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Die aus Marokko stammende und in L.A. lebende Singer-Songwriterin, Ami Taf Ra veröffentlicht ihr Debütalbum „The Prophet And The Madman“ Ende August auf Brainfeeder!

Inspiriert von Khalil Gibrans bahnbrechendem Werk, „Der Prophet“, wurde das Album von Ami Taf Ra vom legendären Saxophonisten und Komponisten Kamasi Washington produziert, mit dem sie häufig zusammenarbeitet. „The Prophet And The Madman“ ist eine zu eine Reise über elf Tracks, an denen unter anderem Ryan Porter, Miles Mosley, Brandon Coleman, Tony Austin, Taylor Graves, Cameron Graves, Ronald Bruner Jr., Allakoi Peete, Kahlil Cummings und Kamasi Washington beteiligt sind. Die LP ist ein kühnes Statement einer Sängerin, die in den Traditionen arabischer Größen wie Fairuz, Umm Kulthum und Warda verwurzelt ist und sich dennoch furchtlos auf neues klangliches Terrain begibt. Es ist ein Album, das nicht nach Antworten, sondern nach Präsenz sucht - eine Hingabe an die Reise, nicht an das Ziel.

Im Laufe ihrer Karriere hat Ami Taf Ra auf Bühnen in aller Welt gestanden und das Publikum in Dänemark, der Türkei, Marokko, Belgien, Israel, dem Libanon und Jordanien begeistert. Sie ist auf angesehenen Festivals wie dem South East Jazz Festival und dem Haarlem Jazz Festival in den Niederlanden aufgetreten, ebenso wie mit dem niederländischen Royal Metropole Orchestra in der königlichen Konzerthalle der Niederlande, dem weltbekannten Concertgebouw, und dem Dutch Blazers Ensemble. Ami Taf Ra war mit Kamasi Washington auf ausgedehnten Tourneen unterwegs und trat gemeinsam an namhaften Orten und auf Festivals in den Vereinigten Staaten auf, darunter City Winery in Boston, das Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival und die Just Jazz Concert Series in der Mr. Musichead Gallery in Los Angeles. Darüber hinaus ist sie mit einer Vielzahl von Musiker:innen aufgetreten, darunter Posaunist Ryan Porter, Saxophonist Rickey Washington, Perkussionist Kahlil Cummings, Bassist Ben Williams, Schlagzeuger Jonathan Pinson und Pianist Jamael Dean.

World Of Echo announces the reissue of two remastered albums by Japanese guitarist and songwriter Naoki Zushi, 1988’s Paradise, and 2005’s III. Two classics of Japanese psychedelia, both Paradise and III were originally released on Org Records, the imprint of Shinji Shibayama of acid-folk group Nagisa Ni Te, with whom Zushi has guested on second guitar for decades. Both intimate and expansive, rich with revelatory songwriting and blasted, sky-scouring guitar, these reissues return these albums to print for the first time since the 2000s. It’s the first time III has been officially released on vinyl, with an extra, previously unreleased track, “Under The June Moonlight.”

Recorded in Kyoto’s Townhouse Studios in mid 1987 and released in limited-to-500 vinyl pressing in 1988, Paradise emerged from a scene in Kansai, Japan that was embracing the idiosyncracies of 1970s singer-songwriters, the soaring solos of early seventies psychedelia, and the DIY impulse of 1980s post-punk. While Zushi’s musical history stretched back to the early eighties – he was a founding member of Jojo Hiroshige’s noise outfit Hijokaidan – he found his feet with groups like Hallelujahs, whose dream-pop collection Niku O Kuraite Chikai Wo Tateyo was recently reissued by Black Editions, and Idiot O’Clock.

Paradise appeared two years after that Hallelujahs album and share much the same membership – Zushi’s backing band on several of the songs includes Shibayama on drums and Ken-Ichi Takayama (aka Idiot) on electric guitar, though just as often, Zushi plays all the instruments himself. The coordinates here are wide-reaching – you can hear the volume and intensity of Neil Young & Crazy Horse (on “Hallelujah: Left Side” and “Paradise: Midday”), the slow-motion magic of Galaxie 500, the idiosyncratic spirit of The Only Ones, all mixed up with tender guitar miniatures and stumbling garage-psych-pop moves.

Seven years later, after the transitional album Phenomenal Luciferin, Zushi released III. Perhaps his masterpiece, it’s already been bootlegged on vinyl, but this reissue is the real deal. The album was recorded at Studio Nemu over seven years, and sees Zushi backed by Shibayama (bass) and Masako Takeda (drums), his erstwhile bandmates in Nagisa Ni Te. By this stage, Zushi had started to really stretch out, and many of the songs on III swoon languorously, taking their sweet time to say what they need to say. It’s rich with lovely, melancholy songs, in a similar realm to bandmates Nagisa Ni Te, of course, but you can also hear traces of everything from Syd Barrett’s The Madcap Laughs, through seventies private press loner folk, to the slow-burn meanderings of the likes of early Low or Damon & Naomi.

When interviewed by Shibayama in the mid-nineties, Zushi said of Paradise, “it was a sort of collection of songs that had meant something to me up to that point… it was my paradise. I wanted to create paradise.” That’s something Zushi achieves on both of these albums – visionary Japanese psychedelia, en route to paradise. - Jon Dale







g Under The June Moonlight vinyl only bonus track

Welcome to a kaleidoscopic picnic where you can feast on a music scene that was rich, sparkling, multi-colored, ground-breaking and it'll blow your mind. A prodigious soundscape that blends the Caribbean and the Amazon sophistication and flavors; raw yet delicate textures. "Joropop. Psych Pop & Folk in Venezuela, 1968-1976" features infectious Latin rock rhythms and timeless folk melodies across 15 ultra-rare tracks-most of which have never been reissued until now. Let's set off together to discover the magic of Caracas in the late '60s! DESCRIPTION Welcome to a kaleidoscopic picnic where you can feast on a music scene that was rich, sparkling, multi-colored, ground-breaking and it'll blow your mind. A prodigious soundscape that blends the Caribbean and the Amazon sophistication and flavors; raw yet delicate textures. "Joropop. Psych Pop & Folk in Venezuela, 1968-1976" features infectious Latin rock rhythms and timeless folk melodies across 15 ultra-rare tracks-most of which have never been reissued until now. The golden age of Caracas pop started in 1965. It replaced the wave of cloyingly romantic song writing as fresh talents leant into richer and more complex styles: folk-rock, psychedelia, soul, hard blues, symphonic pop, Latin rock etc. Singer-songwriters, experimental electric guitars and jam sessions all appeared on the scene, creating music that became increasingly refined and free. The industry took a while to catch on to this new trend and leave behind the teen idols and dream lifestyles. By the late 60s, there was a long list of new bands in the capital city. Young people finally found their voice. Let's set off together to discover the magic of Caracas in the late '60s!

Leon Michels ist still und leise zu einem der gefragtesten Produzenten der Musikszene geworden. Sein unverwechselbarer Sound hat die Aufmerksamkeit des Mainstreams auf sich gezogen und inspiriert gleichzeitig weiterhin die Underground-Szene. Seit dem 2023 erschienenen Album Glorious Game von El Michels Affair & Black Thought war Michels als Produzent für andere Künstler aktiv - darunter Norah Jones' Grammy-prämiertes Visions, Clairos Grammy-nominiertes Charm, Kali Uchis' ,Moonlight" sowie Alben für seine Labelkollegen Brainstory, Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek, Thee Heart Tones und Liam Bailey. Sein neues Album 24 Hr Sports markiert die langersehnte Rückkehr unter seinem eigenen Namen: El Michels Affair.24 Hr Sports wurde inspiriert von Mode und Grafikdesign der Sports-Illustrated-Magazine der 80er- und 90er-Jahre, MF DOOMs Special Herbs-Alben, den dort verwendeten Sample-Quellen und Gospelmusik à la Pastor T.L. Barrett. Die Summe dieser Einflüsse, gepaart mit Michels' unfehlbarem kreativen Gespür, ergibt ein Rezept für einen Instant-Klassiker - ein Werk, das zweifellos zu den meistgefeierten Veröffentlichungen des Jahres 2025 zählen wird.Der Album-Opener ,Drum Line" ist ein hymnischer, mitreißender Track mit Marschband-Schlagzeug und donnernden Bläserarrangements, die sofort alle Aufmerksamkeit auf sich ziehen und den Ton für das folgende Album setzen. 24 Hr Sports bedeutet eine deutliche Abkehr von der bisher überwiegend instrumentalen Musik im Katalog von El Michels Affair. Mit einer Vielzahl von Gesangsfeatures spiegelt das Album das schwer einzuordnende Genre seiner Musik wider.Das erste dieser Features ist ,Mágica" mit dem brasilianischen Künstler Rogê, der die ohnehin energiegeladene Nummer mit seinen fußballinspirierten Lyrics auf ein neues Level hebt. Weiter geht es von Brasilien nach Ghana: In ,Say Goodbye" feiert Florence Adooni ihre Individualität mit lässigem Selbstbewusstsein und wechselt mühelos zwischen Frafra und Englisch, besonders eingängig im Refrain: ,never gonna find a girl like me_".Labelkollege und weltbekannter Trompeter von The Roots, Dave Guy, veredelt den 70er-Jahre-Groove von ,Oakley's Car Wash" mit seinen charakteristischen Bläserlinien, bevor der Track in ein Dub-artiges Outro übergeht. Vom wilden zum sanften Klang: ,Anticipate" mit Clairo knüpft an die musikalische Chemie an, die das 2024er-Album Charm hervorgebracht hat. Clairo gleitet über die typischen EMA-Arrangements, während sie sich nach unerreichbarer Liebe sehnt - getragen von einer perfekt eingespielten Band.,Eastside" ist ein Stück, das einen Sonnenaufgang am Meer vertonen könnte - Leon Michels' Sinn für Raum und Arrangement wird hier besonders deutlich. Aus Japan ist der Suginami Children's Choir auf dem üppigen Track ,Clean The Line" zu hören - sie singen ein Lied über den Mond, die Sonne und Vögel. Danach reißt ,Cortex" mit verzerrten Gitarren und donnernden Drums die Tür auf - ein Moment purer, filmreifer Intensität in der Mitte des Albums.Leon Michels übernimmt selbst den Lead-Gesang auf ,Shining", einem Song über die Suche nach einem Freund, mit dem man die Freude eines sonnigen Tages teilen kann. Der international gefeierte Shintaro Sakamoto ist auf ,Indifference" zu hören - ein lässiger Song mit federnden Basslinien und gefühlvollen Flöten, in dem Sakamoto zwischen Gesang und gesprochener Poesie über eine vergängliche Liebe reflektiert.Das Grammy-prämierte Duo Norah Jones und Michels kommt auf ,Carry Me Away" erneut zusammen: Jones' honigsüße Stimme schwebt über einem schwer einzuordnenden, aber sofort liebenswerten Track. Michels lehnt sich hier wieder mehr in Richtung El Michels Affair-Stil, der sich klar von seinen bisherigen Produktionen für Norah Jones abhebt. ,Take My Hand" stellt den Gospel-Einfluss in den Vordergrund - mit dem Fabulous Rainbow Singers Choir im Refrain und einem Saxophon-Solo der verstorbenen Jazzlegende Rahsaan Roland Kirk.,Open Season", ein Piano-getriebener Midtempo-Track mit Gruppenrufen wie ,we want the gold, we want the gold_", könnte den perfekten Soundtrack für eine Slow-Motion-Highlight-Reel liefern. Der treffend betitelte Albumabschluss ,Victory Lap" schließlich ist ein traumhafter, euphorischer Ausklang, der dem gesamten Werk würdig ist.Am Ende spricht die Trophäe auf dem Albumcover Bände: El Michels Affair ist Champion Sound - und 24 Hr Sports macht das unmissverständlich klar.

Japan’s SUDO return to Drumcode with ‘We Are Free’, following their landmark 2024 debut ‘Real World’ Last summer brothers Isao and Takashi aka SUDO gifted Drumcode one of the most inspiring releases we’ve heard in recent times with ‘Real World’. Inspired by Underworld’s incendiary ‘Rez’, the EP was the sound of two producers pouring all their passion and shared musical history into a work that’ll be remembered for years to come.

The release peaked at no.1 on Beatport’s Release Charts and saw a follow up collaboration with Bart Skils ‘Nexus’ out later that year on Drumcode. ‘We Are Free’ continues SUDO’s emotion-led and timeless approach to techno, crafting a four-tracker inspired by the concepts of “freedom, divinity, memory and transition”. The title track genre-hops between electro-edged techno, silky ambient textures and breakbeats. Isao says: “We wanted to express in a powerful and explosive way one of our purposes on the dancefloor – a time of celebration, and freedom from restrictions.”

‘Elysium’ is a transcendental slice of techno that juxtaposes tough industrial rhythms with a stunning break that was inspired by a children’s choir Isao heard one day at Berlin Cathedral. “It took a long time to producer with many patterns until we were satisfied,” Isao shares.

“It was a real process of immersing oneself in the hypnotic groove and finding divinity.” Initially inspired by watching Bart Skils play a NYE 2025 set in Argentina, ‘Lost in Paradise’ is led by a delicate Latin vocal and crisp sun-dappled beats, before stepping up the pace in the second half. “As the production progressed, we were led to a wonderful result with the track’s vocal, a tribute to one of our biggest influences – the untouched nature of Ibiza and the vibes of the light and beautiful people that flow there.” The EP winds down with ‘Horizon’, a simultaneously beautiful yet bittersweet hymn that signals the end of the party.

Big Thief will release their sixth studio album, Double Infinity, on 5 September 2025.

Double Infinity is the follow-up to 2022’s Grammy-nominated album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, recorded last winter at the Power Station, New York City. For three solid weeks, the trio would ride bicycles on frozen streets between Brooklyn and Manhattan, meeting in Power’s Station’s warm wood-panelled room. Together with a community of musicians (Alena Spanger, Caleb Michel, Hannah Cohen, Jon Nellen, Joshua Crumbly, June McDoom, Laraaji, Mikel Patrick Avery, Mikey Buishas) they would play for nine hours a day, tracking together – simultaneously – improvising arrangements and making collective discoveries. Double Infinity was produced, engineered and mixed by longtime Big Thief collaborator Dom Monks.

“How can beauty that is living be anything but true?” Adrianne asks as she drives nose against the future with childhood mementos on ‘Incomprehensible’. She understands, “everything I see from now on will be something new.” The silver hairs on her shoulders are new as well. Yet fear of aging is cracked by proof. If a life is shaped by living, “Let gravity be my sculptor, let the wind do my hair.” Being born, then staying a while, remains the greatest mystery. Adrianne claims her place and time. “Incomprehensible, let me be.”









g 7. Grandmother ft. Laraaji







[g] 7. Grandmother [ft. Laraaji]







[g] 7. Grandmother [ft. Laraaji]

Big Thief will release their sixth studio album, Double Infinity, on 5 September 2025.

Double Infinity is the follow-up to 2022’s Grammy-nominated album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, recorded last winter at the Power Station, New York City. For three solid weeks, the trio would ride bicycles on frozen streets between Brooklyn and Manhattan, meeting in Power’s Station’s warm wood-panelled room. Together with a community of musicians (Alena Spanger, Caleb Michel, Hannah Cohen, Jon Nellen, Joshua Crumbly, June McDoom, Laraaji, Mikel Patrick Avery, Mikey Buishas) they would play for nine hours a day, tracking together – simultaneously – improvising arrangements and making collective discoveries. Double Infinity was produced, engineered and mixed by longtime Big Thief collaborator Dom Monks.

“How can beauty that is living be anything but true?” Adrianne asks as she drives nose against the future with childhood mementos on ‘Incomprehensible’. She understands, “everything I see from now on will be something new.” The silver hairs on her shoulders are new as well. Yet fear of aging is cracked by proof. If a life is shaped by living, “Let gravity be my sculptor, let the wind do my hair.” Being born, then staying a while, remains the greatest mystery. Adrianne claims her place and time. “Incomprehensible, let me be.”







g 7. Grandmother ft. Laraaji







g 7. Grandmother ft. Laraaji







[g] 7. Grandmother [ft. Laraaji]







[g] 7. Grandmother [ft. Laraaji]







[g] 7. Grandmother [ft. Laraaji]

Celebrating 20 years of defining, and redefining, electronic alt-pop - Metronomy ‘GREATEST HITS’ is the first comprehensive collection of their “smash hits” spanning across all 7 studio albums, and will be release alongside a separate album of BBC Sessions.

Formed in 1999 by Joseph Mount, Metronomy has released six acclaimed studio albums and become one of the UK's most influential electronic acts. Known for their distinctive visual aesthetic, innovative production techniques, and energetic live shows, Metronomy continues to bridge the gap between experimental electronic music and accessible pop. From the charm of early tracks like "You Could Easily Have Me" to the sophisticated pop of "The Look" and the dance floor magic of "Love Letters," Metronomy's distinctive sound has consistently pushed boundaries while maintaining their unmistakable identity.

The previously unreleased BBC Sessions reveal another dimension to these songs, capturing their magnetic live energy and Joe’s evolving approach to arrangement and performance, all recorded between 2009-2019 across BBC6Music, BBC Radio 1 & BBC Radio 2.

Brbko, one of the UK underground’s most enigmatic artists, shares his debut album ‘BRAK VS. BRAK’ via acclaimed label Scenic Route. The release is accompanied by new focus track ‘JOGA 07’ a bold, introspective moment marking a turning point in the project’s emotional arc.

BRAK VS. BRAK is a genre-fluid meditation on life, death, and duality, using the afterlife as a metaphor for ego, rebirth, and reflection. Its title nods to an episode of Samurai Jack, where the hero confronts a darker version of himself, a fitting metaphor for Brbko’s own exploration of internal conflict. “It’s about realizing that your demons aren’t always from outside,” he says. “Sometimes they’re of your own making.”

Written across Manchester, Lewisham, Paris, and New York, the album moves through raw vulnerability and surreal visions. It opens with ‘BONSAM 2’ a raw intro tackling power, appropriation, and immortality, before ‘POWER OF 6’ reflects on clout and connection. The title track pits Brbko against his own shadow, while ‘BUZZ LIGHTYEAR’ distills ego and isolation into a dreamy freestyle. ‘DARK CLARITY’ offers bittersweet closure through minimalist production and vivid intimacy. The mood shifts with ‘JOGA 07’, where faith and lightness emerge as redemption.

Manchester-born and Lewisham-based, Brbko has quietly shaped UK underground music: from pirate radio and stage curation to collaborations with Alice Glass, Zed Bias, and Andrew Aged. GQ calls him “an essential part of underground music,” while Dazed praises him as “a stir in the contemporary grime scene.”

With ‘BRAK VS. BRAK’, Brbko delivers his most personal and expansive work to date.

Bobby. returns to his own label Pleasure Club with his most refined work to date, an EP entitled “Before We Look Out, Let’s Look In”.

The fabric resident presents his fifth full release, this time traversing the full spectrum of surrealist house, techno & electro; the kind which has become synonymous with his journey style DJ sets. As the title suggests this record transmits a deeply introspective and personal take on modern day club music.

Melody, emotion and drama stay present throughout, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. With glimmers of early 00’s minimal, cosmic synthwave-style EBM and razor sharp electro, it is a record which references the past, but presents it updated and ready for dance floors of the future.

With a debut album in the works for the end of the year, this release acts as an exciting precursor and marks a new chapter in the artists career.

A new project from Bielefeld/Paris, classic synth-cold-darkwave with minimalist features.

Les Dunes is an alternative band from Haugesund, Norway. Consisting of members from bands like The Low Frequency in Stereo, Undergrünnen, Lumen Drones, Helldorado and Action & Tension & Space. The band consists of Per Andreas Haftorsen on guitar, Morten Jackman on drums and Per Steinar Lie on bass. The result reminds of the fantastic slow-core era bands of the 90ies, like Codeine who create their own version of Explosions In The Sky songs or like Per Steinar Lie claims "it feels like the vibe of the early days of The Low Frequency in Stereo". The music is rooted in a thought of a long freeway drive at night where time stops and the mind flows.

"Seminal Live" wurde ursprünglich 1989 veröffentlicht und ist ein ziemlich einzigartiges Album im reichhaltigen Katalog von The Fall. Es wurde nämlich zu einer Hälfte im Studio und zur anderen Hälfte live aufgenommen. Es war gleichzeitig die letzte Veröffentlichung der Band bei Beggars Banquet und das letzte Album, auf dem Gitarristin Brix Smith zu hören ist. Die Neuauflage von "Seminal Live" erscheint auf gelbem Vinyl. Aufwändig remastered wurde "Seminal Live" von Kevin Vanbergen. Zudem enthält der Re-Release ein neu gestaltetes Artwork, sowie ausführliche Sleeve Notes und einen QR-Code, der auf geheimnisvollen digitalen Wegen zu exklusivem Bonusmaterial führt. Die Studioaufnahmen auf Seminal Live sind allesamt neue Songs und bilden die erste Seite des Albums. Die Live-Aufnahmen auf der zweiten Seite sind hingegen allesamt Versionen bereits veröffentlichter Titel. Einige der Songs auf Seminal Live gehören zu den besten Songs von The Fall aller Zeiten. Seite eins enthält "Dead Beat Descendant", und ihre Coverversion von Lonnie Irvings "Pinball Machine" steht in der bewährten Tradition der Country-Coverversionen von The Fall.

Gastr del Sol"s second album returns at last to the vinyl format - its first physical manifestation in well over a decade. Once again, a drop of the needle may ignite any number of queries, summed simply in one: What IS this music? Such is the potent energy of Crookt, Crackt, or Fly, retaining its otherworldly qualities some 32 years and countless musical movements since. Crookt, Crackt, or Fly expands upon The Serpentine Similar"s minimalist stance in unexpected ways, imposing further austerity in the soundscape but for an unpredictable expansive quantity periodically overflowing, waves of blood sluicing through the elevator doors. This is partially due to a change within the group dynamic: the departure of bassist Ken "Bundy" Brown and the arrival of a new partner for guitarist and singer David Grubbs - guitarist and sound fuckerer Jim O"Rourke. O"Rourke"s initial work with Gastr involved editing and recomposing recordings of the Grubbs-Brown-&-sometimes-John-McEntire lineup, producing an utterly outré collage of cut-ups and other types of tape processing. This became the "20 Songs Less" single, after which he was invited to play with the group. It was a time of flux; Brown recalls playing a Gastr show at the Metro around this time featuring himself, John McEntire, Grubbs and O"Rourke - and one of the pieces played was a Tortoise song! Throughout these shifts, Gastr del Sol"s music was never less than fully considered and composed, even in moments redolent with the suggestion of the random and the non-sequitur. Grubbs and O"Rourke made no attempt to replicate Serpentine"s arrangement of thick, scaly drones and hypnotic song-visions in their own partnership, finding Crookt, Crackt,"s sound instead in spiny, gamelan-like interactions between their (mostly acoustic) guitars, played precisely in and out of formation with bright, fleet-fingered abandon. O"Rourke"s fondness for field recordings and his capacity for tape manipulation intersected with Grubbs" sensibilities, edifying his evolving song style: written with increased sharpness and sly surreal humor, sung closer to silence. Halfway into "Work from Smoke", the sudden collapse of the sound-walls around us signals Crookt, Crackt"s major departure. From the thicket of guitars, a swell of drones and free-jazz squeals, made up of bass clarinet, vibraphone and organ, pulls the listener into an entirely other acoustic space. "Every Five Miles" derails in similarly tactile fashion: a guitar duet boils up thunderously, then fragments and spirals apart. As a free electric guitar part crops up, improbably holding the center, the acoustic space around it continues to disintegrate in ambient stereo. A wedding of folk music idioms to classical, improvised and modern compositional modes (including Gastr"s own formative post-punk mode), Crookt, Crackt, or Fly is a song-based reality steadily giving way to its alternative alchemies playing out within.

In the spring of 2020, Ben Cook _ a.k.a. Young Governor, Young Guv, or just Guv _ was holed up in the New Mexico high desert, his U.S. tour having been abruptly covid-cancelled during a southwest swing. He and his bandmates were living moment to moment in something called an Earthship, a solar-rigged adobe structure sustainably constructed with, among other things, recycled bottles and tires. And out there in the serene vastness, as a short ride-it-out stint turned into a nine-month sojourn, Ben was writing music, slowly, little by little, mostly at night while the others slept. By the New Year, almost in spite of himself, he had created a new album, two new albums actually, and through the ordeal he was forever changed. In a place he never expected to be, under circumstances no one could have predicted, and in the face of physical isolation, emotional desolation, and existential dread, Ben created GUV III & IV, a collection of songs dedicated and testifying to the eternal healing power of love _ how to find it in the world, in others, and most importantly, in himself.

Als er 2011 von Scion angesprochen wurde, um ein Album für die Musik-Promotion-Abteilung der Automarke aufzunehmen, konnte sich Reigning Sound Frontmann Greg Cartwright nicht weigern - trotz oder geraden wegen der prekären Existenz seiner Band zu dieser Zeit. "Mehrere Besetzungswechsel hatten sich ergeben. Die Ursprungsbesetzung, das "Memphis-Quartett", war längst aufgelöst, und ich dachte über die Möglichkeit nach den Namen Reigning Sound zurückzulassen", so Cartwright. "Ich hatte beschlossen eine Pause einzulegen, um an Produktionen für andere Leute zu arbeiten und Songs zu schreiben für The Parting Gifts, meine Zusammenarbeit mit Coco Hames." Aber plötzlich hatte Reigning Sound dieses Toyota Angebot auf dem Tisch, und es gab keine Band. Neben Cartwright war die eine Konstante der letzten drei Reigning Sound Jahre Keyboarder Dave Amels, der ansonsten in der Brooklyn-Soul-Combo The Jay Vons Schwarzarbeit machte. Etwa zur gleichen Zeit war Dan Auerbach von den Black Keys nach Nashville gezogen und kümmerte sich dort in seinem Privatstudio darum, dem Gitarrensound der Parting Gifts Platte den letzten Schliff zu verpassen. "Dan war begierig darauf, etwas im neuen Studio zur Vorbereitung auf eine bevorstehende Sitzung mit Dr. John zu tun, und bot er mir etwas Studiozeit sowie seine Produktionsunterstützung an. Da saß ich nun ohne Band in einem Nashville-Studio, die Uhr tickte. Ich rief in Brooklyn an und The Jay Vons sagten ja. Ich rief Scion an und bat um drei Flugtickets und Hotelzimmer. In wenigen Stunden war die Band auf dem Weg nach Nashville. In zwei Tagen nahmen wir fünf Songs auf. Ich habe diese fünf mit drei Outtakes der vorherigen Reigning Sound LP "Love and Curses" mit Lance Wille am Schlagzeug und Dave Gay am Bass kombiniert.", erzählt Cartwright und fügt hinzu: "Greg + The Jay Vons ist die bis heute gültige Reigning Sound Besetzung." Nach der Veröffentlichung von "Abdication...." brachten Reigning Sound 2014 die beliebte "Shattered" LP raus. Cartwright war zudem seitdem ausgiebig mit den reformierten Oblivians auf Tour.

Born as Diana Reches, Diane Denoir made her debut as a singer in 1966, backed by Eduardo Mateo on guitar. Influenced by Françoise Hardy and Astrud Gilberto, along with her own unique style, she performed a special blend of chanson française, bossa nova (sung in Portuguese, English, and French), and jazz. By then, Mateo was already a well-known guitarist in the Uruguayan music scene and a sought-after arranger. He was also beginning to establish himself as an incredible songwriter, connecting different musical universes in unique ways. The two formed a fruitful artistic partnership that lasted until the early seventies. This album, originally released in 1998 on CD, is a compilation of various unreleased recordings from different sources (concerts, radio and TV recordings, homemade tapes) made between 1966 and 1968. It is a unique document that showcases their incredible musicianship and creativity in their early years. The duo swings from bossa nova classics like "The Girl from Ipanema" to the rhythm and blues of "Fever," including chanson française standards like "Le lendemain" and "La Dernière Valse." The album also features earlier versions of the three best-known Mateo songs performed by Diane: "Y hoy te vi," "Esa tristeza," and "Mejor me voy," all of which were inspired by Diane. Inéditas unveils a new dimension of South American music from an unforgettable era.

Teppana Jänis was born in the village of Uuksujärvi in Suistamo on 21 June 1850. After becoming blind in the late 19th century, he went house to house, supporting himself by playing the kantele, a traditional Finnish and Karelian plucked string instrument belonging to the southeast Baltic box zither family. He performed at dances and in schools, and also participated in the Suistamo kantele and runosong competitions in 1911.

In the summers of 1916 and 1917, the young folk music researcher Armas Otto Väisänen (1890-1969) made collecting trips to Border Karelia. His aim was to collect kantele tunes, laments and shepherd melodies, which were confusingly few in the archives. The 1916 trip was financed by the Finnish Literature Society, who provided a phonograph for recording purposes. In 1917, the trip was financed by the Kalevala Society and the recording was carried out using a parlograph. During these two summers, Väisänen recorded kantele players in the parishes of Suojärvi, Korpiselkä, Suistamo, Tuupovaara, Kitee and Impilahti. Väisänen met Teppana Jänis in both summers and transcribed 22 kantele melodies from him. He recorded 14 of these on wax cylinders.

This LP, titled simply 'Teppana Jänis' fuses and intertwines the original raw cylinder recordings with replayed pieces by Kantele player and researcher Arja Kastinen together with the now late Finnish folk musician Taito Hoffrén, taking into account the additional information and notes found in Väisänen's sheet music manuscripts. Warm thanks to the Finnish Literature Society for permission to use the archive recordings, to Risto Blomster for his invaluable assistance, and to the Karelian Cultural Foundation.

Mysticisms returns, looking to the source, Detroit City, with the beautiful house music of Soiree Records International and their 1995 deep vocal bomb, That's How Lovers Be.

Established in 1990 by Derrick Thompson, Soiree has long focused on the deeper side of house, late night rhythms across over 70 releases. Never making a shout out about it, the label might not of garnered the kudos it deserves while laying down a tight standard of cosmic sonic delight.

Featuring in the main Thompson's own Drivetrain releases, his production skills are deployed on this one time project. Written and sung by Montaze Armstrong, alongside the smooth accompaniment of Merchon Bower, the production is ubiquitous Drivetrain. His main mix sets the scene; hats proffering swing and impetus while bass and chords underpin the vocal interplay to skyward perfection.

Once again the label conjoins a latter day contemporary and admired producer to offer their own retake and who better than the essential producer of all things deep, Nail. A huge influence on the label during the formative years of (free party) house music's ascent, his recent return has been widely welcomed. His 'mix' is full of respect and perfect pitch, adding his distinctive low-end rumble, hypnotic hats, skips, loop and shake.

To close, it's all about the legend that is Scott Grooves. Nothing more needs be said, his 9-minute ride show jazz roots worn firmly. Rhodes, claps, piano and vocal are all that's needed. Loose, funky and soulful from a true master.

Love the Mystery.

Though Toronto rockers Hot Garbage’s signature tinge of moody, heavy psychedelia remains present on Precious Dream, their forthcoming sophomore album careens at high speeds into a darker world of searing post-punk riffs, grappling with themes of dread, loss, the resilience of the human spirit and the highs and lows of solitude. From the onset, elegant yet brutalist sonic architectures provide the scenery for an escape route, while cryptic poetic spurts act as surreal signage. By the end of the journey, we are left with a strangely pleasant void, but also with an uncontrollable urge to backtrack into the outfit’s beautiful 36-minute musical trap. True to form, prolific producer Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck, No Joy, !!!, etc.) – with whom, Hot Garbage recorded their critically-acclaimed debut full-length, RIDE – does right by the band, masterfully harnessing the four-piece’s unique brand of rock & roll, setting in motion a parallel universe where phones are not what they seem, lobotomy has its merits, lower is actually better, and tunnels stretch the very fabric of spacetime. Fans of Sonic Youth, Frankie and the Witch Fingers or Joy Division should welcome a confused stroll down this romantic if dystopian opus, for a cathartic and tender sense of resolution awaits.

Ready for take off?

With his new album 'Cruise Control', Satin Jackets presents a perfect musical soundtrack for relaxed moments that take us away from the stresses of everyday life. The title of the album is meaningful: 'Cruise Control' stands for the feeling of switching on the autopilot, leaning back and enjoying the journey to the fullest - an atmosphere that the album unfolds.

The album is a collection of singles that have been released over the last few years and are all interwoven at their core. Because no matter where you listen to the songs, they work, images arise in your head and your feet rarely stay still. Satin Jackets remains true to himself with his album sound, as he repeatedly receives feedback from listeners who appreciate the positive mood in his songs and which always puts them in a good mood.

The songs are first created in the producer's head and then develop together with the features, who add their own touch. For Satin Jackets, 'the most important thing is this immediate feeling that it fits musically and atmospherically'. This can also come out of nowhere, as was the case with David Bay and Small Black, who got in touch with the producer and it was an instant fit.

'There are always those magical moments when a song comes out of nowhere. Once I had an idea for a chord sequence that I couldn't get out of my head, but somehow that certain something was still missing. I then spontaneously asked a bassist friend of mine if he would like to play something to it - ten minutes later we had a hook that carried the whole piece. It's these unexpected, spontaneous inspirations that make the process so exciting.'

'Cruise Control' is more than just another album from Satin Jackets. It is an invitation to enjoy the moment and surrender to the music - a soundtrack that creates a good mood and takes us on a relaxing journey. So just switch on the autopilot again, put on your headphones and let yourself go.

Ready for take off?

Satin Jackets präsentiert mit seinem neuen Album "Cruise Control" einen perfekten musikalischen Begleiter für entspannte Momente, die uns vom Alltagsstress befreien. Der Titel des Albums ist vielsagend: "Cruise Control" steht für das Gefühl, den Autopiloten einzuschalten, sich zurückzulehnen und die Reise in vollen Zügen zu genießen - eine Atmosphäre, die das Album entfaltet.

Das Album ist eine Sammlung der Singles, die über die letzten Jahre erschienen und im Kern alle miteinander verwoben sind. Denn egal, wo man die Songs hört, sie funktionieren, es entstehen Bilder im Kopf und die Füße bleiben selten still. Mit dem Albumsound bleibt Satin Jackets sich treu, denn immer wieder bekommt er die Rückmeldung von Hörer:innen, die die positive Stimmung in seinen Songs schätzen und die immer wieder für gute Laune sorgt.

So entstehen die Songs zuerst im Kopf des Produzenten und entwickeln sich im Anschluss gemeinsam mit den Features, die ihre eigene Note mit einbringen. Für Satin Jackets ist es "das Wichtigste dieses unmittelbare Gefühl, dass es musikalisch und atmosphärisch passt". Das kann auch aus dem Nichts kommen, so wie bei David Bay und Small Black, die sich bei dem Produzenten meldeten und es sofort passte.

"Es gibt immer wieder diese magischen Momente, in denen ein Song quasi aus dem Nichts entsteht. Einmal hatte ich eine Idee für eine Akkordfolge, die mir nicht aus dem Kopf ging, aber irgendwie fehlte noch das gewisse Etwas. Ich habe dann spontan einen befreundeten Bassisten gefragt, ob er etwas dazu spielen möchte - zehn Minuten später hatten wir einen Hook, der das ganze Stück getragen hat. Es sind diese unerwarteten, spontanen Eingebungen, die den Prozess so spannend machen."

"Cruise Control" ist mehr als nur ein weiteres Album von Satin Jackets. Es ist eine Einladung, den Moment zu genießen und sich der Musik hinzugeben - ein Soundtrack, der für gute Stimmung sorgt und uns auf eine entspannte Reise mitnimmt. Von daher einfach mal wieder den Autopiloten einschalten, , Kopfhörer aufsetzen und fallen lassen.

With Generation Of The Void, NAILED TO OBSCURITY have crafted their most mature and expansive album to date. Set for release on September 5th, 2025, the album reflects the turmoil of the post-pandemic era, the shadows of war in Europe, and the relentless changes affecting all of humanity. Beyond its political and social commentary, the album also dives deep into personal struggles, confronting themes of dark emotions, depression, and fear. Every note, every lyric carries the weight of uncertainty and disillusionment, while no one knows what one will find within the void or beyond. After the success of 2019’s ‘Black Frost’, Germany’s doom/death metal veterans return with their new album ‘Generation of the Void’. First single ‘Overcast’ drips with a brutal, melancholic, apocalyptic intensity which the band have perfected over their 25 years together. After sharing the stage with legends Dark Tranquillity, Amorphis, Jinjer, Arch Enemy and At the Gates, Nailed To Obscurity will embark on their first EU headline tour at the end of this year.

It"s been six years since LA DISPUTE released their last album, Panorama. Since then, the Michigan post-hardcore band-made up of Jordan Dreyer on vocals, Brad Vander Lugt on drums, Chad Morgan-Sterenberg and Corey Stroffolino on guitar, and Adam Vass on bass-dealt with the stagnance of the pandemic, celebrated the ten-year anniversaries of Wildlife and Rooms Of The House, and began working on NO ONE WAS DRIVING THE CAR. The fifth studio LP is the first entirely produced by the group, and it came together in Grand Rapids and Detroit, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Philippines: "I think the change in environment was really helpful to breathing new life into the process each time we came back to it," Dreyer says. Partly inspired by the 2017 psychological thriller First Reformed, NO ONE WAS DRIVING THE CAR reckons with malaise in the shadow of the looming apocalypse, which has noticeably been worsened by the advancement of tech. The title comes from a quote from a police officer Dreyer read in a news article about a lethal self-driving Tesla crash, an absurd event which raises questions about the amount of control we have in our own lives. In fourteen dynamic tracks, the band grapples with the existential topic and the human need to find comfort and a sense of security in an existence where we"re often thrust into chaos without permission.

Pendulum, undoubtably one of the biggest electronic bands of all time, are back with Inertia, their first album in fifteen years. Produced by Rob Swire and Owen Charles and recorded at Pendulum’s London Studio, Inertia is a rampaging, 16-track emotional maelstrom and without doubt the band’s most personal work to date. Featuring collaborations with Bullet For My Valentine, Wargasm, AWOLNATION, Scarlxrd, Joey Valence & Brae and Hybrid Minds across the album’s tracklist, Inertia began to take shape in 2020 as Rob searched for what it is to be Pendulum in its current era. Stemming from 2021’s Elemental and 2023’s Anima EPs, which were the blueprint for the band’s future, the band found their new direction. Pendulum have 3 platinum albums to their name, including renowned debut Hold Your Colour and a UK #1 and #2 for Immersion and In Silico. The drum and bass/rock band from Perth, Australia have sold over a million albums in the UK alone, as well as selling out global arena tours and playing to thousands across main stage performances from Glastonbury and Download to Reading and Leeds on top of a headline slot at Ultra Miami in spring 2025.

Pendulum, undoubtably one of the biggest electronic bands of all time, are back with Inertia, their first album in fifteen years. Produced by Rob Swire and Owen Charles and recorded at Pendulum’s London Studio, Inertia is a rampaging, 16-track emotional maelstrom and without doubt the band’s most personal work to date. Featuring collaborations with Bullet For My Valentine, Wargasm, AWOLNATION, Scarlxrd, Joey Valence & Brae and Hybrid Minds across the album’s tracklist, Inertia began to take shape in 2020 as Rob searched for what it is to be Pendulum in its current era. Stemming from 2021’s Elemental and 2023’s Anima EPs, which were the blueprint for the band’s future, the band found their new direction. Pendulum have 3 platinum albums to their name, including renowned debut Hold Your Colour and a UK #1 and #2 for Immersion and In Silico. The drum and bass/rock band from Perth, Australia have sold over a million albums in the UK alone, as well as selling out global arena tours and playing to thousands across main stage performances from Glastonbury and Download to Reading and Leeds on top of a headline slot at Ultra Miami in spring 2025.

Saint Etienne kündigen mit 'International' ihr 13. und zugleich letztes Studioalbum an, das am 5. September 2025 bei Heavenly Recordings erscheint. Nach 35 Jahren Bandgeschichte, unzähligen Stilwechseln und Projekten jenseits der Musik ziehen Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley und Pete Wiggs damit einen Schlussstrich unter ihr gemeinsames Schaffen im Studio. International ist ein stilistisch vielseitiges Album, das von langjährigen Weggefährten, Heldinnen und Freundinnen mitgestaltet wurde – darunter Confidence Man, Vince Clarke, Erol Alkan, Paul Hartnoll (Orbital) und Nick Heyward. Die Songs spiegeln sowohl den nostalgischen Rückblick als auch die ungebrochene kreative Neugier der Band wider. Mit dem bewegenden Abschlusstrack Last Time verabschiedet sich das Trio endgültig von seinen Fans – aufrichtig, wehmütig und voller Wärme.

Saint Etienne kündigen mit 'International' ihr 13. und zugleich letztes Studioalbum an, das am 5. September 2025 bei Heavenly Recordings erscheint. Nach 35 Jahren Bandgeschichte, unzähligen Stilwechseln und Projekten jenseits der Musik ziehen Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley und Pete Wiggs damit einen Schlussstrich unter ihr gemeinsames Schaffen im Studio. International ist ein stilistisch vielseitiges Album, das von langjährigen Weggefährten, Heldinnen und Freundinnen mitgestaltet wurde – darunter Confidence Man, Vince Clarke, Erol Alkan, Paul Hartnoll (Orbital) und Nick Heyward. Die Songs spiegeln sowohl den nostalgischen Rückblick als auch die ungebrochene kreative Neugier der Band wider. Mit dem bewegenden Abschlusstrack Last Time verabschiedet sich das Trio endgültig von seinen Fans – aufrichtig, wehmütig und voller Wärme.

"Double Infinity" folgt auf das Grammy-nominierte Album "Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You" und wurde im letzten Winter in der New Yorker Power Station aufgenommen. Drei Wochen lang pendelte die Band mit ihren Rädern auf vereisten Wegen zwischen Brooklyn und dem Studio in Manhattan hin und her, um dort Tag für Tag zusammen zu spielen, zu improvisieren und zu arrangieren. Daran war neben der Kernbesetzung Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek und James Krivchenia eine Community von zehn Musikerinnen und Musikern beteiligt. "Double Infinity" wurde so live mit minimalen Overdubs vom langjährigen Band-Partner Dom Monks aufgenommen, der auch Engineering und Mix übernahm.

"Double Infinity" folgt auf das Grammy-nominierte Album "Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You" und wurde im letzten Winter in der New Yorker Power Station aufgenommen. Drei Wochen lang pendelte die Band mit ihren Rädern auf vereisten Wegen zwischen Brooklyn und dem Studio in Manhattan hin und her, um dort Tag für Tag zusammen zu spielen, zu improvisieren und zu arrangieren. Daran war neben der Kernbesetzung Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek und James Krivchenia eine Community von zehn Musikerinnen und Musikern beteiligt. "Double Infinity" wurde so live mit minimalen Overdubs vom langjährigen Band-Partner Dom Monks aufgenommen, der auch Engineering und Mix übernahm.

"Double Infinity" folgt auf das Grammy-nominierte Album "Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You" und wurde im letzten Winter in der New Yorker Power Station aufgenommen. Drei Wochen lang pendelte die Band mit ihren Rädern auf vereisten Wegen zwischen Brooklyn und dem Studio in Manhattan hin und her, um dort Tag für Tag zusammen zu spielen, zu improvisieren und zu arrangieren. Daran war neben der Kernbesetzung Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek und James Krivchenia eine Community von zehn Musikerinnen und Musikern beteiligt. "Double Infinity" wurde so live mit minimalen Overdubs vom langjährigen Band-Partner Dom Monks aufgenommen, der auch Engineering und Mix übernahm.

Nach dem frühen Tod von Adam Schlesinger durch COVID-19 im Jahr 2020 dachte das IVY-Trio nie, dass es ein weiteres Album geben würde. Aber die Band hatte einen großen Fundus an unfertigen Songs und Demos in einem Lagerraum in Rhode Island aufbewahrt, der bis zu den Anfängen der Band zurückreicht. Als Andy Chase und Dominique Durand im Jahr 2023 die letzten Vinyl-Veröffentlichungen ihres Katalogs vorbereiteten, reisten sie nach Rhode Island und hörten sich die Bänder an, die sie dort vor all den Jahren zurückgelassen hatten; Bänder, die mit Notizen wie ,Adam's Wacky Idea 1997" beschriftet waren, ,Stupid Cat 2005" oder ,Das hier könnte gut für Shallow Hal sein`. Zusammen mit ihrem langjährigen Freund Bruce Driscoll (Freedom Fry) beschlossen die beiden, ins Studio zurückzukehren und an diesen Aufnahmen zu feilen. Obwohl sie sich nie wohl fühlen würden ein Album unter dem Namen IVY ohne Adam zu veröffentlichen, wurde ihnen klar, dass sie das nicht mussten. Adam hatte seine Parts bereits geschrieben und aufgenommen - er ist auf jedem Song zu hören. Das Trio holte sich auch Freunde ins Studio, die über die Jahre an Ivys Platten mitgewirkt hatten, um diese Songs zum Leben zu erwecken. "Traces of You" enthält alles, was wir an Ivy lieben und immer geliebt haben. Könnte da noch mehr kommen? (Ja, das könnte es.)

JayWood - the nom de plume of Jeremy Haywood-Smith - is embracing new pastures having moved his music-making from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Montreal, and his new album Leo Negro chimes with a different tone as it looks to reconnect the self and grapple with one's identity. Marking a moment of meaningful change where controlled chaos takes the lead, it philosophises on what it truly means to be an experimentalist building a multi-faceted world where genre is infinite through sounds braver, more playful, and truthful than he's dared deliver before. Despite its astute sampling with layers of twists and turns, Leo Negro doesn't showboat but roars in the presence of vulnerability as it considers one's absolutes as a way of navigating the identity crisis. "Always looking for attention, I admit it, I can't help it, I'm a Leo," he reasons between vintage hip-hop scrubs on `Pistachios,' recalling a childhood need to be the centre of attention then stepping out of the spotlight as a grown-up. "Leos are confident and sure about themselves, but this record isn't that; so really, when translated, the title inspires `black confidence.' It's an uncomfortable, weird, and surreal term which bends the truth and embodies everything within." Experimenting in both life and music, Leo Negro and its first cut, `Big Tings' (feat. California, art-pop duo Tune-Yards) couldn't be further from 2023's Grow On EP and the previous year's slick LP Slingshot. Moving with flow akin to D'Angelo with Toro Y Moi textures, its twinkling intro of whirling synth and playful approach circles back to Jeremy's adolescence when he'd reverse, slow down, and speed up his favourite songs through the media player on his computer. Encouraged by his musical squad Will Grierson, Arthur Antony, Brett Ticzon, and enlisting his stylist and thrifter friends to capture the Leo Negro aesthetic, JayWood's big `in' for 2025 is collaboration, with the tight-knit crew of likeminded musical colleagues captured in session photo grins beaming from his Instagram grid. Nominated for Canada's coveted Polaris Music Prize, it'd be easy to be the cowardly lion; to rinse and repeat what's worked up to this point. But for JayWood, leaning into his natural `what if?' curiosity to make up his own rules as he goes along ("I never really knew what they were to begin with") and venture into honesty's unsafe space to seek comfort, confidence and make even greater connections, really is the only option. After all, he can't help it; he's a Leo.

I H8 Camera is the improvisation collective of ‘Master of Ceremonies’ Rudy Trouvé who, for more than 15 years now, has been leading an ever-changing line-up of absolute top-notch musicians through an insane adventure across rock, jazz, folk, krautrock, no wave, post-punk...boundless improvisation starting from a few brief pointers...innovative, contrary, abrasive and often very brilliant.

This double album was recorded during a 5 day residency at the famous club L’Archiduc in Brussels with a killer line up of Rudy Trouvé (Guitar, vocals) Stef Kamil Carlens (Bass, vocals), the late and dearly missed Matt Watts (Vocals), Teun Verbruggen (Drums), Teuk Henri (Guitar) and Jef Mercelis (Korg MS 10). Guest appearances by a.o. Roland Van Campenhout (Guitar) and Catherine Graindorge (Violin).
An intense and adventurous album, super hot CBGB’s vibes in Brussels!

Emil Friis’ neues Album Moving Images, seine erste Soloveröffentlichung für das Klassik-Imprint 130701 des Labels FatCat, ist ein Zeugnis der menschlichen Verfassung und der Dinge, die uns als Spezies zusammenbringen. Es ist inspiriert von den Bewegungen des menschlichen Geistes und den Geschichten, die wir durch Musik, Worte, Kunst und Film teilen.

Das Album umfasst ein breites Spektrum an Instrumenten und Emotionen: düstere Kammermusikstücke wie „For Goodbyes“, bedrohliche, aber hoffnungsvoll hypnotische Ambient-Stücke wie „Zero“, sanfte Solo-Piano-Stücke wie „Dancing“, poetische und verspielte Flöten- und Synthesizer-Stücke wie „Through Air“ und spannungsgeladene, filmische Streicher-, Synthesizer- und Klavierstücke wie „An Upward Motion“.

„Moving Images“ ist auch ein gemeinsames Projekt zwischen Friis und ausgewählten Filmemachern. Jeder der 15 Albumtracks wird von einer Videoarbeit begleitet. Die Filmemacher Kevin Brooks, Shaun Hart, Morgan Jon Fox und Jonathan Meyers hatten kreative Freiheit, die Stücke zu interpretieren, die ihnen am meisten zusagten.

Das aus nur wenigen Elementen bestehende Arrangement sorgt für ein enges Zusammenspiel aus Instrumenten und Emotionen sowie der Tiefe der Texturen. Die Originalkompositionen werden auf Synthesizern, Streichern, Holzbläsern und Klavier dargeboten. Mit Beiträgen von Künstlern wie dem renommierten Streicher Davide Rossi werden sie in cineastische, moderne klassische Werke verwandelt. Die Stücke sind so voller Helligkeit, Sensibilität, Spannung und düsterer Schönheit, dass es oft den Anschein hat, als würden die Instrumente miteinander sprechen. Die Phrasen wirken manchmal einsam. An anderer Stelle schweben und fliegen sie. Trotz ihrer Kürze sind die Resultate von Wärme und Inbrunst erfüllt.

Das bisher unveröffentlichte Junior Murvin Album, produziert von King Jammy, erblickt endlich das Licht der Welt. Rare Singles und eine Menge bisher unveröffentlichter Tracks machen „Cool Down The Heat“ zu einem unverzichtbaren Begleiter von Junior Murvins kultigen Lee ‚Scratch‘ Perry-Aufnahmen. Zu den neu entdeckten Perlen gehört auch, dass Junior Murvin seine beiden charakteristischen Songs ‚Police and Thieves‘ und ‚Cool Out Son‘ wieder aufgreift und sie in echter Waterhouse-Manier festhält.

Emerging from the shadows of a small apartment in Chicago’s South Side Pilsen neighborhood in 1999, Winterlight was produced and mixed by Daniel Thompson over the course of three years, from 1999 to 2002. It’s an intimate and evocative album that captures a pivotal chapter in Thompson’s life and echoes the spirit of a formative era in the underground music scene.
Thompson’s journey began in the heat of Houston, Texas, where his love for sound quickly became an obsession. By the late ’90s, he was among the first DJs in Houston to champion the sound of Chicago house, often driving long distances from Texas to Chicago in search of records, inspiration, and connection. These trips—equal parts pilgrimage and education—eventually led him to relocate to Chicago, where his artistic vision would fully take shape. Winterlight is the direct result of that move. Crafted over several years, the album embodies a raw, hands-on approach to production, built from analog synths, outboard gear, and hours of meticulous layering. Thompson leaned on tools like the Kurzweil K2000, SE-1, Juno-106, and classic processors such as the DP4 and TC Electronic units, shaping each track with
care and intention.
Blending atmospheric textures with hypnotic rhythm and subtle experimental flourishes, Winterlight captures the sound of an artist deeply engaged with his tools and surroundings. His extensive vinyl collection—over 3,000 records—served as both palette and inspiration, with carefully chosen samples lending further depth and narrative to the music. Now set for release across all digital platforms and as a limited double 12" vinyl edition through Berlin’s Word & Sound, Winterlight invites listeners into a soundscape that is both immersive and personal. More than just an album, it is a sonic document of a moment in time—rich in tone, memory, and intent. For those willing to listen deeply, Winterlight offers a rare window into the underground spirit of the early 2000s and the inner world of a producer finding his voice.

Spiritual Soul ist das nächste Ziel auf der Reise der Eccentric Soul Serie und bietet einen seltenen Groove mit einem transzendenten, introspektiven Flair. Gespickt mit üppigen Bläserarrangements und verankert durch warme, reflektierende Rhythmen, kanalisiert diese Compilation den meditativen Puls einer spirituellen Seele. Ein solider Begleiter für die stille Kontemplation - ob Sie nun in eine Sonntagslektüre vertieft sind oder durch die stillen Predigten der Natur wandern.

The next destination on the Eccentric Soul journey, Eccentric Spiritual Soul is a rare groove with a transcendent, introspective f lair. Laced with lush wind arrangements and anchored by warm, reflective rhythms, this compilation channels the meditative pulse of a spiritual soul. A Solid companion for quiet contemplation—whether you’re deep in a Sunday read or wandering through nature’s quiet sermons. Flute Not Included.

The debut single from Soul Music nobility, The Womack Sisters, is a one-two punch of soulful excellence. "If You Want Me" displays uncompromising rawness with pop-sensible control in equal measure. Propelled by the percussive attack of the piano and the hard-hitting call and response vocals, the track has a satisfyingly feel-good swing, allowing the groove to accentuate the hook. Sure to be a universally filed disc for DJs looking to bring some life to the dancefloor. On "I Just Don't Want You" sisters Kujcha and Zeimani's plaintive background vocals and BG's powerful lead come together like a harmonic bouquet in full bloom. A deeply soulful ballad at its core, it tells a tale of someone coming to terms with the pain of being in love with Mr Wrong when you know you deserve Mr Right.

Within the nine carefully composed tracks of Young Bones, Mel D’s characteristic voice stands out in all its facets, varying from fragile to powerful, haunting to playful, but most of all soulful. With a voice that’s both extraordinarily clear and melancholic, Mel D is something surprisingly rare: a singer whose artistic expression goes beyond the mere use of her voice. On Young Bones, Mel D uses contemporary figures, rephrasing them into timeless formulas. Her unique musical language embodies references to genres like Indie or Alternative. In other moments, her sound leans baroque, then jazzy, soulful, and contemplative. Each song represents an ode to being connected: to the world, other people, and most of all to the beauty of music. Mel D draws her inspiration from struggles felt in the current world climate: “I have felt overwhelmed by the world we live in and its countless challenges,” said Mel D. “As if we’re all a bit directionless in our own lives.” Nevertheless, Mel D uses her musicality as a tool for resistance - using it to transform sadness and anger into creativity, and to give world-weariness a voice that seduces, comforts, and inspires. On Young Bones, Mel D sings us to a place where we might find hope - with songs rooted in concern, solidarity, humanness, and empowerment, inviting the listener to lean into those feelings. Bring the Witches Back, a hymn to witchcraft, is a quiet song that summons the return of witches with feminist urgency, for more love and magic to open ourselves towards each other and the world. Soft, a soulful song with a tender melody, gently lulls the listener into an in-between dimension, full of opportunities. Meanwhile, in the coming-of-age ballad, Slowly Growing, she raises questions about belonging and identity, pointing directly at our emotional core. Where Do You Look When It Hurts? speaks to the sensation of exhaustion and emptiness, offering musical warmth and a sense of community in moments of lethargy. Finally, listening to the album, one always feels in good company. Playfully working in folk and electro-pop elements, Mel D takes us on a ride toward love and a sense of belonging, particularly on the track We win. Young Bones was recorded in Zurich and Paris with two outstanding producers of our times: Renaud Letang, who has previously collaborated with Feist, Chilly Gonzales or Lianne La Havas, and Dino Brandão. The latter recognized Mel D’s artistic uniqueness during their first meeting, inviting her to a recording session in his studio and bringing her into the band of Swiss superstar, Faber. Mel D’s solo project was more a product of coincidence than planning, as she says, even though an undisputed talent and passion for music had always been apparent throughout her youth. During her studies in fine arts in Zurich, she founded the electronica-duo mischgewebe, and composed soundtracks for theater and movie productions, as well as for exhibitions. Long before forming her current artistic identity, she went by the nickname Mel D, in a humorous reference to the Spice Girls. Although her personality and musical language suggest thoughtfulness and a melancholy touch, Mel D acknowledges that an honest laugh is never out of place, making her sympathetic and approachable.