Hip-Hop News

For this third release on Dais, Drew McDowall reaches into concept, ritual, and immersion, in an exercise of unravelling the DNA of hallucination. The Third Helix is McDowall's product of deconstructive exploration, twisting the fibers of being into new structure, shape, pattern, and pulse, without reconstituting its inscribed template.

The result is a true third act,in McDowall's career, that has seen him peregrinate from the late-70s art-punk of the trio Poems to his work with Psychic TV and Coil throughout the 80s and 90s, into his current home of New York City, where he has composed with CSD, Compound Eye, as well his solo work. That triangulation is central to The Third Helix, as it begins with his dive into the existence of a sensory toolkit unique to McDowall before twisting faculties and reconfiguring consciousness by honoring inherent power, cognizant of memory yet agnostic of context.

With the tenet that journey is rarely linear, but rather an omnipresent oscillation of matter, sound is stripped to salient and primal, propelled by McDowall's boring into the core of memory and impulse, suturing together the silent awareness of excogitating experience.

Featuring eight new tracks of McDowall's dark, experimental electronics, including the opener "Rhizome", The Third Helix is a churning descent into emotion, provoking thought and reflection while carving out haunting space only to fill it with baffling and wondrous structures of layered sound. McDowall solidifies himself as an architect who transforms otherworldly materials into something fascinating and challenging in the process.

Unnerving, trancelike anthems for nervous meditation and anxious relaxation, fans of Coil will immediately connect and immerse, while the complex compositions welcome listen for drone and ambient enthusiasts.

Packaged within a thick sturdy matte sleeve jacket featuring artwork/design by artist J.S. Aurelius (Ascetic House/Marshstepper).

Cat.no.: DAIS 122 LP

Tracklisting

DJ Krush's latest album 'Cosmic Yard' see's the abstract hip-hop pioneer step back to his instrumental roots. Sinister beats, sci-fi tinged keys and collaborations from long time cohort Toshinori Kondo come together to form an album that while referencing the past looks the future straight in the eye.

New CRK on La Chinerie's COMICSANS Imprint !! more Breakbeat & Jungle from those two Lyon's babies. We also step into a more serious design thanks to our girl cm-dp, she's the best. Anyway, enough words, let the music and the awesome cover speak for themselves, and follow Comic Sans Records, 'cause we are just getting started !! zahef 69 la trik !

2nd release on BLKMARKET MUSIC comes from Vagara, one of the new breed of DJs and producers coming out from NYC. Vagara delivers a diverse 5 tracks EP entitled 'River of Strange Faces' that crosses between the minimal and electro spectrums. He currently works as one of the buyers at Brooklyn's top vinyl emporium halcyon the shop and is part of the Future Funktion DJs Crew. Label run by Taimur. Catalogue number BLKMUSIC_001. Hand Stamped Limited VINYL ONLY 12"

The spiritual and uplifting music of Clifford White is highlighted with two of his most sought after songs, taken from his 1989 album The Lifespring, and presented here in a special extended 12" for the first time. Starting in music production at just 15, White could be described as a protegee, however his take is that they were part of a music journey that continues today. With a centre found in electronic music and spirituality, his progress, from simple home use 4-track stereo to working in professional 16-tracks studios was swift, but matched by a deeper appreciation, greater confidence and wider palette of music styles. Utilising his love of early samplers, his first use of the Akai S612 to accompany and expand his keyboard recordings saw continued development from his debut album at just 17 with Ascension (1985), to the follow up Spring Fantasy (1987) and on to The Lifespring (1989). A small review in the local paper literally led to a knock at the door and offer of a deal from the Start (State Of The Art ) label to record his next album. With a subsequent advance, professional studio equipment was hired and out of these sessions his sound expanded to include ambient, orchestral, synth pop and even ballads. From this both Lifestream and Rain Trek emerged. With a love of Jean Michel Jarre's Oxygene in mind, Lifestream's smooth beginning soon gives way to the pulse of an arpeggio driven groove. Aiming for "relaxation with an edge", the track has become a secret play for the more Balearic minded DJ in the decades since and now sees the LP trade for dizzying sums. However, the original is achingly brief, gracefully fading as part of the album's journey. Here though, with DJs and collectors in mind, White returns to the song to craft a specially extended version that completes the song and will be appreciated at sunsets across the globe. Seeking to take the music and listener to another place, Rain Trek took White's interest in Sci-Fi and the mystic powers of water to a rightful conclusion. The healing nature of his music is apparent, the mystery, yearning and travelling, all emotions evident, but with a kick that will grace the more enlightened dance.

lovely Mystical Electronics!' (richard Dorfmeister / Tosca / Kruder & Dorfmeister)

Ah! Kosmos - Das Ist Ein Beständiges Wunder, In Dem Wir Hier Mittendrin Stecken. Beim Hören Ihrer Tracks Bleibt Immer Wieder Nur Stauen. Den Soundtrack Zu Love & Awe Spielt Seit Einem Halben Jahrzehnt Basak Günak, Sound-designerin, Produzentin Und Multi- Instrumentalistin Aus Istanbul.

Auch Auf Ihrem Zweiten Album - beautiful Swamp Verbindet Sie Elastische Bis Hart Knisternde Percussions Mit Melodischen Soundlandschaften. Dabei Gehören Der Universalismus Der Musik Und Persönlicher Freiheit Untrennbar Zusammen: Tief Im Gewebe Ihrer Tracks Aus Downbeat Und Deep House, Aus Türkischen Klangtraditionen Und Exotischen Revieren Stecken Auch Ängste, Glück Und Düsternis: Günaks Musik Fängt Auf, Was Sie In Ihrem Leben Zwischen Istanbul Und Berlin Verarbeitet Und Überwindet. Den Hörenden Bleiben So Nicht Nur Soundscapes Zu Erkunden, Sondern Vielschichtige, Emotionale Kosmen, Die Mit Jeder Neuen Klangschicht Ihre Widerhaken Ins Hirn Schlagen.

Schon Mit Ihrer Ersten Lp bastards' Bewies Sich Günak Als Grenzüberschreiterin, Oszillierte Zwischen Dem Mut Zum Glückseligen Flow Und Avantgardistischem, Düsteren Post-rock. Mit Ihrem Neuen Album beautiful Swamp', Das 2017 In Berlin Und Istanbul Entstanden Ist, Be- Wegt Sich Ah! Kosmos Weiter Jenseits Aller Genre-grenzen: Günak Baut Aus Polyrhythmen Und Folktronischem Instrumentarium Eine Mystische Klangwelt, In Die Man Hineinsinken, In Die Man Sich Forttragen Lassen Kann. Für Ihre Organischen Klang-cluster Hat Sie Auf Diesem Album Ihre Eigene Stimme Als Material Entdeckt, Wird Als Person Greifbarer.

Ihre Musik Ist Körperlich, Trägt Würdevoll Spuren Von Auseinandersetzungen. Die Transzendenz Von - beautiful Swamp Ist Eine Flucht, Ja, Aber Eine Nach Vorne. Der Titelgebende Sumpf Vielleicht Auch Eine Ursuppe, Aus Der Immer Neue Klangwesen Schießen. Mit Dem Druck Gelebten Lebens Und... Es Sind Überirdisch Schöne, Allesamt.

Ah! Kosmos Arbeitet In Erster Linie Allein. Wenn Günak Sich Auf Musikalische Begegnungen Einlässt, Dann Auf Besonders Intime Und Intensive. Wie Die Mit Der Jazzsängerin Elif Çaglar, Die Im Song - beyond Dreams Zu Hören Ist, Oder Mit Dem Gitarristen Özgür Yilmaz, Zu Hören Auf Dem Track - wide . Selen Ansen, Eine Der Wichtigsten Türkischen Intellektuellen Ihrer Generation, Hat Für Günaks Neues Werk Ein Gedicht Verfasst, Mit Dem Passenden Titel in The Dark Woods'.

Ihr Wichtigster Partner Aber: Das Publikum. Ah! Kosmos, Das Ist Genauso Sehr Ein Live-projekt - Und Eines, Bei Dem Die Musik Unmittelbar Auf Die Stimmung Im Floor Reagiert. Bei Jedem Ihrer Auftritte Nehmen Ihre Klanglandschaften Eine Neue Gestalt An. Sie Performt Solo Oder Begleitet Von Einem Gitarristen, War Bereits Support Für Acts Wie Sigur Rós Und Jonny Greenwood's Junun Project (barbican Hall) Und Spielte Auf Wichtigen Festivals Jenseits Aller Schubladen, U.a. Auf Dem Sónar Festival Barcelona Und Dem Venice Electro Festival, Dem Tokyo Electronic Music Of Arts Festival, Dem, Prague Quadrennial Und Dem Arena Theater Festival Nürnberg.

Zudem Komponiert Sie Für Zeitgenössische Tanz- Und Theaterproduktionen, Kurzfilme Und Perfomances. Im Frühjahr 2018 Nahm Sie An Dem Projekt sonár Calling Gj273b' Teil Und Schickte Eine Elektronisch Verfremdete Version Ihres Songs i Don't Belong Here' Ins All. Wahrscheinlich Fühlt Man Sich Ihrem Sound Sehr Verbunden, Dort Draußen.

An acidic downtempo housy/technoid journey into your imaginary landscape by Borthers Of Heliopolis (Cyclic Backwash / Ersatz Olfolks Alias). Title and Artwork inspired by early SF magazine Amazing Stories . The Record will come with a plain printed sleeve .

First Word Records are very proud to present an EP by Manchester's finest Hip Hop and Soul exports, Children of Zeus. This is 'The Story So Far...'

Konny Kon & Tyler Daley met back in 2005, after both performing a show near Paris in their respective crews, Broke'N'£nglish and Body Roq. The duo met up back home in Manchester, spurred on initially by a mutual admiration of each others music, and produced their first track together, aptly entitled 'Coming Home To You'.

A few years later, Tyler approached Konny about producing a full EP together. These sessions included the creation of a track called 'Still Standing', which ultimately saw the light of day last Summer on First Word. Still a highlight in their live sets, the Lenzman rub won "Best Remix" at the 2016 Drum & Bass Awards. The original has become somewhat of a British Soul anthem since its release, with people that missed it first time round still clamouring for it on wax. So we've included it on this EP.

As they've grown within the family of Manchester's music scene, they've provided a tonic to the city's bass-orientated club scene, breathing Soul back into the city, whilst maintaining their heritage of Hip Hop swagger. As an MC, Konny takes no prisoners, whilst Tyler (a prolific MC in his own right) has gained a rep as one of the UK's strongest Soul voices. Both artists have been blessed with the talent of beat-making. A combined craftsmanship upon the boards and in the booth.

From building a grassroots following of fans, they've since travelled the globe, sharing stages with giants and catching the ear of peers far and wide, from Pete Rock to Zed Bias. As well as hosting their own monthly radio show on NTS, they've collaborated with numerous Hip Hop acts, both sides of the Atlantic, as well as Soul royalty in the form of Caron Wheeler and Drum'n'Bass legends, such as Goldie (Tyler featuring heavily across his latest album).

Children of Zeus have finally begun the process of crafting together their debut album. This EP is a compilation of the creations the duo have produced themselves over the past decade, put together to appease their loyal followers thus far, and as an introduction to those yet to discover their talents. A snapshot of what has been, and a mere taster of what's to come. It features brand new tracks such as 'Smoke With Me' and (vinyl-only cut) 'Tonight', the anthemic 'Crown' (featured on First Word's 'Two Syllables' compilation previously) and fan favourites such as 'No Sunshine Tomorrow' and 'Push On'. A collection of raw, gritty, Hip Hop Soul music.

The debut album will drop in 2018.
This collection signals the end of the first chapter. A prologue even.
Get on board now. The time is right. This is the story so far...

- special Thanks To My Family, Friends, And All Those Who've Inspired Me To Keep Making Music. These Compositions Are A Reflection Of My Musical Journey, Reminding Me There's Always More Room To Grow. - Like (pac Div) gabriel Brings The Funk And The Soul, Fresh Drum Patterns With The Right Swing And Most Importantly, The Diversity Of Every Single Track Makes This Record Never Boring.' - Lefto (worldwidefm, Brussels) gabriel Is Fusion Cuisine At Its Finest. Like Combines Ingredients That Shouldn't Work Together, But Do, Because He's A Ill Chef Like That.' - Ivan Ave (mutual Intentions, Jakarta Records)

PNN turns 5! Celebrating our birthday with the 20th PNN release. Publishing our most original artist Hendrik Meyer a.k.a. Myr. again on 12inch. Myr. is already known for his Maxi Nobody Knows, his album Diamondsbacks Make Wonderful Pets and his latest release Next 1 on Areal in 2018. Now releasing Apparently Innocent on PNN we face a 4-track EP beginning with "That's right, Pop", which revels us in Ko¨lscher Euphoria. "Beach Bag" a reminiscent of Matt Karmil's sound cosmos - stumbling charmingly to endlessness (in the digital version even a little further). While the third track 'She Hums" brings us a Myr. classic for the dancefloor and finally "One - Eyed Reilly" revitalizing the shuffle and leading Myr. to new glamour. We proudly present Apparently Innocent!

First Word Records is very proud to present you with 'The Offering' - the debut album by Darkhouse Family, a Cardiff-based duo consisting of Earl Jeffers & Don Leisure.

Previously releasing music under their respective monikers, Metabeats and Jamal, they've produced an assortment of sounds over the years, from Hip Hop to House to D'n'B. Connecting as a duo almost a decade ago, this merger logically saw the birth of their own unique style, comprised of a bonafide fusion of genres.

Darkhouse Family entered into the public domain via labels Fat City and Earnest Endeavours, before joining the First Word family in Summer 2016, with the 'Solid Gold' EP. This was their first release to incorporate live instruments into their signature hybrid of sampled beat-chops and electronic sonics. 'The Offering' serves up further evolution in the Darkhouse Family's sound - a progression that also embraces Jazz and Soul.

Following the success of 'Solid Gold', the duo embraced a more collaborative approach, embarking on a series of sessions between Oct 2016 and May 2017, building a bonafide family of musicians and vocalists. This notably included Kamaal Williams (aka Henry Wu, formerly of Yussef Kamaal), up-and-coming drummer Daf Davies (who was a key inspiration in the sound and vibe of the record) and strings arranger / player Jonathan Powell. Vocal performances include regular DHF collaborator, Vanity Jay, a masterful talent, Jessy Allen, and an amazing newcomer, Esther, amongst a veritable assortment of sublime Welsh talent...

The breadth of tools used on this recording very much ranged from the old to the new, from 19th Century violas, to Fender Rhodes, to Juno synthesisers. Despite the wealth of live instrumentation brought on board for the project, there was always a crate of vinyl nearby, to provide dusty-fingered inspiration whenever required. The whole mood of 'The Offering' radiates with a sense of organic fusion - retro analogue sensibilities blended with future vibrations. This conglomeration of eras, sounds and skills summarises the ethos of the project, as mentioned most poignantly in the title track, "unity is the beginning"...

Their amalgamation of styles on Darkhouse Family's previous catalogue has in turn had support from a wide-range of selectors and tastemakers, such as Tom Ravenscroft, Mr Thing, Kutmah, Rob Da Bank, Lefto, Om Unit, Huey Morgan, ThrisTian, Jon1st and Gilles Peterson, and their own turntable formidability has seen them grace the decks at Boiler Room, Fabric, Worldwide FM, Solid Steel, Glastonbury Festival and much more. This is only the beginning though.

This album is a true testament to Darkhouse Family's undiluted love of music across a vast spectrum. The end-result is quite simply a gift to the masses.

This is 'The Offering'.

Theomatic is back with a surprise 12-inch from the label's mainman An-2. Mint EP is a collection of four space-boogie jams spanning a variety of moods and tempos that have been recorded over the period of last couple of years. The lo-fi beats and pulsating kalimba-esque arpeggios on 'Sigint' create an instant feel of a sci-fi movie soundtrack, while an ultra-deep kick drum and a punchy bass on 'Mint' is a sure way to test your speaker performance. Things get more chilled and pensive on the flipside with 'Dusky Downtown''s brooding synthwork and rolling pads taking you on a stroll along glittering neon-lit city streets. Last, but not least, Amberflame's take on 'Dusky Downtown' is a steaming affair that uses tight compression and lush synths and to create that special euphoric dancefloor moment.

Tokyos Yunosuke Senoo alias Lycoriscoris präsentiert "Flight", sein erstes Album, das auf dem renommierten britschen Anjunadeep Label von Above & Beyond erscheint. In den letzten Jahren hat sich Lycoriscoris einen Ruf als einer von Japans aufregendsten jungen Produzenten erspielt, der zwei Alben auf dem lokalen Indie-Label Moph Records veröffentlicht hat und live neben Acts wie The Field und Mortiz Von Oswald in Tokio spielte. Er veröffentlichte zuvor durch Unterstützung von DJ Koze und Michael Mayer seine "Transient EP" auf dem Kompakt-Sublabel KX im Jahr 2015. Mit Einflüssen wie den verträumten Soundlandschaften von Boards Of Canada bis zum Jazz Glitch von Shigeto ist Senoos Sound eine subtile Mischung aus organischen Melodien und futuristischer Elektronik.

Remastered Usa Pressing Of A Previously Rare Japan Only 45 By Dj Dez Aka Andrés. For Those That Only Know Dez From His Andrés Releases- You Are Missing A Whole Other Side Of What This Guy Can Do. Dez Has Been Scratching, Cutting, And Chopping Beats For The Better Part Of 20 Years As A Dj For Slum Village, A Member Of Detroit's 12 Tech Mob Dj Crew, Not To Mention Countless Amounts Of Productions, Mixes And Beats For Other Artists. Here On This 7" - We Have Two Rare Examples Of Dez's Inimitable Style - Raw, Funky And Timeless!

This second half of 2017 Quintessentials will offer a lot of south american music. Like from our long time friend and regular guest Soul of Hex! Hailing from Tijuana, Soul Of Hex (also know as Sebastien Vorhaus) has a rich, nuanced and grainy style with an authenticity that's closer in sound to vintage Detroit or New York pastures, despite his Mexican heritage. Busy DJing, producing and running his own label Vicario LTD, Soul of Hex is a driving force in the Mexican scene. His new Helipop EP offers different styles like a downbeat intro, a deep bassy rough house cut (Helipop) plus 2 back to oldschool rave/warehouse tunes not afraid using some uplifting pianos, catchy vocals and deep basslines. House music all night long!

Limitierte Auflage Des Aktuellen Thievery Corporation-albums Auf Blauem Doppelvinyl.

"treasures From The Temple" Ist Eine Fortsetzung Des 2017er Meisterwerks "the Temple Of I&i", Mit Dem Thievery Corporation An Den Sound Ihres Legendären Debütalbums "sounds From The Thievery Hi-fi" (1996) Anknüpften. Ebenfalls Entstanden In Den Geejam Studios In Port Antonio Im Herzen Jamaikas, Bestehen Die 12 Neuen Tracks Aus Weiteren Originalaufnahmen Und Remixen Der Temple-sessions. Soundmässig Dominiert Der Unverkennbare Thievery Corporation-blend Aus Klassischem Dub, Dancehall Und Roots-vibes Und Damit Ein Durch Und Durch Entspanntes, Karibisches Feeling. An Der Seite Des Washingtoner Duos Standen Zahlreiche Feature-gäste Wie Mr. Lif, Sitali, Racquel Jones, Notch, Natalia Clavier Und Lou Lou Ghelichkhani, Die Gemeinsam 12 Weitere, Kostbare Perlen Erzeugten.

Re-issue with new sleeve, photographed by photo editor of Thrasher magazine Bryce Kanights when Tommy was 13 years old

97 debut album from renowned skateboard rider Guerrero takes off on a fusionistic ride of acid jazz, trip hop, rock and downtempo groove.

This is one of the lesser known titles by Tommy Guerrero, instead of the more indie Rock or Post/Experimental-Rock sounds that made "A little Bit of Something" or "Hoy Yen Ass'n", such accomplished albums have largely been abandoned, in favour of something a little more subtle, studied and more akin to his Puerto Rican roots.
This is, by and large, a vastly stripped back affair compared to his later albums, with the acoustic guitar featuring prominently in virtually all the songs, with subtlety, and refinement, this feels like a improvised session between him and his group of musician friends that has been beautifully recorded and keep for prosperity. This is (apart from a couple of vocal tracks) a most instrumental album, with a super-laid back feel, that mixes simply devised melodies with hints of Blues/Funk, yet the prominence of a strong Cuban/Latin artistic approach run strong throughout the album.

Highly recommended.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- GATEFOLD SLEEVE
- FIRST TIME ON VINYL
- INCLUDES 4-PAGE BOOKLET WITH SONG LYRICS AND CREDITS
- LIMITED FIRST PRESSING OF 1.000 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED COPIES ON RED VINYL

Frou Frou are an electronic duo composed of Imogen Heap and Guy Sigsworth from England. Heap and Sigsworth met each other on the London Scene in the mid-1990s. They released their first and only album Details in June 2002, which has elements of trip/hop, ambient, pop and rock, using a wide range of traditional instruments and the ethereal vocals of Imogen Heap. The warm sound of the songs lies in the use of the technology on the album. It's the atmospheric and dreamy feel created by combining the stunning vocals with creative electronic beats that makes the album to an outstanding piece of music. First single Let Go' is a dark exploration with strings and compelling vocals. Breathe In' is focused around a steady walking tempo and a skillful bassline.

The album received critical acclaim, several singles from the LP were released. Across the United States the duo had established a cult fan base where they promoted Details. After the disbanding of the duo in 2004 they reunited in 2017 and been touring ever since.

Details is now available for the first time on vinyl and is pressed on 1.000 individually numbered copies on red vinyl.

Cabanne has been active for over 16 years and is considered as one of the main players on the minimal house scene. He is well known for his jazz and funk influences which bring a unique groove and tune to this set of 11 tracks LP available mid-October on CD and 3x12'. Discopathy will bring an intense pleasure to minimal house lovers, electronic music enthusiasts and jazz players who will fully enjoy this pure piece of minibarism, comfortably installed close to the flames of a burning dancefloor. This album matured and has been refined for years and it is with great emotion for both Cabanne and minibar label that it is announced today.

* Producer John Hastings has always had a mind that was prone to wander. Before he moved to Denver and took the name Rumtum, the Ohio native used to sit in the back of his Algebra class, doodling in a notebook. He was sketching out a land he called Mora Tuga. "It was all about characters with space suits and all this gear, they would explore these new lands, take soil samples, find new things they could study, and figure out how to help themselves. But there were also bad creatures." Within Mora Tuga, Rumtum creates an experience of deep textured beats relying on himself as the sample source. Singing haunting chants and playing woodwinds, percussion, guitars and synthesizers, he layers sounds that conjure a sort of fog that lingers somewhere off in the distance. Welcome to the rainforest on another planet, where beautifully emotive electronic compositions head-knod as easy as they thought provoke. Much like his print making and illustration work, Rumtum's music can be revisited again and again to find new moments of interest and inspiration.

Second release on KingUnderground
Double sided instrumental funk 45
Limited edition of 300 copies
For fans of funk, soul, library records & old film soundtracks
Promo copies have been sent to Giles Peterson & Thris Tian

Magic in Threes release their second release on KingUnderground with a double sided funk 45 inspired by 70s soundtracks.

The band Magic in Threes, consisting of 3 members are from Nashville, Tennessee. On Friday 9th February 2018 we are releasing two songs of theirs that sound like they could be on an old KPM library record or a 1970's soundtrack. The band have a full length in the making coming out on KingUndeground in the near future.

In 2016, the band were writing and recording a new track every week. They spent so much time in the studio that year that the song ideas just kept coming, one after another. They have always been rooted in library music and over the years they've dug deeper and deeper into that sphere of inspiration. "Finnish Funk" and "Shot Thru The Grease" are both loving homages to that genre. Heavy beats with diabolical melodies are the name of the game for The A-side, "Finnish Funk". On the flip side "Shot Thru The Grease" has more of a loping feel to it with ample portions of moody thematic elements. Like a score to a lost 1970s Italian action film, these tracks hit like a hard nosed detective closing in on his next collar.

The Tel Aviv based music label 'Raw Tapes Records' has been getting a lot of attention in the last few years, broasdcasted around the world (Gilles Peterson/BBC, The Gaslamp Killer, Toshio Matsuraa/Tokyo Moon FM, Dom Servini/Wah Wah 45 London, Peanut Butter Wolf/Stones Throw LA, Radio Nova/France, Wicked Jazz Sounds/Amsterdam, KCRW/LA, Andrew Jervis/Bandcamp).

With more than 70 albums released out of around 20 local artists within an 10-years work, this is no doubt the most productive independant music label in the history of Israel, and surely Tel Aviv's leading Beats/Hip Hop label and collective.

Puzzles vol.3 is the third volume in the Puzzles Compilations Series from Raw Tapes, featuring 13 of the current artists on the label, including Buttering Trio, Sol Monk & Nitai Hershkovits. The release features cooperations with MNDSGN, vocalist Jenny Penkin, Uzi Ramirez and more.

Curated by KerenDun, this album ranges from Beats & Hip Hop to Jazz and Electronics.

The album marks the 10-years-Anniversary for Raw Tapes.

Letherette start the year off continuing their Brown Lounge series with Brown Lounge vol.4. A collection of new beats from the letherette bunker.

Few artforms are as apt to describing the fervour and tumult of human emotions as music is. Songs transport us to real and imaginary places, living someone else's experiences as our own, connecting with thoughts and feelings through melodies, rhythm and words. As a producer working primarily with the tools of traditional Hip-Hop - samplers, records, synthesizers - Onra has distinguished himself over the past decade as one of the best of his generation, capable of creating vivid music that sparks the mind of the listener and brings them along to uniquely detailed spaces, both real and imagined. On Nobody Has To Know', his fifth album for All City Records, the versatile French producer created music that reflects on the various aspects of a secret relationship pulling from R&B,New Jack Swing and Funk to soundtrack the passions of attraction. Stylistically Nobody Has To Know' picks up from the Future Funk style Onra originated on his 2010's Long Distance' (and its 2012 companion EP Deep In The Night' for Fool's Gold). Where those two releases mined the early and mid parts of the 1980s for ideas and references, the new album digs into late '80s and early '90s jams for smoother and richer sounds. Bolstering the record are two talented multi-instrumentalists, New Zealand's Lewis McCallum and Belgium's Pomrad, who bring touches of virtuosity to Onra's trademark smooth arrangements. The result is a record that, like its theme, oscillates between tender, torrid and tumultuous. Over its 13 tracks Nobody Has To Know' details the ups and downs of a secret relationship, from the excitement of doing something forbidden to the aftermath of living out fantasies. On "Let Me Fantasize" a rolling bassline and sparkling melodies capture the excitement of what is possible, the mind wandering into the forbidden. "No Question" taps into New Jack Swing to act out desires that can't be suppressed, exuberant solos echoing dangerous feelings. With its hard drums and smooth horn solos, and chorus of "Freak" takes you to that place where you can do things you only dreamed about. Balancing this intensity are more introspective moments. "Not Long Ago" rolls out gentle synth solos and nostalgic samples to reflect on past relationships and the very human desire to have what you had or can no longer reach. Rich textures and a languid rhythm underpin the reflective mood of "Nothing To Lose," as you wonder what could go wrong - it's a fine line after all. The fantasizing, excitement and danger of fatal attraction are all reflected through the prism of the music. With Nobody Has To Know' Onra deftly evolves the style he first began to explore a decade ago with his unique touch, re-affirming a unique sound rooted in warmth and setting the mood for some late-night escapades.

Led by Saxophonist Rob Mitchell, Abstract Orchestra have been a consistent presence on the u.k. music scene, touring constantly in the promotion of their debut LP "Dilla" and steadily building a loyal and supportive fanbase.Inspired by the legendary live performances of The Roots with Jay-Z and the 40 piece orchestral arrangements by Miguel-Atwood Ferguson of the work of J Dilla, classic arranging techniques underpin modern loop-based structures, breathing new life into familiar material.The band itself is based on the classic jazz big band instrumentation of saxes, trumpets, and trombones and features the cream of the north of England's jazz scene, who collectively have played with Jamiroquai, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mark Ronson, Martha Reeves, John Legend & the Roots, Roots Manuva and Amy Winehouse.

"New Day" is the eagerly anticipated new single and features rapper and J Dilla's brother Illa J on vocals. Supported by a U.K. tour with Illa J throughout February, "New Day" takes the blueprint laid out on last years LP "Dilla" and expands it with Illa J's understated vocal delivery. Radio support anticipated from BBC6's Gilles Peterson who has been an advocate for Abstract Orchestra on both his BBC6 and Worldwide FM shows, as well as Huey Morgan (BBC6), Shawn Lee (Soho) and Dom Servini (Wah Wah 45s). "New day" is the first original work by Abstract Orchestra and builds on the foundations laid on their debut. Flutes and electric piano lay out a gentle pad, propelled forward by Joost Hendrickx's insistent drums. Occasional fragments of saxophones add an urgency to the insouciant groove laid out by the rhythm section as soft trumpets and trombones are gradually added to the flutes. This provides the perfect foil to Illa J's laid-back vocal delivery as he describes a typically relaxed Tuesday morning spent contemplating the day ahead. The B-side is the AO remix which takes the instrumental performances of the A-Side, chopping and fragmenting them and re-framing the original with a slightly harder edge, which should be popular with those DJs and listeners looking for something with a tougher sound.

"...a swirl of the bedrock elements that make up modern music, his LP lifts from Soul, Funk and Hip-Hop to create this ode to Detroit House."
A NATION OF MILLIONS

EARLY SUPPORT FROM ALEXANDER NUT ("Tight beats from Snips as always. Dexters Pain is my fave here. Big ups"), KARIZMA ("Proud to hear a friend grow musically, great work on the album my friend...Full Support. K'), RED RACK'EM, SK VIBEMAKER

SNIPS delivers the first vinyl release on Houseology. The Barbershop LP is a tongue in cheek play on the production techniques Todd Worsnip aka Snips normally uses when making his Hip-Hop work. This 8 track LP is meeting of the two worlds of House and Hip-Hop tapping into Snips' raw ability to find the best cuts and chops needed for any genre.

DJ Snips began his career at legendary London record store Deal Real', where he ran the open mic night alongside British host and comedian Doc Brown, Snips' years at Deal Real saw him DJ'ing alongside performances from several US heavy hitters including Kanye West, Mos Def and the Black Eyed Peas.

Snips' knack for manoeuvring through a wide range of Hip Hop oeuvres has seen him play around the world, Specifically in NYC where he has been a guest at legendary parties including Everyday People, Bible Study, Mobile Mondays and Ginny's Supper Club. As well as being a regular in NY, Snips has also headlined events in The Philippines, Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, Qatar, France, Norway and Spain. When Snips isn't touring or on the Club circuit, he's known for churning out beats for some of the most talented MCs on both sides of the Atlantic. His production work includes tracks for several major US recording artists including M1 (Dead Prez), Capadonna (Wu Tang), Sean Price.

Work on the Houseology record label allows Snips the opportunity to articulate himself even more so within his skilled production, by drawing a definitive line between the House/Hip-Hop relationship which has existed for years.

3x 180g heavy weight black etched vinyl. Triple gatefold sleeve.

This is a journey into sound. A series of journeys across the globe, in-fact. This time with Don Leisure from Darkhouse Family. Let us tell you a story. Firstly, we first need to answer a question. Who is Shaboo

It began in Africa. Nasser Barwani was the son of Shabudin. At the age of 15, Nasser (Don's Uncle) left Kenya and hitch-hiked his way to London. Nasser entered the movie business, occasionally finding himself in front of the camera, acting in Bollywood films. It was then that Nasser changed his surname to adopt a screen name - Shaboo.

According to Don, "Shaboo was the most colourful character in my family. I have fond memories of him playing tabla at family parties. When I was about 17, I was on a journey with my Uncle. Whilst Shaboo drove me around, he was playing the steering wheel as if it were a tabla. It was then I nervously asked "do you think, one day, I'd be able to make music too...". Shaboo was so furious he nearly crashed the car, slamming his hand hard against the wheel. He screamed "OF COURSE YOU WILL!! IT IS IN YOUR BLOOOOOD!!!"...

A week later, inspired by the creative energy of my Uncle, I acquired some music software, and began an all new journey. A journey through the beats..."

Long family car journeys were a constant in Don Leisure's life growing up. "We'd take frequent trips from Wales to London to visit family in the late 80s / early 90s. There I'd mainline into my cousin's record collections, and make full use of the signal radiance to the M4, searching the airwaves for pirate radio stations. However, I wasn't the only one to make use of this. Every trip, my parents would routinely tune their dial into Sunrise Radio - the only Asian radio station around back then.

The soundtrack of these road trips were somewhat unique. Whilst I tried to learn the lyrics to 90s hip hop songs taped off my cousins, my Mum would constantly interrupt, interspersing my boom bap with bonkers Indian radio ads. And here we have the premise of this album. An attempt to recreate this sonic mix, with sounds pulled in from dusty crates and breaks dug from all over the globe."

25 instrumental Hip Hop tracks, linked together in a truly unique style and fashion, this is much more than a beat tape. This is a journey into sound. For real.

Dedicated to Nasser 'Shaboo' Bharwani.

First release on Polytechnic Youth for 2018, (after a jaw dropping 21 releases last year!) sees a first larger scale, vinyl release for the mighty Heartwood Institute. Preceded by a pair of wonderful, yet small run cassette and CDR releases, Jonathan Sharp's esteemed HI project deservedly receives a wider scale outing here....

Entitled Secret Rites', imagine if you can, an unholy collision of TG style proto industrial, Kosmische / kraut grooves and 70's folk horror soundtracks. Secret Rites' delves deep into a series of forgotten occult documentaries from the late sixties and early seventies, The Power Of The Witch', Witchcraft '70' and The Legend Of The Witches. Focusing on the superstars of the period: Alex & Maxine Sanders, self appointed King and Queen of the Witches. A hauntological dive into a time when the occult was making inroads into mainstream media, truly the Age of Aquarius.......

A wonderfully free-flowing, evolving record that grows with each listen and a fine start to the New Year for both artist and label. A one off pressing of 300 vinyl LPs.

What works is Heartwood's flair for isolating the listener from the outside world and dropping you deep into a well of senses cheating trickery, the sounds cold and detached disfigure and shape shifting to cast looming shadows of disturbia and paranoia, a portal to an underworld where legends, ghost stories and folklore are very much a reality.'
- The Sunday Experience.

Lyrics and vocals by artist and poet Leslie Winer, production by Bokeh Versions staple Jay Glass Dubs.

For his 5th release, rap afficianado Ty takes us on a journey of works from his heart. He tackles subjects like his childhood neighbourhood Brixton and works through issues over the course of the album of poverty, depression, racism, family, hiphop and the creative process to philosophical musings on life and even imagined film soundtracks. The album, entitled 'A Work Of Heart' is produced and predominantly written by Ty. The sounds are a mixture of crisp, bouncy production, live instrumentation and vivid and entertaining lyrics. Featured guests include Tall Black Guy, Wayne Francis (United Vibrations) and the legendary Umar Bin Hassan of the Last Poets. Of the album the artist says "This is my life work, it's how I feel...I want to upgrade the view of hiphop." This jazz-infused hiphop album is simultaneously uplifiting and thought-provoking.