Contemporary Funk 159 Items

After several wildly popular singles out on Penrose Records, alongside labelmates Thee Sacred Souls, The Altons gear up to release their debut album on Daptone Records. With lead vocals shared between Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce the interplay between their unique timbres brings a romantic quality to the music that is absent in many of today's soul offerings. Steeped with moody ballads, soulful, tejano-kissed duets and Bond theme psychedelia-Heartache in Room 14 is poised to be the "must have" album of 2025.

After several wildly popular singles out on Penrose Records, alongside labelmates Thee Sacred Souls, The Altons gear up to release their debut album on Daptone Records. With lead vocals shared between Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce the interplay between their unique timbres brings a romantic quality to the music that is absent in many of today's soul offerings. Steeped with moody ballads, soulful, tejano-kissed duets and Bond theme psychedelia-Heartache in Room 14 is poised to be the "must have" album of 2025.

New York's P-Sol steps up to the PS7 label in soulful form. 'Brooklyn Interlude' opens up with some brilliantly buttery vocal harmonies over a lazy and seductive deep funk and soul groove. The drums have hints of hip-hop and neo-soul and are sure to warm through any Autumnal dancefloor in style. Flip it over and you will find the distinctly festive-sounding 'Sad Party' which has some warming drum breaks and lush feels, swirling wordless vocals and glowing melodies that all give off a rather Christmassy feel. A great outing from P-Sol, then.

The dynamic duo of Mishell Ivon and renowned producer Vincent Kwok are back with their latest release, “Shining Star” – a vibrant, uplifting track that rekindles the nostalgic magic of the 80s. This new single showcases their unique fusion of retro vibes with modern production, taking listeners on a journey back in time while keeping them grounded in the present. Drawing inspiration from the unforgettable grooves and infectious melodies that defined the 80s, “Shining Star” blends smooth synths, soaring vocals, and a pulsating beat. Mishell Ivon’s soulful voice shines through, delivering a message of hope and celebration, while Vincent Kwok’s polished production weaves together a soundscape that is both fresh and nostalgic. The inspiration for "Shining Star" stems from Mishell Ivon and Vincent Kwok's shared love for the joyful and optimistic spirit of the 80s. Both artists grew up surrounded by the era’s uplifting melodies and danceable beats, and they wanted to capture that same energy in a song that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. For Mishell Ivon, the song's message of self-confidence and resilience was central. "We wanted to write something that reminds people to embrace their inner light, no matter what life throws at them," she explains. "The 80s were a time when music was full of life, color, and fun – and that’s exactly the feeling we wanted to bring back with 'Shining Star.'" Vincent Kwok's production approach was rooted in paying homage to the classic sounds of the era while giving them a modern twist. "The lush synths, groovy basslines, and catchy hooks of 80s music have always been a huge influence for me," he says. "With 'Shining Star,' we wanted to evoke that nostalgia, but also make it fresh for today’s listeners, blending old-school influences with new-school techniques." Addicted: Mishell Ivon and Vincent Kwok, the dynamic duo known for their infectious blend of funk, soul, and electronic grooves, are back with their latest single, "Addicted." This is a high-energy anthem that continues to build on the pair's unmistakable chemistry and signature sound. Since their first collaboration, Mishell and Vincent have quickly become known for their ability to create songs that are both contemporary and timeless. "Addicted" is no exception, with its blend of old-school funk rhythms and modern electronic elements. The track is expected to resonate with fans of both artists and attract new listeners to their growing fanbase. Vincent Kwok, a seasoned producer and DJ, brings his extensive experience in crafting dance-floor hits to "Addicted," while Mishell Ivon’s vocal performance adds an emotional depth and flair that makes the track stand out. Together, they create a sound that is fresh, exciting, and uniquely theirs, combining elements of funk, house and disco into a perfect blend.

PPU fan favorite tracks from our 2014 Ppuluv mix series and the PPU Video Party. Re-introducing producer Bravuda from the Russian Federation. Two in demand tracks back to back, "Turn It Out" is their re-recording inspired by Terry Patton and Robbie M's (Tri-Fire) Demo previously released on Ppu-012. B Side "1984" gets wild, what is that bass line?!? Don't miss this historical moment in Funk music history. PPU labelled copies will be out in October.

The dynamic duo of Mishell Ivon and renowned producer Vincent Kwok are back with their latest release, “Shining Star” – a vibrant, uplifting track that rekindles the nostalgic magic of the 80s. This new single showcases their unique fusion of retro vibes with modern production, taking listeners on a journey back in time while keeping them grounded in the present. Drawing inspiration from the unforgettable grooves and infectious melodies that defined the 80s, “Shining Star” blends smooth synths, soaring vocals, and a pulsating beat. Mishell Ivon’s soulful voice shines through, delivering a message of hope and celebration, while Vincent Kwok’s polished production weaves together a soundscape that is both fresh and nostalgic. The inspiration for "Shining Star" stems from Mishell Ivon and Vincent Kwok's shared love for the joyful and optimistic spirit of the 80s. Both artists grew up surrounded by the era’s uplifting melodies and danceable beats, and they wanted to capture that same energy in a song that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. For Mishell Ivon, the song's message of self-confidence and resilience was central. "We wanted to write something that reminds people to embrace their inner light, no matter what life throws at them," she explains. "The 80s were a time when music was full of life, color, and fun – and that’s exactly the feeling we wanted to bring back with 'Shining Star.'" Vincent Kwok's production approach was rooted in paying homage to the classic sounds of the era while giving them a modern twist. "The lush synths, groovy basslines, and catchy hooks of 80s music have always been a huge influence for me," he says. "With 'Shining Star,' we wanted to evoke that nostalgia, but also make it fresh for today’s listeners, blending old-school influences with new-school techniques." Addicted: Mishell Ivon and Vincent Kwok, the dynamic duo known for their infectious blend of funk, soul, and electronic grooves, are back with their latest single, "Addicted." This is a high-energy anthem that continues to build on the pair's unmistakable chemistry and signature sound. Since their first collaboration, Mishell and Vincent have quickly become known for their ability to create songs that are both contemporary and timeless. "Addicted" is no exception, with its blend of old-school funk rhythms and modern electronic elements. The track is expected to resonate with fans of both artists and attract new listeners to their growing fanbase. Vincent Kwok, a seasoned producer and DJ, brings his extensive experience in crafting dance-floor hits to "Addicted," while Mishell Ivon’s vocal performance adds an emotional depth and flair that makes the track stand out. Together, they create a sound that is fresh, exciting, and uniquely theirs, combining elements of funk, house and disco into a perfect blend.

After an acclaimed first self-titled album, Theodor is back! The German band brings back his psychedelic sweet soul in a 10 track LP with a wonderful piece of art as cover, made by Harald Hermann.

/ disco adventure

/ disco adventure

Originally featured on their 2019 album ‘Sign,’ this popular track, which has long been requested for vinyl release, now comes with an extended version and instrumental.

On the B-side (b1), you’ll find a remix by world-renowned beatmaker Olive Oil. His unique interpretation adds a fresh, unexpected take on the original beat.

Additionally, B2 features “Next Circle,” another track from ‘Sign’ that hardcore fans have eagerly anticipated for vinyl. It’s a track that has been recognized as a classic for early morning listening.

This release perfectly showcases their signature sound, blending Hiphop and Dance Music influences.

Rung Hyang, a singer-soul writer who crosses over various genres, will release two EPs with Tendre, Taichi Mukai (tail) and others, as analog LP. Includes a new drum'n'bass remix by ☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo) as a bonus! Both sides of the LP record are covered with jacket photos taken by popular fashion photographers, including “romantia” by Mitsuo Okamoto and “aromatic” by Kisshomaru Shimamura. The artistic appeal of the album makes you want to keep it close at hand.

Enigmatic instrumental group from The Pro-Teens pay tribute to the late great rapper MF DOOM, reimagining 14 iconic cuts through a wonky boom bap funk lens.Helmed by Hudson Whitlock, prolific drummer and percussionist of Karate Boogaloo and Surprise Chef, Melbourne's The Pro-Teens is a collective of instrumentalists making weirdo instrumental soul records. Drawing from the community of musicians from such bands in the College Of Knowledge orbit, The Pro-Teens' incorporate the comic book stylings of DOOM and Kool Keith, the dark and exotic flavors of Gravediggaz and Wu-Tang Clan, the cinematic compositional mastery of Galt MacDermot, Richard Evans and Marc Moulin, culminating in an unorthodox patchwork of cinematic soul, boom-bap funk breaks and left-field instrumental textures. MF TEEN: Your Concurrence In The Above Is Assumed recognises the legacy of rap's Illest Villain, traversing MF DOOM's discography and personas, flipping selections from Madvillain, MM.. FOOD, Viktor Vaughan, Danger Doom and more, taking care to ensure recognisable tunes such as Doomsday and Curls are represented alongside more obscure cuts such as The Gas Face, the Third Bass song that featured the first recorded verse from MF DOOM in his original moniker of Zev Love X of KMD. The full-length album follows the Pro-Teens now collectible 7"s of The Pro-Teens' renditions of Peachfuzz b/w One Beer and Doomsday b/w Curls, releases that built a feverous anticipation for the complete album. MF TEEN: Your Concurrence In The Above Is Assumed comes after 2021's Snooch Dodd & The Pro-Teens - I Flip My Life Every Time I Fly, co-released with UK tastemaker label Mr Bongo.

Enigmatic instrumental group from The Pro-Teens pay tribute to the late great rapper MF DOOM, reimagining 14 iconic cuts through a wonky boom bap funk lens.Helmed by Hudson Whitlock, prolific drummer and percussionist of Karate Boogaloo and Surprise Chef, Melbourne's The Pro-Teens is a collective of instrumentalists making weirdo instrumental soul records. Drawing from the community of musicians from such bands in the College Of Knowledge orbit, The Pro-Teens' incorporate the comic book stylings of DOOM and Kool Keith, the dark and exotic flavors of Gravediggaz and Wu-Tang Clan, the cinematic compositional mastery of Galt MacDermot, Richard Evans and Marc Moulin, culminating in an unorthodox patchwork of cinematic soul, boom-bap funk breaks and left-field instrumental textures. MF TEEN: Your Concurrence In The Above Is Assumed recognises the legacy of rap's Illest Villain, traversing MF DOOM's discography and personas, flipping selections from Madvillain, MM.. FOOD, Viktor Vaughan, Danger Doom and more, taking care to ensure recognisable tunes such as Doomsday and Curls are represented alongside more obscure cuts such as The Gas Face, the Third Bass song that featured the first recorded verse from MF DOOM in his original moniker of Zev Love X of KMD. The full-length album follows the Pro-Teens now collectible 7"s of The Pro-Teens' renditions of Peachfuzz b/w One Beer and Doomsday b/w Curls, releases that built a feverous anticipation for the complete album. MF TEEN: Your Concurrence In The Above Is Assumed comes after 2021's Snooch Dodd & The Pro-Teens - I Flip My Life Every Time I Fly, co-released with UK tastemaker label Mr Bongo.

Connie Price & The Keystones team up with Fullee Love aka Soup of Jurassic 5 and New Orleans’ own King of Bounce Hasizzle to bring you the brand new second-line funk anthem “Come On Down (To New Orleans)”. “Come On Down” is the perfect recipe to make you wanna jump on the next flight and soak up some of that Cajun groove in the Big Easy.

The original version of 'Serious' was included on Kazzey's 2022 album Voyage. The collaboration between him & LA modern funk mainstay XL Middleton became a favorite in the street dance scene, soon becoming used in innumerable videos & dance battles internationally. It also found its way into heavy club rotation thanks to forward-thinking DJ's who include the modern funk sound in their sets, from the west coast of the US, to Japan, and back to Kazzey's native France. Now, the track is finally being pressed on vinyl and included on the b-side is a bonus remix (the 'Midnight Drift Remix') bringing a silkier, late-night edge to this certifiable dance floor filler.

Bliss, the latest release of french producer Cezaire is an 8 tracks project blending hip-hop, funk and soul sounds.

The highly anticipated follow-up to Thee Sacred Souls's breakout 2022 self-titled debut, Got A Story To Tell, features 12 all original new songs, a soaring statement of exquisite craftsmanship from this young band from San Diego whose story grows bigger by the day. Recorded and produced by Gabriel Roth at Penrose Recorders, in Daptone’s Riverside, CA studio, and written in the throes of supporting their 2022 album, which was met with significant excitement and major touring that brought them across the world. What swirls together on Got A Story To Tell is an appreciation of decades of soul music, and beyond - a sound and feel that is timeless, lived in, and very much in the now. Album opener “Lucid Girl” champions independent women, set to some of the toughest sounding drums and bass the band has yet to put to tape. “Waiting On The Right Time” slinks with a touch of slow-burning psychedelia. A plea for empathy punctuates “One and the Same,” with Lane singing: “We’re one and the same, I feel one day / We learn to live with each other / In love, not fear / Just for a moment, why can’t we be together.” “On My Mind” is a sweeping orchestration, with Lane navigating the complexities of finding happiness while balancing the good with the bad. The album is punctuated with strings and squelching guitar, trundling piano, pops of conga, horns - it makes for a thrilling, layered listen that rewards with multiple spins.

Roots Underground kicks off 2024 with a bang, presenting the EP of one of the most fascinating living legends of Detroit techno: John Beltran. Although he has never stopped producing music (luckily for us!), this EP represents a more than welcome return of John Beltran to those more classic techno sounds that have made him one of the most iconic producers of this musical genre in the world.

Led by self-proclaimed "soul keyboardist" Swing-o, the piano trio 45trio is finally releasing their debut album. Since moving to Bloom Music in 2022 and releasing their cover of Weldon Irvine's classic "I Love You," every 7-inch they've released has sold out instantly. Their impeccable track selection, arrangement skills, and solid musicianship have garnered them overwhelming support from core DJs to Black music enthusiasts. The album ‘soul Review’ features 9 tracks, some presented as singles and others re-arranged, along with 5 new songs, perfectly capturing their unstoppable energy. Get ready for the release!

After making a buzz among City Pop lovers with their past two releases in 2021 and 2022, Bloco & Soul Essentials returns with their highly anticipated third single, now available on a 7-inch vinyl. The A-side features an original song, written, composed, and arranged by Mica and produced by Noriki Kobayashi. The B-side is a cover of Chicago's SSW artist Faith Pillow, which is a must for soul fanatics. Just like before, the recording took place at Sapporo Geimori Studio, with the band capturing the live feel in a single take. The mixdown and mastering were also done locally, making it a pure Hokkaido sound.

Celebrated as one of New Orleans' greatest entertainers, Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. Continues the zydeco tradition forged by his father (accordionist Rockin' Dopsie) and his legendary band, The Twisters. Having collaborated with Beyoncé, Paul Simon and Tina Turner, and featured in the 2024 film, "Roadhouse," Dopsie, Jr. #and his band continue sharing the joy of zydeco with a soul-stirring, body-moving album led by the powerful vocals and singular washboard stylings of David Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. [Translucent Purple LP]

Alicia Keys/Shoshana Bean/Maleah Joi Moon - [Transparent Blue 2 LP] "Hell's Kitchen (Original Broadway Cast Recording)" / The 13 Tony-nominated Broadway musical is a coming-of-age story based on the life of Alicia Keys featuring her iconic hits including "Fallin'," "If I Ain't Got You" and more reimagined! In the mid '90s, in an apartment high above the energy and grit of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, 17-year-old Ali squints toward the horizon until she can just see the Hudson River. Despite the warnings of her protective mother, the symphony of the street calls to her - promising freedom, excitement, and the possibility of love. Finding herself. When a wise piano teacher helps her find her voice, Ali learns she can make the city her own. 2 LP set on transparent blue vinyl.

From Dusk Till Dawn, the first album of the new generation R&B band Halley, who performed at “sxsw 2024”, will be released on a long-awaited vinyl record! This is the culmination of Halley's work, packed with the lustrous and soulful voice of vocalist TaeHyun and a band ensemble based on R&B/neo-soul. Strongly influenced by jazz, R&B, soul, gospel, and funk, the music is characterized by elements of black music.

Lalomie Washburn is a US soul vocalist (*1941 – † 2004) from the Soul/Funk 70's band „High Voltage“ who released her solo album, „My Music Is Hot“, in 1977. Over decades she collaborated with many artists including Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan and Ray Charles. In 2005 she was inducted into the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame. In 1992, she released several 12" singles including the independant hit „Try My Love“. This was the lead single to her second solo album (self-titled) in 1997. It became a huge Acid Jazz classic to be found on various compilations in the mid to the late 90s. Lalomie Washburn's Try My Love is a sophisticated blend of electronic, funk and soul, originally released in 1991. This album seamlessly merges acid jazz, soul, downtempo, and contemporary r&b styles. Side-1 features 'Try My Love,' an underground jam that highlights Washburn's ability to blend these genres into a classy, enjoyable track. Side-2 presents the 2024 Boogie Back remix of 'Try My Love,' which smooth's things out and transforms the original into a melodic disco groove. This remix adds a fresh, modern twist while retaining the soulful essence of the track. Now, 20 years later this song still got it all! The energy and musicality, the club appeal, especially with the addition of the 2024 „Boogie Back Remix“ on the flipside. DJs will have even more reason to spin this Boogie Bomb and prove their love for it...

TENDRE’s 2019 release “IN Sight” and 2020 release “life Less Lonely” will be released on cassette tape on October 26th. The 2020 full-length second album Life Less Lonely includes 10 tracks such as “life,” “HOPE,” and “JOKE.”

TENDRE’s 2019 release “IN Sight” and 2020 release “life Less Lonely” will be released on cassette tape on October 26th. The 2019 EP IN Sight, featuring six tracks including “SIGN.”

We are pleased to present the second instalment of the Penrose Showcase series. Featuring 14 more souldies from the ever-growing Penrose family, get down with this one-stop-shop for some of he best groups on today's soul scene: Thee Sacred Souls, The Altons, Los Yesterdays, Vicky Tafoya and the Big Beat, Junior Scaife and the Penrose Scholars, Johnny and the Escapers and Jonny Benavidez.

Big Crown Records is proud to present Forever & Ever, the debut album from Thee Heart Tones. Hailing from Hawthorne, California, Thee Heart Tones are both carrying on a tradition and pushing the boundaries with their music. Lead singer Jazmine Alvarado is just 19 years old and the oldest member of the group, Jorge Rodriguez is 21, but one listen to their record and it becomes blatantly apparent they are a talent well beyond their years. Thee Heart Tones are Jazmine on vocals, Ricky Cerezo on keys and organ, Jorge on drums, Jeffrey Romero on bass, Peter Chagolla on lead guitar, and Walter Morales on rhythm guitar. As the story goes, "one day I got a DM from Ricky Cerezo asking if I wanted to write a song for his new (then unnamed) band," Jazmine says. "I knew his drummer and the other boys from middle school, so they were familiar faces. They sent me an mp3 of an instrumental they'd written and told me they wanted lyrics, so I wrote some and sent it to them." That song ended up being "Don't Take Me as a Fool," a downbeat, minor key ballad on which Jazmine's sultry, pitch-perfect vocals soar, and which is now destined for their debut album. Ricky went home to play "Don't Take Me As a Fool", recorded as a voice note on his phone, to his dad. "I was hesitant. Dad knew this music better than anyone; he grew up with it. But he grabbed my phone and held it to his ear. His approval meant a lot to me. But he had the same reaction Jorge and I did when we fi¬rst heard Jazmine sing. `This is going to be a hit,' he told me. `You guys have something really special here'." It was that same recording that caught the ears of Leon Michels and Danny Akalepse of Big Crown Records, who both heard the potential in the group immediately. After they signed to the label, Leon flew out to Los Angeles to record their debut album with Tommy Brenneck at Tommy's Diamond West studio. They knocked out 14 songs in fi¬ve days, capturing the charm of teenage soul and mixing it with their seasoned production prowess and the result is a modern classic Soul album. Album opener and title track "Forever & Ever" is an infectious two-stepper that instantly lifts your mood while heavy duty B side ballads like "Should I Call You Tonight", "Cry My Tears Away", and "It's Time" hold court with the genre's classics. They pick up the pace and ¬fill the dancefloor with "Need Something More" as Jazmine matter of factly sets the record straight on a Northern Soul styled track. They cover the Alvaro Carrillo penned classic "Sabor A Mi" to great effect, doing it justice and putting their version right up there with the best of them. Another standout is their version of The Vanguards classic "Somebody Please" which they change the tone of and take to a different level. The punching drums of "No Longer Mine" juxtapose Jazmine's honeyed vocals and wind up with the gritty energy of a mid-90s hip hop sample. Forever & Ever is both a testament to their unmistakable musical chemistry and talent. Their intentions as a band are testament to their collective character. Choosing to cover "Sabor A Mi" "allows us to let our audience know we go back to our roots," Jazmine says. "Growing up in LA, you get influenced by the city, the artwork, the music," Ricky says. "Dad didn't own a lowrider car, but other members of our family did. Impalas. El Caminos. We were influenced by the culture, particularly Chicano culture. And oldies and soul music played a big part." The style. The culture. The nod to the past. "That's what we're going for. We want to connect young Chicanos with their heritage. And we want to unite people _ old and young."

Big Crown Records is proud to present Forever & Ever, the debut album from Thee Heart Tones. Hailing from Hawthorne, California, Thee Heart Tones are both carrying on a tradition and pushing the boundaries with their music. Lead singer Jazmine Alvarado is just 19 years old and the oldest member of the group, Jorge Rodriguez is 21, but one listen to their record and it becomes blatantly apparent they are a talent well beyond their years. Thee Heart Tones are Jazmine on vocals, Ricky Cerezo on keys and organ, Jorge on drums, Jeffrey Romero on bass, Peter Chagolla on lead guitar, and Walter Morales on rhythm guitar. As the story goes, "one day I got a DM from Ricky Cerezo asking if I wanted to write a song for his new (then unnamed) band," Jazmine says. "I knew his drummer and the other boys from middle school, so they were familiar faces. They sent me an mp3 of an instrumental they'd written and told me they wanted lyrics, so I wrote some and sent it to them." That song ended up being "Don't Take Me as a Fool," a downbeat, minor key ballad on which Jazmine's sultry, pitch-perfect vocals soar, and which is now destined for their debut album. Ricky went home to play "Don't Take Me As a Fool", recorded as a voice note on his phone, to his dad. "I was hesitant. Dad knew this music better than anyone; he grew up with it. But he grabbed my phone and held it to his ear. His approval meant a lot to me. But he had the same reaction Jorge and I did when we fi¬rst heard Jazmine sing. `This is going to be a hit,' he told me. `You guys have something really special here'." It was that same recording that caught the ears of Leon Michels and Danny Akalepse of Big Crown Records, who both heard the potential in the group immediately. After they signed to the label, Leon flew out to Los Angeles to record their debut album with Tommy Brenneck at Tommy's Diamond West studio. They knocked out 14 songs in fi¬ve days, capturing the charm of teenage soul and mixing it with their seasoned production prowess and the result is a modern classic Soul album. Album opener and title track "Forever & Ever" is an infectious two-stepper that instantly lifts your mood while heavy duty B side ballads like "Should I Call You Tonight", "Cry My Tears Away", and "It's Time" hold court with the genre's classics. They pick up the pace and ¬fill the dancefloor with "Need Something More" as Jazmine matter of factly sets the record straight on a Northern Soul styled track. They cover the Alvaro Carrillo penned classic "Sabor A Mi" to great effect, doing it justice and putting their version right up there with the best of them. Another standout is their version of The Vanguards classic "Somebody Please" which they change the tone of and take to a different level. The punching drums of "No Longer Mine" juxtapose Jazmine's honeyed vocals and wind up with the gritty energy of a mid-90s hip hop sample. Forever & Ever is both a testament to their unmistakable musical chemistry and talent. Their intentions as a band are testament to their collective character. Choosing to cover "Sabor A Mi" "allows us to let our audience know we go back to our roots," Jazmine says. "Growing up in LA, you get influenced by the city, the artwork, the music," Ricky says. "Dad didn't own a lowrider car, but other members of our family did. Impalas. El Caminos. We were influenced by the culture, particularly Chicano culture. And oldies and soul music played a big part." The style. The culture. The nod to the past. "That's what we're going for. We want to connect young Chicanos with their heritage. And we want to unite people _ old and young."

Big Crown Records is proud to present Forever & Ever, the debut album from Thee Heart Tones. Hailing from Hawthorne, California, Thee Heart Tones are both carrying on a tradition and pushing the boundaries with their music. Lead singer Jazmine Alvarado is just 19 years old and the oldest member of the group, Jorge Rodriguez is 21, but one listen to their record and it becomes blatantly apparent they are a talent well beyond their years. Thee Heart Tones are Jazmine on vocals, Ricky Cerezo on keys and organ, Jorge on drums, Jeffrey Romero on bass, Peter Chagolla on lead guitar, and Walter Morales on rhythm guitar. As the story goes, "one day I got a DM from Ricky Cerezo asking if I wanted to write a song for his new (then unnamed) band," Jazmine says. "I knew his drummer and the other boys from middle school, so they were familiar faces. They sent me an mp3 of an instrumental they'd written and told me they wanted lyrics, so I wrote some and sent it to them." That song ended up being "Don't Take Me as a Fool," a downbeat, minor key ballad on which Jazmine's sultry, pitch-perfect vocals soar, and which is now destined for their debut album. Ricky went home to play "Don't Take Me As a Fool", recorded as a voice note on his phone, to his dad. "I was hesitant. Dad knew this music better than anyone; he grew up with it. But he grabbed my phone and held it to his ear. His approval meant a lot to me. But he had the same reaction Jorge and I did when we fi¬rst heard Jazmine sing. `This is going to be a hit,' he told me. `You guys have something really special here'." It was that same recording that caught the ears of Leon Michels and Danny Akalepse of Big Crown Records, who both heard the potential in the group immediately. After they signed to the label, Leon flew out to Los Angeles to record their debut album with Tommy Brenneck at Tommy's Diamond West studio. They knocked out 14 songs in fi¬ve days, capturing the charm of teenage soul and mixing it with their seasoned production prowess and the result is a modern classic Soul album. Album opener and title track "Forever & Ever" is an infectious two-stepper that instantly lifts your mood while heavy duty B side ballads like "Should I Call You Tonight", "Cry My Tears Away", and "It's Time" hold court with the genre's classics. They pick up the pace and ¬fill the dancefloor with "Need Something More" as Jazmine matter of factly sets the record straight on a Northern Soul styled track. They cover the Alvaro Carrillo penned classic "Sabor A Mi" to great effect, doing it justice and putting their version right up there with the best of them. Another standout is their version of The Vanguards classic "Somebody Please" which they change the tone of and take to a different level. The punching drums of "No Longer Mine" juxtapose Jazmine's honeyed vocals and wind up with the gritty energy of a mid-90s hip hop sample. Forever & Ever is both a testament to their unmistakable musical chemistry and talent. Their intentions as a band are testament to their collective character. Choosing to cover "Sabor A Mi" "allows us to let our audience know we go back to our roots," Jazmine says. "Growing up in LA, you get influenced by the city, the artwork, the music," Ricky says. "Dad didn't own a lowrider car, but other members of our family did. Impalas. El Caminos. We were influenced by the culture, particularly Chicano culture. And oldies and soul music played a big part." The style. The culture. The nod to the past. "That's what we're going for. We want to connect young Chicanos with their heritage. And we want to unite people _ old and young."

Yakul are James Berkeley (vocals and keys), Tom Caldwell-Nichols (bass), Sam Hughes (drums) and Leo Utton (guitar) who are based out of Brighton UK. The band marry introspective lyrics with deep grooves and jazz infused progressions, blending a range of styles into a sound they call “Future Soul”. Their collaborative works with London beatmaker edbl were also great, so they have become a topic of conversation among music fans not only in Europe but also around the world. In 2022, an album co-produced by South London producer edbl and the band's frontman James Berkeley was released in Japan, and in 2024 the band was invited to perform at the Java Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in Indonesia. In 2024, the band will be invited to perform at the Java Jazz Festival, Indonesia's largest jazz festival, and is also attracting attention in Japan and other Asian countries. Here is their brand-new album from P-vine.

The long-awaited analog release of "Romantic Blues," the current masterpiece of the alternative pop duo "sucola". The song is about a drive to a summer resort, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city, but the lyrics are a candid description of how vocal Okitsu, a native of Nagano Prefecture, felt when she actually traveled along the Japan Romantic Road, and the song has a unique nostalgic and slightly melancholy sound that is different from just a cheerful and fun atmosphere. The B-side features "nonfiction (Studio ver.)".

This is the limited edition pressing of the Rob Hardt album track „Weekend“ which became the family barbecue anthem and the title theme song of the first 45 Weekender Hamburg festival. With remixes from DJ/producer greats like Rob Hardt, DJ Friction and producer duo Efbnmxmix this double 7“ vinyl is a must have for the summer season and should be put on during every family barbecue, blockparty or in smooth DJ sets in general. This special edition in Colored Vinyl and with a 4C full cover was pressed originally for the festival and hit the opening party on July 12th 2024. Fresh from the press plant it was handed out to the 30 international participating 45Soulciety DJs and took their heart and the audiences during the festival by storm. Limited to 300 copies it already is a classic.

Mariya Takeuchi is set to release her long-awaited original album after 10 years! This marks the 12th original album by singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi, following her 2014 release 'trad'. The album includes theme songs from movies, terrestrial TV dramas, Netflix anime, TV wide shows, and news programs, as well as TV commercial songs. It also features collaborations with Anri, harmonies with Tatsuro Yamashita on Western music covers, and self-covers of songs she provided to other artists, many of which are being released for the first time. This album, a culmination of the past decade, boasts a rich variety of styles and arrangements across its 18 tracks. The deluxe edition includes a CD plus a video collection titled "Precious Live Collection". This features 16 selected performances from her highly acclaimed first live stream, "live Turntable" in 2021, and the subsequent "live Turntable Plus", which included additional unreleased footage. Also included is the performance of "Genki wo Dashite" from the 2012 outdoor event "sweet Love Shower" held at Lake Yamanaka. This rare footage, featuring Mariya as a guest performer backed by the Tatsuro Yamashita Band, is being released for the first time ever, having not been aired by Space Shower TV, the event's organizer, at the time. This deluxe edition provides fans with a total of 17 video tracks, making it a must-have collection.

Cruisic develops a one-of-a-kind sound, mainly based on live drums and sequences. Their debut song, a cover of Azymuth's "Jazz Carnival," and a cover of 808 State's "Pacific 707" were released in the UK as well and attracted a great deal of attention. Cruisic's unique interpretation of the essence of house, Brazilian, jazz, acid jazz, and other major influences is expressed in a jazzy, groovy, and Balearic worldview. Their previous 7-inch releases, most of which sold out immediately, are now included as full-length versions, finally revealing their entire body of work!!

Classic R’n’b and Afro Beat a fusion and perfect match. Modern and warm, pounding beats and pulsing baselines are the ingredients of this German-Nigerian extra ordinary colabo. This is the door opener for our Sedsoulciety Recordings gold line, which displays the modern and zeitgeist driven section of our catalogue. Expect nothing less than powerful, driving beats and smooth vocals. The gold line embodies Rap, HipHop, R’n’b, Neo-Soul, Neo-Boogie and Neo-Funk, not necessarily in one track but as a pool of artists and productions.“Tell Me What You Want” and we deliver it. This time in two outfits, the Afro Vibe Mix on the A-side and the Groove Mix on the flip… This new release on Sedsoulciety Recordings is an unreleased exclusive vinyl 45!