VA - Fabio Presents Generation Liquid (Volume 1)

Fabio, a true legend in the music industry for over three decades, kickstarted his illustrious career as a Pirate Radio DJ in the mid-80s. Throughout the years, he masterfully evolved his style across various musical genres, ranging from Dub and Hip Hop to House, until he ultimately solidified his position as one of the pioneering forces behind Jungle and Drum and Bass. Fate played a remarkable role in Fabio's extraordinary musical journey. Serendipitously, he landed a pivotal spot on the pirate radio station Phase One, all thanks to a connection through a close friend. This opportunity allowed Fabio to showcase his raw talent and hone his early skills. As destiny continued to guide him, Fabio formed a powerful partnership with Grooverider, and together, they soared to fame, headlining numerous major outdoor raves and orbital M25 parties during the late '80s acid house boom. The duo's magnetic presence and innovative sound captivated audiences, setting them apart as trailblazers in the electronic music scene.

As club culture blossomed, Fabio and Grooverider became the distinguished residents at the iconic club night RAGE, hosted at Heaven in the heart of London. Their influence was immense, as they were credited with moulding the early Jungle sound and orchestrating the world's first-ever weekly Jungle night. Fabio's unwavering passion and dedication to music have not only left an indelible mark on the industry but have also inspired countless aspiring artists. His boundless creativity and willingness to push the boundaries continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, solidifying his status as a true pioneer and a living legend.

After the Jungle scene declined and underwent a distinct shift in sound and style, Fabio took the initiative to establish London's first dedicated soulful deep Drum and Bass night, known as Speed. Week after week, Fabio shared the decks with LTJ Bukem, and their skillful sets eventually garnered immense popularity, drawing in not only junglists but also celebrities, club kids, record label A&R representatives, and the who's who of the West End at that time. When the curtain fell on Speed Fabio's legacy continued to flourish with the inception of his legendary Swerve weekly residency at The Velvet Rooms, which later relocated to the iconic club, The End. The influence of Swerve was profound, serving as a catalyst for the creation of influential labels like Hospital Records, Tony Coleman (also known as London Elektricity) became a regular attendee, further contributing to the scene's growth and innovation.

The term 'Liquid', was born out of Fabio's deep admiration and support for his protégé, the talented Northern Irish producer and DJ, Dominick Martin, famously known as Calibre. This inspiration led to the creation of his acclaimed 14-year radio show on BBC Radio 1, 'The Liquid Funk Show', which drew from Calibre's masterful productions that Fabio likened to "liquid gold" for the ears. Through this show, Fabio played a crucial role in breaking numerous iconic records, and artists such as Chase & Status, High Contrast, and many many more.

Now, 'Generation Liquid' takes the baton from the legacy of Speed, Swerve, and 'The Liquid Funk show', capturing the essence of the era and the soulful, deeper music that Fabio has championed throughout his illustrious career. This meticulously curated collection celebrates records that embody the spirit of soulful D&B, making it a must-have for anyone who has followed Fabio's musical journey since the vibrant days of the 1990s up until now.

The compilation is a treasure trove, featuring contemporary classics, late-night rollers, iconic remixes, and timeless Fabio originals. The roster of producers on 'Generation Liquid' is stellar, boasting names like Calibre, Alix Perez, High Contrast, MJ Cole, Chase & Status, and many others. It is an essential snapshot of soulful D&B at its peak, handpicked and presented by the genre’s Godfather.

Rest assured, all music is fully licensed and cleared, accompanied by stunning archival artwork courtesy of Karma London. 

Tracklist:
1. Artificial Intelligence - Switch On

2. D. Kay - It's On The Way
3. Chase and Status - Hurt You
4. Alix Perez - Forsaken (ft. Peven Everett & Spectrasoul)
5. High Contrast - Racing Green
6. Jaheim - Put That Woman First (Calibre Vocal Remix)
7. Jonny L - Oh Yeah
8. MJ Cole - Sincere (Marcus Intalex & S.T. Files Remix)

VA - Revolution of the Giraffe

Diffrent Music roars back into action after an extended hiatus to raise a couple of young giraffes with the electrifying new compilation, ‘Revolution Of The Giraffe’ LP.

Launched in 2010 with the aim of bringing something new to a drum & bass scene that had become overly formulaic, the label has continuously pushed in new directions, often incubated tomorrow’s stars, and evolved beyond even that original grand ideal. ‘Revolution Of The Giraffe’ unleashes 17 tracks of bleeding-edge electronic music, proving that after 13 years, Diffrent still sounds like nothing else.

Core artists from the label’s distinguished history bring their expertise, such as drum & bass mainstay Arkaik and sound architect Fearful, who team up with label boss Dexta for the MC GQ-sampling ‘Old Skool’ — a new track with a classic Diffrent sound. And there are numerous debuts: A.Fruit reworks an all-time Diffrent classic, ‘Boxgroove’ by Dexta & Hyroglifics, into a glitchy halftime stomper; none60 bosses Silent Dust turn Dexta’s ‘SE4’ into a rebellious dancefloor juggernaut; and the mysterious Gaunt’s ‘Firefloor’ becomes locked ‘n’ loaded rave artillery in the hands of Pepsi Slammer.

Label stalwart Mauoq puts his signature psychedelic future dub spin on ‘Departed’ by Cuelock, who in turn delivers the ice-cold, grime-indebted ‘Pages Of Snow’. Lakeway conjures the epic ‘Even Though’, nearly eight minutes of ecstatic, spell-binding, hyper-rave wonder. Dexta goes solo with squelchy techno jungle stormer ‘Giraffes On Acid’. Even Sense MC makes an… appearance.

New-gen Diffrent acts are in fine form too. The inimitable BrandNewTrumpets opens the album alongside Macc; ‘We Are The Tightrope Walkers’ is a powerful spoken word piece that erupts into a hail of punishing breaks. No Nation, Sheba Q and BK Balance, meanwhile, turn out explosive, hi-tek junglism on ‘Too Late’. From Diffrent’s industrial-toned sister label Are We Really Alone? (A.W.R.A.), Amir De Bois joins forces with Fearful for the paranoid, jittering ‘73’; Tokyo’s Itti summons thunderous bass on the ritualistic ‘Rumbling’; and Croatian artist Spaj.A.S.E.’s competition-winning, mind-mashing remix of the first ever Diffrent release, ‘Everyones Mad’ by Chills, finally sees the light of day.

Always looking to the future, Diffrent also welcomes modern jungle visionary Eusebeia, who puts his ethereal touch to Crypticz’s ‘Could Have Been’, and Stateside up-and-comers Illexandra & TGRbass, who deliver the supercharged, elastic bounce of ‘Swampy Swami’.

Closing out with one from deep within the vaults, ‘Aftaparty’ is Beezy and MNTX’s ode to seeing where the night takes you. It’s a fitting note to end on, as a new era of Diffrent Music begins. Where will it take you? Join us on the ride and find out.

"I've loved every moment of the label so far: the fast-paced release schedules, the slow years, the podcasts, albums, singles, EPs, parties, etc. This compilation album signposts where we are at — a bunch of classic Diffrent artists, a load of new faces, and a few remixes thrown in for good measure. Each tune stands alone, but stands tall next to each of its siblings. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we have! The revolution is here, join the revolution!"
- Dexta

Tracklist:
1. Brandnewtrumpets & Macc – We Are The Tightrope Walkers (original mix)
2. Arkaik, Dexta & Fearful – Old Skool (feat MC GQ - original mix)
3. Lakeway – Even Though (original mix)
4. Dexta & Hyroglifics – Boxgroove (A.Fruit remix)
5. Amir De Bois & Fearful – 73 (original mix)
6. Itti – Rumbling (original mix)
7. Cuelock – Pages Of Snow (original mix)
8. Illexxandra & TGRbass – Swampy Swami (original mix)
9. Crypticz – Could Have Been (Eusebeia remix)
10. Dexta – SE4 (Silent Dust remix)
11. No Nation, Sheba Q & BK Balance – Too Late (original mix)
12. Gaunt – FireFloor (Pepsi Slammer remix)
13. Cuelock – Departed (Mauoq remix)
14. Dexta – Giraffes On Acid (original mix)
15. Chills – Everyone's Mad (SpajA.S.E. remix)
16. Sense MC & Dexta – Please Hang Up (original mix)
17. Beezy & MNTX – Aftaparty (original mix)

VA - Hospital Mixtape: Anaïs

Hospital Records’ newest signed artist, and former Women In Drum & Bass mentee, Anaïs has been taking the world of dance music by storm with her futuristic production and energetic DJ sets. A true trailblazer of the new-gen drum & bass circuit, she has stepped up to the plate to curate the next edition of the ‘Hospital Mixtape’ series, featuring 17 fresh cuts highlighting an impeccable array of future talent across the D&B spectrum. Following on from the successes of Lens’ Hospital Mixtape which dropped in 2022 and was home to heaters including Watch The Ride’s ‘READY4DEM’ featuring Emz and the Fade Black remix of Camo & Krooked’s ‘Loa’, the levels have been upped once again.

Dive in to the jungle-infused sounds of Anaïs x DRIIA’s ‘Round To Ya Speaker’ where you’ll find sizzling basslines, crisp breaks, and DRIIA’s sensual toplines. Boasting a back catalogue revelled by the heads of the underground, DRIIA is a frequent name on the airwaves with consistent support from the likes of Radio 1’s Danny Howard, Jess Iszatt and Jaguar, as well as hosting her very own weekly Reprezent show.

Hoax and PVC set the levels on ‘Sekkle’, a rough and ready low-end rumbler with earth-shattering basslines and infectious vocal flows. Bristol-based Hoax with a history of releases on imprints including Onyx and Pick ‘N’ Mix teams up with PVC who has an impressive slew of collaborations under his belt alongside dance music legends including Flava D, Royal T, DJ Q, Dirty Palm & more…

Dutch D&B duo NCT come through with a grade A 174BPM dancefloor energiser on ‘Don’t Need U’. Having released on Hospital before with ‘Closure (feat. Anna-Eva)’ on the ‘Future Sound of Holland’ VA EP in 2016, NCT have been keeping more than busy since then with a steady stream of big-hitters across labels such as Liquicity, Elevate and NCS to name a few.

Anaïs boasts recent successes following collaborations with the likes of Flowdan, Champion DI, Sudley and more. Her highly sought-after debut standalone single on Hospital ‘want u’ is landed 23rd of June, and has been taking dancefloors and airwaves alike by storm. This is just the beginning for Anaïs - keep your eyes and ears peeled! 

Tracklist:
1. Round To Ya Speaker (feat. DRIIA)
2. Anaïs x Emz – My Story
3. Blooom – Beside You
4. Formula – Tales Of The Times
5. Zoro x Logan – Higher Pressure
6. NCT – Don’t Need U
7. Anaïs x Hugh Hardie – Headshot (feat. Slay & T-Man)
8. Oppidan – Bloop!
9. Crossy x Diagnostix – Mike Selekta
10. Hoax – Sekkle (feat. Purple Velvet Curtains)
11. Nautika – Back 2 Love
12. DJ Limited – We Ain’t Ever Coming Down (feat. Lizzy Stringer)
13. Aries x Nicky Blackmarket x DJ GAW – Hold On
14. T-Lex – None Like Me (feat. Foxx)
15. Bennie – Laser Party
16. Missing – Travesty
17. Refracta – Widow

Goldie - Timeless (The Remixes)

The celebrations continue for the 25th anniversary of Goldie's 1995 debut Timeless, certainly having lived up to its name as a foundational record in dance music history. On this juggernaut remix album, Goldie curates a star studded lineup taking these tracks to new heights. Break's remix of 'Inner City Life' tiptoes in with waves of pads and strong vocals, but everything is torn apart when a dangerous drop comes in, with morphing breakbeat rhythms stepping over shards of percussive clatters and mutated bass growls.
 
Tracklist:
CD1
1. Inner City Life (Break Remix)
2. Kemistry (Grey Code Remix)
3. State of Mind (Searchlight Remix)
4. Angel (SCAR Remix) [feat. Eleanor Higgins]
5. Inner City Life (Nookie's '2021' Remix)
6. Jah (J:Kenzo's 'Tribute' Remix)
7. Sensual (Searchlight Remix)
8. Inner City Life (Trevino Remix)
9. Kemistry (OneMind Remix)

CD2
1. Angel (Peshay Back From Narm Mix)
2. Inner City Life (4 Hero Part 1)
3. Inner City Life (Nookie's 94 Remix)
4. Angel (Teebee Remix)
5. Kemistry (Doc Scott Remix)
6. Still Life (Photek Remix)
7. Inner City Life (Baby Boys Edit)
8. State of Mind (Hip Hop Instrumental)

The North Quarter All Stars - Balboa Square

When Ruud Gullit met Frank Rijkaard at Balboa Square in West Amsterdam not only were two legends born, but a life-long friendship was forged due to a mutual love for The Beautiful Game. This same location was the starting point of a week long production camp where NQ artists captured the essence of a label built around this same friendship and a mutual love... but for beautiful music.

Tracklist:
1. I Got You
2. Everything Nice
3. Don't Need
4. The Way You've Been
5. All This Time
6. New Day
7. No Reason
8. Schizm
9. Never 

*Bonus (In The Moment - The North Quarter All Stars Documentary)

VA - Drum & Bass Selection Volume 6 (Collector’s Edition)

The Worlds First Ever Drum & Bass titled album brand, the legendary trailblazing compilation album from the inception of D&B returns! For many it was their first introduction into D&B and Jungle, and as the worlds first ever TV advertised Jungle or D&B album it holds an important place in the expansion of the genre. Now the Drum & Bass Selection Series takes off from where we last visited the brand… straight into Volume 6 as if its never been away!

Drum & Bass Selection Vinyl Collectors Edition is packed this time with collectible foundation tracks hailing from the period of the creation of this iconic album series and the evolution of Jungle to Drum & Bass, cut with two tracks per side on heavyweight black vinyl for DJ use.

The triumphant return is a must for all collectors and especially vinyl completists that loved the original series of releases, and as you’d expect its packed full of exquisitely curated D&B cuts from some of the jungle music scenes most recognised producers. This amazing compilation collects together foundation jungle pioneers such as Mampi Swift, Dextrous, Marley Marl, Dubtronix, Sponge, and Cool Hand Flex.

Vinyl collectors will be excited to see the high value tracks that have not been repressed since the golden age of jungle. ‘Heavenly Body’ by DJ Dextrous, has been moving on reseller sites for up to £100! And Marley Marl’s track ‘Feel It’ has been incredibly hard to find and has changed hands for over £80, making this release incredible value for money.

Tracklist:
1. DJ Gunshot – Soundboy
2. Dubtronix – Fresh Step
3. Dextrous – Heavenly Body
4. Marley Marl – Feel It
5. Atlas – Drifting Thru The Galaxy
6. Mampi Swift – Just Roll
7. Flex – Rude Boy
8. Sponge – The Crash 

VA - Full Fat 02

Join us as we celebrate our 50th release with a very special selection of 14 lovingly crafted cuts from the fam and some new friends.

Goldfat is very proud to present ‘Full Fat 2’.

New music from: Mitekiss, Pyxis, Note, Digital Native, Aaron Payne, Winslow, IYRE ft. Breezy Lee, Shiva, Auris, BrandNewTrumpets, Finnadrift, Uneven, Counter Culture, Qumulus, Leniz & Kublai.

We hope you enjoy this as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Here’s to our next 50 releases!

Tracklist:
1. FinnaDrift - Tree Lined Trails
2. Digital Native - Been Ages Since
3. Kublai - Darling, I
4. Mitekiss - Move On
5. Note & Pyxis - Shambhala
6. Winslow - Orange Cat (riddim)
7. Aaron Payne - Word Of Mouth
8. Breezy Lee & IYRE - Fortune Favours
9. Auris - In A Different Headspace
10. Qumulus - Bittersweet
11. Counter Culture - Tabs
12. Shiva - Ice On The Lena
13. BrandNewTrumpets & Uneven - Don't Sleep
14. Leniz - Final Destination

VA - 500

Being at the forefront of drum & bass for over a quarter of a century, Hospital Records proudly step into 2023 commemorating their 500th release with a brand new anthem packed celebratory compilation - ‘500’. Offering a bass-infused insight into the past, present and future of the south-London based imprint, brace yourself for 23 brand new original tracks and remixes of NHS certified classics.

Tracklist:
1. SOLAH, DJ Marky & Makoto – Everything Is Possible (DJ Marky & Makoto remix)
2. Logistics – Belonging
3. Netsky, Hybrid Minds & Grafix – Let Me Hold You (Grafix remix)
4. Whiney & Subten – Start This (feat Doktor/Coco)
5. Bop, Subwave & Enei – Rave I Didn't Know Was The Last (Enei remix)
6. Flava D – Red Pill
7. Unglued, Lens & Whiney – Lazy Hardcore
8. Fred V & Hamzaa – Freefall
9. Anais, Sudley & Champion DI – Live By The Sword
10. Winslow – Spaced Out
11. S.P.Y – Night Moves
12. Voltage & Serum – Natty Love (feat Sweetie Irie - Serum VIP)
13. Urbandawn & Alibi – Caramel
14. London Elektricity – Vasquez
15. Degs & Whiney – Still Messed Up (Whiney remix)
16. IYRE & T-Man – Want No Drama
17. Hugh Hardie & Stay-C – Impala
18. Kanobie & Tominthechamber – Upside Down
19. Makoto – Love Is Complicated
20. Missing – U OK G?
21. Rohaan & MRSA – Osho
22. BTK – Found
23. Askel – Thoughts About Home 

Zero T & Onj - Kilburn Park

Last year Zero T teamed up with pianist Onj (Andre Louis) on what became an acclaimed conceptual album Kilburn. The project showcased a unique blend of bass-heavy music with soulful chord progressions.

Now the duo returns for a follow-up EP which surpasses expectations. Packed with downtempo versions, remixes as well as new music, this project is a worthy successor to last year’s praised album. Remixers include AfroForce (a.k.a. Afronaut & Mark Force of Bugz In The Attic), James Rudie and Kid Fonque and Jonny Miller, who morph Darkness into a super-deep House odyssey.


The EP also consists of three new Drum & Bass tracks: Blow (featuring Nottingham soul duo Melonyx), Love Thing (featuring the soothing voice of Mercy’s Cartel) and the darker sounding Killer Inside.

With this project Zero T & Onj “hope people hear the common thread of real soul throughout the EP, regardless of tempo”. Onj adds: “Kilburn Park seems like the obvious sequel to a story with yet more parts to it. The downtempo feel of Gone but Never Forgotten, which has personal significance to me, could be those thoughtful times we sit down and consider the world around us, and our place in it.”

Tracklist:
1. Gone But Never Forgotten (original mix)
2. Rodeo Drive (feat Mercy's Cartel - Neo Soul mix)
3. Twenty Three (feat Ms Naye/Unitsouled - Neo Soul mix)
4. Everyday Struggles (feat Jordan Max/Mark Force - AfroForce remix)
5. Rain (feat T-Man - James Rudie remix)
6. Darkness (feat Steo - Kid Fonque & Jonny Miller remix)
7. Pending (original mix)
8. Blow (feat MELONYX - original mix)
9. Love Thing (feat Mercy's Cartel - original mix)
10. Killer Inside (original mix) 

VA - Vibez '93 Recap 2022

Tracklist:
1. Madcap – Fall Down
2. Evasion – Nostalgia
3. Tommy The Cat – Space Agent
4. Evasion & Conman – Stars
5. FFF – Gold Chains And Travel Fox
6. Kit – Desolate
7. Madcap – V7 Saxon Street
8. Unknown Artist – Above The Clouds ('21 Jungle remix)
9. Unknown Artist – Worries
10. Qant. – Waiting Game
11. Evasion – Slowdance
12. Blade (Dnb) – One
13. FFF – The Dance
14. Unknown Artist – OPUS III
15. Pixel – Babylon (original mix)
16. Runout – Law Of The Jungle
17. Sykes – Jazz Thieves 

VA - Cakes & Treats Vol. 1

Heads up all you ravers! Jungle Cakes delivers the first volume of a brand new compilation series. 'Cakes & Treats' features 11 tracks of top shelf jungle and drum and bass from many of the best up and coming producers on the scene right now. Highlights include the laidback, bass heavy, reggae infused 'My Sound' by Flex Effect, DJ Shy's dark and moody roller, 'Listen', a smooth, horn laiden, jungle flexout from Durazz with 'Unfollow', and an atmospheric, emotive liquid tune, 'At The Top', from Deazy and Fatez. There are also a load of other sick tracks on the compilation from the likes of Bring The Beat Mack, Kanta Loop, Dirty Outlaws, Kravitz, J.O.E, and Joey ILLah. This compilation is packed with sick tunes from skillful producers traversing the entire spectrum of contemporary drum and bass. All of these tracks are guaranteed to keep feet on the dancefloor and hands in the air, stay tuned for Vol. 2!

Tracklist:
1. J.O.E – The Bad (original mix)
2. Joey Illah – Breakdown (original mix)
3. Durazz – Unfollow (original mix)
4. Flex Effect – My Sound (original mix)
5. Kanta Loop – Never Let Dem (original mix)
6. DJ Shy – Listen (original mix)
7. Bring The Beat Mack – Righteous Selecta (original mix)
8. Kravitz – Let Me Tell You (original mix)
9. Dirty Outlaws – Don't Wanna Think (feat Emily Jade/Izzii Grace - original mix)
10. Durazz – Alpha Winter (original mix)
11. Blean – At The Top (feat Fatez - original mix)

FD - NQ State of Mind, Vol. 3

The third volume of the influential 'NQ State of Mind' mix series is headed by two key artists on The North Quarter roster: FD and T-Man. Mixtapes represent an important symbol of the formative years of many of the artists on this Amsterdam-based label and so it's only right that the tradition is continued by FD and T-Man, who both have a long history as music enthusiasts. Consisting solely of TNQ music - including 8 exclusives - this is NQ State of Mind, Vol 3.

Throughout 40 tracks, energetically mixed by FD and backed with T-Man's commanding vocals, this is a journey through The North Quarter's six year catalogue. Many core artists on the label make an appearance, as well as some unexpected faces.

Tracklist:
1. FD & T-Man - NQ State of Mind, Vol. 3 (Continuous DJ Mix)
2. Lenzman - Waves
3. Mango X MathMan/Zero T/Loah - Lonely Night (Zero T Vocal Mix)
4. Styke - Bad Times
5. FD/Akemi Fox - Lie to You
6. Zero T/Steo - Moments Fade (Note Remix)
7. Redeyes - Keith Sweat
8. Satl - Danzig
9. Submorphics/Pola & Bryson - Albion Road
10. Fox/Blind MIC/FD - Just Chillin'
11. Zero T/Onj/Mercy's Cartel - Rodeo Drive
12. Redeyes - Fine Again
13. FD - Ice Cream
14. Submorphics - Luminosity
15. Tokyo Prose/Steo - Lift You Up
16. Lenzman - Old Times' Sake
17. Redeyes/Victor Gould/Juga-Naut - Carry Me Home / Never Learnt
18. Lenzman/Redeyes - Dizzy Heights
19. Sam Binary/Deviant - For Real
20. Satl/DRS - Beautiful Struggle
21. Lenzman/Fox - Starlight
22. Submorphics - Infinite Void
23. Tokyo Prose - Everybody's Fool
24. Lenzman - Beef
25. FD - The Creatures From Planet 9
26. Tyrone - Untitled Matrix
27. Echo Brown - Kusanagi
28. LIN000/Satl/FD - LIN001
29. Fox/DLR/Alix Perez - Walk Out
30. Satl - Falling 
31. Anile - Nothing Makes Sense
32. Satl - Hard Times
33. Sam Binary/Deviant - Undercover Operator
34. FD - Deep Fake
35. FD/Fox - Hazmat
36. Zero T/ONJ/Manny - Lifetime
37. Redeyes/GLXY/Tyler Daley - Keep On
38. Anile - Back On Days
39. Alexx A-Game - Braver (Satl Remix)
40. FD - Ribs (Interlude)
41. SL8R - Magnolia

B. Bravo - Vizionz Remixes

After the release of his sophomore album "Vizionz" in the spring of 2022, B. Bravo returns to Bastard Jazz with a grab bag of remixes including 5 winners chosen from a remix contest that ran through September. The remixes run the gamut from future boogie (DJ AK), dubby slo-mo house (Julian Gomes), smoothed out boom-bap r&b (Venuz Beats & Bao), Drum'n'Bass (Kodak) + more.

Tracklist:
1. 10/10 (DJ AK Remix)
2. Lifted (Julian Gomes Remix)
3. Fly Bye (Kodak Remix)
4. Believe (Stimulator Jones Remix)
5. Penelope (Piklo Remix)
6. No Regrets (Dalton Corr Remix)
7. Fly Bye (Venuz Beats & Bao Remix)
8. Moon Bounce (Yel-low Stereo Dub)

VA - Tru Thoughts 2022

‘Tru Thoughts 2022’ is the latest instalment from our annual compilation series. Curated by A&R, DJ and co-founder Robert Luis, the 32-track digital comp celebrates the best of the wide-ranging, diverse, and international roster. Selections span from Neo-Soul, Alternative Pop, Jazz and Contemporary Classical to Grime, Broken Beat, DnB and Electronica.

“When compiling our end of year release, it always gives me a chance to look back over the year we’ve had at Tru Thoughts and the artists we’ve worked with. We are an eclectic label, which reflects my own personal taste in music. In an era with a vast amount of music available, I always feel these compilations are a good way to remind people of the quality releases from the last 12 months. In a world after lockdown and with the UK music industry still dealing with the negative consequences of Brexit, this compilation highlights the creative strength and power of the artists on the Tru Thoughts roster; and, I feel, the wider world of artists and labels too” Robert Luis

We also have a Tru Thoughts 2022 T-shirt available alongside the compilation, check it out via Everpress everpress.com/tru-thoughts-compilation-2022 T-shirts can be ordered up until the 5th Dec, with shipping in time for Christmas.

Highlighted as the compilation’s focus track, ‘Tru Thoughts 2022’ features “The Sky Sings feat. Layla Moallem, Jasmin Moallem & KerenDun (Obas Nenor’s Dub) (Radio Edit)”; an exclusive edit of the hugely celebrated dub taken from Sefi Zisling’s “Welcome Sunset” EP. Renowned for creating music using a unique blend of rare vintage instruments and sounds, Tel Aviv producer and DJ Obas Nenor condenses the hypnotic groove of his original 11-minute remix into an impeccable radio edit. As Robert Luis adds, “it has been going down well in many DJ sets (including my own), but on this compilation we have a nice edit of the remix to highlight the vibe of the song”.

‘Tru Thoughts 2022’ boasts an incredible selection of burgeoning talent who have signed to Tru Thoughts this year. The debut single from Bristol-based producer, multi-instrumentalist, artist, and songwriter Slowe sits alongside the surreal and experimental sounds of Sharky’s smutty love song “Shark”, taken from her album ‘People Are Strange’. Glasgow-based musician, producer, DJ and curator Rebecca Vasmant works with Nadya Albertsson on “Broken Biscuits” taken from her “Dance Yourself Free” EP. Renowned songstress Karolina collaborates with Jenny Penkin on “Ready For Juju” (taken from ‘All Rivers’) and London-based Irish producer Cian McCaan AKA Zero T introduces his new alias - Bruk Rogers – on “LDN 133” and revisits his Zero T DnB sound on his remix of Nottingham Soul duo MELONYX’s “Energy”.

Amongst these debut releases and new signings sit offerings from established members of the Tru Thoughts roster. LA-based trio Moonchild present “Tell Him feat. Lalah Hathaway”, as previously featured on the BBC 6Music playlist, taken from ‘Starfruit’. Released at the beginning of 2022, the LP received international praise from the likes of Pitchfork, Exclaim!, NME, NPR, Billboard and more. Duos Nikitch & Kuna Maze and Rabii Harnoune & V.B.Kühl showcase their respective Bruk-Jazz and Moroccan Gnawa-Electronic fusion sounds on their sophomore albums, while Hidden Orchestra revisit ‘Archipelago’ on its tenth anniversary with the special ‘Archipelago: Source Materials’.

The collaborative spirit of Tru Thoughts continues to bubble through ‘Tru Thoughts 2022’. Producer, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer Sly5thAve celebrates the spirit of Mexico City with pianist and producer Roberto Verástegui on “Agua de Jamaica” and the intersection of Jazz and Hip Hop with MC JSWISS on “Somebody’s Gotta Do It”. West London’s producer, DJ and Broken Beat revivalist WheelUP teams up More Time Records co-founder Sam Interface on collaborative riddim “Copacetic”; Future Soul and Electronica duo Anushka offer up “4AM” - an iconic project with Kraftwerk’s legendary Wolfgang Flür; and Brighton-based Jazz quintet Ebi Soda work with Yazz Ahmed on “Chandler”.

Remixes are plentiful with Gilles Peterson and Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick AKA STR4TA bringing their iconic Brit-funk style to Anushka’s “Bad Weather”, while the prolific and widely praised Shy One homes in on Aurora Dee Raynes’ “Good For You”. Broken Beat touches come from Bugz in the Attic member Daz-I-Kue delivering an anthemic remix of WheelUP’s “Fusion” and producer and multi-instrumentalist Hemai putting his own signature blend of live instrumentation and Bruk-heavy flavour on label-mate Sly5thAve’s “C-Side feat. Denitia”. Demonstrating the eclecticism of the label, further remixes come from Hinako Omori (Anchorsong) and Renegates of Jazz (sUb_modU). 

Tracklist:
1. Moonchild - Tell Him
2. Slowe - WYLTK
3. Sharky - Shark
4. Sly5thAve - Agua de Jamaica
5. Karolina - Ready For Juju
6. Sefi Zisling - The Sky Sings (Obas Nenor's Dub (Edit))
7. Luman Child - Grateful
8. Anushka - Bad Weather (STR4TA Remix (Radio Edit))
9. Rebecca Vasmant - Broken Biscuits
10. Aurora Dee Raynes - Good For You (Shy One Remix)
11. Jonny Faith - Came To Spray
12. WheelUP - Fusion (Daz-I-Kue Remix)
13. Nikitch - La Di F... Da
14. zero dB - A Pomba Girou (Austin Ato Remix)
15. WheelUP - Copacetic
16. Bruk Rogers - LDN 313
17. Yazz Ahmed - Chandler
18. Think Tonk - All My Weakness
19. Melonyx - Energy (Zero T Remix) (Radio Edit)
20. Jay Darkside - Follow We
21. Crafty 893 - Boot It (Radio Edit)
22. Biggabush - Black Swan Revival
23. Anchorsong - New World (Hinako Omori Remix)
24. Hidden Orchestra - X. Disquiet (Harps)
25. Tiawa - Be Fine
26. Rhi - Craving Your Love
27. Palm Skin Productions - Rule of 12ths
28. Sly5thAve - Somebody's Gotta Do It
29. Rabii Harnoune - Samaoui
30. sUb_modU - All Around (Renegades Of Jazz Remix)
31. Anushka - 4AM
32. Hemai - C-Side (Hemai Remix)

Vision - MISSION 02

Tracklist:
1. Holly - DARKNESS EDGE
2. Maysev - Figurine
3. Hamdi - Yum
4. Oat - Stop Steppin'
5. Dez - Vibration
6. Mono & Poly - Space Bass
7. Monuman - Nails
8. Nemy - Deep Talker
9. Secret Tape - I/O U
10. Subtension - Reason
11. Rohaan & Tom Finster - Annihilation
12. Holographic - Splasher
13. Host - THAT U
14. S. Murk - M.O.V.A.
15. Euph - The Truffle
16. Jam Thieves - Rosin
17. TANTRON - QUICKSAND
18. DJ Ride - JUSTADREAM
19. Moytra - If You Will Remember
20. Jon Casey - Tippler
21. Azotix - Inferno
22. Pruvan - Obstruction
23. Forbidden Society - Replica
24. The Outsiders - In Need
25. Current Value - Life Of Its Own
26. ALEPH - SYNAPSE BREAK
27. ET Finger, Bro Safari & UFO! - Skatepark

Minder - Sanctuary

After a devastating opening salvo of 19 modernist rave mutations on a double tape pack for Sneaker Social Club, Minder lands on Hypercolour with another 19 cybernetic fever dreams still reeling from the open season NRG of hardcore.

If you need to understand where Minder wants to take you, strap in for the labyrinth narrative of ‘Knotted’, a smudged, 15-minute breakbeat suite barrelling through lurid dystopian street scenes with only a blown-out bass sprite as a guide. Throughout Sanctuary, bass is the constant when all else is chaos. It comes in thick, warped Reese tones on ‘Simulated Hunt’, gets twisted out through angry filters on ‘Popcorn Lover’, comes on wobbly in true 2-step style underneath grimey garage anti-anthem ‘Ard’.

There’s a lot to take in across the spread of Sanctuary. It’s the sound of every rave genre slowly digested over 30-plus years, until the lactic acid metabolises every snare rush, every searing lead line, every chipmunk vocal lick, and everything gets mashed up and spat back out into a gnarly signal chain at the flash point of inspiration. The time taken is key – this is the sound of a life in front of the speaker stack manifesting in something too wild and weird to be derivative. You’ll hear snatches of familiarity thrown into unfamiliar contexts, but for all the detectable lineage, Minder’s sound is unsettling in its originality.

Dislodged ragga jungle techno, muffled hardcore nightmares, hard n’ haggard acid trance, junked up jump up – you could write an essay on the sounds you can spot and the way they’ve been twisted. Aside from the omnipresent low-end, it’s the unflinching honesty of Korron’s repeat appearances on the mic throughout which bring Minder’s disturbing patchwork into focus. For all the futurism attached to these sounds, it’s also caked in a very human filth which can only come from this earth. The roots run deep, and the fruit is rotten, and isn’t that how it should be? 

Tracklist:
1. Ard
2. Mills
3. Boxes
4. Dollar Bill
5. Service
6. Shard
7. Pomeroy
8. Cold Shoulder
9. Simulated Hunt
10. Sticks
11. Sharded
12. Popcorn Lover
13. Coleshill
14. Manipulate
15. Show Me
16. Knotted
17. Plough
18. Castle
19. Virus