We’ve always been careful not to call Balmat an ambient label, because we like having the freedom to move, to drift, to morph. But with our 11th release, we turn our ears—proudly, blissfully—to a strain of ambient at its most timeless. The appropriately titled Dreams & Whispers comes from Warsaw’s Bartosz Kruczynski, who has recorded under a number of guises, Earth Trax, as well as his own name. Over the years, he’s touched upon deep house, breakbeats, acid, techno, electro, IDM, and more; often, the throughline running through a given album is simply the refusal to remain in any one place for long—well, that, and his unusually nuanced ear for harmony and texture.

Those qualities come to the fore on Dreams & Whispers, which might be the most focused encapsulation of Kruczynski’s atmospheric sensibilities to date.. Across 14 stripped-down tracks for shimmer and pulse, Kruczynski evokes overlapping styles in ambient—warm vibraphones, taut arps, massing strings, lonesome delay chains —but always with his own twist. Fitting the album’s title, the album is loosely divided into two distinct moods: The A-side, “Dreams,” is charged with subtle movement, rhythms spreading out like rings around skipped stones, while the B-side, “Whispers,” plunges into a zone of shadows and hush. The two complementary moods flow into one another like the faces of a Moebius strip, yielding an album that’s intuitively shaped and rich in emotion. More

Acclaimed Canadian electronic producer Francis Latreille, known as Priori, unveils his new singles "Learn To Fly" and “Segue” today, marking the first releases from his upcoming third album, This But More. "Learn To Fly" offers a taste of the album's lush, dubby techno soundscapes, while "Segue" showcases the album's ambient side. Arriving May 24th via NAFF, This But More marks a sonic departure for the artist, exploring a richly textured landscape of electroacoustic compositions inspired by literature, cinema, and the transformative power of nature.

Priori delved into This But More from September 2023 to March 2024, drawing upon archival recordings and fresh ideas. "This album is about healing," Priori explains. "Not necessarily 'music that heals', but about the process in its ups and downs, its beauty and uncertainty." Themes of protection, healing, sleep, and decay naturally emerged during the creative journey.

To craft this immersive world, Priori collaborated extensively. Writer and musician Devon Hansen penned a series of "Suggested Stories" to accompany the album, adding depth to its lore. Musically, Priori teamed up with James K, Ben Bondy, Sabola, Adam Feingold, and Jesse Osborne-Lanthier, infusing the album with diverse instrumentation, including violin, guitar, software instruments, and field recordings.

This collaborative spirit extends to the album's striking visuals. Jesse Orsborne Lanthier designed the main and single artworks, while Ulysse De Lezenne crafted a unique jewel, both pieces seamlessly connected to the album's narrative.

The intricate world-building sets This But More apart. "It's the biggest collaborative project I have tackled so far," Priori notes. This spirit of exploration extends to the second single, “Wake”, featuring Priori's first vocal collaboration with close friend Jamie Krasner (James K).

Priori's artistic process is grounded in self-awareness and intuition, asking vital questions about how each element serves the greater purpose of the music. Swimming sessions between studio work provided clarity and focus throughout the album's creation. These meditative moments reflect in the music, inviting listeners into a contemplative, dreamlike state.

Beyond music, Priori draws inspiration from the literary worlds of Gene Wolfe, Ursula K LeGuin, China Mieville, Brian Caitlin, the evocative games of Hidetaka Miyazaki and Yoko Taro, as well as the ever-evolving beauty of myths and nature. More

Repress coming mid september!

The love for Sally C’s sound and burgeoning label shows no sign of slowing down. Last year’s ‘Big Saldo’s Chunkers 002’ was a phenomenon. Led by ‘Downtown’, which became one of the most beloved tracks of the year, it secured over 30 BBC Radio 1 plays and genre-crossing support from Peggy Gou to TSHA and Bradley Zero. Critical acclaim came from Bandcamp, RA and beyond.

Launched in 2020 with ‘Big Saldo’s Chunkers 001’ that’s currently on its fourth repress, the Chunker sound is special to all those who know it. Taking influence from artists including K-Hand and Fast Eddie, Sally draws on the sensibilities of classic US house music, crafting unique dancefloor cuts that don’t compromise on quality.

Active on the release front over the last 12 months with well-received remixes of Obongjayar, LB aka LABAT and a fresh original on Rhythm Section, we witness a noticeable evolution in her sound with BSC003. “I wanted to challenge myself when writing this record. I still haven’t released a full EP on another label, so I wanted to pair straight up Chunkers with something a bit different to shake up the Chunker energy,” she shares.

The four-tracker opens with ‘All Love’, a joyous house banger that swaps out Sally’s trademark Chunker bassline for a sexier groove. When the euphoric piano breakdown kicks in, soon accompanied by the ‘dance’ vocal on repeat, we’re reminded of the exultant power of rave. ‘

Hit It’ follows, a proper Chunker to the core. A hip house-informed jam, it’s packed full of tight drums, stabs, sirens and one of Sally’s monster Chunker b-lines. An absolute tune!

‘Control’ is a low-slung roller, encapsulating her love for simplistic production principles that birth memorable results. A headsy offering ripe for the after-hours.

‘‘Get Up’ is an ice-cool slab born out of a jam on a drum machine that hits at 144bpm. “I wasn’t sure how this would fit on the record being this speed, but it’s exactly what I envisioned when I wanted to challenge myself more. It’s raw and rolling and as soon as I made it, I knew it fitted into the Chunker family,” Sally explains. More

Repress!

Fast-rising Dutch DJ/producer BELLA becomes the first new artist signing to Sally C’s Big Saldo’s Chunkers imprint, with the inspiring ‘Note to Self’ EP – her debut production.

Relationships are key for Sally C. Since the inception of Big Saldo’s Chunkers in 2020, she’s released three carefully chosen EPs, all from her own studio. When she met BELLA while playing a festival in Amsterdam during summer 2022, the click was instantaneous, with the pair going on to play an impromptu b2b that day. Vibing both musically and energetically, they kept in touch, with BELLA sending Sally her maiden productions ‘Note To Self’ and ‘Orchestra Spring’. Sally connected so deeply with the tracks that they’d form the backbone of her debut artist EP on Big Saldo’s Chunkers.

One listen to the final EP and it’s not hard to see why Sally wanted to emboss them as Chunkers. Three fresh originals taking in influence from ‘90s house, acid, electro and prog, all with a unique hard-to-pin-down energy that makes them hit with a special swing.

The title track – also the first production made for the EP - sees BELLA lay down a sonic blueprint – both for her own sound and the full body of work. “This set the vibe and guided me through the creative process. I was really trying to make something that felt my own, that was also unique and not something I’ve heard before,” she shares. ‘Note to Self’ is heavy on attitude and bounce, driven by banging old skool drums, a rapid-fire grime-style vocal and a duo of synth lines – one uplifting, the other mining a slick ‘80s sheen, and the results are memorable. An absolute tune that Sally’s delighted to add to the Chunker catalogue.

‘Orchestra Spring’ is the perky sequel, a wicked one-two punch of kaleidoscopic groovy house with lashings of attitude that loves to scribble outside the lines with lots of retro samples and trippy energy. ‘Odd Symphony’ completes the trio, a blazing late-night cut driven by a gurgling acid underbelly, gritty drums and warm chords, giving the EP a brilliant afterglow.

Olsvangèr – one of Sally’s favourite producers – steps up for remix duties of ‘Odd Symphony’, and delivers a dynamic re-rub that begins in upbeat house territory, before taking an interlude in perkier rave realms.

“I'm over the moon to be releasing this EP on Sally’s label. It’s really special to have someone who I look up to release my music. She has given me tremendous support and guidance over the last two years, always ready to chat or give me some advice. It was a big surprise and honour when she suggested releasing the tracks on her label. It feels like a perfect fit. It’s super sweet to share this journey with her.” – BELLA

"I’m so excited to welcome BELLA to the label for her debut EP. It was time to take this next step and open the Chunkers door to new artists. I couldn’t think of a better one than BELLA to debut her fresh Chunkers on the label. Three banging originals by an extremely talented artist which I’ve been playing ever since she sent me the tracks. Polished with an Olsvangèr remix, it’s a really strong four track EP." – SALLY C More

Repress!

“Give me a chunky bassline, banging drums and a weird vocal – that’s the holy trinity! Simplicity is key - less is always more” – Sally C

The past 12 months have stamped Sally C as one of the industry’s most exciting breakthrough DJ talents. She’s graduated from putting on parties at Griessmühle, to throwing down a masterclass Boiler Room debut at AVA Festival, gigs at Berghain’s Saüle and Melt! Festival, alongside tireless zig-zagging across the UK and her native Ireland. At the same time, she’s impressed heads with a large catalogue of outstanding online mixes, ensuring that if you hadn’t seen her play in the flesh, you sure as hell know she can lay it down like no other.

Alongside breaks, techno rollers and long lost second hand cuts, it’s Sally’s deep passion for the golden era of hip house and the sounds of 88’ - 98’ that have really shaped her raw and chunky style and inspired her first productions and eponymous label Big Saldo’s Chunkers. A homage to the era she’s so obsessed with, if you will.

The three-track work encompasses tried and true bangers ready for the rave. ‘OG Chunker’ will be familiar to those who’ve followed her closely stretching back to her acclaimed Boiler Room last summer, popping with its hiplashing groove, rapid-fire vocal sequence and in your face rides. ‘Let’s Get This’ is a no-nonsense Chicago-inspired ghetto pumper, driven by low-slung bumping bass and a catchy vocal. ‘Turn That’ favours deep tribal grooves, ravey sirens, scratch effects and a bassline that fills your stomach. Chunker mode ignited.

Who is Big Saldo? “Big Saldo is a nickname friends gave me; it’s my rowdy care-free side which comes out a lot when I DJ and is now channelled into my productions. I wouldn’t call her an alter ego, rather an essence of who I am; more confident, no holds barred, bullshit-free. It’s also the intention behind the Chunkers. Raw and ready cuts ripe for the club. What you see is what you get.” – Sally C More

DISCO EDITS More

Following Chicago’s tradition in special edits and dj personal reworks to extend crucial parts and surprise the dancers, Theo Parrish has always sparkled his legendary sets with his own versions of classic and obscure disco, funk and soul cuts to maximum effect! Some of those were available to fans in mid 2000s via the Ugly Edits series, now it’s finally time for the LOVELY EDITS.

Officially licensed and using the original parts from the master tapes, here we have Theo’s takes on two absolute staples: BT EXPRESS ‘Peace Pipe’ and GEORGE DUKE ‘I Want You For Myself’. More

one sided etched vinyl. More

DISCO EDITS More

DISCO EDITS More