Tracklist 12":
A1: Alma Negra - Kabaré (Bambounou Remix)
B1: Alma Negra - Haleto lale lalô (Glenn Astro Remix)
B2: Alma Negra - Tany Be (Michal Turtle Remix)

Release Info:
Switzerland's Alma Negra are known for their deft, tasteful explorations of world roots, anchored in digging, sampling and sharing. On this brand new remix collection, Alma Negra invite a trio of equally curious producers to remix some three of their best-received musical endeavours. French producer and DJ Bambounou capitalises on the quick tempo and raw-energy at the heart of
the Maloya sound as the basis for his raw and hypnotic reimagining of ‘Kabare’, originally sourced from Christine Cabare, one of the most notable stars of the contemporary Maloya scene.
Glenn Astro, meanwhile takes on another release, ‘Haleto lale lalô’. Originally influenced by the Saho sound, the origins of which lie in the musical history and landscape of Eritrea, the Money $ex Records owner fashions two distinctive reworks out of the already adapted original material. After applying the soft pressure of his weightless, smooth funk for an initial, blissed-out remix, he switches up to a warm, percussive jack session on his ‘Rhythm Trax’ remix, available here as a digital bonus. Finally, cult producer and musician Michal Turtle, best known for his sensational LPs and compilations
on Music From Memory, delivers only his second ever remix in a forty year career, conjuring a magical slice of dreamy, percussive pop from ‘Tany Be’, awash in signature brass. More

A: Alma Negra - Haleto lale lalô (Saho)
B: SOL - Erytrea nèdègé (Saho)

Release Info:

ANR003
Alma Negra - Eritrea EP

The 3rd Release on Alma Negra Records is dedicated to the music of Eritrea, a small (in African terms, that is) country nestled in between Sudan and Ethopia on the south end of the Red Sea. Drawing from its native spiritual roots as well as the christian and islamic influences of conquering factions, this multiethnical country is home to an amazingly diverse plethora of cultures and musical styles.

On this EP, we are happy to showcase the music of the Saho People from the Region of Zula, which is located in between the coastal lowlands close to the Dahlak archipelago. The word "Saho" roughly translates (translated?) as "Nomad", pointing towards a lifestyle where tradition and culture is being passed on orally over generations.
The exact source for these edits of the Saho Sound are thus lost to the murky depths of history, as they are based on traditional folksongs.
With kind permission of Colophon Records, we were able to work on this great Material and are now very happy to shed some light onto the wonderful music of this region and its people!

A-Side : Alma Negra - Haleto lale lalô (Saho)
Complete with that global clarion call of partying it up, the ululate trill (google it), this is again a call & response vocal pattern, seemingly at odds with the somber backing track. Exploring a deeper, jazzier mood, we added moody piano chords and a balafon, with a subtle but big bassline and some hefty 808-thud holding everything together.

B-Side : SOL - Erytrea Nèdègé (Saho)
The B-side packs a previously unreleased edit of the band SOL. They gave us this tune two years ago and it has ignited dancefloors between Belgium and Croatia since, so we are proud to finally release this beauty to the world. A minimalist percussive belter, driven along by an eerie vocal-loop, until a male vocal introduces the main melody that eventually bursts into a full call & response chant with a female choir.
Never underestimate the power-combo of nothing but drums and vocals. No more words needed, feel for yourself.

All Samples used courtesy of Colophon Records
More

Strong Alma Negra Reworks EP !

Vinyl 12 Inch (Full Cover)
TTrack list:
A1 Lindigo · Tany Be (Alma Negra Rework)
B1 Salem Tradition · Kabaré (Alma Negra Rework)
B2 Lindigo · Tany Be (Alma Negra Dub Mix)
Release Info:
The second of Alma Negra’s 12 Rhythms Series is dedicated to the Maloya sound from La Réunion, a tiny island where a
melting pot of cultures is reflected strongly in its music. Maloya’s roots go back to the time of slavery, its quick tempo and raw
energy making it not only a popular dance music but also a powerful protest through movement.
On their Maloya EP, the Basel collective pay tribute to the hypnotic rhythms that were feared both by the Catholic Church and
the French government for the musical form’s subversive part in the rebellion against colonialism.
The release revolves around two contrasting Alma Negra re-workings of Lindigo’s Tany Be. The first takes a classic call &
response structure in 12/8 and 6/8 rhythms, adding a driving bass line and guitar licks. A solid 909-kick locks things in step,
along with a sax flourish and FM synths. Their re-imagining of African and Tamil influences for modern dancers is a triumphant
manifestation of the music’s origins.
With the main reworking focusing on a rolling dance floor groove, the Dub Mix concentrates on trance-inducing aspect of
Maloya. Using a modular set up to pick apart layers of percussion, it is a dense and heady trip into the spirit world.
The B side focuses on Christine Salem, one of today's stars of the Maloya scene. Without wanting to squeeze the soul from her
deep tones, Kabaré is slowed down a notch, with drums added sparingly. This sensitive treatment gives the track just enough
weight and tension to punch in on todays dance floors without losing the intent of the original.
The source material for this EP has been road tested from the very beginning of Alma Negra’s journey. The collective have gone
to great lengths to ensure the original creators are on board with their treatment of their music and are honoured to be given the
chance to distil their own ethos into a record that is bubbling with today’s dance floor drive. Their reverent treatment aims to
preserve the power and beauty of the source material, to bring uncovered gems to a new audience. More

Vinyl 12 Inch (Full Cover)
Track list:
A1 - Vision , B1 - Capoeira , B2 - Berimbau

Release Info:
12 Rhythms as the name already suggests, is a Collection Series on Alma Negra Records. Each Issue is dedicated to a specific rhythm based on its groove stemming from its cultural origins. In a world surrounded by a plethora of grooves and rhythms, we have selected those which influenced us or just simply liked the most.
The first Issue and first release on Alma Negra Records is dedicated to the unmistakable rhythms of Brazil. Growing up surrounded by the rich sounds from traditional to totally experimental; Brazilian Music has heavily influenced our own sound and direction.

Vision
This issue aims to distinguish itself from other compilations and demonstrates important atypical Grooves of Brazilian Culture. Instruments like the Berimbau used in the "Capoeira" or "Berimbau" itself or the carnival strong Batucada Beat has been combined with the mysteries of brazil experimental music heard in the track "Vision".
Hypnotic Experimental Vocals, dub chords combined with an own interpretation of a Batucada Rhythm recorded live in our Studio in Basel, "Vision" is clearly a one of those tracks heard in the heart of the night which is sure to keep those feet moving
to its pulsating beats.

Capoeira
Capoeira is a Dance (Fight) originating from Angola and was developed by Brazilian Slaves to better defend them against violence inflicted by their Masters. As they crafted this martial art, the perfect cover was to create a "dance to music." Every dancer is singer and musician so no one is restricted to any set role. The creation of the unique sound is normally through three Berimbau's and two Pandeiro drums. This demonstrates a classic Capoeira Groove, with this Alma Negra Edit setting out to strike every dancefloor.

Berimbau
A smooth sailing track with variations of Berimbau, that create a trance like vibe when combined with harmonic flutes. This creates the perfect accompaniment as your musical ship illuminates with the sunrise. Underneath, a strong percussion beat brings everything together; a perfect late night track.
More

Tracklist 2xLP:

A1) Voyage (feat. Andreas Kon & Ally McMahon)
A2) Money
A3) Red Hot (feat. Jitwam & Ziggy)
A4) That Stick
B1) Cash (feat. MiK)
B2) Night Sky (feat. Eliza Rose)
B3) De Ja Vu (feat. Ziggy)
C1) Starwoman
C2) Danger (feat. Eliza Rose)
C3) Boys (feat. Tino)
D1) The Returner (feat. Tino)
D2) Dumb Dumbs
D3) Easy (feat. Ally McMahon)
D4) Night Visions

Release Info:
The 14 tracker will land via Berlin’s Toy Tonics label and glides from disco to jazz, house and funk and features key collaborations with the likes of Jitwam, Eliza Rose, Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange & his close friends.
After having met Mathias ‚Kapote‘ Modica, creative mind behind Germany’s well respected Toy Tonics label three years ago, East London born Cody Currie understood Kapote and his international TT Crew have the perfect understanding for his talents and share the same visions and so Cody joined the TT crew and released three EPs with the German label. Now finally he steps up to present his highly anticipated debut album ‘Lucas’. The 14 track LP is set for release 21 October 2022 with a string of pre-singles to drop until then.
The roots of Cody’s artistry runs deep, hailing from Leytonstone in East London by his father a fashion designer and his Spanish mother a music writer, it was inevitable that Cody would follow suit in the world of creativity. Currie’s keen ear and penchant for retro disco licks, chopped keys, and broken beats have landed him also with 1 off releases on other notable labels like Razor-N-Tape, Dan Shake’s Shake Records.
The past few years has found Cody in the midst of a fresh, unique buzz taking over Europe, predominantly in Berlin and London, as he bridges the gap between jazz and house music with his energetic DJ sets, talented instrumental skills and effortless swag. Playing the big Toy Tonics Jam happening all over Europe and similar to other artists on the TT label ‘connecting the dots’ between live and electronic music has garnered Cody a range of support in the press and radio world with fans including Pete Tong, Rolling Stone, Jamz Supernova, Mixmag and Gilles Peterson, with some journalists describing him as ‘The Tom Misch of jazzy house’.
This debut album, like his EPs, represents the new essence of jazz burgeoning out of London’s youth scene of today. Cody doesn't use any samples, only live instruments, vocals and great chord combinations, a nod towards his music school studies in London before moving over to Berlin. Like most of the other artists on Toy Tonics and similar to Kapote himself, Cody comes from playing jazz piano and playing in bands and combines this real musician’s attitude and knowledge with his skills as an electronic producer and extremely talented DJ/selector. This combination of background and skills create that unique sound that Cody (and many Toy Tonics artists) have.
On Lucas, Cody defines his work by enjoying the collaborative process with other talented artists such as Eliza Rose and Ziggy (Freedom Zeitgeist Energy Exchange), as well as some of Cody’s close personal friends like Jitwam, Ally McMahon, Andreas Kon and more. Currie comments on the album saying:
“Lucas LP is a collection of tracks which I've either done myself around the world recording in different places, or collaborating with my friends. The music reflects my enjoyment of the musical process and I'd say it’s inspired a lot by George Duke and Frank Zappa, the disco and funkier stuff from the 70s and 80s. Some of the tracks are quite deep and introspective, whilst other ones are more fun and silly like ‘That Stick’. Ultimately the album focuses on artists from everywhere around the world with different backgrounds and styles, to see what we can create together!” – Cody Currie



















More

Format: Vinyl 12” (180 gr., Limited Full Cover)

Track list:

A1 – Won’t u take me
A2 – Piano heaven
B1 – Masterplan
B2 – Piano heaven (St. David remix)

Release Info:

Cinthie joins the Heist fam with an EP full of lush, epic house music with 3 originals and a St. David remix.

Cinthie is the kind of artist who seems to be everywhere all at once. In the past years, we’ve seen her compile a lush DJ Kicks compilation, release numerous EP’s on labels such as Aus music, run one of Berlin’s finest record stores (Elevate Records), tour the world fiercely, and create an all-new live show. Her EP for Heist has been in the works for a long, long time and it’s an absolute pleasure to finally present the ‘Music for Discotheques’ EP. Spoiler alert: It’s a no holds-back, ‘all killers, no fillers’ record. Just the way we like it.

In classic Cinthie fashion, this EP has the Berlin-based artist explore various sides of house music, starting with the vocal cut ‘Won’t u take me’. Lush pads, shuffling snares and a dreamy female vocal work together to bring a warm and classy house track with a clear nod to 90’s US house, but with its feet firmly rooted in the present.

Piano heaven takes you on an Italo-meets-deephouse excursion straight into…Drum roll…: Piano heaven. A driving 909 groove and a deceptively simple bass form the foundation of the track, but it’s the keys (and strings) that bring this track to its full peak-time potential. The energy in this track is of the ‘hands-in-the-air / screaming-out-loud’ type and it has already become one of the biggest tracks in Cinthie’s live-show.

On the flip, Cinthie explores the pacier electronic side of the dance spectrum, with the footwork inspired jam ‘Masterplan’. Think classic 808’s, loopy synths and a cheeky spoken word piece that lifts the song to a level where it’s extremely danceable and quite simply put; really fun.

The final track of the EP is the expertly crafted remix by Italian house maestro St. David; an artist Cinthie has always been a big fan of. He’s made a dazzling rework of ‘Piano Heaven’: A deep and driving deephouse version that’s layered in sweeps, fx and bleeps for an altogether mesmerizing effect.

We’re thrilled that we can share Cinthie’s music on the label and have her join the family after having played so many shows together and having spoken about doing something together for such a long time. As always, play it loud and dance, dance, dance!

Yours Sincerely,
Maarten & Lars More

The Mapendo album of the Mighty Cavaliers, up to today, has been shrouded in mystery. If you look at the original cover of this very rare Kenyan funk-infused album all you will find are the names of the engineer and the producer, as EMI Kenya omitted the names of the musicians and the songwriters. Digging deeper a rather sinister story of deceit develops whereby Mapendo becomes symbolic for all what was wrong about the Kenyan record industry in the 1970s, and the music industry in Africa as a whole. As this maltreatment of artists proved endemic throughout the continent, although little talked about.

One of the three surviving members of the Mighty Cavaliers, bass player Bonnie Wanda - who started his career in 1971 with Gloria Africana - vividly remembers participating in the recording of the two albums the band made in 1976 and 1977 - Fisherman and Mapendo - and how they, especially on the last album, got short-changed by shrewd record label executives. In the 1960s it was mostly Indian and European record bosses that called the shots and usually gave musicians the chance of a one-off payment for their session time and recorded songs or wait for - hopefully - a generous royalty check. In most cases records didn't sell more than a thousand copies with an occasional hit selling in the tens of thousands, so musicians were reluctant to register themselves with the Music Copyright Society of Kenya. Although without doing so one couldn't receive royalties.

'For two years the Mighty Cavaliers performed five nights a week at the Starlight Club for five hour sets.

The re-release of Mapendo, the first of the German Want Some Records label, is another exciting puzzle piece in the tapestry of groovy Kenyan music. It proves that there are still great gems out there to be re-discovered for audiences worldwide.

Text written by Michiel van Oosterhout

This Album is dedicated to the musicians
Bonnie Wanda, Rashid Salim, Vuli Yeni, Juma Waweru Njuguna and Athmani 'guitar boy'."

-------------------------

All songs, Composed, Arranged, Produced or Performed
by The Mighty Cavaliers.

Graphic Design: Benjamin Kühne (Cover restauration/Label Design); Tom Krailing (Sticker Design)
Written By: Michiel van Oosterhout
Text Editing: Nebil

Mastered by: Nick Robbins (Soundmastering)

All tracks are under exclusive license of Want Some Records. Licensed from Daudi Kabaka/Reuben Kabaka."

Tracklist:

A1: Wacha Maneno
A2: Baruwa Ya Soweto
A3: Africa Tuungane
A4: Mama Come Home
A5: Mapendo Mapendo
B1: Mambo Bado
B2: Wacha Tabia Mbaya
B3: Mimi Ni Wako
B4: Bring Your Love
B5: Nifanye Nini
More

Tracklist 12":
A1: Alma Negra - Kabaré (Bambounou Remix)
B1: Alma Negra - Haleto lale lalô (Glenn Astro Remix)
B2: Alma Negra - Tany Be (Michal Turtle Remix)

Release Info:
Switzerland's Alma Negra are known for their deft, tasteful explorations of world roots, anchored in digging, sampling and sharing. On this brand new remix collection, Alma Negra invite a trio of equally curious producers to remix some three of their best-received musical endeavours. French producer and DJ Bambounou capitalises on the quick tempo and raw-energy at the heart of
the Maloya sound as the basis for his raw and hypnotic reimagining of ‘Kabare’, originally sourced from Christine Cabare, one of the most notable stars of the contemporary Maloya scene.
Glenn Astro, meanwhile takes on another release, ‘Haleto lale lalô’. Originally influenced by the Saho sound, the origins of which lie in the musical history and landscape of Eritrea, the Money $ex Records owner fashions two distinctive reworks out of the already adapted original material. After applying the soft pressure of his weightless, smooth funk for an initial, blissed-out remix, he switches up to a warm, percussive jack session on his ‘Rhythm Trax’ remix, available here as a digital bonus. Finally, cult producer and musician Michal Turtle, best known for his sensational LPs and compilations
on Music From Memory, delivers only his second ever remix in a forty year career, conjuring a magical slice of dreamy, percussive pop from ‘Tany Be’, awash in signature brass. More

Tracklist 2LP:
A1) Round Round
A2) Eco
B1) Borges
B2) Dejarte
C1) Pas Jolie
C2) Heather's Body
D1) Sample Dream
D2) Morricone

Release Info:
Who is Magou? All we know is that, 2 years ago, Toy Tonics released a 12” EP that created a little buzz on this artist without a face and social media.
The only clue is that Magou is allegedly a mysterious side-project by an otherwise well-known Italian music maker, producer and dj.
Who cares about fame? This one is all about the music, so Toy Tonics is now back with a sassy 2LP release of Magou's full album.



















More

*** Artist: Fényan x Kosmo Kint ***
*** Title: Da Real EP ***

Tracklist 12":

A1) Da Real (3:58)
A2) Break Your Rules (4:19)
A3) Take Off (3:28)
B1) Da Real (Jerome Sydenham Remix ft. Fatima Njai) (4:39)
B2) Da Real (Jerome Sydenham Instrumental Remix ft. Fatima Njai) (4:39)


This next Toy Tonics EP takes one more step into a futuristic sound that connects Broken Beat, House & Neo Soul.
The EP was produced by Fényan. France based dancer and producer (originally from Martinique) who hooked up with Kosmo Kint.
Soul singer raised in New York and since one year part of The Toy Tonics crew in Berlin.

Fenyan & Kosmo Kint met shortly after Kosmo Kint’s first release on Toy Tonics (the „Get lost“ EP with french producer Mangabey). Together they created three magic sparkling pieces of music. A unique sound inspired by the UK Jazz sound and the broken beat scene. A great further step in the evolution of uptempo Neo Soul dancemusic.

Fényan’s rhythms are special. The groove is unique. This music makes you dance differently. No wonder as Fenyan (his real name is Kwame) is a professional dancer.
He is travelling around the world teaching dancing with his own dance company and is a judge on international dance battles. Besides dancing he has ben producing beats since the age of 19 on his MPC. Influencd by the great names of deep jazz and fusion, but also inspired by the music from his origin Martinqiue: Zouk, Biguine, Bélè… you can feel this in the programming of his beats.

Besides the MPC Fenyan tried many instruments, but mainly it’s the keybaords and the trumpet what he feels well with intuitivly.
Kosmo Kint lives in Berlin since three years. He came from NYC where he was singing in Soul bands, hanging out with musicians and also writing songs for other artists. he is one of the many artists that moved from the big apple to Berlin recently. He joined the Toy Tonics crew almost 2 years ago to work on new styles between House and Soul. Disco and R&B. In fact there is a big movemnt of international top musicians coming to the German capital. Its not just DJs in Berlin. But a huge community of ex-pad musicians working on all kind of styles. Mixing the european electronic dancefloor music with all kinds of vibes and influences. And many of these musicians find a new home on Toy Tonics records.














More

Special Remarks: limited to 300 copies
Tracklist 12":
A1) Back In The Days
A2) Native Riddim (Vinyl Bonus Track)
B1) Jugendstil
B2) +++
Info:
COEO are to Toy Tonics records, what Master at Work were to the House scene of the 1990ies: They bring the Soul into the House. Their new EP "Back In The Days" is a 4 track house stomper that could have been made in 1997 by guys like Sneak, Dimitri from Paris or Little Louie. But still the similarities to the new Berlin Sample-House scene around Max Graef and Hodini are evident, too. Already their last years' superhit NATIVE RIDDIM (which is featured as a bonus track on this vinyl) included some heavy jazz samples they found in their parents' bag of soul. Native Riddim has been no.1 in the Traxsource charts for several weeks and was the basis for their already huge following. From Laurent Garnier to Tensnake - the feedback has been awesome. Now they proceed their way of souldful house. Just good taste.
More

Tracklist:

A1) Just Fine (Extended Version)
A2) Mind & Soul (Italo Version)
B1) Don't Think Twice (Ash Lauryn Remix)
B2) Mind & Soul (Art Of Tones Remix Extended)
B3) Mind & Soul (Art Of Tones Dub)

Blessed Madonna, Pete Tong, Gerd Janson, Ash Lauryn... the list of great DJs playing and loving Sam Ruffillo's very special italian disco music is long. With only 3 EPs on Toy Tonics, he might be the most talked about producer on the Berlin label (with Cody Currie and Coeo). One of his Italian disco songs form his last EP ITALIANISSIMO ("Chiamami Subito“) made it into the high rotation playlist of the biggest Italian pop radio and is still growing in the international club underground.

Now Sam comes with a new EP. And this EP shows his other side. Until now Sam has been known for his Italian organic disco songs (no samples, all instruments played live). But for his new BROOKLYN TAPES EP the Italo-Sicilian DJ, producer and super styler Sam Ruffillo worked with a few American rappers and soul singers to create what a New York critic called „post digital soul house music“.

In fact these 4 songs are house and electronic funk - but it's also rap music and R&B and disco. Played in a very modern way, musically colorful and complex and extremely groovy. Its dance music made by musicians - not by DJs. And that makes a big difference. The melodic and harmonic elements are catchy and clever, the chord progressions are beautiful and the syncopated bass lines make you think about great bass play by maestros like Bootsy Collins or Marcus Miller (musicians know them!). It’s a rap house & disco soul EP and it features a well known Canadian rapper (who decided to stay anonymous) as well as Edson Sean, soul singer and composer from New York.

For Toy Tonics this is one more step in the evolution of high quality dancefloor music for the future. Combining house with soul, jazz with 4 to the floor beats, disco with Indie, the Toy Tonics crew is working hard on new forms of quality dance music. And finding the most interesting new artists. With Sam Ruffillo, and the other American artists on Toy Tonics (NY singer Kosmo Kint, American jazz keyboardist Joel Holmes...) the label is bringing together what's internationally new in the dance world - with no borders and no limits...

Remixes for this EP by some of Sam's fans: Ash Lauryn from Detroit, Eli Escobar from New York and Art Of Tones from France.





















More

Tracklist 12":

A1 Chunky Dip (5:54)
A2 MPFree Now (4:13)

B1 Hide And Seek (5:10)
B2 House In The Hills (4:28)

Release Info:
Lets hear the German duo explain this record themselves:

This is an EP with four very different tracks and we really mean all of them. None here feels like everybody's darling but they all do make us feel something, and that is what we strife for, always. The tracks have all been made by just the two of us completely being in the zone, except for House In The Hills, that started as a wonderful jam at our friend Tx‘s place in late 2019, together with him and Jamie Lloyd. We basically hung out for two days straight with nothing but the best people, great food and all the music - happy days as one might guess.

The Toy Tonics crew has been in touch ever since we remixed a song for Kapote, and the idea of doing an EP together had and been tossed around for a while already. We've been digging their musical approach all along and we're happy to get the chance to contribute a small piece to their story. When the pandemic hit, we were fortunate to have our friend Iron Curtis letting us move into his studio, as we had just lost our beloved place in Hamburg - so guess what we did for the most part of 2020? Exactly. We have always been spending most of our time together cooking beats, but probably never as much as over the last year. So has it been 10.000 hours by now? We don’t know but we’re certainly working on it.
















More

Tracklist 12":

A1) Japanese Woman (5:37)
A2) Matchbox (7:43)
B1) Uber Man (5:37)
B2) Tibetan Dance (4:59)

Release Info:
Coeo have been travelling in Japan and discovered the magic of City Pop: That Japanese Disco movement of the 1980ies. Back then there were amazing dance tracks coming out of Japan. Some with Japanese lyrics others with American vocals. Often so perfectly played and recorded that it was hard to tell if the music came out of NYC basement studios or for real Asiatic studio musicians. Coeo found a lot of rare jams and did edits for their DJ sets. As at the Toy Tonics office everybody is always searching for the rare and unknown the crew was totally excited. And so the decision was made quickly: Let’s put out a few of these rare jams & edits. Here they are.



More