Search:music city

From the heart of Tamanrasset in South Algeria, Imarhan transcend Tuareg tradition, weaving hypnotic synths into desert blues. The result is a timeless work—deeply respectful of their roots, yet alive with a stirring sense of modernity.

ESSAM is the band’s fourth album, recorded with the same core lineup, but marks a significant shift in their sound and approach. Musically, it marks a departure from the rocky, bluesy, psychedelic Tuareg guitar-driven sound influenced by Tinariwen’s heritage — moving toward something more open, modern, and exploratory.
For the first time, their long-time sound engineer Maxime Kosinetz stepped in as producer. He travelled to Tamanrasset with Emile Papandreou (of the French duo UTO), a multi-instrumentalist who introduced electronic elements by sampling live instruments and reprocessing them in real time with a modular synthesizer — subtly reshaping the band's sonic identity.
The album was recorded mostly live, in one big room at Aboogi Studio — the band’s own rehearsal and recording space in Tamanrasset. The studio, a converted concert hall, has become a kind of cultural hub for the local youth. Friends dropped by during the sessions to contribute handclaps, vocals, and just be part of the energy. It’s a space where people gather, hang out, play dominoes, smoke chicha — a rare communal spot in a city that doesn’t offer many for young people, somewhat like a youth and community center.
This context — the creative shift, the live recording process, the atmosphere around Aboogi — might be interesting threads to explore in the conversation.

Japanese crossover and fusion are hot again now. As either an outgrowth of, or a spin-off phenomenon from, the global reappraisal
of city pop, Japanese fusion has been rapidly rising since around last year.
This is the 1978 debut album by Carioca, one of Japan’s leading Brazilian fusion units of the 1970s and 1980s.
The group began as the backing band for Kiyoshi Hasegawa, and on this debut release they used the name "Samba Calioca." True to that
band name, they were quite unusual at the time for presenting samba and bossa nova with a resort-flavored sound, and they also
produced specialists such as drummer Antonio Ishida and guitarist Masami Sato. This highly club-popular first album also features a
diverse lineup of guest musicians including Masayoshi Takanaka, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Shuichi "Ponta" Murakami, and Shigeharu Mukai.

Japanese crossover and fusion are hot again now. As either an outgrowth of, or a spin-off phenomenon from, the global reappraisal of city pop,
Japanese fusion has been rapidly rising since around last year.
This was the second release on AURA, the band’s own label established under Polydor, and their 13th studio album overall.
Because they had continued recording overseas for some time, they chose not to bring in guest musicians for this album, instead settling into their
home base at STUDIO JIVE and creating it solely with the band members.
As a result, the album offers a fresh and lively sound that returns to the group’s roots.
Alongside the live staple "SUPER SONIC MOVEMENT," it is also packed with new attempts, including the Japanese-flavored "Old Times," the technodriven big band-style jazz track "SOLID SWING," and the high-speed Latin funk number "RED ZONE."
This also became the final CASIOPEA album for the duo of Tetsuo Sakurai and Akira Jimbo.

Japanese crossover and fusion are hot again now. As either an outgrowth of, or a spin-off phenomenon from, the global reappraisal of
city pop, Japanese fusion has been rapidly rising since around last year.
Widely known as a support member for YMO and also popular on the overseas club music scene through Colored Music, her cuttingedge dance-pop unit with Atsuo Fujimoto, keyboardist, composer, and vocalist Ichiko Hashimoto released this, her second solo work, in
1985. Released on DOMO, the label headed by Kazumi Watanabe, and naturally produced by Kazumi Watanabe himself, who also plays
guitar on the album.
A truly crossover work of remarkable freedom, moving across fusion, techno, piano pieces, danceable music, classical, Japanesque
sounds, bossa nova, ambient, and more. Her fleeting singing voice is wonderful as well.

This holiday season, global hip-hop icon Ice Cube makes a powerful return with Man Up — a brand-new album from a cultural trailblazer whose influence spans music, film, and activism. With over 10 million albums sold and six Platinum plaques, Cube’s legacy is undisputed, from his revolutionary work with N.W.A. to timeless solo anthems like “It Was a Good Day.” Now, sharper and more unapologetic than ever, he’s back to deliver a project that fuses his raw lyrical power with a message rooted in resilience and authenticity.
To mark the release, Man Up will be available exclusively as an ultra-limited vinyl drop this holiday season. Each record features a one-of-a-kind hand-crafted cover — a unique blend of artisanal design and proprietary technology (created without A.I.) — alongside city- and country-specific sleeves that pay homage to Cube’s global impact in places like LA, Tokyo, London, and France. The campaign will be amplified through a global social media rollout, city-focused influencer activations, and Ice Cube’s upcoming North American tour. Major press coverage and podcast appearances will further elevate the conversation, making Man Up not just an album, but a collector’s piece and cultural moment fans won’t want to miss.

Emerging from the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica during the late 1970s, Main Attraction was a group of talented singers whose music captured the social and political energy of their time. With a sound that blended reggae and soulful ballads, their songs were both a reflection and a response to the challenges of the era.

The group originally featured Sonia Copeland, a gifted writer, arranger, and back-up singer, alongside Sharon Jones, whose velvet voice led many of their reggae tracks. They were joined by Allison Smith, Marjorie Smith, and Shahiba Ali, forming the group’s first lineup. As time passed, Michelle Thompson and Lileth O’Connor joined, further enriching the group’s dynamic harmony.

Main Attraction’s musical journey began with their debut recording, a cover of Once Upon a Time, produced by David Haughton under the management of Clayton Downie. Later, with Owen Palmer as their manager and producer, the group expanded their horizons, performing in cabaret gigs with the band Mind Benders and embarking on an overseas tour that showcased their talent in New York City. While Sharon Jones led reggae tracks like Jam Up, Allison Peart and Shahiba Ali brought their soulful touch to R&B songs, creating a rich, versatile repertoire that captivated audiences.

Jam Up was the group’s first original recording, composed and arranged by Sonia Copeland. Performed as part of the Reggae Song Competition during Carnival in 1978, the song is a rallying cry for unity and progress. With powerful lyrics and a Shaka rhythm, Jam Up calls on Jamaicans to come together, strive for economic growth, and uplift the nation collectively.

Sonia’s vision was clear: that Jamaicans from all walks of life would find inspiration in the song’s message, motivating them to improve their standard of living and contribute to the country’s growth and prosperity. Decades later, the lyrics remain just as relevant — a timeless call to action for social and economic strength.

Hold this record in your hands, let the music play, and feel the enduring power of reggae music to transform, uplift, and connect.

South London producer Nima announces his debut album. A project five years in the making that pays homage to the formative dance floors of UK bass music. Drawing from the spirit of nights like FWD>> and DMZ in London, and many from Bristol, the record sits at the crossroads of hip hop, dubstep, grime and cinematic sound design.

Of Iranian heritage, Nima grew up on a steady diet of 90s Hip Hop and Grime before discovering 140 culture through pioneers like Skream and Benga. His sound developed further in Bristol during one of the city’s most vital periods for bass music, later refined at London’s Roundhouse studios. His productions blend filmic atmosphere with the physicality of sound system music, heavy hip-hop drum structures, rolling 140 basslines, and emotive grime-inspired melodies.

Across the album’s tracks, Nima explores the evolution of UK sound system culture through his own lens. From the weightless grime-inspired “Imperial Dreams” and cinematic, jungle-inflected “Big Up”, to the stripped-back melodic grime of “Ruff Sqwad” and the deep, meditative bass of “One People.”

Referencing everything from Plastician’s Beg to Differ to Mala’s Boiler Room set, Fugees skits, and samples from films like Imperial Dreams and Belly, the record is a reflection of the cultural layers that have shaped Nima’s musical identity.

Nima’s debut is a personal statement to the foundations of UK bass music. Cinematic, weighty, and built for the dance floor.

Follow up to last years 12" on Voyage Direct from this active Amsterdam DJ/Producer. TIP!
.
" Back in December 2014, Elias Mazian debuted on Voyage Direct with a 12' that perfectly encapsulated his open-minded but interconnected approach to electronic music. He'd already showcased this ability to blend sounds and styles by becoming one of the most talked-about DJs on the Amsterdam scene. With Future Times' (and its superb flipside, They Don't Know'), Mazian gave notice of his undeniable production credentials.

Fast forward to the summer of 2017, and Mazian is ready to drop an EP that not only confirms his status as a rising star of Dutch dance music, but also showcases a newfound ability to combine a finely-tuned sense of what works on the dancefloor with the kind of compositional skills that can take a lifetime to perfect.

The Duplicate EP is an altogether more mature proposition than his debut 12', but retains many of the sounds and influences that marked out his first appearance on Voyage Direct - not least his love of spacey electronics, mood-enhancing chord progressions and sparkling synthesizer motifs.

This can be heard in particular on the title track, an ear-catching club jam that wraps chiming melodies, Mazian's own rapped vocal refrains and electro-era synths around a gently jacking, Chicago style house groove. It's deep, poignant and attractive, with subtle nods to the dreamy Windy City deep house of Larry Heard, the retro-futurist boogie business of Moon B and Dam Funk, and the kaleidoscopic electronic funk of Parliament.

Further proof of Mazian's increased musical maturity can be heard in the breathtaking Dream Mix' of Duplicate'. Featuring a yearning, almost melancholic vocal from the producer himself, the remix offers an analogue style deep house interpretation bristling with cascading melody lines, classic Chicago house bass and bubbly, deep space electronics.

The EP closes with superb bonus cut Ride That Shit Baby', an expansive chunk of mind-altering analogue deep house full of restless ride cymbals, crunchy drum machine hits, starburst electronics, delay-laden organ lines and swirling chord progressions. It's as intricately programmed and produced as anything Mazian has released to date, and twice as emotion-rich. In some ways, it's the perfect end to an EP in which Mazian brilliantly showcases the depth and breadth of his emerging talent."

Influences and inspirations come from far and wide. Sometimes they can be household names or pioneers. Other times, they can be lesser-known outfits; less known, but no less influential. Futuro belong to the latter category for Italo Moderni.

Javier and Raúl are two Spanish synthesizer sorcerers who are steeped in the traditions of italo disco and the analogue sounds of the 1980s. While Italo Moderni was still in its infancy, Futuro were a shining light with a young upstart by the name of Adrian Marth even making videos for their tracks. From these beginnings, a mutual respect and friendship developed. Now, the circle is complete with the six tracks making their way onto Accidenti; an EP that marks Futuro’s debut on Italo Moderni.

The collection showcases the breadth of Futuro’s sound. With all instrumentation played through classic analogue machines, the six works journey through neon-streaked city nights, deep uncharted jungle and sun-kissed beaches. Drawing on the music of Rimini, silver screen soundtracks and arcade innocence, this is an EP that remembers and reimagines the 1980s. Intent is immediately set, with the tense and textured “L’assalto” delivering movie score synth stabs alongside crisp percussion. “Matador” is pure elegance, panpipe playfulness countered by glacial refrains and shimmering key shifts. “Iguazu” transports the listener to the wildlife and wilderness of the Amazon; cascading chords glisten as the canopy sings. Futuro takes to the skies with the sonorous swoops of “Il sogno dell’aviatore” before the lovelorn landing of “Fantasma d’amore”, a sumptuous synthesizer serenade of unrequited romance. To close, we’re firmly on the ground for “Sotto le stelle.” Under these sparkling stars, glimmering notes glow with warmth in a finale fitting for such an EP.

And, it is fitting to finally have Futuro on Italo Moderni. A group that has inspired and will continue to do so well into the future. An accidental discovery, mutual respect and a partnership rooted in a love of synthesizers has brought Accidenti into being.

Lost Gospel Gem - Exitiment "Rap For Jesus" by Columbus Native Kenneth Jordan Rediscovered Nearly 40 Years Later

Columbus, GA — In the late 1980s, Columbus native Kenneth Jordan was such a powerhouse on the local music scene that talent shows had to rewrite their rules. His voice was so captivating (and his wins so frequent) that some claimed the competitions were rigged.

Jordan, deeply rooted in the city's thriving R&B circuit, eventually turned his creative energy toward faith-based music. Teaming up with several local musicians, he recorded "Excitement (Rap For Jesus)", a gospel-infused rap track that aimed to connect with a younger audience enthralled by the sound of hip-hop. His goal was simple: to give youth something uplifting to rap about and listen to.

In 1985, following a personal health scare and a period of reflection, Jordan transitioned from R&B to gospel music. "I took it as a sign from above that it was time to make a change," he later shared. Though his lyrics found new purpose, his signature soulful style remained unchanged.

Fast forward to December 2022 in Little Rock, Arkansas, where record collector and producer Brian Sears stumbled upon a well-loved copy of "Excitement (Rap For Jesus)" while purchasing over a thousand vinyl records from the trunk of an SUV in a Lowe's parking lot. Struck by the track's energy and message, Sears went into "detective mode" to uncover the story behind the voice—and the man—on the record.

Today, Kenneth Jordan continues to share his gift with his community, leading spirited performances every Sunday at his local church in Columbus. Nearly four decades later, his music and message still resonate with the same joy and conviction that first made him a hometown legend.

Lantern in the Woods is the new album from musician and multi-instrumentalist Misha Sultan – a project that marks an important milestone for the artist. It is his first work conceived and realized as a coherent, unified statement, from the earliest ideas and sounds to the final mastering.

The story of the album began back in 2021 in Saint Petersburg, during studio jam sessions with Anton (Mårble), Vova Luchanskiy, and Nikita (Minereed). These live
improvisations eventually led to the formation of the collective Sri Primat and left a significant imprint on Misha Sultan’s solo sound. Some of the instrumental parts on the album were recorded during this period, preserving the spirit of spontaneity and open dialogue between the musicians.

Later, after moving to Thailand, Misha recorded the second half of the material. These tracks absorbed the atmosphere of southern nights, tranquility, and comfort – bringing a distinct “bedroom jazzy vibe”, a touch of sentimentality and gentle melancholy into the music.

The album offers a beautiful blend of jazz and various other influences. At its heart, it’s a search for balance between memories and the present moment, between nature and the city, between the light of the lantern and the darkness of the woods.

“It was especially important to me that my friends and close people were involved in this album. Their presence gave the music that warmth and personal feeling I value so much. My brother Zhenya (Dyad), Anton (Mårble), Vova Luchanskiy — they all contributed a part of themselves to these tracks, as did Nina Livanova, who recorded vocal parts for several songs,” says Misha.

Lantern in the Woods is a soft and sincere work, where all things intertwine naturally.

From out of the dark, sparks of feedback birdsong signal a return to the singular sonic environments of Rafael Toral"s sound-world. A year after Spectral Evolution, his acclaimed album of electric guitar conceptions, comes the companion work Traveling Light. Sharpening his focus around a set of jazz standards, his move from abstract form to solid song elicits glints from beyond time and space, crafting a unique listening lens for deep listeners. In the early years of his practice, Toral used the guitar as a generator to create discreet texture and droning tones. Later, he abandoned the guitar entirely, focusing on self-made electronics to render his music with a post-free jazz perspective. For the music of Spectral Evolution and Traveling Light, Toral has combined his methodologies: radically expanding the space within their harmonies with his self-made machines, while engaging directly with his instrument and the chords of the material. In addition to Toral"s proxy orchestra of guitars, sine wave, feedback and bass guitar, Traveling Light features the sounds of clarinetist José Bruno Parrinha, tenor saxophonist Rodrigo Amado, flügelhorn player Yaw Tembe, flautist Clara Saleiro, who each guest on one song. In every contour of Traveling Light"s path - arrangement, improvisation and production - the spring of the old pours through the new in an unstoppable flow. The result is a listening experience of these standards that remains "in the tradition", even as the elongated harmonies seem to alter time such that, as Toral notes, "the chords become events on their own."

“From Birmingham and centred around the extraordinary songwriting talent of James and Patrick Roberts – initially as The Sea Urchins and since 1993 as Delta – they’ve only just got round to releasing their debut album, Slippin’ Out. It is a work of some beauty”. 9/10 NME ALBUM OF THE MONTH, 2000

“It’s classicist for sure, shot through with the influence of The Beatles, Byrds and Buffalo Springfield. In James’ downright beautiful closing ballad ‘I Want You’ one can also discern the school of ambitious English balladry that peaked in about 1968: The Casuals, Love Affair, Barry Ryan. The impression of accomplished old-schoolery is only furthered by the dizzying string arrangements penned by Louis Clark Jnr, son and namesake of the one-time orchestral chief of Electric Light Orchestra” – Mojo lead review, 2000


Having ended the 90s with the spirited ‘Laughing Mostly’ compilation of singles and demos (Guardian Album Of The Week) Delta finally released their debut studio album of twelve songs in the summer of 2000 on the Dishy Recordings label. Accepting that this might be their sole studio album the band threw everything at these recordings allowing it to exist in its own sphere, unbothered by their contemporary generation and disregarding the idea of even releasing a single.

Recorded at DEP International there was a notable difference to the scruffier, looser charm of their 1990s recordings, a tighter focus developed by having the experienced Lenny Franchi mixing the LP with them. Lenny had been working with a number of Island artists including My Bloody Valentine and Tricky so knew his way around a desk. There was also the question of budget (a few months passed between recording and mixing whilst funds were raised) so every day counted. Ultimately though you can hear the joy in the recordings, even amongst the melancholy and angst. As James recently recalled in an interview in Shindig! Magazine: “It was such a big deal for us. It’s one of my fondest memories doing that record. Everyone was happy. If there’s anything that I’d stand by, I think it would be that”

Louis Clark Jr joined the band towards the end of the ‘90s and brought a classically-trained element to the recordings particularly with his string arrangements. For ‘Cuckoo’, ‘I Want You’ and the prophetic ‘We Come Back’ Louis brought in eight players from the Birmingham Conservatoire; the baroque style is partly why the record often receives comparisons to Love’s ‘Forever Changes’.

On release ‘Slippin’ Out’ was a big favourite with writers at the NME, Mojo and The Guardian again and before long the band were signed to Mercury/Universal for their second studio album ‘Hard Light’, a far more expensive and expansive love affair. It was a temporary palatial home where things quietly fell apart again, but that’s another chapter.

“If long-term memory is nothing more than selective editing and only pop’s most weighty visceral works are built to last then it’s quite possible that in 50 years the Britpop era will be best recollected for the two bands it ostracised. Earlier this year we met Shack and thought their story of mercurial brilliance indicated the biggest music biz oversight of the 90s. We were wrong because we hadn’t met Delta yet. This is richer and more engrossing than anything by Shack” 

Chloé Caillet, DJ, Produzentin, Multi-Instrumentalistin und Labelbesitzerin aus New York City, ist eine dynamische Kraft in der globalen Tanzmusikszene. Ihre Karriere begann in der Musikindustrie, von Club-Promotion bis hin zu A&R bei Republic Records, und führte sie später zu ihrer eigenen kreativen Agentur. Mit unabhängigen Singles und Remixen gewann sie Anerkennung, und ihre Debüt-EP „Intro“ auf CircoLoco Records markierte einen Meilenstein in ihrer Karriere. Sie wurde in Pete Tongs Essential New Tunes und Billboards Best New Music-Liste gefeatured. Ihre Live-Auftritte begeistern weltweit.

Renée was born out of The Hague-based rock ‘n roll band René And His Alligators, founded by René Nodelijk in 1959. Throughout the 60s they were moderately successful both on stage and in the studio and served as an inspiration for many bands associated with the burgeoning beat scene in the coastal city. From 1967 onwards they performed under a few different names before going on a hiatus. In 1977 he made a comeback, this time joined by his wife Anja Nodelijk, née Exterkate. To reflect this fresh feminine impulse the band name was changed to simply Renée and recorded four full-length albums and a host of singles before disbanding in 1982 to make way for Anja’s solo career.

Reaching For The Sky from 1980 is their second and has been likened to many different things: Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, or even a fantasy collaboration between Pat Benatar’s guitarist, Heart’s Ann Wilson, and Steely Dan. Sprinkle some reggae and funk in the mix and it is no surprise that some of the tunes on this album ended up in niche YouTube algorithms, a Japanese book about obscure records, and in DJ sets by big names like Prins Thomas, who even released an extended edit of “Change Your Style” on a 12” single. This is obscure sophisti-pop at its best. Reaching For The Sky is available as a 45th anniversary edition on translucent magenta coloured vinyl.

Three decades on from its original 1995 release, Todd Terry’s 'Devil’s Dance' still burns with the kind of manic, floor-filling energy that defined the early years of Hard Times. Now, Todd and the label return to the track, inviting a trio of today’s most vital club architects to rework one of Todd's most incendiary productions for a new generation of dancers.

Following a year that saw Chris Stussy and Dan Shake breathe new life into 'Bounce to the Beat,' Hard Times closes out 2025 with 'Devil’s Dance (Remixes),’ a collection that bridges old-school grit and new-school heat. Rossi., Demi Riquísimo, and Cinthie each bring their own distinct combustion to Todd’s iconic organ riffs and bulbous bassline, reframing the track through London, Berlin, and Balearic prisms.

Rossi. leans into the city that raised him: “It’s been a real pleasure to remix such an iconic inspiration for me as an artist. Todd is a legend and part of the reason why we have the culture of music we have today. I wanted to bring my remix back to my London roots - a UKG skippy, warpy approach that still carries those iconic chord riffs.”

Moody and Zeitgeist have had the utmost privilege to bring onboard a team of some of the most accomplished musicians/wordsmiths India has to offer for this album. Working out of Island City Studios in Khar West, Mumbai, the duo assembled a team of musicians including acclaimed and awarded vocalists Vinay Sugatha Ramadasan and Anuja Zokarkar. The pair bring a lyrical depth to the music informed by millennia of North-Indian classical poetry and melody. Metaphor and imagery is intermingled with EX GENERATION's unapologetic rhythm and production style to form something that is profound and complex, whilst also accessible and innate in the way it confronts the listener.

Lay Down The Groove returns with their first release in four years — and it marks a milestone. ChordPlay is the debut full- length album by the label heads, following their 2021 EP Pursuit of Sound.

Spanning seven tracks, the album captures a period of personal and artistic growth for the duo. Written and recorded across multiple studios and seasons over the past years, it flows effortlessly through tempos and moods while staying rooted in the pair’s emotive, synth-forward identity.

With a shift toward higher BPMs and more club-oriented energy — without losing the warmth and musicality that define the LDG sound dPlay signals a new chapter in the Lay Down The Groove story. Influenced by the rich legacies of Detroit and Chicago, the record features hardware-driven textures shaped by the Juno 6, SH-101, Prophet 8, Analog Rytm and MicroKorg.

Rooted in rhythm and feeling, ChordPlay captures Lay Down The Groove in evolution — looking forward while honouring their foundations.

Positions of Power is the debut EP of Berlin-based DJ and producer Souci. This love letter to Detroit pays homage to the foundations of house and techno, and features several of the Motor City's rising stars. Blending hi-tech production and dusty drum machine loops, Souci and her remix artists deliver six driving floorfillers for basements and ballrooms that continue the musical lineage connecting Berlin and Detroit.

A DJ, producer and prolific collaborator, Greg Paulus’s musical career has led to a truly enviable discography. Born in Minnesota and now an essential part of New York’s sprawling musical landscape, Paulus has taken the foundations of an organic childhood education by his father, the composer Stephen Paulus, and seen it blossom into an unpredictable musical journey encompassing house, soul, jazz and hip-hop.

While touring as a trumpet player with indie band Beirut, as well as in Matthew Dear’s live ensemble, back home he was helping to redefine New York’s underground dance scene as one half of No Regular Play. Alongside childhood friend Nick DeBruyn, the pair brought their deeply musical sound to no less than fifty countries across the world. A decade on, and Paulus arrives on Seth Troxler’s Slacker 85 imprint for his long-awaited debut solo LP, ‘Close To Home’, a deeply felt long-play celebration of his personal cornerstones; family, trust and hope.

From the opening, organic swell of ‘Perot’, arranged with Seth Troxler himself alongside John Camp, ‘Close To Home’ introduces itself as a focused, conscious trip, it’s languid trumpet spilling over into the reflective ‘World Keeps Changing’, which introduces Paulus’s philosophy of music as a constant. ‘Midtown Mirage’ meanwhile leans into the idea of the city itself as a collaborator, resisting pressure and finding its own restful groove. Back over the river, ‘Bond’ roots itself in Brooklyn with a contribution from resident Dillon Cooper, flipping rap standards amid psychedelic flourishes.

Paulus nods toward his dancefloor form on ‘NRG’, a slinky, lo-slung club groove that seamlessly evolves to meld the artist’s nocturnal and studio instincts. In contrast, ‘Real Job’ switches the tempo on Paulus’s MPC to embody an old-school, beatdown flavour, subtly teased out alongside composer and sound designer, Taylor Bense. Doubling down on this languorous groove, ‘Hat Down’ introduces a full-scale No Regular Play reunion, the first of two collaborative tracks that recall the duo’s imperial phase of confidently minimal productions, while evolving their craft.

Following a few missed calls made with love taken from Paulus’s answering machine on ‘$1000’ the minimal, reflective arrangement of ‘Hold Dear’ finds the artist stripping back his layered sound for a skittering, vulnerable exploration of intimacy and life’s devotions.

For a memorable finale, Paulus recruits jazz prodigy Michael Feinberg to deliver upright funk on the deliciously rich ‘Sometimes It’s About Us’. A purely celebratory collage of bopping rhythms and vocals, sharply plucked guitars and archive samples, ‘Close To Home’ concludes with Paulus leading his friends, ensemble and many influences in rare harmony.

Stiletti City Tape Archives is the fourth Stiletti-Ana album, showing off the Finnish mastermind’s talent for making electronic music that’s immediately inviting while generously rewarding the focused listener.
Following on stand-out work for labels like Public Posession and Höga Nord – not to mention all sorts of odd jobs within the Sex Tags multiverse – Stiletti-Ana presents his latest offering: eight irresistible jams cooked up in the hallowed halls of Helsinki’s Haista II studio.
Here, vintage and modern synths joined forces with live drums and the occasional robot-voiced interjection, resulting in a body of work that’s dazzlingly off-kilter, rich in detail and instantly addictive. The artist himself states: “I think the music has a sense of urgency which relates to city life. Still,
Stiletti City is a small and cozy place, a bit freaky and not gentrified.” Stockholm label Studio Barnhus is delighted to invite fellow travellers into this secret town – welcoming and full of surprises.

A Treasure Trove of NYC Post-Disco Gems from 1980–1983

New York City, early 1980s. Post-Disco and Boogie Funk pulse through the streets, clubs, and studios—and Richie Weeks stands at the heart of it all. A true force in the scene, Richie had just dropped the now-classic “Rock Your World” in 1981. Signed to the iconic Salsoul Records, he was riding high: performing at legendary venues like Paradise Garage, Studio 54, Roseland, and Bond International, touring Europe, and recording tirelessly with top-tier vocalists and musicians in studios across the city.

With his projects The Jammers and Weeks & Co. storming the charts both in the U.S. and abroad, Richie was unstoppable. Fueled by a relentless creative drive, he spent countless hours in the studio—writing, arranging, and producing a massive catalog of dancefloor anthems, many of which never saw release. Until now.

Jerome Derradji and Past Due Records are proud to present Richie Weeks – The Love Magician Archives: Boogie & Post Disco. NYC 1980–1983 Vol. 3, the third installment from Richie’s personal archive. Spanning 1980 to 1983, this collection features eight electrifying, previously unreleased tracks from The Jammers and Weeks & Co., as well as the futuristic grooves of Kaviar and Hot Cargo. Richie shines through the entire record—his writing, production, vocals, and arrangements are absolute killers.

Housed in a deluxe double LP package with an insert featuring the second chapter of Richie’s musical journey—penned by Jerome Derradji—this volume is a vital piece of New York’s post-disco history.

Essential for fans of Salsoul, Prelude, and deep crate-digging dancefloor gold diggers.

2025 Repress

When people think of Tough Gong they usually think of Bob Marley and rightly so, as he was nicknamed and often called Tough Gong and from this his early releases which came out on the Tough Gong label. But Tough Gong was also the name of a recording complex named after Bob Marley hat included a top level recording studio, pressing plant and distribution centre that would allow reggae music to carry on many years after his sad and too early demise.

Bob Marley had take over the former residence of Island Records boss Chris Blackwell the Island House, 56 Hope Road around 1974. Just before the 'Smile Jamaica' concert on 03rd December the same year the house was ambushed by gunmen. Bob's manager Don Taylor was hit 5 times AND Bob was shot in the arm and his wife Rita Marley was hit in the head by a stray bullet. How no one was fatally injured is staggering. Immediately after the concert Bob Marley started his self imposed exile from Jamaica, settling in London, England. This would lead to the aptly named exodus album being recorded there in the summer of 1977. It would not be until the 'One Love' peace concert in Kingston's national arena on the 22nd April 1978 that would see Bob's return to the island. Marley felt is was important to show his commitment to the people of Jamaica and on his return to 56 Hope Road he began construction of his own recording studio with the help of music mogul Tommy Cowen. Unfortunately Bob Marley's short life would end on the 11th May 1981 from cancer which originated form a football injury. His passing would lead to 56 Hope Road being turned into a museum to the legend of reggae music.

A new location would have to be found to carry on Bob's work which was 220 Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston 11. The buyer would be Rita Marley and the Tough Gong International Organisation.

Engineers working at the new facility included Errol Browne who had worked at Treasure Isle studios and Hopeton Overton Browne known as 'Scientist', named by the great producer Bunny 'Striker' Lee who worked with him previously at King Tubbie's and Channel One's studios described his ground breaking style as being like that of a scientist.

We focus for this release on the work carried out by the great Scientist on the songs of the Black Solidarity Label run by Ossie Thomas (aka Joe The Boss) recorded at Tough Gong studios. One of the foremost recording, pressing and distribution facilities on the Jamaican island set up from the work of Bob Marley to carry forward reggae music. Hope you enjoy this set......

When people think of Yacht Rock-those smooth, sun-drenched sounds that once drifted from Californian radio stations in the late '70s and early '80s-they rarely imagine it echoing through rehearsal rooms in Hamburg or Linz. Yet even far from the Pacific coastline, the appeal of shimmering chords, laid-back grooves, and polished production found fertile ground.
This compilation gathers rare and overlooked tracks from Germany and Austria. These artists embraced West Coast aesthetics with sincerity and subtle twists, resulting in music that feels both familiar and refreshingly new-smooth sounds for cloudy skies. So drop anchor, pour something cool, and enjoy this unexpected cruise through the lesser-charted waters of Euro Yacht Rock.

Our journey begins in Austria, where Reflection's Because (1981) set the tone with blue-eyed soul and analogue warmth-a sunlit blend of Doobie Brothers polish and local charm. Its creator, Dieter Heyduk, reappears with Austrian Sky, a heartfelt nod to his homeland that fuses mountain calm with oceanic longing.
From the North Sea island of Föhr, Ara Pacis dreamed of California on their 1979 self-release To the Westcoast. Inspired by Steely Dan and Lake, they turned German rock precision into breezy, melodic sophistication. Meanwhile, in Düsseldorf, Mainpoint fused funk and jazz-rock on Frisbee, their 1980 single bursting with rhythmic drive and optimism before the tide of the Neue Deutsche Welle swept such grooves aside.
Bremerhaven's Nuages offered the compilation's only instrumental gem, Strange Weekend (1985)-a gentle blend of jazz-funk and rock and largely lost to time. Its cool restraint captures the European interpretation of Californian ease.
Around the same period, British traveler Gavin James recorded River of Laughter in southern Germany, backed by the blues-rock band Black Cat Bone. His acoustic reflections on water and flow mirrored the soft, meditative pulse at Yacht Rock's core.
Berlin's Top Spin kept things playful with Bikin (1985), a funk-fusion snapshot of urban joy that showcased the city's finest session players. From the Ruhr area, the Jan Pack Band is up next. While not a typical Yacht Rock track, Cable Dance is driven by an effortless, groovy '80s vibe.
Peter Seiler's Goldfinger project reimagined Walkin' in the Sand as a relaxed reggae-tinged track, while Munich's Major Seven closed the voyage with Silverboat, a wistful soft rock ballad gliding between melancholy and light.

Across these hidden harbors of German and Austrian pop, the West Coast dream took on new forms-reflected in rivers, skies, and studio lights half a world away from L.A. Under and Above the Clouds celebrates that spirit: the enduring pull of smooth music, wherever it's made.

The time has come for hip-hop’s favourite superheroes to unleash their highly anticipated album. The industry’s most recognisable voice, Chali 2na, and turntable wizard Krafty Kuts have been not-so-secretly preparing this project since 2017 through over 150 live shows and countless studio sessions. The time has finally come to grab your capes, don a pair of tights and load up the turntable ready for the show to begin. This is ‘Adventures Of A Reluctant Super Hero’ – prepare for the Purple Assassin and the Scratchman as they come and save your city, the scene and hip-hop as we know it.

Featuring a who’s-who of collabs and guest appearances from hip-hop royalty, this 14-track record takes you to just about every corner of the genre, leaving no stone unturned. With Lyrics Born and Gift Of Gab joining on ‘Guard The Fort’ to deliver a serious statement of intent to open the LP, the rest of the record is an adventure through funk, breaks, rolling basslines, buckets of groove and everything in-between. Throw in a generous portion of expertly delivered bars and vocals from genre sidekicks like Harry Shotta, Skye (Morcheeba), Omar, Dynamite MC and more, and you’re left with a hip-hop record that not even the comic books could have conceived.

LP version comes with an exclusive 8-page comic-book by official Star Wars illustrator JAKe + full album download.

First Word Records are very proud to bring you 'Ghouls', the 6th studio album from Bastien Keb.

Through the reflective and introspective multi-mood journey of its 19-tracks, this album spans psychedelic-chamber-funk, warped anti-ballads, cinematic instrumentals, Ethio-jazz & ethereal ambience.

Part soundtrack, part beat-tape, part memoir, this is a dreamlike soundscape sewn together from half-forgotten memories & late night breakdowns.

Entirely sample-free, this album is full to the brim with musical experimentation, with Keb's compulsion to make all the individual pieces of music independently; combining strings, harps, saxophones, theremins, clarinets, flutes and trumpets.

He signals to the fuzzy, nostalgic nebulous of mid '90s skate videos, as well as harking back to the scores & moods of movies like The French Connection, Taxi Driver, The Warriors and La Haine. There are whispers of sounds in the air from jazz clubs, street preachers & Turkish restaurants.

Keb describes the sonic experience of this album simply as this… "You're half awake, and half asleep, but you're warm…"

For this 19-track opus, Keb is joined extensively by Malik Ameer Crumpler; a poet, composer, editor and professor based in Paris, who's been involved in numerous albums while writing for various forms of experimental media.

A multi-instrumentalist originally from the Midlands, Bastien Keb (aka Sebastian Jones) previously released his highly-acclaimed album '22.02.85' on First Word back in 2017; this new album being a very welcome return to the Worldwide Award-winning UK independent label.

His music has been widely supported across BBC Radio in the past by DJs including Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, Huw Stephens, Jamie Cullum, Lauren Laverne, Mary Anne Hobbs, Nemone and Tom Ravenscroft. This is in addition to glowing press reviews from the likes of Pitchfork, The Guardian and The Line Of Best Fit.

He's built up a steady fanbase through his extensive catalogue over the years, with material for labels like Def Pressé, Gearbox, One-Handed Music and most recently for Shabaka Hutchings' Native Rebel Recordings imprint, on a collaborative project with South London's Confucius MC (Speakers Corner Quartet).

Keb concludes "this record is for anyone feeling lost in a world that seems to have lost itself without knowing it. It's for the people who know that the world is missing the beauty of the lights in the distance, whilst being distracted by new shoes and flashy phones..."

'Ghouls' is due to be released on vinyl & digital worldwide, November 14th 2025.

Founded in early 1995, Grow! quickly established itself as a key player in the underground house music scene. The label was created by Christian Mahringer (aka Jeremiah) along with Michael Peter (Duke) and Martin Retschitzegger (Tin). Together, they released a steady stream of 12" records, often under various pseudonyms, focusing entirely on the music rather than individual profiles.

While Grow! remained their main creative outlet, the founders were also active beyond the label: Mahringer released music on Chez Damier’s Balance Alliance and the renowned Chicago label Guidance, while Peter and Retschitzegger collaborated on records for Daniel Bell’s 7th City and Robert Hood’s influential M-Plant label, and also launched their own imprint, Central.

This new compilation presents a first carefully curated selection of the most notable tracks from the label’s catalog, alongside previously unreleased versions. All tracks were edited and remastered from the original tape recordings. It offers a deep dive into the raw, analog-driven sound that defined Grow!’s identity.

With its consistent focus on quality, anonymity, and artistic integrity, Grow! Records has left a lasting impression far beyond Austria’s borders. This release is both a celebration and a rediscovery of one of the country’s most respected underground imprints.

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

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

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







g 7. Grandmother ft. Laraaji







g 7. Grandmother ft. Laraaji







g 7. Grandmother ft. Laraaji







g 7. Grandmother ft. Laraaji







g 7. Grandmother ft. Laraaji







[g] 7. Grandmother [ft. Laraaji]







[g] B2. Grandmother [ft. Laraaji]







[g] B2. Grandmother [ft. Laraaji]

Numbers welcome New York’s Jubilee to the Glasgow based label - Main Character EP features ‘Trippin’’, a collaboration with Jersey club Queen UNIIQU3. One of the most vital voices in American underground dance music for over a decade, Jubilee brings her South Florida rave roots and East Coast sensibilities to the imprint.

Born from the dizzying emotions of love and grief, the EP opens with the cheeky cackle of UNIIQU3 on ‘Trippin’’. Marking their hotly-anticipated first collaborative release, ‘Trippin’’ bridges Jubilee’s Miami bass heritage and UNIIQU3’s Jersey club sound to create a playful lead single featuring tantalizing vocals.

Starting to work on Main Character in 2019, Jubilee revisited the project during an intense period of change and loss. Bringing in further influences from electro, Baltimore club, 90’s dance and techno to create her signature sound, Jubilee channels the fun, drama and chaos that comes hand in hand during challenging times. A deeply personal release, Jubilee looks to her friends and family for inspiration, including a sample of her parents on ‘Lucky’.

Jubilee’s debut on Numbers continues a stand-out year for the dynamic artist who released two stellar EPs earlier this year alongside celebrating 10 years of Magic City - her party series and record label which was awarded DJ Mag’s ‘Best Record Label’ in 2023 - with a run of records, merch and events across the States.

Charlotte de Witte releases more hot news on her eagerly awaited eponymous self-titled debut LP, which drops November 7th on her KNTXT label. Fans already stirred to frenzy by two killer LP singles can now pre-order/pre-save the album digitally and on vinyl. She also reveals the cover art and track list in its entirety.

Already hailed by Vogue DE, BBC 6 Music, Resident Advisor, DJ Mag, Mixmag, Rolling Stone, Billboard amm., the acid-drenched, unstoppable lead single and set staple ‘The Realm’, and powerful organ-heavy cut ‘No Division’ (feat. XSALT) reflect the power of the full 11 track release. The ‘No Division’ vinyl was pre-released during her recent six instantly sold-out New York City shows in four days triumph. With one more LP single promised before the full drop, fans will have to wait and see which that will be…

After a fifteen year long career of propelling the techno scene forward and 25 standout EPs, the Belgian DJ & producer ‘started to feel the urge to embrace a format that allowed me to showcase my sonic identity in its entirety.’

Though the album is deeply personal – ‘these are tracks that move me, songs that carry me away like only club music and a night lost in it can’ – it’ll be a must-have for fans & techno/acid fiends. ‘Make no mistake, this is a true DJ album. I’m a club kid, always will be, and every track on this record makes me want to dance.’

It’ll do the same for other ravers. One more LP single to come… which of these is it to be?

Bruce Springsteen's statewide ode Nebraska '82 is given ample extra space with a new expanded edition, as his 1982 acoustic masterwork is cast in renewed light by its use the forthcoming biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere, which documents the conception of the original album. Now with an extra 17 solo outtakes, including demos of 'Born In the USA' , 'Pink Cadillac', and 'Downbound Train', as well as the fabled Electric Nebraska sessions with the E Street Band, the new dubs illuminate the breadth of Springsteen's vision for a reconciled America, where Springsteen found much inspiration in the folk, literature and short stories of the heartland, particularly in those of Flannery O'Connor, childhood and young-adult memories. Notably, it was deemed by PopMatters to beo one of the first every DIY records made by a major artist, and soon sparked a DIY revolution by folk musicians the globe over.

Born-and-raised Detroit staple DJ Holographic unveils her album, House In The Dark LP via her newly launched label, Through The Veil.

The LP taps into the core of Afrofuturism that defined the foundation of Detroit techno but reimagines it in a femme, queer, and conscious way. The project draws from her deep-rooted relationship with astrology and shadow work—a therapeutic practice used to explore and heal repressed parts of the self. These transformative inner journeys serve as the creative bedrock for the album, which navigates themes of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.

“Through healing practices like shadow work, astrology, and more, I’ve found a profound sense of arrival while writing House In The Dark. I’ve stepped into who I’ve always wanted to be as a creative and so much more. ‘Pisces’ is a journey through the depths of illusion, where the home becomes both a sanctuary and a mirror for our inner world, revealing what’s real and what we choose to believe.” — DJ Holographic

A celebrated DJ whose talents have taken her to Berlin’s Panorama Bar to Pitchfork Music Festival in Mexico City, Holographic has upcoming stops at London’s fabric, New York’s Public Records, Circoloco’s opening Ibiza party, and more. Her work has been covered by PBS, CRACK Magazine, Ransom Note, Billboard, DJ Mag, Resident Advisor, and more.

Building on the foundations of his Braindance Records label (2017–2020), Korean musician Go Dam now presents the second release on Stellar Systems. The Digifuga Series: Stellar EP finds him in interplanetary hyperdrive, charting trails blazed by pioneers from Hashim to Mad Mike to Gerard Hanson.

The four tracks were written in the studio Go Dam built with his own hands in Eulji-ro — once Seoul’s printing district, now a hive of small businesses. That same meticulous, artisanal approach runs through all of his work, whether composing film scores, producing K-Pop for online personalities, or fine-tuning sound systems around the city. The EP opens with the irrepressible electro funk of 'Fevernova', its slapping beat driving growling bass and wide-eyed synths. 'Dream Powder' is a stormy banger, surfing waves of filtered acid and noise before breaking into light. 'Chrono Flux' sustains the high energy, like the soundtrack to an anime motorbike chase at sunset, while 'Quasiverve' drifts into deepest night, its sinuous leads creeping over a stalking bassline.

Blending heavyweight vintage hardware with sharp digital tools, Go Dam conjures an epic widescreen sound that nods both to the sci-fi optimism of early electro and techno and to today’s fractured, machine-mediated music economy.

From the shores of Lake Erie to the heart of the dancefloor, DJ Romain opens a brand new chapter with The Cleveland EP, his latest release on legendary UK house imprint Hard Times.

Having relocated from his beloved New Jersey to Cleveland, Ohio, Romain dismantled and rebuilt his studio piece by piece, laying the foundations for a new wave of creativity. Following his acclaimed Lost D.A.T.S. series and The New Jersey EP, this marks the first body of music born entirely from his new northern base.

The EP kicks off with the haunting vocal and ghostly chords of 'Change Your Mind', before diving into the rattling hats, crisp snares, and plucked bassline of ‘Crysis’ - a pure Romain floor-tool. 'Cuz You Like' rolls deep with warm, shuffling UK vocal energy, while closer 'Deep Reaktor' lands with preaching tones and heavyweight bump, sealing the collection in signature style.

With The Cleveland EP, Romain bridges past and present - new city, same uncompromising house spirit.

After releasing on some of your favorite labels, Paradise City Breakers start their own imprint with a very personal, no-compromise attitude.
The label exists to release timeless work, uninfluenced by the market or by what the audience thinks it wants.

The A-side is strongly influenced by early European club music, with a harder and more ravey attitude that culminates in Destroy the Power, while Dissociazione Jonica takes you on a stripped-down progression.
On the B-side, the sound becomes more modern, while still drawing from vintage influences. If What U Want is tight and enriched by clear melodies, Your Soul opens up a more oneiric dimension.

The first statement of many. Listen closely — the rest will follow

Rights: World excluding FR & UK

Packaging: 2 x Gold-On-Clear Splatter Vinyl, 5mm spine sleeve, 2 x printer inner sleeve, marketing sticker

SHORT BIOG & KEY POINTS
" Goldie's 1995 debut Timeless is often described as one of the greatest dance music albums of all time. As one of the founders of Metalheadz, one of the most influential drum and bass labels, Goldie helped shape the sound of a generation, and a genre that has spanned over 3 decades.
" "Listening to Timeless is like taking an adventure. If the limits of music are the limits of society, then Timeless is going to create new worlds. It's a record that travels from darkness to light across electronic oceans, across streetsoul, ambience and jazz."

" London Records celebrate 30 years of Timeless with limited edition vinyl formats, re-imagining the original white sleeve and putting the album on double vinyl for the first time since '96, with new liner notes from Tim Carr. Remastered audio.

Rights: World excluding FR & UK

Packaging: 2 x Gold-On-Clear Splatter Vinyl, 5mm spine sleeve, 2 x printer inner sleeve, marketing sticker

SHORT BIOG & KEY POINTS
" Goldie's 1995 debut Timeless is often described as one of the greatest dance music albums of all time. As one of the founders of Metalheadz, one of the most influential drum and bass labels, Goldie helped shape the sound of a generation, and a genre that has spanned over 3 decades.
" "Listening to Timeless is like taking an adventure. If the limits of music are the limits of society, then Timeless is going to create new worlds. It's a record that travels from darkness to light across electronic oceans, across streetsoul, ambience and jazz."

" London Records celebrate 30 years of Timeless with limited edition vinyl formats, re-imagining the original white sleeve and putting the album on double vinyl for the first time since '96, with new liner notes from Tim Carr. Remastered audio.

In October 2025, Västkransen Records releases its 10th output — a milestone double 12" vinyl compilation featuring eight dance tracks from some of Stockholm’s finest producers and DJs. A celebration of the city’s underground electronic music scene, Västkransen 10 brings together familiar names from the label’s past as well as producers making their record debut. What they all share is a vital role in the sound and spirit of Stockholm’s dance music today.



Launched in 2017, Västkransen Records grew out of Gården – a seasonal open-air party held beneath a highway on the border between the neighborhoods of Västberga and Midsommarkransen. Set in a place where industrial landscapes meet nature, this location has shaped both the party’s unique atmosphere and its blend of groovy sounds and rawer beats. Starting a label was a way to keep that energy going and showcase artists and selectors with few outlets in a city, at the time, often drawn to darker and harder strains of dance music.

Klur (Patrik Kindvall) has quickly become one of the most exciting names in melodic and progressive house. Since his breakout debut, Summit / Odysée, the Swedish producer has captivated listeners with his signature blend of organic textures, meticulously crafted synths, and evolving melodies, garnering over 100 million streams across DSPs and a loyal fanbase of over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

His music across labels including Colorize, Anjunadeep and This Never Happened, has found global resonance, earning radio support from SiriusXM Chill, where he is one of the most-played artists in the last few years, and DJ endorsements from Lane 8, Madeon, Tritonal, Above & Beyond, Black Coffee, Sultan + Shepard, and more. Recognised as one of Sweden’s fastest-rising songwriters (+100! by STIM), Klur continues to push boundaries, proving that electronic music can be both deeply emotional and sonically cutting-edge.
Beyond the studio, Klur has taken his immersive sound to stages worldwide, with performances in New York City, ADE, London, L.A., San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, Denver, Austin, Toronto, Montreal and beyond. His music is more than just sound—it’s an invitation to explore a world where the digital and natural coexist in harmony, stirring emotions and inspiring connection.

Klur drops his sophomore album ‘After The Rain’ on Colorize this October, followed by an album tour across Q4 and into 2026.