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.

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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.

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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.


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Next up in the series of remixes for Auntie Flo's acclaimed 'Theory of Flo' LP, we've employed the services of our buddies from Stockholm, London and Russia in the form of Kornél Kovács, Throwing Shade and Lipelis respectively. Each of them have done an amazing job turning each track into something very special, as we're sure you'll agree..

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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.

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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.

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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..

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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.

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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"..

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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!

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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.




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Thomas Lea Clarke returns to the wider Optimo Music family with his third offering as MR TC for us and his first on Against Fascism Trax. This collection of five tracks (4 on the vinyl release + 1 digital exclusive) were recorded over the past couple of years in Clarke’s home studio and sees him diving deeper into the psychedelic dance explorations that you heard on ‘Soundtrack For Strangers’ and ‘Surf & Destroy’. AF Trax’s message is very simple. The far right ultimately wish for the destruction of our way of life and indeed the lives of many of the people we love. The message is love. The message is solidarity. The message is No Pasaran – They shall not pass. It is a call to stand together, it is a call to stand up, it is a call to ACT. Individually we may be powerless, but together we are strong. If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention!

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I was thrilled when Joe Goddard asked if he could make an EP for the label and were even more thrilled when I heard it. The fact that he roped in the legendary Kool Keith to appear on one track just kept on bringing the thrills. Here are some lovely words from Joe about this release – “It’s an honour to release some music for this label. I feel that due to the ravages of unrestrained and brutal capitalism, people across the world are finding life particularly difficult right now- both economically and emotionally. Capitalism is an insidious and elusive enemy and many people are currently turning to intolerance and hatred instead of recognising that at these times what we really should attempt to do is love and respect each other as much as possible. Therefore I support Keith’s efforts wholeheartedly, and on a personal level I couldn’t think of a nicer or more talented person to release an EP with.”

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The second release on AF Trax, again with all profits being donated to Hope Not Hate, is the debut from Al Jerry who has the following to say - I was initially picturing Al as an ambivalent character trying to evoke in his music deep issues and emotions related to Middle Eastern cultures, but not without a certain self-depreciating sense of humour and a questionable taste for stereotypical arabesque harmonies. AF Trax = Against Fascism Trax and is a new label project instituted by JD Twitch/Optimo Music. Its aim is to make a musical and cultural protest in opposition of rising far right politics and ideology in the world.

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