Joyce Cooling
It's You

Listen here:https://tinyurl.com/228ant6b

MMYYKK’s Science EP arrives at a time when the world needs it. The eponymous title track is about recognising the power and connection that we all have to the cosmos - and it feels like no coincidence that this body of work arrives in 2021.The EP balances universal themes with playfulness; asks hard questions relating to accountability and materiality whilst remaining musically cohesive and funky throughout. An exceedingly difficult artist to pigeonhole, MMYYKK (pronounced Mike) works concurrently within the realms of soul, jazz, hip hop, R&B and ambient; his sound equally indebted to his fellow west-coast natives Thundercat and Flying Lotus as it is to synth experimentalists Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder.Whilst MMYYKK operates as the multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer & engineer across all 6 tracks, we can still hear the richness of improvisation musical collaboration involved in the making of this record, with numerous cameos from artists in MMYYKK’s adopted hometown of Minneapolis as well as a feature from London’s very own Demae.The city of Minneapolis, whilst not addressed directly in the lyrics, provided a backdrop like no other whilst this album was coming together. Being at the epicentre of such a tragedy had a profound effect on the formation of the EP... “The City was literally burning...” MMYYKK recalls as he goes on to explain that tackling themes such as police reform, reparations and accountability in his work is his way of taking a stand in the fight for justice.Despite the grief prevalent in the city, the EP exudes a complex “dopeness”, executed so effortlessly it belies the skill involved in the process - it’s precisely this nonchalant cool that defines what SCIENCE means to the artist.Whilst we can dissect the inspirations and trace the lineage of this body of work- the result is singular. It’s clear that Mychal Fisher, aka MMYYKK is operating on his own terms, in a lane of his own - and making it look easy.

Limited to 300 copies, vinyl only!Viking of the Sky kicks off with 2 songs from Bibi's first LP Ngayibamba on Heads Productions 1984, which to date remains completely invisible with no info or even a picture of this LP online. Most likely due to heavy government censorship in South Africa at the time, most of the LPs were destroyed due to the political nature of some of the songs. The 2 afro funk tracks on this compilation could almost be classified as "unreleased". all live musicians and sung in both English and Zulu. The next 2 songs are taken from Bibi's maxi dance single "Viking of the Sky" with "I Just Can't Believe You" on the B side, released on WEA Records in 1985. Here we get to the classic mid 80s SA boogie sound featuring banging drum machines, synths, live guitars and bass, and super female backing vocals behind Bibi's powerful voice. The original 12" from 1985 is extremely sought after maxi single by boogie funk vinyl collectors around the world (to date it has only sold once online).And the last 2 tracks are taken from the much sought after Bibi & Satari LP Whisper in the Dark released in 1986 on WEA Records. Again we have a great blend of drum machines, synths, live bass, guitar and gospel influenced backing vocals, produced by 2 of South Africa's most prolific producers - Sidwell Duda and Thokoza Memela.All 6 songs contain upbeat dancefloor friendly music with plenty of live instrumentation played by South Africa's best of the best session musicians that uplift the soul and compel the listener to dance (which is the label mission). Featuring SA's best of the best funky music talent backing Bibi Msomi:Sidwell Duda (Stimuli, Don Laka, Image), Thokoza Memela (The Disco Cats), Satari band featuring Cecelia, Jabu Nkosi (Peace, The Drive, Thetha), Thandi Seoka (Sipho Hot Stix Mabuse, Shalom), Jimmy Mojapelo (The Black Five), Janshi Mayo (Umoja Singers Chorale), Peter Mokoena (Cisco Mokoena), Solly "Ace" Letwaba (Juluka), Bob "Blackie" Sibisi (Brenda & The Big Dudes), Joey Mabe (Mahlathini And Mahotella Queens) and many more.

La Rama Records · [PWTR001] Ben Nevile - Power Trio EP (Power Trio)

Montréal singer/songwriter Laroie with an EP of low key radio hits produced by Gene Tellem with Gabriel Rei and Robert Robert.‘Seductive sadness. Powerful vulnerability. Precise yet irresistible vocals. A few words to describe Laroie as she steps forward in full possession of her means, following up on her debut and namesake EP released in August 2020, and on the recent singles "Can't Let Go" and "One More". Here she is with Speed of Life, an extended play destined to be absorbed and listened to in one sitting. Funny how it sounds both familiar — you feel like you’ve known these songs your whole life — and brand new, all at once. In this nostalgic and emotional territory, standing at the borders of her influences, Laroie's talent shines through.Skilfully navigating the electro-pop sonic palette, the artist crafts a comfortable, soothing canvas where dance, soul, and R&B from the late 90s and early 2000 also hop into the mix. From the bewitching slow garage "Elevate" to the cathartic and luminous "Can't Let Go", and through the trip-hop infused "One More", the very danceable "A Place on Earth", "Moonlight", reminiscent of the best of TLC, Brandy and Monica, and the title track’s addictive vocal melody, Speed of Life, just like a silky everyday soundtrack, is enjoyable on repeat.’Limited to 150 copies and includes DL codes for the album & remixes.

FATHOP008 - UK - 2021Jerome Hill revives his Itsu Uno guise for the first time in 7 years and starts 2021 with some much needed fun. He serves up 2 Cut n Paste Party Rocking Funk Bombs for the B-Boys and B-Girls. No prizes for guessing the inspiration for "Shooter (Super Sharp B-Boy) although you'll not have heard it like this before. Meanwhile in "Battle Of The Breaks", Itsu Uno goes to town and serves up all manner of funky-ass beats and samples culminating in a finale that will get you ‘jumpin' Fat Hop was started by Jerome in 2009 to house B-Boy Break jams, Old Skool style Hip Hop and Britcore.