AOTN proudly present a new solo outing from long time friend & contributor to Athens of the North, Other Lands aka Gavin L.Sutherland. Channelling his considerable improvisational skills to evoke notions of island life, his concept was to create something that could work equally well in the wilds of the Western Isles as in the sunnier spots of the world that we all yearned to escape to at that time. The more he played with this idea of groups of islands, of archipelagos the world over, the more it also became about people themselves experiencing isolation as individuals, while still feeling a sense of togetherness with others in the same boat. Working a little at home but mainly here at Athens of the North studios, he would come in each day over the course of a few weeks and just hit record, playing at times almost without mind. Sometimes the mood would call for keys, strings, or drums through delays for days and days. Often, the music would happen by chance as much as by design. One rule he tried to adhere to was to not overthink things, capturing moments honestly with minimal editing or digital processing. What we've ended up with is a beautiful, spontaneous, timeless and honest meditation on what it is to be at once both alone and part of a larger whole. More

Other Lands proudly presents the first release on his own label: Circles And Phases. Having put out music under a number of names in years gone by on labels such as Firecracker Recordings, Athens Of The North, Pulp, Rush Hour and more, this new imprint has been created initially to release a wealth of material that has accumulated over time - starting with this first release: Sounds For Isolated Souls. A collection of meditative, genre fluid pieces performed, recorded and produced entirely by Other Lands himself across an unspecified period, all connected by the same playful, semi improvised approach that has always been a key facet of his music. More

Abandon all expectations ye who enter here, Other Lands (previous, druid-like incantations on FIREC015 Mac-Talla Nan Creag) got you covered with a truly compelling assortment of jazz snaz and post-armaggedon cosmo-disco oddities; occupying the space between alien-revisited exotica, classic jacking house workouts and a BoC 'Chromakey Dreamcoat' kinda vibe, seemingly elusive at first but definitely familiar to the ears of uncool survivors like you and I. One thing's sure, Other Lands could throw a balearic party at one of Berghain's most secret leather-friendly backrooms that it wouldn't feel out of place. Never mind the weird, inverse sun-tan lines. More

Cultured deep house label Pulp welcomes back regular artist DaRand Land for another of his atmospheric EPs. The Vermillion Room features four sublime cuts that deal in candle-lit backroom sounds.

Hailing from Buffalo, New York, Land has been a low-key but high-class house innovator ever since the 90s. His smoky and subtle style is all about creating warm grooves detailed with musical synths and delicate percussion that sink you into a meditative state. He has been releasing on this label for a decade as well as the likes of Deep4Life and Urban Imagery and is in fine form again on this latest outing. More

Tracklisting:
A1 Jayson Wynters - Solitude
A2 Jayson Wynters - Solitude (Jarren remix)
A3 Jayson Wynters - Corns Funk
B1 Jayson Wynters - Night Drive
B2 Jayson Wynters - Night Drive (Mogwaa's Crusin Remix)
B3 Jayson Wynters - Uncles Jam

Sales Note
UK artist Jayson Wynters debuts on Pulp with four tracks of atmospheric house and funk that come complete with remixes by Jarren and Mogwaa.

Kung fu master Wynters hails from Birmingham and has been a key player on his local scene for years. More recently he has broken out with impressive EPs on mighty Dutch label Delsin and Adam Shelton's EON. He has a real love of hazy house and always brings his own unique take on that to his timeless analogue grooves. This latest EP was written during lockdown, which provided Jayson a chance to explore different sounds and delve into different styles.

Opener 'Solitude' proves that with its misty-eyed melodies and dreamy pads. The drums tumble loosely, the percussion has a frayed edge and the whole thing is coated in warmth and soul. Half Moon's Jarren is based in LA and brings plenty of that city's musical charm to his remix. It has far-sighted chords, soft-focus harmonics and well swung claps and drums that are simply irresistible.

Wynters then offers 'Corns Funk,' which pairs another dusty drum line with pinging kicks and woodpecker-like percussive hits. A superb twanging bass riff brings some real funk and retro-future feels as the groove builds and bright synths shine through the haze to enrich your soul.

'Night Drive' is a lush downbeat tune for sunset cruises. It has heart-melting chords that prompt deep inward reflection and features an aching guitar riff full of melancholy. The remixer for the one is Seoul musician and master beatmaker Mogwaa who layers in squelchy synth bass and dreamy, loved-up pads. Last of all, 'Uncle's Jam' is Dam Funk-style electro bliss doused in lo-fi chords and languid late-night funk and packed with romance.

Jayson Wynters shows off another superb side to his sound with his expansive Solitude EP. More

Tracklisting:
A1 Damián Schwartz - Renacido
A2 Damián Schwartz - La Elipa
A3 Damián Schwartz - Lopp
B1 Damián Schwartz - Zwei Danke
B2 Damián Schwartz - Zwei Danke (K15 remix)
C1 Damián Schwartz - Morro Da Urca
C2 Damián Schwartz - Rufo 8
C3 Damián Schwartz - Meco
D1 Damián Schwartz - Milka
D2 Damián Schwartz - Coney Island
D3 Damián Schwartz - Lopp (Damián Schwartz remix)

Release Note:
Damian Schwartz makes a welcome return to Pulp for his third full-length album, La Sal De Tu Especie. The 11 track record was written over the last three years as a way of coping with some tough experiences and features remixes
from K15 and Gifted & Blessed. It once again finds the Madrid producer serving up the sort of richly musical house that has always stood him apart.

Schwartz has been away for a while but emerged in the early 2000s with an artful take on house music. As a student of jazz, composition and bass, his intricate grooves have always been embellished with real melodic craftsmanship. In the past, they have come on this label, Esperanza and A Harmless Deed which he co-runs with Jose Cabrera. He has put out two albums before now and also works under the Epiphany alias as a producer and live act. He is a real master of his analog machinery and someone who never fails to bring fresh ideas. This superbly adventurous and widescreen new album proves that once again and shows off diverse influences such as 90s broken beat by acts like Hanna and 4 Hero, the early IDM of LFO and Aphex Twin and the Detroit house and electro styles of greats such as Juan Atkins, Teknotika, Marcellus Pittman and Kyle Hall.

It kicks off with Renacido which is a cinematic synth opener that places you into orbit. La Elipa is expansive and jazzy house with cosmic chord work over the tight, punchy kicks and Lopp then gets physical with broken beat drums and funky bass dancing around each other to uplifting effect. The superb Zwei Danke is another masterclass in off-grid beat programming and soulful machine sounds that captures the essence of early Detroit house.

It is remixed by K15, a vital London beatmaker with credits on labels like Eglo and Wild Oats. His version showcases rugged, lo-fi and dusty drums softened by heart-melting chords and angelic vocal coos.

Schwartz's 'Morro Da Urca' is a suspensory ambient interlude that makes way for the crisp electro-funk and starry-eyed pads of 'Rufo,' then 'Meco' cuts loose
with boogie bass and glistening drums and perc that voyage through a whole eco-system of bright, nebulous synths. 'Mika' is another out of this world house composition with majestic leads and pixelated pads that bring warmth and future soul. There is real electricity in the freeform keys and corrugated drums of Coney Island that will ensure any dance floor takes off.

Final remixer Gabriel Reyes-Whittaker aka GB (Gifted & Blessed) is a composer and sound artist whose music is a constant exploration of the bridge between the technological and the ancestral. He flips 'Loop' into an Afro-future jazz dance with infectious percussion and expressive chords that never rest.

La Sal De Tu Especie is a timeless fusion of jazz freedom and house grooves that takes you into a magical new dimension. More

Tracklisting:
A1 The Possé - Parting
A2 The Possé - Parting (Space Ghost's Underground Mix)
A3 The Possé - In Focus
B1 The Possé - Prime Mover
B2 The Possé - Prime Mover (Liquid Mix)

Release Note:
Ever-evolving Australian outfit The Possé debut on cult deep house label Pulp with Moods & Vibrations. Their fresh new four-tracker includes a remix from Space Ghost.

Andrew Elston and Ross Ferraro are the core members of The Possé, but the group often expands or contracts with various other musicians. Since 2017 they have released on the likes of Plastic World, Ken Oath Records and Kolour LTD, and bring plenty of Southern Hemisphere heat to all their productions.

'Parting' opens up with plenty of soulful Detroit house flavours. The dusty drums get you in the groove while subtle acid and silky pads bring a feel-good, sun-kissed vibe. Remixer Space Ghost is Sudi Wachspress, a real album specialist who has released on Tartelet and Apron Records. He has a uniquely lo-fi house sound that draws on funk
and soul. This remix is a late-night jam with gorgeous trumpet motifs and scuffed-up drum patterns all finished off with warming sunset chords.

Then comes 'In Focus', a brilliantly loose and jazzed-up jam. The skipping drums are run through with playful keys and humid chords that cannot fail to bring the party. 'Prime Mover' is a little more direct and dynamic but no less heartfelt, with more expressive melodies and infectious drums. A liquid Mix of 'Prime Mover' layers in fatter bass and more crisp percussion to take you to another level. Moods & Vibrations is an EP of rich, musical house grooves that are overflowing with soul. More

PULP is inaugurating this year's summer season with a lengthy affair by a certain Barry Helafonte called "One Night'. Not much is known about the artist that delivers the 12th installment for the PULP series. Nevertheless, production wise the sound is mature, and the drum machines sound like they are being hit by someone with vast experience. The balanced production quality of "Keys to The City" is prominent. A squelchy bassline is dictating the rhythm whilst washes of pads and an outlandish lead come together to form a dripping whole.
"Keys to the City" resumes with friend of the label Moon B on rework duties, turning the spaced out drums of the original into a more dancefloor oriented version. "First Dance" is another Helafonte original that is based on a touching lead synth and low down pads. "Connecting" closes down the A-side with some more hazy atmospheres and bass hits.
On the B-side we find "Euphoria". A breezy jam that contains touches of electro, funk and modern boogie. German producer Glenn Astro delivers an advanced version of "Euphoria" that uses cryptic drum patterns and an acidic bassline to change up the vibe of the original. As a welcome addition Astro throws in an ambient version called "Super Chill Mix".
"Pleasure Calling" is the final Barry Helafonte original. A timeless sounding boogie cut that will send the listener into glows of bliss.
"One Night" will be available from all specialized retailers starting September 2019. More

Robert Steenkamer is known as a purveyor of exquisite house music. Under his Roberto S guise, the Torontonian has released several landmark records. Besides this, he is known as a valued selector in his native Canada. The collaborative releases with Jex Opolis under their "Conga Radio" moniker have received worldwide praise throughout the house community. For his Pulp debut, Steenkamer has created a diverse body of music that touches different moods and genres.
On the A-side, the opening track "Inner Rhythm" is a orchestrated piece of work that uses an uplifting vocal cut and ethereal flute sounds to create a calm and positive dancefloor experience. Also on the A-side "Swizik" is a melody-heavy work where Steenkamer uses fun sequences, euphoric pads and well balanced drum patterns.
The title track is placed on the A3 position and is a genre-transcending cut. The tempo is is low and the beats are dragging along with the well-executed pads and synth riffs. On the B-side, the title track is being remixed by fellow Canadian "Florist". On this remix, Florist turns the slow vibe of the original into a soul touching dancefloor creeper that will definitely gain a lot of support in melodic circles. "Remember When" is a positive work with a snappy bassline and oozing synth sounds. Glass Road EP will be available from all specialized retailers in early 2019. More

Damian Schwartz' "Existence Itself" is a compilation of well composed melodies that evolve, while gliding over the backbone of dance floor rhythms. Whilst containing five tracks, this record feels and breathes like a full length. "Public Domain" shows Schwarz' knowledge of jazz composition.
The opening track contains chord progressions that are unusual in popular music, but should soothe a more trained audience. Nevertheless, "Public Domain" is a positive composition that should appeal to selectors worldwide.
"Heavy Weather" is dripping with modulated chords, thoroughly selected bits of FX, and otherworldly arps. Deep rhythmic drum patterns guide the track into alterations of mood and a warm bath of intelligent melodies.
"Tyner" is a funked-out piece of work that sounds like a perfect PULP records. It's this track where Schwarz shows that he is up there with the giants of modern day funk sounds. Large synth basses growl through the palette, and an oozing lead synth serves as the recognizable element.
For the B2, a beatless version of Tyner is added to this package. This should be a welcome and fun element for selectors to play around with.
"Former DJ, Now Selector" is a breathing, positive track that's the perfect ending to a versatile work like "Existence Itself". More

Australia based artist Inkswel is widely known for his funk infused dance music that incorporates ingenious sample work and memorable vocal cuts. For the ninth installment of the PULP series the 'Edible Pyramid EP' is a journey through the mind of the Australian artist. The package includes a melancholic remix by no one else than long time champion of vinyl and Red Motorbike label boss Eddie C, 'Edible Pyramid' is a work of positivity, the title track excels in it's blissful ambiance that is supported by a back bone of thumping rhythms and jovial vocal cuts. The Eddie C Remix is showcasing a wistful approach by incorporating a rhythm that is reminiscent of those from the early days of Hip hop. 'Let Go' is a confident sounding work of samples. Rhythmically firm with an emotive break that is a welcome change from the slow base-rhythm that flows throughout.
On the B side The Posse comes up with a remix that cleverly incorporates oozing synth pads and a more upbeat vibe. The original is flipped into a more dancefloor friendly version with an acidic touch to it. The final track is called 'Yesterdays Flava of The Month' this boogie tainted cut uses tasty breaks and lively pads that again depict a positive atmosphere. More

If one looks at the output of Los Angeles based artist Mat/Matix , he d find that this quite illusive figure from the LA scene of contemporary electronic funk has quite some good tracks in his compact repertoire. This package (which contains a version from fellow West Coast artist Moon B) is dripping with heart wrenching synth soars and compact drum works that are built with the fierceness that is so significant for both the label and the artist.
Freaked in Private even though it s an EP feels more like a mini album of some sort. The opening track City Chiller is a slap bass heavy venture into G funk tainted dance music that perfectly utilizes an uplifting intermezzo, before heading into it s chorus which is highlighted by loosely played synth notes and some interesting vocal shots that are so significant for LA music from by gone days. The version by fellow funketeer Moon B goes a different route. The slap bass has been altered into a deep and sophisticated bass pattern which acts as the spine of the version. The drums are somewhat more outlandish, and the pad that floats on top works perfectly with the glow of the synths.

More

DaRand Land" finally follows up on his Heaven Electric EP that first surfaced through PULP in late 2014. This time around, the package contains another 3 original cut + a super breezy remix by Scotsman "Linkwood". "Our Future Is Now" is the perfect opening track for the 2nd installment of the Heaven Electric concept. "DaRand Land" surprises friend and foe with some heavily vibrating strings and pads which collide beautifully with the mechanical sounding perc cuts that itch throughout. Clever textures and a soothing atmosphere that are reminiscent of Mediterranean club situations. "Our Future Is Now" also proves to be inspirational to remix artist "Linkwood" who carves up an extremely juicy electro cut that gives the original somewhat more edge and forces it into an entirely different direction. On the flip we find "Emanation" and "Mellow-ism". Emanation is a classic sounding yet effective House cut for the dancefloor, Mellow-ism is a more mood altering hazy trip with acidic tones and smooth drum patterns. More

Chicago based 'Chris Gray' has appeared on multiple releases throughout the 90s and the new millennium. While some of his most appreciated works have been published through his own imprint Deep4Life, for the next PULP release, Chris gets deep and melodious with some funked out synths whilst maintaining that lush deep atmosphere that has proven to be his signature mode. FF-Fear is the emotive opener for the 12inch. A vast amount of cosmic goodness can be found throughout. PULP usual suspect 'DaRand Land' offers a spellbinding remix which takes one into deep territories through it's repetitive and lush composition. FF-Freedom is the flipside opener, and another Chris Gray original. Again, a melodic trip to places unknown is offered. FF-Fantasia is a more firm approach to the Chris Gray sound. Interesting key changes which show the compositional capabilities of the artist appear throughout. A very interesting break takes one back to the very essence of house music. More

L.A. based funkateer ''Moon B" is bringing his hazy cosmic funk-jams to the PULP imprint. Measure Pleasure is a slice of heavy synth laden otherworldly machine funk that's sure to evoky a vary of sentiments. With remixes by the Swede 'Golden Ivy' and briton ' Fudge Fingas' , the 5th installment of the PULP series is promising to be a melodious trip down funk avenue. The title track ''Measure Pleasure'' has that buldging funk bass lying underneath some spacey pads and a great rhythm track. Golden Ivy's version of the title track is emphasizing on the rhythm even more by adding bursting FX and obese kickdrums.
Moon B's Nada Clouds (A3) is a positive yet exotic journey which should be excellent for summer gig's on rooftops anywhere in the world. For the B1 Moon B continues with the percussion laden ''PV Hills'', this bit has those signature chord switches and vibe changes, that are creating a very melancholic atmosphere throughout. British master of all things melodic ''Fudge Fingas'' flips the original completely, making it more streamlined with just a hint more power. More

In certain times special things reoccur. RayDilla returns to his warm PULP home with a balanced 4-track EP. The title track 'The Feeling' is that signature Raydilla sound that combines nice thick drums with a grooving bassline and some moody chords nicely sitting on top. The vocal sample comes in sporadically to finish it off. On the A2, PULP casual 'DaRand Land' delivers a somewhat darker remix that emphasizes on a pitched down vocal and hauling strings. The arpeggiated bassline is reminiscent of top notch classic house music from the golden era. The B side is opened by the special groover 'Acceleration', a funky effort that really has that special touch because of the unusual chord progressions and swinging drums. On the B2 cut 'RayDilla' gets even deeper into a vary of chord sounds and chooses to close down his latest effort with some funkin bassline action. Essential works for all lovers of the previous PULP releases. More

PULP presents the label's sophomore release called 'Love's Cosmos' by US House veteran DaRand Land. After delivering a top-notch remix for the first effort (PULP01), DaRand agreed to come up with an entire EP for the label's forthcoming output. The result is well orchastrated deephouse sounds with that signature DaRand Land vibe. The opening track 'The Long Night' and the follow up 'Soothe Me' both have that classic American house vibe to it while the EP takes a more percussive route on 'Tribute To Ron And Anthony'. DaRand continues to show his versatility on the downtempo track 'Cling To A Cloud' which has that dreamy touch to it. 'Jose Lau' helps out on the B side with his mix of 'Sunshine To Peaches'. All and all PULP is determined to set a very classic standard in modern House.
PULP02 is being releaed as a vinyl only limited product. First come, first served. More