quête:the disco

On June 27, 2025, a long-dormant signal reactivates from Hamburg’s hidden places: Helena Hauff and F#X return as Black Sites with R4 on Tresor Records—their first full-length album and the first release under the moniker since 2014. Like a hieroglyphic recently discovered and translated, R4 feels more like a long-awaited resumption than a comeback.
Recorded to tape with minimal editing or post-production the record is a classic example of the symbiotic relationship that can come from the interaction of human and machine. This punk ethos isn’t invoked through distortion alone, but through method; in the album’s breaking from the received wisdom of hardness tethered to speed as most of the tougher pieces are lower BPM and vice versa (with one notable exception in the mind-melting stomp of BLOKK).
Across ten tracks, Black Sites traverse a landscape where genre dissolves into intention. It migrates through electro’s danceability, acid house’s corrosion, and into the liminal realm of machine funk—a genre coined by Andrew Weatherall, which sounds like the results of technology dreaming of soul where the emphasis is on live execution, on immediacy over perfection—a sound forged in the act of creating, not polishing.
In a 2013 interview, around the time of the first Black Sites EP, Hauff was quoted as saying that she wants “things to fit together properly, but on another level, I really want them to make sense together.” That principle animates R4: The album’s form reveals itself in time, with each movement echoing and amplifying the others to create a synergistic whole.
From the opening crawl of C4 (a name that like the music foreshadows the explosions to come) to the end-of-the-night bliss of MOTHERJAM via the intense peaks of BLOKK, 707, and classic acid track 3D it’s clear that R4 is a work made with serious intent; a refutation of a world where streaming has made the two-minute single the dominant musical form again. R4 demands immersion, not just attention. It is not a collection of tracks, but a singular, recursive experience: a mirror in which sound and listener repeatedly rediscover one another.

LP - First Pressing in White Color Vinyl - Limited to 150

Includes: Gatefold. stickers + poster (60cm x 60cm) + download code

5 Years, All Ears, All Heart. Fifteen years ago there wasn't a grand plan, no vision board or 10-year strategy. It wasn't about fame and acclaim, it has always been about feelings and encounters. Meeting people who made music, loved music, were music. Fast forward a bit and the family just kept expanding. It wasn't just producers and DJs anymore, designers, writers, random hype people, "vinyl faced" ones... Everyone brought something different to the table and somehow, through our filter, it took us here. House, Jazz, Techno, Experimental, it didn't matter. The only rule was that the music had to feel alive, with a Jazzy twist, where "Jazzy" means a propensity to improvisation, not just music. This is not a story about numbers or streams. It's about people and places. Every track has a face behind it: the producer who turned a three-note loop into gold, the designer who nailed an album cover in one chaotic night, the heads who spun the story for the release and the friends who supported and listened. That is the soul of Apparel Music and that's why the cover for this "B-Day15" isn't gleaming or shiny, it's real. It's a celebration of encounters. The messy, magical moments when people connect and make something bigger than themselves. It's a big THANK YOU to all the characters who hopped on this ride. This record, dropping in both vinyl and digital formats and featuring artists from all over the world, is the symbol of the Apparel Music essence. From the USA with Osunlade to Australia with Erin Buku & Inkswel; from Denmark with Ghosten (featuring Francesca Touré and IZZY NU) to Italy with 2KS and Kisk; Argentina and Brazil with Eduardo and HNQO (with Collateral Lab), Spain with Tuccillo, Germany and The Netherlands with Marcel Vogel & LYMA. It's about exploring genres, diving into far-off worlds, being curious about other places, other people and figuring out how to make them all feel comfy under the same roof, chilling in the same room. A room we've been furnishing for a while with our little treasures, some fancy furniture, some not-so-fancy, but always with passion. There's more music to make, more stories to discover, more people to meet. Apparel Music is not just a label anymore, it's a big, instinctive, unplanned love letter to everyone who's been and who'll be a part of it. 15 Years, All Ears, All Heart.

Jolene Cuts brings you straight into the heart of 90s French Touch with a modern edge. This exclusive vinyl-only release features 5 meticulously crafted filtered house edits, paying homage to the roots of house music while igniting today's dancefloors. Created by Danny and Mike, true masters of their craft, these tracks combine funky grooves, disco-infused samples, warm filters, and irresistible retro vibes reimagined for the present day. Each edit offers a unique sonic journey, blending nostalgia with a fresh energy, perfect for DJs and collectors who value the timeless magic of vinyl. With this release, Jolene Cuts celebrates the legacy of French Touch while delivering peak-time quality and undeniable groove for any set, from fiery club nights to intimate after-hours. A must-have for true house music enthusiasts. Vinyl-only, strictly limited edition. Once it's gone, it's gone.

This Convertion single is a mandatory staple in anyone’s disco, boogie record collection. A true timeless classic from the SAM Record label out of New York City.

“Let’s Do It” was a paradise garage anthem regularly played by Larry Levan and every other disc jockey upon released in 1980. Featuring the legend that is Leroy Burgess on lead vocals with production by Greg Carmichael. On the flip is a gorgeous track by “All I Want Is You” (Four Flights).

Originally released as a 12” the 7-inch version was only ever released on styrene vinyl until now. Remastered by Phil Kinrade and presented in a 7” Discobag sleeve and now officially released in full coordination with SAM Records.

Franky Wah makes Crosstown Rebels debut with ‘Disconnect’ EP, featuring Kuuda. Out on 20th June 2025, the four-tracker sees the acclaimed UK producer make his first appearance on the revered imprint.

A producer known for balancing dancefloor energy with introspective songwriting, Franky Wah’s rise has been fuelled by a string of chart-topping singles, non-stop global club and festival appearances, and the launch of his own imprint and event brand, SHÈN. With musical influences stretching from trance and breakbeat to afro-house and techno, he now brings that rich sound palette to the Crosstown fold for the first time with a release that’s equal parts euphoric and deep as it is driving. Delivering a powerful and emotionally charged four-track release, 'Disconnect' showcases the Yorkshire-born artist’s blend of underground grit and melodic sophistication, featuring two standout collaborations with rising vocal trio Kuuda.

Opening the EP, the title track pairs swirling textures, brooding basslines and crisp percussion with commanding vocals, setting the tone for the journey ahead. The synergy continues on ‘Off The Wall’, a hazy, late-night jam elevated by Kuuda’s signature warped vox interjections. On the flip, ‘Desert Dance’ continues further into hypnotic territory with wicked bass licks and layered synth work, before closing track ‘Freak In The Sheets’ delivers another impactful, heads-down groove laced with attitude. Featured on two of the EP’s four cuts, Brighton-based trio Kuuda continue to emerge as a rapidly ascending vocal project within electronic music. Known for their genre-fluid songwriting and dynamic live presence, their collaborations with Hot Since 82, Yousef and Artche have earned them widespread support from the likes of Pete Tong, Danny Howard and RÜFÜS DU SOL. Blending emotional depth with club-ready impact, ‘Disconnect’ marks an inspired meeting point between Franky Wah’s expansive production style and the Crosstown Rebels spirit—one that looks set to soundtrack dancefloors throughout the summer and beyond.

Re issue of Timmy Thomas's long sought after "Afrcaino" 12" excavated from the deepest realms of the TK Disco vaults.
When it comes to this Deep Disco cut, Africano is one of those tracks that became a dancefloor favorite of Danielle Baldelli who during the 80s played Disco, African records, American R&B, and reggae to create what has been since become known as the Afro-Cosmic scene at the height of Club culture in the discotheques of Northern Italy. Remastered, represented and brought back into focus for 2017's DJ bags and dance-floors!
As usual, these TK represses are always done in the proper manner. 100% legit re-edits, from the archive, remastered and released in conjunction with Henry Stone Music / TK Disco - Miami FL.

Francis Bebey was a visionary who explored the intersection of African traditions and global music long before it became a global trend. Born in Cameroon, Bebey's sound was an eclectic blend of his rich cultural heritage and his deep exploration of modern music, spanning genres from traditional folk and jazz to funk and electronic experimentation. As an artist, Bebey was ahead of his time, using his unique voice and instruments to forge new paths for African music to be heard worldwide. His legacy is not just in the music he created but in the way he opened doors for the global recognition of African artists, influencing generations of musicians, producers, and fans alike.

This release marks an exciting moment, as we introduce remixes of bebeys iconic productions by contemporary electronic producers, giving new life through creative re imaginings.

Tracks:

Le Grand Soleil De Dieu (Psychemagik Remix): The UK-based musical duo are known for their eclectic blend of electronic music, psychedelic rock and mystical global sounds. Formed by Danny McLewin and Tommy McLewin, the duo has carved out a unique niche within the global music scene though their intricate arrangements. Their Remixes and Collaborations have been with artists like Fleetwood Mac, Tame Impala, and Hercules & Love Affair. Their psychedelic dub remix has otherworldly qualities, with dreamy atmospheres and bouncing baselines throughout this brilliant opening track.

Guinee (Turbotito Edit): The Berlin-based DJ and producer known for his infectious blend of house, disco, and funk. With a knack for smooth, groovy beats and a deep love for melody, Turbotito's music brings a fresh, energetic vibe to the dance floor. On this track, he effortlessly re-imagines and elevates the world of Guinee to match his signature sound. A combination of a great pulsing base line, ethereal vocals and bird sound effects incorporated into the percussion makes this track an absolute stand out.

Agatha (Voilaaa Remix): Bruno "Patchworks" Hovart from Lyon is the brains behind the Voilaaa project. Fusing soulful grooves, funk, and disco with an unmistakable French touch, Voilaaa creates infectious, feel-good rhythms that blend classic and contemporary influences. In this track we find the first big hook of the album vocally, coupled with Bebey's lively humour in spoken French on top of joyous instrumentation. The smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and vibrant arrangements, bring a fresh energy to the original hit track - a brilliant homage.

Forest Nativity (Red Axes Edit): Red Axes are a dynamic electronic music duo from Tel Aviv, blending disco, house, and psychedelic influences into infectious, genre-defying tracks. Known for their unique sound, warm analog textures, and hypnotic rhythms, Niv Arzi and Dori Simao craft music that moves both the body and the mind. Forest Nativity arrives as a full circle closer, incorporating some of the most authentic African instruments such as a Balafon, an instrument similar to a xylophone and a Djembe, a hand drum central to many West African traditions. The 7 minute track is guaranteed to take you on a fascinating journey through Bebey's culture and livelihood.

Dream Log is the latest EP from French producer KX9000, blending electro-funk, space disco, Chicago house, and broken-beat into a captivating journey through diverse musical landscapes. Featuring collaborations with talented artists such as Nic Hanson and Corsica One, the project showcases KX9000's unique ability to merge genres and create dynamic, immersive soundscapes.

From the powerful disco-dub energy of 'Tonight's Ride' to the jazzy intricacy of 'Nuova Zone,' the EP explores a wide range of influences. 'Lost E Shop' blends retro video game nostalgia with electro-funk and city pop, while 'Over Fee' offers a soulful evolution of a years-long work. The EP concludes with 'Deepose Minute,' a deep house track that pays tribute to classic dancefloor sounds with a modern touch.

With Dream Log, KX9000 delivers his most accomplished project to date, a vibrant and emotionally resonant collection that captures the essence of his club performances and studio precision.

Nail Tolliday is a legendary figure in the UK electronic music scene, hailing from Nottingham, having founded the influential Velocet and 89:GHOST labels, and currently running the *In The Dance* label, Tolliday has played an integral role in shaping the sound of underground dance music, with a career that dates back to the early 90s, his impeccable reputation spans across a wealth of releases on renowned labels such as Classic, Robsoul, and many others, his discography is nothing short of extensive, earning him praise from some of the most respected figures in the electronic music world, including Andrew Weatherall, Colin Faver, Fred Everything, and Danny Howells, beyond his solo work, Nail Tolliday was also part of the iconic group Bent, and in a further testament to his versatility, he has produced multiple tracks for the globally celebrated Sleaford Mods, his sound evokes the essence of classic house and disco from the early 90s, reminiscent of the pioneering works of DJ Sneak, Romanthony, and others who defined the era's vibrant dance scene, this latest EP is a masterclass in the golden era of dance music, seamlessly blending early house vibes with sultry, disco-infused grooves, it exudes a timeless, classy funk that will captivate any dancefloor, the EP as a whole feels like a cohesive journey through Tolliday's rich musical influences, while also carving out its own identity in the modern dance music landscape, each track on the EP is an essential offering, « Shakey » delivers a funky, infectious rhythm that immediately commands attention, the bassline grooves effortlessly, while the vocal snippets add an extra layer of depth, creating an instant floor-filler, « Oh Well » takes a more melodic turn, with smooth chords and a sophisticated vibe, making it perfect for those late-night moments when the energy is just right, « All I Want » is pure house magic, with soulful, driving percussion and a hypnotic vocal that brings everything together in a silky, irresistible package, « Starz » brings an upbeat, celebratory feel, packed with infectious melodies and a buoyant energy that's impossible to ignore, « Feel Like » wraps up the EP with a deeper, more introspective groove, complete with subtle synths and a rich, atmospheric atmosphere that lingers long after the track ends, this EP is a true testament to Nail Tolliday's legacy, showcasing his ability to create music that is both timeless and relevant, his style, while deeply rooted in the traditions of 90s house and disco, is infused with a modern sensibility that proves why he remains a living legend in the dance music world, strikingly, his sound also recalls the work of another recent house maverick, Soundstream, with its deep, raw grooves and unapologetic commitment to the classic roots of house music.

The UK's Robin Lee is one of the members of much-loved disco gang Faze Action but also he's behind Andromeda Orchestra who return here with an album that offers a cosmic fusion of jazz-funk and disco. It's been put together with Moogs, clarinets, Rhodes and rich analogue textures that make for a mix of nostalgia and sonic richness that sinks you in deep. Blending nostalgia with innovation, Lee creates deep, immersive soundscapes. There are widescreen odysseys like 'Mythical', loved-up bunkers such as 'Thinking About Your Love' and a rare Nick The Record remix of 'Get Up & Dance' that overflows with cosmic melodies and lush, life-affirming strings.

DJ Feedback

Tigerbalm (Razor n Tape):
"Loving the Nick The Record mix of Get Up Dance."

Willie Graff (Music for Dreams):
"An excellent collection of disco tunes! Will be playing for sure."

Jacques Renault (Lets Play House):
"Epic album as expected, tune after tune, will be playing these for sure. "

Ilya Santana (Astrolead Recordings):
"Andromeda is always a sure shot!"

Pete Herbet (Music For Swimming Pools):
"HUGE!! – Great album!"

Gina X makes her way to Dark Entries for Greatest Fits, a compilation of gems and jams from the eccentric New Wave icon. Gina X Performance was formed in Cologne in 1978 when art history student and chanteuse Gina Kikoine teamed up with synth wizard Zeus B. Held. Inspired by Patti Smith and Lou Reed, Kikoine aimed to create "the absolute union of music, poetry and travesty," a lofty goal that she most certainly would achieve. 1979 saw the release of the classic first LP, Nice Mover, which put Held’s lush electronic production in dialogue with Gina X’s deadpan delivery. Songs explore androgyny, decadence, and avant-garde art in a fashion that is stylish, sexy, and more than a touch transgressive. Nice Mover quickly became a cult favorite thanks to tracks like the euphoric “Nice Mover” and the dancefloor bomb “No G.D.M.”, dedicated to queer icon Quentin Crisp. Three more LPs followed in the coming years: X-Traordinaire in 1980; Voyeur in 1981; and Yinglish in 1984. The duo continued their genre deviance throughout, exploring uptempo space disco on “Strip Tease,” punk-laced New Wave on “Babylon Generation,” and icy electro-pop on “French Lift.” Greatest Fits is the first-ever double LP compilation of Gina X material.

The 17 tracks on Greatest Fits were selected by Kikoine and Held, reflecting the duo’s most cherished moments from their wide-ranging catalog. The record comes housed in a gatefold sleeve designed by Eloise Shir-Juen Leigh featuring press clippings and photographs, and includes an insert with lyrics and memories about each song from Kikoine and Held.

RNT takes a trip south with some fresh modern takes on a pair of Colombian tropicalia classics from the 1970s! Sisters Elia and Elizabeth Fleta recorded some of the most beloved rare groove from Baranquilla’s early-70s period, and when Jaime Tuiran (Vagabundo Club Social) brought the project to label owners Aaron Dae and JKriv, they jumped at the opportunity to work with such rarefied source material.

On the A side, the mysterious newcomer producer Demi Riquisimo crafts a synth-laden tropical opus of a remix of Elia y Elizabeth’s signature hit 'Alegria' and the ever solid Parisian Yuksek works the tune into a concise and mid tempo disco stomper.

On the flip, Bostonian-come-Colombian BOSQ turns 'Soy Una Nube' into an uptempo soul banger, and Baranquilla natives Vagabundo Club Social lend their homegrown organic and clubby style to their mix of 'Alegria'. The perfect blend of earthy OG soul with modern and musical production, this record is as colorful and vibrant as the streets of Baranquilla during Carnaval. And RNT is throwing in a 7Inch with solid new masters of the original songs on heavyweight wax, to boot!

HYPERSPACE COMMUNICATIONS is releases a new remix package of the original Los Microwaves first LP: What's That Got To Do (With Loving You) is a two disc release in Lime and Clear colored vinyl; remixed by Kit Watson from the original analog 24 channel multi-track tape.Disc One is an EP containing six songs from the original Life After Breakfast LP (Poshboy Records) that have been remixed for the dance floor and pressed at a popping 45 rpm. There are 3 songs on each side including the title track, Time To Get Up, TV in my Eye and more.Disc Two is a full length LP at 33 rpm featuring the previous tracks plus four more mixed as instrumentals for film and TV synch use.These can also be used for custom length live cross mixes.This limited edition comes in a gate fold sleeve that pays homage to the Poshboy generic disco sleeve and original LP cover, and also features photos by Fred Kaplan.








h C2 Time To Get Up Instrumental
i C3 T.V. In My Eye Instrumental
j C4 Home Alone Instrumental
k C5 Reckless Dialog [Instrumental]
[l] D1 La Voix Humaine [Instrumental]
[m] D2 Is The Life After Breakfast [Instrumental]
[n] D3 You Bet [Instrumental]
[o] D4 Forever [Instrumental]
[Instrumental]








[h] C2 Time To Get Up [Instrumental]
[i] C3 T.V. In My Eye [Instrumental]
[j] C4 Home Alone [Instrumental]
[k] C5 Reckless Dialog [Instrumental]
[l] D1 La Voix Humaine [Instrumental]
[m] D2 Is The Life After Breakfast [Instrumental]
[n] D3 You Bet [Instrumental]
[o] D4 Forever [Instrumental]
[Instrumental]








[h] C2 Time To Get Up [Instrumental]
[i] C3 T.V. In My Eye [Instrumental]
[j] C4 Home Alone [Instrumental]
[k] C5 Reckless Dialog [Instrumental]
[l] D1 La Voix Humaine [Instrumental]
[m] D2 Is The Life After Breakfast [Instrumental]
[n] D3 You Bet [Instrumental]
[o] D4 Forever [Instrumental]
[Instrumental]

Small Great Things boss Luca Olivotto is back on his own imprint with the four track ‘It’s Too Dark’ EP.

In recent years, Italy via Berlin artist Luca Olivotto has been etching his mark on the underground House scene through his labels Small Great Things, Endless Music and recently minted At A Glance, as well as his Small Great House events series. Here the story continues with a fresh collection of works from the prominent House producer and DJ.

Opening is title-track ‘It’s Too Dark’, a six minute excursion through bright piano keys, swinging drums, soulful vocal stylings and a bumpy bass hook. ‘It’s Over’ follows and dives into deeper House territory with warm strings, organ stabs, and choppy subs intertwined with crisp drums, soft Rhodes and cut up vocals.

Opening the flip-side is ‘I Found You’, upping the energy levels again with a high energy melodic drive, hypnotic vocal lines and heavily shuffled drums. ‘See Thru’ then concludes the release and leans into a more Disco-tinged House realm with intertwined funk samples, sweeping filter work and intricately processed vocal chants running atop a sturdy rhythmic foundation.

Last Year at Marienbad proudly welcomes French producer DJ Psychiatre, aka Sylvain Creton, known for his dynamic and evolving approach to house music. His style blends acid-infused grooves, soft rhythmic atmospheres, and disco-driven energy, earning him releases on renowned labels like Whyte Numbers, Lost Palms, and Shall Not Fade.

His latest EP, Moving Into Jazz, showcases his signature sound with four diverse tracks. The title track starts with delicate keys before building into a rich, atmospheric house piece with acid elements. Those DJs follows with a stepping drum pattern, deep bass, and sweeping chords, reinforcing his intricate rhythmic focus. On the B-side, Iced Lemon introduces clean arpeggios and euphoric pads, culminating in a powerful progression. Closing the EP, A Trance to Remember delivers an uplifting, energetic groove with a deep bassline and engaging vocal snippets. This EP highlights DJ Psychiatre’s ability to craft immersive, melodically rich music that resonates beyond the dancefloor. Last Year at Marienbad is thrilled to share this release from a true master of the genre.

Masterful producer Yuksek returns to RNT with the Deja Vous EP of all-original modern disco. She’s Mine leads with a rolling percussive beat and Italo baseline and layers emotive piano chords and plaintiff vocals, to hearken back to a nostalgic era of indie disco. On the flip side, the EP title track collab with Brazilian producer Diogo Strausz brings expected tropical flavor, and All Night feels a bit French-touchy with it’s infectious phase effected vocal loop. Accessible hooks and solid production, this is a handy one for the bag!

Jens Brachvogel & Tilo Ciesla aka Studio 54, aka Dole & Kom is probably the most productive producer duo of German underground House Music. They did Disco House with heavy 808 & 909 beats in the mid 90s already – long before it stormed the German dance charts. They've remixed legends like Green Velvet, Black Box or Mateo & Matos or even pope heroes like Marc Almond. Their tunes came out on top tier labels like Nervous, Relief Records, Force Tracks and of course local Formaldehyd and BCC Music from Berlin.
Their Studio 54 project started in 1997 and quickly became their most popular moniker.
Due to copyright restrictions they had to rename it „Studio 45“, a name they're still using today. On their „Vol. 2“ record in 1997 they were inspired by Disco and Boogie tunes of the 70s and early 80s that indeed were popular at the famous New York night club.
What makes their tunes unique to this day is their hypnotizing, druggy approach to the original tunes. You never get a cheap, commercial copy, you'll get a mesmerizing mind trip back to the glory days of Disco, seasoned with the best classic drum machines got in them.

For many italo disco fans, Dyva is nothing short of a mythical name. A cult act surrounded by mystery, legend, and endless debates fueled by pure passion. And it all started with their iconic track “Oh Mama Tonight”, which, adding fuel to the fire, was released only as a promo single. That rare Boot Legs vinyl became the holy grail for collectors, a lifelong hunt for true italo enthusiasts.

After just three official releases (the last one in 1990), Dyva seemingly vanished from the face of the earth… Until the early 2000s, when Finnish italo aficionado Kimmo Salo tracked them down in Sestri Levante, Italy. That unexpected meeting sparked a brand-new chapter, both for Kimmo’s soon-to-be-born label Flashback Records and for Dyva’s founding members Roberto Calzolari & Massimo Traversoni. Encouraged by Kimmo, the duo returned to the studio to bring back to life not only their long-lost 80s demos but also fresh new material.

This album is a true time capsule, covering the period between 1986 and 2024, featuring never-before-released single versions, true gems. For any die-hard Dyva fan, this is nothing less than an essential addition to the collection.

The Collective Cuts sub-label of Cinthie’s 803 Crystal Grooves makes a welcome return
with a fresh VA package, featuring Willy Mikkelson, Luca Olivotto, Batch One and Roque
(CRP).
Since its inception back in 2020, Cinthie’s Collective Cuts imprint has welcome the likes of
KETTAMA, 9th House, S3A, UC Beatz, Anaxander, Azuni and many more onto the label. Here
the story continues with more dynamic house jams from Cinthie’s coterie of underground
artists from across the globe.
Nashville, USA’s WiLLY MiKK leads with Devastate, laying the foundations for the records
with a classic Hip House vibe, fusing crisp drums, bright stabs and bumpy bass with
choppy hip hop vocals. Small Great Things head honcho Luca Olivotto follows with
‘Passion’, the Berlin based Italian delivers his refreshing disco-tinged House aesthetic via
funky guitar licks, bright chord melodies, ethereal pad textures and shuffled drums.
Batch One’s ‘When U R Free’ follows to open the flip side, merging snaking arpeggios and
bouncy bass notes with uplifting piano lines and a raw, robust rhythm section. Spanish
artist based out of Basel, Switzerland Roque (CRP) then concludes the package with ‘Bring
It Down’, perfectly rounding things out on a deeper tip, raw, reduced drums carry the
groove alongside an amalgamation of chopped vocal chants, dubbed out stabs and tension
building strings.