quête:dj funk

With a multi-decade spanning back catalogue behind him, Bearface aka Raj Panasa shows no signs of slowing down. Over the years he has built a sturdy reputation around his distinct and innovative feel-good touch whether that be on his own Beartone Records, or the many other labels he has shared his classy sound with.

“Remakes and Raw Cuts Vol. 1” is the launch of a new vinyl series from the London-based producer, a safe place for him to showcase his eclectic sound, alongside edits and remakes of some of his favourites over the years, all finding a home on his Beartone label.

Starting off on the A side Bearface provides a funk fuelled latin explosion with his version of the classic “Tudo Que Você Podia Ser”, sassy disco attitude ready for the summer months, presenting some unforgivable dance floor mania. The A2 “Got To Be” is an original cut, meandering between playful guitar licks, and stripped back, hypnotic percussion, there is a curious atmosphere as the track continues to simmer.

On the flip side an edit from the revered beatmaker. First up he edits “Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’” by Jermaine Jackson, the infectious vocal injects a zesty life into a killer electro groove, a playful and animated trip ready to rock the floor! Closing out the EP is the retro sounding “Everything”, the robotic vocal flashes in and out, nodding towards Daft Punk, boasting beautiful strings and crispy hi-hats bringing that day time energy.

Bearface teasing those summer moments with a jam packed EP brimming with sunshine and positivity, dive in and feel the fun!

Moulton Music proudly presents House of Moulton Vol. 1, our first-ever vinyl series. This release digs deep into the Moulton catalog, highlighting some of our biggest tracks alongside exclusive and unreleased remixes that you won’t find anywhere else.

Side A kicks off with a fresh 2025 mixdown of “Work.Groove” by Mark Farina and Homero Espinosa, followed by a brand-new remix from Hotmood who brings the funk with an uptempo, driving version perfect for peak-hour sets. We’ve also included the acapella of “Work.Groove” for DJs and heads who like to get creative.

Side B goes even deeper, starting with an unreleased remix of “Burning Hot” by JT Donaldson and Seven Davis Jr. This version captures the essence of Moulton’s deep house sound with analog synths, tough beats, and signature funk. Rounding out the release is David Harness and Tedd Patterson’s Main Afro Mix of “Black Music” by Franky Boissy and Roland Clark, a powerful and soulful cut that closes the record in style.

Following up the big room belters on Pablo and Shoey 'Raw Human Emotion' EP was going to be quite the task for those lovable Dublin disco messers at Fatty Fatty Phonographics, so they handed the reins over to one of the true maestros of the artform - NYC legend Mr. K.

The A-side is a propulsive extension of 'Let The Sunshine In', featuring ecstatic, gospel-shouting breakdowns. Dropped at the right moment, this is one of those tunes that brings everyone together with that look on their face, the hairs on the back of the neck standing up, arms instinctively flying toward the sky, disco fingers aloft...Excuse us, we just have something in our eye here...

Flip it over for a serious one for the heads...A few years ago Mr. K put out '1,2,3' on a 7-inch on the aptly named Most Excellent label. It was an edit of a roaring clav-funk number from the acetate collection of the legendary 'DJ's DJ' Walter Gibbons.

The Fatty folk persuaded him to revisit it, and he did a magical job of extending it out across the full 12 inches of vinyl, just the way the good Lord intended. 2 sides of utter dancefloor devastation here, be quick!

Italian leftfield funk heat reissued on Best Record, with artwork by famous cartoonist Jacovitti! The link between music and art has always been constantly renewed! Even when the union between these profound expressions of the soul manifests itself in an eccentric, surreal way, as happened in 1978 with Kamasultra a downtempo, vaguely funky that only the courageous record producer, talented musician and conductor Aldo Pagani had the courage to release. Nando De Luca, a Milanese composer and acclaimed jazz musician, who 10 years earlier, had arranged Paolo Conte's Azzurro for Adriano Celentano, accepted the strange recording project as a joke, or rather for fun, strongly influenced, like co-author Roberto Rizzo, by Jacovitti' s cheeky and impertinent artwork. Danilo Braca' s restoration and editing work, well supported by talented musicians, reestablishes the balance between music and art. It is also worth his respect for the two original versions of Kamasultra and Kama Kama just extended for the DJ's work in the club. Then the New York-based Italian DJ - known to his friends as Danyb - performs two robust house-style arrangements, evoking memories and emotions, making this reissue unique and rich. Best Record 's main aim is to make us smile and reflect on the talent of Jacovitti, able to assert his own style without indulging in conformism.

The Toxic Funk series keeps the dancefloors moving, and for Volume 17 we welcome back the ever-funky duo Suckasidewith a pair of groove-heavy gems pressed on 7" vinyl. DJ B-Side and Sucka Timmy once again show their mastery of blending classic soul, funk, and RnB flavors with breakbeat punch.

The A-side, Hot Pants I Just Wanna Love You (112 BPM), is pure sunshine soul on wax – bright and upbeat with crisp breakbeats, silky vocal chops, and infectious horn stabs. Its warm groove and steady energy make it the perfect opener for a DJ set or a surefire way to lift any crowd.

On the flip, Dang Lazy (SuckaSide 45 Edit) kicks things up a notch with a faster, more driving funk workout. The bassline struts, the drums snap, and playful vocal snippets dance over the top, all tied together with Suckaside's tight, polished production. It's a party starter with a cheeky edge – perfect for when the floor is already buzzing and you want to take it higher.

Hit after hit! The 4th in a series of sample-delic electro 12”s inspired by the LA X-men, Arabian Prince, Marley Marl, DJ Di’jital. This one features Ivan “Funkboy” Bodley on electric bass guitar. electro salute!"

I've always admired DJ Rush for one simple reason: he brings the Funk to Techno like no one else. His tracks are instantly recognizable. The Major’s off-grid grooves are wild, unique and downright irresistible. You just have to move when they hit. That's why I'm beyond proud and excited to present my own take on DJ Rush’s classic "Get On Up”. It’s a track that captures everything I love about his sound. Even more special: For the first time in 20 years we're also releasing the original (remastered) version by means of a strictly limited 12” picture disc. Thomas Schumacher.

LORD PARAMOUR IS BACK!
After their first big break, the duo returns with "Doom", a second album as daring as it is captivating.
At the helm are DJ Marrrtin, graffiti artist, beatmaker, Stereophonk label captain, member of Funky Bijou, Aktshun, Tino & Marrrtin… & Ajax Tow, DJ-cosmonaut and all-round musician, known for his unpredictable and eclectic sets.
DOOM is a true sonic odyssey: edgy breakbeats, hallucinatory psychedelic vibes, oriental grooves in the style of post-Bollywood library music, a hint of 70s krautrock… and always that downtempo, post-punk, and space groove that is their signature style.
An album like a journey through a cosmic mixtape—retro, futuristic, romantic, and radically free. DOOM isn't just a record. It's a sonic adventure. An imaginary soundtrack. A stylish slap.
Edition of 300 ex - Hand mande Screen printed cover - Hand numbered.

Unleash the groove with this rare jam – a Street Funk remix of a legendary track from one of hip-hop’s most iconic voices and his powerhouse Flipmode Squad. Known for delivering countless hits and unforgettable anthems, this collective has once again blessed the decks with something truly special. Previously unreleased on 7” vinyl, this DJ-friendly edit is a treasure for any serious DJ and collector.

The pressing quality is simply mesmerizing, built with clubs and dancefloors in mind. From bouncing beats to fluid basslines, from uplifting keyboard chords to soulful vocals and razor-sharp rap verses – it’s got all the ingredients of a certified smash. Whether you're setting the tone or saving a set, this 7” is a go-to weapon for DJs worldwide. There’s not a problem this squad can’t fix and for sure this 7” will save a DJs life every night…

Following the success of the 12” “Trip To Your Mind (The Reworks)”—where Delfonic and LTJ Xperience both brought their own magic to Hudson People’s disco/jazz-funk anthem—we’re back with a fresh twist: DJ Friction steps in for an official 7” rework, breathing new life into this cult classic in his own unmistakable style.

For those who’ve been following the story, you know “Trip To Your Mind” is a true favorite among DJs and collectors since decades, from its creative inception by the writer Reginald Hudson with the GI funk band Body Heat, to the original recording taking place in the late 70s in London that eventually paved the way for disco lovers to produce this recent string of reworks.

Where the 12” reworks stretched out the groove with extended intros and club-friendly builds, Friction’s version keeps things tight and energetic. He adds his own drums, claps, synth touches, and some new vocal layers—combining the standout parts from both the original mix and the classic UK remix. The result is a punchy new take that’s perfect for DJs who want maximum impact in a short format, but still want all the funk and psychedelic flavor that’s made this song a dancefloor staple for decades.

And for collectors? The original 7” of “Trip To Your Mind” is notoriously hard to find—and pricey when it turns up. This new release finally makes it easy to spin a fresh, fully licensed version on 7” wax, expertly mastered for today’s systems.

Whether you were hooked by the Delfonic or LTJ Xperience edits, or you’re just discovering this tune for the first time, DJ Friction’s rework is a natural next step in the ongoing journey of “Trip To Your Mind.

This is the fourth volume in the collection dedicated to the Arlecchino nightclub in Santa Maria Codifiume, in the province of Ferrara. It's once again a double-vinyl set that gathers the best of Afro, Funky, Rare Groove, and Black Music, as played at the club by resident DJs Giancarlo Lelli, DJ Ghello, and DJ Frank.

Following a wildly successful first release, Risk/Reward returns with an outstanding EP from Bizarre Trax bossman and Felon5 member Jhobei, featuring a remix from UK electro royalty Carl Finlow no less!

Digitaria combines a groovy organ bass with psychedelic synths and progressive elements, to create a dancefloor-focused, trance-inducing bomb, guaranteed to get crowds of all sizes moving. Trippy, hypnotic but always playful, the perfect track to bring the energy up in the room.

A monster bassline, punchy drums and dreamy pads make Thinking Nodes a versatile tool, equally at home early in the night or deep into the after hours. Classic UKG swing meets deep house, plus a sprinkling of rave elements go into the recipe, making a tasty treat for DJs and collectors alike.

Beatagroove Funk see's Jhobei channel his inner Random Factor, to create an Electro House ripper, with quirky vocals, glitchy synths, a bassline straight out of a 80s new wave banger and enough drive in the drums to make this a peak time weapon.

Carl Finlow delivers an epic masterpiece on the remix of Beatagroove Funk, creating a work of sheer beauty that sounds like a blissful sunset cruise on a hover bike through a futuristic metropolis. Unexplainably detailed and emotional, this is the work of a true master of his craft and will surely go on to be recognized as some of his very best work - simply unmissable!

With heavy support from Tini, Harry McCanna, Anna Wall, Rich NxT, Voigtmann and more, Jhobei's star seems destined to keep rising, as Risk/Reward continues to establish itself as a must buy label.

'Don't Turn Your Back On Me feat. Pauline Taylor' originally featured on US house innovator and Basement Boys co-founder Teddy Douglas's ‘I’m Here’ album in late 2024. It's a true soulful house anthem with funky bass and a glorious vocal that was primed for a A-list remix package. Douglas himself opens up this package with joyous organ chords and soft melodies lighting up the smooth, seductive drums. Swiss DJ and producer Shaka goes next as an artist who has spent decades blending acid, Chicago, and Detroit influences into his own tunes on top labels like Nervous, GooD MooD, and Mister Bear Records. His 12-inch Club version strips things back to go deep and dubby before rebuilding with sunny melodies, expressive organs, and proggy guitar licks that bring joyous energy and real dance floor unity.

Next is NYC DJ Tedd Patterson, a true originator, resident at Ladyfags’ Battle Hymn party and a regular at Horse Meat Disco, Berghain’s Panorama Bar, and Glitterbox, as well as releasing on Strictly Rhythm, Nervous, Defected, and more. His sophisticated remix boasts a warm and bouncy sound, complemented by soulful vocals that lend richness. Then it's seminal NYC favourite Danny Krivit, who is part of the cult Body and Soul crew, is a renowned remixer and editor with hundreds of credits to his name on the most important labels in the scene, and is resident DJ at New York’s legendary 718 Sessions. He draws on his vast experience to edit the original into a playful disco stomper, complete with neat guitar riffs and zippy synths, all bursting with joy as the funky beats roll on and the lush vocals soar to new heights.

Heavy-weight club tracks! Activity FM launches with a bang. The first V/A EP sets a bold tone: four heavyweight cuts built for serious floors. DJ Hell leads with Scale, a pounding darkside anthem. Truncate follows with Where Do We Go - a peak-time acid weapon. Detroits DJ T-1000 delivers No Victims Only Volunteers, a fierce dose of machine funk mastery. Closing it out, UK legend Mark Broom unearths Nineties - an unreleased time capsule from 92-93, straight from the DAT vaults.
Artwork by Activity Vision.
Full support from Ben Sims, DJ Bone, Detroit In Effect, The Advent, Marcel Dettmann, Jerome Hill, Alienata, Slam, Sol Ortega, Om Unit.

Hard Times and DJ Spen go back decades. The Baltimore house veteran has long been a fixture at the label’s parties, on the remixes, and now under his Muthafunkaz alias he cements the bond with a set that’s as much a time capsule as it is a renewal. The Muthafunking Hard Times EP revisits a clutch of Spen’s early-to-mid-2000s jams that, till now, have never been committed to wax. True to form, Spen hasn’t simply dusted them off: he’s remastered, refreshed, and imbued them with a 2025 gleam, bridging past and present in one irresistible sweep.

The A-side opens with the Funkee Kole Cappin’ Mix of 2008’s “(You Make Me Say) Woah!”, a gospel-fired stormer whose call-and-response vocals climb skyward while a cheeky Fab Four nod keeps things buoyant. “Holy Ghost” follows in its Holy Spirit incarnation, wringing church-floor catharsis from tribal percussion and sanctified chants - a blast of kinetic, almost Faya Combo-like fervor.

Flip the record and you’re hit with the swing and strut of 2010’s “Gotta Hold On Me,” Spen’s Vocal Mix turning horns and jazzy drums into a pure adrenaline surge. The closer, “Doin’ The Best I Can,” is a tonal shift: harmonica and guitar sketches circling loose-limbed beats, equal parts after-hours reverie and Sunday-morning balm.

Too vibrant, too joyous, too Spen not to press - The Muthafunking Hard Times EP isn’t just archival housekeeping. It’s an affirmation of what house music does best: uplift, electrify, and remind you that, even decades on, the spirit still moves.

Next up on Bosconi, the ever-persistent Italian outpost helmed by DJ sorcerer Fabio della Torre, comes a bold new chapter from label mainstay Lapucci—a familiar name to heads who remember his trippy debut Levitated Sensor Detector (LSD).

With Level of Control, the Florence-based Burbi Dub dubplate conjurer delivers a four-track EP that travels across moody electronics, psychedelic grooves, and off-world rhythms.

Kicking off the A-side is “Radio Controller”, a dark and melodic new beat jam with deep ‘80s roots—think obscure synths, rolling drum-machine funk, and a haunting vocoder line that crackles like forgotten transmissions.
Next up, “Einstein”. This one’s a jacking electro-techno burner, all drive and tension—built for those peak-time moments where things feel like they could go off the rails. There’s a cinematic sense of anticipation here, a nod to the cosmic weight of relativity and dancefloor gravity.

Flip to the B-side for “Level of Reality”—a trance-soaked electro weapon, laced with a screaming guitar-like lead and a soaring, emotional melody. It’s peak-time power with sunrise sensitivity—equal parts rave and revelation.
Closing things out is “Irabijanti”, a stripped-back, hypnotic afterhours tool with a fresh, effortless groove. Subtle nods to Middle Eastern scales and rhythms give it a dreamlike, drifting feel—like getting lost in the dunes of some alien desert.

Another must-have from the Bosconi mothership—Lapucci pilots us further out, not with a bang but with a slow magnetic pull into somewhere weird, warm, and wired.

Ben Liebrand is back with a brand-new single, Together, a masterclass in Nu-Disco groove.. This isn’t a remix; it’s a full-bodied original, featuring stunning solo work by Canadian virtuoso Anomalie (also known as Nicolas Dupuis), who is renowned for fusing jazz, classical, hip-hop, funk, and electronic styles into his unmistakable live electronic sound.

Together oozes retro charm with a modern twist. Funky slap basslines, shimmering disco strings, and soulful, uplifting vocals build with lush pads and arpeggiated elements that all go to create the track’s uplifting vibe. Disco-style string stabs and filtered synths give it that retro-modern hybrid sound, all wrapped in Liebrand’s unmistakably clean and warm production style.

Together’s soulful Nu-Disco groove hits all the right spots for dancefloors, poolside sessions, or classy warm-ups.

DJ Support: Fred P, Mark Farina, Harvey Sutherland and more

When two underground icons like James Curd and Fred P join forces, the result is more than just acollaboration-it's a cross-continental meeting of deep house minds. The track was born in James Curd's Adelaide studio while Fred P was in Australia, capturing a rare and organic creative moment between two respected figures in house music. James Curd, known for his work with Greenskeepers and his extensive catalog across labels like Classic, Defected, and DFA, brings a playful yet precise groove, while Fred P, the introspective deep house pioneer behind Black Jazz Consortium, adds soulful depth and hypnotic finesse. The remix package elevates things even further. Harvey Sutherland, a staple in Australia's modern funk and electronic scene, brings his analog synth wizardry-his remix credentials include Disclosure and Jamiroquai. Austin Ato, a UK house innovator with a DFTD remix for Groove Armada, injects vibrant dancefloor energy. And Junior Sanchez, a long-time figure in New York's club culture, rounds it out with a heavyweight version - he's flipped everyone from A-Trak to Madonna. This is a lineup that speaks volumes before you even hit play.

Call Sender is the collaborative brainchild that unites the talents of Paul Elliott, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and recording engineer from Suffolk/UK and Michael Reed, a multi-talented instrumentalist, recording engineer, and drummer residing in the Bay Area/USA. Despite working together for the past four years, the pair are yet to meet in person!

After connecting on social media over their love of drum breaks and vintage reverbs Elliott and Reed fostered their creative partnership by bouncing recordings back and forth via email and this virtual collaboration resulted in their first album, the jazz-funk inspired “Lost To The Storm” (Tru Thoughts, 2023). With four singles from the album gaining radio play and becoming a favourite for tastemakers and DJs, the pair began work on the follow up “Golden Langur”. With this new record, the aim was to retain their signature Call Sender sound, a heady mix of B-movie soundtracks, classic library music and psychedelic funk and soul, but also introduce elements of lo-fi soul as well as collaborating with some of their talented friends as featured artists.

These features include fantastic instrumental contributions from the incomparable funkmaster Shawn Lee (Ping Pong Orchestra/Young Gun Silver Fox) on “Brainforests” and the legendary JJ Whitefield (Poets Of Rhythm/Whitefield Brothers) who kicks ass in two tempos on “Two Tails”. Not to mention the silky-smooth vocals from the Bay Area’s Andre Cruz, vocal duet from Lucid Paradise that is reminiscent of Gil Scott Heron and Paul Elliott’s seven year old son Buddy drops a vocal on the future B-boy classic “Rainbow”. Together Call Sender has an old-school vintage foundation with a modern perspective. Influenced by iconic acts such as Klaus Weiss, Miles Davis and Nino Nardini and with a hip and funky sonic aesthetic, Call Sender’s music is nostalgic without being pastiche, has a sense of travelling at its core, having been recorded in different parts of the globe, while never hesitating on the direction of the music.

LodoLand is an album performed, arranged, mixed, mastered and produced by Roberto Lodola. DJ and producer since 1982, Lodola is a pioneer of the afro, funky disco, balearic, electronic and world music sound. He alternates his performances between Italy and Ibiza, where he promotes a unique and personal style, rich in influences and contaminations that the White Island -- the capital of electronic music -- has deeply etched into his musical identity. A blend of styles and cultures that could be defined as afro balearic. Vocals on Marley Eh by Rae, vocals on Manda Toto by Sofiya Nzau, and Weya by Jelani. Percussion on Faith In You by George Aghedo.

The idea of the project is to reconstruct a different perspective of Tribal Italia, an imprint set in 1995 in Riccione.

The label recollected the attitude of the Afro/Cosmic djs of the region like Meo, Fary, Fattori and Brahms that created a distinctive "world-sound trademark" in whole Italy and Europe (as seen lately in the Austrian experiments of Stefan Egger).

There was a side of the label that was clearly influenced by the "heavy-sample" culture of Hip-Hop and, especially, by what was going on in the UK where groups like Transglobal Underground and Loop Guru were creating a new identitarian imagination.

These influences gave birth to a suggestive selection of the best breaks of the Tribal Italia catalogue

A compilation of tracks that rearrange Okinawan folk songs into Jazz Funk, crossover, and large ensemble jazz, featuring works by Kiyoshi Yamaya, who was also highlighted in "Diggers Dozen" (BBE) by the Japanese DJ MURO, known as the "King of Diggin," and "Wamono Groove: Shakuhachi & Koto Jazz Funk 1976" (180g). This collection debuts as the latest installment in the "Ryukyu Rare Groove" series, which was originally released in Japan in 2003 to great acclaim.

Celestial Echo is back with another funky bomb on 45, a hyper-rare track that only came out on demo from the label Midland International, The Medlows “Love (Part 1)" has been a secret spin for a lot of soul djs. A real favourite of label boss miche - he just featured it on his latest comp even, but this 45 is backed with a dancefloor ready extended edit from Bristol disco king Admin.

This has to be some of the heaviest soul to ever be pressed and kept in the shadows, once it’s in your record bag, it wont be leaving in a hurry.

buy or cry!

Austin Ato is back with Vol 2 of his I Love Your Edits series. “Lisa” is a rolling, modern house take on an early 2000s forgotten hip hop banger. “Carnival” is a rework of a jazz-funk classic with whole new layers of live keys and chopped-percussion. Was built to be a DJ set closer. “Human” reworks our Icelandic queen into a swung, deep house tune. “Pop Off” takes French disco, chops it up and lays fat synth basslines over it.

Limited Pressing get in quick!

The Golden State Recorders LP that Leo Kulka cut on Jeanette Jones in 1969 lives on, despite being undiscovered until this millennium. With the funkier end of the soul spectrum becoming more in vogue in recent years, ‘You’d Be Good For Me’ comes into its own as a perfect dance track for several current scenes. Co-written by Jeanette with the distinguished Gerry Goffin and Barry Goldberg, the song and production are exemplary – this 45 rpm release is well-earned.

We’ve grabbed the chance to reactivate ‘Cut Loose’ from the same sessions, as the original Kent 45 release now fetches a couple of hundred quid. With legendary 100 Club DJ Butch now spinning it from a recently acquired original acetate, it will only gain more interest among rare soul fans.

DVS NME is a Colorado-based Electro producer and DJ originally from Southern California. Active since 1999, he crafts stark, machine-driven music rooted in analog hardware and recorded live in single takes. Influenced by Drexciya, AUX88, and Anthony Rother, his sound blends dystopian textures with precise rhythm programming. He’s released music on respected underground labels like Solar One Music, Transient Force, and Ukonx Recordings, and now Future Tones Rcoeds. A key advocate for the genre, he also curates the long-running Dark Science Electro podcast, supporting global Electro since 2010.

1. Beam
A slow-burning opener built around a TR-606 groove, chopped vocal fragments, and delicate string flourishes. At 116 BPM, it's the most restrained cut on the EP—staccato and skeletal, but quietly emotional.

2. Carveout
Driven by a classic four-on-the-floor pulse, "Carveout" rides a surging bassline and tightly layered synths. Functional on the surface, but subtle shifts in tone give it depth beneath the structure.

3. Debt Trap
The most club-oriented track on the record. With a jerky low-end and nimble 606 programming, "Debt Trap" combines dancefloor impact with off-kilter synth work that refuses to settle.

4. Ratchet Effect
A standout cut that channels DVS NME's signature sound—sharp, modular arpeggios, machine-funk rhythms, and intricate modulation. At once clinical and soulful, it’s the EP’s most complex and defining moment.

5. Land Reform
TB-303 acid lines coil around melodic string pads and skittering hi-hats in this mid-tempo closer. "Land Reform" balances raw rhythmic motion with introspective synth textures, ending the record on a reflective note.

Limited repress!

What is it about New York City, that concrete jungle that continually inspires the creative spirit? From Warhol’s Factory to Larry Levan’s Paradise Garage to David Mancuso’s Loft, collectives that celebrate and nurture unfettered, organic artistry have been absolutely intrinsic to the story of this sprawling metropolis. Its latest chapter is being written at the hands of ‘The Maestro’, Grammy Award winner Louie Vega and his Expansions NYC parties, the sound documented in his latest album Expansions In The NYC (Nervous Records).

Starting in February 2019 in Manhattan and Brooklyn venues, Vega’s Expansions NYC parties have their origin not in his revered prowess as a DJ but rather his whole-hearted appreciation of the different elements of the dance floor surrounding him: the dancers, the musicians who bring their instruments to join him ad-hoc on the night, the small, dedicated crowd of clubbers whose ears to the ground keep them informed on the underground party information. The events included 6-hour DJ Sets with Louie under his select curation, and would usually end with 3 AM jam sessions involving keyboardists, guitar players and poets all performing in front of a jam packed crowd. In just a few short years the Expansions NYC events have evolved into an NYC-clubland institution, an intimate celebration of house, funk, disco, afro, R&B and more.

As with his parties, so goes his album. The collective vibe that forms the beating heart of Expansions NYC parties is absolutely front and centre in Expansions In The NYC, Vega drawing in one of the most comprehensive lists of collaborators in recent memory. House heavyweights Honey Dijon, Joe Claussell, Moodymann, Kerri Chandler and Anané rub up against legendary vocalists Bernard Fowler, Cindy Mizelle, Lisa Fischer, Audrey Wheeler and Tony Momrelle. Gospel royalty BeBe Winans and Debbie Winans, pop icon Robyn and rising star Karen Harding sit alongside disco-era champions Unlimited Touch, Cuban jazz pianist Axel Tosca, Nico Vega, Two Soul Fusion with Josh Milan and Vega and underground legend DJ Spinna. At the centre of it all, fingerprint on every beat, touch on every groove, sits a master at work, weaving the individual threads into a rich dance music tapestry.

"In the past few years I’ve found new inspiration both from the musicians I’m working with and the audiences coming to see me at my DJ shows,” Vega says. “So for me this album represents new beginnings, bringing together a beautiful mosaic of artistic perspectives to express musically what we call Expansions In The NYC."

At its heart, Expansions In The NYC is a love letter to New York, as much as melting pot as the city it represents, the scope of its line-up possible only because of the influence and reverence of Vega the artist, the DJ, the producer, the curator. In creating this album, Louie Vega has once again utterly enriched the lives and libraries of music lovers the world over, far beyond the hustling streets of NYC that have so indelibly left their mark on his work.

2025 Repress

In 2022, Daniele “Shield” Contrini of Rebirth Records proposed Paraíso to the great man himself, a compilation honouring Alfredo’s legacy. After Alfredo’s passing in December 2024, the project was final; with artists rallying to honour his vision and memory.

Before becoming a global clubbing hotspot, Ibiza embodied freedom—a place where sunrises blurred into sunsets and music became a way of life. In the 1950s and '60s, the island drew artists, hippies, and outsiders seeking escape and creative liberty.

In 1976, Alfredo Fiorito, fleeing political repression in Argentina, arrived in Ibiza and stayed. A former music journalist, he soon began DJing at Amnesia, a farmhouse-turned-club where time bent and boundaries dissolved. With eclectic, genre-defying sets, Alfredo blended reggae, flamenco, soul, rock, and early house, crafting a hypnotic energy that captivated a generation.

British DJs like Trevor Fung, Paul Oakenfold and Danny Rampling brought this “Balearic Beat” back home. But Balearic wasn’t a style it was a mindset. As DJ Leo Mas said, it was “a state of mind,” where rhythm, spirit, and psychedelia merged.

Other clubs like KU, Es Paradis, Pacha, and Lola’s amplified the movement. Visual artists such as Yves Uro gave it a striking identity, and DJs like César de Melero, DJ Pippi, and Jon Sa Trinxa carried the sound into a new era. José Padilla’s sunset sessions at Café del Mar birthed chill-out music as breath, not just beat.

But the 1990s brought change. Laws requiring roofs on clubs altered the open-air magic. Commercialisation followed; freedom became luxury, and many pioneers left.

Still, the Balearic spirit lives—raw and untamed. It pulses in hidden parties, intimate venues like Pikes and Hostal La Torre, and sacred places like Benirrás and Las Dalias.

Featuring 16 tracks of classic and true Balearic sound; alongside House & proto-House tracks that Mr Fiorito spun, the album also includes an unreleased Alfredo track and stands as a tribute to the man, the music, and the enduring spirit of true Ibiza.

A first-time 7-inch release of Free Soul-style covers of classics by Bill Withers and Tania Maria!

Mallorcan DJ and trackmaker Pepe Link brings an exciting new 7-inch release! This limited-edition Japanese release includes specially edited versions by Pepe himself.

Side A features a Balearic-flavored cover of Bill Withers' 1977 classic "Lovely Day," featuring the soulful vocals of Glen Anthony Henry. Side B presents "Vem Menina", a devilishly slick samba-bossa nova version of the Brazilian funk classic 'Come With Me' by Tania Maria, poured over with flamenco guitars and the effortlessly beautiful voice of Brazilian singer Marta Santamaria.Especially for this release, Pepe himself handled the editing, making this the first-ever 7-inch release as a Japan-exclusive edition!

Experience the magic of a timeless classic reborn: this exclusive 7" vinyl features a brand-new remake of the iconic "I Believe in Miracles", produced by French groove maestro MonsieurWilly and performed by the radiant soul vocalist Natalie Nova. With a perfect balance of vintage disco vibes and fresh production finesse, this release breathes new life into the legendary track, making it both nostalgic and clubready. Adding to its irresistible charm, the remake is infused with a Latin summerinspired rhythm—a driving, syncopated beat that designs the heartbeat of Latin music. Ment to be upbeat and danceable, the track incorporates percussive grooves, rhythmic guitars, and tasteful electronic elements to create a vibrant, sun-soaked atmosphere that feels right at home from beach bars to dancefloors. The collaboration between MonsieurWilly and Natalie Nova delivers a unique blend of soulful warmth, infectious energy, and rhythmic flair. Natalie Nova’s powerful vocals shine with emotion and style, while MonsieurWilly’s production wraps it all in a groove-heavy, analog-inspired soundscape. This 7" is pressed on high-quality vinyl and is ideal for collectors, DJs, and lovers of soul, disco, and feel-good summer anthems. Don't miss this limited edition release - proof that miracles still happen on wax.

DJ Support: Mark Grusane, Darryn Jones, Tone B Nimble, Danillo Plessow, Miche, Luke Una, Charlie Dark, Folamour, Mike Shawe

Presenting to the altar, a batch of Gospel edits by Admin. Chopped and boosted to get the holy spirit grooving your body. Uplifting funky disco sounds to elevate the mind and prepare the listener for a new horizon... Originally released as unmastered digital files on Bandcamp only, these edits have now been fully mastered and pressed to vinyl for the first time.

Australia's powerhouse Hammond Organ trio Cookin' On 3 Burners serve up a heavy double-sider, offering DJs and collectors a taste of what's to come from their first studio LP in six years, due October 2025. With a 27-year legacy in the global funk and soul scene, CO3B have earned praise from the likes of Dusty Groove, Wax Poetics, and Rolling Stone Australia, and boast over 2 billion streams worldwide — thanks in part to their breakout hit "This Girl" (Kungs remix).

Side A – Cookin' The Books
A gritty, upbeat Hammond-led instrumental cooked low and slow in the heart of Melbourne's funk scene. It's all business up front — deep pocket drums, greasy organ licks, and guitar work that snaps and struts. No vocals, no fat — just a raw funk workout that's ready for the crates.

Side B – Give a Little Bit More (feat. Stella Angelico)

A classic-feeling, mid-tempo soul joint with a message that cuts deep. Longtime collaborator Stella Angelico delivers a powerful vocal performance about generosity, empathy, and turning things around when it matters. With uplifting lyrics, smooth horns, and a groove that nods to vintage 45s, this one lands straight in the heart — timeless, spiritual, and soul-drenched.

Captured live to tape at Soul Messin' Studios using vintage gear, the record oozes warmth and authenticity. Supported with airplay from Craig Charles (BBC6) and limited to just 500 copies on black vinyl in a Soul Messin' Records disco sleeve, this 45 is a must-stock item for funk, soul, and groove-focused retailers.

FFO: The Meters, El Michels Affair, Menahan Street Band, Quantic, Daptone Records

Hilit Kolet and The Illustrious Blacks team up for the ‘Transatlantic Kiki’ EP. Dropping on Rekids late August, the package is remixed by Floorplan.
London-based artist Hilit Kolet returns to Rekids, collaborating with New York’s The Illustrous Blacks, the project formed by Manchildblack and Monstah Black, for the ‘Transatlantic Kiki’ EP, landing 29th August 2025 via Radio Slave’s Rekids. Legendary father-daughter duo Floorplan remix the single, with the release following up Kolet’s 2024 ‘Snap Talk’ EP, which won support from artists like Dam Swindle, Chloé Caillet, Bradley Zero, and more.

With lyrics that connect London and New York, ‘Transatlantic Kiki’ is a tough, funk-fueled roller true to Hilit Kolet’s signature production style, infused with an unmatchable personality via The Illustrous Blacks’ playful, vogue-like vocals. It’s hypnotic, bold, and irresistible, with the pair supplying a loopy ‘First Class’ mix that introduces vocal elements not featured in the original, amplifying the track’s qualities to hit even harder, and works the dancefloor into a sweat.

Robert and Lyric Hood, known together as Floorplan, remix Hilit Kolet & The Illustrous Blacks’ ‘Transatlantic Kiki’. Equally infectious as the original, they transform its rhythm into a drummy late-night cut. Stabs and vocal chops ride the groove, culminating in a proper lose-yourself-in-the-dance House cut that also comes with an instrumental version.
London’s Hilit Kolet came up through the former Soho Black Market Records shop, and has since become synonymous with the city’s House scene via releases on Defected, Snatch!, Domino, and Rekids, with a #1 debut on Music Week’s Upfront Club Chart and support from BBC Radio 1, Jamie Jones, HAAi, Skream, and more. NYC duo The Illustrious Blacks, comprising Manchildblack and Monstah Black, blend Afro-Electro, Funk, Disco, and House across releases on Soul Clap, Classic Music Company, and Defected, as well as collaborations with artists such as Osunlade, DJ Minx, Seven Davis Jr., and David Morales.

It was the 90s. Paris had the blues, French rap was beginning its slow rise, and a new musical genre was emerging: Acid Jazz. Imported from England by DJ Gilles Peterson, this groovy style blended 70s funk with a certain idea of jazz tailored for the dancefloor. Its heroes were Galliano, Brand New Heavies, Incognito, and the James Taylor Quartet. Jamiroquai topped the charts, MC Solaar recorded with Urban Species, and suddenly, France was swept up in the swing whirlwind. Starting in 1993, Parisian clubs embraced this union of jazz and groove, and in 1994, a compilation was released: Paris Groove Up. Around ten groups delivered the French version of this British style: Mellowman, Mad In Paris, Vercoquin, Ready Made... and Dis Bonjour À La Dame. The band wasn’t new—their roots went back to the late 80s, when bassist Marc Israël brought together a brass section and some seasoned musicians. But the real beginning of DBALD came in 1992 with the arrival of singer Sital. "Christophe Denis joined on guitar and songwriting. In 1993, we opened for Jamiroquai and Maceo Parker, and that’s when the major labels interested in the acid jazz market started noticing us," recalls Marc. Their track Chris’tal, the centerpiece of the compilation, was released as a single, and Dis Bonjour À La Dame's album began production in late 1994 in London, at Roundhouse Studio. “We must’ve been among the last sessions there—it was demolished shortly after. It was a very 70s studio, with old gear, a Fender Rhodes, everything was vintage! We recorded for a month, all playing together live, then added the brass and finally Sital’s vocals. We were lucky to have two exceptional backing singers, Sarah Brown and Mark Anthoni, who worked with Incognito and Urban Species.” The self-titled album came out in early 1995, and it had all the ingredients of a hidden funky gem from the 90s: Hey Mama with its ironclad groove, the irresistible instrumental Sheherazade Groove opening the record, Soul Body with its R\&B sensuality... The hip-hop touch came courtesy of Lee Rick’s, the MC from Mellowman, who laid down rhymes on Hall Blues. The brass section was on fire, the bass went wild, and Sital added a sensual spark to the whole thing. In short, a solid album produced by Fred Versailles (producer of NTM’s first album) and mixed by Paul Borg (Urban Species, UFO, -M-, Mory Kanté), a testament to a time when big funky bands made Paris groove—with Dis Bonjour À La Dame leading the charge. Nearly thirty years later, it’s time to (re)discover DBALD.

Fradinho (Rui Fradinho) is Lisbon born Portuguese, having lived in London for 12 years and returning to Portugal in 2020.

Rui's musical base stems from a diverse range of music: rock to pop, house to techno, through jazz, soul, funk, world music, hip hop, drum and bass and from breakbeat to his main passion and current music production focus, broken beat / bruk / nu jazz.

Rui runs his own record label, Eclectic Beats Music, with 6 vinyl releases, and has released remixes for artists like Sentinel793 (Universal Magnetic), Deborah Jordan (Futuristica Music), Str4ta (Colin Curtis Presents), David Borsu (Broadcite) amongst other artists and labels.

Highlights of his DJ career so far (other than his 6-year residency at Sociedade Anonima), are the Bicaense Cafe and Lux club in Lisbon. Earlier in 2017, he did a stint on London’s Back2BackFM, playing at Dalston’s Club Makossa, the BBE Store in East London, closing the Chill Out Gardens stage in Portugal’s Boom Festival 2018, DJ’ed at Gilles Peterson’s first edition of We Out Here festival in 2019, played Lisb-On festival in 2022 and currently guests at Birmingham’s BrukUp broken beat night (having played there 5 times with Adam Rock, Laura Crossley, Bruk Boogie Kru, Marcia Carr & Kwai and Yoofee).

Mark "Shaboom" Bell's classic Mecca Funk album is best known for its standout cut 'Woman Cry' and it is that fan-fav which gets pressed up here with three fresh reworkings. The classic cut famously opens Andrew Weatherall's iconic Heavenly Social DJ mix and is ripe and ready for these bold reinterpretations from Ricardo Villalobos, DJ Sneak, and Spatial Awareness. Villalobos transforms the 1999 original into a deep, hypnotic journey full of his signature minimal textures, while Sneak delivers a bass-heavy, dub-soaked house bomb made for peak-time floors. Rounding things out, Spatial Awareness offers a respectful yet electrified remix imbued with some fresh sonic flair.

In an ever-expanding musical universe, Azymuth have long existed as a celestial giant, drawing countless artists, musicians and followers into their orbit. Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth, their new album Marca Passo proves that the band’s alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Marca Passo is the first full-length release since the passing of founding drummer Ivan "Mamão" Conti in 2023, following the earlier loss of keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami in 2012. Alex Malheiros, the sole remaining original member, sees his stewardship of the band’s musical legacy as his spiritual duty. He is joined by the equally devoted Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Djavan) on keyboards, who has been with the group since 2016, and new recruit Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta) on drums.

Yet since their earliest recorded music, Azymuth have always been far greater than the sum of their parts. The "three-man orchestra’s" unmistakable sound is rooted in Brazil's MPB studio scene of the 1970s and early 1980s—a time when artists blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with global jazz, rock, and emerging psychedelic and progressive elements. Marca Passo continues this legacy, seamlessly fusing Brazilian musical traditions with global influences while showcasing the exceptional musicianship that powers Azymuth's distinctive, multi-dimensional sound.

The album is produced by studio mastermind Daniel Maunick, responsible for Azymuth’s two previous studio albums, Fênix in 2016 and Aurora in 2011. Daniel’s credits also include albums by Marcos Valle, Sabrina Malheiros and Terry Callier. Azymuth also invited Daniel’s father, British jazz-funk royalty Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick, of Incognito, to play guitar on a new version of Azymuth’s eighties classic “Last Summer In Rio”, in tribute to the song’s composer, José Roberto Bertrami. Equally, “Samba Pro Mamao” is a new composition dedicated to Azymuth’s beloved original drummer, Ivan “Mamão” Conti.

Credits:

Alex Malheiros - Bass, Acoustic Guitar & Vocals: 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Kiko Continentino - Keyboards, Organ, Vocoder & Vocals: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Renato Massa - Drums & Vocals: : 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Ian Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Sidinho Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10
Dudu Viana - Keyboards & Vocals: 1
Victor Bertrami - Drums: 1
Mangueirinha - Repinique: 3
Jean Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick - Electric Guitar: 5
Jose Carlos Bigorna - Soprano Sax: 9
Daniel Maunick: Additional Percussion, Synths & EFX: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Produced, Engineered, Mixed & Arranged by Daniel Maunick
Co-Produced & Arranged by Alex Malheiros
Executive Producer: Joe Davis


Recorded by:
Daniel Maunick & Leonardo Vieira @ Estúdio Nos Trilhos, Santa Teresa, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Amadeu Signorelli @ Sigstudio, Niterói, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Alex Malheiros @ Estúdio Basslab, Piratininga, Rio, Brazil
Mixed by Daniel Maunick @ The Sugar Shack, Carluke, Scotland


Artwork & Design: Tyler Askew

This is a raw and soulful collection of beats, swiftly cooked up by the legendary DJ Spinna. Originally dropped on Instagram as sonic teasers for his “Here To There Radio Show” on Apple Music, each beat is a tribute to the artists spotlighted in each episode.
What started as a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Spinna’s creative process quickly sparked a wave of demand—so by popular request, these exclusive grooves are now being released to the public.
Straight from the lab to your ears. Enjoy the vibe!

Back in 1979, a new kind of superhero entered the Chicago music scene, '...Daryl Cameron somehow entered the phonebooth of his mind and emerged as Captain Sky.' His first album for LA based AVI record 'The Adventures of Captain Sky' was a smash hit and established Captain Sky as a serious Afro Funk artist right next to Detroit’s George Clinton and Bootsy Collins.The first song on the album, Moonchild was released as a very limited promo 12-inch and remixed by Chicago radio DJ Peter Lewicki. The result is a timeless cosmic disco tune that may be one of the best disco song ever made.