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**Includes double sided insert with liner notes and photos*

Al Mati was the pseudonym of eccentric Portuguese-born, Dutch-based artist Alberto Mesquita. The name translates to ‘Alberto Friend’, with ‘Al’ short for Alberto and ‘Mati’ meaning ‘friend’ in Surinamese.
Alberto’s story comes across like a mythical character from a European Kerouac novel, but instead of writing it down, he poured those adventures and characters into his record. The music and the comic-style artwork, drawn by his friend Bruno Scoriels, work as one, with Alberto himself becoming both the story and the character within it.

Raised under Salazar’s regime in Lisbon, where all men were conscripted to Africa, he refused, a pacifist. This put him at odds with his father, born in Angola and a prominent lawyer tied to the dictatorship. Unable to accept his son’s stance, the rift forced Alberto to flee Portugal as a deserter, leaving everything behind.

He sought a new life in Paris, where he met Bruno Scoriels. The pair busked to get by, and young and broke, set off on adventures across Europe. On one trip to Barcelona, they crossed the Pyrenees on foot through a five-kilometre train tunnel, not knowing if they would make it out alive. The train later featured on the cover of Some Shit, a nod to that hazardous journey and the strange turns of his life.

From there he moved to Belgium, where he met Jolanda, his future wife who also features on the album. They lived in The Netherlands, then back in Belgium where they married, before returning to Portugal under false pretences. The regime promised deserters immunity, but it proved untrue, and Alberto was forced to flee again — this time with a young family, using Bruno’s passport to escape to The Netherlands.

They settled in the Gliphoeve flats in Amsterdam’s Bijlmermeer, a vibrant immigrant community. This melting pot of cultures inspired Alberto musically. He started a studio in their flat where musicians from Suriname, Angola, the Antilles, Brazil, Mozambique and Portugal came and went, jamming, rehearsing, recording and forming bands including Albatros, Comoção and Mati Africa, performing internationally and at iconic Amsterdam venues like De Melkweg and Paradiso.

Being an immigrant was tough. Alberto was stateless for years, drifting across countries. Some songs voiced his frustration with the Portuguese regime, others were playful or simply love notes to his wife and kids. He passed away in the Netherlands in 2021, leaving Some Shit open to interpretation. But when you picture Europe in the 1970s — the politics, the upheaval, and his need to connect people across cultures — you can hear an artist shaped by contrast, who poured his experiences, feelings and love into music.

Experience a trance classic like never before with the limited edition purple vinyl of Gaia - "Tuvan". This collector's release features the original mix that captivated a generation, alongside powerful reimaginings by Gareth Emery, bringing his signature melodic uplift, and AVIRA, delivering a deep, modern twist. A must-have for vinyl lovers and dance music aficionados alike-only a select few will own this stunning homage to an iconic track.

• 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
• GATEFOLD SLEEVE
• INCLUDING INSERT WITH LINER NOTES
• FEATURING JILL SCOTT, WYCLEF JEAN, GARY BARTZ, JAMILA WOODS, KASSA OVERALL, TEEDRA MOSES A.O.
• BRAND NEW 2022 ALBUM BY GRAMMY NOMINATED
JAZZ MUSICIAN THEO CROKER


Love Quantum is the seventh studio album by Grammy Award nominee Theo Croker since his 2007 debut. The album finds Croker making his first-ever foray into the concept of love, once again inviting listeners on a genre-defying journey across time and space in discovery of the self and our shared human experience. Of the album, Croker says, “It's a love story. It's a tribute to all the different levels of love that can exist - love of a friend, love of a partner, love of a parent, love of yourself and a love of life. It's really about the journey of love, the experience of it, and how powerful that energy is for us as human beings.”

Joining Croker across the album's 11 tracks are Jill Scott, Jamila Woods, Wyclef Jean, Ego Ella May, Teedra Moses, Chris Dave, Gary Bartz, James Tillman and Kassa Overall.

Love Quantum is available as a limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on solid gold coloured vinyl. The album is housed in a gatefold sleeve and includes an insert with liner notes.

Adey Omotade, a sound artist and cultural cartographer rooted in Lagos and shaped by diasporic experiences in Paris, Johannesburg, Berlin and Ivory Coast, brings a rare sensibility to this work: walking between worlds, bringing with him the cadence of home and the dissonance of diaspora. In his hands, sound becomes ritual: a migration of soul, an assemblage of bells, melodies and chants woven from Ifa shrines, river banks and Yoruba festivals. Playing the dual role of griot and cartographer, Omotade, who works across acoustic ecology, experimental music and sound design, builds each track like a shrine: layered, intentional, alive with breath and blood, each track a libation, each break an invocation. Each track unfurls like aso-oke, the celebratory fabric of the Yoruba people: drums that speak in polyrhythms, synths bending like waves, incantations layered like memory, fading then returning, gently like the water at the banks of the Osun River.

The influence of experimental sound design is evident throughout, but ‘Ni'ran’ is no cold abstraction. It pulses with life, with the heartbeat of talking drums, the breath of ambient textures and the warmth of the voices of babalawos, priests of Ifa, invoking ire (blessings) on all. ‘Oori : Ogbe’ invokes the sacred Odu Ifá — a divination verse that speaks of beginnings, clarity and destiny. In ‘Ofo : 'Nkantation’, polyrhythms unfold like verses, each beat a coded message inviting listeners to reflect on destiny and alignment.The title track ‘Ęęro : Eeşu’ begins with the haunting voice of a priest reciting the Odu Ifá, a calling to give unto Eesu his due. Percussive patterns unfold like verses, each beat both a memory and a prayer.

Manchester’s own The Slow Readers Club are set to embark on a special anniversary tour celebrating ten years since
their seminal breakthrough album, Cavalcade. Titled ‘A Decade of Cavalcade’, the tour will see the band revisiting the
album that set them on their path to becoming one of the UK’s most revered indie acts, while also marking an exciting
new chapter in their journey.
The tour announcement follows a milestone year for the band with their latest album Out Of A Dream landing at
UK Number 11 in the Official Charts in the first week. With growing momentum on streaming platforms and an everexpanding fanbase, The Slow Readers Club continue their upward trajectory, making A Decade of Cavalcade both a
reflection on the past and a celebration of what’s still to come.
A Celebration of a Pivotal Moment
Originally released in 2015, Cavalcade was a turning point for The Slow Readers Club, capturing hearts and minds with
its brooding, atmospheric sound and emotive lyricism. Featuring fan-favorite tracks such as Plant The Seed, I Saw A
Ghost and Forever In Your Debt, the album resonated with a generation of music lovers and laid the foundation for the
band’s future success. One of those supporters were the band James who personally invited The Slow Readers Club to
support them on a huge headline tour which brought them to a whole new audience.
Now, a decade later, the band will bring Cavalcade back to life on stage, performing it in full alongside other cherished
songs from their extensive catalog. The tour promises to be an electrifying experience, blending nostalgia with the raw
energy of and ambition that continue to define The Slow Readers Club today.

Manchester’s own The Slow Readers Club are set to embark on a special anniversary tour celebrating ten years since
their seminal breakthrough album, Cavalcade. Titled ‘A Decade of Cavalcade’, the tour will see the band revisiting the
album that set them on their path to becoming one of the UK’s most revered indie acts, while also marking an exciting
new chapter in their journey.
The tour announcement follows a milestone year for the band with their latest album Out Of A Dream landing at
UK Number 11 in the Official Charts in the first week. With growing momentum on streaming platforms and an everexpanding fanbase, The Slow Readers Club continue their upward trajectory, making A Decade of Cavalcade both a
reflection on the past and a celebration of what’s still to come.
A Celebration of a Pivotal Moment
Originally released in 2015, Cavalcade was a turning point for The Slow Readers Club, capturing hearts and minds with
its brooding, atmospheric sound and emotive lyricism. Featuring fan-favorite tracks such as Plant The Seed, I Saw A
Ghost and Forever In Your Debt, the album resonated with a generation of music lovers and laid the foundation for the
band’s future success. One of those supporters were the band James who personally invited The Slow Readers Club to
support them on a huge headline tour which brought them to a whole new audience.
Now, a decade later, the band will bring Cavalcade back to life on stage, performing it in full alongside other cherished
songs from their extensive catalog. The tour promises to be an electrifying experience, blending nostalgia with the raw
energy of and ambition that continue to define The Slow Readers Club today.

Step into the world of Parisian flair and lyrical finesse with Clovis Ochin's latest masterpiece: "Sans Souffrance (R)ajoutée", once again entirely produced by Camoflauge Monk.

Picture this: a seamless fusion of hip-hop vibes and the exquisite taste of fine natural wines, served with a side of haute couture swagger. Clovis Ochin, the enigmatic rapper and vintner extraordinaire, invites you on a sensory journey unlike any other.

Following the success of their 2022 debut album "Sans Souffrance Ajoutée," Clovis Ochin returns with a sophomore sensation that transcends boundaries. Produced by the renowned Camoflauge Monk, the sonic architect behind Griselda Records' iconic sound, this album is a testament to musical innovation and artistic evolution.

Known for his captivating presence on "F*ck That's Delicious" alongside Action Bronson, Clovis embodies the essence of a modern-day bon vivant. His passion for hip-hop, natural wines, food, and fashion pulsates through every track, creating a symphony of flavors and rhythms that captivate the senses.

But that's not all. "Sans Souffrance (R)ajoutée" boasts electrifying guest appearances from the likes of Billie Essco and SonnyJim, adding layers of depth and dimension to an already stellar lineup.

So, whether you're a connoisseur of hip-hop or a devotee of fine wine, prepare to be swept away by the intoxicating blend of sound and style that is Clovis Ochin's latest offering. "Sans Souffrance (R)ajoutée" is more than just an album—it's a cultural phenomenon, a celebration of life's pleasures, and a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic firsthand. Cheers to Clovis Ochin, where hip-hop meets the love of natural wine in perfect harmony.

Step into the world of Parisian flair and lyrical finesse with Clovis Ochin's latest masterpiece: "Sans Souffrance (R)ajoutée", once again entirely produced by Camoflauge Monk.

Picture this: a seamless fusion of hip-hop vibes and the exquisite taste of fine natural wines, served with a side of haute couture swagger. Clovis Ochin, the enigmatic rapper and vintner extraordinaire, invites you on a sensory journey unlike any other.

Following the success of their 2022 debut album "Sans Souffrance Ajoutée," Clovis Ochin returns with a sophomore sensation that transcends boundaries. Produced by the renowned Camoflauge Monk, the sonic architect behind Griselda Records' iconic sound, this album is a testament to musical innovation and artistic evolution.

Known for his captivating presence on "F*ck That's Delicious" alongside Action Bronson, Clovis embodies the essence of a modern-day bon vivant. His passion for hip-hop, natural wines, food, and fashion pulsates through every track, creating a symphony of flavors and rhythms that captivate the senses.

But that's not all. "Sans Souffrance (R)ajoutée" boasts electrifying guest appearances from the likes of Billie Essco and SonnyJim, adding layers of depth and dimension to an already stellar lineup.

So, whether you're a connoisseur of hip-hop or a devotee of fine wine, prepare to be swept away by the intoxicating blend of sound and style that is Clovis Ochin's latest offering. "Sans Souffrance (R)ajoutée" is more than just an album—it's a cultural phenomenon, a celebration of life's pleasures, and a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic firsthand. Cheers to Clovis Ochin, where hip-hop meets the love of natural wine in perfect harmony.

Step into the world of Parisian flair and lyrical finesse with Clovis Ochin's latest masterpiece: "Sans Souffrance (R)ajoutée", once again entirely produced by Camoflauge Monk.

Picture this: a seamless fusion of hip-hop vibes and the exquisite taste of fine natural wines, served with a side of haute couture swagger. Clovis Ochin, the enigmatic rapper and vintner extraordinaire, invites you on a sensory journey unlike any other.

Following the success of their 2022 debut album "Sans Souffrance Ajoutée," Clovis Ochin returns with a sophomore sensation that transcends boundaries. Produced by the renowned Camoflauge Monk, the sonic architect behind Griselda Records' iconic sound, this album is a testament to musical innovation and artistic evolution.

Known for his captivating presence on "F*ck That's Delicious" alongside Action Bronson, Clovis embodies the essence of a modern-day bon vivant. His passion for hip-hop, natural wines, food, and fashion pulsates through every track, creating a symphony of flavors and rhythms that captivate the senses.

But that's not all. "Sans Souffrance (R)ajoutée" boasts electrifying guest appearances from the likes of Billie Essco and SonnyJim, adding layers of depth and dimension to an already stellar lineup.

So, whether you're a connoisseur of hip-hop or a devotee of fine wine, prepare to be swept away by the intoxicating blend of sound and style that is Clovis Ochin's latest offering. "Sans Souffrance (R)ajoutée" is more than just an album—it's a cultural phenomenon, a celebration of life's pleasures, and a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic firsthand. Cheers to Clovis Ochin, where hip-hop meets the love of natural wine in perfect harmony.

End of 2023, changes surfaced in and around me. In the middle of it, I decided to pack a bag, turn off my phone and leave for Los Angeles. I found this tiny house on Airbnb that had a studio in the back. I spent 95% of my time there, figuring out what was happening inside of me while writing demo after demo. When I came back to France a couple of months later, everything had changed, my old life was gone.



The year that followed was full of new experiences, feelings, habits and occasional songs. I went back to my parents’, rented a 22m2 apartment in Paris for 6 months, travelled to the other side of the world, ran a lot, started therapy, had sex, missed, chased and eventually held.


One thing that never left was the music. I’m so grateful for what it has brought and keeps bringing into my life every day.



Archwood is the playlist of these past 2 years of my life. It’s the name of the street where I stayed in LA. Archwood is a chapter I’m finally able to share and it feels very, very good.

Coach Party return with their explosive second studio album, ‘Caramel’ via Chess Club Records.



Coach Party are poised to make their mark on 2025 and beyond with their new album ‘Caramel’, it is a melody packed, infectious record born from the shared experiences and unity of the bands four members: Jess Eastwood, Steph Norris, Guy Page and Joe Perry. Produced by the band’s own Guy Page, it channels the introspection and bite of bands like Hole, Sprints, Turnstile, and Amyl and the Sniffers. Clocking in at 33 minutes, it’s a sharp, melody-driven record that expands on the themes of their 2023 debut ‘Killjoy’ — heartbreak, identity, and finding your voice.



The band have built a reputation for intense, sweat-soaked live shows, touring with the likes of Queens of the Stone Age, Wet Leg and Royal Blood, and making festival appearances at Glastonbury and Rock en Seine. With ‘Caramel’, they push their sound further than ever, hook-heavy, emotionally honest, and made for the big stage.

Enter a world unknown! Birdfriend is a cassette label run by Japanese musician/composer Koshiro Hino, aka YPY, who is also a founding member of the Osaka band goat. This compilation, available on CD and double vinyl, features 18 tracks by Japanese artists, from 2013-2017, previously available only on hard-to-find cassettes on the Birdfriend label, now available to you, the curious and courageous listener, worldwide on EM Records. Rejoice and enjoy the fractured rhythms and future-now timbres, questing intelligences and D.I.Y. energy, conveyed to you through hand-made synths, custom electronics, synths and samplers. Compiled by Hino, who also provides liner notes and cover art, these Japanese artists share a love of texture, semi-skewed rhythm, simple-yet-evolving structure, and a sense of humour; yet despite these similarities, there is a great variety across this release, making for an exciting and cohesive musical experience.

Schema Records proudly presents PRELUDE, Stefano “S-Tone Inc.” Tirone’s tenth album in his 30-year career. It is available from October 10th, 2025, in the usual digital/streaming formats, as well as LP (10 tracks) and CD (15 tracks); the latter contains, in addition to the tracks on the vinyl, the singles already released on 7” (“In the Sand”, “Tudo Pra Ela”) and remixes of “Pressure”, “Vento Doce” and “Longe De Voce”.

Various different styles harmoniously coexist in “Prelude”: the soul, funk, disco and house tracks embellished by Julia St. Louis’s black voice and Laura Fedele’s jazz-blues timbre alternate with Latin and Brazilian atmospheres in the tracks that host the precious collaboration with Toco, up to a stunning reinterpretation of Santana’s “Guajira” performed by Manuela Ravaglioli, a long-time S-Tone Inc.’s guest vocalist, and German Leguizamon, an Argentine artist with a brilliant career in the 90s dance music.

The title “Prelude” is a double homage: to the legendary homonymous American record label that defined the New York disco sound between 70s and 80s, and to Eumir Deodato’s masterpiece released on CTI in 1973, a sublime example of cross-genre fusion that has always been a source of inspiration for the refined and cosmopolitan blend of music styles that has made S-Tone Inc.’s sound unique and that is firmly reaffirmed in this new record.

Deftones' iconic album 'Around The Fur' is a perfect blend of heavy, aggressive riffs and hauntingly beautiful melodies. Released in 1997, this album solidified the band's unique sound and established them as one of the most influential bands in the alternative metal scene. With songs like "My Own Summer (Shove It)" and "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)", Deftones showcase their ability to seamlessly combine intense energy with poignant lyrics. The album's raw, emotional vocals and powerful instrumentals create an intense listening experience that has stood the test of time. 'Around The Fur' is an essential addition to any rock music collection.

Footwork pioneer Traxman presents "Tekvision Volume 4," the highly anticipated new album set to drop this November on Teklife. A defining force in Chicago’s House, Ghetto House, Juke, and Footwork scenes for over 30 years, Traxman continues to innovate with a cutting-edge release that builds on decades of influence and expertise, featuring tracks that pay homage to Chicago’s West Side roots.

With "Tekvision Volume 4," Traxman reaffirms his legendary status as one of electronic music’s most influential figures, delivering an album designed for both footwork veterans and a new generation of listeners ready to experience the genre’s next evolution.

Serenity Now returns with the next dose of bangers from DOC ’N ’ P1LL in the form of RX
PRESCRIPTIONS Volume 2.
Following last year ’s widely appreciated debut, the Stockholm-based duo is back with four
brand new club-oriented tracks, once again rooted in their self-made genre Synth-Tech – a
fusion of
synth-driven techhouse, melodic tech and deep house, built around a sound that ’s cerebral
and deep. With their unique sound, DOC ’N ’ P1LL mix snappy drums and percussive
elements with hard-hitting melodies, creating tracks that hit with precision and energy.
Volume 2 explores a wider range of moods while keeping things direct and floor-focused.
From the bouncy opener to the more hypnotic and stripped-down moments, each track
reflects the duo ’s long-standing experience both behind the decks and in the studio.
If Volume 1 laid the foundation for Synth-Tech, this second installment takes it further –
deeper, weirder, and even more confident. Four new flavours. Same prescription. No filler –
just four cuts made for peak-time impact.

Apex Ten, a Belgian trio hovering in Space Rock, Desert/ stoner Rock and Psychedelic, mainly instrumental, offers a unique experience at each appearance. Fans of bands such as Electric Moon, Ecstatic Vision, Colour Haze, Kyuss or Hawkwind will be able to relate to them during the spacial, strange and contemplative atmospheres they develop. The sound is based on the energetic and powerful bass sound, paired with catchy and energetic drum lines. On top of it, the guitar melodies enable the crowd to travel and dissociate. In addition, the powerful vocal accompanies the listener and becomes the leader of this cathartic experience. On stage, Apex Ten brings their music to life with captivating performances that transport audiences into their expansive sonic world. Their ability to seamlessly transition between delicate, introspective moments and thunderous crescendos makes each show a mesmerizing experience. With a growing reputation for their innovative approach and dedication to their craft, Apex Ten is carving out a distinctive place in the modern rock landscape. For those seeking music that challenges convention and stirs the soul, Apex Ten is a band that stands at the forefront of creative exploration

In 2019, a brutal epileptic seizure changed my life - the first of more to come. I was forced into solitude, and in that quiet, music became my lifeline. In the following years, I poured everything I had into creating between you and me: a raw, DIY album that is a distillation of my lived experience during this time. The album explores emotional authenticity, freedom of expression, and acceptance: not as abstract concepts, but through visceral experiences that have fundamentally reshaped my art and my sense of self. As a listener, I invite you to explore your vulnerability by joining me in mine. This album is truly between you and me.

Ozzy Jones is a Dutch-Australian interdisciplinary artist whose music blends electronica with indie. Drawing from personal struggles and raw emotion after his seizures started, his debut album between you and me explores vulnerability, male identity, and authentic self-expression. Rooted in Amsterdam's vibrant creative scene, Ozzy's work fuses sound, visuals, and storytelling to create a deeply immersive and honest artistic experience.

Grooving, evocative, richly diverse, and truth seeking. Black Jesus eXperience"s "Time Telling" explores the fragility of life, the preciousness of time and the importance of hope, love, joy, and community.

Sonetos del Amor Oscuro is an ode performed by four enchanted souls who have intertwined their hearts and conjured harmonies and rhythms that wander endlessly among the spellbinding words of a poet from Granada... Federico García Lorca;
He wrung, pushed and vibrated words like tectonic plates, transforming plains into poetic mountain landscapes. He then covered them with a Moorish carpet of snow crystals and had them reflected by the dark locks of hair of a gypsy girl from Albaicín who, with a voice forged in gold and silver, sings her little sister to sleep with a soothing lullaby.

Helena Casella – vocals
Myrddin De Cauter – flamenco guitar
Stijn Kuppens – cello
Stefan Bracaval – flute, bass flute

Helena Casella, the Belgian-Brazilian vocalist with a deep, soft and warm voice, translates her multicultural background and personal thoughts into music in a passionate, soulful and refined way. With her roots in an exceptionally musical family, her music exudes this unique heritage. She effortlessly interweaves genres such as R&B, soul, hip hop and modern jazz, while remaining true to the vibrant sounds of Brazil, an essential part of her roots.
Her debut album was released earlier this year on W.E.R.F. records.

Myrddin De Cauter's music is deeply moving, complex, passionately rhythmic and deeply emotional. He has mastered the compás of flamenco, which gives him the freedom to converse with elements from jazz or classical music. His speed sometimes seems otherworldly, but those who take the time to listen closely to his music will quickly discover an immense world of pure emotion, beauty and tranquillity. After six albums and countless concerts, Myrddin proves that great virtuosos do not necessarily have to come from Spain. At the tender age of eleven, his father taught him to play the clarinet in jazz and gypsy swing style; he became part of the family orchestra and gained his first experiences on stage. A classical melody composed on the guitar prompted him to ask his father to teach him the basics of flamenco guitar. Soon after, Myrddin seemed ready for the real thing and went to Andalusia to learn from Manolo Sanlucar and Gerardo Núñez. This inspired him to compose in his own unique language, deeply rooted in the pure flamenco tradition but enriched by boundless creativity.

Stijn Kuppens is a cellist, composer and producer. In his own genre, which he describes as non-classical cello, he uses the cello in his own unique way. His profound knowledge of the complex history and techniques of the style is clearly audible: Kuppens' mastery of classical music is evident in every note he plays, whether he is performing solo or collaborating with other musicians. His skill as a musician and ambition to explore the boundaries of conventional classical music is evident in his ability to seamlessly blend different genres.

Stefan Bracaval is a classically trained flutist who graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp. His fascination with the expressive potential of improvisation led him to jazz, where he became a self-taught jazz flutist. Bracaval has collaborated on projects with prominent jazz figures such as Charles Loos, Bert Joris and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. In addition, he worked as a soloist and arranger with the VRT Radio Choir in 2016. Bracaval leads the Stefan Bracaval QU4RTET, which emphasises the flute as a central jazz instrument and brings new repertoire rooted in jazz traditions.

Live
31/10/2025 – Café Silverio, Gent (BE)
15/01/2026 – Kloosterkapel Diepenbeek (BE)
16/01/2026 – ‘t Ey, Belsele (BE)
17/01/2026 – Sint-Luciakerk (kerkconcerten Merode), Engsbergen (BE)
23/01/2026 – Muziekcentrum Dranouter (BE)

Born from a profound devotion to the piano and a reverence for the organic flow of life, byt’ surprises listeners by presenting "paths of sand", a remarkable creation by Amsterdam-based composer xico, offering sound and soul to those willing to listen beyond the surface.

Through the magic of experimentation, xico captured the fleeting beauty of the muse of improvisation, as described by Nachmakovich, transforming the ephemeral into something lasting. Performances recorded on the same old piano during the 2023 Kaalstaart Festival in the Netherlands have since evolved into a fully realized work. A journey of nearly three years of dedicated silence that began with Telva’s intuitive recognition of xico’s voice, starting with an invitation to her radio show and blossoming into a captivating fascination with what unfolded. This process led to the art of shaping the selected live recordings into a collector’s item, now materialized as a limited edition of 200 pressed vinyl copies, forever remaining as an artistic memento.

Perfectly attuned to the energy of the autumn equinox, paths of sand unfolds as an intimate reflection of music’s ability to hold what cannot be held, to speak what cannot besaid, and to embody what can never be described.

xico is a sound artist and improviser from Ibiza whose work explores the merging point between disruptive and post-natural soundscapes, crafting immersive sonic environments through compositions that unfold like ecosystems.

Encouraged by an understanding of chance as nature’s and awareness' most accessible voice, he focuses on creating generative live-sets with varying degrees of unpredictability. For him, subordinating human intention to nature’s order is a conscious choice, and making art through this lens becomes a statement and a spiritual practice. With his distinctive touch, his compositions resonate with the world in unexpected and profound ways, offering experiences you may never have heard before.

The smash hit album "Glass Heart" is now available as a limited edition vinyl record!

The Netflix series "Glass Heart" has just begun streaming worldwide. The band "TENBLANK," featured in this passionate youthful musical love story, has
released their debut album, "Glass Heart," in conjunction with the drama's release.
TENBLANK is a rock band formed by four members: the solitary genius musician Fujitani Naoki (played by Sato Takeru), college student drummer Saijo Akane
(played by Miyazaki Yu), hardworking and charismatic guitarist Takaoka Hisashi (played by Machida Keita), and music-obsessed pianist Sakamoto Kazushi
(played by Shison Jun).
The album was released digitally alongside the drama's release on July 31st, and was released on CD the following day, August 1st.
Glass Heart, which attracted attention thanks to the contributions of a stellar lineup of composers including Noda Yojiro (RADWIMPS) and Yaffle, has dominated
charts not only in Japan but also in other Asian countries, creating a global buzz.
Now, this smash hit album "Glass Heart" will be released as a limited edition vinyl record. Experience TENBLANK's music in a new way with the warm texture
and depth of sound that only analog can provide.

Experience the modern era of Madness with 'Hit Parade Vol. 2 1992-2024'. This 22-track 2LP set relives the more modern, contemporary years of Madness; containing a selection of hit singles, fan favourites and much-loved tunes. Including 'NW5', 'Shame and Scandal', 'Sorry', 'Drip Fed Fred', 'Mr Apples' and the Top 10 single 'Lovestruck'.

Beautifully packaged in a deluxe, gatefold sleeve, this 2LP collection is pressed on translucent blue vinyl. The fully illustrated inner sleeves contain new liner notes with various band members and long-time producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, in conversation with renowned author and journalist Paul Sexton.

Firmly established as national treasures and as one of the UK’s most cherished and beloved bands, Madness are adored by their loyal and huge following. Their consistently sold-out shows illustrate their enduring qualities resulting in their popularity continuing to grow and grow.

With her ninth studio album, Irish-born, Edinburgh-based singer Heidi Talbot pays tribute to strength, resilience, and inspiration - from legendary figures to the unsung heroines within her own family. Rooted in both personal experience and collective lore, the collection weaves stories of women legendary and intimate. The warrior queen Grace O"Malley (Gráinne Mhaol), the goddess Brigid of Co. Kildare, and Anna Parnell, leader of the Ladies" Land League, appear alongside Talbot"s grandmother Kathleen, whose recorded voice opens the closing track. Throughout, themes of resilience, love, ancestry, and grace echo across time. Following the critically acclaimed Sing It For A Lifetime, Grace Untold continues Heidi Talbot"s evolution as a songwriter of remarkable honesty and depth. It is a record of stories - whispered and sung, remembered and reimagined - a woman"s tribute to all women who have inspired, protected, and passed the song forward.

As always - the U JAZZ ME vinyl is numbered to 100 copies and it was pressed on 180g black wax.

Music was composed and produced by Bartosz Weber (guitar, electronica) with creative aid of Michał Fetler (saxophones) & Jacek Prościński (drums).

This Molar record was created in a few stages. First it was substantial to find creative means which would spark the new material. The Polyend Tracker was perfect for that as it is both simple and surprisingly fresh. Only after that I applied my favourite environment and comfortably sat in my digital domain. The next stage was to find kindred spirits who share the same mental and musical sensibility. Michał Fetler and Jacek Prościński seemed to fit like a custom-made rubber glove. It was equally important that they are excellent and experienced musicians as well as good humans. Fetler brought his own sensitivity and ideas, we tried sampling his instruments live which you can hear in quite a few places on this record. We still apply this technique during performances. His contribution is best heard in Berry Teaching, or Stimulating Labourer. In both cases he starts the fun and I enter sampling and answering to his parts. Jacek Prościński fits the bill both in terms of his creative approach and contagious enthusiasm. His style also encouraged me to pick up the guitar and completely change a few parts which led to a more extreme ending in Brav0o (initially it was played on synths and calmly faded out into oblivion). What more is there to do than sit back (or stand up, run, float or fall, whichever you prefer listening to music) and enjoy this selection of audio extravaganza.

Better Together Records is pleased to welcome the duo Hiworld into the BTR family with their etheral and multi genre project “Temple do Sol”.

Hiworld is the collaborative project of Eora based artists Mondowun and Toaka. Born from a long-standing friendship and shared passion for the world of electronic music. Inspired by their Portuguese and Polynesian backgrounds, nostalgic 90s culture, and reality-altering records. Their forthcoming EP ‘Temple Do Sol’ captures a world where technology does NOT reign supreme and people’s bonds are built through reality and NOT the digital realm. The record builds evocative atmospheres and distinct worlds, offering listeners a space to access personal memories and create new experiences.

As always, Solace in unity at the end of eternity.

First Word Records are very proud to bring you 'Ghouls', the 6th studio album from Bastien Keb.

Through the reflective and introspective multi-mood journey of its 19-tracks, this album spans psychedelic-chamber-funk, warped anti-ballads, cinematic instrumentals, Ethio-jazz & ethereal ambience.

Part soundtrack, part beat-tape, part memoir, this is a dreamlike soundscape sewn together from half-forgotten memories & late night breakdowns.

Entirely sample-free, this album is full to the brim with musical experimentation, with Keb's compulsion to make all the individual pieces of music independently; combining strings, harps, saxophones, theremins, clarinets, flutes and trumpets.

He signals to the fuzzy, nostalgic nebulous of mid '90s skate videos, as well as harking back to the scores & moods of movies like The French Connection, Taxi Driver, The Warriors and La Haine. There are whispers of sounds in the air from jazz clubs, street preachers & Turkish restaurants.

Keb describes the sonic experience of this album simply as this… "You're half awake, and half asleep, but you're warm…"

For this 19-track opus, Keb is joined extensively by Malik Ameer Crumpler; a poet, composer, editor and professor based in Paris, who's been involved in numerous albums while writing for various forms of experimental media.

A multi-instrumentalist originally from the Midlands, Bastien Keb (aka Sebastian Jones) previously released his highly-acclaimed album '22.02.85' on First Word back in 2017; this new album being a very welcome return to the Worldwide Award-winning UK independent label.

His music has been widely supported across BBC Radio in the past by DJs including Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, Huw Stephens, Jamie Cullum, Lauren Laverne, Mary Anne Hobbs, Nemone and Tom Ravenscroft. This is in addition to glowing press reviews from the likes of Pitchfork, The Guardian and The Line Of Best Fit.

He's built up a steady fanbase through his extensive catalogue over the years, with material for labels like Def Pressé, Gearbox, One-Handed Music and most recently for Shabaka Hutchings' Native Rebel Recordings imprint, on a collaborative project with South London's Confucius MC (Speakers Corner Quartet).

Keb concludes "this record is for anyone feeling lost in a world that seems to have lost itself without knowing it. It's for the people who know that the world is missing the beauty of the lights in the distance, whilst being distracted by new shoes and flashy phones..."

'Ghouls' is due to be released on vinyl & digital worldwide, November 14th 2025.

BRIDGE - WAITING PATIENTLY b/w LOVE’S IN YOUR CORNER

Paul Tillman Smith is a significant figure within in the music community of The San Francisco Bay Area, California. His connections and collaborations read like a who’s who of famous musicians.

As leader of 70s Buddah Records group VITAMIN E and then BRIDGE, the subsequent band cut an album in 1981 for the CBS distributed Bang label that never saw the light of day.

It was released by First Experience Records as a double LP and CD in 1999 and is recognised as being one of the finest unreleased discoveries within its genre.

IZIPHO SOUL revisit the album and release two gems from this magnificent body of work.

WAITING PATIENTLY - Modern Soul with all the right ingredients - lead vocal Derick Hughes, backing vocals courtesy of The Satin Shadows, driven along by Butch Haynes’ conga playing. Presented here as an extended version crafted by Phil Ward.

On the flip - LOVE’S IN YOUR CORNER (Remastered) featuring the supreme voice of Debravon Lewis (RIP) and Larry Sampson. There’s importance in documenting this great song, as this demo paved the way for the Norman Connors’ version.

Aitcher Clark steps out from his work as one half of LOFN (Veyl, 2021) with a first solo long-player that draws a sharp line between the club and the cinema.
The 6-track LP moves with intent across ambient space, industrial techno frameworks, and restrained neoclassical harmony. It favors patience over peaks, detail over spectacle, and a narrative arc that rewards a
start-to-finish listen.
The campaign begins September 19th with the lead single “Improperly Planned Experience”, an industrialleaning cut driven by a relentless drum pattern and an eerie, immersive atmosphere. Stark and physical, it sets the tone for the album with its focus on tension, texture, and shadow rather than melody. On the same day, Clark will debut a new live and visual show at Lunchmeat Festival in Prague in collaboration with visual artist OXOO, translating the record into an immersive set where sound design and reactive visuals lock to the micro-gestures that run through the album. The performance is built around custom stems, live resampling, and dynamic lighting cues that mirror the music’s push and pull.
Across the LP, Clark threads field-recorded texture with precision drum programming and layered harmonies, avoiding predictable drops in favor of pressure that accumulates over time. The palette is cool and tactile: detuned pads, clipped low-end, and percussive details at the edge of audibility. Moments of clarity, strings, voice-like synths, negative space, arrive as structural markers rather than ornaments.
For Veyl, the album sits comfortably within a catalog that values forward motion and atmosphere, while opening a more composition-driven lane. For listeners who followed LOFN’s 2021 release, this solo debut widens the frame: less collaborative call-and-response, more solitary architecture, with the same focus on tension and timbre. The live show with OXOO extends that idea beyond the record, using visual rhythm and color to render the music’s internal logic in real time.

Nest is a tactile and spatial experience; precise and atmospheric, jagged and lyrical. Broshy"s unique approach to developing the material blurs the line between improvisation and composition, mechanical and human to create a sonic experience that holds large extremes close to each other.

2025 Repress

“UR wonders” What happens to jazz if combined with the current electronic sound tools used to make Detroit techno now?
What might Jazz sound like if the inspirational pioneers of fusion ie; Return to Forever, Astral Pirates or Weather Report had access to the music production technology available now or in the future?
The artform called Jazz was a unique reflection of “The African American experience here in the United States.Unfortunately by the 90″s it had been compromised by major record companies and made “smoother” for mainstream consumption and more profits.
Born in America’s rural black south Rock & Roll had suffered the same fate years earlier. Original artists eventually replaced by well studied clones and corporate mega profits!! Also happening the original artform of jazz appeared to be caught, processed & throughly EXPLAINED by people who sought to intellectualize “struggle & human emotion” into mere words and then benefit immensely financially by being authorities on the subject.
Hmm sound familiar?

As you watch the current intellectual colonization of the urban inner city African American art forms house music, hip-hop, Jungle & Detroit techno get studied, bent, twisted renamed and turned into EDM profit formulas.

There stands records like Nation 2 Nation that defy these definitions and inspire the next generation of Pioneers who continue the undefined exploration of Jazz like Derek Jamerson, Jon Dixon, Raphael Merriweathers, Desean Jones, Timeline, Galaxy 2 Galaxy, Raphael Statin & Ian Finkelstein. Mother to daughter, Father to son,

Nation 2 Nation a work inspired and that inspired what’s next.

Massano’s Debut Album Natural Arrives on Vinyl

Following the success of his acclaimed debut album Natural, Massano announces the release on vinyl. Originally released digitally in April 2025, Natural marked a defining chapter in Massano’s artistic evolution and now fans can experience the project in a new tangible format.

A collection of 15 tracks that capture five years of growth, Natural showcases Massano’s ability to craft hard-hitting sonic stories that balance power, depth and emotion. This vinyl features a private edit of fan favourite “The Feeling,” alongside “Angel In The Dark” with Anyma, “Oblivion” with CamelPhat, and “Healing” with Stephan Bodzin. Digging deeper into the album, you'll find long-awaited tracks like “Welcome To The Underworld,” “Fade Away,” and “Over The Edge”, the vinyl release offers an analogue immersion into the full narrative arc of Natural.

The new album by "Thomas Sarrodie & Bi-Polar Blues" marks a fresh start, strongly inspired by the band"s participation in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. This almost initiatory journey to the heart of Blues and Rock has ignited the energy and soul that make this new album the work of an inspired trio (guitar/vocals, double bass, drums), driven by the group"s extensive experience, yet remaining unique and original. With a guitar rooted in blues, blended with contemporary rock energy and 1960s psychedelic echoes, Thomas Sarrodie & Bi-Polar Blues captivates with its enchanting slides, a baritone tuning, a surprising double bass, and a swirling drumbeat. Formed twelve years ago by Thomas Sarrodie (guitar, vocals) and Sylvain Blanquiot (bass), the Thomas Sarrodie Group established itself on stages across Occitania with various drummers, until Jérémy Cazorla joined behind the kit. Influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, Sarrodie adds a personal touch, avoiding clichés, as evidenced by three studio albums and a vibrant live recording. Eager to evolve, the trio incorporated double bass, slide, and baritone tunings, reshaping their sound toward a rootsy blues while retaining rock energy. Renamed Thomas Sarrodie & Bi-Polar Blues, the group embarked on a new tour and the recording of an eponymous EP. This EP reflects their ambition to push boundaries, with compositions evoking the Delta or the Hills, tinged with R.L. Burnside"s influence, while honoring a 1960s tradition with a modern approach.

Analog Decay 001 Artist: Translate Remix by Jonas Kopp Format: 12" Vinyl & Digital Release Date: 14.11.2025 Analog Decay proudly announces its debut release: a powerful statement of intent from the label, rooted in raw aesthetics and a deep reverence for the analog medium. For this first chapter, the imprint calls upon Argentine producer Translate, whose distinctive take on sci-fi-infused techno sets the tone for what's to come. The A-side opens with "RAD-100", a hypnotic journey into mechanical rhythm and spectral textures, followed by a forceful reinterpretation by the legendary Jonas Kopp, whose remix brings heightened tension and propulsion to the original narrative. On the B-side, "Pyramids" explores geometric pulse patterns and atmospheric depth, while "Infrared" closes the EP with a dense, pulsating groove designed for late-night transcendence. This release has been meticulously mastered by Giuseppe Tillieci (Neel) at Enisslab (Rome), ensuring a dynamic and immersive sound experience. The visual identity is completed by artwork from Mauricio Atencia, with photography by Paula Romero, reflecting the label's commitment to brutalist minimalism and analog imperfection.

The new album The Cinnamon Show by Cinnamon Gum is a juicy journey into the golden era of the 1970s, filled with a warm and rich blend of soul and funk.
Recorded using classic analog instruments, this album is a tribute to authentic sound and musical craftsmanship. A unique approach to sound engineering creates a cohesive and immersive atmosphere that accompanies the listener from start to finish. Each single is enhanced by a vibrant music video inspired by iconic music programs like Soul Train and The Midnight Special.
The artist's vocals shine throughout the album, combining deep, sensual phrases with subtle melodies, drawing inspiration from soul legends such as Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. The lyrical layer explores both personal stories and universal themes of love, loss, and hope, making the album an exceptionally intimate and authentic experience.

Mangabey presents “Hopeful Color”, his debut album, set for release on October 10 on DSP and October 31 on vinyl, via Cracki Records !

Fourteen tracks composed over nearly two years, blending the polished house of his early days (Moula Si) with genres such as Bicep-style electronica (Ampex Both), punchy acid (Attente Instable – Green Sphere), alternative R&B (Dumble Face), hip-hop (Six Figures Check), and neo-soul (Hopeful Color – Deep Breath).

The album reflects Mangabey’s sonic curiosity: between hypnotic grooves, percussive rhythms, and atmospheric flourishes, he creates the perfect bridge between club music and introspection. A generous record in the image of the artist himself, it multiplies collaborations to complete this vividly colorful patchwork of influences, with contributions from Ghanaian collective ALL MY COUSINS, Brazilian-Parisian group PPJ, producer and DJ Goldie B, and Franco-Congolese singer Amaru — each adding to the album’s rich and ever-evolving identity.

At the crossroads of genres and influences, Mangabey’s debut album showcases his multifaceted talent and his ability to turn each track into a distinctive sonic experience.

TX2, AKA Evan Thomas, prides himself on injecting authentic stories and experiences from his own life into his lyrics. As someone who is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community himself, he admits he hasn't always fit in. His songs document that experience, but really - his stories are about all of us, penned for anyone who has ever felt alone. Per usual - the singer is willing to cause a little chaos with his new track, if that's what it takes to draw attention to important societal issues. With his tracks, he's making his voice heard loud and clear. "10 years ago I started TX2, and when the project first started I was the joke of my hometown. I was bullied by my entire hometown, and told by family that I would never make it. Years later I am still the joke, but now a punching bag for the entire internet. I've practiced what I've preached and consistently talked about mental health awareness, safety, and LGBT rights just to be made fun of and seen as `one of the most hated artists'. This world is filled with vultures, and I'm sure everyone can relate." Six track debut EP available as CD & LP

Daniele Baldelli
Considered one of the first DJs in Italy, Daniele Baldelli began his career in 1969 mixing vinyl at the Tana Club in Cattolica (his hometown),
predating the birth of the modern DJ by several years. In the following years, he solidified his talent and technique at histor such as the Tabù Club, Baia degli Angeli, and Cosmic. From 1979 to 1984, Baldelli created his unique and eclectic style, blendi ic clubs ng seemingly distant sounds and musical styles, complementing them with tempo adjustments (bpm) and deliberately extreme equalization,
creating a truly distinctive sound, known as "Afro Disco." Soundscapes and tribal percussion blend with early electronic music experiments, and Baldelli's sets become truly mystical experiences, where, for the first time, the temples are replaced by the dance floor.
The documentary film "A Cosmic Life" has just been released, starring Daniele Baldelli alongside other illustrious guests from the nightclub scene, recounting the history and formation of this movement from the 1970s to the present.
Gaudi
A producer/musician among the most highly regarded on the international dub/electronic scene, over the past 30 years Gaudi, from his
London studio, has contributed significantly to expanding the boundaries of musical genres with high-profile releases and innovative
music production techniques. Recently nominated for a Grammy Award with 'Mass Manipulation', the album he produced for the reggae
band Steel Pulse, and also nominated for a World Music Award with his album 'Dub Qawwali' with Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali
Khan, Gaudi has collected a series of number 1s on the international charts: Billboard - with the album 'Heavy Rain' by Lee "Scratch"
Perry, 'Vessel of Love' by singer Hollie Cook and with 'Mass Manipulation' by Steel Pulse -, UK Chart n.1 with the album 'Prism' by the
band The Orb (with whom he has collaborated as a producer and keyboardist since 2008), with 'Blue Monday' - by Gaudi himself with
the band Dub Pistols -, UK Dance Chart n.1 with 'Jus Come rmx' produced with DJ Angelino for Cool Jack. He also reached no. 41 the UK charts with the album ‘Midnight Rocker’ by reggae singer Horace Andy (known to the general public for his hits with Massive in
Attack), no. 13 with the album ‘Dubwise 2’ by the band Dreadzone and no. 5 in the Italian charts with the song ‘Lasciala Andare’, written
by him for Irene Grandi. With 19 solo albums and 350 remixes and productions under his belt, Gaudi, with his artistic versatility, has
worked with Groove Armada, UB40, Simple Minds, Brian Ferry, Devo, Big Audio Dynamite, Damian Marley, Seun Kuti, Mad Professor,
Trentemøller, Grandmaster Flash ft KRS-One, Lamb, Don Letts, The Beat, Deep Forest, African Head Charge (in which Gaudi is a keyboardist and dubmaster), Elisa, Scientist, Dub FX, Roedelius, Caparezza, Caravan Palace, EMF, Sizzla, Jovanotti, Sly & Robbie, Piero Pelù, Youth of Killing Joke, and Maxi Priest, to name just a few. Capleton,
Daniele Baldelli & Gaudi
DJ Daniele Baldelli and producer Gaudi first met three years ago at the Jazz Cafe in London. Mutual respect and an innate need to
create new stylistic fusions were the catalysts for Baldelli and Gaudi, leading to a series of subsequent meetings that inevitably culminated in the need to create music together. The project began at Gaudi's Metatron Studio in London using analog equipment and later
moved to Baldelli's studio in Cattolica, where the two organically defined their sound, also inspired by Baldelli's precious record collection. The duo consolidated a powerful compositional symbiosis, and the project, born from a simple initial groove, later transformed
into an entire EP consisting of four original tracks and a highly innovative sound, featuring fusions of psychedelic-funk, tribal-dub,
electronic-disco, and, of course, "Afro-Cosmic"! Daniele Baldelli and Gaudi began their sonic collaboration without setting any stylistic
direction and with the intention of not creating pre-established goals to achieve; it is a project of pure artistic freedom guided by their
compositional instinct and their experience. Constantly active with their evenings and live concerts, Baldelli and Gaudi have performed
individually in many of the best international clubs and festivals.

The next instalment in the classic DJ-Kicks series is a selection of rapturous house, blissed-out breaks, and transcendent rave from the high priestess of the motherbeat herself, Chicago"s Eris Drew. DJ, producer, musician, long-time resident at Chicago"s Smartbar, and co-creator of the T4T LUV NRG party and label, Eris Drew has been DJing since the early 90s, and has since taken her ecstatic house and high-energy, uncompromising mixing style to clubs, raves, and festivals worldwide. Eris" DJ-Kicks mix is 79 minutes of, as she puts it "the funky, emotional, ecstatic house-and-breaks backbone that defines my sound", and includes tracks, remixes, and exclusives by Moby, Calisto, DJ Garth, Onionz, DJ Who, Kair, Hoof, and Toka Project, as well as from Eris herself and partner Octo Octa. The result of countless hours of digging, her selection delves into the rattling breaks, rave stabs, and haunting strings of classic and lost "90s hybrid house-and-breaks jams, and matches them with more recent digs, the mix moving back and forth between emotive, bittersweet, and evocative, to raw, tough, and twisted with consummate ease.