Nick Drake and Captain Beefheart accidentally bumping into each other at a private viewing of Bright Sta
in Heaven, you won't be too far out of the crease. Philip is accompanied by a merry band of friends and luminaries including Alex Creepy Mojo, Amelie Fish, Lucie Robet (who also wrote title track Dark Light with Philip), Gilda Scouarnec, Rog Mogale (who also mastered the album), and Mark Refoy.

Dark Light is released on digital, CD, limited edition vinyl LP with 200 copies in black and 200 copies in dark purple to match the darkly beautiful artwork by Fernando Ruibal. Sleeve notes come from Matthew Spector within the included booklet with art from Joane Charlotte Senechal, photography by Sarah Baba, and design by Anna Mort.

It's time! The Dark Master, III Machine, Signal 2 Noise, Known Unknown - Dom & Roland lands on Samurai Music for his first single for the label.

A foundation Drum and Bass artist, Dom's productions have retained their distinctive identity as his music progressed through his storied career for most of the genres most influential labels. Dom has made his fair share of the most important records in the genre and continues to do so with his dedication to the craft unwavering after 30 years.

His Samurai debut harnesses his experience and prowess with two capsule examples of raw Dom and Roland power.

Bosconi Records Presents Datafreq’s Electrifying EP: “Circuit Garden” Toronto’s electronic music scene luminary, Dave Rout, known as Datafreq, is set to unveil his EP titled “Circuit Garden” on Bosconi Records. With a musical journey as Datafreq spanning 2 decades, and a continuous presence since the mid-80s, he has become a cornerstone in the electronic music scene in Toronto. “Circuit Garden” is a six-track collection that pays homage to Datafreq’s distinctive blend of video game music and electro sounds. A true sonic pioneer, he brings forth his unique musicality that has resonated since he started the project in 2004.

This EP features select tracks from his debut album, “Fun for the Whole Family,” originally released in 2006 on the esteemed Berlin label Das Drehmoment. Notably, these tracks, (never before available on vinyl with the exception of “Just Like 1981”), have been reimagined with slight remixing, editing, and remastering to seamlessly align with the vinyl format. Two brand-new tracks make their debut on this release, adding an extra layer of exclusivity and elevating the EP to a truly special status.

The unmistakable “Datafreq” sound is prevalent throughout the EP, characterized by eclectic electro techno and vocodered tunes. Infused with a melodic approach, the tracks remain dancefloor-friendly, showcasing Datafreq’s exceptional talent for crafting engaging melodies. The EP is adorned with cosmic arpeggios and space synthesizers, reflecting his prowess in creating immersive sonic landscapes. “Circuit Garden” not only celebrates Datafreq’s enduring legacy but also signifies a new chapter in his sonic exploration, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in Bosconi Records’ consistently precise and insightful musical universe.

Boulderhead debuts on Rhythm Section International with his most expansive EP to date:
“ I Need Space to Dance”

The Bristol based producer, known for his intricately crafted, up tempo club records has long been a favourite at RS HQ and has, over the years, garnered much respect from a plethora of influential DJs. His most recent hit “ Bread, Butter, Noodles, Spice”, was a festival earworm and one of the most played underground tracks of 2023.

Existing in the sweet spot between tech-house, prog, broken beat and minimal techno - this EP sees Boulderhead widen his sonic palette with a collection of songs that showcase his versatility.
Equally appealing to the Ricardo Villalobos contingent as it will be to those delving into the history of progressive house and the golden days of minimal techno - we think there’s a bit of something for everyone here.

Despite the many different bases the EP touches on - the sound pallette and production are unified and coherent. Henry is at the top of his game, and much like contemporary artists like Adam Pits, Priori and Russell EL Butler - his style screams ALBUM!