quête:the groove

Arpy Brown & Kapote Announce Collaborative Album Memento Ludi via Toy Tonics

A sun-drenched fusion of yacht rock, house and modern indie dance energy – out June 26, 2026
BERLIN, GERMANY — Toy Tonics is proud to announce Memento Ludi, the first collaborative album by label founder Kapote and multi-instrumentalist producer Arpy Brown, arriving June 26, 2026.
The album is a funk-driven journey that bridges the warmth of 1970s analog recordings with the pulse of contemporary dance music. Blending neo-soul grooves, yacht rock harmonies and modern house rhythms, Memento Ludi captures the spirit of classic musicianship within a forward-looking club context.

But Memento Ludi is more than a typical house record. The album moves fluidly between dancefloor tracks and fully developed songs. Every instrument was performed live by the artists themselves: guitars, bass, keyboards and percussion recorded in the studio by Arpy and Kapote. After jamming and recording the basis of every song in a live procedure they carefully resample the parts to create the organic, human touch that defines the Toy Tonics sound.

The title Memento Ludi — Latin for “remember to play” — reflects the album’s philosophy: bringing joy, spontaneity and musicality back into dance music at a time when many club tracks feel increasingly mechanical and formulaic.

The collaboration arrives during a particularly busy moment for both artists. While spending countless hours in the studio, Kapote and Arpy Brown have also maintained intensive international touring schedules with the Toy Tonics crew, road-testing many of the tracks as “secret weapons” in their DJ sets from Melbourne to Los Angeles via their homebase Berlin.

“We wanted to make a record that felt like a lost studio session from 1978 — resampled and synthesised in 2026,” says Kapote.

Mr Bongo are thrilled to have one of the leading lights in contemporary soul joining the label. Melbourne-based vocalist, musician, and songwriter Ella Thompson is an artist whose name is being championed by some of the best in the business. She’s been building a reputation as one to watch, with two standout releases on Hopestreet Recordings, Domino EP in 2023 and Ripple On The Wing LP in 2024, alongside a heavy touring schedule and a stacked list of support slots and collaborations.

For this new 7” single, Ella collaborates with a selection of artists at the forefront of Naarm/Melbourne’s soulful DIY community. Featuring members of Surprise Chef and Karate Boogaloo, Liam McGorry from Temporary Blessings (College Of Knowledge) joins Ella as co-writer and co-producer, with go-to Melbourne engineer Henry Jenkins also producing and recording the track.

Bridging the worlds of classic and contemporary soul, Ella’s songwriting is drenched in emotion and personal experience. With a timeless feel that is hard to tie to any particular period, she has crafted a sound that instantly hits deep. It’s warm, tasteful and distinctly Ella. That talent has also seen her tour with Mark Ronson, and support other contemporary greats like Jalen Ngonda, Lee Fields, and Thee Sacred Souls.

‘Promise To Keep’ is the first taste of Ella’s new material on this 7” single. An irrepressible upbeat groover that echoes mid-to-late-sixties vocal groups. That influence though never overpowers Ella’s own unique creative voice or distinct sense of self. She draws from it, but the colour is all her own. The song tells a story of being carried by the current that keeps us moving, giving us courage. A commitment to oneself that speaks to action shaped by vision, and the pull of following what feels correct even when the distance is far.

The flip side finds Ella in a different mood. ‘Change Of Heart’ is a heavy sweet-soul ballad. Rich in drama, Ella’s falsetto vocals build to a stunning climax in the final section, with triumphant horns that signal the release of letting go. The lyrics reflect on temporality and impermanence, and the way moments can be missed or arrive with synchronicity. It’s that bittersweet paradox of triumph and sadness, where everything contains its opposite: absence and presence, innocence and experience. The song is underpinned by a brooding production quality and atmospheric, beat-heavy flavour that Surprise Chef and cinematic soul fans will relish.

Mixed by Wayne Gordon (Daptone, Womack Sisters), ‘Promise to Keep’ and ‘Change of Heart’ are a glimpse of things to come from Ella. Keep an eye open for more new music incoming from this phenomenal artist at the top of her game.

King Street Sounds Sampler Vol. 7 continues the long-running series from the legendary King Street Sounds catalogue, bringing together a selection of classic house cuts from some of the label’s most respected artists.

Featuring productions from Mood II Swing, Jovonn, Roy Davis Jr. and Osunlade, the release highlights the soulful, groove-led house sound that has defined King Street across decades of dancefloor culture.

Including standout tracks such as Mood II Swing’s Nafara and Osunlade’s The Fifth Dimension, the sampler brings together several proven records in one DJ-friendly vinyl package.

With warm grooves, musical depth and timeless club arrangements, these proven King Street records offer strong crossover appeal for both long-time house collectors and DJs looking for reliable dancefloor material.

As the seventh edition in the King Street sampler series, this release presents a selection of essential house cuts on one highly playable vinyl release.

A strong catalogue addition for stores serving soulful and deep house buyers.

Cinthie’s Collective Cuts sub-label of her 803 Crystal Grooves label welcomes the UK’s Black Eyes onto its roster this March with his ‘Hydrocity Reflex’ EP, comprised of four original soul drenched House Jams.
Cinthie’s 803 Crystal Grooves Collective Cuts welcomes Black Eyes with a fresh four-track EP that distils the Manchester-born, Berlin-based artist’s signature aesthetic into its purest form. Fusing deep, trippy and soulful house with a raw, Detroit-leaning sensibility, Black Eyes channels the influence of House music’s roots into rolling rhythms and fluid textures alongside shaped by his enduring love of water. Now firmly embedded in Berlin’s underground while carrying the grit of his northern roots, he delivers a release that feels both immersive and driving a natural fit for 803 Crystal Grooves’ dance floor focused sonic vision.
Opening the EP is ‘Can You Dig That Depth’, an emotive slice of House driven by saturated keys, soulful vocal lines, heavily swung drums and a buoyant bassline. ‘Pressure Malfunction’ follows, stripping things back to organic percussion, sweeping filtered funk loops and intricately processed spoken-word chants. The B-side begins with ‘Loyalty To Tha Deep’, living up to its name as it embraces classic Deep House sensibilities through choppy, airy chord progressions, hypnotic breathy vocals, fluttering melodies and slow-slung, crunchy drums. ‘Funky Oxygen’ then brings the release to a close, channelling the spirit of Motor City House with a refined blend of cut-up samples, shuffled percussion, jazzy keys and a snaking bass groove.

Rizomagic weave Colombian tropical traditions with soundscape textures and electronic processes, drawing on cosmic tuning principles and the pitched down groove of Monterrey"s Cumbia Rebajada. Cumbión Planetario is a journey into Psychotropicolombian Futurism from Bogota"s rich musical underground, recorded at La Becque Artist Residency in the Swiss Alps. Rizomagic are Edgar Marún and Diego Manrique - an electronic music duo from Bogotá, Colombia. Formed while the pair were at University in 2020, the group is influenced as much by contemporary electronic music as by traditional Colombian Rhythms, and have developed a style they call "Psychotropicolombian Futurism", following the path laid by fellow Colombian experimentalists Frente Cumbiero, the Meridian Brothers and las Piranhas but in an altogether more electronic realm. "we weave Colombian tropical traditions with soundscape textures and electronic processes, creating a Pangean-futurist sound where diverse knowledge and cultures coexist without hierarchy"

A fresh breeze of color, groove, and charm marks the first outing of OKAY OKAY, a new label from Germany that celebrates playful, soulful, and dance-ready sounds beyond genre borders.
With Marmelade Dew EP, Gelée serves up a vibrant debut full of disco shimmer, Italo-house warmth, and a sweet dose of pop sensitivity. It’s a record that feels both nostalgic and daring, sun-kissed melodies meet tight rhythm work and carefree emotional drive.
From early-morning club sets to slow-burn afterhours, Marmelade Dew EP is an invitation to smile, move, and surrender to simple pleasure. A lovingly crafted 12″ for those who like their house music playful, tactile, and just a little bit sticky.

Gianmarco Silvetti and Conrad Van Orton drop Boyz In Da Hood Vol. 1 on a razor-tight 10" – raw, tunnel-vision techno built for sweat, strobe and low ceilings. Two locked grooves keep the loop hypnosis rolling for DJs who like to hunt in the dark. Secret Keywords staying strictly underground.

Windy City label Identity Spectrum is back with a third volume in its The Way Of The Rave series, and again it offers authentic techno from across the US East coast, the Midwest and Mexico. ViiV opens with a dubby, low-key groove packed with suspense and muttered vocals on Dollar Shake. Sister Zo's 'Diamond Hands' then cuts a rugged groove with razor sharp percussion and jungle breaks just about contained in a moody techno framework, then Snad strips things back to an abstract minimal groove with loopy rhythms and broken glass before Titonton Duvante serves up his smooth signature tech house cruiser, 'Unrequited.'

reActive Lab proudly unveils its first vinyl release, marking a defining moment for the label's evolution. reActive Lab Collective 001 brings together four of the label's core members - Chrivu, Dragne, Flavius, and Pattern Tusk - to craft a 12" that perfectly captures the collective's sonic DNA: deep groove, subtle minimalism, and timeless house energy. The record opens with Chrivu - "Cell Division", a vibrant house piece driven by a confident bassline and crisp percussive motion. Built with clarity and flow, it sets the tone for a journey anchored in groove and precision. Dragne - "Get Funk" follows with playful rhythm and low-end warmth - an irresistible combination of swing, bounce, and character designed for the dancefloor. On the flip side, Flavius - "The Interview" introduces a more introspective dimension - stripped-down yet immersive, balancing atmosphere with emotion through delicate textures and steady rhythm.

Closing the release, Pattern Tusk - "We Went On" blends soulful depth with minimal intricacy, offering a smooth, driving finale that resonates with both feeling and functionality. reActive Lab Collective 001 stands as more than a debut - it's a declaration of artistic identity. A 100% in-house release from reActive Lab, crafted with authenticity and intent. A promising first step in what's clearly a long-term commitment to sound, craft, and community. Short Description: reActive Lab makes its vinyl debut with reActive Lab Collective 001, a powerful VA featuring Chrivu, Dragne, Flavius & Pattern Tusk. Four deep and groovy house cuts blending energy, warmth, and minimal precision - a pure statement of the label's identity.

UK tech stalwart Aubrey has dropped many classics, but this one from all the way back in 1997 takes some beating. It came on the Offshoot label and has been in demand and much coveted ever since, and now reappears on his own Solid Groove imprint. 'Marathon' opens up with a liquid synth and dubby bass combo that comes to life with a warm, fizzy lead that suspends you just above the floor. 'Evacuation' has a more rigid lead and mechanical drums that work you into a lather and '6 Pole' sits somewhere between the two as a stylish, soul-infused tool that sounds as good today as ever. This is a top reissue that will excite all the real heads.

Demi Riquisímo welcomes Jhobei and B.Love to the Semi Delicious fold with their debut EP on the imprint R U Listening. A solid four-tracker destined for the most discerning of dancefloors, the Bizarre Trax head honchos also enlist French master of the sultry groove Sweely to remix the title cut, bringing his signature deep house introspection to the release. Bursting with low-slung grooves, rolling basslines and club-ready energy, across the four original tracks Jhboei and B.Love demonstrate their shimmering, confident and at moments unorthodox style, honed through years of crate digging and musical exploration.

As Bizarre Trax, their own imprint and party goes from strength-to-strength, 2025 saw B.Love releasing on the esteemed 20:20 Vision and Dias De Campo records, and Jhobei on giants like FUSE and Up The Stuss, the pair successfully straddling a multitude of sounds, while maintaining their ethos of prioritising connection and feeling over trends in their house music. With Demi a frequent supporter of the pair’s releases, and vice versa, this anticipated label debut – paired with a new look for Semi Delicious’ artwork – makes a statement for the label’s intentions in 2026.

Nail has been an important voice in the UK underground ever since his DiY Sound System days in the East Midlands in the 90s. After many years away, he returned, much to the delight of many heads, about a decade ago and has continued to roll out essential jams ever since. This one on his In The Dance label embodies his style - loopy, disco tinged house that's rough around the edges and burning with soul. 'Lick The Bag' is a cheeky title for a cheeky tune, 'The Price Is Wrong' shimmers with muted jazzy chords that are always held back, but the delight is in the promise and 'Medicine Stick' rolls on sweet grooves and knotted bass. 'Swing By' shuts down with plunging kicks and hints of MAW. Superb.

The blueprint for a night of futuristic dancing in 1985; It resides not in the stars, but in the crystalline echo of Geometry’s synthesizers.

K!pz enters the grid with Geometry, a 12-inch Maxi Single that strips the Italo sound down to its most essential, pulsating core: Pure Shapes and Catchy hooks, filled with musicality.

A1 – Circular: Hypnotic and fluid: a rounded bass sequence and celestial arpeggios that draw you straight to the center of the floor. Tight, gated drums and bright leads deliver the unmistakable Hi-NRG feel.

A2 – Triangular: Sharp and dynamic: angular lead lines guide a bed of arpeggiated bass, punchy synth stabs, and impactful breaks. A precise, energy-building melodic core.

B – Square: Solid and deep: a driving, grounded bassline supported by a slapping Drumulator groove. Dub-like reverbs and a classic lead synths carve out a strong, steady, and foremost euphoric atmosphere.

GEOMETRY imagines the future as envisioned in 1985—a vibrant collision of abstract design and intoxicating pulse.

Oinimod Records proudly presents its first-ever vinyl release, Gravity EP, a statement of intent rooted in deep grooves, timeless house aesthetics, and club-driven energy.

Written and produced by Duccio Lopresto, Gravity EP delivers two original cuts that explore different shades of House music, complemented by a powerful remix from Gearmaster, one of Estonia's most respected House talents.

“Gravity” opens the EP with a deep and groovy House journey inspired by the classic Detroit House legacy. A strong rhythmic foundation drives hypnotic acid lines and rich, expressive synths, creating a track that is both raw and elegant, built for the dancefloor yet deeply musical.

“Mirage” reveals a more dreamy and introspective atmosphere. This Deep House track flows with a timeless rhythm, warm grooves, and relaxing yet melodic elements, offering a soulful and immersive listening experience that transcends trends.

Closing the EP, Gearmaster delivers a pure Club House banger remix of Gravity, reinterpreting the original material with precision and power. Tight rhythms, infectious groove, and a modern club sensibility turn the remix into a peak-time weapon, showcasing Gearmaster’s unmistakable touch and deep understanding of the dancefloor.

Gravity EP marks the beginning of Oinimod Records’ vinyl journey — a release that bridges classic influences and contemporary House music, crafted for DJs, collectors, and true House music lovers.

Red Motorbike hits the road in '26 with an original production from Berlin's master of boogie funk LJ Simon!

Givin' Up is a soulful modern funk 7" steeped in warm '80s analogue production and classic groove.
The OG version blends vintage synth textures with a deep, understated rhythm section. Known for his love of fat-sounding vintage gear, LJ Simon begins every song with no blueprint, working purely from sound, instinct, and feel, tuning in to receive what the moment brings. The influences are unmistakable, yet the result feels fresh, intuitive and alive.

Vocals are delivered by Denice Brooks, a formidable singer from Austin, Texas, now based in Berlin. Denice built her solo career while performing with an exceptional list of artists including Tina Turner, Roy Ayers, David Bowie, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, and many others. She is notably the only singer to receive Prince's blessing to record an official cover of 'Purple Rain' - a distinction that speaks volumes about her artistry.
Her career has taken her across Germany, Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa, where she even once performed for Nelson Mandela. Her continued experience across stage, studio, television, and musical theatre shines through in a vocal performance rich in depth and soul.

Label head Eddie C offers up his Disko Mix and reframes the track through a '90s street soul lens; stripped-back, dusty, and perfectly tuned for late-night selectors and heads-down dancefloors.

Dancers of the Grove is the debut release from Colombian talent Dream Architect, mostly known for former releases as Buraye.

This 4-track EP explores the more human side of the floor. Melancholy, tension, release, wrapped in deep basslines and rolling percussion. Designed to hit in a club or deep in the woods, and to linger after: groove-driven, immersive, and quietly intense.

Back on Celestial Echo Records with CER010, a record that’s been a fixture in the right record bags for a long time.

Africano – “Open Your Hearts” is a serious modern soul tune for the Chicago DJs. Super funky, big on feeling, and powered by explosive instrumentation that just keeps driving. — strong, emotional, and made for proper dancefloors.

It’s been spun for years by DJs like Mark Grusane, Theo Parrish, and others in that Chicago scene — and it works every time. Part 1 on the A-side is the one you know, while Part 2 on the flip stretches things out and lets the groove roll on.

As always, Celestial Echo is about soul records that have earned their place. Remastered with care and pressed properly, Africano is one we’re proud to finally put back out there.

Nite Hawk is a new name to us, but one we'll be keeping an ear on, just off the back of this new EP on York-based John Deevechis's The Owl label. The opener plays with a classic rhythm and serves it up with a bleeping synth sequence that will also be familiar, while the rickety drums unfold in off-grid patterns. It's a great start before 'Shake Ya Rump' brings machine-made disco with sugary synths and playful vocals over funky basslines, then 'Be Together' closes with another cold analogue groove that ramps up the pressure and is the sort of tasteful and timeless crowd pleaser you will be playing forever.

The king of cheeky edits of timeless disco and funk is back with a wicked trip through obscure French grooves, flipped, filtered, and fired up for contemporary dancefloors. These three edits from Monsieur Van Pratt on Illegal Disco 008 don't just nod to the past, they grab it by the collar and drag it under the mirrorball. The opener 'Danse Danse' struts in a sunny groove built for open-air euphoria, 'Pas Chez Toi' slides deeper, a go-go-soaked funk jam with razor-sharp percussion then 'Ombre De Plaisir' detonates with horns blaring, rhythm pumping and pure disco adrenaline. Another gem from Mr Pratt.

Manchester's Andrew Hargreaves, known for Tape Loop Orchestra and as a founding member of The Boats, returns under his Beppu alias with a refined full-length for dub techno favourites Lempuyang. Fresh from a celebrated double-LP reissue on Organic Analogue, Hargreaves delivers deep, dust-textured techno that is meticulously sculpted and atmospheric. These grooves move with a slow, hypnotic gravity as rhythms become submerged yet remain gripping. The palette is warm, grainy and future-facing so perfect for the real heads. File this somewhere between Detroit Escalator Company and Bluetrain, an immersive, meditative drift that's sure to become a classic.