Conceived in the literal underground of the INDEX:Records basement studio in Berlin, the enigmatic, new-coming “pop” group Downstairs People, is an unlikely collaborative project to be birthed from 2020 – the year of isolation. ‘Underground Pop’ is a collection of aural serotonin hits that touch the feel good receptors, genre hopping between synth-pop, house and neo-RnB.

The group is conducted and glued together by INDEX:Record's own, Jorge Camacho, the maestro behind his alias, vase. Camacho brings together a gauntlet of Berlin-based artists and INDEX: affiliates, dishing out something fresh after countless late night sessions, only to curate a serendipitously coherent record of left-field pop hits, that arrive just in time for summer.

Underground Pop by Downstairs People is out 16 April 2021 via single disk 12” LP vinyl, in full colour outer-sleeve and black inner-sleeve. A limited run of 250 copies are distributed worldwide by Rubadub. More

Fluxing between ambient, mutant-idm and swashes of bass, ‘Luvaphy’ is a drift through the morass that arrives at a leafy plateau. An album that tickles your inner sentience and supplies endless indulgence for the inquiring-mind.

Available on limited edition 12” vinyl, with special embossed print-work. More

INDEX:Records is blessed to announce the homecoming of Ike. It’s been a wee while since his last full club outing, but we welcome him back to this realm with open-arms.

Lacing up with chuggy system-rattler 'Vernis VIP', Pulsar is a symbiosis of palpitating-wub and delicate, soft melody. On 'Rose Quartz', perfectly sedated drums are melded with luscious vox – a gratifying release to bass-driven tension-builder, 'Gage'. Mushing a cherry immaculately on top is a Mathis Ruffing indulgence ('Gage Remix'), who treats us to a frenzied yet controlled excursion into DnB hedonism.

Limited edition 12" vinyl of 150 copies, with full colour centre label artwork, white inners and pink outer sleeve.

Written & Produced by Ike Zwanikken
Remix by Mathis Ruffing
Artwork by Amos Turner
Mastered & Cut by Marco @ Analog Cut
Words by Conna Haraway More

New INDEX:Records transmission comes courtesy of Texan vibist Gi Gi. Trodding his own path of introspective, nu-age-infused ambient scapes and trip-hop-laced downtempo divagations, Gi Gi eases us in a distinctively soothing headspace. A self-driven, immersive audio bubble engineering a polychromatic mix of organic field-recording, exotic dub shades, lushly textured envelopes and smooth loungey jazz accents.

From the A1, “The Lower”, a steady-churning combo of retro-stepping UK dynamics, 90s-schooled atmospheric dub and low-slung, LA beat-style swagger, down to the verbed-out summer pop of “Sinews” featuring Hysterical Love Project, Gi Gi puts on a riveting synthesis of seemingly distant varietals.

On “Maiolica”, the mystique-imbued power of drums and shadowiness of the bass collides with the faux-organic vibrancy of singing robot birds; “Pyxis Glint” shows off an ambiguously feverish ASMR-like temper with its tightly woven web of chimey Andean melody and straight out Rephlex-fashioned escapism, whereas “Palm Slick” heads for further exhilarating heights through Hassellian brass flights a la “Blues Nile" and breaksy off-piste, all set at buckling a few knees along the way.

A full-fledged, soulful trip-hop number disguised in matching neo-vintage camo, “Lilted Song” treats us to a fulfilling blend of bleached pads and FX-laden slo-mo percussions swaying with a strong couldn’t-give-a-damn attitude. Gi Gi coming up with the mind trip. More

Like trudging through viscous air, I Lost All My Data is a blissed-out barrage of sub-bass that nods to a long-lasting passion for sound system culture.

Uploading turbo-charged wubs with molten glass melodies, the debut EP of Giovanni Bonelli (aka Notte Infinita) is a welcomed update for UK style broken-techno conventions. Booting-up with its title track, the record quadrisects the fabric of digital music, each cut a sonic reprogramming of its predecessor. ‘Slippery Tuff’ references off-kilter club, while on the flip, ‘Ecstatic Dub (Roller Mix)’ climaxes in an ultra-sensory faux-organic whorl. Unplugging the whole thang, ‘Oxygen’ manipulates post-dubstep textures, into a data-roused jungle tunnel.

Deciphering glitched-out signal processing and harmonic warps, I Lost All My Data is the software upgrade that every system needs – do not choose Later; Install Now.

This record has been played out/supported by...

Bambounou, Madam X, Special Guest DJ, Opium Hum/Michail Stangl (Boiler Room), Lurka, Bruce, orson (version) More

Conceived in the literal underground of the INDEX:Records basement studio in Berlin, the enigmatic, new-coming “pop” group Downstairs People, is an unlikely collaborative project to be birthed from 2020 – the year of isolation. ‘Underground Pop’ is a collection of aural serotonin hits that touch the feel good receptors, genre hopping between synth-pop, house and neo-RnB.

The group is conducted and glued together by INDEX:Record's own, Jorge Camacho, the maestro behind his alias, vase. Camacho brings together a gauntlet of Berlin-based artists and INDEX: affiliates, dishing out something fresh after countless late night sessions, only to curate a serendipitously coherent record of left-field pop hits, that arrive just in time for summer.

Underground Pop by Downstairs People is out 16 April 2021 via single disk 12” LP vinyl, in full colour outer-sleeve and black inner-sleeve. A limited run of 250 copies are distributed worldwide by Rubadub. More

Renowned US producer Maceo Plex releases his highly anticipated third album, ‘’93', a homage to his three-decade journey through the realms of electronic music. Marking both a passion and a prolific career, the maestro presents a tantalising body of work that masterfully blends House, Hip Hop, Global Bass, Techno, Breaks, and Electronica. This audacious fusion delves into historic and modern influences, crafting an audio journey that transcends time, rich in history yet boldly future-facing.

‘’93' is a cross-genre exploration, seamlessly balancing emotion with hard-hitting beats. Maceo Plex collaborates with a stellar lineup of artists, including Diplo for his contribution on ‘You Don’t Have To Wait’ with Cubicolor, Oscar and the Wolf, Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction), Johnny Jewel and Desire, Kirsty Hawkshaw, Mystic Bill, AVNU, Giovanni, Ishi, and Tyler Hill, resulting in a diverse and dynamic musical affair.
This album narrates the story of a highly esteemed artist at a pivotal juncture in his career, consistently evolving towards new directions. Departing from the early deeper house sound that initially defined him, Maceo Plex intentionally ventures into new territory, steering away from his famed melodic and techno direction in recent years. Nevertheless, '93' retains the essence of Maceo Plex's signature style, transcending various sounds and genres in a manner reminiscent of his electrifying DJ sets, meticulously curated for the dancefloor and the crowds.

‘93’ vinyl LP by Maceo Plex is available on Lone Romantic from 17th May 2024.

Key Feedback Quotes:

Pete Tong - Maceo is such a talented producer. A sonic juganaut. An inspiration to so many aspiring music makers. He's a master of analogue and digital in the studio. He's a total 'one of'.
Kolsch - Incredible album!!!!
Artbat - “Very cooooool album!
Gregor Tresher - Wow, now this is what I call an album! Extraordinary stuff, I love it! Big up, Eric!
Hot Since 82 - Nothing short of sensational. My fav producer and DJ who consistantly sets the bar far too high and we all play catch up. Love it.
Rodriguez Jr - Awesome album. LOVE IT. Such a wide spectrum of influences here. Respect!
Laurent Garnier - Very cool. Will play these
Hernan Cattaneo - This is a really good album!
Wehbba - happy to finally see the album coming out, lots of gems, Nasty, Just You and I, Get out Of Here and You're My Desire are my main picks.
Eelke Kleijn - Already listened to the whole album on Spotify. Fantastic. Miles ahead of everyone else. Thanks for sending this, will play many of these for sure.
AFFKT - all tracks are amazing
Ida Engberg - Loooove this release! Stop that and Serpent jazz for me, can't wait to play them. Lone Romantic killing it!
Victor Ruiz - Honestly, you’re a genius! 10/10 productions always.
Pig&Dan - Great to hear new tunes from one of my favorite producers out there
Oliver Huntemann - some real gems on here
Fideles - wow, love it all
Peter Kruder - Love 'em all! Thanks for sending my way!
Yotto - Sick Sick Sick work!
Jody Wisternoff - Insane tracks from Maceo!!!
Terr - Amazing music as always, thx!
Nicolas Masseyeff - Solid release! Full Support!
Paige - Nasty is an absolutely mind-blowing track!!
Braxton - Incredible Album. .
Dense & Pika - Wicked stuff from Maceo.
Eli Brown - Always great music from Maceo Plex.
Anden - Congrats on the album! Love it!
Sergio Muñoz / Fur Coat - Great work from Eric! Congratulations.
La Fleur - So many gems in there, looking forward to having a proper listen from start to end! Thx
Captain Mustache - Big work here from Maceo, congratz!
Alex Kennon - This is a masterpiece!
Timo Maas - Clickbait is a cool track, I like the deep funk.
Martin Eyerer - This is a great album!! I love nasty most, but all great.
Nick Warren - This is such a great album.
Laurent Garnier - Very cool EP. Will play these.
Jonas Rathsman - Stop That sounds interesting

Key Radio Play:

Pete Tong/BBC Radio 1 - Maceo Plex ‘Hot Mix’ - 05/01/23
Pete Tong/BBC Radio 1 - Stop That (Essential New Tune) + You Don't Have To Wait - 15/12/23
Pete Tong/BBC Radio 1 - You Don’t Have To Wait - 15/12/23
Pete Tong/BBC Radio 1 - Maceo Plex guest mix - 05/01/24
Pete Tong/BBC Radio 1 - Stop That - 01/12/23 More

Tracklisting
A1 Emmanuel - Illusion Of Choice
A2 Emmanuel - Lost In Translation
B1 Emmanuel - Analytics
B2 Emmanuel - New Media More

Non Exclusive.

Tracks :
A1:BLACK FOREST EP
B1-MEGANOID
B2-ILLOGICAL

Notes from the artist :

The album "Black Forest" is a captivating sensory experience that embraces the listener's soul and transports them into a world of contrasting emotions. Its fusion of intricate and hypnotic sounds offers a journey through evocative and haunting soundscapes.
The tracks of "Black Forest" unfold like intricate paths winding through the mysterious and magnetic atmosphere of the black forest, with rich and engaging harmonies opening up like spaces of light among the trees, offering moments of reflection and contemplation.
With its combination of pulsating rhythms and evocative melodies, this album offers a unique experience that enchants and fascinates the listener, transporting them on an unforgettable journey through the darkness and beauty of the human mind.


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Los Angeles wordsmith Pawz One teams up with German producer DJ Dister on the collaborative album "Watch & Learn" via Below System Records. "Watch & Learn" captures scenarios of street life, hustling and paranoia all painted over well-crafted production. Pawz One has come off a string of recent releases that have sharpened his song writing ability while Dister has produced various projects expanding his diverse sound. For Pawz One "Watch & Learn" has given him a chance to speak on topics that were close to heart having lost friends and family to the streets and prison as well as serving time himself. DJ Dister showcases a wide range of production that combines a classic sound with progressive elements. The first single "World Champion" moves listeners with the energetic track fused with a dash of reggae and Pawz's combination of punchlines and wordplay. On the follow up single "Out Here", Pawz One and Guilty Simpson lay out the often ignored rules of the streets over a sinister soundtrack. "No Contest" is the last single pitting Akrobatik and Pawz One against all challengers. Next to Guilty Simpson and Akrobatik, other guest appearances by Napoleon Da Legend and Space Honey. "Watch & Learn" provides a blend of vivid storytelling and melodic beats giving audiences of Hip-Hop something to add to of their collections. More

PHANTOM OF THE AFTERS is the 3rd album from Irish rapper Kojaque, out on his very own Soft Boy Records. With landmark projects Deli Daydreams and Town’s Dead, that saw him 2x nominated for Choice Music Prize, receive support from Radio 1, 1xtra, 6Music, support Loyle Carner & Lana Del Rey and headline festivals across Ireland, Kojaque changed the rap landscape (and Irish culture) for good. Collaborations on his latest project include Biig Piig, Wiki, Charlotte Dos Santos and Gotts Street Park. The album traces blurred outlines of childhood trauma, depression, grief and love, interweaving the physical and emotional journey of central character Jackie Dandelion with bigger questions about immigrant identity, homesickness, cultural stereotypes and ultimately the reconciliation of self. Kojaque has created a cinematic-universe that is bigger in scope but also more tender and intimate in approach than ever before. It’s this willingness to be vulnerable - grotesque, even - that’s captured in the album’s iconic artwork, which subverts the bigoted depictions of Irish caricatures in 19th and 20th century Punch Magazine cartoons and sees this particular Phantom of the Opera remove not just those distorted masks, but also his own.

With songs that are cocksure and contemplative, brutally honest but also refreshingly myth-making, PHANTOM OF THE AFTERS marks a new era from Kojaque: one of his generation’s most unique talents. In suitably audio-visual style, the album traces blurred outlines of childhood trauma, depression, grief and love. It interweaves the journey of central character Jackie Dandelion from Dublin to London with bigger questions about immigrant identity, homesickness, cultural stereotypes and ultimately the reconciliation of self. It’s this willingness to be vulnerable - grotesque, even - that’s captured in the iconic artwork, which subverts the bigoted depictions of Irish caricatures in 19th and 20th century Punch Magazine cartoons and sees this particular Phantom of the Opera remove not just those distorted masks, but also his own.

The record drops alongside one of its more brooding moments, ‘WHAT IF?’: a soulful ode to anxiety, and the crippling impact of fear in moving forward in life or your relationships. “I’ve been obsessed with Charlotte Dos Santos ever since I heard her project Cleo,” Kojaque comments. “She’s just got such a distinct voice and sound. I sent the track over hoping she’d be into it and she sent me back a near perfect hook.” A fully independent artist, Kojaque has brought a stellar lineup of guests together on his latest work: from Biig Piig, Charlotte Dos Santos and NY rapper Wiki (who featured on ‘JOHNNY MCENROE’) to Gotts Street Park (‘BAMBI’) plus production credits such as Calvin Valentine (Ryan Beaty), Tony Seltzer (Eartheater, Freddie Gibbs) and Karma Kid (Hak Baker, Shygirl).

PHANTOM OF THE AFTERS will see Kojaque continue to blaze a trail around the world. He first came to prominence with the genre-bending concept record Deli Daydreams: it became the first mixtape to ever be nominated for the Choice Music Prize, and demonstrated his prowess not only as a polymathic artist, but DIY label-head (co-founding Soft Boy Records, which was subject to a Boiler Room documentary) and visual artist (Kojaque has received a prestigious Royal Hibernian Academy Award for his film-making). Even as the rest of the world sat up and paid Irish Art some long-overdue attention, Kojaque’s creative output has remained thrillingly uncompromising. Tour-de-force debut album Town’s Dead examined everything from gentrification, masculinity and mental health to a gnarly love-triangle unfolding on New Year’s Eve, held together by a multi-hyphenate attitude. Once again nominated for the Choice Prize, Kojaque played a sold-out UK & European headline tour around the restrictive local lockdowns, with the album landing additional support across the likes of Radio 1, 1xtra, 6Music, plus shows with Lana Del Rey and Loyle Carner (who also sampled Kojaque on hugo). With his landmark projects to date, Kojaque changed the rap landscape (and Irish culture) for good. On PHANTOM OF THE AFTERS, you sense he’s just getting started.

Praise for debut album, Town’s Dead
“A brilliant, personal, urgent record that confirms Kojaque as one of the leaders in the current wave of great musicians emerging from Ireland” - NME ****
“Sharp, poetic...few albums this year can be as potent as this - Loud & Quiet, 9/10
“Dripping with humour, personality and cinematic storytelling, Town's Dead is all you could ever want in a debut" - DIY ****
“The raw reality of sex, violence and depression” - The Face
“A dizzying debut…so many ideas, influences, moods, mates, silly scenarios and gritty social politics that you’ll need a lie down” - Sunday Times Culture
“Channels Kanye and Kendrick…Kojaque’s time is now” The Observer

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Gremlinz & Jesta present their long-awaited debut album on Metalheadz.

Although the music itself spans only the last few years, it would be sufficient to say that this album is the culmination of almost 2 decades of work. So much history in one project, this is without doubt Gremlinz & Jesta's biggest and finest triumph.

First meeting as teenagers in the multicultural streets of Toronto, the duo were both already well exposed to the world of raving and jungle music in particular. It wasn't until years later however, following Jesta's slight hiatus, that they would hook back up and form what would eventually become an alias at the very heart of Metalheadz.

Their first appearance on the label as Gremlinz & Jesta wouldn't come until 2018 but it wasn't long before talk of an album gathered pace. Prior to then they had been meeting at a staple Chinese restaurant, Lee Garden, in downtown Toronto where they would discuss not only music and writing

ideas but also life. The spot became a permanent fixture in their calendar and following its closure in 2017, the pair affectionately became known as 'The Lee Garden Historical Preservation Society' as a way to keep those special days alive. It's from that fondly remembered and much missed period in their lives that the album justly takes its name.

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Malmö’s Mod Sens arrives on Programm LDN with an electric intersection of soundsystem styles and taut techno and electro. Pushing inventive, bassweight dance music through his Melt club night in the city he calls home, the wildly talented Swedish producer brings an international outlook to his subtly crafted workouts.

“These four tracks were all made at a time in Malmö when electro was completely dominating the underground scene,” says Mod Sens. “That had a strong influence on the creation of these tracks, but I was definitely more urgent to create my take on ‘UK’ Sounds.”

The sound on Misperceptions EP is introspective by design, cast in melancholic pads which balance the rugged impact of the crafty drums and upfront low-end. Mod Sens himself describes exploring the tension between wanting to run and feeling ‘stuck’, and that yearning sensation culminates in four elevated cuts that uphold Programm’s commitment to advancements in club music.

Visual director Blackwall and graphic designer Alfie Allen responded to the tangible mood of the EP, resulting in an accompanying visualiser and sleeve design which round out the emotion Mod Sens was reaching for while working on the music. As a complete package, it’s an audio-visual statement which leaves a lingering impression, as any art worth making More

Tracklisting
A1 Intuition - Arcana 17
A2 Intuition - Soulstealer
B1 Aeryeen - 6AM Transmission
B2 Aeryeen - Earendel
B3 Aeryeen - Alchemy (Emerald Mix)

Sales Note
Next up is Intuition, a contemporary techno/trance duo from the coast of Catalonia, Spain. This hard-hitting release features the iconic Arcana 17, a pure hard trance anthem that debuted at KI/KI's Amsterdam Boiler Room back in2022, as well as Soulstealer, their take on a rolling, hypnotizing monster.
Aeryeen (1/2 of the duo) is in charge of the B-side, taking a more emotional approach with dreamlike pads and ever-evolving arpeggios backed by psychedelic atmospheres.
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Repress!

Francois Kevorkian is a name that should need no introduction. With over 40 years in the game FK has occupied numerous roles in his long and storied career - drummer, DJ, A&R man, remixer and producer - his skills know no boundaries. Having DJ-ed during the nascent days of club culture in NYC alongside Walter Gibbons, Larry Levan and more, Kevorkian has been there from day one. Years spent in the seminal clubs of the day sharpened his ears and his prowess behind the mixing desk saw him become the A&R man at the legendary Prelude records in the early 80's, this in turn led to him working with everyone from The Eurythmics, Depeche Mode, Erasure, D-Train, Yazoo, The Smiths, Kraftwerk and many many more. A true NYC original and legend, Kevorkian is still active today and the respect he commands amongst his peers has never waned, his adventurous extended DJ sets, seminal mixes and remixes and his open ears and open mind have ensured that he will go down in history as a musical pioneer.

Rewind to 1995. Kevorkian's 'Wave Music' imprint has come into existence with a handful of releases. No-one could imagine that his self-produced 'FK EP' - the next release on the label - would be a stone cold classic. Easily one of the most consistent, exciting and solid EP's to come out of NYC during this golden era of dance music. Across 4 tracks we are taken on a sound journey through a world that is undoubtedly informed by FK's time as an engineer, DJ and most importantly, a music lover.

EP opener 'Hypnodelic' brings us into this world, a deep, driving cut that fuses the dubbed out vocals of Freddie Turner against FK's keyboards and immaculate drum programming, oozing cosmic electronic soul, this track was destined to be a future classic. 'Mindspeak' also boasts some tough drums and with a respectful nod to Chicago is an incredibly mixed and arranged peak-time cut that will drive your dancefloor into deep space again and again. 'Edge Of Time' welcomes us to the flipside of the EP, wild Latin percussions, tablas and old school horn stabs drive this monstrous cut, not to mention cavernous dub FX and that huge bassline that just doesn't let up. Essential. 'Moov' rounds things out on a more subdued, stripped back vibe. Reversed percussions and spaced-out synth chords lace this beautifully understated and warm track, one that builds into a crescendo of melodies and hypnotic rhythms and the perfect way to close what has been a truly special musical journey.

This essential reissue of the 'FK EP' has been fully licensed, sanctioned and remastered in conjunction with FK from the original master sources by Optimum Mastering, Bristol UK, repressed onto high quality vinyl and packaged as the 1995 release was. A truly classic record indeed, available again for 2018. Welcome back Wave Music! More