Brian d’Souza, better known as Auntie Flo, delivers his brand-new fourth studio album, ‘In My Dreams (I’m A Bird and I’m Free)’, set for release on 21st November. The album, a rich blend of electronic music, live instrumentation, and global influences features collaborations with the likes of Nicola Cruz, Joshua Idehen, Shingai Shoniwa, Yohan Kebede (Kokoroko) and even his Goan Auntie Florie, where the Auntie Flo moniker is derived from. Each track on the album transports you to a different location: Goa, Istanbul, Nairobi, Mexico City, Waiheke Island, Rio De Janeiro, Havana, Seoul are all destinations to nest in across its ten tracks. It will be available in both digital and vinyl formats on his own label, A State of Flo Records.

Auntie Flo’s latest body of work is the culmination of a five-year journey that has seen d’Souza expand both personally and musically. Known for his unique ability to fuse electronic sounds with rhythms and influences from across the globe, d’Souza takes his craft to new heights in this album, offering listeners an intimate look into the experiences, places, and stories that have shaped his artistic evolution. The groundbreaking DJ and producer presents an expansive, deeply personal exploration of global sounds, collaboration, and migration.

Following the success of the Afro-disco single Green City—a dynamic tribute to the legendary Fela Kuti and Luke Una’s ‘track of the year’—In My Dreams (I’m A Bird and I’m Free) ventures further into uncharted musical territory. The album, however, is more than just a continuation of Auntie Flo’s signature sound. It is a reflection of d’Souza’s life and career, capturing his exploration of identity, migration, and cultural fusion. With tracks that draw inspiration from field recordings collected around the world, the album resonates with a profound sense of place and memory.

In My Dreams (I’m A Bird and I’m Free) is not only a reflection of d’Souza’s creative journey but also a commentary on migration—both human and musical. The album draws on the freedom of birds to migrate across borders as a metaphor for artistic and personal freedom, juxtaposed with the challenges that political barriers impose on human migration. As d’Souza explains, “Birds have the freedom to migrate wherever they choose, while humans face constant barriers”.

A State of Flo supports Earth Percent. 10% of the revenue generated from this release will be paid to environmental charities. More

Auntie Flo returns to Highlife! Paying homage to a time well spent in Korea. Delicate and atmospheric sound design from the DMZ. With thanks to our pal Akimbo for granting permission to feature the chuggy remix of High Flight. More

For Against Fascism Trax 006, Auntie Flo takes us to Brazil, a country that is dealing with having a bona fide fascist president, with an EP recorded in Rio De Janeiro. I’m going to shut up and let Afonso Marcondes from Sao Paolo take it from here - In a world in which culture policies (incl. music) win nationalist tones, Brazil has lessons to give with the catastrophic failed experience of the last government and the teletubbies talk on Culture from the current one. As one sometimes feel as if one is on a time-warp from time to time, most often taken there by music, songs like March of The Berimbau here, could easy make for the perfect soundtrack for the political history of Brazil, country in which Auntie Flo got his inspiration and recorded this tracks. From the military regime that gave Brazil bossa nova in the 60’s, the tropicália sounds of the 70’s to the pop rock era of the 80’s all the way from the rave scene of the 90’s to todays Bahia Bass, music in Brazil has always been instrumental in helping shape the political scene. One thing about the Brazilian music ’scene’ is that rarely it lends itself to extreme political views, via lyrics or otherwise, after all, carnaval must be kept a happy time! The number of different cultures living in peace, side by side in Brazil has strenghten the country disapproval of hate talk in music since I can remember growing up in the interior of São Paulo state.
More

In the final chapter of the 'Theory of Flo' story, we've enlisted the services of the mighty DJ Sotofett to remix the closing track 'For Mihaly', and what a job he's done! Dark, weird and percussive - just how we like it. We also include brand new versions featuring occasional live drummer, Laurie Pitt and a reprise with Poppy Ackroyd.
More

Having been shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year? award, we follow up 'Theory of Flo' with some stellar remixes from friends and associates.. Next up in the series, we've employed the services of our Berlin buddies, Africaine 808 and a long time favourite producer of ours, Mark E; who have each delivered a blinder. Auntie Flo himself tops things off with a brand new version of the album opener primed for the dancefloor. More

we are very pleased to announce the 2nd release of auntie flo on mule musiq. “reverence” is african taste very deep tech house.if you like culoe de song or mr raoul k,
you will love this song. “drum meditation” is more dj tool edit and "synthapella" is nice sound effect tool. More

Having been recently shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year award, we follow up 'Theory of Flo' with some stellar remixes from friends and associates. First up HIGHLIFE label mates, Mehmet Aslan and CAIN deliver the goods on Cape Malay Prayer and Hewal3 - as to be expected. What wasn't planned was this sublime rework by The Revenge. We felt so precious about Waiting For A (Woman) - convinced that the original was too good to be tampered with - until an unexpected turn of events brought our fellow Glaswegian (and SAY nominee) to the controls, resulting in a sophisticated rework for the dancefloor - who better really when you think about it?!
Released on vinyl courtesy of Highlife x H+P this summer. More remixes on the way.. More

Auntie Flo returns with his 'Theory of Flo' LP masterpiece, his first re- lease on H+P in over 3 years! Following his critically acclaimed 'Future Rhythm Machine' LP, 'Theory of Flo' is a bold step ahead from FRM, as it takes us on the trip of a life- time; spanning continents, genres, languages and cultures to create a wholly unique listening experience; and one which is only possible in 2015. Teaming up with long term collaborator, Esa Williams, the album also features collaborations with the incredible Ghanaian singer, Anbu- ley (who last appeared on the Autonomous Africa hit 'Daabi'), Shingai Showina (of The Noisettes / Matthew Herbert / Dennis Ferrer fame) and has experienced a lengthy recording process between Havana, London and Glasgow - with outstanding results. Scratch the surface and it becomes clear that by interweaving the rhythms and traditions of Africa and Latin America with more familiar western club sounds and four-to-the-floor electronic house music, Auntie Flo's interplanetary projects can break down barriers to fans on both sides of the electronic/world music divide. Fans of Daphni, Debruit or Spoek Mathambo are all too aware of the tendency for media and crit- ics to sub categorise and pigeon-hole. Auntie Flo is building his own artistic response, one that is re-energising house music, that looks out- wards but is very much indebted to the vibrancy of the Glasgow club scene. With regular appearances on the foremost underground dance music filter Boiler Room, and a monthly show on Rinse FM, Auntie Flo has earned the respect to take the marimbas of West Africa and the palenque of Colombia to the unsuspecting. More

Auntie Flo returns with his 'Theory of Flo' LP masterpiece, his first release on H+P in over 3 years! Following his critically acclaimed 'Future Rhythm Machine' LP, 'Theory of Flo' is a bold step ahead from FRM, as it takes us on the trip of a lifetime; spanning continents, genres, languages and cultures to create a wholly unique listening experience; and one which is only possible in 2015. Teaming up with long term collaborator, Esa Williams, the album also features collaborations with the incredible Ghanaian singer, Anbuley (who last appeared on the Autonomous Africa hit 'Daabi'), Shingai Showina (of The Noisettes / Matthew Herbert / Dennis Ferrer fame) and has experienced a lengthy recording process between Havana, London and Glasgow - with outstand- ing results. 'Theory of Flo' lands this November, in the meantime, his 'So In Love' smasher and the spellbinding 'Waiting For A (Woman)' drop on limited 10".. More

We hope you will permit us the indulgence of deviating slightly from our globe trotting explorations on this release as we pay homage to the sun. 'HIGHLIFE on holiday', if you will. Stepping away from the edits, Auntie Flo delivers a new original track. Sun Ritual II takes things up a notch from its earlier counterpart (released on Kompakt), banging dare-we-say-it 'Berghain techno' gives way to warm synth-laden euphoria. On the flip, Miajica, one third of Alma Negra who you may recall from HIGHLIFE2. Here he serves up a delightfully familiar summer treat, the original being an end of the night, HIGHLIFE highlight, particularly at our annual 'Tribute to the Sun' event. We're sure you'll agree that both sides are rock solid and primed for the summer! More

In 2011 he burst onto the scene with his debut ‘Goan Highlife EP’ and his 2012 follow up ‘Oh My Days’ on Huntleys & Palmers winning him fans across a broad musical spectrum. He followed it up with the more experimental mini-album Future Rhythm Machine alongside releases on Kompakt and Mule Musiqe showcasing the full range of his unique sound, encompassing classic house, disco, techno, electronica influences alongside afrobeat, kwaito, cumbia and South American rhythms. His first 12” for Permanent Vacation highlights two full on afro-futurist stompers for maximal Block Party pleasure. The B side sees an Afro Acid Dub take by label mate and Auntie Flo live show collaborator Esa for the basement and warehouse clubs on this planet.


More

Auntie Flo returns to Highlife! Paying homage to a time well spent in Korea. Delicate and atmospheric sound design from the DMZ. With thanks to our pal Akimbo for granting permission to feature the chuggy remix of High Flight. More

Little did we know when we started Highlife back in 2010, that over in Quito, Ecuador a young Nicola Cruz was being drawn to the similar sounds and artists as us. Over time we've formed a mutual admiration and we couldn't think of a better example of a Highlife artist - so we're unbelievably excited to present his debut record on the label! The EP is inspired by walks around nature, cachoeiras, forests, simply all the beauty you find when visiting isolated, almost untouched spots of gorgeous nature. More

We're delighted to kick off our 10th anniversary celebrations with a release from an artist we've long admired, Dusseldorf's Harmonious Thelonious. His explorations into minimalism and polyrhythms have been staples in our sets since we were first connected via the Salon des Amateurs, and we couldn't be happier to welcome him into the Highlife fold with one of his brightest sounding records yet - documenting his musical adventures in Uganda.A1. Versteckte Muziek, A2. George Villa ft. Leo Palayeng, B1. Company, B2. It Never Rains In Jinja ft. Ocen James More

"Music is changing, the world is getting smaller.. Highlife brings you fresh new music from corners of the world you’d least expect." An early slogan we adopted in 2010.. On the eve of our 10th anniversary and as we question our relevancy, we close out the year with fresh new music by a brand new project.. and what a BEAUTIFUL case in point! Brought to you in collaboration between Skinnydeep from Masiphumelele - one of the largest townships in Cape Town - and Jesse Reiner of Brooklyn, NYC. The two producers bonded over a shared sensibility in electronic minimalism, Zulu rhythms, house and techno and began a year’s long international collaboration resulting in Unyuko - meaning 'going up' in isiXhosa, one of the Bantu languages of South Africa. It references ‘upllifting’ or ‘a rising’ after struggle and couldn't be a more appropriate title. More

Having spent the last few years impressing audiences around the world with his magical sound, we're very excited to announce that The Turk, Mehmet Aslan makes a welcome return to Highlife! More

This years' summer hits on Highlife comes courtesy of a new artist from Hamburg called Green Ink who's served up four uniquely brilliant global party smashers. Game on! More

CAIN is back with a BANG this summer! The smile inducing Eshu probably one of the biggest tracks he's made to date and one we've sat on for too long now.. As always, the other two tracks are equally as varied and great - Phoenix makes for a great opener and Hoji is a current Lena Willikens hit. More

Having been rinsed by the likes of Dixon over the summer, we're very happy to finally release Auntie Flo's remix of Oumou Sangare! It's complimented by a brand new original by the man himself on the flip, Desert Island. More

In the final chapter of the 'Theory of Flo' story, we've enlisted the services of the mighty DJ Sotofett to remix the closing track 'For Mihaly', and what a job he's done! Dark, weird and percussive - just how we like it. We also include brand new versions featuring occasional live drummer, Laurie Pitt and a reprise with Poppy Ackroyd.
More

Introducing the next release on Highlife - our secret weapons by the mysterious Tanzania Sound System. If you've caught us playing anywhere this year, you'll have heard at least one of these. Now it's time to share the goodness... More

Having been shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year? award, we follow up 'Theory of Flo' with some stellar remixes from friends and associates.. Next up in the series, we've employed the services of our Berlin buddies, Africaine 808 and a long time favourite producer of ours, Mark E; who have each delivered a blinder. Auntie Flo himself tops things off with a brand new version of the album opener primed for the dancefloor. More

Having been recently shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year award, we follow up 'Theory of Flo' with some stellar remixes from friends and associates. First up HIGHLIFE label mates, Mehmet Aslan and CAIN deliver the goods on Cape Malay Prayer and Hewal3 - as to be expected. What wasn't planned was this sublime rework by The Revenge. We felt so precious about Waiting For A (Woman) - convinced that the original was too good to be tampered with - until an unexpected turn of events brought our fellow Glaswegian (and SAY nominee) to the controls, resulting in a sophisticated rework for the dancefloor - who better really when you think about it?!
Released on vinyl courtesy of Highlife x H+P this summer. More remixes on the way.. More

Following his NAGAN belter and fresh from his recent appearance on the Boiler Room, CAIN returns to India with two superb rhythmic releases on HIGHLIFE. Early support from Ben UFO, Optimo, Midland, Pearson Sound, Studio Barnhus, Honey Soundsystem, Cowboy Rhythmbox, etc. More

Following his NAGAN belter, CAIN returns to India with two superb rhythmic releases on HIGHLIFE. Early support from Ben UFO, Optimo, Midland, Pearson Sound, Studio Barnhus, Honey Soundsystem, Cowboy Rhythmbox, etc. More

Next up in the Highlife World Series, we take a trip to Kenya where our man Esa plays the role of producer for the first time; with super talented local musicians - Sarabi and Makadem (aka the Fela of Kenya). Instantly timeless on both sides, see for yourself.. More

The Highlife World Series is a collaborative series of releases by UK-based Brian d’Souza aka Auntie Flo and Esa Williams. The first three parts are to be released in quick succession in early 2015, beginning with Cuba, followed by Kenya and finishing with Uganda. Each release features original songs produced in collaboration with local musicians. All proceeds from each release will be sent back to the respective countries in order to fund further musical production costs in years to come. We will also be seeking various ways to distribute the music in each country so the music is freely available for the musicians to use at home. More

Introducing previous HIGHLIFE guest, CAIN for his first vinyl release... We've been asked about NAGAN joyously infectious vocals all summer since its debut on our Rinse show and are excited to finally share it along with HIGHLIFE exclusive, VATULA.. Think Daphni via Delhi and you'll be in a similar ballpark. Nagan comes from CAIN's 'Savann EP' due to be released digitally via Fine Grains in the forthcoming months. More

We hope you will permit us the indulgence of deviating slightly from our globe trotting explorations on this release as we pay homage to the sun. 'HIGHLIFE on holiday', if you will. Stepping away from the edits, Auntie Flo delivers a new original track. Sun Ritual II takes things up a notch from its earlier counterpart (released on Kompakt), banging dare-we-say-it 'Berghain techno' gives way to warm synth-laden euphoria. On the flip, Miajica, one third of Alma Negra who you may recall from HIGHLIFE2. Here he serves up a delightfully familiar summer treat, the original being an end of the night, HIGHLIFE highlight, particularly at our annual 'Tribute to the Sun' event. We're sure you'll agree that both sides are rock solid and primed for the summer! More