House News

"When the world got me going crazy, I carry on," Gustaph sings. "And it's all because of you!" Belgian Eurovision Song Contest entry "Because of You" is overwhelmingly a love song. But not directed to one person. "It is an unabashed love letter to freedom," said singer and producer Gustaph, who also wrote the song himself with theatre producer and fellow musician Jaouad Alloul. "And besides that, of course, it is also an ode to the queer community, my 'chosen family' that has always strengthened and supported me."

At the same time, "Because of You" is also an ode to those monumental house records from the early 1990s with equally monumental vocals from legends like Martha Wash and CeCe Peniston. By also working with popular synthesizers from that period, Gustaph managed to bring back to life the infectious exuberance of those tracks. "But as irresistible and clearly still very influential as that era was," says the musician, "the song also really does have both feet in the present."

The result is an unadulterated house anthem that not only encompasses 30 years of music history, but also unabashedly and uncomplicatedly conveys that life is too short not to be yourself and pursue your dreams.

INCLUDING EXCLUSIVE DJ EDIT

Daffy debuts on Hot Haus Recs with 3 tracks of Bassline 2-step garage infused house muzak! Having made a name for himself with releases on the super hyped TImeisnow - check the original flavour!

DJ Swagger teams up with DJ ÆDIDIAS on four feel good UKG anthems for their first vinyl outing on Bristol label Time Is Now.

Long time friends and collaborators DJ Swagger & DJ ÆDIDIAS join forces on their first full length collaborative vinyl EP, showcasing their love of UK Garage. This killer four track dance disc delves deep into all things feel good and fun, 2-step laden drum sequences meet catchy vocal hooks and pulsating bass tones.

‘Speed Limit’ EP drops January 27th via Time Is Now

City Road is proud to present two unearthed garage productions from Ratman. They originate from around the turn of the millennium, when UKG was hitting its stride but hadn’t quite found a footing in Bristol.

Ratty and a friend were at St Paul’s Carnival somewhere around 1996 when they happened upon a small soundsystem playing out of the back of someone’s car. The minimal, swung 2-step rhythms sounded completely alien to them, and set them off on a quest into the burgeoning garage sound, resulting in Rat producing a bootleg of an evergreen pop classic of the era.

Rat was a well established part of Bristol’s underground music community with a smattering of jungle-oriented singles behind him and the odd remix commission. Around the same time he made the bootleg, he was approached about remixing a track on a major label. While it went down a storm amongst his peers, Ratty's’bass-heavy version wasn’t a match for the label’s vision and so the remix sat gathering dust for some 20 years.

Now both these misfit, quintessentially Bristolian twists on the UKG sound get a fresh airing on a label based just round the corner from where that car soundsystem was rinsing out mystery garage rollers all those years before.

Interstate debuts on Tilman’s imprint 'Pleasant Systems' for its third installment 'Autumn Loves EP'. Starting off with a balearic, yet uplifting summer house groove on A1 featuring Flying Solo on keys, 'Find Your Power' comes in with beautiful simplicity in every part. Followed up by 'Caught Slippin'' on A2, a groovy, old school-rooted garage house cut completes the A side. 'Ghetto of My mind' featuring RR introduces the B side with a §oor-¦lling, groovily slamming and deeply organ ¦lled 4-to-the-§oor club roller, while 'Revue' ¦nishes up the record with a heavily jazz infused, tripledtuned swing to get down to

We return with the second Glenn Davis” 12”, a year on from his last Yore twelve-inch “Soul On My Side”, Dublin-based DJ and producer Glenn Davis returns with its sequel, the as-stellar Better Daze. The EP's melodic, soulful sound. The dynamic title cut locks in instantly with a pumping kick drum and builds layer by layer thereafter. Percussion, hi-hats, electric piano chords, and synthesizers add to the thrust of the production as it grows ever more urgent. As the track advances, Davis drapes a jazzy keyboard solo across the booming base as the swing swells to a near-ecstatic level. “Your Time” rounds out the A-side with a cut that suggests pure energy at its outset before quickly morphing into a sleek house strut. With percussion included and late-night synth atmospherics folded in, the breezy tune starts to sound like something you'd hear banging out on the Dancefloor thats surrounding you.

On the flip, Davis brings the skipping house groove of "Inner Monologue” to a fever while. Moody chords, hand drums, and a snappy groove set the scene. The female vocalist's soulful delivery and vibes-like earworm that make the tune the standout it is. Think of a dark Room and a red light bulb & House Music forever and a day.

Melbourne native Jordan Brando makes his return to the SNF catalogue, proving once again his musical
ambidexterity and far-spanning range of talent.

The period between this release and Brando's SNF debut last March has seen the Aussie producer go from strength to strength, touring around his homeland and New Zealand and playing at large-scale festivals like Pitch Music and Arts. If you thought Moment in Time EP was kaleidoscopic, Vagabond EP gives the word a new meaning, touching base at disco, acid and speed garage.

The A-side showcases Brando's inimitable take on house with meandering funk basslines and skippy drums (Ricardo's Kicks'); classic disco samples and deep bass thumps ('Flux Deluxe'); and earworm acid melodies and whispering cymbals ('Radar').

'Marz' then might take you by surprise - although less so for those accustomed to Jordan's artistic versatility - a warped bassline groans over a garage rhythm, bringing the UK-inspired ruffage before 'UGOT2C' strips things back. Deep rolling drums lend the track a grooveable swing before and blissful breakdown leads to a solid, thumping drop. Finally, it's up to the title track to close proceedings. Let Evanna's syrup-smooth vocals stroke the soul whilst celestial piano tinkles and a blissed-out garage rhythm transport you to another plane.

Vagabond EP drops 17th June 2022 via Shall Not Fade

Summer 2021.Ollie Rant & Peaky Beats have joined forces to bring you 4 hard hitting club ready ukg heaters straight from the PBR studio. Uplifting energetic chord chop filled, wub infused, 2 step come 4x4 bangers to get your ready for the fast approaching festival season.

Warehouse find!

The beautifully mysterious Ourpeggio - so heavily supported by TEED and Bonobo - finally lands on Food Music.
The timeless original takes you to another dimension with it's melancholic synth patterns and exquisite middle eastern vocals which weave around a tripped out groove, whilst the Shadow Child remix loses the four-to-the-floor, instead fusing Garage and Rave breakbeats which will keep you entranced until sunrise.
This one's set to turn heads for a long time.

Harrison BDP is back on Dansu Discs with his ‘Cactus Girl’ EP. Includes an extra tasty track collaboration with good friend, DJOKO. This one is taking you to space.

Introducing Twelvez, a two track, 12 inch series from the ec2a camp. A subtle nod to the classic, club ready twelve. Expect one track per side, cut at 45rpm for extra emphasis and bass weight.

One of last year’s ANTHEMS R&B Queen Beyonce’s Break My Soul from her current LP Renaissance with Accapella & Bonus Beats on the B-side – one for the 45 heads! Don’t sleep – more to come from this fresh promo only label.

Sasha introduces LUZoSCURA, a new compilation that hasevolved from the thriving eponymous playlist. Featuring adiverse package of original works from a host of fresh talent, aswell as established artists and Sasha himself, it traverse selectronica, ambient, breaks and techno. Meaning light and dark, LUZoSCURA began on Spotify as a stash of tracks sent to Sasha which didn't meet the pace of his clubsets nor suit his venerated label LNOE, LUZoSCURA came into itsown through 2020 as Sasha gravitated toward more mellowed sounds while being off the road, and clubbers diverted their ears to home listening. Gaining a renewed source of energy inconnecting with more gifted, budding producers and seeing the project blossom, the idea for the compilation came off the back of doing a live stream solely featuring tracks from the playlist. Meticulously compiled to flow like a DJ mix for home listening, Sasha kicks it off with the buoyant, breaks-influenced 'Corner Shop', the first of his three tracks on the compilation. MJ Cole is among the established artists to feature with blissed out track 'Maestro', while The Micronaut, a multi-instrumentalist whose back catalogue was a favourite of Sasha's through lockdown, offers an immersive trip in 'Koelsa'. Lau.ra, lead singer from British experimental rock band Ultraísta, evokes a sense of spiritedness in 'I'll Wait' before we hear again from Sasha with another breaks-loaded trip in 'HNDI' and a collaboration withB ritish producer Franky Wah. Closing the odyssey with a stirring, expansive soundscape is synth duo Felsmann + Tiley.

We're back with another Various Artist compilation featuring an all-star ec2a roster, old & new. This compilation was curated with the concept of every track being able to fit in one set. Features a varied selection of flavours from UK Garage to Breaks and Bassline to Techno. Whatever you need.. This compilation has you covered

Turin based, Denaila lands on Dansu Discs for the first time with her ‘Basic Soul’ EP. 4 energy filled tech-house gems, coming to a dance floor near you...

...waiting for ltd repress !

Finally the full vinyl release of DJ Absolutely Shit's 'Chaos Is A Ladder EP'...

A super limited dubplate with unique track list was issued a while back and going for big money on Discogs.
Now the full 4 track EP lands on 12" vinyl and full colour artwork.
This release includes two heavyweight bangers not on the dubplate: The dark acid breakbeat and club destroying sub drops of 'Total Carnage' and this year’s summer piano anthem to finish them all 'Hope This Makes 7th Sense'.

These two tracks alongside the huge 'Chaos Is A Ladder' and 'I Really Know We Can Make It' make this a 'Break-glass-in-case-of-emergency' record.
Every track guaranteed to rock a dance. Don't sleep. Essential. !

Orange Vinyl Repress

Shall Not Fade welcomes Cologne’s DJOKO to the family with 5 slices of scorching feel-good house. Over a decade spent honing his craft, DJOKO has steadily gained recognition for his innate ability to craft a groove. Slick house infused with 2-step, garage and breakbeat energy - this one has us longing for the dance.

Kickin’ off with infectious, 2-step energy ‘Hooked On You’ is a poppin’ jam for hazy days and sunkissed dancefloors. Next up ‘Facettes’ takes retro elements and gives them new life in this glorious funk-filled, swinging cut. Taking it up a notch on, ‘Bad To The Bone’ is a chunky house pumper with all the right ingredients - stripped back vocals, swirly synths, piano stabs - dancing over a killer groove. Techy B2 ‘Jode Lade’ nod to DJOKO’s musical upbringing. Bouncy and minimal, his most stripped back offering on the EP but still prime dancefloor heat.

Celebrating 25 years of garage history Locked On Records
are re-releasing a limited edition run of original vinyl
classics, including tracks from Crazy Bank, Antonio,
Suburban Lick and The Streets.

Karma returns to GD4YA after his previous sell out release on the label with 2 undeniable club stompers Dat Dat Dat & Whip Tha 44.

A must have for all Garage & Dubstep fans.

Highrise & Peaky join forces to create 4 huge tracks for PBR005,
Written in the PBR studio over a mad weekend in Leeds.
The A side brings 2 big energy UKG & Speed garage tracks, with the B side stepping up the pace for the slick & bass heavy ‘Listen’ and ending with some spacey, breaky, dubstep. ‘Marsha’s Champers’.

Limited to 1000
No repress
Hand stamped with love
140g vinyl

Of Paradise are known for their eclectic output that is impossible to pigeonhole. This three piece compilation is testament to that idea, featuring quality tracks from across the spectrum of club focussed music.

Next on the agenda for the Orbital London label is a tasty four tracker from label boss man, Jack Michael and bass specialist, Inner Zone. The Drenched Volume EP is made up of one original and one remix from the accomplished producers, ravey breaks and garage energy with a modern day punch.

Jack’s “Volume” track boots off the EP in true Orbital style, distinctive broken drums, a warm winding bassline and trippy pads and synths all working together to make this a d floor destroyer in the coming months. Inner Zone’s “Volume” remix follows on the A side, pitched up and high energy from the get go and maintains a raw and in your face liveliness throughout.

On the flip Inner Zone lays down their original “Rainforest Sound” aptly named from the killer vocal sample they’ve used throughout. This one is cut directly for the moodier occasions bringing a deep and mysterious flavour to the dance floor. Rounding off the EP is Jack’s remix of “Rainforest Sound”, another enormous sound from the English talent, rough and ready with choppy drum work.

Orbital continuing to propel their UK sound loud and proud with this one!

Oi oi, Instinct is back with more gun finger touting, bass-face pulling garage goodness. This one from Soul Mass transit System click off with a dark groove and shuffling drums run through with plenty of old school signifiers.

'Poison Dart' is another one with marvelous scratchy drums and snares powering it feared as withering sonics, rude boy bass and hints of female vocal all get you marching along. 'Bad' closes out with wobbly bass and crisp hits. It's a more swinging groove with extra room for the sounds to hit that bit harder. Killer tackle.

UK Garage Classic. Repress Alert!

REN006 opens up with the cinematic lounge cut ‘Tino’, complete with a slow-burning chunky breakbeat and plenty of jazz instrumentation. ‘The Business’ has been teased since the beginning of the label, and for good reason - a perfect blend of jungle drum fills, smooth garage keys, and an unrelenting Reese bassline to bring all the elements together. On the flip side, ‘No Trick No Treat’ shows off Sky’s more experimental side, presenting electro melodies over a mix of daunting choir vocals and a 4X4 garage beat. ‘Keep It Coming’ brings the EP to an explosive close with ultra-punchy drums and serious oldschool ‘SkyKap’ vibes straight out of the late 90’s.

Beigean returns to his own Tava Discs, as well as to vinyl for TVD002, once again heading into his inherited archive of Punjabi folk, Bollywood disco and an increasingly encyclopedic knowledge of UK club culture. With tracks previously showcased by Midland, HAAi and Erol Alkan, TVD001 quickly became a rarity, and this limited-pressing looks to conquer similar ground via a quadruple attack of deeply effective, disarmingly personal rave movements.

Whereas previous Beigean releases on TVD, Hot Concept and Ransom Note have dug into Haamed Ratyal’s childhood influences, the tougher sounds of TVD002 take inspiration from a further blend of cultures. Initially alchemised during a stretch living along the diverse, tropical and sometimes unforgiving natural landscape of Northeastern Australia, the sounds of TDV002 are appropriately imposing.

Emerging from strikingly lo-fi territory ‘Jaya’s Strut’ slowly builds in groove and intent, weaving bass guitar and crackling drums with dubwise production, a deceivingly simple production that hits with enough character and intent to lead the record. It sets the tone nicely for the rhythmic explosion of Kashmiri Red, which powerfully, smoothly blends chopped-up exotica with flourishes of screwface-inducing bass.

Beigean’s sonics become more dramatic still on ‘Cane Fire Season’. Honoring the agricultural tradition of farmers torching their sugar cane crops each summer in Queensland, the track is itself a fiery pressure machine that overwhelms dancers with clattering drums and an industrial techno atmosphere that wouldn’t feel displaced in some of the world’s largest festival tents.

Finally, Beigean lets his intuitive and evocative percussive programming take the lead on ‘Sun Dappled Burdekin’, a scorched and psychedelic souvenir certain to linger in the heads of ravers as much as the memories that inspired its composition.

REN005 brings us 3 unreleased tracks from the SJ vaults along with a new production from 2020.

The EP opens up with the out of this world cut ‘Supernova’, featuring vocals from the man himself along with a spacey blend of beats & bass. ‘Bag Full Of Sess’ marks the return of the Stalker alias with co-producer Johnny C, first used all the way back in 2000 this one features a chunky breakbeat rhythm with plenty of smooth pads and string samples.

On the B-side, ‘Dumbo’ is a delightfully wonky and unconventional UKG cut for the afterparty. ‘Voyage’ gets straight to the point with some darker vibes and distorted basslines.

Labelhead Tilman is back on Pleasant Systems with his
Safe Trip EP. Raw and crafty retroesque US Garage styled
House with layered synths, crisp percussion and heavy
basslines.

Tuff Culture displaying a love of original UKG, back from the Sunday session days of the genre's infancy. 'Day Dream' has masterfully dry drums and hits and a classic vocal sample that packs in the soul. Smart filters and effects build tension before the big drop, gun fingers and pinging bass all explode to life. Irresistible. On the flip, 'Perpetual Motion' is another stripped-back, scuffed-up, low-key but high-impact garage shuffler with plenty of pent-up energy and a wicked Erykah Badu sample.

Orange Vinyl Repress

Shall Not Fade welcomes Cologne’s DJOKO to the family with 5 slices of scorching feel-good house. Over a decade spent honing his craft, DJOKO has steadily gained recognition for his innate ability to craft a groove. Slick house infused with 2-step, garage and breakbeat energy - this one has us longing for the dance.

Kickin’ off with infectious, 2-step energy ‘Hooked On You’ is a poppin’ jam for hazy days and sunkissed dancefloors. Next up ‘Facettes’ takes retro elements and gives them new life in this glorious funk-filled, swinging cut. Taking it up a notch on, ‘Bad To The Bone’ is a chunky house pumper with all the right ingredients - stripped back vocals, swirly synths, piano stabs - dancing over a killer groove. Techy B2 ‘Jode Lade’ nod to DJOKO’s musical upbringing. Bouncy and minimal, his most stripped back offering on the EP but still prime dancefloor heat.

No-nonsense steppers and breakbeat from Kyoto's Stones Taro. Deep, rolling, and full of sub - the true Hardline way.

Incl. Etienne Remix

Our 8th release brings you a new alias by the Parisian producer Ilyes: Dj Nina. He delivers 3 mood setting tunes with Etienne on the remix.