LABEL: Thousand Mile Inc

FORMAT: EP

GENRE: Pop

DATE: 09/05/12

Iggy Pop’s career is a thrilling roller coaster ride at top speed. And yet, with the Stooges – the only 20th century rock band that can legitimately be called “seminal”– or as a solo artist, with or without a safety net, he has never veered an inch from his course, which was sometimes less crazy than it seemed but nevertheless always a hair-raising ride. Dictated only by Iggy’s artistic aspirations and moved by a vital urge to get down to basics, his line of conduct has led him to record, under French influence, the ten songs on “Après”, which is very much in tune with his present.

With his covers of “La vie en rose”, “Everybody’s Talking”, “Syracuse”, “Michelle” or “Et si tu n’existais pas”, Iggy is not trying to prove anything. He is simply turning the hidden side of his personality to the light, and letting others decide which of his sides is darker. Far from wild rhythms and exuding feelings he has chosen to express differently.

With a voice as beautiful as it is deep and which stirs your emotions, Iggy Pop takes on these standards and tailors them to his nature to produce thrilling results. In the elegance of these arrangements, which do not mislead but rather pare the songs down to the essentials, there is a conviction sharper than any blade. The choice of songs and the quality of their interpretation is clear: “Après” is, above all, an ode to love. The kind of love that both intoxicates and devastates, that makes you feel alive or like jumping off a bridge.

Donae’o – Big Ben

LABEL: Zephron

FORMAT: EP

GENRE: Dance

DATE: 22/04/12

Donae’o returns with his latest single following the success of “Move to Da Gyal Dem”, his 1Xtra playlisted and Radio 1 hit When Angels Sing and ‘Jack Beats’ You Should Know (feat. Donae’o).

Having picked up support from Radio 1, 1Xtra, Kiss FM, BBC Asian and Capital amongst others, “Big Ben” is the first track to be taken from his forthcoming album, set to drop this summer. Backed with remixes from Peditah, Genairo Nvilla and The Artful Dodger (under his Work of Artful guise), it’s already been causing a massive stir in clubs and on radio.

Check it out here:

Various Artists –  Inna Nice Up! Fashion

LABEL: Nice Up! Records / Fashion Records

FORMAT: Single

GENRE: Dance – Breakbeat / Drum & Bass – Jungle

DATE: 07/05/12

To celebrate the digital relaunch of Fashion Records, the legendary UK reggae label that launched the careers of artists such as Top Cat, Tenor Fly, General Levy and the late great Smiley Culture, as well as cuts from Jamaican legends such as Cutty Ranks, Daddy Freddy & Frankie Paul amongst many many others, NICE UP! have dug deep into the vaults to find some more lost classics to give them a new lease of life. As a long time fan of the label, NICE UP!s Shepdog hooked up with Fashion’s Chris Lane and John MacGillivray and agreed first access to the back catalogue masters – much of which is now digitally available for the first time!

First up, reggae drum’n'bass big guns Serial Killaz pay respect to a scene that helped spawn them by giving Andrew Paul’s classic “Who’s Gonna Make The Dance Ram” an updated junglist relick. Retaining the sleng teng vibe of the original, but giving it a 2012 bounce should see plenty of reloads for this track once again. Over on the flip, festival favourites Dub Pistols rework Pato Banton’s “Nice Up The Session” from the “Great British MCs” album, giving it a lively drum & bass rework with extra horns and a little help from Rodney P to NICE UP! the area.

The iconic label logo has also had something of a remix, mixing the old with the new and adding a little authentic wear & tear.

Henri Leo Thiesen, Andy G, Fran Garcia – Deeper Love feat. Max C

LABEL: Tanzanite Records

FORMAT: Single

GENRE: Dance – House – Progressive

DATE: 21/05/12, Beatport 07/05/12

After a lucrative visit to the Miami Winter Music Conference this March and an unprecedented response to the label sampler, Tanzanite Records are preparing for their first string of releases, taken from their Miami Sampler. The first release is the result of a collaboration of Swedish prodigies Henri Leo Thiesen, Fran Garcia, Andy G & Max C, working together to create “Deeper Love”, a powerful progressive house track featuring stunning vocals from Max C, and euphoric melodies that are captivating audiences from Miami to London, to Sweden, and will continue to raise hands across the globe this summer.

Henri Leo Thiesen, Fran Garcia, Andy G, Max C and John De Sohn are all Swedish producers, head-hunted by Tanzanite’s Richard Dinsdale for their impressive production forte. After hearing several productions the Swedes sent to Tanzanite, Dinsdale automatically signed them up, creating what was to be the Miami WMC Sampler 2012.

Featuring three versions of the track, this release portrays the current Swedish sound in stunning forms, with the uplifting and progressive characteristics that are erupting dance floors around the world today.

Night Symmetry –  Moon

LABEL: Bad Life

FORMAT: Single

GENRE: Dance – Techno

DATE: 14/05/12, Beatport 07/05/12

“Moon” is the debut single by dance duo Night Symmetry, out now through Bad Life.

Described as “a thoroughly modern Chemical Brothers for the small hours”, the duo were signed by Bad Life as they immediately saw the potential of the band getting very big. The band impressed the label by their first live A/V show at the recent Bad Life showcase in London.

The stunning lead track “Moon” offers a wondrous concoction of industrial grooves, peak-time builds and a generous helping of acid to garnish, with track “444” on the flip side. Having received a rating of 9/10 by DJ Mag, this single is a wondrous concoction of industrial grooves and peak-time builds. Check it out below.

Various Artists – Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee – 60 Hits from the Queens Coronation Year

LABEL: Ap Music Ltd

FORMAT: EP

GENRE: Easy Listening

DATE: 14/05/12

“A Kiss Before You Go”, the new album by Norwegian four-piece Katzenjammer is out now through Propeller Recordings. Featuring eleven tracks of folk pop “also informed by Balkan flavours, cabaret clubs, comic strips and straight up pop with the odd dark number thrown in for good measure”, according to Indie London, the band’s second album/debut UK release is one to watch out for.

“…it’s hard to believe any other album this year will make you feel so off-balance as it unfolds – a really rather glorious feeling to be felt in a musical world too often filled with convention.” – The Digital Fix

“…a wonderfully eclectic delight… an album that’s by turns kooky and obscure yet also catchy and jig-along.” – Indie London

Starboy Nathan –  3D Determination Dedication Desire

LABEL: Mona Publishing, Vibes Corner Music

FORMAT: EP

GENRE: Pop

DATE: 13/05/12

“3D Determination Dedication Desire” is the long-awaited second album by Starboy Nathan, out now through  Mona Publishing / Vibes Corner Music.

Having already climbed to no.6 in the Urban Club Chart, the album features thirteen tracks by the 23year old singer/songwriter from South East London, who has just finished touring with JLS as their main support act.

“I’ve given away a lot of myself and my personality through the music, which is why I called it 3D – Determination, Dedication, Desire, the three things that sum me up as an artist.” – from Digital Spy article

Discovery has been a keen supporter of Warren Records and has seen first-hand the rising output of artistic talent in the last few years. Continuing their dedication to showcasing new & emerging talent they are providing a platform for Hull artists as part of a Warren Centre takeover later this month. The recent Radio One visit shed light on this growing scene, featuring various Hull artists live on air alongside their A list tracks as part of their week-long Hull residency.

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Tickets available online £5 Door £7 - http://www.wegottickets.com/event/166610

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“Everything’s OK”, the new single by rapper Rewd Adams & DJ/producer The Last Skeptik is out now through Bread & Butter Records. This track is the first offering from their anticipated forthcoming album, “How Not To Make A Living”.

There is no other way to describe lead single “Everything’s OK” apart from ‘massive’. It is a 120bpm behemoth-like banger of a track, with the undeniable bounce of Outkast and an extremely infectious hook. The single is backed with two album songs that remind you of the raw hip hop roots that nurtured Skeptik and Rewd’s earlier works. “Bring It Back” features a stanky large drum break and keys from Skep, steel-clad bars spat from Rewd, and cuts from DMC world champion DJ Mr Thing. Third track “Nukey” has a heavy drum break and synths from Skep, with Rewd channelling his inner Big Daddy Kane via the hardcore ferocity of Blade.

The duo collaborated with animator Sonny Malhorta, who has created an amazing video – a collage of colourful and visually engaging pictures and photographs on a moving canvas, to accompany the track.

Check out the video here:

Grab your copy of the single here:

Follow Rewd Adams on:                                  Follow The Last Skeptik on:

LABEL: Soundway Records

FORMAT: Single

GENRE: Dance – Beats & Breaks / Electronica

DATE: 07/05/12

“Yumbala / Ngongo J’Ami (Remix 7″ Single)”, the new remix single of songs by Batida and Carlos Lamartine is out now through Soundway Records. This release follows Batida’s debut album release on 26^th March.

The opening track “Yumbala” has been remixed by AJ Holmes, and “Ngongo J’Ami” by Batida.

The single has already received spot plays on BBC 6 Music (Lauren Laverne, Gideon Coe, Tom Ravenscroft and Gilles Peterson), World on 3 BBC Radio and more.

“A distinctly vibrant project with it’s feet firmly rooted in the past, Batida combine samples from old 1970s Angolan tracks with modern electronic dance music” – Soundway

Check out “Yumbala / Ngongo J’Ami” here:

Rewd Adams & The Last Skeptik – Everything’s Ok

LABEL: Bread & Butter Records

FORMAT: Single

GENRE: Hip Hop

DATE: 07/05/12

When two bonkers mid-twenty-somethings from London put their creative minds together to make a project, some madness is bound to take place. When those said two are highly respected homegrown hip-hop mainstays, it’s evidently going to be better than all the nonsense that’s out there now. Those two are rapper Rewd Adams and DJ/producer The Last Skeptik, and this is the first offering from their anticipated forthcoming album “How Not To Make A Living”.

There is no other way to describe lead single “Everything’s OK” apart from ‘massive’. It is a 120bpm behemoth-like banger of a track, with the undeniable bounce of Outkast and an extremely infectious hook. The single is backed with two album songs that remind you of the raw hip hop roots that nurtured Skeptik and Rewd’s earlier works. “Bring It Back” features a stanky large drum break and keys from Skep, steel-clad bars spat from Rewd, and cuts from DMC world champion DJ Mr Thing. Third track “Nukey” has a heavy drum break and synths from Skep, with Rewd channelling his inner Big Daddy Kane via the hardcore ferocity of Blade.

10 Below – Break These Walls Down

LABEL: Ice Cream Records

FORMAT: EP

GENRE: Dance – House – 2 Step / Garage

DATE: 07/05/12

The legends of UKG, 10 Below (Kelly Le Roc ‘My Love’), are back with a track that is set to shake the airwaves and clubland. “Break These Walls Down” features Kelly Pepper, a 22 year old singer/songwriter from London.

Having just completed her debut album with some of the best songwriters and producers the UK can offer, she’s now ready to take the industry by storm. Recently featuring on KIG’s comeback single “Dreams”, which reached top 10 in the club-dance charts and had regular plays on numerous radio stations across the country. With an imminent tour and debut solo single to come later this year, there’s no doubt Kelly is one to watch in 2012.

Featuring alongside Kelly is the cousin of British rapper Dizzee Rascal, Gracious K. Hot on the heels of his highly addictive songs “Migraine Skank”, and “Hands In The Air” and edging close to 2 million hits on YouTube with his combined videos, the East London born rapper also sprinkles his magic on this track.

Belleruche – Rollerchain

LABEL: Tru Thoughts

FORMAT: LP

GENRE: Alternative – Electronic / EBM

DATE: 07/05/12

Belleruche’s fourth album, “Rollerchain”, is out now through Tru Thoughts. This album follows single “Stormbird”, which has by now clocked up 100,000 YouTube hits in just a few short weeks.

With “Rollerchain”, Belleruche have created a more bass heavy, evocative and darker sound in the studio and onstage, whilst still retaining that melodic soulful touch that sets them apart and has gained them a worldwide fanbase. Showcasing a very modern aesthetic combined with classic song writing ability, the album is a collision of haunting vocals, tough analogue sounds and bleeding edge electronic production.

The band spent the last five months of 2011 working on the writing and recording of the album, away from the distractions of touring; taking sounds and twisting them, recording straight versions of songs with bass, drums and guitar and then tearing the idea apart to find a novel and captivating style. A new and unconventional approach to songwriting has resulted in this introspective and aggressive record.

The Amazon and eMusic Bonus Versions have a bonus track each – “Stolen Mirror” on Amazon and “A Mile Walk” on eMusic.

S.P.Y –  Love & Hate EP

LABEL: Hospital Records

FORMAT: EP

GENRE: Dance – Breakbeat / Drum & Bass – Jungle

DATE: 07/05/12

“Love & Hate EP” by S.P.Y is out now through Hospital Records.

It’s hard to believe that this is S.P.Y’s debut full artist release on Hospital. From his first ever release on Med School in 2005, this release is set to win the hearts and minds of long time D+B fans and new comers alike, with its return to core values and pure sound. “Love & Hate” is simple back to basics sub-bass science. Moody atmospherics and trademark twisted diva vocals on the intro make way for some of the most ridiculous subs we’ve heard since the scene in “Jurassic Park” where the T Rex makes the glass of water shake. Next up is the deceptively entitled stepper “Clouds” – where brooding virus synths precede some grinding machine funk. With an offbeat judder reminiscent of the very biggest tech-step anthems this will put a smile from ear to ear on the face of every true junglist.

Taking the heritage sound even further, “Sleepy Hollow” sees Carlos strip back his production to an even purer Detroit sound. It’s an epic synth work out clocking in at over seven and a half minutes. Made in a more traditional, way this is a true opus, and by the standards of today’s attention deficit D+B, quite a marathon.

Katzenjammer – A Kiss Before You Go

LABEL: Propeller Sound

FORMAT: LP

GENRE: Pop

DATE: 06/05/12

“A Kiss Before You Go”, the new album by Norwegian four-piece Katzenjammer is out now through Propeller Recordings. Featuring eleven tracks of folk pop “also informed by Balkan flavours, cabaret clubs, comic strips and straight up pop with the odd dark number thrown in for good measure”, according to Indie London, the band’s second album/debut UK release is one to watch out for.

“…it’s hard to believe any other album this year will make you feel so off-balance as it unfolds – a really rather glorious feeling to be felt in a musical world too often filled with convention.” – The Digital Fix

“…a wonderfully eclectic delight… an album that’s by turns kooky and obscure yet also catchy and jig-along.” – Indie London

Listen to the album on Spotify (with a bonus track):

Buy the album here:

Emmy the Great – God of Loneliness

LABEL: Close Harbour

FORMAT: Single

GENRE: Alternative

DATE: 06/05/12

“God of Loneliness” is the new single by singer-songwriter Emmy the Great. It was originally written for album “Virtue” but didn’t quite make the final tracklist – however, the much sought-after track is now available to fans.

“God of Loneliness” is not just any ordinary single – it is accompanied by a series of comic strips online as well as a short film starring Shazad Latif of Spooks fame and Isy Suttie (Peep Show), which Emmy describes as a “horror rom-com”.

It has already received airplay on Radio 1 (Huw Stephens), Radio 2 (Jo Wiley) and BBC 6 Music (Steve Lamacq, Marc Riley).

Check it out here:

Laurel Collective are on Steve Lamacq’s Rebel Playlist – if they get the most votes, their new single “Fax of Death” will get played on every BBC 6 Music daytime show next week!

We would really appreciate it if you could vote for them here: http://bbc.in/IG0uor

Or alternatively, vote by sending an email to lamacq.6music@bbc.co.uk with the subject ‘LaurelCollective’.

Thank you!

“Fax of Death” will be released through Tape Club Records/Believe on 21st May.

Follow Laurel Collective on Facebook and Twitter:

Are you attending AIM’s Music Connected? If so come along and meet our team, pick our brains and have a general chit chat, we may even have some free biscuits.

Believe Digital is the leading digital distributor and services provider for independent artists & labels in Europe.  In addition to delivering thousands of new releases to online stores worldwide we provide trade marketing services; online marketing support including a comprehensive YouTube management and monetisation service; and house indie record labels Believe Recordings and Tape Club Records.

As a company we pride ourselves on meeting the unique requirements of each label we work with.  We achieve this by providing an easy to use and reliable delivery system alongside a tailor made client services. This is leveraged by our international network of industry experts who can help you develop release schedule and distribution strategies, maximise the profitability of your video channels and market your release to both trade and key press.  As a result we have previously worked with high profile labels including Soundway (Kartel); Air Records Africa; Southern Fried; Hospital; Tru Thoughts; Mute; Fat Cat; Fashion, and Revolver.

Recent notable company successes include the release of James Vincent McMorrow’s acclaimed LP Early in the Morning; the re-launch of UK reggae label Fashion Records; the successful revival of Roy Harper’s catalogue; and the social marketing of the award winning Colonel Reyel.

Find out more about us at www.believedigital.com and we look forward to meeting you at Music Connected on May 9th.

You can find AIM (Association of Independent Music) on:

LABEL: Soundway Records

FORMAT: EP

GENRE: World – South America

DATE: 23/04/12

From the sweltering tropical depths of Cali, Colombia Will ‘Quantic’ Holland’s studio band Los Miticos Del Ritmo (The Mythics of Rhythm), assembled using vallenato and cumbia musicians, return with an album of hip shaking, dancefloor quaking instrumental cumbias.

Recorded in Will’s home studio in Cali, his approach was to produce an album with the aesthetics of 1960s tropical recordings made in Colombia and the Caribbean. Careful attention made to preserve the analogue quality of the recording at every stage.

The record was recorded entirely on 4 track tape, using a process of overdubs and tape transfers to record multiple sessions at different times with different musicians. As Holland began to play the dub plates of the project in his DJ sets around the world, tracks like ‘Cumbia de Mochilla’ and ‘Another one Bites the Dust’ slowly became sure-fire dancefloor winners. Other tracks on this feel good, house party cumbia LP include Michael Jackson’s ‘Don’t Stop’ and Gildardo Montoya’s ‘Fabiola’ (as featured on Soundway’s ‘The Original Sound of Cumbia’), alongside original cumbias.

Don Preston – Filters, Oscillators & Envelopes 1967-75

LABEL: Sub Rosa

FORMAT: EP

GENRE: Alternative – Electronic / EBM

DATE: 30/04/12

“Filters, Oscillators & Envelopes 1967-75” is an album of previously unreleased electronic music from Don Preston, the original The Mothers Of Invention keyboardist.

One could hardly not see in Don Preston a key musician within Frank Zappa’s oeuvre. He is not only that, but his presence has marked The Mothers’ major records from 1966 to 1974. His touch was already there before the arrival of Ian Underwood, and it continued after Ian left.

Immersed in jazz music, he was imagining secret ties with the nascent electronic music. In the mid-’60s, Preston started developing an electronic instrument, using a home-made synthesizer and a series of oscillators and filters. Out of this instrument came Electronic (1967), his first piece. Two years later, he became a close friend of Robert Moog, and their discussions gave birth to a number of applications in relation with the flexibility of the instrument. Nowadays, you can’t mention the Mini-Moog without thinking of Preston. Bob Moog himself said about his solo in Waka Jawaka: “That’s impossible. You can’t do that on a Moog.” “Filters, Oscillators & Envelopes” features the other side, the hidden side of Don Preston: the composer of purely electronic music.

Make The Girl Dance – Tchiki Tchiki Tchiki

LABEL: Roy Music

FORMAT: EP

GENRE: Dance – Electro

DATE: 24/04/12

“Tchiki Tchiki Tchiki” is the fifth single from Make The Girl Dance, out today through Roy Music.

After the electro-fuelled tracks “Baby Baby Baby”, “Kill Me” and “Broken Toy Boy”, “Tchiki Tchiki Tchiki” is a more guitar-based output from the French electro duo and very different from the precedent EP – a track born to a desire of rockabilly. The track features Little Barrie, a power trio hailing from Nottingham.

Ill Vibes (US Blog): “Simply crazy but what did you expect from the guys who gave you probably one of the best video. You can deny how dope is their sound is.

Atari Cool Kids (US Blog) : “Parisian electro act, Make The Girl Dance, known for their smashing first single “Baby Baby Baby” has launched a fresh and catchy second single “Kill Me”, that is guaranteed to make the body rock.

Raghu Dixit – Raghu Dixit: Unplugged

LABEL: Bd Pugh

FORMAT: EP

GENRE: World – India

DATE: 19/03/12

Recorded last summer with his band The Raghu Dixit Project in a stunning medieval church in Walmgate, York, this album is an intimate, largely acoustic affair in which Raghu permeates his extraordinary vocal prowess with intricate guitar work.

The release includes “No Man Will Ever Love You Like I Do”, the song that transformed his career when he performed it live on Later… With Jools Holland back in 2009 to an audience including fellow-guests Adele, Robert Plant and Arcade Fire, who all showed their appreciation. Following transmission Raghu topped the iTunes’ World Music chart in Britain and he’s now India’s highest-selling non-Bollywood domestic artist. Raghu sings with pure unbridled elation, his music and vocals powerfully uplifting and a real awakener to the senses.

2012 is shaping up to be another remarkable chapter in the Raghu Dixit story. Completely unknown in the UK when his first album was released here in 2010, he’s now set to perform for, and meet, The Queen! Raghu will perform crowd favourite Mysore Se Ayi on ‘All The Queens Horses: A Diamond Jubilee Special’ at Windsor Castle on 13 May with the concert being aired on ITV in early June, also starring Joss Stone, Il Divo and Susan Boyle.

Fliptrix – Third Eye of the Storm

LABEL: High Focus Records

FORMAT: LP

GENRE: Hip Hop – Alternative

DATE: 23/04/12

Fliptrix returns with the third installment of his solo opus, “Third Eye Of The Storm”, released through his own label High Focus Records.

The album, which has been two years in the making, depicts Fliptrix’s journey from where he used to position himself to where he finds himself today – from the confines that define our existence, to places unseen. Inspiration for his tracks are from a wide variety of sources, ranging from the demise of the planet to prophecies and predictions rooted in ancient civilisations.

While the project may be conceptually far more ambitious than any of Fliptrix’s previous work, there is no mistaking the trademark lyricism that he is renowned for.

Featuring an all-star cast of UK’s finest lyricists such as Jehst, Farma G, Verb T, Buggsy, Ramson Badbonez and High Focus Record’s label-mate Jam Baxter, and stellar production from Chemo, 184, Jon Phonics, Medison, Naive, Runone,  Kerem Fraiche, Kontigo and High Focus label-mate Leaf Dog to name a few, this album is definitely one to watch out for.

Various Artists – Calabash Selection, Vol. 1

LABEL: Maximum Sound

FORMAT: LP

GENRE: Reggae – Roots

DATE: 30/04/12

Calabash Selection Vol. 1 regroups Maximum Sound tracks remixed by Russ Disciples of Jah Shaka Sound System and Douguie Conscious, the two leading producers in the New Roots Steppers UK scene today. This release features 11 Roots and Culture tracks for the Reggae fans out there.

Artists remixed on this album include Sizzla, Luciano, Yami Bolo, I Octane and Lutan Fyah – all leaders of the modern Jamaican roots and culture scene today, as well as veteran singer and Massive Attack vocalist Horace Andy.

Check out the compilation here:

Wabotaï – Circle Songs

LABEL: Buda Musique

FORMAT: LP

GENRE: World – African

DATE: 23/04/12

“Circle Songs” is the new album by Wabotaï, out now through Buda Musique.

Intertwining rhythms, overlapping and responding voices, swaying bodies represent the characteristic features of these circular songs inspired by the Pygmies and Mongos of Northern Congo. There is a vital, repetitive impulse, a source of trance that transcends the rich harmony and polyphony, and a polyrhythmic sophistication that gives these songs (sung in Lingala, English and Japanese!) their unique nature.

Jean-Paul Wabotai is also a very talented painter, whose works are exhibited at the venues where he performs in concert. The CD booklet presents some of his paintings, which are the visual reflection of the underlying humanist dimension in his work, whether musical or pictorial.

Check out the video below:

Video by Sonny Malhotra

‘Everything’s OK’ from Rewd Adams and The Last Skeptik is available digitally 7th May 2012.

Already the first player in the digital distribution in Europe, Believe Digital decided to develop artists of all kinds and more and created Indie record label, Believe recordings.

Believe Recordings is so far home to artists James Vincent McMorrow, Mina Tindle and The Rumour Said Fire.

They have just launched their Facebook page so head over there and ‘Like’ it to keep up to date with the label and its artists.

You can also follow them on Twitter.