VA - Naive Melodies

Naive Melodies is a bold and visionary tribute to the music of Talking Heads, reinterpreted through the lens of Black musical innovation. Curated by Drew McFadden — the creative mind behind BBE’s acclaimed Modern Love (David Bowie tribute album) — this new collection dives deep into the Afro-diasporic rhythms and experimental soul roots that helped shape Talking Heads’ unmistakable New Wave sound. Inspired by artists like Fela Kuti, Parliament, and Al Green — whose influences loomed large in the band’s rhythmic DNA — Naive Melodies shines a light on the Black music traditions that underpinned their artistry.

Far from a conventional tribute, Naive Melodies reframes the band’s catalog through the voices and visions of a new generation of genre-defying artists. These interpretations illuminate the foundational grooves and sonic textures that fueled Talking Heads’ rhythm- forward aesthetic, bringing them full circle with authenticity.

“With Naive Melodies, I wanted to spotlight the deep and often overlooked influence of Black music on the sound of Talking Heads, drawing from the rhythmic foundations of Afro- diasporic traditions, soul, gospel, Latin, and spiritual jazz. This project is a chance to reimagine Talking Heads’ legacy through the lens of the very innovations that helped shape it, bringing those influences to the forefront through the voices of today’s most forward- thinking artists.” — Drew McFadden

The album features a globally minded lineup, including Liv.e, Bilal, Rogê, Miguel Atwood- Ferguson, Aja Monet, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Theo Croker, Kenny Dope, Rosie Lowe, Pachyman, W.I.T.C.H., and more — spanning Afrobeat, jazz, soul, funk, gospel, dub, electronica, orchestral, and Latin styles. It reflects not only the boundary-pushing ethos of Talking Heads, but also the influence of Black music as a cultural force that helped shape it.

This is not just a tribute album — it’s a recontextualization. A cultural conversation. A rhythmic reawakening.  

Tracklist:
1. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson - Heaven
2. Pachyman - Sugar On My Tounge (Dub) 
3. WITCH - Once In A Lifetime
4. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Girlfriend Is Better
5. Wu-Lu - Mind
6. Astrønne - Psycho Killer
7. KENNY DOPE - Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)
8. Liv.e - I Zimbra
9. Aja Monet - The Book I Read
10. Rosie Lowe - Burning Down The House
11. Ebba - Uh-Oh Love Comes To Town
12. Rogê - Road to Nowhere
13. Vicky Farewell - And She Was
14. Florence Adooni - Crosseyed and Painless
15. Bilal - Seen And Not Seen
16. Theo Croker - Born Under (More) Punches
17. Dominique Johnson - Take Me To The River
18. Leon Jean-Marie - This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)

VA - Ronnie Herel Presents Neo Soul Sessions Vol. 2

Blues and Soul Award winner and double MOBO Awards nominee Ronnie Herel is back with his 2nd volume of his excellent compilation series Neo-Soul Sessions. Ronnie, a massively important figure in the UK Black music scene, is a radio presenter with Mi Soul and includes BBC 1xtra in his broadcasting credits. He is a DJ of international renown and was one half of the Quartz production duo which scored memorable hits with Dina Carroll. His undisputed love for and knowledge of the Neo-Soul genre shines through in the Neo-Soul Sessions and this latest, volume 2, is no exception.

Featuring tracks from artists such as Vula, Terri Walker, Aname Rose and Slakah the Beatchild, among others, Neo-Soul Sessions volume 2 is a brilliantly curated and pieced together selection of twelve tracks that absolutely nails the beauty of the later releases in the Neo-Soul genre. Played from start to finish the track selection and order is a pre-made DJ set that flows in a way that would soundtrack a dancefloor, a house party and an excellent backdrop of tunes for any time and day of the week.

Ronnie's passion for championing independent artists is also evident in his selections here and the compilation serves as a platform for those voices who deserve to break through. The decision to choose six of his favourite tracks to sit alongside six exclusive and unreleased gems means that a light is now shined on every artist featured on the compilation.

An absolute must for serious lovers of Neo-Soul, RnB and Black Music, Neo-Soul Sessions volume 2 is released on a double vinyl LP and as a high res. download.  

Tracklist:
1. Vula - Want Ur Love
2. Terri Walker - Missing You (Ronnie Herel Remix)
3. Lukas Setto - Can You Feel the Love
4. Bon Garçon - Love Is Real
5. Tyler Daley - All I Need
6. Legato - Thug Luv
7. Zoe Kypri - Holding You
8. Vula - Tru Luv
9. Tyler Daley - 4So Long
10. Sebastian Mikael - Next Chapter
11. Aname Rosé - I Am
12. Beatchild - The Cure

Frollen Music Library - Exponential Generator

F.M.L. presents Exponential Generator—a tribute to the hip soul-jazz era that defined much of 1970s library music.

Built on a foundation of Rhodes and percussion, these 15 original compositions showcase the Korg Monopoly synthesiser, weaving hooky melodic narratives over the chunky, bottom-heavy ARP Odyssey bass. The music gleams with early '70s soul-jazz and mid-tempo, funk-informed arrangements where propulsive congas cook beneath charging horn-like synth lines and dreamlike Rhodes swirls. Exponential Generator captures that sophisticated library music aesthetic: utilitarian yet transcendent, mood-setting yet personality-driven, evoking both the playful experimentation of KPM's golden era and the sleazy, lumbering grooves of DeWolfe's most sought-after cuts.

F.M.L. creates some of Australia's most meticulously crafted, groove-driven library recordings. The trio—Darvid Thor, Henry Jenkins, and Hudson Whitlock—brings decades of combined experience to every session. With two Grammy nominations and samples with Leon Thomas, ScHoolboy Q, and more, their work channels the spirit of golden-era library music.

Every sound has been meticulously captured using vintage preamps and carefully selected microphones, ensuring authentic tonal character and warmth. All compositions are BPM labelled, performed and recorded on real instruments, and mixed with attention to the dynamic interplay between Rhodes, percussion, and synthesiser.

Gear list:
- Korg Monopoly
- Fender Rhodes
- ARP Odyssey
- Kangaroo Hide Drum Kit
- Percussion

Tracklist:
1. Away We Go
2. Window Seat
3. Gas
4. Drifters
5. Complimentary Snack
6. Mildly Soft
7. Member's Lounge
8. Hot Air Balloon
9. Crash Landing
10. Leg Room
11. Qantas
12. Cockpit
13. Safety Bell
14. First and Last Flight
15. Sniffers

DJ Harrison - ElectroSoul

ElectroSoul is the most collaborative and personal record yet from two-time GRAMMY Award-nominated producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist DJ Harrison.

Sparked by a sudden health scare in 2024, the album brought the Richmond, VA, native’s close-knit creative community into the studio. The result is a genre-melding testament to healing, recovery, rejuvenation and making the most of the present. Grounded in his Richmond roots and inspired by family, ElectroSoul moves with warmth, purpose, and groove.

Featured artists include Yazmin Lacey, Yaya Bey, Fly Anakin, Pink Siifu, Stones Throw labelmate Kiefer, Angélica Garcia, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, and many more.

Tracklist:
1. Fresh Squeezed Drums
2. OG Players
3. Can’t Go Back (feat. Nigel Hall)
4. Sepia Visions
5. It’s All Love (feat. Yazmin Lacey)
6. Ballade de Vixen (feat. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson)
7. Recycled
8. End of Time (feat. Grebes)
9. Y’all Good? (feat. Pink Siifu)
10. Curtis Joint
11. SmokeSetBreak
12. Stay Ready (feat. Yaya Bey)
13. NeverFold
14. Beginning Again (feat. Kiefer)
15. Seek God (feat. Fly Anakin)
16. The Floyd
17. Turn Away (feat. Angélica Garcia)
18. Ain’t Going Back (SoundGenesius Remix)

Land of Leaves - Delicate & Peaceful

A tender sound, using carefully chosen, minimal cello & piano melodies to portray a caring ambience.

Tracklist:
1. Gently Evolves
2. Touching Moments
3. Waiting
4. Light At The End Of The Tunnel
5. Sentimental
6. Future Fears
7. Everyday Wonders

Apollo Brown - Night Moves

It's in this rarefied air where you'll find Detroit's Apollo Brown, constantly conjuring fresh innovations out of a tried-and-true formula. For the last decade, the Mello Music Group artist has singularly re-defined and expanded the foundation of what boom bap production can sound like. No less than DJ Premier declared the latter "hip-hop for the people," naming "Trophies" the best album of the year. He makes music for old and young heads-bone bruising beats that summon visceral images of back alley brawls in '81 pool hall melees and metropolitan griminess.

Tracklist:
1. Aquarius
2. Night Moves
3. Opulence
4. Moon at Midnight
5. Hold On

SAULT - Chapter 1

Sault return and in fine form with Chapter 1 - their 13th album. The elusive collective led by producer Inflo unleash another masterpiece that features contributions from R&B singer Cleo Sol, singer-songwriter Jack Peñate, and legendary hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

In a statement accompanying Chapter 1, the group noted that the album “moves with patience and belief. Rhythm, breath, and silence sit side by side, creating a space that is reflective yet charged. There is warmth and expectation. A sense that something is gathering.”

Tracklist:
1. God, Protect Me from My Enemies
2. Chapter 1
3. Fulfil Your Spirit
4. Protector
5. Good Things Will Come After the Pressure
6. Create Your Prophecy
7. Love Does Not Equal Pain
8. Lord Have Mercy
9. Don't Worry About What You Can't Control
10. Puppet

JJ Whitefield & Forced Meditation - Birth Of Consciousness

The latest instalment in Whitefield's Temple Jazz series brings you an enhanced collective improvisation inspired by the meditative styles of Pharaoh Sanders, Alice Coltrane and Sun Ra. An aural approach to soothe ones soul in overly hectic environments. 

Tracklist:
1. Movement One: Stimulation
2. Movement Two: Inception
3. Movement Three: Awareness
4. Movement Four: Perception
5. Movement Five: Experience
6. Movement Six: Knowledge

Kaidi Tatham - Miles Away

First Word Records are very proud to bring you a brand new album from the legendary Kaidi Tatham.

'Miles Away' is the sixth full-length solo project for the award-winning London-based independent label.

Comprised of 10 new tracks, performed entirely by the multi-instrumentalist himself once again, this is an array of forward-thinking eclectic electronic jazz. Rhodes, pianos, synths, strings, horns and flutes weave in & out atop of vibrant percussion and mind-bending drum patterns, forming a sound that is uniquely King Kaidi.

We begin with the delicate groove of 'Misty Garden', before the infectious synth-boogie of 'Sweet Cherry Punch'. The almost-Quincy / EWF vibes of lead single 'So Happy' follow, ahead of the mid-tempo stomp of 'Kanji'. 'Silkie Bantam' keeps the energy nice while picking up the BPM a touch, as we reach the half-time title track 'Miles Away', which also features Kaidi on vocals. 'Hipsteppin' does what it says on the tin; another slice of infectious bruk-tinged jazz-boogie. Then it's the return of frequent collaborator, the super-dope MC Uhmeer (aka Jazzy Jeff's son!) on the smooth soulful hip hop bounce of 'Wave'. 'Hydration' brings the funk; clavi keys and some weighty live bass accompany some truly knockin' drums that switch in & out. The set closes with a real treat for the reggae steppers; 'Ku Deh' is a short sweet touch of uplifting rock steady.

For those that don't know, Belfast-based Kaidi Tatham has been an innovative powerhouse in the world of British black music for decades. From his early days as one of the pioneers of the broken beat movement, to his recent prominence as a key-player for DJ Jazzy Jeff's PLAYlist project, he has inspired an array of artists and tastemakers across the globe, from Madlib to Gilles Peterson.

The list of artists he's worked and collaborated with reads like a fever dream - Amy Winehouse, Mulatu Astatke, Soul II Soul, Leroy Burgess, Nubya Garcia, Slum Village, Andrew Ashong, Marcos Valle and beyond. Additionally to a number of releases with 2000 Black's Dego and The Herbaliser, he's also dropped records for Theo Parrish's Sound Signature and Alex Nut's Eglo Records, taking in a number of aliases along the way, including Agent K, Shokazulu, Blakai, Da One Away and Likwid Biskit - the latter two projects alongside IG Culture (New Sector Movements / LCSM). He's also worked with fellow First Word label-mates like Children of Zeus, Allysha Joy, Darkhouse Family and Eric Lau.

As ever, this album is another truly diverse set from the Grammy-winning Kaidi Kyat, exuding quality and good vibes throughout, crossing genres and borders with intergalactic energy, taking us 'Miles Away'.

Tracklist:
1. Misty Garden
2. Sweet Cherry Punch
3. So Happy
4. Kanji
5. Silkie Bantam
6. Miles Away
7. Hipsteppin'
8. Wave (feat. Uhmeer)
9. Hydration
10. Ku Deh