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Record of the Week
Moscoman, the genre-defying producer, DJ and Disco Halal label head is set to release his latest studio album on June 6th, a deeply personal and sonically expansive record that captures the spirit of movement, reinvention, and raw emotion. Created over the course of two years, 'Caviar' marks a departure from his signature electronic sound, embracing live instrumentation, indie influences, and a journey through time zones and musical landscapes.
Unlike his previous club-centric productions, 'Caviar' is designed for a full-band live performance. With real bass lines, live drums, and minimal synth work, it redefines how Moscoman’s music can be experienced. “It’s not pure dance music,” he explains. “It’s meant to be performed, felt, and lived.”
Written and recorded primarily in LA, the album was born out of necessity and experimentation. Without a dedicated studio space, Moscoman turned to sampling and manipulating sounds, later layering live drums, guitars, and synths to craft a dynamic and textured sound. This unconventional approach resulted in a record that is both structured and spontaneous—a true reflection of his transient lifestyle and creative process. “This album feels like a road trip,” Moscoman explains. “It started as a more experimental, shoegaze-meets-dance-floor concept, but evolved through collaborations and production refinements into something more polished yet still raw.”
Influenced by his rediscovery of indie, shoegaze, and grunge, Moscoman draws from The Cure, The Smiths, Smashing Pumpkins, and Cocteau Twins, blending nostalgia with modern production. The result is a sound that feels familiar yet fresh—“it doesn’t sound old, but it feels old,” he says. While still carrying his signature “happy-sad” Nordic-inflected vibe, the album also resonates with the warmth and expansiveness of the Californian landscape where much of it was conceived.
Bringing together a diverse array of artists, the ten tracker features COMA, SCUDFM, Tom Sanders, Justin Strauss, The Golden Dreggs and Talee, with each artist bringing their own interpretation to Moscoman’s foundations. The artist comments on how he never tells collaborators what to do, “I let them respond to the music in their own way, and that’s what makes it a true collaboration.”
When asked how he feels about the album, Moscoman reflects, “I’m just happy I’ve done it. It sounds better than anything I’ve done before, and I hope people connect with it like I did.” It’s an album that has continually evolved—both sonically and emotionally—shaped by time, travel, and transformation.
Along with the release of his album, the Berlin based producer, DJ, live musician and label head will be celebrating ten years of Disco Halal in 2025, marking a decade of innovative music and boundary-pushing artistry. The imprint was founded by Moscoman in 2015 and its music output has significantly influenced the underground music scene by blending diverse genres and cultural sounds. Rooted in the vibrant musical landscape of Tel Aviv and based in Berlin, the label has cultivated a dedicated community of musicians, producers and music lovers alike. While specific events commemorating the 10th anniversary have yet to be announced, a label compilation is set for release along with Moscoman performing Caviar live.
Dancers can always be sure of one thing with Moscoman, a certain unpredictability and energy will always define the music he serves up. As well as having a background in indie and rock, he plays house, acid, techno, dark disco, synth, all from a more alternative angle. For that reason he is a regular at wide-ranging but iconic places like Space in Miami, Panorama Bar, Glastonbury and Pacha Ibiza.
2025 will bring new mind bending music, together with the return of Mosco's live band. In the studio he has always switched up from one release to the next: raw and rugged machine disco, Indie Dance and wonky house on ESP Institute, Because, Greco-Roman and I'm A Cliché all feature in his discography. Next to all this, Moscoman continues to focus on building his Disco Halal label and brand into a real family. It is a place where artists like Simple Symmetry, Red Axes, Trikk and Auntie Flo and many others have all freely expressed themselves. Like Moscoman's own approach to music, it is an unrestricted label that never fails to subvert and surprise.
Syncopated bass lines, melancholic melodies, and the emotional energy of the cello invite you on a cinematic journey. Lead single Els is accompanied by a beautiful performance video, filmed at Max Richter’s ‘SRM Sounds’ studio, located in rural Oxfordshire.
Vega Trails is a chamber-jazz project of Milo Fitzpatrick, Portico Quartet, featuring saxophonist Jordan Smart, pianist Taz Modi and an expanded line up that includes cello, orchestral strings, vibraphone and piano.
Inspired by the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains north-west of Madrid, his home since August 2022, each piece on the album unfolds according to its own sweeping narrative, often wonderfully evocative of the mountains.
Milo explains: “I wanted to make sounds that felt equal to where I’ve been roaming in the mountains and forests out here, that reflect the incredible scale of the place. You get these huge views and skylines, which it’s hard to find words for.”
The ‘Sierra Tracks’ really is medicine for the mind, body and soul.
2025 marks a bold new chapter for Rita Satch with the release of her highly anticipated debut album. Backed by her electrifying five-piece band and enriched by lush, cinematic arrangements—including a 12-piece string orchestra—the album promises to captivate with its blend of mystical, cosmic wonder. The journey begins with her powerful single “Breathe”, dropping November 13, 2024, via Silk Throne Records.
Born in Uzbekistan and raised in Melbourne/Naarm, Satch blends soul, jazz, and orchestral textures into genre-defying soundscapes that transport listeners into otherworldly realms. Her emotionally rich voice has captivated audiences at Glastonbury and Cheltenham Jazz Festival, earning her recognition as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging talents. A 2020 National Jazz Awards finalist, Satch’s versatility has led to collaborations with innovative artists like ARIA-nominated Barney McAll on Precious Energy and Tamil Rogeon on Steady Weather and Son of Nyx.
With her debut album, Satch steps into the spotlight, delivering a sonic feast that marries lush arrangements with raw, soulful emotion. Out via Silk Throne Records
Pete Josef’s latest release, Looking Up, captures the uplifting spirit and emotional resonance reminiscent of his first solo album, Colour, on Sonar Kollektiv. As we celebrate the decennial anniversary of this critically acclaimed album, the single stands as a testament to Josef’s enduring partnership with the label and his ongoing creative evolution as a multi-talented musician.
Following the socially conscious Defence EP of 2024, Josef reaches for spiritual elevation with his new EP, Lifeline. This collection shifts focus toward the joy of human connection and the hope found at the end of hardship.
Blending afro grooves, highlife guitars, and Eastern jazz influences, Looking Up radiates a unique fusion of esoteric styles wrapped in an intrinsic pop sensibility. The steady groove anchors the track, while evolving melodic layers and rhythmic intricacies drive it forward. A particularly heartfelt moment comes as Josef’s six-year-old son, Art, joins him for the refrain:
“There’s a rhythm to life’s music, you just gotta choose it.
Yeah, there’s a rhythm to life’s music, no matter where the rhythm goes, it flows, it always comes back home.”
Together with vocalist Anna Ryan, Art’s contribution infuses the lyrics with profound meaning, echoing the wisdom and warmth passed between generations. The song’s message encourages listeners to seek nurturing relationships and communities that inspire and support:
“There’s community, people; there’s a scene with ready open arms for you, where things are looking up.”
The track features a distinctive double bass hook from long-time collaborator Jihad Darwish (Sting, Van Morrison, Moses Boyd) and drums by Miguel Andrews. Josef himself performs all other instrumental elements, including the vibrant tuned percussion.
Looking Up was inspired by a close friend who, despite later-life challenges in seeking love and companionship, has a wealth of wonder and life to share. Like many of Josef’s songs, it also reflects an introspective message—an encouraging reminder to embrace change and look upward for inspiration.
The track and the Lifeline EP draw additional influence from Japanese art and Shinto principles, which resonate deeply with Josef for their emphasis on purity, harmony, and community values.
Both Looking Up and the Lifeline EP will be released as part of his new album, alongside the Defence EP, solidifying Pete Josef’s place as one of Sonar Kollektiv’s most dynamic and visionary artists.
Mr Bongo presents - The Original Sound of Mali Vol. 2
The second volume in this series, captures the raw energy of Mali in the 1970s, with a spread of sounds that radiated from Mali’s newly recorded musicians. The afrobeat rhythms of Ousmane Kouyaté and mesmerising Malian classic from Bouba and Sokona Sacko, sitting side by side with the swirling hypnotism of Tentemba Jazz du Mali and a ngoni-infused, percussive dancer from Allata Broulaye. Elsewhere, the deep African desert music of Mystère Jazz de Tombouctou rubs shoulders with the grandeur of the Rail Band, powered by Salif Keita’s iconic vocals.
Those are just a handful of the recordings highlighted on this compilation, which includes an extensive booklet looking at the history and relevance of the tracks written by Florent Mazzoleni. With so much enchanting, deep and mind-expanding music coming out of Mali in this period, ‘The Original Sound of Mali 2’ is a perfect aid to discovering the richness of music this country has to offer.
Anthony Joseph - Rowing up River to Get Our Names Back (Vol. 1)
Poet, novelist, musician and academic, Anthony Joseph releases new single “Tony”–the first official focus track to be lifted from his new album ‘Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back’ (Vol. 1), for which he teamed up with legendary UK producer Dave Okumu.
Dave Okumu is known perhaps best as frontman for The Invisible, though digging deeper into his production credits huge names emerge such as Grace Jones, Amy Winehouse, Jesse Ware, Rosie Lowe and Eska. On this album, the magic and alchemy of Dave’s production style showcase subtlesonics and deep layering resulting in a contemporary sound to carry Anthony’s afrofuturistic metrical meanings.
Already garnering support on BBC 6Music from Gilles Peterson, album opener ‘Satellite’ is a fine example of how this new partnership of Anthony & Dave pans out.
New musicians have been enlisted; Dan See (Drums), Aviram Barath (Synths), Nick Ramm (Fender Rhodes) and Byron Wallen (Trumpet).
Add to that the mighty vocal power house of Eska and we have a whole new dimension of soul and depth, to carry Anthony’s statements. “You build a wall, we go under, you build it higher, we go higher, like a satellite”
Anthony Joseph releases ‘Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back’ (Vol. 1) via Heavenly Sweetness 7th February 2025.
Tangential Music are thrilled to offer some heavenly Balearic vibes from the versatile house producer and DJ Ed Mahon.
Hailing from the North of England and with house music in his veins since the early Nineties, Ed’s recordings and remixes have seen releases on labels such as Tici Taci, Paper, Sprechen, Nein and Hot Digits amongst many, he can hit it harder on the house and acid vibe or create moments of pure relaxation such as this dreamy slice of hopeful beach mat chillout. ‘Give It All’ features the Danielle Moore inspired vocals of fellow Northerner Louise Spiteri, her lyrics offering persuasive encouragement and empowerment as Ed’s rich instrumentation of pianos, orchestral strings and gentle beats warm the heart.
We can certainly hear why Ed’s ‘Lazy Sundays’ radio shows on Cowbell Radio and Music For Dreams regularly feature in the global top ten charts for Balearic and Chill Out.
Gently stretching out the strings and piano, the Extended Mix harks back to the golden era of chilled beats when labels like Naked and Hed Kandi ruled the roost. Ed’s piano in particular, carries the flame of classic soulful house but performed with the sun’s rays as inspiration rather than a strobe light.
Alan Fitzpatrick - Replicant (EP)
Up next on Eli Brown’s Arcane Records and needing very little introduction is techno maestro Alan Fitzpatrick with his Replicant EP. The two tracker showcases Fitzpatrick's impeccable production, encapsulating the essence of techno, blending dark, driving beats with emotive, melodic elements, resulting in a standout release that will command attention on the dancefloor.
“I’ve had a long friendship with Eli Brown, and he’s released multiple times on my We Are The Brave imprint. It’s been a pleasure to be a small part in his journey to where he is flying now. I felt it would be great to release on his label to complete the circle and when I made ‘Replicant’ I knew this was the right track for Arcane. Alan Fitzpatrick
Title track Replicant is a quintessential techno masterpiece, brimming with the signature elements that have made Fitzpatrick a stalwart in the electronic sphere. On the flip is Limitless, a collaborative affair featuring Just Frank and Kat Chu on vocals. When talking about how the track came to light Fitzpatrick recalls how, “Frank and I have known each other for twenty years and recently reconnected after losing touch. We immediately started working in the studio again together on a bunch of collaborations. ‘Limitless' was the result and I knew straight away it would partner ‘Replicant' perfectly for an EP. We wanted to add a spoken word vocal to it and Kat Chu’s delivery was perfect for this", The powerful fusion of driving techno beats and emotive, human elements elevate the track so that it resonates on a deeper, emotional level, leaving a lasting impression on its listeners.
“The inspiration behind 'Limitless' stems from the sense of freedom I experience on the dancefloor. In those moments, the music transcends all thoughts and negativity, creating a pure connection. When we're in the club, the music empowers us, making us feel like we can be everything and do anything. It's a powerful reminder of our true selves, free from the thoughts that often weigh us down.” Kat Chu
Southampton-born techno legend Alan Fitzpatrick has carved out a unique niche in the underground electronic music scene. Known for his raw, hard-edged sound, he has headlined prestigious venues like Berghain and had hits on daytime BBC Radio 1. As one of the most popular and influential techno DJs globally, Fitzpatrick has collaborated with top artists such as Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, CamelPhat, and Skream. He also runs the innovative label ‘We Are The Brave,’ known for forward-thinking techno. In 2024, Fitzpatrick continues to thrive with new collaborations and releases on major labels like Drumcode and Cocoon, with upcoming performances confirmed at Awakenings Festival, the Pyramid Amnesia Opening Party, Hideout Festival and more.
Leon Raum is a prolific German producer, drummer, DJ, multi-instrumentalist and creative who has worked with several live bands and music projects across a number of different genres. These include instrumental electronic outfit Bokoya, whose style ranges from ambient to drum & bass and dub, as well as hip hop duo Wyl, a downtempo collaboration with DJ and producer Felix Fleer, and soul jazz project Wukan.
Indeed, it’s jazz that’s very much at the heart of Leon Raum’s music. The way the genre encompasses all of the technical intricacies of the instruments themselves is central to his production remit. Leon’s father was a huge influence in this world, mentoring him in the basics of
playing and also helping him with the skills of multi-track recordings.
Having worked as a multiinstrumentalist in several bands and projects for over a decade, Leon now finally feels that the time is right to step out of the shadows and into the light to showcase his own solo productions.
“There are so many influences and impulses that don’t find actualization when in a collaborative setting, that I feel it's so enriching to establish oneself as a solo artist, not being bound to expectation or compromise even in the creation of music. I aim to spread my musical love and creative vulnerability with this project. Of course, I hope to reach people with it, but my priority is really to be transparent and creative in making music. ”
Leon’s debut EP offers up snapshots of different periods of the producer’s process. Its title, Basement Meditation, comes from the fact that these tracks were made alone in the studio, where the emerging loops often created a trance-like meditative state. The loops are a mixture of analog instruments and synthetic sounds, and whilst the music is very much an independent, individual project, the artwork that accompanies it is drawn by Leon’s own sister, Penelope.
Finding a label to release this deep, introspective and very personal collection of beats was an important task, but happily Leon feels that joining forces with Sonar Kollektiv was the right choice for him:
“Collaborating with Sonar Kollektiv has enabled me to unveil this raw, unfiltered sound that resonates with the core of my natural being.”
The opening track on the EP is the laid back and low slung Cascade. Leon describes the track as “classic basement meditation with keyboard sounds and rhythmic arpeggios” and indeed, the track does have the feel of an instant classic, complete with multiple ambient layers and, of course, those boom-bap drums.
“For years, this was my favourite beat on my hard drive, especially because of the transition from the ‘calm arpeggio’ to the higher more ‘aggressive arpeggio’ ”.
As a drummer, Leon comes very much from the hip hop side of things - hugely influenced by the beats of J Dilla and Questlove. This sound is particularly strong in For QnD, the second track on the EP . The piece is very much a tribute to the pioneering pair, who have such an impact on Leon’s work, as he explains further:
“Questlove and J Dilla are my two biggest long-term sources of inspiration and role models. I learned the basics of drumming from these two. The beat is how I imagine baseball college vibes in the U.S.!”
Champloo is another classic Basement Meditation and one that found its source of inspiration from Japanese anime series Samurai Champloo, as well as its theme tune performed by Japanese producer Nujabes. Insistent piano stabs and swinging drums build tension throughout the track as Leon explains:
“I was watching a lot of Samurai Champloo, and I visualised a hectic yet collected sword fight scene while making this.”
Finally on the EP , All Night raises the tempo and is the only Basement Meditation that developed into an all-night dance with a pure, four to-the-floor early 2000s house sound.
“The recording process took about 10 minutes, during which the entire studio was wired up, and the spirit made no compromises for a moment.”
This four track EP is a very special collection of sonic reveries, crafted from moments of solitary creation. Within these tracks lies the essence of meditative studio sessions, where loops emerged to captivate and enthral. Fusing predominantly analog instrumentation with delicate synthetic nuances, Basement Meditation invites listeners on a journey of introspection and exploration, where every note tells a story of solitude and serenity. Who knows where the journey will take us next….
Multi-instrumentalist and synth wizard Paul White readies his third album for R&S Records, offering up a cinematic journey on ‘Peace In Chaos’ that captures the current mood with its shadowy electronic prowess.
With an unabashed love of 80s synth music and film scores, the South London based producer presents an album of perhaps his most pop leaning tracks yet, following on from 2018’s ‘Rejuvenate’ and 2014’s ‘Shaker Notes’. Across eleven tracks, White delves into a world of esoteric electronic pop, as waves of melodic synths wash over towering drum patterns and majestic bass, with White adding his own enigmatic vocals to many of the productions.
Paul explains the themes he was looking to capture when producing ‘Peace In Chaos’ I"ve always heard music in a very visual way. I'd like to put this album out here as film, or game scenes, and it’s a movie or game about trying to find peace in a chaotic world.“
Having previously written & produced for many artists, including Danny Brown, Sudan Archives and Jessy Lanza, White puts himself centre stage on ‘Peace In Chaos’, writing, performing, producing and recording entirely on his own, flexing his prodigious studio skills and keen ear for a powerful and engaging tune. None more exemplified than on this new album.
Thee Sacred Souls have announced that their sophomore album - Got A Story To Tell - will be released October 4 on Daptone Records. The focus track and main single to be showcased is the soulful uptempo track 'Live For You'.
The new album follows their highly anticipated follow-up to their breakout 2022 self-titled debut and 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. Thee Sacred Souls have also announced their biggest headline tour yet, to take place this fall. The tour, produced by Live Nation, includes New York’s new 2700-capacity Brooklyn Paramount (Nov 8) and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (Oct 16). They will also perform at the Fool In Love festival in Los Angeles on August 31, Bumbershoot, Montreal Jazz Festival, and will headline Celebrate Brooklyn June 22.
Like their debut, Got A Story To Tell was recorded and produced by Gabriel Roth at Penrose Recorders, Daptone’s studio in Riverside, CA. Written in the throes of supporting their 2022 album - which was met with tremendous excitement and major touring that brought them across the world - it represents a crucible for the band. It led to a demanding and intense period, but they came out stronger and more together on the other side. They tapped into the explosion of creativity that came with it to make their best songs yet.
Got A Story To Tell was written by founding members Alejandro Garcia, Salvador Samano and Josh Lane. Garcia (drums, guitar), Samano (bass, drums) and Lane (vocals) recorded the album, with additional horn, string, percussion, organ players and background vocalists. Special guests include Larry Rendon on saxophone, an original member of Thee Midniters, the East LA band from the ‘60s that made history as one of the first Chicano bands to have a major hit in the U.S. (and in part what inspired Thee Sacred Souls’ band name). The live band features Garcia, Samano and Lane, as well as Riley Dunn on keys, Shay Stulz on guitar, and Astyn Turrentine and Viane Escobar on background vocals.
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. Songs that take their time and relish in the moment. 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. The song started with an idea from Garcia; it came to him on a Christmas morning of quiet solitude and heartache. “She chose herself and then she grew,” Lane sings in his pure tenor before the drums and Samano’s bass hit a stutter-step and the chorus kicks in. The album is full of characters and stories, and “Lucid Girl” sets the stage.
Thee Sacred Souls began when Garcia and Samano, just 23 at the time, started the framework of the band by writing songs together. Lane joined as the vocalist and songwriter, moving to SoCal from Sacramento, and they were offered a record deal by Daptone after their soon-to-be producer Gabriel Roth saw one of their early gigs. Their debut - described by Uncut as “music of terrifyingly high quality” - earned them performances on NPR’s Tiny Desk, which debuted in February of this year, as well as several TV show appearances: Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS Saturday, Kelly Clarkson, Jools Holland, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. They have 6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, over 250 million streams on the platform so far, and “Can I Call You Rose” has been the soundtrack to nearly a million posts between TikTok and Instagram, a virality that took off in January of this year. An ever-growing list of fans includes SZA, Alicia Keys, Leon Bridges and Kylie Jenner. For a band that just began significant touring in 2022, they’ve already made their festival debuts at Bonnaroo, Newport Folk, Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza, and sold out Brooklyn Steel in January of 2023 - just their third proper NYC headlining show ever.