DJ Rocca and Chris Coco spent some time hanging out together by the pool at an intimate festival called La Casella in Umbria in the
late summer of 2019.
They spent a lot of time talking about Italo Disco, the Rimini / Riccione riviera in it’s heyday in the 90s and classic clubs from the early
days of the Italian scene.
By the end of that beautiful weekend they had decided to make some music together that would somehow capture and reflect their own
hazy memories of places they visited or played and nostalgic dreams of earlier scenes they were too young to participate in.
Over the ensuing months the idea developed into an imaginary retro-futuristic club called CocoRocca DiscoTeca, a fantasy version of
a past club that never existed and at the same time a future club that was really possible to create one day.
If there was such a club, what would the music sound like?
Surely, a fusion of various sounds of dub/house/disco that the pair of DJs had been collecting and playing out for years. So inspiration
lists were made and ,slowly, a soundtrack for a night at that imaginary club began to take shape, beginning slow and dreamy, for the
moment of arrival; lifting up to a peak; and finally drifting down to the final tune of the night.
The result goes something like this…
Suche:sam k
Anneleen Boehme is a prominent figure in the Belgian jazz scene, known for her work as a double bassist across various projects.
Her virtuosity on the double bass was already evident in LABtrio, and her skill as both a composer and bandleader was showcased in Grand Picture Palace. Now, in her solo work, we experience Anneleen's genuine vulnerability, as she explores the deep connection with her ever-present companion: the double bass. Her music is a balm for the soul, and her playing is deeply moving, leaving no listener unaffected.
In this solo project, Anneleen Boehme pushes the boundaries of the double bass, striving to transcend them in all their forms. She places particular emphasis on the instrument's acoustic sound, subtly highlighting its rich, resonant voice. The music that warms her heart is at the core of this exploration: both her original compositions written specifically for the double bass, as well as solo arrangements of existing works and improvisations. Her passion for both jazz and classical music is beautifully expressed throughout. This is an embrace of the double bass, its deep tones, and pure musicality.
Eunoia is Anneleen Boehme's debut solo album, set for release on April 18th, 2025, and it is a dedication to herself.
"I wrote a story about who I am, about the path I've walked so far. About how the mind can drive you mad and how, amidst it all, you can find peace. I hope it will offer you the same. Sadness, joy, and comfort for your soul."
The double bass has the unique ability to convey our most melancholic emotions, and this album is no exception. Yet, its warm tones also offer a sense of healing and comfort. In most tracks, the double bass stands alone in its simple elegance, but in Fuga Ante Proelium, Anneleen's voice joins her instrument, adding a new layer to the musical experience.
Our Spring/Summer ‘25 issue features a deep dive on Madonna’s New York nightclub roots and her links with the dancefloor ever since plus a rare interview and photo shoot in LA with DJ Harvey and our third cover is the super cool Marie Davidson.
Plus we have features on Auntie Flo, Pan Amsterdam, Ela Minus, Tryouts, Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke, DJ Koze, Andy Bell, Everything Is Recorded, The Sabres of Paradise, The Wild Bunch, Kevin Saunderson, HAAi and lots more.
184 pages of quality music journalism by the world’s best music writers plus beautiful photography and design in a glossy print magazine.
Issue 6 is completely sold out and we expect this issue to do the same so please order asap to secure copies.
Nor (pronounced "noolj") is DJ Sotofett's Braindance album for SUED with music produced between 2002-2020. It was originally intended as a playlist for SVN between his studio sessions but quickly took the shape of this snappy LP balancing frenetic breaks and beautiful synthetics. The almost 20 year old tracks that pre-date all the Sex Tags projects are either made with one drum machine, one synthesizer and no sequencer – or Minidisc sample based collages pasted together on Qubase, while newer productions are partly programmed on Finnair.
- A1: Raz Fresco– Who Mapped The Earth
- A2: Romderful– Maybe With You
- A3: Dowker– Call Me
- A4: Speak– Sakuraba
- A5: Cookin' Soul, Ovrkast– Flying
- A6: Monster Rally, Demahjiae– Clooney
- A7: Mr Scruff– Flute Boom
- A8: 645Ar– Shooting Star
- B1: Peanut Butter Wolf, Waragainstgod?, Mikah 9– Organic A I
- B2: Chuck Strangers, Graymatter– Marigold
- B3: La Jay, Pigeon John– Thank You
- B4: Dj Harrison– Applechopchutney
- B5: Monster Rally, Homeboy Sandman– I Love You
- B6: Low Leaf– Faerie Function
- B7: Pouya, Boobie Lootaveli– Bitch, Park Backwards
- C1: Eddie Chacon, John Carroll Kirby– Comes And Goes (Live At Isc)
- C2: Devin Morrison– Givin Up
- C3: Suzi Analogue– King
- C4: Lee Perry– Morning Star
- C5: Dayytona Fox– Woooaaah
- C6: Bombay , Rvyo– Kflex
- C7: Crimeapple, Don Leisure– Vic Damone
- C8: Eyebriss– Don't Clap When I Win
- D1: Ncy Milky Band, Quelle Chris– High Speed Clouds
- D2: Mr Mumblz, Daniel Son – Snake Eyes
- D3: Girl Talk, Freeway, Waka Flocka Flame– Tolerated
- D4: Swum, Big Lordy– Shinto
- D5: Xavier Wulf– 2 Can Wulf
- D6: Tommy Wright Iii– Chrome Thang
- D7: Tjil– Metta
Cassette[13,87 €]
**Gangster Music Vol.3: The Most Gangster Music Trilogy of All Time Comes to a Triumphant Close**
Imagine curating a dream lineup of MCs and producers from every corner of the rap world—sounds impossible, right? Not for artist and illustrator Gangster Doodles, who has been bringing this vision to life for the past decade. Now, with “Gangster Music Vol.3”, the trilogy reaches its grand finale, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more unpredictable than ever before.
Gangster Doodles himself puts it best:
"It’s hard to believe that I’ve been actively working on this Gangster Music series for the past 10 years. The most gangster music trilogy of ALL TIME is almost complete!! And in my humble opinion Vol.3 is the most exciting out of the 3, both from a music standpoint (special shout-out to all my music heroes on Vol.3) and artistically speaking this is the most fun I’ve had in years”
Since launching Volume 1 in 2019 and following up with the second volume in 2022, Gangster Doodles has been shaping the Gangster Music series into a one-of-a-kind sonic universe—an unfiltered mix of underground titans, unsung legends, and rising stars. Volume 3 is the biggest installment yet, boasting a staggering 30 tracks that traverse the entire spectrum of rap and beat culture.
This time around, the lineup is as eclectic as ever. From legendary pioneers like Lee Perry and Tommy Wright III, to veteran producers such as Mr. Scruff and Peanut Butter Wolf, the album pays homage to hip-hop’s roots while pushing forward into fresh territory. The roster also includes established up-and-comers like Devin Morrison, Low Leaf, DJ Harrison, Quelle Chris, Homeboy Sandman, and Suzi Analogue, ensuring a mix of classic flavors and new-school innovation. The bubbling underground is well represented too, with artists like Raz Fresco, Atlanta’s 645AR, and Pro Era’s Chuck Strangers bringing their own distinct heat.
From pioneering SoundCloud rappers like Pouya to genre-bending composer John Carroll Kirby, from Birmingham’s Romderful to Chile’s RVYO, the album encapsulates a truly global soundscape, proving once again that Gangster Doodles’ ear for cutting-edge talent is second to none.
As always, the cover art is a vital piece of the puzzle. This time, Bootleg Garfield & Friends take center stage, bringing the same playful irreverence that has defined Gangster Doodles’ artwork for years. Fans are encouraged to engage, remix, and make the cover their own, staying true to the spirit of interactive creativity that has always fueled the series.
After years of meticulous curation, countless DMs, emails, and behind-the-scenes wrangling, Gangster Music Vol.3 is here to complete the trilogy in legendary fashion. Expect boundary-pushing beats, next-level lyricism, and a lineup that celebrates hip-hop in all its many forms.
“Thanks to everyone who’s actively supported and continues to tap-in. Believe & trust when I say I've got more dope stuff cookin’. STAY TUNED!! GANGSTER DOODLES 4EVER. 1LUV."
Gangster Music Vol.3 is out April 7th on All City. Stay tuned, stay tapped in, and get ready for the most gangster music experience yet.
Red Pig Flower brings you her sensational debut album Practice Love, available on Sound Of Vast from 10th April. Her unique sound sits upon the apex of a three-sided pyramid. With Berlin, Tokyo and Seoul as the base, Red is a third culture kid, greater than the sum of her parts. The centre is filled with her incredible appreciation and knowledge of house and electronic music from every pin drop through history.
So taken with Red Pig Flower’s sound, Honey Dijon invited Red to her Southbank Centre show to play alongside her. Moxie loves her that much, that she invited Red to record a mix and to guest on her NTS show. Alan Fitzpatrick, and Just Her are amongst Red’s growing posse of followers.
Practice Love is a culmination of all of Red Pig Flower’s life experiences, brimming with her positive energy and an outlook on life of pure love. Red has collaborated with like-minded artists at every level: the music, the cover art and video all produced with talented friends, who get Red as the wonderful person she is and understand her vision. Her label partner and good friend, Knock in particular helped make Practice Love the incredible album it is. So intuitive is their musical symbiosis, they made 20 tracks and carefully curated and ordered nine of these, making an album of tracks that stand out on their own, yet flow perfectly as an album. Practice Love will make you feel joyous when you play it. By the end, you will feel like you know Red like a friend.
Practice Love kicks off with I don’t care, it makes you feel good: a dreamy, tribal mantra of a track that does exactly what it says on the tin. Next up is I Love To Dance. Red’s beautiful soft vocal is sweet yet poignant, leaving you in no doubt of her sincerity. Thirdly comes Feel Good Music. Are you getting a feel from the track names yet that this is an album of warmth and positivity? You can imagine this one at a Café Del Mar sunset, where those who get the spirituality of Ibiza come together, in the moment to appreciate the beauty of a sunset and understand that no matter how many you see, each is magical and unique.
The three tracks so far have taken you to twilight. The titular Practice Love takes you by the hand onto the dancefloor. There is a double meaning to ‘Practice Love’- The first is to make love your practice. The second is that you need to practice love to be able to become a practitioner of love. The video, shot by her friend Jelly, features Red Pig Flower in Brick Lane, London, wearing a little piggy mask and offering free hugs. The first passersby ignore her sign, but Red isn’t disheartened, spreading the right message, dancing with joy. Her optimism is rewarded, making peoples day better on a cold English afternoon.
Fifth track Sax and Drugs takes things a little sleazier, the beat is filthy and the synths are sexy. Your body starts to move to this one before your brain even realises. The incredible Declan McDermott joins on saxophone, the funkiest synths and Red’s sultry vocal washing your soul with Laurent Garnier inspired sunlight. On Thisiz House Music, again featuring Declan, Red takes you even further back. About Frankie Knuckles O’Clock, with a portal straight to 2025.
By now, you will agree with me that Practice Love flows so, so well. I Wanna Meet Somebody follows incredibly, continuing the feeling that if you close your eyes, you’re dancing with David Mancuso at the Loft. No Money completes this EP-within-an-album. Perfect vocal samples, valve synth riff and 808 drum patterns showing that producers as good as Red Pig Flower make it sound effortless. The best albums finish memorably and No Genre is one of those perfect finishers. Think Andrew Wetherall’s production on Screamadelica. The lights are up in the club, nobody wants to go home, arms in the air wanting more.
Red Pig Flower explains: Practice Love resonates deeply with me because house music has always been a sanctuary—a place for unity, joy, and self-expression. As a nomad and outsider, club culture and house music became my shelter. The cities I’ve lived in—Seoul, Tokyo, Berlin, and London and more—nurtured me and shaped who I am today. That’s why the cover, by the incredible Carlos Sulpizio features their skylines, and the album is multilingual, representing the diverse influences in my life.
Practice Love is like a meal that has been prepared lovingly. They always taste better. And there’s plenty more to come from Red Pig Flower. How was your appetizer?
Saṃsāra Cycles – A Spiritual and Ode to Dance Music Trilogy by B From E
Rising French label Happiness Therapy unveils Saṃsāra Cycles, an extraordinary trilogy of EPs crafted by Danish treasure B From E. This ambitious and evocative project dives deep into the spiritual dimensions of music while paying homage to the transformative power of dance.
Through Saṃsāra Cycles, B From E demonstrates the full breadth of his artistic and technical mastery. Spanning ethereal dream house, uplifting garage / piano house and hypnotic neo trance, each record in the trilogy is a testament to his unparalleled versatility and creativity.
This trilogy, available on vinyl and digital formats, will be released between February and April 2025. Each EP embodies a unique stage of the Saṃsāra cycle, creating a cohesive narrative that connects sound, spirituality, and the energy of the dancefloor.
Hard Times proudly welcomes a new release from an artist deeply connected to the label’s storied past. Alex Arnout presents BLACK LOGIC with their debut EP, ‘Pull Up’, a project born from passion, collaboration, and a return to House music's soulful roots
Hailing from West Yorkshire, Arnout spent his formative years on the Hard Times dancefloors, absorbing the beats and vibes that would later shape his own productions. His journey with the label reignited when he was invited to remix Michael Watford’s classic 'Love Change Over' and Steve Silk Hurley’s fresh hit 'All I Need'. Now, he returns with something truly special
“Black Logic was born out of the pandemic,” says Arnout. “I wanted to move away from drum machines and synths, getting back to sampling jazz and the deep house sounds of the ‘90s - taking inspiration from artists like Bugs in the Attic, Jazzanova, and Ernest Saint Laurent.
What began as a solo project soon evolved into a collective effort. Bassist and guitarist Alan Riggs, a former member of Delta 5, joined the sessions, bringing warmth and groove to the productions. Vocalists Tempo O’Neil, Anthony Beckford, Mariana Orsho, and Sophie Barker added their distinct voices, completing the vision.
The ‘Pull Up’ EP is the first of a debut double-header from Black Logic, delivering five stunning tracks that blend jazzy keys, deep grooves, and rich, soulful vocals. From the warm basslines to the celestial closing moments, this EP is a statement of intent - a wonderfully fresh, yet nostalgic take on deep house from a collective of masterful musicians.
Probably the Three most dancefloor tracks from the forthcoming Bad Girlz album “Bad Girlz at Work”
I am Savage is a peak time floor filler with Nineties tech vibes with a vocal hook adapted from Breach the Peace. Little Miss information is an all smiles pumping electro hit and It’s a banger ? The clue is in the name … The vinyl sampler will be released on 13th March with the full album in Digital format to follow on the 19th.
Announcing the debut album from one of London’s most electrifying acts, New Regency Orchestra. An 18-piece Afro-Cuban big band, inspired by the musical melting pot of NYC in the 1950s, but with the punch and power of a whole host of London’s best Latin and jazz musicians. Blowing new life into these compositions, the album is a reimagining of some of the finest music from that golden era. From early 1950s René Hernandez and Tito Puente, through to the 1970s salsa of Rafael Labasta and Orlando Marin, produced and performed with fresh fire.
NRO is the brainchild of its artistic director, and the man behind Total Refreshment Centre and Church of Sound, Lex Blondin. Through a long-held passion for jazz, Lex discovered the explosive Afro-Cuban rhythms of mid-1940s NYC via the godfather of Afro-Cuban jazz, Mario Bauzá. A time when two musical worlds collided in a fusion of creativity and energy, jazz luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker joining forces with Cuban greats like Machito and Chano Pozo. This vibrant sound was music to dance to and found a home at The New York Palladium, a formative space of freedom and expression that was key to the scene’s development.
Although dance-focussed in their makeup, those early recordings are not often heard in modern club environments and Lex dreamt of retelling their story with a contemporary dynamism. A slice of serendipity followed, as a slot at a new festival opened up and Lex jumped at the chance to make this idea a reality, an 18-piece big band breathing new life into these beloved songs.
Enlisting the expertise of some of the capital’s finest talent, Lex and co-captain Andy Wood, of Como No fame, put together a world-class line-up of talent. Bringing in Eliane Correa as musical director and bandleader, a fluid and interchanging 18-piece band was formed.
The album itself is a hand-picked selection of timeless Afro-Cuban jazz classics, reimagined with NRO’s unbridled energy. It contains ten incredible instrumental tracks including 'Pregon' with its anthemic horn stabs and the addictive head nod bounce of 'Mambo Rama', alongside two scorching vocal numbers in 'Papa Boco' and 'Labasta Llego'. Coupling a heavyweight rhythm section with a wall of horns, they provide a fresh spin on songs from Tito Puente and Chico O'Farrill, René Hernandez through to Rafael Labasta.
“Some of the tunes like Tito Puente’s ‘Mambo Rama’ and ‘Scarlet Mambo’ might sound like they went to a gym as extra drums and bass synth were added to them whilst the tune ‘Sahib & Tito’ is a mix of Tito’s ‘Mambo Buda’ and Sahib Shihab’s ‘Nus’. Our intention is to be both respectful to the innovators and inventors of this incredible music and to pay our dues, but also to add something special from London where the city’s new jazz scene connects with its Latin American musicians and the musical influences around us.”
This pure collective joy, shared experience and music you can’t help but move to.
- A1: The Cimarons - We Are Not The Same
- A2: Tenor Saw & Buju Banton - Ring The Alarm Quick
- A3: The Gatherers - Words Of My Mouth
- B1: Barrington Levy - Under Mi Sensi
- B2: Dennis Alcapone - Cassius Clay
- B3: The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number
- B4: General Degree - Pot Cover
- C1: U Roy - Stick Together
- C2: Honey Boy Martin - Dreader Than Dread
- C3: Jackie Mittoo - The Sniper
- C4: Don Carlos - Lazer Beam
- D1: Lynn Taitt & The Jets - Soul Food
- D2: The Granville Williams Orchestra - Hi-Life
- D3: Augustus Pablo - Cassava Piece (’79 Style)
- D4: The Versatiles - Children Get Ready
Long out of print new one-off limited-edition heavyweight special-edition orange coloured vinyl pressing (+ download code) exclusively for Record Store Day 2025 of their out-of-print classic 400% Dynamite! Ska, Soul, Rocksteady, Funk and Dub in Jamaica. 400% Dynamite is the most in-demand of all Soul Jazz's groundbreaking Dynamite! series that brought a whole new audience to reggae music. Often copied, never equalled!
This album is fully remastered, relicensed and with new tracks exclusively for RSD 25 and featuring classic and rare ska, soul, rocksteady, funk and dub, 400% Dynamite will rock any party, fill any dancefloor, anywhere, any time – guaranteed!
Roberto Intrallazzi and Dario Piana, two unheralded sons of Italy’s original Afro-cosmic movement of the 1980s, have joined forces in the studio for the first time. The result is the 99% Stories EP, a collaborative debut for Leng inspired by the formative years of the duo’s near 45-year friendship and their shared musical roots.
The duo both started DJing in and around Milan in 1981, drawing inspiration from pioneering contemporary Daniele Baldelli. Intrallazzi found international success following the birth of Italy’s distinctive house scene, collaborating with other like-minded producers as part of FPI Project and Cube Guys, while Piana continues to be a prolific solo artist whilst also working extensively with mentor and friend Baldelli.
The EP begins with ‘Out Of Control’, a dubbed-out cosmic disco chugger with guitar snippets, spoken word samples and sonic textures over a percussive beat and low-slung bass guitar line. Fellow long- serving Italian LTJ Xperience drops a remix that highlights the acid-flecked electronic sounds, rubbery bass and hypnotic beats in his trademark style.
Intrallazzi and Piana explore the middle ground between psychedelic, pitched down acid and cosmic- disco on ‘Lazise’, offering up a blend of percussion-enhanced beats, undulating 303 motifs and intergalactic electronics, before once more reaching for the bass guitar to drive the vibraphone, bleeps, keys and vocal enhanced midtempo shuffle of ‘Saocraffen’.
The digital version of the EP has bonus cut: ‘SP-15’. Named in honour of the Technics turntables used by Daniele Baldelli at the iconic Cosmic Club – where he first showcased his hybrid and decidedly psychedelic ‘Afro-Cosmic’ DJ style – the track is murky, immersive, trippy and picturesque in equal measure, with waves of glistening synth sounds and musical flourishes winding in an out of a charred, midtempo cosmic disco groove. We have no doubt that Baldelli approves!
Saṃsāra Cycles – A Spiritual and Ode to Dance Music Trilogy by B From E
Rising French label Happiness Therapy unveils Saṃsāra Cycles, an extraordinary trilogy of EPs crafted by Danish treasure B From E. This ambitious and evocative project dives deep into the spiritual dimensions of music while paying homage to the transformative power of dance.
Through Saṃsāra Cycles, B From E demonstrates the full breadth of his artistic and technical mastery. Spanning ethereal dream house, uplifting garage / piano house and hypnotic neo trance, each record in the trilogy is a testament to his unparalleled versatility and creativity.
This trilogy, available on vinyl and digital formats, will be released between February and April 2025. Each EP embodies a unique stage of the Saṃsāra cycle, creating a cohesive narrative that connects sound, spirituality, and the energy of the dancefloor.
Saṃsāra Cycles – A Spiritual and Ode to Dance Music Trilogy by B From E.
Rising French label Happiness Therapy unveils Saṃsāra Cycles, an extraordinary trilogy of EPs crafted by Danish treasure B From E. This ambitious and evocative project dives deep into the spiritual dimensions of music while paying homage to the transformative power of dance.
Through Saṃsāra Cycles, B From E demonstrates the full breadth of his artistic and technical mastery. Spanning ethereal dream house, uplifting garage / piano house and hypnotic neo trance, each record in the trilogy is a testament to his unparalleled versatility and creativity.
This trilogy, available on vinyl and digital formats, will be released between February and April 2025. Each EP embodies a unique stage of the Saṃsāra cycle, creating a cohesive narrative that connects sound, spirituality, and the energy of the dancefloor.
LKDNV 10 EP - Various Artists
More than a year after its last compilation, Amsterdam’s Locked-in returns with a glistening selection of club-ready tracks further anchoring the label’s progressive groove while opening avenues to different sounds and scenes.
Blending minimal techno and ambient aesthetics, Hamburg’s Rupert Marnie opens up the A-side with “Half-Baked Spel”, a mysterious yet dancefloor-ready cut elegantly setting the tone. Norwegian house and techno DJ and producer A:G (Asgeir Giskegjerde) follows up with an escape into trance influenced sounds, delivering a playful, ambitious and infectious bopper. On the flip-side, Barcelona-based Aniano takes things one notch deeper offering a dimmed light minimal groover. With its moody atmosphere and catchy samples, the track gracefully hints at Perlon's catalogue. To close the journey, Frog Dog Records crew member Slacks from Philadelphia takes the listener apart with a very subtle emotional break composition, crafting an intricate and moving piece of music reminiscing of good times.
With four tracks stemming from different parts of the world, Locked-In once again showcases the quality of its curation and the consistency of its sound and vision. This release is dimmed to resonate on both dark and sun-drenched dancefloors.
Rhythm By Nature, the latest addition to Berlin's vibrant music scene, proudly unveils its inaugural release featuring none other than Nottingham's seasoned virtuoso, Nail. "Shake Two EP" is a testament to his enduring prowess, promises a distinctive auditory experience that transcends boundaries. The tracks showcase Nail's mastery with a distinctive sound that encompasses proper deep house excursions, Detroit and Chicago vibes, with dubby elements.
The A1 track, "Thoughts," takes listeners on a deep house excursion with mystic undertones, deep percussion, spheric vocals, and a euphoric after-hours feel, creating a truly distinctive ambiance.
On the B-side, Nail's groovy craftsmanship continues with "Ribs," offering his typical quirky minimal groove, influenced by funk and housed within a danceable, swirling soundscape. Additionally, label head SaPu contributes to a more dubby approach on the original B1, a spacey filtered infused groove excursion, with old school sample-based elements, phat basslines and deep atmospheric synths.
United by the same impetus, Luche and Laton Raver are two producers and DJs based in Nantes, coming from the free-party scene and members of Esprits Sauvages and Chat Manik. For that new Acid Avengers split EP, they deliver four tracks influenced by the acid sounds of their youth : tribe, doom, belgium old-school scene. Here is a dark and electrifying EP, hypnotic and catchy, for those who like dancing for hours with the feet in the mud and the head in the stars !
Every label’s first release sets a tone. With "Pegasi EP", Saraw establishes itself with a focus on sonic precision and ethereal atmospheres, exploring the intersection of house, techno, and minimalism. Founded by Root, the label debuts with Apolinic, a project that approaches these genres with a sharp, cinematic aesthetic. "Pegasi EP" emphasizes rhythm, space, and texture, with remixes by label owner Root and seasoned producer Tommy Vicari Jnr.
'Alt Nod De Cravata' (A1) builds around crisp percussion and evolving walls of sound, creating a subtle yet persistent momentum perfect for special peak-time moments. 'Root’s remix' (A2) deepens the original’s swing, heightening its hypnotic effect through morphing basslines, shuffling hi-hats, whispered vocal fragments, and emotive pads. 'Sense Of' (B1) plays like a sequel to A1, delving further into its subdued yet cinematic power, infused with oriental-tinged atmospheres. 'Tommy Vicari Jnr’s Remix' (B2) reshapes the original with a refined, pumping house structure, threading acidic undertones through the same atmospheric palette.
Saraw is centered on refined electronic music—focused, understated, and designed for both dancefloor action and deep listening, and "Pegasi EP" marks the beginning of a carefully curated catalog.
At the start of the 1980’s X-Plode’s dad had a second-hand colour TV business in Bolton, Lancashire where he would buy, sell, repair and trade TVs. He would come back home with all kinds of things he had traded for a TV but the most memorable, to a 10 year old kid at that time, were the keyboards. He use to watch his dad play songs from the 1960’s on these keyboards and when his dad had gone out, Lee X-Plode would sneak on them and start messing about, experimenting with the drum programs and fiddling with the buttons, trying out ideas. He had to move fast though because these keyboards didn’t stay in the house for long as his dad would trade them again for something else; one time that was an old analogue echo chamber, which Lee also messed about with when his dad was out. That echo chamber was a revelation to Lee and opened up the possibilities of what was possible with sound. So by the time Lee was 16, he decided he wanted his own keyboard and started saving. When his 17th birthday came around he had saved up £200 and visited his local Argos where he bought himself a Yamaha PSS 680, an FM synthesizer with memory banks and a basic drum machine incorporated. ‘It was shit quality like, but I didn’t mind. I just wanted it for the programmable drum machine, the synth and the memory banks that came with it” Lee recalls. The year was 1987 and by this time in Lee’s life he was into reggae and hip hop, the latter he first embraced in 1983 by the way of breakdancing and listening to electro, so all he wanted to do when he got his gear was make reggae and electro sounding beats. Recalling his youth and the fun he had with the echo chamber, the next edition to his home set up was to acquire one of those, which he did via a mate of his. But by the time he got his minimal set up sorted in 1988, his musical tastes had changed. House music had landed here in UK and this was Lee’s new passion, so from that point on wards he started experimenting, trying to nail a decent house groove. ‘I wanted 808 sounds, but I didn’t know what one was!’ Lee explains.
Around late 1990 or early 1991, Lee started to improve upon his set up, purchasing an Atari STE, a Cheetah MS6 , a 6 voice polyphonic/multi-timbre analogue rack mounted synth that linked up to his Yamaha – “It wasn’t a great bit of kit, I kept getting electric shocks from it. Eventually it just blew up!” Lee had acquired a cracked copy of Cubase on floppy disk from his local computer game shop but struggled with it. “It was so complicated to understand and took me ages to get used to it. I was stoned a lot back then and I just couldn’t concentrate on anything for long” Lee laughs, continuing “I also picked up a 4 channel sampler/sequencer which plugged into the side of the Atari and that’s when I first started sampling, I think this would have been late 1991. I had the Simon Harris ‘Breaks, Beats and Scratches’ vinyl that he put out on Music for Life which were a godsend back then. I was also sampling a lot from cassette tapes, especially reggae. I would also record the Stu Allan show on Key 103FM, one of the main stations broadcasting out of Manchester. He would do a 3 hour show with hip hop and house, and then hardcore house came along. Eventually he dropped the hip hop altogether and it was just house and hardcore. I recorded the shows onto cassette most weeks and started to learn more about how house and hardcore was put together by listening to those shows.”




















