Buscar:mo’ funk

When SW. AKA, Stefan Wust, first established SUED in 2011, their compelling, cosmic and anonymous material struck a rare chord, emanating far beyond the freeform Berlin underground in which it was written. Unknowingly, Los Angelean Oliver Bristow had
established a parallel musical universe, founding the hyper-specific label Acid Test, inviting pioneering artists such as Donato Dozzy, Tin Man and Pepe Bradock to indulge in glorious interpretations of 303 control. Without compromise, these were records that quietly
reinvigorated electronic music.
Some years later, a new label, SWOB, unites Wust and Bristow in a very different landscape. And while it would be easy to transform the purity and integrity of this special alchemy into something like nostalgia, yearning for an alternative culture before
influencers and against algorithms, SWOB endeavours to find inspiration in arguably tougher truths.
“By the mid-90s, the techno scene had already reached a breaking point”, recalls Wust.
“Today, the scene is so highly professionalized that it barely resembles what was once called the "underground. But "underground" was never more than the simple reality that music circulated on cassettes among friends or that dubplates were played at illegal
parties... The consequence of today’s professionalization is the death of the original movement.”
Still, no one can kill an idea. Here, inspired by the “Outside Tekno” or “Outkast Techno” that emerged to subvert even back in the day, SWOB are proud to introduce the tekkNOthing trilogy, a new project from SW. beginning on cassette and culminating later
on vinyl. Some years in development, tekkNOthing first began to take shape during the 2020 global pandemic, when ‘the underground’ quickly began to mean something radically different once again.
“I noticed how everything was accelerating while simultaneously spinning in circles – existing in a kind of creative limbo on a global scale”, recalls Wust. “And that’s where true freedom lies: for artists – in any sense – to consciously engage with this necessity. In
other words, irrationality or nonsense can eventually generate meaning.” While hardly capitulating to the contemporary hammering of techno’s most recent developments, tekkNOthing’s first chapter quickly establishes a frenetic pace; tracks like ‘nuclearFALLoutX’ and ‘paslolESmess’ interlock and unfold at a tempo removed from that typically associated with SW. while ‘euroBSS’ and ‘viscousHEAT’ successfully experiment with a more guttural palette, veering far into a rejuvenating and previously uncharted leftfield.
A resolutely human endeavour, the music of SW. is nonetheless written and recorded in the looming shadow of AI, whose free-form adoption of pop culture, hip-hop and techno reminds Wust of “when photography emerged in the 19th century... painting was no
longer bound to naturalism. Similarly, music today is no longer bound to fixed standards – through AI, it can become truly free.”
If not in competition, than taking inspiration from this landscape of new opportunity, tekkNOthing diversifies further with eight unpredictable tracks across part II, taking in stuttering machine-funk on ‘crAMPDUNK’, a freeform organ jam via ‘sonicENdo’ and the
inexplicable piston-percussive, post-punk exotica heard on ‘poorTENOOR#a#01’ DJs with dual cassette decks skills might even find function in the more overtly floor-focused ‘DU ¨NEhowSE#1takeÄ’ or ‘lookLOOK’.
The times may have changed, but the promise remains simple; more music, more freedom.

Mr Bongo proudly presents the third album by Melbourne/Naarm multi-instrumentalist, Don Glori, entitled ‘Paper Can’t Wrap Fire’. A kaleidoscopic genre-surfing odyssey that brings together the worlds of jazz, soul and funk. Feeling both contemporary and classic, familiar yet novel, it’s an assured third release that sees an artist in full flight, showcasing their creative prowess and the uniqueness of their musical voice.

Steering in a new direction, Don Glori (aka Gordon Li) has delved headfirst into his songwriting with ‘Paper Can’t Wrap Fire’. Deftly showcasing his talents as a writer and bandleader, he brings with him a whole host of friends from the creative crossroads that is Naarm. It’s an album enriched with more soul, R&B, and funk-oriented songs than his previous jazz-rooted productions, yet there’s still plenty of jazz material for those familiar fans of Don's earlier works.

The album’s title is an old Chinese proverb, roughly translated as 'you can’t deny the truth'. This underlying thread is woven between the songs. “A lot of them are in some way about truth-seeking, observations and the masks you put on to deal with life (hence the cover art)”, Don mentions. Take, for instance, the sensational soul single 'Brown Eyes' featuring silky lead vocals by ML Hall. A dissection of the minority experience, and the power and comfort in building those communities. Elsewhere, 'Disaster' is a satirical take on the structures serving everyone but the artists, and 'Flicker' tackles notations of truth and clarity after introspection.

To marry that meaning with the level of musicianship on these tracks is what really stands out. Don has set out his stall here as an artist who can write songs that hit home in the heart, as much as they do in the head. It’s a journey infused with a glistening jazz finesse, layered with nourishing vocal harmonies and powered by an instantly relatable human soul.

Recorded over two hot summer days in Rolling Stock Studios in Collingwood, Naarm, the lineup of musicians is built up of Don's friends and family. Featuring the backbone team of Tim Cox, Al Kennedy, Joel Trigg, Robyn Cummins and Lachlan Thompson, who were part of Don's touring band before he relocated to London, and a stunning selection of vocalists in the form of ML Hall, Ruby Dargaville, Isadora Lauritz, and Bianca Kyriacou. Also gracing the album are trumpeter extraordinaire Audrey Powne, saxophonist Joshua Moshe, and Alcides Neto who sprinkles some Brazilian magic into the record.

Taking influence from artists including Azymuth, SAULT, Jordan Rakei and Lynda Dawn, as well as from London musical beacons such as NTS and Total Refreshment Centre, Don has run with this, leaned in and come out with a record truly unique to himself and his distinctive core, with no mask necessary.

It was less than a year ago that Italy-born but Denmark-based musical artist Alex Puddu released his latest album Deliria, an enticing blend of erotic disco, soulful grooves and electronica inspired by Italian pop music of the late 70s / early 80s, which went on to enjoy extended radio play across the globe including on BBC 6, NTS, KCRW, and national Spanish station Radio 3, to name a few.

But it wasn’t long thereafter that indefatigable groove purveyor Puddu travelled back to Rome for a new musical adventure, heading straight to The Sound Work Shop, the recording studio of legendary Italian composer Piero Umiliani, where he recorded the 10 new tracks that are included in his latest musical opus, Professione Reporter, another funky and soulful adult-oriented disco-pop album entirely sung by himself in Italian.

Professione Reporter tells the story of a photo reporter who travels the world following and stalking rich recently-widowed women whose husbands died in mysterious circumstances. Attracted by their charm and wealth, our protagonist transforms himself into a gigolo, becoming a dedicated lover-boy to these rich sugar mamas and a slave to the sweet life, going so far as to become an accomplice in their criminal plans to ensure the inheritance of their dead husbands.

Once again Alex Puddu has hit the mark with a collection of polished and ear-friendly grooves that tell the alluring story of a private eye embroiled in a web of love affairs, wealth and deceit, evoking images of satin sheets, champagne and dim lights set against the backdrop of one of the most hedonistic decades so far.

Australia's world-renowned cinematic soul outfit Surprise Chef return with new album Superb. A record that represents a change in their creative approach and turns up the heat in their music. Trading in their meticulous writing and recording techniques for a looser and less planned approach with the intentions of bringing more levity to the process, and it comes through in spades. The high caliber musicianship is still front and center, but they push their sound into a more energetic and fun place on this album. Album opener "Sleep Dreams" is the closest thing to a Surprise Chef tune one would come to expect but then lead single "Bully Ball" comes on and you get the picture that they came to kick in the door on this one. The song's gritty drums thunder through the speakers and get covered with percussion, keys, bass, and guitar chanks that stay in the pocket and bring the funk with them. The band pushes the boundaries of arrangement with tunes like "Body Slam" that starts off like a sweet soul track then pulls a 180, turning dark and haunting, centering on a sound they created by tucking a timpani into a bathroom two doors down from the mixing board. That same sense of experimentation comes up again on "Fare Evader" where they pepper another neck breaking rhythm track with synth notes that sound like robot sound effects from a 70s sci-film. The fellas turn up the tempo for the dance with tunes like "Consulate Case" and "Tag Dag"; the former pulling influence from afro-funk and the latter from jazz-funk. They take us deep into the beautiful world of Surprise Chef ballads on "Websites" and double down on their abilities to make beautiful and ethereal tracks with "Dreamer's Disease". With their new album Superb, their new approach, and plans to tour the world, we are about to see Surprise Chef take the step from the underground's most beloved to a household name and we are definitely here for it.

Calibro 35 unleash a limited 7" feat Piero Umiliani's Italo-Cosmic-Disco classic 'Discomania' and Azymuth Brazilian-Disco stormer 'Jazz Carnival' on the B-side. Calibro 35 continue their journey into the world of cinematic jazz-disco-funk with the release of a new 7" featuring two afro-disco stormers. On the A side Calibro 35 deliver an heavily afro-funk infused version of Piero Umiliani's Italo-Cosmic-Disco classic 'Discomania' while on the flip side the Milanese band drop an equally explosive B-side with their own reinterpretation of Brazialian-Disco hit 'Jazz Carnival' by Azymuth. Both songs are taken from the highly anticipated new album 'Exploration' that drop June 06 worldwide via Record Kicks. The 7" is limited to 500 copies worldwide and is an instant's collector item. Described by Rolling Stone as "the most fascinating, retro-maniac and genuine thing that has happened to Italy in the past few years," Milan-based Calibro 35 enjoy a worldwide reputation as one of the coolest independent bands around. Active since 2007, during their long career, they 1 have been sampled by Dr. Dre on Compton ("One Shot One Kill" feat. Snoop Dogg), Jay-Z ("Picasso Baby"), The Child of Lov & Damon Albarn ("One Day"), and Demigodz ("The Summer Of Sam"). They 2 have played major venues and festivals all over Europe, and as unique musicians, they have collaborated with, among others, PJ Harvey, Mike Patton, John Parish, Stewart Copeland, and Rokia Traoré.

Miles Away Records are proud to introduce a brand-new, never before released piece of music.

In September 2024, Rob J Madin reached out to us with a collection of instrumental covers he had created. Immediately drawn in, we loved both the musical approach to these covers and the fact he tastefully selected these tracks to cover. Following up, we asked Rob, an accomplished musician, if he had any original compositions in a similar style.

The result is "MONSTRO", six instrumental slabs of jazz-funk heat! Produced primarily in Rob's attic studio in Sheffield. Rob showcases his talents on guitar, bass, keys, and percussion, with each track built around iconic drum samples. Listeners can expect spacey synths, silky electric pianos, and irresistible hooks. Think BADBADNOTGOOD meets Mildlife with a side plate of Herbie Hancock.

From the kick-your-door-down energy of "Callisto Disco" to the slow-burning allure of "Heartbreaker" and optimistic sunny day feel of "Cherryade" to the fully grown earworm synth lines of "Bouquet Garni". In addition to four original songs, the collection features two cover versions from that initial SoundCloud link: Michael Miglio's "Never Gonna Let You Go" and Rupa's "Ayee Morshume Be-Reham Duniya." Both are rare early-80s gems, wonderfully reimagined by Rob.

"MONSTRO" will be officially released on May 16th, 2025 on digital and physical formats. The 12" EP comes with printed inner sleeves and is pressed at 45rpm for maximum audio depth.

BIG ONE AGAIN with Tetrabass crew ! Full nuskool dancefloor tribe sound !!!

Australia's world-renowned cinematic soul outfit Surprise Chef return with new album Superb. A record that represents a change in their creative approach and turns up the heat in their music. Trading in their meticulous writing and recording techniques for a looser and less planned approach with the intentions of bringing more levity to the process, and it comes through in spades. The high caliber musicianship is still front and center, but they push their sound into a more energetic and fun place on this album. Album opener "Sleep Dreams" is the closest thing to a Surprise Chef tune one would come to expect but then lead single "Bully Ball" comes on and you get the picture that they came to kick in the door on this one. The song's gritty drums thunder through the speakers and get covered with percussion, keys, bass, and guitar chanks that stay in the pocket and bring the funk with them. The band pushes the boundaries of arrangement with tunes like "Body Slam" that starts off like a sweet soul track then pulls a 180, turning dark and haunting, centering on a sound they created by tucking a timpani into a bathroom two doors down from the mixing board. That same sense of experimentation comes up again on "Fare Evader" where they pepper another neck breaking rhythm track with synth notes that sound like robot sound effects from a 70s sci-film. The fellas turn up the tempo for the dance with tunes like "Consulate Case" and "Tag Dag"; the former pulling influence from afro-funk and the latter from jazz-funk. They take us deep into the beautiful world of Surprise Chef ballads on "Websites" and double down on their abilities to make beautiful and ethereal tracks with "Dreamer's Disease". With their new album Superb, their new approach, and plans to tour the world, we are about to see Surprise Chef take the step from the underground's most beloved to a household name and we are definitely here for it.

Australia's world-renowned cinematic soul outfit Surprise Chef return with new album Superb. A record that represents a change in their creative approach and turns up the heat in their music. Trading in their meticulous writing and recording techniques for a looser and less planned approach with the intentions of bringing more levity to the process, and it comes through in spades. The high caliber musicianship is still front and center, but they push their sound into a more energetic and fun place on this album. Album opener "Sleep Dreams" is the closest thing to a Surprise Chef tune one would come to expect but then lead single "Bully Ball" comes on and you get the picture that they came to kick in the door on this one. The song's gritty drums thunder through the speakers and get covered with percussion, keys, bass, and guitar chanks that stay in the pocket and bring the funk with them. The band pushes the boundaries of arrangement with tunes like "Body Slam" that starts off like a sweet soul track then pulls a 180, turning dark and haunting, centering on a sound they created by tucking a timpani into a bathroom two doors down from the mixing board. That same sense of experimentation comes up again on "Fare Evader" where they pepper another neck breaking rhythm track with synth notes that sound like robot sound effects from a 70s sci-film. The fellas turn up the tempo for the dance with tunes like "Consulate Case" and "Tag Dag"; the former pulling influence from afro-funk and the latter from jazz-funk. They take us deep into the beautiful world of Surprise Chef ballads on "Websites" and double down on their abilities to make beautiful and ethereal tracks with "Dreamer's Disease". With their new album Superb, their new approach, and plans to tour the world, we are about to see Surprise Chef take the step from the underground's most beloved to a household name and we are definitely here for it.

De:tuned welcomes the Purveyor of Fine Funk, Midwest house and techno originator Dan Curtin, to the label with his first new album in 15 years entitled 'The 4 Lights'. The now Berlin-based DJ and producer channels his inner DC and opens up his soul on this exceptional eight-track LP. Dan showcases his unique take on techno and early 90s influences rise to the surface. The result is an in-depth masterclass of cosmic funk, spaced-out vibes and warm pads that stimulate the mind, while the distinctive groove moves your body. Stay tuned!

De:tuned welcomes the Purveyor of Fine Funk, Midwest house and techno originator Dan Curtin, to the label with his first new album in 15 years entitled 'The 4 Lights'. The now Berlin-based DJ and producer channels his inner DC and opens up his soul on this exceptional eight-track LP. Dan showcases his unique take on techno and early 90s influences rise to the surface. The result is an in-depth masterclass of cosmic funk, spaced-out vibes and warm pads that stimulate the mind, while the distinctive groove moves your body. Stay tuned!

Analog Africa doesn't do anything other than special releases really, but this one tracing the label's origins back to Zimbabwe over 20 years ago is a real standout. A carefully curated collection of 25 tracks with a fine booklet proving plenty of extra context, it captures the birth of the country's modern music scene and brims with the creative sound explosion of the 70s and 80s. Before genres were fully defined, artists blended rock, rumba, soul and traditional rhythms in bold, experimental ways that still stand up and get diggers and dancers excited in 2025. Included are never-before-released tracks from Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi and more and they all add up to rich and dynamic snapshot of Zimbabwe's peerless musical evolution during what was a transformative era.

DJ Support: Dimitri From Paris, David Morales, Dave Lee, The Shapeshifters, Brian Tappert, Quentin Harris, Michael Gray, Dr. Packer, Marcel Vogel, Dj Pippi, Sebb Junior, Dj Pope, Dj Oji and many others

Groove Culture main men Micky More and Andy Tee are once again at the controls as the label presents its' second collection of 'Groove Is In The Heart'. As with the popular imprint's various EPs, the focus is on joining the dots between organic house, revivalist disco, uplifting dancefloor soul and colourful jazz-funk. There's much to admire from start to finish, a very strong bunch including MM & AT's celebratory Mix of Prospect Park's swirling disco-funk treat Feat Taka Boom 'i Got This Feelin', a wonderfully rolling and soulful Groove Assassin rework of Lou Casablanca and Angela Johnson's 'Gimme Your Love', Da Funk Junkies and DiscoGalactiX tasty Feel Good house Tune 'Holding On' and the revivalist Italo-house warmth of Massimo Berardi's 'Who I Am' Feat. Sheree Hicks.

Brazilian talent Rafael Cancian has grown in stature thanks to solid outings on the tasteful likes of Razor-N-Tape and Hot Pot Records. Now with that profile established, he heads out with a new label of his own in the form of About Disco. He inaugurates it with a quartet of edits that he has already been deploying to great effect on various dancefloors around the world. 'Sounds Chicago' does indeed with raw drums and great keys dancing over the beats. 'Ti Amo' has a more funky undercarriage and disco percussion, 'D'Afrique' again brings a funky bass riff to the fore with some psyched-out sounds for company and 'Opera' shuts down with some late-night and soul-drenched synths over intimate and stripped back house drums.

This newly formed and already brilliant label is back with more previously unreleased instrumentals that bring a different twist and dancefloor edge to classic sounds from the rock and indie world. First up we get a subtle edit of 'Sound and Vision' which has a nice fat and funky bassline bouncing beneath the splashy drums as nice acoustic guitar melodies ring out next to glistening retro-future pads. It's a cosmic trip that oozes soul then things slow down on the flip with 'Young Americans'. This one is a nice go-slow instrumental with funky and expressive horn work taking the lead over the fat-bottomed drums and bass.

Find Your Own Records recently launched with a sold out first release; Ceri's 'Life Holstee E.P.' which included a timeless Fred P Reshape. Fusing the sounds of Berlin, Detroit, Chicago and London, the release was supported by everyone from Midland, Move D, Ben UFO and Fumiya Tanaka, to Steve O'Sullivan.

The second release, the 'I Need You To Make Me Sweat' E.P. also draws inspiration from the classic sounds of Chicago and Detroit, and features none other than a remix from bona fide Dance Music Legend, Mr. G.

The title track 'Need You' is a Juno bassline driven, classic sounding 'proper' deep house track, raising in energy as it peaks, with vocal snippets and modulated analogue drums building throughout.

Mr. G has taken Ceri's title track, 'Need You', and twisted it into a harder, faster 'Jaded Dub', capturing a dark and driving energy, tantalising and adding to the drum grooves with his trademark swinging rides and industrial synths, adding his infamous MPC swing to the vocal snippets, and building the tension throughout, as the one and only G can.

The B side 'Sweat', draws inspiration from 80's and 90's house with a modern dark twist, mixing variating funky drum machine rhythms, classic house vocal samples and pulsing sub-bass to.

The first release was quickly repressed, but there will be no repress on 002, so grab it now before it sells out...

Early support comes from K-HAND, Ryan Elliot, Paranoid London and many more.

Lady Wray verwöhnt uns mit einem unaufhaltsamen Two-Sider, während sie und der Grammy-nominierte Produzent Leon Michels (Clairo / El Michels Affair) ihrem kommenden Album den letzten Schliff geben. Die A-Seite "Be A Witness" zeigt eine der neuen Richtungen, die Lady Wray mit ihrem Sound einschlägt. Nicoles Gesang erhebt sich über einer basslastigen Drum-Machine und Nick Movshons funkigen Basslines und macht den Song zu einem echten Mid-Tempo-Tanzflächenfüller. Lady Wray singt über eine Liebe, die dazu bestimmt ist, zu geschehen, feiert die Freuden, die damit einhergehen, und verbreitet die guten Vibes bei jedem, der in Hörweite ist. Die B-Seite "Best For Us" ist ein wunderschönes Stück über Liebe, Engagement, Absicht und das Überwinden von schwierigen Zeiten. Synthesizer und Hintergrundgesang schweben über Homer Steinweiss' charakteristischem Schlagzeug und bilden die perfekte Kulisse für Coles weltbekannte Stimme.

2025 LTD repress ! BE FAST !

Dompe presents French Collection 2: A journey through funky house, disco house and French house


After the successful first part of his French Collection, Dompe sets new standards with the sequel and brings a breath of fresh air to the house scene. French Collection 2 skillfully combines the pulsating rhythms of funky house, the nostalgic vibes of disco house and the iconic melodies of French house - all with Dompe's unique style.


This album is a musical homage to the golden years of 90's house, combined with modern, funky grooves that will conquer any dancefloor. Dompe proves once again that he is a master of the genre, making the perfect connections between driving basslines, smooth funk guitars and catchy vocals. Every track on French Collection 2 is designed to evoke nostalgic memories as well as inspire today's dance-loving generation.


Dompe manages to preserve the spirit of the classic 90's house scene while adding a modern twist. French Collection 2 is a must for all fans of the genre - and for anyone who simply wants to experience the funk and energy of a great house album.

Sababa 5 collaborate with India born singer Sophia Solomon on their most exciting double A-side to date, merging Bollywood-style songs with their signature blend of Middle Eastern grooves.

Renowned for their instrumental releases that fuse traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern music with psychedelic rock, funk, and disco, Sababa 5 have also pushed boundaries in collaborations with vocalists such as Shiran Tzfira, Yurika Hanashima, and Inbal Nur Dekel. These efforts have won them support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Cerys Matthews, and Jeremy Sole, on BBC Radio 6 Music and KCRW. Now, the band joins forces with Sophia Solomon for their latest musical exploration.

Born in Bengaluru, South India, and trained in Hindustani classical music in Mumbai, Sophia Solomon is a versatile, multilingual singer, recording artist, and live performer, drawing inspiration from Bollywood legend Asha Bhosle. A standout moment early in her career - a global tribute to Mahatma Gandhi - ignited her passion for bridging musical traditions across cultures.

“Shehzadi” (“Princess”) is an Indo-disco delight. Solomon’s Hindi vocals soar effortlessly across Sababa 5’s finely balanced arrangement of hypnotic drums, pulsing electric bass, fanning electric guitar, and sparkling synths in a beguiling minor key. There’s a strong hint of 80s nostalgia with a contemporary shine, evoking a Stranger Things meets Bollywood charm.

“Ranjha” (“Lover”) takes on a more Middle Eastern feel, with synth notes that undulate with longing and emotion, reminiscent of traditional instruments like the saz or baglama. The upbeat groove pairs seamlessly with Solomon’s dynamic, hope-filled vocals. Well-timed pauses add dramatic flair, while Sophia’s performance allows space for an exuberant synth solo.

This exciting collaboration marks another bold turn for Sababa 5, infused with new life through Sophia Solomon's artistry. “Shehzadi” and “Ranjha” represent a fruitful exchange of cross-cultural musical exploration, destined to be played on repeat far and wide.

Scheurneus EP is Vunks latest 12 inch vinyl release on his own legendary imprint Moustache Records. This release is a tribute to the underground scene, no hipster house only pure electro techno acid EBM sounds. This release is part of his 30 year anniversary as a DJ. Produced in his atomic basement Baan Studios downtown Rotterdam. A1 has a crazy funky 303 bassline, 606 hi-hats, 909 toms and more cowbell, vocoder voices and some italo-ish Legowelt-ish melody , this all blends together for this "You Sexy Bassline". When David played it in a B2B with Tom Trago, Tom said are you kidding me, is this your track? A2 "Sorry ain't enough" is a musical tribute to the legendary Emmanuel Top from Belgium. Electro acid and a building up deep track. Expect some extra cut off frequency and resonance. Already played on National Dutch Radio 3FM by the best and funniest radio DJ the Netherlands has to offer; Justin Verkijk. B1 provides a tribute to the EBM wave scene, originally made for a VA compilation that was never released. Now brought to you on Moustache Records because we don't want you to miss this! Expect TR909 hats, vocoders, modular Fenix 4 system and more modular. A hit from the legendary Paradisco Festival in Belgium. B2 is filled to the brim with Flangers, TR 606 Drums and a sharp bassline form the Roland SH101, Davids first and favorite synthesizer ever! He paid 37,50 euro for it back in the days SH101 :) This is a tribute to Robert Armani and Chicago house pumping, jacking and goes up, up, upper, upperst! A pure club banger.

2025 Repress

The Colombian producer whose name is on everyone's lips, figure of the underground in his native land, Felipe Gordon makes a sensational debut on our beloved label SKYLAX RECORDS ! His fabulous Django Mango EP mixes his house music obssessions with his love for Latin & jazz music. Adept of analog equipment and eminent musician, he gives us a real work of art to store alongside Nuyorican souls legends (master at work in mind). Kicking off the release, the title song django mango takes us through the swirls of the alleys of bogota, a bit as if moodymann had paid for a first class round trip in bogota , a laid-back title that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. a clever mix of funky bassline & a light piano that almost reminds us of the masters of the buena vista social club (without the vocals!) in house mode. A masterpiece in itself. on A2, we can hear this mixture again the perfect fusion between the golden-age house aesthetics and the cultural sounds of South America all complemented by a superb vocal during the break "our names are nick names wich won't reflect where we came from" a statement in itself ! The b-side from the outset gives us perhaps one of the best songs of the ep, the brilliant dakar, a subtle mix of rhodes, swaying bass and African children's chants. And to end, D, Fuck Off All Your Trouble, is an ode to the resilience of the motor city in the purest style of the 313. A brillant debut !Skylax 4 Ever

We all remember with mixed feelings the past two years of domestic isolation: a temporary anomaly in which the world had to adjust to a new routine, a new rhythm. In these daunting yet precious circumstances, Italian producer Markeno has found his rhythm back, dusting off old records and re-approaching his past musical love affairs that he believed to be long forgotten. Here, in the fertile limbo that connects past and future, “Dock lown (exploring)” is born: a 3-tracker release with a chameleonic nature and an undeniable groove, in which Markeno is able to tactfully combine different genres such as indie, post-rock, African mu- sic, electro and funk.

In the contemporary music scene, overly saturated with catchy melodies and seductive lyrics, it is refreshing to encounter a composition like “Fase 01”, which starts from a purely percussive structure. Just when the ear is settled and well inserted into the tangle of drums, here comes the melodic twist, no less than at the fourth minute, injecting an unexpected groove and chalking out the contours of a track with multiple personalities: a little esoteric, a little synth-wave, quirky and badass. The temperature rises with “Zona Ros- sa”, in which the electro hint sketched in “Fase 01” becomes more pronounced, opening the doors to a dense psychedelic scenario. A shamanic loop accompanies the electric bass and escorts us through the smoke of the bonfire, veils swayed by the wind and colored lights that sparkle in the night. The ritualistic humming of ‘’Zona Rossa”’ is still hearable, floating in the rarefied atmosphere, while the last track “Limbo” makes its entrance and confirms once again the poliedric but congruous essence of this release, whose percussive attitude lures you in and whose hypnotic and groovy body makes you stay. At least for one more dance.

Sara Berton

Repress!

Emotional Rescue and Utopia Originals join forces to release the pop, new wave, funk of Obscure Desire, a one-off project and EP from effervescent 80s Auckland, New Zealand that saw three friends come together to make a perfect piece of club pop history.

Revolving around the musical talent of Andrew Waldergrave, a trained pianist, music degree drop-out, who moved to the island’s cultural centre of Auckland and emersed himself in the arts and nightlife scene the city had to offer.

Working at Obscure Desire, a Fashion Boutique meets Salon, he became friends with Grant Mitchell and Giselle Trezevant, together forming not a band, but as they saw it, a project to make a record for their scene and beyond.

Coming from outside of the established band route of endless rehearsals, local gigs, growing a fan base and home recordings, they fell did not have the support network of indigenous New Zealand labels. As so often the case in unearthing these lost reissue gems, the artists took matters into their own hands, seeking to write, record and release themselves.

After meeting Trevor Reekie, head of the local Pagan Records label, he took on production duties. Collating the necessary musicians, the project grew from the one song to become a full EP, recording between a home 16 track studio and a full 24 track desk at Harlequin Studios.

Centred around the title song, it is a perfect pop moment. Waldergrave’s piano leads into an infectious groove of slap bass, gated drums, Reekie’s acoustic guitar and cut vocals, before Trezevant’s vocals propel the song to an 80s swing out vibrations. Coming in Extended, Harlequin and Instrumental (digital only) mixes, this was an overload of White Funk.

Here reduced to the best two versions, more room is given to let the other recordings breathe, first the gloriously anthemic instrumental Bullet. Intricate programming and production, lead into the pop sensibility of I Wonder, some kind of wonderful antipodean reimagining of Chris & Cosey finest pop moments, an optimistic paene that permeates the whole EP. Closing 4A, espouses the Jazz Funk, with Trezevant’s simple French lyrics telling of dreams of a lover’s image.

Released in 1986 with no local support from radio and TV, it became something of a “hit” record in New Zealand’s more discerning clubs, however the members soon moved to London and the project remained a one-off moment. Over time the EP has gained cult status to become globally desired that sees copies of the original 12” selling for $000s. Now at last available for a global reach, while remaining a personal, uplifting moment of time.

Luke's Anger (real name Luke Sanger) delivers his first outing on Love Love, Ceiling Walker. Sanger is a relentlessly interesting hero of the underground, probably best known as a techno and electro producer and an active player in the live experimental techno scene across Europe, notably including multiple appearances at Berghain/PanoramaBar. Based out of Norwich, UK, Luke has put out a plethora of banging records for two decades in styles from across the rave spectrum on some of our favourite record labels like Tigerbeat6, Don't and Sneaker Social Club, as well as an increasing amount of more ambient-leaning releases under his real name in recent years. Recognised as a true techno stalwart, Luke has received support from the likes of Surgeon, Dave Clarke, The Advent and Jerome Hill.

This EP fits firmly into the 'banging' camp - more than a nod to classic stateside sci-fi electro stylings as well as UK dance music's bleep techno bass foundations, this is popping, caustic, mechanical phunk expertly engineered to make you shake and wiggle. Particle Swarm kicks the EP off with strung-out synth chirps and plenty of latex squelch before moving onto the bounciest number, Threshold Rider, with buoyant bassline droplets poking through a solid 808 framework. On the flipside, title track Ceiling Walker utilises rushing crescendos and fluttering analogue rhythms to keep the dancefloor in rapture while closer, Silicon Boogie, achieves maximum levels of funk by aptly juxtaposing digi vocal snippets against square wave bass.

In the year since it was first released on Hell Yeah, Aura Safari and Jimi Tenor's Sensory Blending has become a cult modern classic. To celebrate its conquering of Balearic heads and jazz funk hearts everywhere, it now arrives on green transparent vinyl.

The album came about after a chance meeting when Finnish musician Jimi Tenor was playing a Hell Yeah party in Perugia. He had some free time so was hooked up with local collective Aura Safari. It was the first time they had ever met but that didn't stop magic from happening in the studio and giving rise to this lush, rich, life-affirming album.

Tenor is no stranger to collaboration. He has previously worked with Japanese master Calm, regularly plays with Cold Diamond & Mink and has explored psychedelic space-jazz-funk fusion over more than 25 albums and 45 EPs. Right now he is in a rich vein of form, continuing to tour the world and drop cosmic soul voyages on a regal basis.

A year on this album still stands up and has crossed over int several different scenes thanks to high profile plays from plenty of tastemakers. Aura Safari musicians Lorenzo Francioli, Ruggero Bonucci, Nicola Pitassio and the production team were all on top form and truly cemented their reputation as a collective to watch.

'Bodily Synesthesia' is the seductive opener with steamy sax notes and gentle grooves that are topped by aloof vocal whispers. 'Lunar Wind' is another slow and steamy mix of jazzy keys and soulful vocal hooks, 'Bewitched By The Sea' is a more tropical and percussive number with majestic melodies and 'My Bluebell' picks up the pace with jazz-funk grooves and hustling chords. 'Last Waltz In Perugia' has freeform sax lines soaring over meticulous drums that ebb and flow and 'Gimlet' brings a playful, samba-tinged rhythm and sunny flute leads straight from South America. There's a laidback, carefree mood to 'It's Too Easy To Love You' while 'Your Magic Touch' is a dancey number that exudes melodic joy, and 'Indigo' closes in dramatic fashion with a conversational sax that sticks long in the memory.

Sensory Blending is the soundtrack to a steamy summer vacation up amongst the stars.

The label Remedy Music VLC has selected the song What We’ve Lost from the LP Groove Chronicles to release it in the king format of soul disco music: 7" vinyl.

This standout track features Angolan artist Mabreezee, whose powerful vocals are complemented by sweeping strings reminiscent of Morricone’s cinematic scores. It’s a stirring and soulful piece that captures the depth and emotion Freedust brings to their music.

Freedust, the duo of Italian composer Daniele Carmosino and Swedish singer Lisa Widmark, have spent two decades crafting their unique blend of jazz, funk, and hip-hop. Groove Chronicles marks a new level of sophistication in their work, delivering a vibrant, timeless sound filled with soul, sunshine, and unmistakable passion.

Parisian producer Young Pulse is back with his new EP, Reachin' Out. This 3-track project blends vintage boogie & electro funk sounds with a modern twist, featuring Australian singer Fleur De Mur and French producer Wayata.

The Situation collective headed up by Mr Mulatto and Frank Situation return with their much-anticipated new album ‘Audio Proxemics’. Across nine sumptuous tracks it explores a warm array of sounds from jazz-flecked deep house to soulful nu-disco with guests like Javonntte, Faze Action's Robin Lee and more. Situation is a collective of DJs, producers, editors, and musicians who hail from the five valleys of Stroud in the UK. Between them they have deep roots in electronic music and have been entrenched in the scene on many levels from hosting their own events, organising free parties, releasing everything from deep house to tech under several aliases and, since 2014, have established Situationism Records with cultured sounds from the likes of Ashley Beedle, Greg Wilson, Dr. Packer, and more.

This accomplished new album has been two years in the making and began with three tracks recorded by South African vocalist Venessa Jackson while she was on tour in the UK. As well as Venessa’s sweet tones, vocalists from across the globe contribute alongside some core Situation members: James Payne, Phil aka Dr Keys and Jon Gray aka BitterSuite who take care of bass, arrangement, production, and guitar.

It’s a timeless record that spans everything from jazz to funk with real musicality and standout instrumental skills lighting up each track. Underground favourite Javonntte adds deep and smoky tones to the flute laced and sunny house sounds of 'Bullit' while 'Never Taken A Weekend Off' is a lush broken beat sound with radiant synth leads and vocal hooks that echo classic Brit funk. 'Mrs Donovan' is a more club-ready sound with dazzling keys dancing over dusty house drums and 'Fairy Godmother' is a gorgeous slice of disco house with vibrant strings from Faze Action's Robin Lee and an effortlessly cool acid jazz vocal. Add in 'Over & Over', a lovely jumble of chords, organic percussion and life-affirming horns, and the hip-swinging drums and expressive interplay of sax and synth on the uplifting 'Rodborough Groove' and you have an album perfectly suited to bright days and hot summer nights.

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

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

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

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

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

Label honcho “Smile Davis” is back with a new 7”.
A side with a vibrant funky remix and b side with an instant classic reggae mash up, all the way to the moon and back.

WRWTFWW Records is happy to announce its fourth collaboration with New York ambient / jazz / downtempo musician Danny Scott Lane with the release of his newest full-length Songs For Sex. The seductive 11-track album is available as a limited edition LP (500 copies worldwide) housed in a shiny 350gsm silver cardboard sleeve. It is also available digitally.

Danny Scott Lane returns with Songs For Sex, a sultry funk, jazz, and ambient exploration inspired by candid conversations about intimacy. Smooth yet messy, uplifting yet off-kilter, this album captures every mood. It’s sensual furniture (leather sofa) music, deep passion minimalism, hedonistic downtempo, glossy and warm soul electronica.

The velvety sonic affair features the lush sounds of Joseph Shabson, David Lackner, and Simon Herody on flutes and saxophones, making it an irresistible modern brand of smooth jazz, the ideal soundtrack for your favorite pastime.

Songs For Sex follows the release of Danny Scott Lane’s chillout masterpieces Home Decor, Shower, and Caput, all available on WRWTFWW Records. Complete the funky collection now!

Hot on the heels of previous explorations of Hindustani, East Bloc, pan-Asian, and Brazilian cultural touchstones, Toofli now pays homage to the vocal eroticism that beats at the heart of French pop music. The fourth faceless wizards once again bring their magical touch to uncharted musical territory, employing a precise process of cuts and edits in service of Toofli's groove agenda.
A half-step beat glides through haunting atmospheres and hard-driven hypnotic rhythms, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic 'Voyage' in the opening piece. The great French pop diva aesthetic continues to evolve in the second track, now taking on an ultra-chill mood with funky minimalism and late-night soul melancholia. The unexpected twist on the flip side blends breakbeat science with gentle digitalia, creating a unique mix perfect for the most sophisticated dancefloors. Kraftwerk's pioneering hymn "Tour de France" is reimagined with tough electro production, while retaining the essence of the monumental original.

Space Tours head honcho Mitch Wellings debuts on Private Parts with potentially his most explosive EP to date. Kicking things off with some bass heavy, ragga infused breaks. ‘The Ritual’ is pure authentic riddims, featuring Mitch’s recordings of Zimbabwean, Persie Pee, on the vocal. ‘Had Me Livid’ ramps up the tempo with some rolling bass/tech. Intricate drum programming, hip shaking dancefloor fun. Flip to the B and you have two highly gratifying electro jams. ‘Leave With Us’ heads into Mitch’s signature, out of this world, alien territory. Wrapping up the ep is the instructional electroid funk that is ‘Choreography’ – dance routines encouraged.

Repress

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

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

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

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

Repress

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leng Records’ first album of the year release comes courtesy of two contrasting legends of Italian dance music, Afro-Cosmic pioneer Danielle Baldelli and sometime FPI Project member Marco Fratty (real name Marco Frattini).

Both producers have a wealth of experience. Baldelli first to rose to fame as resident DJ at the near mythical Cosmic Club in the early 1980's, before moving into music production two decades ago. Since then, he’s collaborated with heaps of producers – most notably DJ Rocca, Marco Dionigi and Dario Piana – but “Oil Painting” marks his first collaboration with Frattini, an experienced producer whose bustling discography stretches right back to the Italian house explosion of the late 1980's and early ’90s.

The pair’s debut collaborative release is bold, bubbly, vibrant and funky, with the storied Italian veterans making extensive use of live instrumentation, vintage synthesizers and chugging, floor-friendly grooves. As you’d expect from a Baldelli-related project, the influences are obvious – think funk, dub-disco, cosmic rock, Italo-disco and nu-disco – but the resulting colourful cuts refuse to settle on one specific style.

Firmly focused on the dancefloor, “Oil Painting” is a gleeful, celebratory and excitable as anything either producer has released to date. For proof, check the surging arpeggio style synth-bass, kaleidoscopic synthesizer lines and eyes-closed rock guitar solos of “Automatic Amplitude”, the flute-laden dub disco shuffle of “Jasmine Flavour”, the organ-laden cosmic funk chug of “Oil Painting” and the lolloping disco-funk exuberance of “Steam Engine”, where crunchy guitar licks and Meters style organ stabs wrap themselves around a vintage disco bassline and head-nodding, toe-tapping drums.

The highlights don’t step there, either. Check the percussion and delay-laden Afro-Cosmic funk fusion of “Slinky Funk”, a veritably tropical excursion that repurposes the bassline and incessant cowbells from Cymande classic “Bra”, and the Clavinet-heavy stomp of “Positive Flow”, whose snaking, constantly-changing saxophone solo and flash-fried guitar riffs help create a thrillingly excitable mood.

From start to finish, “Oil Painting” is an album full to bursting with musical joy and umpteen giddy calls towards the dancefloor. From producers of Baledlli and Frattini’s experience, we’d expect nothing less.

Red Pig Flower brings you her sensational debut album Practice Love, available on Sound Of Vast from 10th April. Her unique sound sits upon the apex of a three-sided pyramid. With Berlin, Tokyo and Seoul as the base, Red is a third culture kid, greater than the sum of her parts. The centre is filled with her incredible appreciation and knowledge of house and electronic music from every pin drop through history.

So taken with Red Pig Flower’s sound, Honey Dijon invited Red to her Southbank Centre show to play alongside her. Moxie loves her that much, that she invited Red to record a mix and to guest on her NTS show. Alan Fitzpatrick, and Just Her are amongst Red’s growing posse of followers.

Practice Love is a culmination of all of Red Pig Flower’s life experiences, brimming with her positive energy and an outlook on life of pure love. Red has collaborated with like-minded artists at every level: the music, the cover art and video all produced with talented friends, who get Red as the wonderful person she is and understand her vision. Her label partner and good friend, Knock in particular helped make Practice Love the incredible album it is. So intuitive is their musical symbiosis, they made 20 tracks and carefully curated and ordered nine of these, making an album of tracks that stand out on their own, yet flow perfectly as an album. Practice Love will make you feel joyous when you play it. By the end, you will feel like you know Red like a friend.

Practice Love kicks off with I don’t care, it makes you feel good: a dreamy, tribal mantra of a track that does exactly what it says on the tin. Next up is I Love To Dance. Red’s beautiful soft vocal is sweet yet poignant, leaving you in no doubt of her sincerity. Thirdly comes Feel Good Music. Are you getting a feel from the track names yet that this is an album of warmth and positivity? You can imagine this one at a Café Del Mar sunset, where those who get the spirituality of Ibiza come together, in the moment to appreciate the beauty of a sunset and understand that no matter how many you see, each is magical and unique.

The three tracks so far have taken you to twilight. The titular Practice Love takes you by the hand onto the dancefloor. There is a double meaning to ‘Practice Love’- The first is to make love your practice. The second is that you need to practice love to be able to become a practitioner of love. The video, shot by her friend Jelly, features Red Pig Flower in Brick Lane, London, wearing a little piggy mask and offering free hugs. The first passersby ignore her sign, but Red isn’t disheartened, spreading the right message, dancing with joy. Her optimism is rewarded, making peoples day better on a cold English afternoon.

Fifth track Sax and Drugs takes things a little sleazier, the beat is filthy and the synths are sexy. Your body starts to move to this one before your brain even realises. The incredible Declan McDermott joins on saxophone, the funkiest synths and Red’s sultry vocal washing your soul with Laurent Garnier inspired sunlight. On Thisiz House Music, again featuring Declan, Red takes you even further back. About Frankie Knuckles O’Clock, with a portal straight to 2025.

By now, you will agree with me that Practice Love flows so, so well. I Wanna Meet Somebody follows incredibly, continuing the feeling that if you close your eyes, you’re dancing with David Mancuso at the Loft. No Money completes this EP-within-an-album. Perfect vocal samples, valve synth riff and 808 drum patterns showing that producers as good as Red Pig Flower make it sound effortless. The best albums finish memorably and No Genre is one of those perfect finishers. Think Andrew Wetherall’s production on Screamadelica. The lights are up in the club, nobody wants to go home, arms in the air wanting more.

Red Pig Flower explains: Practice Love resonates deeply with me because house music has always been a sanctuary—a place for unity, joy, and self-expression. As a nomad and outsider, club culture and house music became my shelter. The cities I’ve lived in—Seoul, Tokyo, Berlin, and London and more—nurtured me and shaped who I am today. That’s why the cover, by the incredible Carlos Sulpizio features their skylines, and the album is multilingual, representing the diverse influences in my life.

Practice Love is like a meal that has been prepared lovingly. They always taste better. And there’s plenty more to come from Red Pig Flower. How was your appetizer?