Mural - Shake It Up EP (New Human Music)

Erik Brown, also known as as graphic artist FRISK, unveils the moniker Mural and catapults onto the electronic music stage with his latest creation, the Shake It Up EP, released under the innovative new label New Human Music. Brown, a mainstay in the San Francisco music scene has been dazzling the Bay Area with underground DJ sets since the early 2000s. His unique ability to weave intricate grooves using an arsenal of gear is evident in this latest offering. As he prepares to relocate his studio to Thailand in 2024, his impressive discography continues to expand with this new venture into New Human Music's revolutionary ethos.

The EP, a succinct yet impactful trio of tracks, kicks off with "Shake It Up," a robust house music anthem designed for an energized underground. It's a masterful blend of crisp rhythms, pulsating synthesizers, ethereal string pads, and vibrant vocal stabs that create an irresistible auditory invitation. Following this is "Shake and Dub," a more minimalist dub version of its predecessor. This track strips back the layers to spotlight rhythmic drums, a groove-laden bassline, and '80s-flavored synth tones and effects. And then“Love Will Find A Way” combines Moroder-ized synth patterns with an uplifting vocal hook. Together, these songs exemplify Mural's prowess in crafting tunes that resonate with the eclectic and dynamic spirit of New Human Music, a label that celebrates artistic transformation and the seamless fusion of genres like New Techno, Retro Disco, and House Music.

Jon Fugler (Fluke) – “I absolutely love this. Every track is a gem.”
Juan Moreno (1 Life Records) – “Nice track, perfect for the sun.”
Ewan Pearson (Kompakt) – “I’m liking both of these tracks a lot.”
Jon Wesley (Insomniac) – “Great tunes. I like them all. Shake It Up really works, can’t wait to play it.”
Brian Busto (Serious Soul) – “Shake It Up is fire. Will be playing this one a lot.”
Steve ‘Griffo’ Griffiths (Fluid Radio Shows) – “A very groovy EP! Shake and Dub is the one for me.”

Available Now From: Traxsource, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Block Barley - Ether Ghost (The Content Label)

The Content Label presents Ether Ghost, the sophomore album from Hamburg-based producer and artist Block Barley. Block Barley is recognized for his innovative contributions to the music scene, like the notable full-length album Dead At The Control and a collaboration with Guilty Simpson, known for his work with the late producer J Dilla.

Ether Ghost is a sonic journey through thirteen psyche-out tracks that seamlessly fuse classic production methods with a contemporary edge. Drawing inspiration from Italian Giallo soundtracks, library records, darkwave, progressive rock, and the Memphis rap-tape culture, Ether Ghost is a pitch-shifted exploration of gritty soundscapes.

From the cinematic tone set by the opening track, "You Better Sleep," with its mighty drums reflecting the urgency of modernity, to the post-industrial pulse of "Iron Gate Sanctuary," providing a path to break free from constraints, each piece contributes to the album's distinct and hypnotic vibe. "The Coffin" unfolds with a codeine-laced bounce, serving as a poignant eulogy for our times. Throughout the album, Block Barley manipulates cinematic themes, creating tension and anticipation through repetitive motifs, leading towards the final track, "Ether's Whisper" — an ethereal infusion of ambient hope that resolves the prevailing dark atmosphere, leaving listeners with a profound and emotive experience.

Enter the realm of the Ether Ghost.

This project is available on a limited vinyl edition, a collaborative effort between Hafenschlamm Records and Votava Records, while the digital release is managed by The Content Label from Los Angeles. Ether Ghost pays homage to the global community spirit of the underground beat scene, celebrating music as a collective experience.

DJ Clairvo (Tilos Radio, Budapest) – “This is top-notch downbeat material. Enjoying the several moods and tones the tunes have. Well done!”
Marcelo Taveres (Deep Space Podcast) – “I love the very dark and shadowy sonic soundscapes.”
Dogu (Ancient Astronauts) – “I like ‘You Better Sleep’ and ‘Purple Dawn’. Will play on air.”
Lotek (The Shake) – “Iron Gate Sanctuary is such a groove.”
Jeannie Hopper (WBAI FM New York) – “Spooky, dreamy, ethereal grooves. Diggin’ it.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT Radio Show) – “A strangely compelling selections. Swampy, wonky, and definitely cinematic. Some real standouts here, a great album.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Oded Nir - Indoor Life (Suntree Records)

Almost five years after the success of his acclaimed LP, Rooftop Conversations, the immensely talented bassist and multi-instrumentalist Oded Nir returns with a captivating and dreamlike new album. Indoor Life is a sonic exploration, seamlessly blending elements of jazz, trip-hop, funk, soul, and downtempo gems. The result is a transformative musical journey that invites listeners into realms of self-reflection and dreams.

Highlighting this album are extraordinary collaborations with Grammy award-winning Jamiroquai's legendary drummer, Derrick McKenzie. Together with Oded, McKenzie co-wrote and produced the mesmerizing track "Alive," featuring the soulful vocals of his daughter, Jenner McKenzie. Derrick's production prowess also shines on "Late Bloomer," a disco-infused easy-listening tune, and "Hot Mess," where his live, powerful drums take center stage.

Adding to the supergroup dynamic is Matt Johnson, another member of Jamiroquai, who lends his keyboard magic to Oded's funky track "Hot Mess." Tel Aviv-based vocalist Meital De Razon graces the soulful and romantic "Come Back," while India-born vocalist Sandhya Sanjana contributes to the meditative early morning track "Sunrise."

The late Paris/Amsterdam DJ producer Benjamin Ellery lends his French spoken word voice to "Film Noir," infusing the track with a trip-hop allure. Local Amsterdam musician and Oded's band member Thijs Van Den Geest collaborates on the fantastic "Sababa Dub," a smoothly rolling groove. The title track, "Indoor Life," evokes feelings of nostalgia and love. At the same time, the album concludes with a re-edited 2023 version of Oded's 2011 hit "Into Your Heart," featuring Dutch vocalist Gia Mellish.

Indoor Life has already seen the release of five singles, earning acclaim from FM radio stations worldwide and securing placements in major Spotify playlists. Prepare to be transported by the enchanting sounds of Oded Nir's Indoor Life album.

Enne (Electunes) – “A really good album. Gonna play some of these for sure.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House web zine) – “Truly glorious and eclectic.”
Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica) – “This album is a gem.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “An outstanding project!”
Michael Moebus (Back To Funk Radio Show) – “Nice bass work & funk-leaning sensibility.”
Jon Wesley (Music Goes On Radio Show) – “This is an outstanding LP. Excellent music and production. I’ll enjoy playing all of these tunes.”

Available Now From: Traxsource, Juno Download, Beatport, And Spotify.

DJ Daniel D - Homemade Grooves #1 - SynthFunk Music

From the bustling streets of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, to the heart of the global house music scene, DJ Daniel D has been spinning tracks that resonate with the soul of dance floors around the world. With Homemade Grooves #1, his latest EP offering under the vibrant banner of SynthFunk Music, Daniel invites us on a sonic journey that bridges the gap between the nostalgic echoes of the '70s funk and disco and the pulsating rhythms of modern house, nu-disco, and beyond. Here's a time machine with a disco ball, powered by synthesizers and an unquenchable passion for the groove.

The EP kicks off with "Just Funk," a track that grabs the listener by the collar, pulling one straight onto the dance floor. Its squelchy bass lines and bongo percussions resemble Italo escapades of yore, but the bright synthesizer chords and a relentless four-on-the-floor rhythm are all about getting your feet moving in the here and now. "Don't Miss It" takes a turn into the late-night vibes of a Chicago warehouse, with its classic house sound peppered with snazzy 808 snare rolls and deep keys, all built around a cheeky sample from an '80s movie favorite. The closing track, "Life Boat," offers a mid-tempo respite, layering arpeggiated synths over a driving techno bass line, with dramatic piano chords adding just the right amount of emotional heft to the EP's finale.

SynthFunk Music has indeed captured lightning in a bottle with Homemade Grooves #1, delivering a collection of tracks that feel simultaneously classic and fresh. This exceptional release is a vibrant, living entity that beckons one to dance, dream, and dive deep into the heart of house music.

Psycho-Jones (Kater Blau) – “This is really great! Can’t wait to spin the tracks.”
DJ Harri (Sub Club) – “Lovely stuff, will play and promote.” Anthonne Shepherd (BoogieKnights) – “Some really nice vibes here. Each track has elements that I’m digging.”
DJ Osric (Black and Blue Show) – “This is a top notch release.”
Simon Kirk (Proton Radio) – “3 absolute storming 80’s tinged House gems! Wonderful release.”
Bruce Tantum (DJ Mag) – “Loving this one. Really effective stuff, should work great on the dancefloor.”

Available Now From: Traxsource, Beatport, Bandcamp, And Spotify.