quête:spec

After two solid albums on Motema, both of which earned GRAMMY nominations, Gregory Porter made his Blue Note debut with Liquid Spirit in 2013. Recommencing with the water analogy that characterized his debut disc, Porter saw Liquid Spirit as a logical progression in his burgeoning discography as it touched on some of the same themes, particularly the highs and lows of romance, his childhood, and socio-political observations. The strength of Liquid Spirit lies in Porter's songs, based upon personal experiences with a relatable and emotional immediacy. Even more, his hooky melodies penetrate instantly.

Hailed by public and critics alike, Liquid Spirit won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2014. Platinum in the UK and Germany, gold in France, the Netherlands and Austria, the album has sold over a million copies worldwide.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the album, Blue Note presents a special vinyl edition bringing together the original album on 2LP and a disc of bonus tracks and remixes, with 5 tracks available on vinyl for the first time.

Worte sind keine Selbstverständlichkeit. Vor allem dann nicht, wenn sie von einem breitschultrigen Dichter mit dem Feuer eines Predigers und der Ehrlichkeit und Weisheit eines Laien mit voller Wucht über erdige Live-Beats und zwischen hymnischen Melodien und mitreißenden Riffs gebrüllt werden.
Worte sind wichtig. Geschichte ist wichtig. Menschen sind wichtig. Und BIG SPECIAL sind wichtig.

Ein Duo, das lauter ist als Bomben, BIG SPECIAL schreiben über Verzweiflung und Kampf, über ein Großbritannien im Niedergang, darüber, wie man in seinen dunkelsten Momenten Stolz findet, darüber, dass der wahre Klassenkrieg im Vereinigten Königreich immer nach unten geht. Es sind Lieder der Hoffnung, der Verzweiflung und noch mehr Hoffnung, denn letztendlich gewinnen die guten Menschen. Lieder, die die Stimme wiedergeben, die man hört, wenn man in den Spiegel schaut und sein wahres Ich sieht - Kampflieder für eine Welt, die aus den Fugen geraten ist.

30D Records celebrates a decade of modern sonic exploration. Since its inception at the end of 2014, and initially taking inspiration from 40's & 50's science fiction culture, the label has been offering to listeners a vast array of genres, being experimental, creative and forward-thinking dance music its main mission.

For its 10th anniversary, the cutting-edge electronic music label very proudly announces five distinctive releases, each one across their respective sub-labels.

30drop, in constant evolution towards experimentation, leaves aside once again the obvious 4x4 pattern to dive into melancholic, dense and gritty musical landscapes. These four tracks, each one carefully crafted to convey a specific feeling at a specific moment, were created through layers and harmonics that work as a whole thing.

Playedby's Cristi Klebleev presents his 3rd input on Tripsi.

A special edition colored splatter vinyl limited to 200 copies.

Berlin-based techno duo FJAAK unleashes a series of powerful remixes of their FJAAK THE SYSTEM album from genre icons Kittin & The Hacker, DJ Bone and Mr. G, each adding a unique twist to their signature sound. Kittin and The Hacker dive into 'Mechanic Love' with razor-sharp synths and pulsing beats, transforming it into a hypnotic electroclash-techno hybrid set to ignite dancefloors with dark, futuristic energy. DJ Bone brings his Detroit-rooted minimalism to 'Scratchy', fusing relentless drums with meditative strings to create a stark yet entrancing remix that is both cerebral and body-moving. Rounding off the project, Mr. G delivers two contrasting takes on 'Unity': 'G's Dub', a dub-laden, introspective mix perfect for deep, late-night sets and the 'Time Jack' remix, a peak-time powerhouse with irresistible swing. Together, these remixes redefine FJAAK's originals with innovative flair, bridging intensity and depth across the techno spectrum.

A secret love letter concerning the new Bambounou and Priori collaboration has been delivered...

“Darling,

I’ve been thinking about how beautifully our love has come together, like a song crafted with care and passion. It reminds me of a melody written by Jeremy Guindo and Francis Latreille, every moment we share feels like it was meant to be, perfectly aligned, just like their music.

From the moment we met, you’ve been my crush, the one who makes my heart race and my world brighter. Our love is full of tenderness and understanding, much like the way each song was carefully mixed at Jump Source Studios. Every word we say, every look we exchange, blends together to create something truly special.

Like a song polished by Nik Kozub, our love has grown stronger and clearer with time, resonating in my heart with pure, unwavering devotion. And just like an art piece, our journey together has been beautifully designed, every detail carefully shaped by the hands of fate, much like the work of Dimitri Erhard and Janic Fotsch.
You are my melody, my rhythm, my everything. With you, life is a beautiful serenade, and I can’t wait to keep writing it. I love you more than words can express, and I always will.

Yours forever,

Crush"

G. Love & Special Sauce’s legendary self-titled debut album has been remastered and newly expanded for its 30th anniversary. Along with the classic x14 trk original album, this expanded edition boasts a fourth side of rare versions & live tracks on Light Blue x2 LP Vinyl for the first time.

"Que no cunda el orden" comprises the first demos recorded by this iconic Spanish punk band in January 1982, seven original songs and two versions that would also become the band's live repertoire in their early years. Among these songs we find the only studio version of `Emilio Cao' and the previously unreleased `No me gusta bailar'. The sound of the original tape has been mixed and mastered for this very special edition. Siniestro Total were a Spanish punk band formed in Vigo in 1981. A big commercial success accompanied the band for over a decade, until the mid-late '90s, when the popularity of the groups from the so-called "movida madrileña" and other similar scenes from other parts of Spain such as Galicia, where Siniestro Total were formed, faded away. Many of their best and most popular songs, reflecting the punk and fun essence of the band, were written and recorded in the early days of Siniestro Total. This album comprises their very first recording sessions, unearthed here for the first time, when the early demo versions of some of those songs were captured. The band's lack of studio experience was balanced with tons of fun and laughter. This demo was sent to a radio DJ and all the songs were aired on his show at the most popular music station in Spain, Radio 3. In fact, the demo was awarded demo of the year (Maqueta de Oro del Diario Pop 1982). Four decades later, the sound of the original tape has been mixed and mastered for this very special release that Munster Records are honored to bring to fruition.

It has been twenty years since the first Back To Mine release but still the series is going strong. These personal after-hours soundtracks have never sounded more relevant than now, and next up is GRAMMYr Award-nominated, San Francisco-based artist Tycho. It finds him going deeper than one of his famous Burning Man sets as he heads into otherworldly, cinematic headphone territory with tunes from Lancaster, Little Dragon, Octo Octa, Ulrich Schnauss and many more across four fantastic sides of vinyl.

Village Of The Sun return today with the announcement of their highly anticipated debut LP “First Light”. Due out 4th November on heavyweight vinyl via London analogue specialists Gearbox Records, the record follows their widely acclaimed double A-side single “Village Of The Sun / “Ted”. Village Of The Sun is an enigmatic collaboration between UK jazz virtuosos Binker Golding & Moses Boyd and electronic music legend Simon Ratcliffe of Basement Jaxx fame. Born out of a shared passion for improvised instrumental music, the new project sees all three of the artists steps into relatively new territory, combining their respective sensibilities to create something all at once atmospheric and danceable. Evocative of some of Simon’s inspirations such as Alice Coltrane, Airto Moreira and Masters at Work, Village Of The Sun embodies a hybrid of electronic beats, heady jazz improvisation, and sheer, raw energy, breaking ground between pseudo-Samba rhythms, dreamy ambient textures, and explosive sax and percussion. The new single “The Spanish Master” is a total embodiment of what Village Of The Sun is at it’s heart. Combining atmospheric synth lines with percussive electronics, which gently ebb around Boyd’s intricate drumming and Golding’s expressive sax. With tension building around every element the track careens into a movement of frenetic drumming, electronic idiosyncrasies, and fervent sax breakouts, which find the trio performing at their energetic, adrenaline-fuelled best. The album is truly a project of passion and exploration, and one that refuses to follow just one path. Tracks such as “Cesca” and “Tigris” emphasise Ratcliffe’s ability to weave shapeshifting keys and electronics around Golding and Boyd’s interplay, changing the mood and direction of the track at a moment’s notice. Whereas the title track “First Light” channels the sound of the current UK jazz scene with Ratcliffe imbuing a sense of dramatic tension and release with electronic atmospherics and keys that ferment alongside the almost shamanic, semi-free sax lines and uncomprimising drums. As part of one of British dance music’s biggest ever acts, Basement Jaxx, Ratcliffe and collaborator Felix Buxton led the progressive house sound in the 90s/00s with ground-breaking albums Remedy and Rooty, and by releasing a string of Top 10 singles including Red Alert, Rendez-Vu, Romeo, and Where’s Your Head At?. Ratcliffe’s own solo work includes the 1995 EP City Dreams and the 2011 EP Dorus Rijkers - both releases prove his musical versatility and virtuosity. Speaking about the Village of the Sun collaboration, Simon says, “I’ve always liked improvised instrumental music. It has this intensity and eccentricity that takes me places.

INTEGRAL RECORDS—SEVENTEEN YEARS OF FORWARD THINKING D&B

London, August 2024 ––Integral Records, a leading independent record label synonymous with forward
thinking Drum & Bass music is announcing ‘Seventeen’ ––a new Various Artists LP in celebration of 17 years.

Fast approaching their second decade in the business of DNB, Integral Records has left an indelible mark on the underground scene, consistently delivering quality releases that continually push the boundaries of drum and bass music.

Since its inception in 2007, the label has been at the forefront of innovation within the underground scene globally, and is renowned for continually discovering, nurturing and developing exceptional talent; breaking a number of new artists through its 17-year journey.

Consistently delivering high-quality music with crossover radio appeal and with a consistent release schedule maintaining quality over quantity and dedicated to keeping the vinyl community alive.

Founded by the visionary Artificial Intelligence back in 2007 and with Emma G at the helm over the past decade, the label has remained dedicated to its core values of musical integrity, cutting edge sound

With a back catalogue of who’s who in the soulful world of the spectrum; the archive includes the likes of
Calibre, DRS, Alix Perez and Lenzman; more recently, Dawn Wall, Mohican Sun, Satl and currently the new
wave of D&B’s rising stars––Thread, TZ and Tatora to name a few.

Seventeen – the LP will showcase 8 tracks carefully curated from the label's impressive camp
of talent, capturing the essence of the Integral Records sound––featuring legendary artists and rising stars alike. Track features will include (in alphabetical order) Artificial Intelligence, Lenzman, Phil Tangent, Redeyes, Satl, Steo, Tatora, Thread, and Zero T and more.

From soulful liquid future classics to heavier-hitting tech rollers and everything in between, this compilation encapsulates the diverse and ever-evolving nature of Drum & Bass that will always remain dear and will certainly never die.

Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his upcoming studio album, G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career.

“I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized,” Rakim said about his new album, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he’s continued to shape the landscape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio albums. And while he’s produced some of his previous work—notably “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” “Juice (Know The Ledge),” and “Paid In Full”—this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.

G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we’ve known not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. “Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled,” he said.

Rakim is more than an official triple-threat as an artist, because he’s also showing off skills as a curator. On this album’s seven tracks, he enlists a who’s-who of top hip-hop talent, including the dearly departed Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson, DMX, and Prodigy (of Mobb Deep). Rakim also linked with many of his contemporaries, such as Snoop Dogg, Method Man, KXNG Crooked, B.G., and Kool G. Rap, among others.

The album’s first single, “Be Ill,” is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim’s raw rhymes and head-nodding production with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful “Love Is The Message,” which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there’s the chest-thumping “International,” a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.

For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakim’s storied discography, there is so much to love on this record. You can hear his hunger as an emcee and producer on every track, as well as his desire to collaborate with so many respected artists. Despite having decades in the game and many classics to his name, it feels like Rakim is just getting started.

While the world awaits the July 26th release date, fans can catch Rakim performing live throughout the US from now until the end of year in support of G.O.D.S Network (REB7RTH). In addition to debuting new material, he’ll be performing all the classics from his beloved catalog.

Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his upcoming studio album, G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career.

“I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized,” Rakim said about his new album, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he’s continued to shape the landscape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio albums. And while he’s produced some of his previous work—notably “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” “Juice (Know The Ledge),” and “Paid In Full”—this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.

G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we’ve known not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. “Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled,” he said.

Rakim is more than an official triple-threat as an artist, because he’s also showing off skills as a curator. On this album’s seven tracks, he enlists a who’s-who of top hip-hop talent, including the dearly departed Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson, DMX, and Prodigy (of Mobb Deep). Rakim also linked with many of his contemporaries, such as Snoop Dogg, Method Man, KXNG Crooked, B.G., and Kool G. Rap, among others.

The album’s first single, “Be Ill,” is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim’s raw rhymes and head-nodding production with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful “Love Is The Message,” which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there’s the chest-thumping “International,” a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.

For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakim’s storied discography, there is so much to love on this record. You can hear his hunger as an emcee and producer on every track, as well as his desire to collaborate with so many respected artists. Despite having decades in the game and many classics to his name, it feels like Rakim is just getting started.

While the world awaits the July 26th release date, fans can catch Rakim performing live throughout the US from now until the end of year in support of G.O.D.S Network (REB7RTH). In addition to debuting new material, he’ll be performing all the classics from his beloved catalog.

Zonate's third installment, "The Ceibo EP," showcases the full spectrum of Argentinian artist - ffrvnco. The A side kicks off with two peak-time tracks: "Feel The Fear," featuring a relentless driving bassline, and "Massacre," which takes a hypnotic, trancey turn. On the B side, ffrvnco switches gears to deliver synthier electro tracks reminiscent of the mid-2000s with a modern twist. "Beat Peligro" stands out with its vocoder vocals, before signing off the release with the emotion fuelled "Emergency 960".

Out of the murky, mystic world of Komodo Kolektif slides the Gamma Knife.

In the corner of a dank, dark mind, a nebulous notion condenses and solidifies, featureless and blind...and from that Komodo Klay a new kreature is hacked, molded and (mal)formed.

“The foundations of some of these pieces were laid almost a decade ago, others more recently. All of them came into being as sketches intended as Komodo Kolektif tracks to develop but for various reasons this didn't happen. The Seven Heavenly Elements was first presented to the group in 2019 but partly through personal differences in musical taste as well as COVID throwing a spanner in the works it was put aside and never worked on collectively. The two Disciple of the Drum 'dubs' are essentially rhythm tracks using the rhythm and percussion of Disciple Of The Drone, also from 2019, stripping away the drone, the gamelan melody and finally, even the bass line, which was initially intended to be the fundamental driving force of at least one of these dubs. In the end neither of these two tracks became anything like the idea that I had in mind, but that's how creativity works sometimes. The vocal parts in Cantation Dub were added most recently, just a few months ago. Fire Dub is just an exercise in me trying to rein in some insane delays and barely managing. The Ghost of Water is an anomaly because many of the fundamental parts are taken from the same jam session recorded in 2015 that led to Djakarta 3001 from the first EP. If you listen closely you'll hear Graeme Miller on guitar (back when guitar was still featured in our weekly jam sessions). I discovered this unedited hour-long jam session on an older hard drive in late 2023 and decided to fashion something from it until what became Ghost of Water materialised: the heavily delayed saron instruments, the jaw harp, the percussion and so on. What makes the track an anomaly is that it is in some ways both the oldest and newest piece of the five. The Seventh Element takes one of the seven elements of The Seven Heavenly Elements (in this case the Mopho synth tuned to the Indonesian pelog scale and ran through the Boss DE-200's depth modulator) to which I then added some gong parts and field recordings from Bali.

Once complete, I realised with an album's worth of material sitting there which was more “Komodo Kolektif” than anything I would normally produce solo, there came the problem of trying to work out what to do with this distinctly Komodo-esque, non-Komodo material. I came up with the idea of releasing it under the name Komodo Kuts...but a part of me felt I'd be cashing in on the Komodo name so ditched that part entirely...but the kuts remained, which seemed appropriate when used alongside my Gamma Knife moniker (which has a long story of its own...in a nutshell I had a benign brain tumour which only 1 in 10,000 people get and which is most frequently removed with a gamma knife (radiation). In medical parlance the device used in this treatment is often shortened to GK machine. I had been using the DJ name GK Machine, which came from my signature GK Mackinnon, since 1994, in other words long before this diagnosis. In the end I had brain surgery in Spain without use of gamma radiation...but the synchronicity of the name connection fascinated me nevertheless. Sometimes the world works in mysterious ways).

Lastly, now that I've sent these tracks out into the world, I feel somewhat liberated and can move on from this fairly niche and specific sound. The gamelan instruments have been returned to Gamelan Naga Mas, from who we'd borrowed them, and the masks hung up. This does not mean that Graeme Miller and I won't work together again in future...I'm sure we will...it just means we won't be tied to working within the constraints of gamelan, synths, percussion and dub that we became known for. So stay tuned...surely something lurks around the corner” GKM, November 2024

Stunning two tracker with an unreleased 90s gem from Good Looking Records Maestro PFM (You have got to hear this one!!) Equilibrium VIP is PFM at his majestic best with shimmering, stellar sounds with a drop to mash up the dance floor and send you sailing through the cosmos.

The flip is a brand new track from PFM and Greekboy. Icarus is a MONSTER track showcasing the talents of this amazing duo with with a dark and atmospheric amen journey that would be a peaktime highlight in most sets across the drum and bass spectrum

The package is rounded out by some serious artwork from Nick Purser (Good Looking Records 90s Art Director) Nick always delivers but in our opinion he has surpassed himself on this one.

Victor Axelrod aka Ticklah's landmark fusion of reggae and salsa, "10th Anniversary" double 7-inch special edition. Originally released on NYCT in 2014, this previously sought-after press featured his long-anticipated reinterpretation of Willie Colón & Hector Lavoe's Nuyorican classic El Dia De Suerte. With countless musical endeavors under his belt, plus founding duties in the Dap-Kings, Antibalas and the Easy Star All-Stars, Ticklah remains a serious force in the studio as exhibited in his methodical deconstruction of these seminal New York City Latin anthems. Reworked entirely from the ground up with a precise and soulful approach to foundation reggae roots and dub, Ticklah's extended take on El Dia De Suerte stretches out into new territory, yet remains faithful to the original's timeless message via Mayra Vega's stunning vocals. Rounding out the package are Ticklah's renditions of Eddie Palmieri's Mi Sonsito and Si Hecho Palante from his 2007 album on Easy Star, already deemed dancefloor essentials by soulful DJs worldwide, remastered and now presented on 7-inch vinyl for the first time. It's arrived, again!



a 01: El Dia De Suerte (Vocal) feat. Mayra Vega

c 03: El Dia De Suerte (Dub) feat. Mayra Vega

What is Country Soul? This brief period hapened in Country Music(1968/1973) history when Cowpokes gave a try to LSD and pot, and so transformed their own music into something less formatted, opened to many others influences has funk and Soul or Psychadelism. Drum n" Bass are groovy and the Cow-Boy is cooking!