Daybreakers keep it moving in 2026 with another essential drop from Chicago’s Vick Lavender. Following on from Vol. 1, Essential Traxx Vol. 2 digs even deeper into that soulful, live house sound that Vick’s been perfecting for decades on his label Sophisticado.

A musician, producer and DJ whose work bridges house, jazz and soul, Vick’s music has always carried that feeling — spiritual, rhythmic, and full of life. Part of Glenn Underground’s Strictly Jaz Unit back in the 90s, he helped carve out a sound that still resonates through clubs today. Sophisticado is his world now — real musicians, real instruments, and real emotion.

On the A side, Consequences featuring Spike Rebel rolls with organic percussion, warm keys and that signature Lavender groove — fluid, human, alive. Music built for the dance.

Flip it for Thanks I Get featuring Cei Bei — straight deep house from the source. Soulful vocals, deep chords, and that unmistakable Chicago energy that hits right where it should. Essential Traxx Vol. 2 continues the story. Real house music, deeper than deep.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Daybreakers return with another one for the deep heads, welcoming Chicago legend Vick Lavender to the fold for Essential Traxx Vol. 1. A musician, producer and DJ with over three decades in the game, Vick’s music lives in that space where house, jazz, and soul connect.

Back in the 90s, Vick came up alongside Glenn Underground and Boo Williams as part of the influential Strictly Jaz Unit, helping shape a sound that still echoes through dancefloors today. In the years since, he’s built his own world through Sophisticado — music rooted in live musicianship, deep feeling, and that unmistakable Chicago soul. It’s real house music.

On the A side, 1.4.4.5 (Where It Started) lays down that signature Chicago pulse — rolling percussion, Rhodes chords, and basslines that unfold like a live jam. Deep, patient, the real Vick Lavender sound.

Flip it for Tiano Nuevo featuring Spike Rebel, a lush meeting of house, Latin, and jazz sensibilities. Guitars, percussion, and keys come together, the kind of tune that keeps a dark room or a sunrise session dancing.

Essential Traxx Vol. 1 captures what Daybreakers is all about. Deeper than deep house.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Vick Lavender's four-track EP, "SuperHero," is a testament to Chicago House Music's enduring power. It's a journey through vibrant, classic, and futuristic soundscapes, all crafted with masterful purpose. Don’t Sleep on this Future Classic.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Chicago deejay/producer VICK LAVENDER drops a double album of 14 house tracks. Disc one is a mix of influences and sounds with cuts featuring AMMAWHAT, ANGEL-A and SPIKE REBEL. Disc two focuses on the deep Chicago house sound VICK is best known for with extended mixes. Sure to please.

Tracklisting:
A1. 4-11 (5:44)
A2. A Space Love Affair (3:52)
A3. Acid Outpost (Album Version) (3:45)
A4. Archive 80 (Album Version) (5:44)
A5. Misty (4:47)
B1. 1981 (4:36)
B2. Again (w/ Ammawhat) (Album Version) (3:29)
B3. I.C.C. (Inner City Children) (4:44)
B4. Nothing Broken (w/ Angel-A) (4:41)
B5. Reminisce (Sign of the Times) (4:29)
C1. Herbie (Vick's Extended Time Traveler Mix) (11:15)
C2. Play (Vick's Jazz Playground Vamp Mix) (3:52)
D1. Flame (Vick's Extended Time Traveler Mix) (10:18)
D2. Rise I Rise (Vick's Extended Time Traveler Mix) (9:44)

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

VICK LAVENDER is back with another quality vinyl release on his SOPHISTICADO label. First up is the title track "AFRO GO", an Afro jazz influenced piece that's sure to inspire dancers & deep house music lovers world wide. Next up is "AMBROSIA", an atmospheric yet deep house cut. The B side features a previously release collaboration with house music icon ROBERT OWENS: "TONIGHT". Bringing this EP to a close is the slow burner "ACID OUTPOST", with iconic Chicago acid house overtones, but then Vick & company (JUSTIN DILLARD) turns the acid concept on it's head and it becomes their vision totally (late night acid jazz??).

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Repress!

3 tracks including an incredible reworking of WILLIE COLON's Latin classic "SET FIRE TO ME" alongside a bonus drum mix for extra dance floor excitement. If that isn't enough we get the highly sought after "THERE IT IS - FEAT. D. MILLZ" (KAI ALCE remix) for the first time ever on vinyl.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

The initial limited white label copies sold out in record time, and this "official" release now on black vinyl in full color printed jacket will likely do the same. These two long playing jazzy heaters are sure to move feet directly to the dance floor. The debut vinyl release on the new label started by the iconic Chicago retailer

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

This is a formal introduction of the new label Ethnic Blend Music, brought to you by TMR (Track Mode Recordings) label head Brett Dancer. EBM will focus on specific musically based Deep and soulful house music productions. First out the gate is none other than Mr. Sophisticado himself, Vic Lavender. Two productions of pure bliss.

Song one "Are U Going My Way" (Time Traveler Rework) is Vic ‘s rendition of the Pat Metheny classic "Are you going with me". While keeping most elements of the classic production, Mr. Lavender added various elements which focus on his production style. True to his electronic jazz, funk, soul, and deep house roots. A Powerful interpretation of a world renown classic. Song two Prometheus takes us on a full journey from start to finish. Beats, Bassline, and lush chord structure. A Sophisticado trademark for production. TMR and Ethnic Blend are happy to be back releasing great music. Enjoy there is more to come! Thanks for the support.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Featuring AMMA WHATT. VICK & CASAMENA come together for a soulful,jazz-filled journey, decorated with sultry vocals from AMMA WHATT. VICK's jazzed out mix & CASAMENA'S club ready excursion showcase their fullproduction repertoire, making it one for the club & the collection. Full color sleeve. Limited pressing

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Coming Soon is some dope fire from the one and only
Vick Lavender and his Sophisticado Recordings Outpost.
If you’re looking for some deep house that’s driven by true
musicianship,
then look no further than this eagerly awaited monster of a twelve
inch.
Championed by an exclusive bunch of dope music selectors,
this bad boy will not disappoint.
Get ready for some true dopeness coming soon!

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

The SouL Pops is Chicago based Dejay Cease, who is known for spinning at places like the Buddha Lounge and making tunes that span Soul to House. Here, he debuts on Cataleya Music with the organic and soul infused The Mask EP. This Masquerade featuring Trevor Johnson is a cover of the George Benson song, which takes it in a classy Soulful House direction courtesy of an impressive piano display and questioning vocals. The Instrumental version is self explanatory, where keys and strings hold their own. Afro-Rican Jazz is another key led winner, where powerful grooves are joined by textured percussion. Something About You rounds off the EP with strong organ blasts, life giving strings and ear catching melodies. The Mask EP is a soulful winner with jazzy flourishes and spiritual edges.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Infinite Salutations is a game of two halves from Coflo and Emmaculate, where free wheeling jazzy expression meet club ready grooves. Salutations feat. QVLN is a guitar led winner with sweet vocal touches and layered percussion. Infinite is more of a dancefloor bumper with cool keys, bass delving and barbed synths. The Bay Area's Coflo is a mainstay on the label, having chalked up a range of hits from the deeper If It Goes to his magical cover of Love's Masquerade. Illinois' Emmaculate touches down on Cataleya for the first time, fresh from his release on G.A.M.M. with DJ Spen, production work for Ten City and remixes for the likes of Incognito. With Infinite Salutations, Coflo and Emmaculate provide a fantastic start to 2026 for Cataleya.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Athens based Aris Kokou debuts on Cataleya Music with a seriously deep EP. Think Ron Trent, Coflo or vintage Osunlade. Kokou is a seasoned producer, who released Drum&Bass on Good Looking and Tech grooves on Plastic City Suburbia with Bill Makris in the early 2000s. In recent times, he has been making the sort of Deep, Soulful and Afro influenced House we hear on Kalypso’s Island. The lead cut A Woman is a swinging hip shaker with grooving keys and thought provoking spoken vocals from SingTrece. The keys really fly on the Instrumental. Azymuth with Moulton Music regular Phaze Dee has the sort of jazzy vibe that you would expect. The EP finishes with the gorgeous flute and guitar driven Sacred Kalypso. This is one of the deepest and most spiritually aware EPs on Cataleya Music so far!

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

This record is a Chicago collaboration between Vick Lavender and a legendary singer and producer, Ron Carroll. Ron is best known as the voice of timeless winners like Back Together, Angel and Lucky Star. Vick Lavender is a high profile producer and remixer and a regular on Cataleya Music. He runs his own Sophisticado Recordings label and has recently released two LPs, Beyond and Time Traveler. All I Got For You (Is Love) is a proper vocal anthem. It features funky guitars, star kissed keys and a committed vocal delivery. This is classic Soulful House from Carroll and Lavender! Paint A Picture is a key driven winner that will put you in a positive mood. Modern House songs that really deliver like the classics are rare, but Vick and Ron are on point with the memorable All I Got For You (Is Love).


Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Malta’s Melchior Sultana is a multi-instrumentalist with releases on labels like Ten Lovers Music, Oath and Underground Quality. Not to mention his own Profound Sound Music label or collaborations with Owen Jay. Here he debuts on Cataleya Music with Ghost, which is an uplifting deep winner with a Mediterranean feel. The vocals from Janelle Pulo give it a spiritual edge. Guitars and synths do the heavy lifting. Kai Alcé’s NDATL Remix really focuses on the piano keys, taking it further into Deep and Spiritual territory. Vick Lavender’s Higher Frequency Remix is a brass and key journey. This heavier interpretation gets seriously jazzy later on. Ghost is a strong debut from Sultana, backed by high quality remixes.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Cataleya reach double digits with a very special cover of a Soulful House classic. Coflo freshens up 280 West’s Love’s Masquerade for modern audiences with the help of Canadian vocalist CEE. Their sparkling cover is backed by mixes from Vick Lavender, DJ Spinna and more from Coflo. Coflo’s Classic mix has the vibe of the 90s mixes, whilst Vick turns the track into a glorious synth addled bumper. Spinna offers his own version, where sturdy beats, vocals and free flowing keys combine. This is a fantastic update of a classic!

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

South African producer Cool Affair returns to Cataleya with an innovative track that blends genres effortlessly. Motoric Patterns is a real hypnotic groover, with sweet keys and vocal harmonies. The sound is somewhere between Broken Beat, Downtempo and even Deep House. Keyboard wizard and Broken Beat pioneer Kaidi Tatham provides a fantastic remix. His version features classic fractured beats and soul kissed touches. Tatham even adds an extra vocal hook. Motoric Patterns is a singular winner!

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Repress!

If It Goes is Coflo at his Deepest. The Bay Area producer has long been making his name at the organic end of Deep House with releases on labels such as Tribal Winds, Ocha and Yoruba Records. If It Goes is a true spiritual journey. A glorious flute, flexing guitar and a whole host of other instruments create a soul touching groove on this fantastic track. If that wasn’t enough, the Deeper Mix is a thoughtful counterpoint where a demonstrative flute and expressive keys dominate. Sweden’s Cataleya Music shows just how deep they can go on the imaginative If It Goes. File next to records by Joe Claussell, Antonio Ocasio and Ron Trent.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Repress!

Cataleya Music follow up their debut from Vick Lavender with Let Me Show You from Zephan aka Cool Affair. The Johannesburg based producer has been making music since 2006. The Prince of Broken Beats has a Jazz background, evident in his music released as Cool Affair and Zephan. Let Me Show You has a magical melody, icy chords and textured percussion. Cool Affair’s vocals add an extra dimension. Alongside the original, we get a ‘Galactic Soul Remix’ from the legendary DJ Spinna. The Brooklyn born producer needs little introduction, at home with Hip Hop, House and everything in between. On this remix, Spinna opts for swaying synths and flips the keys. This remix complements Zephan’s original perfectly. After only two releases, Sweden’s Cataleya Music show they are an imprint to watch.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

REPRESS!
Extremely sought after and supported by the likes of DERRICK MAY, TIMMY REGISFORD, THEO PARRISH, DANNY KRIVIT and BOO WILLIAMS, the next SJU MUZIC release GU'S JAZ COLLECTIVE's "AFRO GENTE" and "FUEGO DE SANGRE" are 2 powerful percussive modern Latin fusion classics! Red hot so don't sleep!

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

A1. Muggy Detroit Heat (Mixed by Norm Talley, produced by Omar-S)
B1. Jus Hangin (Produced by Moodymann & Norm Talley, Mashed up by D'Julz)

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

In this electrifying 2024, we're buzzing with excitement as we celebrate 40 years of Flexi, the record emporium that's weathered countless storms amidst the ever-shifting tides of the music industry, catering to vinyl aficionados across the ages. Alongside the raves and swag, no doubt, there's a killer compilation dropping on the indie label "Flexi Cuts," dubbed evocatively as "Musica Solida" spread across 3 or perhaps 4 12-inch samplers, boasting a carefully curated selection of singles from cherished Flexi-affiliated artists and producers. The vision? To cultivate a virtuous movement of sublime tunes, echoing the fervor and zeal to persist within the realm of quality that Flexi embodies within the Italian scene, alongside kindred spirits... despite the daunting challenges of the market in recent years.



Musica Solida # 1 showcases

DJ Rocca: One of the most solid producers on the panorama, a respected maestro of the clubbing scene in Italy and worldwide.

Club Soda: Live electronic ensemble, still dreamin' from their latest EP 'Basso e Batteria', which packs an unreleased track recorded directly from their house-flavoured jam sessions.

Lex (Athens) & Locke : A Greek producer who is well established in today's dance house scene, with quality-vibey releases and a very nice and classy and groovy sound. We will definitely hear from him in the future!

Hiroyuki Kato: Emerging Osaka-based multi-instrumentalist makes his debut with a very punchy and catchy track!

The Mechanical Man (feat. Bob Vito) : Neapolitan super producer. Raw-sounding, gritty, powerful and never dull, a pleasure to have him with us.



The record will be released in about 200 vinyl copies no more.

Packaged in the classic discobag 2- holes, with a distinctive letterpress print in a beautiful silver cover.



Compiled by Simone Guerra aka Relative

Mastered by Francesco Brini (except track B1, Mastered by Marco Spaventi)

Pressed by Desslab

Design by GLZ

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

First issued in 1990 on the UK's 'Faze 1 FM' label, Trevor Dale's SMILING / SUMMER 88 has become somewhat of a holy grail house record. This is the first time these tracks have been re-issued in any form.

Also included here are two other tracks from his Torrington Foe side-project: 'Take Me Back' from 1990 (featuring vocals from Chicago's Robert Owens) and the deep acid cut 'Morning Shuffle' from 1994.

Dale had the ability to create timeless tracks that still echo decades later - this release will leave you nostalgic for the early London club days.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Tartelet is pleased to kick off 2026 with a display of warm-hearted tech funk from Italian house maestro Paffetti. Having made his name with a strong run of sample-rooted deep house as Black Loops, Riccardo Paffetti unveils a new alias to explore a more club-focused, trippy sound.

Even with the shift in sonic focus, Paffetti maintains a razor-sharp instinct for low-downgrooving deep house dynamics that course through every inch of the UTOPIA EP. It's plain to hear in the rolling bassline and shuffling drums that mark out 'B.Y.M. ' and the disco-licked strut of 'Escucha Me'. The difference is the decoration on top, where mind-massaging zips and pings and artful samples add a subtle touch of psychedelia to the sophisticated house music blend.

Across five cuts, UTOPIA unfolds with a strong sense of momentum and melodic intent, marking a confident new phase in Paffetti’s ongoing exploration of deep, hypnotic club sounds.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

The Sistrum tradition continues as Patrice Scott returns to the controls to deliver two deep cuts of supreme blissfulness!

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Have Isaac Carter & Callum Asa made the most tasteful tech house EP of recent memory? The short answer is
yes....

Isaac and Callum, known for their respective club nights: OCHI and Planet People have been quietly chipping away at the coalface of underground dance music for quite some time now.

Isaac - perhaps known more widely as a regular at Circoloco & Phonox has shared bills with the likes of Moodyman, DJ Bone, Kai Alce, Laurent Garnier and Marcellus Pittmann whilst being championed by Joy Orbison, Ben UFO, Moxie, Seth Troxler, Raresh and Floating Points to name but a few. With such an impressive CV and wide ranging support, it’s wild to note that the first EP released on his own label, OCHI only came out in 2023. His star is clearly ascending with rapidity - so when we throw long term collaborator Callum Asa into the mix, things start to get really interesting. Calum has been running Planet People for the last couple of years, welcoming incredible names such as Shed, Surgeon, Willow, Ploy, Cooly G, Rroxymore and so many more. Steel sharpens steel and having been surrounded by such esteemed talent, it’s clearly rubbed off on the pair who present 4 polished, meticulously constructed, club ready masterpieces, each with their own distinct feel and an insatiable groove.

‘Feel Me’ sets the scene with a descending baseline that would eek a wiggle out of the most reluctant spectator. The twisted dub eeks out even more groove, locking in a more sinister bounce for the heads. By The time ‘Understand’ get’s into full swing, we’re already under the spell of Carter & Asa, this is the kind of roller that could go on forever and ever. The synth embellishments and washes of analog synth pull us deeper and deeper in, prepping us for the finale , ’Try You’ which simmers with deep, brooding intensity.

The magic of the dup’s appeal is that this EP will find its way into the bags of the deepest diggers and also appeal to a new generation of house fans. Elements of it are accessible , but in the right hands - the EP will open a portal to new worlds.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

In his own words:

"Traffic Jams are really coagulation and inflammation in the body.
Mental stresses are Traffic Jams.
Moments where there is no flow are all due to Traffic Jams.
Within the Mind Fear and Doubt are Traffic Jams."

The first song of the EP, " Positive Mental Attitude Solves All,"is a tribute to the eternal elder and stalwart, Amp Fiddler.

"Hey, we got that P.M.A.!"
- Bad Brains in "Attitude"

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

New Theo!

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More