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Liner Notes by Martyn Pepperell

A collection of ten hypnotic guitar renditions that dive deeply into the traditional compositional musicality that underpins Harakami’s hallucinatory beatscapes before reconsidering them under a fresh, innovative and engaging new light. River: The Timbre of Guitar #2 Rei Harakami signals a new level of awareness and understanding of both Rei Harakami’s significance and Ayane Shino’s undeniable talent.

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In 1996 Tokyo-based label Sublime Records received a cassette demo from Rei Harakami, a 26-year-old Japanese experimental filmmaker, and musician. Within one year Harakami’s debut LP ‘Unrest’ was released. As the 21st century dawned, Harakami was becoming a critically acclaimed figure, and there was a feeling in Japan that Harakami would be an inevitable successor to such luminaries as Haruomi Hosono and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Sadly Harakami passed away at age 40 in 2011, leaving behind a musical legacy that seemed to deserve more recognition. A fitting tribute now comes from the incredibly gifted classical guitarist Ayane Shino. Continuing her album series ‘The Timbre of Guitar’ (the inaugural release of which was ‘Sakura’ - a cover album of Susumu Yokota's seminal album, released through the Swiss label, Mental Groove Records in 2021), she now presents ‘River ???? : The Timbre of Guitar #2 Rei Harakami’. Ayane has reworked some of Harakami’s standout tracks into an album of tranquil yet complex compositions helping to build a new level of awareness and understanding of Rei Harakami’s significance. A collection of ten hypnotic guitar renditions that dive deeply into the traditional compositional musicality that underpins Harakami’s hallucinatory beatscapes before reconsidering them under a fresh, innovative and engaging new light.

In the years that followed Harakami’s untimely passing, Sublime Records continued to sign and support new artists emerging from Japan’s rich and fertile electronic music scene. This eventually led to a meeting with gifted classical guitarist Ayane Shino in 2020. Although a new name within electronica, Shino’s classical resume is impeccable. She has performed with a range of prestigious orchestras in concert halls and at music festivals across Japan, Europe, and South America while playing classical guitar for numerous animations, movies and television commercials and holding various educational roles. These days, she also hosts the Tokyo Harmonics radio show, which is syndicated through Hyogo prefecture’s Ashiya Radio and TJS Radio in Los Angeles.

During her time completing a masters at Tokyo’s University of the Arts, Shino became fascinated by Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, Oneohtrix Point Never, Steve Reich, and, closer to home, Harakami and Susumu Yokota. ”I found myself in an environment where I was surrounded by fellow students who produced computer music, live electronics, and installations,” she explains. Following her meeting with Sublime, Hideoki Amano, the producer and owner of Musicmine, the parent company of the label, asked Shino if she would be open to transcribing and recording an album of covers of the late, great composer, producer and DJ Susumu Yokota’s music in incorporate into then-upcoming events commemorating the 5th anniversary of his death and reissues of his past works. “Yokota made music with the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer and samplers, not in a way like a conventional instrumentalist, so I was aware it might be more of a challenge for her,” Amano explains. Fittingly, Shino was up for his suggestion, leading to ‘Sakura: The Timbre Of Guitars #1 Susumu Yokota’. Song by song, Sakura highlighted Shino’s free-flowing playing and prowess at translating electronic music into classical guitar shapes.
After considering Harakami’s background as an instrumentalist, Amano felt revisiting his catalogue should be the next step for Shino. Well-versed in how often classical versions of electronic music tend to fall flat, he asked her to examine Harakami’s songs closely, select the musical phrases suitable for guitar and create arrangements that would sound interesting to music listeners with a deep engagement with ambient, techno and electronica. In Harakami’s discography, Shino discovered “a sense of simplicity, warmth, moisture and a floating sensation.” “I was gripped by his songs, which had an array of sounds that gave me a sense of mystery but also coexisted with a sense of familiarity,” she explained. Moving beyond his official releases, Shino began digging through YouTube to find live recordings, radio appearances and obscure outtakes. Within her mind’s eye, imagining playing his songs on guitar was effortless. On her approach to the album, Ayane explains: “For this album, I succeeded in spinning some exquisite, silk thread like delicate tones, interwoven with human warmth, gentleness and simplicity. And I was also able to rework Rei Harakami's distinctive sound with a floating feel to it and transform it into a very classical guitar sound. I hope many people will be able to receive this group of sounds that I created in this album that I played with all my heart.” A record of limitless innate beauty, ‘River ???? : The Timbre of Guitar #2 Rei Harakami’ is a delicate and thoughtful body of work. A true masterclass in deconstruction and subsequent rebuilding, and an eternal lesson in how the art that we leave behind can outlive us all.

"First Move" is the debut album from Luna Soul, founded by the German-Spanish duo Lisa Michèle Lietz and Jordi Arnau Rubio.

Lisa Michèle Lietz comes from Schwerin, learned the guitar from Ernst Ulrich Deuker, the bassist of German NDW heroes Ideal, and is a studied musicologist. Jordi Arnau Rubio was born in Barcelona. He left Spain as a teenager to work as a professional dancer throughout Europe. As a composer, Rubio draws inspiration from blues, jazz, soul and funk. They both started Luna Soul in 2019 and have since toured extensively through Germany, Spain and France. The ten songs from "First Move" carry the energy of countless live performances and were composed with sensitivity by Lietz and Rubio. Joel Sarakula, Daniel Fell and Paul Milne co-worked as songwriters on some of the songs. Sarakula also took over the production and gave the album its finishing touches.

The opener "Grow" is a heartfelt ode to resilience and self-discovery, before "No Way Home" paves the way to the dance floor with subtly interwoven funk and celebrates freedom and carefree joie de vivre. The first single "1979" gives the album a Mediterranean touch. The Spanish guitar provides an authentic and refreshing sound. With "Lights Out" and "City Lights," "First Move" delves deeper into the 1970s with a mood of nostalgia, optimism and urban promise: "The nighttime city skyline is a great metaphor for navigating through emotions when composing," Lietz and Rubio explain. "In our loneliness, we don't walk alone" it says in "City Lights": "We firmly believe that in moments of pain and coping with loss there are silent, invisible connections that carry us along, especially in challenging life situations, and provide a grounding. They provide support and hope in our increasingly digitalized world."

"Take yourself higher, you know you gotta do it" – that's the powerful message in "Hold On", the appropriate opener on the second side of the vinyl LP. With "Winterdance" and "Obvious" the album effortlessly glides through the sound aesthetics of the late Seventies and early Eighties.

"Just For Us Tonight" and "One More Night" finally sum up Lietz and Rubio's central credo: "It's about surrendering to the fascination of the moment," explain Luna Soul, "finding comfort in the midst of chaos and to celebrate those fleeting sparks of interpersonal connection that drive us and make us alive."

"Disco Tape 4" is the fourth volume in a series of vinyl records released by Sound Exhibitions Records. This compilation offers an eclectic selection of tracks ranging from classic disco to nu-disco, and from house to deep house. The tracks, produced by emerging and established artists such as Tj Edit, Phil Disco, Alexny, The Mechanical Man, Just Guess, Tecam, and John De La Noise, promise to make both disco music nostalgics and lovers of new electronic trends dance. A must-have vinyl for genre enthusiasts and those who love to explore refined sounds and engaging grooves.

Repress

Luca Olivotto returns to his own Small Great Things with a new four-track EP entitled ‘Let’s Get Deep’.

Luca Olivotto and his Small Great Things imprint has been keeping the house flame burning bright in recent years out of Berlin, regularly dropping soul-infused raw cuts perfectly sculpted for ultimate dance floor delight. Here to mark the label’s tenth release, Olivotto is at the helm once again with ‘Let’s Get Deep’.

Title cut ‘Let’s Get Deep’ leads with saturated drums, an amalgamation of intertwined keys, synth stabs, cinematic strings and vocal chants, underpinned by a weighty, bouncing bass groove. ‘I’m Not With You’ follows and shifts focus towards choppy piano chords, dynamic drums and tension building strings throughout.

On the flip side ‘Don’t Need To Know’, embraces a more dubbed out House feel with fluttering delayed chords, heavily reverberated vocal lines and swinging reduced drums. ‘Givin All My Love’ then rounds out the release with a more disco house tinged aesthetic fusing a snaking bass groove with plucked melodies, funk-infused keys and organic drums.

Repress

Luca Olivotto returns to his own Small Great Things with a new four-track EP entitled ‘Let’s Get Deep’.

Luca Olivotto and his Small Great Things imprint has been keeping the house flame burning bright in recent years out of Berlin, regularly dropping soul-infused raw cuts perfectly sculpted for ultimate dance floor delight. Here to mark the label’s tenth release, Olivotto is at the helm once again with ‘Let’s Get Deep’.

Title cut ‘Let’s Get Deep’ leads with saturated drums, an amalgamation of intertwined keys, synth stabs, cinematic strings and vocal chants, underpinned by a weighty, bouncing bass groove. ‘I’m Not With You’ follows and shifts focus towards choppy piano chords, dynamic drums and tension building strings throughout.

On the flip side ‘Don’t Need To Know’, embraces a more dubbed out House feel with fluttering delayed chords, heavily reverberated vocal lines and swinging reduced drums. ‘Givin All My Love’ then rounds out the release with a more disco house tinged aesthetic fusing a snaking bass groove with plucked melodies, funk-infused keys and organic drums.

GP The Synthroller takes you on a journey through trip-hop and downtempo, weaving together deep synth layers and rolling percussion for a unique experience.

DJ Support: Danny Krivit, Mark Knight, The Shapeshifters, Michael Gray, John Morales, Young Pulse, Hector Romero, Birdee, Hot Mood, Mark Lower

Da Lukas's Doin’ Me Wrong EP is a Two-track full of disco goodness that opens with the title track, a driving, percussive workout with a powerful vocal performance. ‘Good Man’ continues the party music with a dynamic horn section and disco breakdown. Da Lukas' tracks are nicely crafted, with a deep understanding of the disco and Funk genres. This 45 is a must-have for fans of disco and nu disco alike.

Kommuna is celebrating its 10th year of activity with a special dancefloor-focused record. The name Dysto Disco reflects the essence of the music presented in this EP and the glimmer of hope that music provides during these dystopian times.

Fabricio’s Collateral Effect is a feel-good dancefloor groover with driving basslines and addictive vocals, guaranteed to get the crowd moving. Charleze offers the elegant Rage Power, a track that explores the deeper shades of house—perfect for setting the tone of a set.

The B-side carries a unique French touch, with talented producers Wooka and Mooglee bringing the goods. Wooka’s Tirty Dalk is packed with raw energy and unexpected twists, while Mooglee closes the EP with Things I Love, an ode to positivity and joy. As the vocals suggest, "We’re just representing peace and love, getting together, and let’s all have fun!"

Limited vinyl label. Based in Barcelona, curated by CMYK & pekkuliar.

Next up in the Mr Bongo Cuban Classics series is an outing by the mighty Juan Pablo Torres from 1978. Released on Cuba’s state-owned Areito imprint, Algo Nuevo showcases trombonist, bandleader, arranger and producer Juan Pablo Torres' unique scope of sound. A melting pot of an album that weaves together jazz-funk and traditional Afro-Cuban genres with tripped-out synth touches and dancefloor grooves.

The opener 'Pan Caliente' is a fiery celebration, combining a driving groove with Latin percussion, feverish horns and infectious “la-la-la” vocals. The wild, squelching cosmic synthlines give an otherworldly touch to proceedings that sit nicely on a modern dancefloor. 'Guajira 2001' is perhaps Juan's future-focussed take on the vibrant style of Cuban dance-led music called guajira. Blistering bongos, congas and claves moving together with trumpets, trombones and twanging acoustic guitars that you can’t help but bounce to.

Other highlights include, 'Cacao', a Cuban cosmic funk strutter that places the claves upfront, with a scatting vocal line and percussive climax reminiscent of George Kranz electronic disco anthem 'Din Daa Daa' from 1983. Elsewhere, 'Elvira' further showcases the psychedelic essence of many of the album’s tracks. A deep Latin workout where tasty percussive breaks and scorching keys blend with trippy vocals and rumbling synths.

A varied album encompassing a variety of Afro-Cuban genres and rhythms entwined with flashes of mind-bending cosmic influence. Algo Nuevo is a further jewel in Cuba’s musical crown of riches, with plenty of dancefloor treats and downtempo numbers held within

Born from psilocybin mushroom-focused retreats, ANOTR’s second album is
a bold exploration of krautrock, disco, alt-soul, and the deeply personal themes of self-discovery and connection. Featuring shimmering disco, hypnotic alt-soul, raw post-punk/krautrock, and uplifting indie dance, the album marks the duo’s most experimental and introspective work to date ahead of their world tour.

The album also features collaborations with GRAMMY-nominated Cuban artist Cimafunk, PAME, Kurtis Wells, Leven Kali, and Erik Bandt. Previously shared singles ‘24 (Turn It Up)’, ‘How You Feel’, and ‘SET IT ON FIRE’ hint at the expansive sonic palette, while the disco-infused ‘Currency’ and alt-soul single ‘Care For You’ further highlight their evolution from their early tech house-orientated sound.

• Album charts No.6 in US Debut Album Chart & No. 3 in UK

• World tour kicking off on 7th Feb in Paris

• Danny Howard's Radio 1 Hottest Record launch last week, with multiple plays since & Triple J mix up happening this week!

After a long break since their first vinyl release, theBasement Discos returns to wax with “Dog With A Bone”, a diverse V/A compilation that channels vintage ‘90s house energy through a bold, 21st-century lens. Expect classic grooves, modern twists, and plenty of dancefloor heat as theBasement Discos reaffirms its vinyl legacy.

Brazilian producer Diogo Strausz makes his return to RNT with an incredible pair of new tracks, each remixed to perfection respectively by Kai Alce and Lex Wolf. Canto Das Trés Raças is a classic of legendary proportions, and Diogo’s new cover version both honors the original and brings a fresh new take, entirely re-recorded and primed for the dance floor. Ever-reliable Atlanta deep house don Kai Alce turns in an incredible soulful remix that feels like an instant classic. On the flip, Diogo’s original tune Caramba strikes a lighter tone, with arpeggiated synths and a cheeky vocal, giving Kraftwerk meets Marcos Valle at the disco. RNT/Make-A-Dance stalwart Lex Wolf bumps the tempo up a few clicks, looping and filtering synths and an extemporaneous vocal sample into a hypnotic, driving club track.

Googling “paradise house”, the first results to pop up are an endless list of European b&b’s with whitewashed lime façades, all of them promising “…an unmatched travel experience a few steps from the sea”. Next, a little further down, are the institutional websites of a few select semi-luxury retirement homes (no photos shown, but lots of stock images of smiling nurses with reassuring looks). To find the “paradise house” we’re after, we have to scroll even further down. Much further down.

It feels like yesterday, and at the same time it seems like a million years ago. The Eighties had just ended, and it was still unclear what to expect from the Nineties. Mobile phones that were not the size of a briefcase and did not cost as much as a car? A frightening economic crisis? The guitar-rock revival?! Certainly, the best place to observe that moment of transition was the dancefloor. Truly epochal transformations were happening there. From America, within a short distance one from the other, two revolutionary new musical styles had arrived: the first one sounded a bit like an “on a budget” version of the best Seventies disco-music – Philly sound made with a set of piano-bar keyboards! – the other was even more sparse, futuristic and extraterrestrial. It was a music with a quite distinct “physical” component, which at the same time, to be fully grasped, seemed to call for the knotty theories of certain French post-modern philosophers: Gilles Deleuze, Félix Guattari, Paul Virilio... Both those genres – we would learn shortly after – were born in the black communities of Chicago and Detroit, although listening to those vinyl 12” (often wrapped in generic white covers, and with little indication in the label) you could not easily guess whether behind them there was a black boy from somewhere in the Usa, or a girl from Berlin, or a pale kid from a Cornish coastal town.

Quickly, similar sounds began to show up from all corners of Europe. A thousand variations of the same intuition: leaner, less lean, happier, slightly less intoxicated, more broken, slower, faster, much faster... Boom! From the dancefloors – the London ones at least, whose chronicles we eagerly read every month in the pages of The Face and i-D – came tales of a new generation of clubbers who had completely stopped “dressing up” to go dancing; of hot tempered hooligans bursting into tears and hugging everyone under the strobe lights as the notes of Strings of Life rose up through the fumes of dry ice (certain “smiling” pills were also involved, sure). At this point, however, we must move on to Switzerland.

In Switzerland, in the quiet and diligent town of Lugano, between the 1980s and 1990s there was a club called “Morandi”. Its hot night was on Wednesdays, when the audience also came from Milan, Como, Varese and Zurich. Legend goes that, one night, none less than Prince and Sheila E were spotted hiding among the sofas, on a day-off of the Italian dates of the Nude Tour… The Wednesday resident and superstar was an Italian dj with an exotic name: Don Carlos. The soundtrack he devised was a mixture of Chicago, Detroit, the most progressive R&B and certain forgotten classics of old disco music: practically, what the Paradise Garage in New York might have sounded like had it not closed in 1987. In between, Don Carlos also managed to squeeze in some tracks he had worked on in his studio on Lago Maggiore. One in particular: a track that was rather slow compared to the BPM in fashion at the time, but which was a perfect bridge between house and R&B. The title was Alone: Don Carlos would explain years later that it had to be intended both in the English meaning of “by itself” and like the Italian word meaning “halo”. That wasn’t the only double entendre about the song, anyway. Its own very deep nature was, indeed, double. On the one hand, Alone was built around an angelic keyboard pattern and a romantic piano riff that took you straight to heaven; on the other, it showcased enough electronic squelches (plus a sax part that sounded like it had been dissolved by acid rain) to pigeonhole the tune into the “junk modernity” section, aka the hallmark of all the most innovative sounds of the time: music that sounded like it was hand-crafted from the scraps of glittering overground pop.

No one knows who was the first to call it “paradise house”, nor when it happened. Alternative definitions on the same topic one happened to hear included “ambient house”, “dream house”, “Mediterranean progressive”… but of course none were as good (and alluring) as “paradise house”. What is certain is that such inclination for sounds that were in equal measure angelic and neurotic, romantic and unaffective, quickly became the trademark of the second generation of Italian house. Music that seemed shyly equidistant from all the rhythmic and electronic revolutions that had happened up to that moment (“Music perfectly adept at going nowhere slowly” as noted by English journalist Craig McLean in a legendary field report for Blah Blah Blah magazine). Music that to a inattentive ear might have sounded as anonymous as a snapshot of a random group of passers-by at 10AM in the centre of any major city, but perfectly described the (slow) awakening in the real world after the universal love binge of the so-called Second Summer of Love.

For a brief but unforgettable season, in Italy “paradise house” was the official soundtrack of interminable weekends spent inside the car, darting from one club to another, cutting the peninsula from North to centre, from East to West coast in pursuit of the latest after-hours disco, trading kilometres per hour with beats per minute: practically, a new New Year’s Eve every Friday and Saturday night. This too was no small transformation, as well as a shock for an adult Italy that was encountering for the first time – thanks to its sons and daughters – the wild side of industrial modernity. The clubbers of the so-called “fuoriorario” scene were the balls gone mad in the pinball machine most feared by newspapers, magazines and TV pundits. What they did each and every weekend, apart from going crazy to the sound of the current white labels, was linking distant geographical points and non-places (thank you Marc Augé!) – old dance halls, farmhouses and business centres – transformed for one night into house music heaven. As Marco D’Eramo wrote in his 1995 essay on Chicago, Il maiale e il grattacielo: “Four-wheeled capitalism distorts our age-old image of the city, it allows the suburbs to be connected to each other, whereas before they were connected only by the centre (…) It makes possible a metropolitan area without a metropolis, without a city centre, without downtown. The periphery is no longer a periphery of any centre, but is self-centred”.

“Paradise house” perfectly understood all of this and turned it into a sort of cyber-blues that didn’t even need words, and unexpectedly brought back a drop of melancholic (post?)-humanity within a world that by then – as we would wholly realise in the decades to come – was fully inhuman and heartless. A world where we were all alone, and surrounded by a sinister yellowish halo, like a neon at the end of its life cycle. But, for one night at least, happy."

Whether or not you’re a believer, the Gospel stands for the good news. ‘The Gospel Of Jesamy’ by Arp Frique & The Perpetual Singers is a personal good news journey ignited by the birth of a girl named Jesamy, Arp Frique’s daughter. The Amsterdam-based multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer returns with a new record full of gospel funk inspired by his offspring. The lesson is simple and universal: we are all in need of love, unconditional love.

This new album is a deep journey in 7 tracks, where Arp Frique channels his love for organic, funk-based music full of obscure synths, bubbly basslines and swirling guitars to bring a new-old hybrid which could be described as P-funk meets gospel-disco.

Legendary vocalists abound in this Gospel: Dennis Bovell channels his inner funkadelic on ‘Look Up Johnny’; diva Muriel Blijd takes a solo feature on ‘Father Father’; and longtime Arp-collaborator Mariseya joins the vocal squad throughout.

The true gospel sound wouldn’t be complete without the help of Brandon Delagraentiss, ‘son of a preacher man’ from Houston, Texas, whose American-style Amsterdam choir The Gospel Experience supply some big vocals and who himself shares lead vocal parts on most tracks together with the legendary LA-born singer Rocq-E Harrell. In her decades-spanning career Rocq-E has sung with many of the greats, doing studio vocals for artists such as Stevie Wonder, Patti Labelle and Earth Wind & Fire. Rocq-E also toured with Diana Ross and Barry White, to name a few.

Over the course of a decade, Wata Igarashi has risen as one of techno's most accomplished DJs and producers. His highly aesthetic trademark sound is as heavily psychedelic as it's driven by its stern kinetic energy. It's often overlooked that Igarashi is much more than a torch bearer of the raw hypnotic techno he became known for. He's also a very accomplished and versatile musician with a deep understanding of the cause and effect of sound design. His skills are fully on display on 2023's full length "Agartha", a film score to a fictitious movie about the mythical underworld of planet Mars. It was a rather obvious idea to cross the bridge between this epic deep listening album and Wata Igarashi's techno persona by having him remix himself. As you might expect, the "Agartha Sorcery Acid Mix" has turned out to be a masterclass in psychedelic designer techno. It's slightly slower in BPM as the usual Igarashi fare but every bit as captivating. The "Floating Against Time Shimmering Mix" shows another intriguing facet of Wata's spectrum. Let's call it: Psychedelic Deep House. KOMPAKT's very own Michael Mayer couldn't resist to turn the Godzilla soundtrack-ish "Ceremony Of The Dead" into a positively hysterical minimal disco operette. And then there's the "Fusion Mix of Abyss x Darkness" by Philipp Stoffel, a fresh Cologne DJ producer whose AKTE club nights just spawned a label by the same name. He's definitely one to keep an eye on in 2025.
Im Laufe eines Jahrzehnts hat sich Wata Igarashi zu einem der versiertesten DJs und Produzenten im Bereich Techno entwickelt. Sein hochästhetischer, unverwechselbarer Sound ist ebenso stark psychedelisch entrückt wie von einer strengen kinetischen Energie angetrieben. Oft wird übersehen, dass Igarashi viel mehr ist als nur ein Fackelträger des rohen, hypnotischen Techno, für den er bekannt wurde. Er ist auch ein sehr versierter und vielseitiger Musiker mit einem tiefen Verständnis für Ursache und Wirkung von Sounddesign. Seine Fähigkeiten kommen auf dem Longplayer „Agartha“ von 2023 voll zum Ausdruck, einer Filmmusik zu einem fiktiven Film über die mythische Unterwelt des Planeten Mars. Es lag nahe, die Brücke zwischen diesem epischen Deep-Listening-Album und Wata Igarashis Techno-Persönlichkeit zu schlagen, indem man ihn sich selbst remixen ließ. Wie zu erwarten war, ist der „Agartha Sorcery Acid Mix“ eine Masterclass des psychedelischen Designer-Techno. Mit einer etwas geringeren BPM-Zahl als bei Igarashis üblicher Musik, aber genauso fesselnd. Der „Floating Against Time Shimmering Mix“ zeigt eine weitere faszinierende Facette von Watas Spektrum. Nennen wir es: Psychedelic Deep House. KOMPAKTs Michael Mayer konnte nicht widerstehen, den Godzilla-Soundtrack-ähnlichen Song „Ceremony Of The Dead“ in eine geradezu hysterische Minimal-Disco-Operette zu verwandeln. Und dann gibt es noch den „Fusion Mix of Abyss x Darkness“ von Philipp Stoffel, einem jungen Kölner DJ-Produzenten, aus dessen AKTE-Clubnächten gerade ein Label mit dem gleichen Namen hervorgegangen ist. Er ist definitiv einer, den man 2025 im Auge behalten sollte.

Mita Gami & EREZ join forces for collaboration ‘Where’s My Voice?’ Uniting the rich sounds of Tel Aviv and NYC via Los Angeles, Mita Gami and EREZ combine again for their latest collaboration, ‘Where’s My Voice?’. Marking their first collaborative appearance on Damian Lazarus’ esteemed Crosstown Rebels, the single follows their previous work together on Borders Of Light while welcoming EREZ to the label for the first time.

A mainstay within Tel Aviv’s thriving scene, Mita Gami returns to Crosstown Rebels following his acclaimed remix of Parallelle & Nicolas Masseyeff’s ‘Renegade’ alongside Adam Ten. With prior releases on labels such as Diynamic, REALM and his own Maccabi House imprint, he continues to showcase his artistry while pushing boundaries. Meanwhile, EREZ, an artist known for seamlessly blending her mesmerising vocals and intricate production, makes her label debut after recent standout material on Get Physical Music and Discotexas.

‘Where’s My Voice?’ is a driving composition that pairs EREZ’s intoxicating vocals with hypnotic rhythms. A journey through tension and release, the track builds a captivating and trippy atmosphere that showcases the duo’s ability to craft evocative trips for the late hours. On the flip, Brussels-based DJ/producer and Sanctuary Music founder Samer Soltan adds his own take and steers the original into deeper territory, guided by commanding stabs, brooding melodies and intricate textures.

Mita Gami’s artistic vision extends far beyond the studio, curating ‘Sunrise Kingdom’ at Midburn Festival and performing on global stages such as The Brooklyn Mirage, Lightning in a Bottle Festival, and Hï Ibiza. Similarly, EREZ’s dynamic live performances—effortlessly transitioning between instruments—have earned her spots at Coachella, Outside Lands, and The Brooklyn Mirage. With ‘Where’s My Voice?’, the pair explore sound, emotion, and rhythm, adding to their places as innovating talents in the electronic music sphere.

There's iconic. Then there's *iconic*.

A MASSIVE speaker-smashing release, decades overdue. It's been bootlegged - shamefully so, many times over the years - but finally we present the first ever officially licensed reissue of this truly special Afro-disco-not-disco LP from 1979. A favourite of Harvey, Antal, Young Marco and, er, every great DJ to ever play deep records ever, basically. It's not hard to see - or, indeed, *feel* why.

Gem after gem of relentless, irresistibly funky gold, it's an incredibly revelatory album with endlessly complex drum patterns and basslines to dive into, throughout. Truly, this is uniquely FIRE music, unlike anything else you've ever heard, based on Gwo ka music from the gorgeous islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. A thrilling synthesis of primal, hypnotic drums - the most tribal of percussive elements high in the mix throughout - with the loping synth pyrotechnics of, amongst a whole host of other greats, Wally Badarou and bass power of disco funk don Sauveur Mallia (Arpadys, Spatial & Co.)

Originally released on the seminal French label Barclay, you'd be hard pressed to even find an original copy in nice condition anywhere, let alone for a reasonable price, so it's high time an officially licensed, remastered reissue came around. It's just the latest in a long line of Be With reissues where the music sounds like the - drop-dead dazzling - cover. This here is a true drum attack. BUY ON SIGHT!

Tumblack was a short-lived project, produced and arranged by electronic wizard Yves Hayat and it can certainly be regarded as one of the first examples of Zouk, mixing powerful disco-funk arrangements with Gwo ka, traditional music from Guadeloupe. Gwo ka is an Antillean Creole term for "big drum". You can say that again! It refers to both a family of hand drums and the music played with them, which is a major part of Guadeloupean folk music.Whilst the first side is credited to the exceptional Tumblack band, the flip is given over to "Tumblack & Friends". These weren't just any old friends. Oh no, they were the absolute cream of the French scene (think Arpadys, Voyage, Le Club, Giant, CCPP, Synthesis, Swing Family) such as Sauveur Mallia, Wally Badarou, Marc Chantereau on percussion, Slim Pezin on guitar and Jean-Paul Batailley and Pierre Alain-Dahan handling drum duties.

The urgent, frantic "Fracas" gets things moving straight away with a cavalcade of drums and percussive funk before giving way to the stratospheric "Invocation", one of the album's many, many highlights. It's effectively one long heavenly drum break, a really hard, raw, tribal drum workout without a whole lot else going on - and all the better for it! One to make you sweat, no question. Up next, "Jubilé" is announced with a bellowing accapella voice, chanting the titular name before the heaviest of kicks smashes out your system and lulls you into an absolute state of bliss for nearly 6 minutes. Whoooooosh! Rounding out the sensational A-Side, "Vaudou" is a scratchy, funky patterned drum workout which - yep, yet again - absolutely slays your neck muscles, making them snap and contract in extraordinary fashion. TURN IT UP!

Ushering in the B-Side, the brief, fidgety, African chant-funk of "Parlement" segues seamlessly, beautifully into "Waka", an overwhelmingly rich gem of percussive funk. You do not want this to end, once it hits its stride. For maximum heavenly drum pleasure, you'd need to go a long way than the moment "Waka" feels like it's fading out before it kick-drum-blend into the mighty "Caraïba (Intro)". It's just staggeringly good. It's a minute-long layered drum prelude to the gigantic track which follows. Indeed, "Caraïba" is arguably the best loved and most well-known cut off the LP. And with good reason...featuring that Mallia bass, warm Rhodes and clavs, synth magic, memorably alto sax lines and, of course, tribal chanting.

Another mighty super-ahead-of-its-time classic, the bouncing bass heavy synth funk of "Chunga Funk" deploys Mallia and Wally Badarou (on Mini Moog) exceptionally well. I mean, come on, that bassline is just ridiculous. Try not to move to this one. This extraordinary record closes out with the more traditional Gwo ka sounds of "Bateau La Passé", the tribal chorus making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Tumblack really is a gorgeous late-70s disco-not-disco essential. It's an absolute MONSTER that will completely blow you away; and, yes, it's as compelling and trance-inducing as the cover. The audio for Tumblack has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring it sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The cover of Tumblack is so iconic and we sought special permission from original artist Hélène Majera to recreate this at Be With HQ. It absolutely zings off the print and serves as the perfect finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue.

Mexican supergroup Secret Echoes unveil their second Crosstown release, Particles
Riding the momentum from their Crosstown Rebels debut back in September, the trio returns on 14th March 2025, backed by a driving remix from Greek DJ/producer Angelos.

Consisting of Estefani Brolo, Diego Cevallos, and Marco Balcazar, three standout talents from Mexico’s rich electronic landscape, Secret Echoes continue to carve their unique sonic identity on Crosstown Rebels with their new single, ‘Particles’. A hypnotic, deep-grooving record, ‘Particles’ channels a fusion of melody and atmosphere, weaving together Brolo’s ethereal vocals with wonky synth lines and rolling percussion. The track seamlessly transitions between immersive listening and peak-time play and showcases the trio’s masterful ability to craft compelling, forward-thinking productions.

On the B-side, Greek DJ and producer Angelos steps up on remix duties. A Grammy winner for his collaboration with Black Coffee, his discography includes standout releases on Saved Records, Higher Ground, and Connected, as well as Crosstown Rebels’ sister label, Rebellion. Bringing a wealth of experience and a refined touch, his rework adds depth and drive to the original, layering pulsating rhythms and warm, emotive melodies to create a tunnelling remix primed for dancefloors worldwide. Following the success of their debut single, ‘Bring My Beat Back’ ‘Particles’ offers another glimpse into their forthcoming LP, reaffirming the trio’s position as a unique force within Mexico’s electronic scene and beyond.

In 2045, researchers at MindTech discovered an anomaly in neural networks used for direct data transmission into the human brain. They called this phenomenon “Phantom Scripts” — mysterious glitches in the code that activate when a person falls asleep or closes their eyes. Deprived of visual stimuli, the brain becomes more receptive and starts responding to internal impulses from the neuro-interface, generating unexpected images and phrases, as if creating messages from the void.

Analysis revealed that these scripts are particularly active during deep sleep or meditation, when the mind is most vulnerable to external influence, as though an intelligent force is attempting to communicate through the subconscious. What lies behind these messages and why they appear remains unknown. Perhaps the answers are hidden in the darkness itself.

Iconic Swedish duo Sally Shapiro’s 4th studio album is finally here. Sad Cities enters our atmosphere & we couldn’t be more excited to share it tonight.



15 years ago, their breakout debut 12” “Disco Romance” was released on Diskokaine by our dear friend Wolfram. No one was even close to doing what they were doing back then & the world quickly took notice. Two years later, Johan reached out to Johnny to remix Glass Candy’s After Dark classic “The Chameleon” & the two stayed in touch.



Emerging like a phoenix from a 5 year hiatus, the duo worked in deep seclusion & recorded a gorgeous bouquet of pure electronic bliss. Mixed by Johan Agebjörn & Johnny Jewel, the album includes features from Highway Superstar, Electric Youth, Tommy ’86 & our very own Jorja Chalmers.

For our musical village named after an epic dutch town Sakskøbing we are welcoming fresh face Macé who loves house music just as much as we do and ready to prove it. Made and based in Germany the artist has been living and breathing house music for a while and now is ready to present the world his first solo EP. Digital Heaven consists of five tracks which showcases the artists influences in the genre and dives deep into discovering it. From more club-oriented A side to the more relaxed approach filled with deep pads on the B side this record has shown to a very wholesome and soul soothing approach. Being a while in the making it is great to finally seeing it a light of day with its mission to enter the DJ bags of likeminded individuals around the globe for the love of house.

This album represents a significant evolution in the musical journey of Nick Viola, transitioning from the powernoise and heavy industrial sounds of his previous project, Fractured Transmission, into a techno-framed landscape. Spanning seven tracks, including remixes, the album features recurring sounds sourced from machinery, field recordings, and personal travels. These elements create an uneasy atmosphere oscillating between slight discomfort and absolute dread, offering a dystopian sonic experience fitting for the times we unfortunately live in.

The opening track, ‘A Ghost in Your World,’ sets an intense tone with distorted atmospheres and ‘It’s Still Real’ follows with a relentless pulse and swirling mechanical sounds, seamlessly flowing into Kenny Campbell’s remix of ‘A Ghost In Your World’, providing a cathartic release for the A side.

‘Drop Out,’ guides listeners on a psychedelic journey into the B side of the record, while ‘Negative Nancy’ ramps up the energy with an aggressive industrial techno assault offering an antagonistic jab at the current trend within the genre. Substencia’s remix of “Drop Out” delves deeper into psychedelia, offering an immersive trance-like experience relieving the tension of “Negative Nancy”.

The digital-only bonus track, ‘Tensor,’ maintains the album’s heavy industrial techno feel of a well-oiled machine, ready to pummel any underground sound system.

About Artist:
Nick Viola is a versatile electronic music producer known for his distinctive blend of industrial and techno music, drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences spanning from the gritty sounds of powernoise to the pulsating energy of techno.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nick began his musical journey immersed in the industrial club scene, where he cut his teeth performing at the legendary Los Angeles industrial club Das Bunker. Here, he honed his craft and developed a deep appreciation for the raw, aggressive textures of industrial music. As the driving force behind the project Fractured Transmission, he made a name for himself with his uncompromising approach to power and rhythmic noise, earning recognition for his intense live performances and relentless sonic assaults.

However, Nick was always drawn to the rhythms and sounds of techno, and in a bold move, he embarked on a new chapter in his musical career, transitioning from the abrasive sounds and rhythms of powernoise to recontextualizing those sounds into a more techno landscape. With this album, “A Ghost In your World”, he showcases his evolution as an artist, seamlessly blending the industrial aesthetics of his past with the pulsating energy and frame of techno.

Spanning six tracks, “A Ghost In Your World” is a sonic journey through dark, dystopian landscapes and pulsating dance floors, where distorted atmospheres and mechanical rhythms collide to create a mesmerizing and immersive experience. From the haunting textures of “A Ghost in Your World” to the relentless energy of “Negative Nancy,” each track offers a unique glimpse into Nick’s sonic universe, inviting listeners to explore new depths with each listen.

Written + Produced by: Nick Viola

Mastered by: Tim Vitek

Artwork: Permian Designs

Design by: Elaine Stam

From an artist in their seventies, you probably wouldn’t expect to hear an album like this. But Brazilian drumming legend Ivan ‘Mamão’ Conti has been experimenting and innovating for the last half a century. As one third of cult Rio jazz-funk trio Azymuth, Mamão was at the root of the group’s ‘samba doido’ (crazy samba) philosophy, which warped the traditional samba compass with jazz influences and space age electronics. Even with his lesser known jovem guardua group The Youngsters, Mamão was experimenting with tapes and delays to create unique, ahead-of-its-time sounds, way back in the sixties. More recently Mamão recorded an album with hip-hop royalty Madlib under the shared moniker ‘Jackson Conti’.

With his first album in over twenty years, and the first to be released on vinyl since his 1984 classic The Human Factor, Mamão shares his zany carioca character across eleven tracks of rootsy electronic samba and tripped out jazz, beats and dance music. Featuring Alex Malheiros and Kiko Continentino on a number of tracks, the Azymuth lifeblood runs deep, but venturing into the modern discotheque (as Mamão would call it), Poison Fruit also experiments with sounds more commonly associated with house and techno, with the help of London based producer Daniel Maunick (aka Dokta Venom).

Take a bite of Mamão’s psychoactive Papaya and join the maestro on a weird and wonderful stroll through the Brazilian jungle.

United by a love for the music of Mamão and Azymuth, the CD and digital edition also feature the previously released remixes and dubs from some of today’s most forward-thinking producers with a penchant for percussion, including IG Culture, the 22a crew, Max Graef and Glenn Astro.

Heavyweight Black Vinyl / Original glued prints on Thick Cardboard 700 gram / 2 Separated parts hand-glued / Glossy lamination / PVC outer sleeve / Insert with 10 pages Booklet 30 x 30 cm printed on Gmund Colro Felt Red Purplea d 90 Gram Favini papers with detailed interview between Tony Higgins and Mustafa's family (his sisters and children are all musicians), as well as an insight into the recording of the album with Gregory Bufford, the drummer for the session, lyrics and exclusive pictures.


Colored Vinyl Details:
Heavyweight "A side - B side solid purple + transparent blue" vinyl / Original glued prints on Thick Cardboard 700 gram / 2 Separated parts hand-glued / Glossy lamination / PVC outer sleeve / Insert with 10 pages Booklet 30 x 30 cm printed on Gmund Colro Felt Red Purplea d 90 Gram Favini papers with detailed interview between Tony Higgins and Mustafa's family (his sisters and children are all musicians), as well as an insight into the recording of the album with Gregory Bufford, the drummer for the session, lyrics and exclusive pictures.

Peronnel:
Mustafa Abdul Rahman - Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, Producer
Ahmed Abdullah - Trumpet
Malachi Thompson - Drums
Gregory Bufford - Bass
Richard Radu Williams - Piano
Rafik Abdur Rahim
Tony Smith - Guitar
Larry Banks - Synthesizer
Khalil Abdullah - Congas
Babafumi Akunyon - Percussions
Odell Grier Backing Vocals – Fred Harley, Hilda "Asia" Richbow , Linda Hall

Notes:
In the course of our deep research, we sometimes discover a hidden thread that unites musicians, songwriters, artists, and poets linked by music. Mustafa's 'Polygamy' is no exception. Apart from the music - the main reason we decided to work on this first ever re-press, a jewel at the crossroads between jazz funk, spiritual jazz and proto rap - are the many other things that make Mustafa an intriguing and fascinating character. For starters, he was a childhood friend of the Ayler brothers with whom he played in different formations. He also played with other beloved figures such as Noah Howard and Charles Tyler, on a still unreleased album recorded for Amiri Baraka's Jihad label, and worked with The Legendary Master Brotherhood and Steve Reid. This and much more will be revealed in a detailed interview between Tony Higgins and Mustafa's family (his sisters and children are all musicians), as well as an insight into the recording of the album with Gregory Bufford, the drummer for the session.

In this electrifying 2024, Flexi is still spinning, louder and prouder, as it marks 40 years of igniting dancefloors and fueling underground happiness. From its humble beginnings as a haven for vinyl enthusiasts to a cultural stronghold amidst the turbulent waves of the music industry, Flexi has become a name synonymous with passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of quality sound. To honor this milestone, Flexi’s indie label, Flexi Cuts, is dropping a second, limited-edition compilation. Aptly named "Musica Solida," this collection is spread across three or possibly four lush 12-inch samplers, each showcasing a handpicked selection of tracks from Flexi's cherished circle of artists and producers. This release is more than just a celebration; it’s a declaration—a call to arms to keep the spirit of the scene alive and thriving in Italy and beyond, against all odds.

"Musica Solida #2" doesn't just hold tracks—it’s got stories, moments, and grooves that demand movement. Each cut is a slice of that raw, unpolished energy that Flexi has championed for four decades.

Featured Artists on Musica Solida #2

Minimono: The powerhouse duo of Fabio Della Torre (founder of Bosconi Records) and Ennio Colaci take us on a hypnotic journey with their floor-filling "Before Morning." It’s the kind of track that keeps the dancefloor alive until the break of dawn.

DJ Rou: Going minimal yet impactful, DJ Rou delivers "Elastic Body," a dancefloor-ready cut that blends a stripped-back groove with robotic vocals—a futuristic twist that keeps things unpredictable.

Relative: Flexi’s proud owner kicks things off with an electro track that was conceived, birthed, and brought to life in a single whirlwind afternoon—an anthem for those who live for the moment.

Delphi: One half of the renowned Tiger & Woods, Delphi isn’t afraid to dive deep with a heavy-hitting house track, loaded with acid stabs and thick, pulsating basslines. A track that’s both a nod to the past and a push towards the future.

The record will be released in about 200 vinyl copies no more.

Packaged in the classic discobag 2- holes, with a distinctive letterpress print in a beautiful red cover.

Repress!

Techno phenomenon Charlotte de Witte today announces her brand-new EP “Power Of Thought”, out October 19 on her own KNTXT label. The trio begins with the title track “Power Of Thought” - which immediately erupts into a hypnotic techno beat interspersed with spoken mantras of mindfulness. This is followed by “Pria”, a pulsating journey featuring hypnotic, mantra-like vocals. The EP ends with ambient track “Abada”, punctuated with the occasional drum and chanting vocals before it quickly strips away to silence.

“For ‘Power Of Thought’, I wanted to create an EP that touches deeper emotions and captivating the meditative trance you have when you let go on the dance floor,” says de Witte. “‘Pria’ has already brought me a lot of joy over the last few months when I have played it during my sets. It offers a moment of reflection and a chance to catch your breath during the rougher, more peak time tracks I play. ‘Abada’ is a track that I really enjoyed making. I discovered these magical chanting vocals and I just knew I wanted to use them in a track. Though this track is maybe less playable in one of my sets, I feel that Abada found its home on this EP and completes the ‘Power Of Thought’ circle.”

Best known for her “dark and stripped-back” brand of techno and crossover to other sounds of the underground, Charlotte de Witte pushes the boundaries of the electronic genre with music that has a distinct and unforgettable sound that is uniquely her own. De Witte’s innovative ability allows her to seamlessly blend genres and styles that
have won her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

“Power Of Thought” is the followup EP to de Witte’s “Overdrive” EP, campaign and tour, which recently wrapped with a Los Angeles takeover last month and included performances at Brooklyn Mirage, Primavera Sound, Rock Werchter, Super Bock Super Rock, Lowlands and Rock En Seine. The “Power Of Thought” release will include an exclusive apparel drop as well and will coincide with the opening day of KNTXT Turbo Club, de Witte’s epic 3-day pop-up event series taking over Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) from October 19 - 21, 2023.

With a different “KNTXT” each day, the turbo-charged pop-up will feature a massive lineup of performances, a dedicated KNTXT shop, immersive music experiences and other surprises at an undisclosed location in Amsterdam. Capacity will be very limited and tickets can be purchased now at https://kntxt.be/events/ade.

Following ADE, de Witte will embark upon the KNTXT Latin America Tour on October 26, which will take her to Mexico City, Buenos Aires and São Paulo.

The Very Polish Cut outs are back with a new release, this time a solo outing by POLOTRONIC - who also happens to be a member of the infamous warsaw duo - Holiday80.
The EP entitled "Marzenia" (translated "Dreams") contains 4 tracks. 2 original productions, one remix and one reowrk and as with all TVPCO releases - its a very diverse affair aimed at the dancefloors. The EP kicks of with a brilliant re-imagination of a polish early 90s hip hop classic "Spalam Si?" ("I'm going down in flames") which the producer transforms into a house anthem with infectious vocal hooks, breaky percussions and lush piano stabs. This one is for sure some peak time material that will make the crowd dancing and asking themselves at the same time - where the hell did that one come from? Moving on is the title track "Marzenia" that might be the water to cool down the fire started by "Spalam Si?". It's a dreamy breakbeat house affair with lush bells and 90s inspired synths and female vocal snippets. It will for sure make you nostalgic. On the flip you will find the mesmerizing electro inspired remix for the track "Pami?tnik Manekina" by Grupa Jot, which was part of the 2022 released "Echo Wielkiej P?yty" compilation with obscure polish electronic music. This one was already available for some time in digital format only but now finally makes the jump to vinyl - as a long-time fan favourite. The EP ends with the jacking acid infused track "Jack" that is a deep mid-tempo heavy hitter for the later hours of the night. Polotronic adds here a male polish vocal sample that repeats the phrase "dyskoteka" ("disco"). The brilliant cover is as always, the work of the labels long time collaborator Bartosz Szymkiewicz.

Welcome to the kickoff of DemoDc's 5-EP series, where he reflects on the complexities of our times. Coining "Meiosistosis" from mitosis and meiosis, DemoDc creates a unique vocabulary to express his deep perspective. Released through Heart Heart Records, the music follows a non-linear, cyclic journey, with each track standing independently, guiding listeners through an evolving experience.

"A1 - Awake" opens the series, celebrating those brave enough to face their flaws in a world of false promises. With introspective melodies and harmonies, the track encourages self-discovery and reflection, urging listeners to seek their own truths.

"A2 - Not From Around Here" embraces individuality, using its ethereal tones to highlight the strength found in being different and celebrating the alien within us all.

"B1 - Glimpsed (Original Mix)" offers a brief taste of the profound mysteries of the present, reminding us that truth is personal and elusive.

"B2 - Glimpsed (Metapattern Mix)" the remix by Berlin's Metapattern transforms the original track into a deep, pulsating techno piece perfect for DJs, adding a powerful twist to this captivating musical journey.

Beijing-based artist/producer Howie Lee interprets Tibetan Buddhist chants on his new album 'At The Drolma Wesel-Ling Monastery', the follow up to 2021's critically acclaimed 'Birdy Island'.

Recorded over two weeks at Drolma Wesel-Ling Monastery in the mountains of north-eastern Tibet, Beijing-based multi-disciplinary artist/producer, Howie Lee combines Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist singing with Kode9-channeling bass/footwork science, glitched-out hyper-rhythms and sampled Chinese-Tibetan instrumentation for his latest album on Mais Um.

Invited to contribute and interpret chant recordings from the sound archive of monastery founder and master, Tuga Rinpoche's self-built recording studio, Howie Lee connects parallels in electronic music, deep meditation and devotional chanting to present eight reconstructed, IDM-warpedVajrayanamantras, journaling the beginnings of his journey into buddhism, and to continue Lee's career-long threading of ancient, cross-generational practice, modern Chinese history and experimental club-futurism.

Here it is, the sixth chapter in the sonic journey of Mr. Mangiadischi.

Continuing the dance-floor assault, MD006 delivers four tracks, each with a unique story but all with the same aim: to make you move to the rhythm.

• A1 - Mamma
A Balearic groovy deep house nostalgic tribute to the most important person we have in our life. This track blends warm melodies with heartfelt emotions, making it the perfect homage.

• A2 - Genug Vans
Intergalactic soul/post-disco space-tech. A cosmic voyage through pulsating rhythms and celestial sounds, designed to take you on a dancefloor odyssey.

• B1 - Fenel
A very modern interpretation of this '76 Algerian artist's funk/pop/world/country mesmerizing masterpiece. This track merges elements of funk, pop, world, and country in a blend that transcends genres and eras.

• B2
A disco/funk/pop-rap in its most modern and groovy version. Infectious beats and catchy hooks make this track a surefire hit for any set.

After the success of their first single the super hit 'Hondebrok' (You can trust a man with a Moustache vol. 5), Amsterdam-based trio Tending Tropic return to Moustache Records with their debut EP featuring 3 original tracks and a remix from Machinegewehr that further explore the modern Italo Disco Rave genre. A1. Terpentine. A track that has been the secret weapon and the NEW DJ hit for label boss David Vunk, debuting with strong dancefloor response playing this out for a year non stop at many national and international festivals and venues.

Expect crazy chatchy bassline and hypnotic trippy energizing melody. The new hit where everybody was waiting for! A2. Terpentine (Machinegewehr remix). Rotterdam-based Machinegewehr delivers a remix that takes the title track deeper into Italo territory, adding a distinctive, nostalgic twist. B1. Our Adventure Begins. Modulating Yamaha synths and an adventurous Italo-inspired lead, a track that symbolises the beginning of the next chapter for Tending Tropic. Described by DJ Cormac as absolutely beautiful! B2. Mowing the Lawn.

Final track of the EP drives the listener to the darker side of Italo, complete with signature synth hooks and a deep, clean drop. C1. Kilimanjaro (digital bonus track). Named after the dormant volcano and highest mountain in Africa, this track wreaks havoc using a combination of acid basslines and Italo strings. Dont sleep it this gone is gone.

La Pointe debut on Damian Lazarus’ Secret Teachings with ‘Umbra’, featuring remixes from Nathan Fake and Jonny Rock. The experimental label opens its 2025 schedule on 24th January with the Geneva-based trio’s warping original backed by a pair of late-hours remixes from two of the best in the scene.

Emerging from a confluence of rave culture and artistic mastery, La Pointe make an impressive label debut on Damian Lazarus’ Secret Teachings imprint with the enigmatic ‘Umbra’. The release, set for 24th January, is accompanied by stellar remixes from revered producer Nathan Fake and the ever-versatile Jonny Rock, delivering a sonic journey that transcends the ordinary. La Pointe, a trio formed by Geneva-based techno pioneers Crowdpleaser and Entlet alongside New York City’s Jonny Sender, represents a fusion of cultural and musical legacies. Rooted in the dynamic after-hours scenes of Geneva and New York’s underground club culture, the trio creates music that is both innovative and steeped in tradition. Their studio, located in an old factory by the meeting point of the Rhone and Arve rivers, lends its name—and its industrial inspiration—to their project.

The original mix of ‘Umbra’ is a hypnotic exploration of light and shadow, blending atmospheric melodies with deep, pulsating rhythms—a testament to their ability to craft soundscapes that resonate emotionally and physically. Nathan Fake’s remix ventures into intricate, textural layers, marrying ethereal tones with electronic intensity. Jonny Rock injects a raw, off-kilter groove and late-hours energy into his reinterpretation, blending his eclectic influences from disco, funk, house, and beyond. The genesis of La Pointe is as captivating as its sound. Crowdpleaser and Entlet are celebrated architects of Geneva’s rave scene, running the legendary after-hours party The Shark for over a decade and hosting luminaries like Alexander Robotnik, Boo Williams, and Sonja Moonear. Jonny Sender, a stalwart of New York’s downtown music revolution in the 80s to 00s and bass player of post-punk band KONK, brought his unique perspective honed in venues like Mudd Club to the trio when he moved to France. This debut appearance on Secret Teachings is not just a collection of influences but a narrative woven from decades of underground culture and musical exploration - making it a perfect fit for Lazarus’ label as he continues to champion boundary-pushing artistry, curveball signings and inspired remix curation.

Mint Condition - A record label focused on excavating the outer fringes of classic House and Techno. Unreleased mixes, classics, overlooked gems and never heard before material, mined from the last 30+ years of contemporary dance music are the order of the day. From Chicago, Detroit and New York, London, Leeds, Berlin and beyond. Mint Condition have got their digging hats on to bring you exclusive heat and those rarer than rare jams that have been in your wants list for years. Dig in......

Following on from highly successful releases on seminal labels such as Surreal, Low Pressings and their own Geek imprint, Andy Davies & Dave Clements, aka Spincycle, unleashed 'Making Faces' on Bushwacka's legendary Oblong Imprint. Originally released in 2002, this release perfectly showcases the duo's unique take on the tech-house & garage sounds that fuelled the UK underground. Over the next 2 decades this classic would become an in demand rarity, as the eye watering discogs prices will attest, so a reissue has been long overdue.

'Making Faces' opens with infectious bongo led percussion, building with crisp hats and snares, the heavyweight bass is deep and warm, dreamy chords add to the atmosphere, before a soaring lead line that oozes with techy soul, builds and drops in all the right places. Next up, UKG inspired 'Twister' is more raw and uncompromising in its approach. Energetic swinging rhythms underpin a monstrous sub bass line to die for, as if that wasn't enough, the duo manage to add yet another rolling bass line showcasing production and programming skills of the highest order.

This is indeed a killer 12", packed with energy and heat that sounds as fresh and exciting as ever, and what's more your dancefloors will shudder!! 'Making Faces' has been legitimately re-released with the full involvement of Spincycle, lovingly remastered by London's Curve Pusher from the original DATs especially for Mint Condition. 100% legit, licensed and released. Dug, remastered, repackaged and brought to you by the caring folks at your favourite reissue label - Mint Condition!!

he initial seed for this project was planted in 2020 when Nicolás Jaar wrote the song “Piedras” for a concert at the Museum of Memory & Human Rights in Santiago, Chile, which commemorates the victims of human rights violations during the military dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990. Between 2022-2023 it took on a new form as a radio play entitled 'Archivos de Radio Piedras', which was shared on a dedicated Telegram channel. In 2024, the play was converted into a 24 channel installation at the University Museum of Mexico City (MUAC), where it was exhibited for 5 months.

Piedras 1 and 2 is a collection of the tracks featured within the play, all new music by Jaar, but partly presented within the play as the music of Salinas Hasbún (the name a composite homage to Jaar's grandmothers, Graciela Salinas and Miriam Hasbún).

The play follows two friends mourning the disappearance of Salinas Hasbún, a musician and writer who vanished in the early 2020s. Although they live in a future where technology is advanced, they
resort to DIY radio methods because the anonymous group “Las 0cho” has launched a worldwide attack on undersea internet cables, causing a global internet blackout.

The play's central theme revolves around the idea that truths, memories and identities speak from the cracks (“rasgaduras”), or the "in-between" spaces ("en el entre"). This concept is supported by the
way much of the narration unfolds - in the liminal spaces between radio frequencies. The instability and transitory nature of a constantly shifting radio dial becomes not just a metaphor but the structure of the play itself. It’s in these moments of noise, static and interference that the deeper revelations of the story emerge. This disjointed, ever-changing medium mirrors the way memory and trauma operate within the play - non-linear, slipping through the gaps, found in fragments or ordinary moments, rather than direct transmissions of “official” historical accounts.

This notion reaches its climax at the end of the narrative, when a text is discovered in which Salinas speaks of finding a new number in a small pond in a cave mentioned in the first episodes of the radio play. This pond, inside the “cochlea of the world”, is seen as a way to introduce real-life randomness to computation. Embodied in the salt lakes of northern Chile, home to the world’s oldest bacteria, this randomness disrupts the rigid order of binary code, paving the way for a transformation of digital life.

First solo release by Nicolás Jaar since 2020’s Telas and Cenizas.

Nomada Records welcomes proudly one of the greatests and finest south america producers; Based in SAO PAULO (BRAZIL); Pedro Zopelar has built a distinguished reputation as a producer in the electronic worldwide scene under his alterego “ZOPELAR” and parallel projects such as “MY GIRLFRIEND” “SPHYNX” and “L’HOMME STATUE”. He has released and edited music on big labels such as APRON, TARTALET RECORDS, SOUL CLAP RECORDS, MOTHER TONGHE, ROYAL OAK, SELVA DISCOS, AXE TRAXX, TECHNO HOUSE CONNOISSEURS and many others.


“HORIZONTE EP” is a five track release where We can enjoy is unique synth funk and deep disco boogie soulful house sound. The A-SIDE starts with “HORIZONTE” an uplifting house track with a flowing chord progression, lush pads and addictive bleep melodies. “LET IT LIVE” is a heavyweight deep House track which is ready to smash dancefloors with its meaningful saxophone solo. On the flip ZOPELAR opens with “PURE HEART” a melancholic and deep synth jazzy house track which is perfect for closing or starting a set at 6 AM. The B-Side Closes with “VENUS” and “SERENA FEAT. PR.A.DO” two surreal balearic summer house tracks where We can experience the musical richness and warmth from zopelar’s compositions

Next Edits Collection by, one of Chicagos finest exports, with 4 cuts from disco to house.

2025 of New Interplanetary Melodies begins with Extra Meta EP signed by ABYSSY, Part 2 of the album EXTRA META .

“Extra Meta was born from the passion for a certain electronic sound ecosystem of the 70s and 80s, a journey that embraces minimalism of the “Berlin school” and extends to the beating heart of the soul/funk of Detroit techno. A journey into the abyss of emotions and the unknown of the human spirit, as the deep darkness of the ocean intertwines with the unfathomable darkness of space. An invitation to explore new sound boundaries, to let yourself be lulled by waves that repeat without ever repeating themselves and to immerse yourself in the reflective mystery of discovery and of evolution, a dance in darkness and light, and where the abyss of emotion merges with the infinity of imagination: ABYSSY.”

It starts of with jacking proto ACID house song called Delayed Attraction. A song that would have made the kids crazy at the Music Box in the mid 80's. And are still as uplifting for all us house heds. The second song Tear Gas takes us back to Europe, with a slow Belgian beat that moves like a train and hits you straight in the chest, and on top of this a monotom synth pad on top of that it gives the song a some what a scary dream feeling. The third song Nasjiga is taking us further in to the complex dream but packaged in a Detroit electro vibe with sounds that makes me think of a hospital hart beat monitor but then mixed up with bit-crushd lo-fi dragon covers in a dubby inferno that keeps on building up without coming to a climax (in a good way). The forth song Verfolgung is a 8 minute stomping song that's starts of in a Burzum sounding flute but the quickly goes over to a freaky baseline that's sounds like its made out of a congas patch and a detuned bass on top of that. On top of that they put a march bands drum pattern that gives this song a freaky tivoli vibe and would be such a banger a the right time of a DJ set. /Jens W Limited numbered to 200x * Delayed Attraction - With a bumpy baseline that grooves, hard hits on the drum machine, this is are both funky and hypnotic. * Tear-Gas - A mid-tempo acid journey that blends funky drum patterns with psychedelic trance strings. Typical FRAK's acid-outed sound, with a hypnotic and thumping beat and bassline. * Nasjiga - The B-side kicks off with a deeply dubby and tribal vibe, with splashing hi-hats and echoed percussions. like the heartbeat of an underground train going of the rails. * Verfolgung - This track kicks hard with a marching beat that builds into a funky disco. It's playful yet progressive energy leaves you with a smile on your face and your feet moving on the dance floor. Honk Honk! // Dj Jespha Galore

Words from the label:

Re-issue label Sentinel Island Disco returns to the stage with their long-awaited soca compilation featuring highly sought after soca cuts, raw 90’s soca house and deep blends of reggae, calypso and disco.

Structured by a PARTY and a SOUL side, the compilation offers a snapshot of the 90s electronic soca scene in all its multifaceted glory. The party side serves up a selection of pulsating, feel-good party tracks that encapsulate the carefree spirit that is the very heartbeat of soca parties. While the soul side explores a more introspective soundscape, where soulful vocals and deep electronic beats merge to create a powerful emotional experience and where melodies linger long after the music stops.

Label owners Barney Graman and Coco Vink have spent the past 3 years on bringing these lost and obscured recordings back into the limelight, some of which now pressed on vinyl for the very first time. All tracks are carefully remastered and some have been edited or remixed for the modern dancefloor, while staying as close as possible to the original brilliance.

The result is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a celebration of soca’s rich heritage and its ability to unite both different cultures as well as divergent musical themes, from joyous celebration to soulful reflection. All in all, a must-have compilation for all the collectors and aficionados of the rich and uplifting music of the African diaspora, as well as DJ's, dancers and music lovers looking to spice up their collection with some incredible soca music!

Comes as a transparent colored vinyl, featuring a small booklet with artist and label pictures as well as full liner notes on the genre's history and introduction of the tracks.

Limited to 500 copies.

From a club-friendly chrysalid onto deploying his wings as a full fledged pop artist in recent years, Saint Petersburgs Kito Jempere has enjoyed a journey unlike any other and his newest album, Part Time Chaos Part Time Calmness live-documents the chameleonic changes / game-changing paradox experienced this year between his life both as a musician and as a family man.

Better known for his work as a house producer which has earned him accolades from prominent dance music outlets throughout well over a decade of intense work both into and outwith the limelights, Kito has for all that never been focussed on writing solely discoid material, throwing as much effort over the years into multi-faceted parallel ventures, far and apart from strictly dance floor-oriented functionality. Yet, from this partition between various projects and mindsets, this is through a radical shift towards downtempo pop and out of the 4x4 loop that Kito got to fully assert himself as a musician, embracing the rejoicing variety of tone and mood of his tender loves, secret and not. The movie Ive never made but have the soundtrack for, Part Time Chaos Part Time Calmness is the fruit of change as much as change itself. A return to the simple means of his young self, his old trusty guitar from his late teens serving as the backbone to Killer Line and Love Myself But I Cant Make It Love, and the natural development to last years Green Monster, which
initiated these deep tectonic movements in Kitos approach to his art, PTCPTC is an intimate trip down the kaleidoscope of his present life. Joined up by an impressive cast of artists, including Jimi Tenor, Adam Evald and Hard Ton, Kito didnt just bin his old persona, he took it back to where it belongs. From the low-slung emotional folk of the opener, Killer Line, to the eerie flamenco-jazz hybrid Before Music Dies. via the broken soulfulness of Put Love Into Your Heart and anthemic 80s balearic breaks meets coastal synthwave vibe of Sounds of Love, the album pulsates with a refreshingly genre-unbound vision. To the naive, laid-back sonic bokeh of Footsteps,
succeeds the left-of-centre cinematic narrative of In The Countryside, which includes some fun nods to fictional brands taken from Tarantinos imaginarium (Red Apple cigarettes) or other movies like High Fidelity, after Nick Hornbys eponymous novel.

Freed from gridlocked programming and impersonal tropes, PTCPTC showcases a wide array of songs, beats, grooves old and new, some dating back to 2018 and improvised sessions with his 9-people Kito Jempere Band, all of which were finished within the same timeframe and with this all-inclusive momentum in mind. Through the epic synths of Absent Ascent. in revamping the universal classic Over The Rainbow with Celebrine, on the appeasing ballad Shorespotting feat. Evald or in the waves-ready closing cut Lovers, Jempere tells a tale of hard-earned emancipation and life-affirming freedom.