Contemporary Funk 509 Items

Within Melbourne's burgeoning cinematic-soul scene, which includes breakout acts Surprise Chef and Karate Boogaloo, mysteriously sit The Pro-Teens. Helmed by prolific drummer and percussionist Hudson Whitlock, who also plays in both aforementioned bands, this breakaway studio project involves an interchangeable collective of incognito, Melbourne-based, esteemed instrumentalists playing under outlandish pseudonyms such as "'Dead Honest’ Dean Amazing" and "Libby Clique-Baite". Symbolically led by keyboardist "Snooch Dodd", new album ‘I Flip My Life Every Time I Fly’ is the latest musical concoction from Whitlock's eccentric brain, marrying the soul/funk roots of sample culture with the principles of boom-bap hip hop.

Incorporating the colourful comic book stylings of MF Doom and Kool Keith, or the dark and exotic flavours of Gravediggaz and The Wu-Tang Clan, The Pro-Teens also take cues from their composing heroes Galt MacDermot, Richard Evans and Marc Moulin. The Pro-Teens bop, zip, whip and fling on this phantasmagorical journey - an unorthodox patchwork of cinematic soul, hip hop-guided funk breaks, vivid instrumental textures and film score-esque moods.

The Pro-Teens work on the same analogue recording model adopted by the tight-knit College Of Knowledge label, self-recorded and produced with the rag-tag crew of musicians putting tracks down live to tape in crammed attic studios and sharehouse recording spaces. The first limited pressing of 'I Flip My Life Every Time I Fly' was released on the 'College Of Knowledge' imprint in late 2020. It was one of the highlights of the year at Mr Bongo HQ who loved the concept and felt this tripped out masterpiece from Melbourne needed to be heard well beyond those lucky enough to have bagged those limited first copies.

Limited edition of 350 copies.

In 2020 Brooklyn's Holy Hive introduced us all to something we didn't know we needed. Homer Steinweiss' thickly pocketed drumming paired with Paul Spring's floaty falsetto vocal produces a sound that's like a salve. It's been dubbed Folk Soul and Holy Hive not only expertly overlay the more apparent musical aspects of folk and soul-but they also draw from the more profound: being able to pull traditions from the past and make them their own. When Homer wasn't playing drums for Lady Gaga or Adele or Bruno Mars, he'd produce Paul's solo folk records. Along with original bassist and frequent collaborator Joe Harrison, these sessions proved to be Holy Hive's foundation. And their fi rst record, Float Back to You, expertly combined what each musician does best: Paul's heady, reflective approach to folk with Homer's universal classic soul sound. With their new record released on Big Crown, Holy Hive's beautifully simple-and-sparse Folk Soul sound is back-but updated. With new influences and the challenge of creating and capturing music during a global pandemic, this new self-titled album, is more personal, more reflective. They describe three distinct phases when piecing together Holy Hive: this first stage was pre-pandemic in California while traveling as a group, then-like the rest of us-they were separated, creating together but apart, and lastly an explosion of output once they reunited in New York. There is a natural but subtle evolution for Holy Hive on this record. Homer and Paul drew from new and maybe more obscure-yet-honest influences. It's still very much Folk Soul-how could it not be. But, like all artists, they've taken in what they've made and how they've made it, only to push it into new places. We know of Holy Hive's ability to lyrically convey the abstract and complex in poetic and palatable ways. But where the first record was soulfully silver-tongued with chill songs about love and affection, Holy Hive widens the lens with these novel influences, reflecting the points both Homer and Paul are in their own lives. Featuring musical contributions from Mary Lattimore, Robin Pecknold (Fleet Foxes), Anant Pradhan, Nick Movshon, Leon Michels (El Michels Affair), Shannon Wise (The Shacks), Dave Guy (The Roots), and Elliot Skinner.

Sault returns with a new album featuring Michael Ofo and Little Simz. NINE will be limited to a short press run of 16,000 units, never to be re-issued again!

The independent label Six Nine Records Ltd. UK, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, proudly presents Petawane (ft. Alura) and his first release on the label! Petawane was born and raised in Harlem, New York and started his singing/music career at the young age of six, when he both performed in church and for friends of the family. The great response and appreciation he got from his performances made him pursue the dream of becoming a full time performer and musician. He’s always been influenced by the old school greats, such as Sam Cooke, Willie Hutch and Curtis Mayfield to name a few. “Lovers Dream” is a stunning mid-tempo track featuring Alura, together they deliver amazing vocals and a tune which definitely makes the perfect soundtrack to hot summer nights in the company of friends and lovers! Definitely not to be missed as it is a limited UK press with small hole and full colour printed picture cover!

An Canadian group formed by 3 outstanding female vocalists "the SPANDETTES".their masterpiece second album which was released in 2015 and also includes a cover of the popular Hawaiian AOR Lemuria, is released as the LP with OBI-strip! A casual sense of disco boogie and acid jazz, a sweet and tropical atmosphere that is perfect for summer.

Little Creatures are long running Japanese band formed in 1987 while still in high school by Takuji Aoyagi (Vo/G), Masato Suzuki (Bass/Key), and Tsutom Kurihara (Dr/Per). They gained popularity while performing street shows centered around Shinjuku and Shibuya and debuted with a single in 1990 “things TO Hide”. 2020 marks their 30th anniversary from their debut. In January of 2021, they released their 8th album, “30”, a masterpiece packed with advanced minimal pop music that can only be made by the current Little Creatures, which boasts overwhelming musicianship and career.

The independent label Six Nine Records Ltd. UK, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, proudly presents Two Jazz Project featuring Marie Meney and the track "Time & Space (Wake Up The Soul)”. This is Two Jazz Project’s third release on the label and it definitely gets better and better with each one; this is a fantastic future modern soul anthem, with an atmospheric soundscape that just gives you an instant urge to throw your hands in the air. Marie Meney delivers the most amazing vocals, which complete the song and really fits perfectly with this sound. And as if this wasn't enough, the utterly brilliant Yuki "T-Groove" Takahashi spoils us with an extraordinary remix of his on the flip side!

Deep druggy dancefloor business from a well known crew from the east, not so much an edit, more of a rebuild, flipped with some JazzDiscoâ„¢ business for those who know.
Real heads know the deal, 300 only so quick if you want a feel.

Strictly limited edition of 300 copies on black vinyl including all instrumentals on the B.

Kiydrah is a singer-songwriter from Killeen, TX. Being an outcast could have its negative impacts, however, Kiydrah has embraced this trait as it has become part of her identity and uniqueness as an artist. Melting her melodies to compliment her lyrics, she drifts you to her sound providing you with comfort. Kiydrah's vocals have a smooth/raspy PBR&B, Neo-Soul, & Jazzy sound. „Simulation“ is the collaborative effort with French producer Breiss including a remix by Dusty of the well-known Jazz Liberatorz. Tip!

Strictly limited edition of 300 copies.

A creative union of 90s hiphop production techniques, live instrumentation, turntablism and spoken word poetry. Performed by Dan Broak, Herbal Bert and Lion El Hämpton at Odd Funk Records studio under the dope quality control surveillance of the notorious production-duo The Blassics.