Sophie Lloyd’s debut on Classic Music Company ‘Calling Out’ came last year as an antidote to the pervading doom and gloom of the news and a dreary winter, and inspired remixes from David Penn, Danny Krivit, Riva Starr and Floorplan. On her second single ‘Raise Me Up’ sees her re-unite with soul trio Dames Brown to deliver a dose of gospel-infused, joyous, uplifting house music. Sophie’s impeccable knowledge of disco and soul shines through on the record, with organ chords and rhythmic percussion bringing the authentic gospel sound of countless classics. This 12” release also features two mixes from fellow Londoner Alan Dixon, who brings his signature disco-laced sound to the release, his remix upping the tempo and with a harder bassline that makes the track more club-focussed. Alan’s stripped-back dub rounds off the release with an essential club tool. More

Girls of the Internet’s Tom Kerridge announces the release of forthcoming album When I Was Lost, I Found Myself on Classic Music Company, Luke Solomon’s revered imprint. Following the acclaimed, self-released 2020 album ‘Girls FM’, ‘When I Was Lost, I Found Myself’ delves into a deeper and more personal journey for Tom. Spanning 12 blissed out genre-blending house records and featuring stellar vocalists such as Sadie Walker, Allysha Joy, shiv, ALLKNIGHT, Anelisa Lamola and more, Tom continues to demonstrate his innate ability to nurture talent and collaborate on this latest LP. With heavy support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing, Girls of the Internet’s previous singles from the LP, in particular ‘Never Ever Ever’ featuring Irish singer-songwriter shiv (which also saw a remix from legendary producer Henrik Schwarz) have seen the group reach new heights in recent months. Selected as BBC Introducing’s Track of the Week, both ‘Never Ever Ever’ and the following garage-inspired ‘Gravity’ featuring ALLKNIGHT have formed a path laden with anticipation for the full LP. Girls of the Internet’s manifesto is clear; to create dance music that calls back to how it was made at its inception, but with the knowledge and experience of the past 50 years of the genre. More

Returning to Classic with his first solo original in 20 years, prolific producer and audio engineer Lance DeSardi unveils ‘Higher’, a three-track release featuring vocals from Jesse Rennix. A frequent studio partner of Luke Solomon, Lance DeSardi has collaborated with the label boss on numerous projects, including on Luke’s Powerdance project and Honey Dijon’s LP ‘Black Girl Magic’ which garnered significant media attention, appearing in The Guardian, Pitchfork, NME, The Line Of Best Fit and more. Now returning to the label, Lance DeSardi showcases his original sound alongside singer, songwriter and producer Jesse Rennix, an established dance vocalist who has released on Om Records, Wolf + Lamb and Legwork. Together the two create studio magic with their EP ‘Higher’, opening with the sultry and expansive title track, stuffed to brim with bright synth goodness as Jesse’s haunting vocals build with menacing intensity. Next up, Lance delivers the ‘Higher’ Space Dub, before ‘The Runaway (House Is A’ Pealin’)’ closes the release with its wickedly dark yet deliciously intense underground club sound. More

JT Donaldson’s blissed-out release ‘Stay Inside’ is now available on wax for the first time. With soulful vocals provided by fellow Texan Liv.e, delicate instrumentals and a grooving beat, ‘Stay Inside’ swiftly became an infectious hit following its release on Classic Music Company, ascending to #1 on the Traxsource chart. This four-track package features the original alongside the club-focused remix, which maintains the blissful sound of the original mix while upping the ante with agile drums and playful piano samples. Next up, house legend Sandy Rivera lends his unique brand of soulful funk to the track, with an enhanced bassline and undulating groove hard to resist. Finally, Girls of the Internet lace in soft percussion and looping guitar riffs that retain the laid-back feel of the original. More

Robert and Lyric Hood aka Floorplan return to Classic with two-track release ‘The Curse Breaker / What You Need’, further demonstrating their unique gospel house sound. With their growing catalogue of previous Classic releases gaining extensive club support from tastemakers such as Dan Shake, TSHA, Jamie Jones and Seth Troxler to name a small few, as well as widespread specialist radio support, the appetite for Floorplan’s Classic output is evident. Now the father and daughter duo return with another adventurous vocal sample for their latest release; ‘The Curse Breaker’ combines a religious sermon with expertly produced house, building from a small flame to its euphoric, blazing climax. Next up, ‘What You Need’ displays the duo’s disco influences with a heavy dose of classic 20th century soul. More

Sophie Lloyd returns to Luke Solomon’s imprint alongside the effervescent singer songwriter Amy Douglas for a wax release of ‘Sweet Love’, an anthemic disco release bursting with sensuality. The pair are well known to Classic fans; Sophie for her debut release, ‘Calling Out’ with Detroit trio Dames Brown, and her subsequent release ‘Angels By My Side’ which received a soulful remix package from Floorplan. Additionally, nostalgic house vocals from Brooklyn’s Amy Douglas have appeared on tracks from Luke Solomon’s ‘Love. Hope. Happiness’ to Horse Meat Disco’s ‘Message To The People’, also featuring the Dames. For the Love Hangover mix of ‘Sweet Love’, a slow, intoxicating intro erupts in a burst of energy as Amy’s vocals and Sophie’s production come together for an ambitious, driving composition. The vinyl also features a remix from the label boss himself; Luke Solomon’s Always Love Revision of this modern disco anthem ups the ante, adding huge swathes of energy to the previously sensual record. Similarly, the Sweet Lovin’ Mix capitalises on the raucous finale from the original Love Hangover Mix. More

Robert and Lyric Hood return as Floorplan to Classic Music Company with another double release of divine house goodness. ‘We Give Thee Honor’ is a high energy rave number with an instantly recognisable hook as a syncopated organ stab is juxtaposed with a wild vocal loop and unpredictable gospel interjections, creating the unique energy of worship in full flow. The second cut, ‘Makes Me Wanna’, has a more minimal approach to production, playing to Floorplan’s club expertise. Both tracks are packed full of powerful, feminine vocals that celebrate the duo’s spiritual influences. More

Critically acclaimed songwriter, fashion mogul and electronic artist Honey Dijon is back with a vinyl package of exclusive remixes from her sophomore album ‘Black Girl Magic’, which saw the trailblazer receive recognition from major international outlets, cementing her as a globally relevant superstar. ‘Slap! EP’ features remixes produced by Honey in collaboration with Classic label boss Luke Solomon; the two previously collaborated on Beyoncé’s chart-topping album ‘Renaissance’, receiving GRAMMY Awards for their musical contributions. Four tracks from ‘Black Girl Magic’ are revisited with a tougher, club-ready approach, adding a hefty weight to the already driving releases; ‘Show Me Some Love’ with Channel Tres featuring Sadie Walker gets a treatment that is sure to Shake The Earth, while Honey’s collaboration with Mike Dunn & Ric Wilson ‘C’s Up’ shows off the sound of The Southside, Chicago, in one pounding re-edit. ‘It’s Quiet Now’, featuring 90s RnB-inspired vocals from Dope Earth Alien, receives a chugging Sunlight Remix while ‘Not About You’ gets a Set You Free Remix, liberating the mind with a relentless four on the floor kick. Made with the club in mind, Honey Dijon and Luke Solomon prove again they are a pairing that can’t be beat. More

DJ Eddie Fowlkes created the techno genre alongside Derrick May, Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson. Now the 'Godfather of Techno Soul' uses his extensive knowledge and experience to create a dynamic wax release drenched in Motor City inspiration - this four-track vinyl package is both a love letter to his musical roots and an inspired representation of the left-of-centre house that Classic is known for. For the lead track, 'AHYEE', Eddie carves out his own sound in a low growl as distorted percussion whirs over a four-on-the-floor beat. 'Blow' goes tougher, with an undulating bass that adds a wonky unease to the rhythmic kick and syncopated decoration. On the B-side, ‘Talking To Me’ makes use of a distinctive spoken-word vocal over an expansive and rhythmically intricate accompaniment, celebrating the culture through expert sampling and production techniques, whilst ‘Complex’ is more beat-focused with driving synth rhythms. Coming from producing some of the first techno records nearly 40 years ago, unique releases like this continue to prove Fowlkes' status as a constant innovator, and his ear for house music is undeniable. More

With ‘Angels By My Side', Sophie Lloyd delivered another exceptional release on Classic Music Company, powered by a leading topline from Pauline Taylor over a disco-driven, stomping bassline. Pegged as an anthem in waiting, father-daughter duo Robert and Lyric Hood, best known as Floorplan, now gear up to deliver their remix package, including a floor filling Main Mix and synth padded Dub. Classic Music Company veterans, the two consistently deliver evergreen records on the imprint, providing multi-dimensional cuts bursting with club appeal much like their 2021 releases ‘Right There / Holy Ghost’ and ‘Get My Mansion Ready / Out Of Control’. Born out of a desire to explore Robert’s soulful, spiritual influences, the project continues to evolve into a wondrous family affair as daughter Lyric moves further into the fold. Floorplan are well versed in the value of records that pump the dancefloor with life, with this remix being no exception. More

Classic Music Company are proud to present Black Girl Magic, the highly anticipated sophomore album from the inimitable Honey Dijon. An artist in every sense of the word, across 15 tracks of attitude, energy, heart and community, Honey demonstrates a broad range of disciplines and influences, enlisting A-List collaborators such as Channel Tres, Eve, Pablo Vittar, Josh Caffe, Mike Dunn and more for an unmissable, boundary-pushing LP. Redefining what it is to be a DJ in 2022, this year Honey’s production capabilities have been enlisted by the upper echelon of musicians. Producing two records for Beyonce’s chart-topping album Renaissance and remixing lead single ‘Break My Soul’, as well as working in the studio with Madonna on new material. Now unapologetically expressing her own sound on Black Girl Magic, she unveils the next chapter of her development as a producer and songwriter. Since the first teaser of the album, the BBC Radio 1 playlisted collaboration with Atlanta singer-songwriter Hadiya George ‘Not About You’, to the most recent single ‘Show Me Some Love’ featuring Compton royalty Channel Tres, the Black Girl Magic project has consistently illustrated Honey’s dedication to profiling diverse vocal talent. Shining a spotlight on a new generation of queer people and people of colour, Honey’s intentions to “keep this culture in the conversation,” are demonstrated with the featured artists on the LP More

Sophie Lloyd returns to Classic Music Company for another stunning soulful delivery, this time teaming up with Faithless vocalist Pauline Taylor on ‘Angels By My Side’. Much like Sophie’s previous works on Luke Solomon’s imprint, this record brims with the same joyous energy sure to uplift, as live recorded strings, horns and keys give an added richness to the release. With Sophie’s Classic debut ‘Calling Out’ a modern day dancefloor anthem with 10 million streams and counting, and her latest offering garnering early support from the likes of NYC legend Danny Krivit, there is no doubt ‘Angels By My Side’ will follow suit as an essential record for discerning selectors. More

A key figure in Chicago’s second wave of influential house and techno producers, Mystic Bill returns to Classic Music Company with ‘Body Moves’, a release with serious club credentials and drenched in authentic NYC, New Jersey and Chicago influences. This 12” package is becoming a firm favourite of in-the-know selectors, no doubt thanks to its party-starting qualities that are sure to captivate floors. Featuring four versions of the track, Bill navigates various different analogue moods, kicking off with the vibing house of the original, as euphoric synth arpeggios and a warm, groovy bass blend for dancefloor magic. The Reprise Mix is another juicy club cut, with a full-throttle bassline that rips through the newly looped vocal. On the B-Side the NYC Mix demonstrates Mystic Bill’s trademark deepness, headsy enough for the darkest recesses of the dancefloors but with buckets full of energy for peaktime sets. The NYC Dub closes out, an essential club tool for any discerning selector. A perfect fit for Luke Solomon’s imprint, Mystic Bill’s ‘Body Moves’ is not one to be slept on. More

Debuting on Classic Music Company earlier in 2021 with ‘Right There / Holy Ghost’, Floorplan return to Luke Solomon’s imprint to deliver another divine two-tracker ‘Get My Mansion Ready / Out Of Control’ to close out the year. Created as an outlet for Robert Hood’s soulful, spiritual influences, the techno pioneer welcomed his daughter Lyric into the group in 2014 where it has since gone from strength to strength, as they consistently deliver evergreen cuts under the moniker. Opening the release with ‘Get My Mansion Ready’, Floorplan’s signature big chords and bigger vocal hooks are underlined with a ferocious techno bassline ready to pump the dancefloor with life. ‘Out Of Control’ goes deeper and darker, a hypnotic looped vocal and menacing builds employed to almost theatrical effect. Combining to make an EP bursting with club appeal, it’s time to get to know these cuts, as you’ll be hearing them across dancefloors for some time to come. More

Following his Classic Music Company debut in 2019 ‘The Product’, Barbershop Records and Livin’ Proof boss Snips returns to Luke Solomon’s imprint to release ‘Say It’, featuring original Faithless vocalist Pauline Taylor. Floating the rich, evocative vocal over warm piano chords, fluttering horns and a groove-heavy bassline, Snips once again demonstrates his ‘London meets NYC’ sound with total finesse on. Accompanying the original is a remix from house legend Sandy Rivera, whose signature soulfulness proves a perfect match for Pauline’s exquisite vocal, lacing in soft melodies and hypnotic percussion for a blissed-out mix. This special 12” package also features Snips Disco Dub which is exclusive to the vinyl, and the essential Accapella. More

Born from the friendship between Luke Solomon and Derrick Carter, Classic is above all else a family label. Creating a platform for artists to satisfy their artistic intentions with left-of-centre house creations, this release sees Classic return to its vinyl-only beginnings for Volume VIII of its 12” Label Sampler series. Kicking off the A-side, Classic co-founder Luke Solomon, Amy Douglas & Queen Rose deliver ‘Love. Hope. Happiness’, a joyous boogie-filled track destined to uplift listeners. Jansons’ ‘Less Ordinary’ follows featuring Liz Cass’ uniquely hypnotic vocal, with a devilishly deep bassline providing boundless dancefloor appeal. On the flip, Scotsman Austin Ato’s groove filled track ‘Heat’ opens, featuring choppy guitar riffs and a soulful vocal, this record radiates good energy. Wrapping up the sampler is Jaden Thompson’s ‘To The Light’ with warm synths and a gloriously deep bassline sure to captivate its listeners. This sampler is the perfect dose of Classic’s signature grooves that are always full of character, and with all tracks previously unavailable on 12” is not one to be missed. TRACK LISTING :A1. Luke Solomon featuring Amy Douglas & Queen Rose - Love. Hope. Happiness (Extended Happiness Mix)
, A2. Jansons & Liz Cass - Less Ordinary (Deep Mix), B1. Austin Ato - Heat (Extended Mix), B2. Jaden Thompson -To The Light (Extended Mix) More

The inimitable Honey Dijon delivers a preview of her forthcoming album ‘Black Girl Magic’ with ‘La Femme Fantastique’. Continuing to be a magnet for the most forward-thinking and exciting artists, here Honey teams up with London based DJ, producer and vocalist Josh Caffe, also inspiring a remix from heralded experimental artist KiNK and his fellow Sofia resident and protégé KEi. Capturing the energy of a hot and steamy dancefloor in full flow, this special edition, 12” purple vinyl package shows Honey’s unapologetic, hedonistic and achingly cool style at its finest. Opening with the raw, seductive interlude ‘Introducing La Femme Fantastique’, Honey’s industrial and electrifying club cut follows, as Josh’s captivating vocal narrates, the hypnotic lyrics are echoed with her mesmerising production. On the flip, KiNK & KEi deliver their captivating remix, with gradual builds, an irresistible bassline and swirling, otherworldly synths destined to excite selectors of the highest order. There is no doubt this killer EP is set to become one of the most in demand releases of 2020, as artists of the highest order come together on a package designed for dancefloor escapism. TRACK LISTING: A1. Introducing Le Femme Fantastique, A2. Le Femme Fantastique (Extended Mix), B. Le Femme Fantastique (KiNK & KEi Extended Remix)
More

Mavericks of the musical landscape, Brooklyn’s finest genre-defying duo Dave + Sam release their anticipated debut album ‘No Shade’ on Classic Music Company this spring, a thirteen-track narration of the 21st century experience, told through the eyes of vocalist Dave Giles II and production maestro Sam O.B. With the aim to package love, empowerment and socio-political commentary into a collection of tracks that never compromise on groove or soul, this enchanting album never loses sight of its message as it journeys from deep Chicago house and otherworldly melodies to funk-laden jams and adventurous studio experimentation. Hinged tightly by the soulful nuances of Moodymann, Mos Def and Gil Scott Heron, Dave’s captivating spoken word delivery is purposeful and considered, as Sam weaves rhythms and grooves so deep you can get lost in them – the two musical narratives working in perfect harmony. Recorded in Brooklyn’s Bedford Stuyvesant, a neighbourhood bearing the scars of over-policing and encroaching gentrification, the vibrancy of the community and its unyielding history of creative expression shines through on the album’s entirety. As products of such environments, Dave + Sam’s music is resilient, revolutionary and organic in equal parts. An homage to their mutual reverence for early Chicago house and the golden era of underground parties in New York, ‘No Shade’ is a riveting body of work ready for you to lose yourself in. A1. Grind feat. LATASHÁ, A2. Til The World Blow Up feat. Mike Dunn, A3. Sauce, B1. Facts, B2. You Da Shit Girl feat. LATASHÁ, B3. Can't Get Enough ,C1. On Everything ,C2. Worth It feat. Cor.Ece ,C3. No Shade feat. Ramona Renea, C4. Look @ U feat. Moruf, D1. Round The Way feat. C. Rich D2. Day One (Oh Baby) ,D3. Home feat. CEEverything More

At the dawn of 2024, Earth Boys, the collaborative force of Michael Sherburn and Julian Duron, reemerges on Public Release with their latest EP, 'In the Sun.' Their signature raw and smoke-infused sound is as rugged as ever, reaffirming the unmistakable Earth Boys touch. The lead single gets a hypnotic tweaky groove courtesy of an Eden Burns remix—perfect for setting the stage for a peak-time build—while Tokyo's Mayurashka offers a deep and contemplative atmospheric chugger. This 5-track EP is perfect for a spectrum of cheeky activities on and off the dance floor. More

A match made in dancefloor heaven, as two worlds collide with LDN partystarters Make A Dance committing their official remix of indie rock four-piece, Django Django’s percussive bumper ‘Don't Touch That Dial’ to vinyl for a limited pressing, complete with vinyl only dub mix on the flip.

Already squarely aimed at the club, the Make A Dance duo take the original to stratospheric heights, flipping it into a body-popping, electro bomb which sits Japanese singer Yuuko’s vocals centre stage intertwined with glitching synth lines and acid armoury to turn this into a full frontal, downright infectious firecracker.

On the B, the vinyl only exclusive dub mix let’s those juiced up, electro grooves fly as deft hints of Yuuko’s vocals bounce around your brain.

Cop now or forever hold your peace.

Radio:

Moxie NTS Radio Play

Apiento NTS Radio Play

Ollie Rant Rinse FM Radio Play

Ross Allen NTS Radio Play

DJ Feedback:

Moxie / NTS - love the dub version

Yu Su / NTS - hell yes

System Olympia - I like this

Apiento / Test Pressing - Yeah that's a fun one : )

Bill Brewster - Really nice

Josh Cheon / Dark Entries – wow not sure how i missed this. its pure dancefloor
bliss! ecstatic euphoria

Arveene - I love this harks back to Major Force meets the Nyc electro-funk. 1980’s
popping & Locking! Right up my street

MLiR / Magic Teapot Records / Studio Barnhus - Lovely stuff from a lovely duo!

Lipelis - Great version! Especially the vocal mix for me

Rohan Rakhit / Daytimers / Balamii - That dance dub is a vibe. Seriously infectious.

Good Block - Yes loved this one, it’s on the key More

Named King of the Edit since the 1980’s, pioneering Manhattan DJ Danny Krivit’s (aka Mr K) latest 12” delivery instils the title bestowed upon him some 30 years ago. An esteemed selector Danny’s prolific remixing and production capabilities have touched hundreds of records – with his signature flare shaping the New York City sound. Opening the A-Side of the release, is Danny edit this summer’s seminal track The Vision’s ‘Heaven’, interweaving a gloriously groovy bassline with Andreya Triana’s vocal to produce an extended, DJ friendly mix that he sent crowds wild with at Dekmental Festival. On the flip, Mr K delves a little deeper into the Defected catalogue, trying his hand at The DangerFeel Newbies’ ‘What Am I Here For (Original NDATL Vocal)’. Danny’s stripped back version extends the jazzy, percussive original, as velvety smooth vocals and elegant keys bring this expressive and sophisticated release to a close. A true master of the edit, music as good as this deserves to be heard on wax. More

2021 Repress!
Official re-release of this 'lost' 6-track mini album by New Yorker Ben Cenac (of Newcleus fame). Recorded and released in 1990 and is an absolute gem of a record - very much in the vein of Larry Heard's best recordings. MASSIVE TIP!

Electronic soul classic! Now available again for the first time in 22 years, remastered + full artwork.

'A truly, dreamy, beautiful classic deep-house mini-album from the golden-post-Larry Heard era. New-yorker Ben Cenac, who was also member of electro pioneers Newcleus (and part of Sha-lor, who had a cool jazzy garage-house hit in the late 80's), shows a great sensibility and delicacy here in following mr Heard's path.

His approach is perhaps slightly more sci-fi in the synths and pad sounds, and perhaps a tad less crafted and mercurial in production than the master (i.e. less timeless), but this adds in realness and charm.

So, past the classic deep-garage dream "My Love Turns To Liquid" (in the vein of these sultry garage productions from Peter and Vanessa Daou), the rest of the record shows constant quality, with song titles that could have been (or actually have been) used by Mr. Heard himself, and a content oscillating between warming deep-house, sweet acid, lush garage and relaxed spacejazz piano parts, the whole thing also evoking the Beloved's better 'rave' moments ("The Sun Rising" etc).

This record could be studied in university as the synthesis of the deep-house scene of the early 1990s. Classic.' (Review by Restless, taken from Discogs). More