Nu Disco 412 Items

Raining Heart is a studio project originally created by the German musicians Peter Heckmann and Tobias Freund in 1986 in Frankfurt. Very much in the same vein as Art of Noise with its studio sound experimentalism, but with a Kraut edge to it. If there was one track that could be played for everyone at the G20 Summit whilst on LSD in hopes of achieving world peace, it might be “Raining Heart”, the first track on this EP, it’s just one of those tracks that makes you wonder what these people were eating for breakfast at the time. Nothing technically mind blowing, just crafted to perfection in terms of all the elements coming together in therapeutic beauty, (also clearly exposing Peter’s relationship with theatrical production). A downtempo chugger with the dreamiest of sounds, effortlessly transporting the listener to another dimension, the vocals are unthinkable, by Yucca Rose, an East Javanese Jazz singer, almost as if she was broadcasting from a radio station in a parallel universe. “Alien Beat” takes a more aggressive turn into some kind of neo rock direction generously decorated with a wide range of studio tricks that might have been ground breaking at the time. B-side offers two new remixes by Castro, a “K-hole Collage” version of “Raining Heart” taking the original theme to another dubbed out realm, and a “Bonus Beat” extension of “Alien Beat” that dissects the key elements of the original track in efforts to develop a more dancefloor oriented DJ tool. Remastered with original artwork.

Selection of all winners from the Music Team label - mid 80s to early 90s gems on here!

One of South Africa’s biggest independent labels for more than a decade, Music Team offered working musicians a shot at fame via access to top studios, producers, songwriters and session musicians, as well as distribution via a number of imprints: CTV, Red Label, Solid, Spinna, Mambo Music and others. Artists in the stable who tasted success would typically release a few albums over as many years before moving on to other labels or falling off the radar as times changed. At their peak, according to label boss Maurice Horwitz, Music Team was selling a million records a month, and was at the forefront of South African pop music as it evolved from soul to disco and beyond.

Afrosynth Records’ ‘Music Team Sampler’ dusts off six rare and long-forgotten gems from the Music Team catalogue, originally released between 1986 and 1992. Four are typical of the label’s take on the popular ‘bubblegum’ sound of the day — Isaac ‘Cool Cat’ Mofokeng’s ‘Candy’, ‘I Won’t Let You Go’ by Linda Oliphant, Jappie Lebona’s ‘My Love is Yours and ‘Instant Love (Eyami Lendoda)’ by Thandi Zulu (aka TZ Junior). Two instrumentals — Mr. Ace’s ‘Ace 1’ and ‘Axe Chop’ by The Hard Workers, a studio project by Music Team’s in-house producer Tom Mkhize — meanwhile hint at the imminent rise of kwaito and house.

Forged in the fire of a cruel and volatile political system that was gradually unraveling, instead of addressing political realities these indelible pop songs sought to provide an escape to a world where love and music were all that mattered.

The small but already well-formed Stereo:type label has got a trip of new EPs all dropping this summer. UK producer Risk Assessment is behind them all and each one explores a classic disco sound with some modern dance floor weight. 'She's On The Floor' is a celebrity and feel-good jam with heart-swelling strings. 'Rhyme' cuts up a classic vocal sample and layers it over some house-leaning beats while 'Delicious' is a wig-out lead by its shimmering synth stabs. Last but not least is the breezy and sunny 'Let's Do It'.

Tonight we're going to party like it's 1975, as two disco classics from that crucial year on the very cusp of the disco revolution are lovingly overhauled by Dave Lee. The A-side sees the original version of 'Don't Leave Me This Way' by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass - also covered by Thelma Houston in 1976 and British duo the Communards in 1986 - beefed up and preened for the modern dancefloor, in what you'd describe as a respectful but not overly reverential rework. On the flip it's the turn of Kokomo's 'Use Your Imagination', bursting with Saturday night bustle but also boasting a funky guitar riff that bears an uncanny resemblance to the one that would turn up on Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick In The Wall pt2' a couple of years later. Dynamite party starters, whichever side of the vinyl coin you toss.

Introducing Satelliet Studio, a multidisciplinary brand established in the world of clubbing and the production of related creations for several years. Satelliet represents a fusion of music and design, with a deep focus on the early underground dance cultures.

Cool Million by now is a household name, when it comes to the Boogie Funk style. They are deeply rooted in this musical genre, that we lost by the end of the 1980s and they reinvigorated it for us with their very own sound. Cool Million feature singers from today and the original era of the 80s Soul, Funk and Boogie. English soul singer and UK Top 40star Kenny Thomas is well known as one of UK’s beloved voices, when it comes to the original UK Soul sound.With eight Top 40 singles and two top 10 albums, Kenny Thomas plays a major role in keeping the UK soul scene alive and kickin’.With ‘Without Your Love’ he delivers a perfect example for this sound. Definitely one of Kenny Thomas best moments of his recording career. The track is a driving uptempo track with an uplifting, funky feel. This recording follows the path of the Cool Million Boogie Funk sound and with the dub version on the flip side delivers a highlight for all the DJs, cutting their own mixes on turntables worldwide. This new release on Sedsoulciety Recordings is accompanying Kenny Thomas’ recent comeback and Europe wide live touring.

Mousse T. soulbrother, DJ, producer, songwriter, entrepreneur and label owner of his currently 30years celebrating Peppermint Jam Records opened his archives for his longtime bro and producer colleague Rob Hardt. Rob chose Mousse T.’s 2018 single release Melodie featuring Cleah to become an exclusive release on Sedsoulciety Recordings. The twist from a soulful House track to a thriving Electro Boogie bouncer feels so organic, that you hear it as natural and original as such a track can sound. Punters will be Boogie bumping, Electro bouncing, Disco dancing and hip shaking, when they hear ‘Melodie’ (Rob Hardt Mix) on the dance floors worldwide. Already a collector’s item and must have for DJs, in true Sedsoulciety Recordings fashion with a smashing dub version on the flipside. This new release on Sedsoulciety Recordings is an unreleased exclusive vinyl 45!

Soul Crooner David A. Tobin is no stranger to the game. The singer, songwriter and one of the Cool Million vocalists was born and raised in the NYC neighbor state New Jersey aka Brick City, which ever since had a massive influence on the US music scene. “Go Back And Make It Right” comes as a freshly mixed soulful Boogie tune, straight from Rob Hardt’s studio console. Positive and uplifting vocals embedded in a driving and crispy production that will open hearts and fill floors. As always on the Sedsoulciety Recordings white line it features the DJ friendly Dub Version, already a proven concept, on the flipside. This new release on Sedsoulciety Recordings is an unreleased exclusive vinyl 45

Austin, Texas duo The Vapor Caves venture into ominous, mid-tempo magic on “Go My Own Way.” Oscillating between breezy nu-disco and beachy house, this effort feels like an evolution for the duo who explores the endless search for life’s meanings and a desire to be independent. The salsa-inspired, melancholic chording and tasty acoustic bassline set the stage for Yadira’s lead vocal here, pleading for her freedom, wrapped up in her impeccable ability to write muti-faceted harmonies and lyrics that can be re-interpreted endlessly. “Go My Own Way” marks The Vapor Caves’ first single on Italian label, Sleepers Recordz, which will release this on a 7” vinyl record mid-summer. An upcoming West Coast tour will celebrate the release and have VC sharing stages with modern funk greats XL Middleton & Moniquea, as well as Jonny Tobin & Maya Killtron. “Faith” is a syrupy, Zapp & Roger-inspired, modern funk ballad. A co-write with longtime friend, Aidan Kennedy (recent Neil Francis remixer), this tune evolved into the story of a fallen angel, lost somewhere between two worlds. Featured to close this soulful, yacht rock-sounding jam is nu-jazz phenom & Canadian composer Jonny Tobin, who delivers the synth solo of the decade, chock-full of arpeggios & unique chording. “Faith” anchors this two-song EP as a very vulnerable b-side, with a smooth change of pace, rarely heard from The Vapor Caves, but swiftly becoming a staple tempo in their catalog.