Over the course of his twenty-plus-year-long career, Luke Solomon has made one hell of a name for himself: he's released dozens of singles and EPs on labels like Crosstown Rebels, Rekids, Cajual, and Playhouse, to name a few; founded his own imprint, Classic, with longtime friend and co-conspirator, Derrick Carter; dropped four albums; and had a hand in well over 100 remixes. As one might expect, it's a tremendous honor to now welcome the veteran DJ and producer to LPH, where we think he fits in perfectly, despite being the artist in our ranks with the most impressive tenure. Things Wot I Done, Vol. I kicks off rambunctiously, with "Let the Rhythim," a sharp, powerful house tune wrapped in a barbed wire knot of chunky synth hooks, loose drums, and looped vocals you'll find yourself immediately singing along with. "Wot U Du" is the acid-y complement to "Rhythim," a more malevolent tune that sounds crisper and more focused, rendering it, arguably, more destructive. The flip is commenced with a remix of "R U Ready?" by 50Weapon's Benjamin Damage, a buddy whom we've been courting to work with us for a year. His cut-which is the first effort yielded from his new hardware-centric setup-is a twisted, acid-laced techno one that'll immediately ignite any dancefloor. The EP is finished with the Solomon original, which is no less punchy than Damage's version, but a little more bizarre and wonky; it's loaded with effects, unexpected twists and turns, and screeches that're plopped in, seemingly, at random. The 12" ends as it begins: with a bang. As the title implies, this is presumably part of a series and we already can't wait to see what Luke does next. More

Breaking news!? LUKE SOLOMUN on Gomma sublabel Toy Tonics! Solomun is one of the leading figures of the UK House scene. Classic label boss, Freaks producer and Defected A&R. After a looong time finally with a new solo release. And instead of going to a big UK label - he choosed the new German label for his first new solo release . Three funky intrumental techno tracks that connect Luke's former Freaks sound with a more edgy, straight rolling vibe. Luke says: "having spent a huge amount of time working with vocalists and writing songs for Freaks and other acts, i wanted to indulge in writing instrumental club music and return to my original production roots. Approaching things with a simplistic view, and making music that i could take straight to the club and play. This is like a new beginning for me." "I love the vibe of the label - me and them seemed like the right fit." More

When Luke Solomon got in touch and said he wanted to work with Local Talk we felt both honoured and happy, especially since we've been fans for a long time and Mats actually booked him to his Raw Fusion club in the late 90s. He's been around long enough to be considered a legend within the scene. We couldn't agree more. Lost Channels, a 130 bpm piano driven and punk-dubby New York inspired house track comes in two versions.
The Raw & Stripped Version is exactly what the name says, sharp snares & hi-hats, piano chords, a driving rhythm with Luke's trademark percussion sprinkled on top. The Live Piano Version is actually the original version and is peppered with more of everything. Bubbly FX, more of that staccato piano and of course that muscular bassline. For remix duties it's the return of an old Local Talk friend, Wil Maddams. It seems like Wil has spent some time in Detroit since last time. This remix sounds like something that would come straight out of the D, his clever drum programming holds this track together with it's deep pads and bubbling bassline. It's a retro (but fresh) techno jam for 2014. More

Now based in the heart of Leeds, the Fullbarr imprint returns with ‘Beyond Therapy Vol.1’ by Luke Solomon this …, comprising four original cuts from the Classic Music Company label-head. Luke Solomon needs no introduction with a back catalogue boasting releases on Southern Fried, International Deejay Gigolo, Leftroom, Crosstown Rebels and of course his own Classic Music Company run alongside Derrick Carter. Here Luke returns to the Fullbarr label following his ‘Ultrasound’ EP last year. Since its launch Fullbarr has continually seen support across the board from Mixmag, De:Bug, DJ Mag and many more with the labels DIY ethos, hand delivering stock to record stores, simplicity and organic promotion highlighting the attention to detail embodied in the company. The imprint closed last year with a retrospective compilation of remixes from the back catalogue and has picked up support from many reputable DJ’s along the way, such as DJ Deep, Ethyl, San Proper, Christopher Rau and Jovonn. Here the release opens with ‘Crash Beat’, featuring off-kilter drum programming, resonant, evolving synth lines and bubbling low-end tones. The track steadily evolves in a drum-driven fashion before the focal point sees the introduction of tweaky, acidic synth stabs, resulting in a flourishing dynamism for the rest of the cuts duration. Next up is ‘Hoover Bag’, employing a dark, twisted feel with an insistent kick pattern creating a bumpy energy. Broken-beat snares shuffle away in the background alongside blocky hi-hats and loose claps while drawn out delays and a heady synth line further fuels the profound depth of the record. Following on the B-Side is ‘Look Back’, veering into house territory this time with shuffling 909 style drums, a simplistic, punchy bass-line and bright organ stabs. Luke creeps in murmuring vocal lines to hidden away in the background to add further texture while the hooky, progressive nature of the cut smoothly carries it along. To close the release Solomon turns in ‘Pop Rocks’, upping the tempo again slightly with a raw, rolling drum pattern and machine noise continually sweeping around, giving off a hypnotic feel. A cutting 303 line is soon worked in adding to the mesmeric vibe its the envelope is invariably altered and subtle automation More

Timelines’ is the new LP from British house producer Luke Solomon and it will be released via his and Derrick Carter’s Classic imprint in May in a package that features the LP, a selection of remixes and a mixed bonus version. Luke Solomon’s influence on house music has been strongly felt for many years. As a DJ and promoter he pioneered mid-week London clubbing with his legendary Space night alongside the late, great Kenny Hawkes. As a producer he has constantly delivered original, often idiosyncratic and always unique house music (and beyond) for an enviable list of imprints. As an A&R he has helped develop many a career (Tiefschwarz, Freeform 5 and Isolee to name but a few) with The Classic Music Company and continues to do so with Classic and his new role as one of Defected’s A&R team. ‘Timelines’, even the incredibly humble and self-effacing Solomon would agree, is his best work to date. Featuring vocal contributions from Jon Marsh, Natalie Broomes, Terry Grant and Tiger Tiger, as well as musicianship from Arthur Jeffes (various keys), Andy Neil (guitar and bass), Martin Radford (strings), Sammy Bishai (Violins) , Chris Storr (Horns), Steve Parry (Horns), Anu Pilai (Guitar/bass), Tom Bailey (Guitar) and Danny Harrison (Drums), ‘Timelines’ is so much more than the usual house music album, it’s one man deftly controlling and mastering his very own musical chaos. More

Needless to say that E.A.R is very happy to of signed an E.P off Luke Solomon. Luke's "Say Something" was recorded using live musicians, vocals, and drums, this is something that E.A.R love doing and bringing the talent of live music into a club environment and Luke has done this perfectly. The original boasts a good feel vocal with breathtaking production, whilst the "Dub Something" brings it into the clubs for the Deep House crowd. Now dim the lights and focus on the heavier darker side of Lukes mind as he brings the "Do Something" mix in to a peak time track. More

Returning to Classic with his first solo original in 20 years, prolific producer and audio engineer Lance DeSardi unveils ‘Higher’, a three-track release featuring vocals from Jesse Rennix. A frequent studio partner of Luke Solomon, Lance DeSardi has collaborated with the label boss on numerous projects, including on Luke’s Powerdance project and Honey Dijon’s LP ‘Black Girl Magic’ which garnered significant media attention, appearing in The Guardian, Pitchfork, NME, The Line Of Best Fit and more. Now returning to the label, Lance DeSardi showcases his original sound alongside singer, songwriter and producer Jesse Rennix, an established dance vocalist who has released on Om Records, Wolf + Lamb and Legwork. Together the two create studio magic with their EP ‘Higher’, opening with the sultry and expansive title track, stuffed to brim with bright synth goodness as Jesse’s haunting vocals build with menacing intensity. Next up, Lance delivers the ‘Higher’ Space Dub, before ‘The Runaway (House Is A’ Pealin’)’ closes the release with its wickedly dark yet deliciously intense underground club sound. More

JT Donaldson’s blissed-out release ‘Stay Inside’ is now available on wax for the first time. With soulful vocals provided by fellow Texan Liv.e, delicate instrumentals and a grooving beat, ‘Stay Inside’ swiftly became an infectious hit following its release on Classic Music Company, ascending to #1 on the Traxsource chart. This four-track package features the original alongside the club-focused remix, which maintains the blissful sound of the original mix while upping the ante with agile drums and playful piano samples. Next up, house legend Sandy Rivera lends his unique brand of soulful funk to the track, with an enhanced bassline and undulating groove hard to resist. Finally, Girls of the Internet lace in soft percussion and looping guitar riffs that retain the laid-back feel of the original. More

Robert and Lyric Hood aka Floorplan return to Classic with two-track release ‘The Curse Breaker / What You Need’, further demonstrating their unique gospel house sound. With their growing catalogue of previous Classic releases gaining extensive club support from tastemakers such as Dan Shake, TSHA, Jamie Jones and Seth Troxler to name a small few, as well as widespread specialist radio support, the appetite for Floorplan’s Classic output is evident. Now the father and daughter duo return with another adventurous vocal sample for their latest release; ‘The Curse Breaker’ combines a religious sermon with expertly produced house, building from a small flame to its euphoric, blazing climax. Next up, ‘What You Need’ displays the duo’s disco influences with a heavy dose of classic 20th century soul. More

Sophie Lloyd returns to Luke Solomon’s imprint alongside the effervescent singer songwriter Amy Douglas for a wax release of ‘Sweet Love’, an anthemic disco release bursting with sensuality. The pair are well known to Classic fans; Sophie for her debut release, ‘Calling Out’ with Detroit trio Dames Brown, and her subsequent release ‘Angels By My Side’ which received a soulful remix package from Floorplan. Additionally, nostalgic house vocals from Brooklyn’s Amy Douglas have appeared on tracks from Luke Solomon’s ‘Love. Hope. Happiness’ to Horse Meat Disco’s ‘Message To The People’, also featuring the Dames. For the Love Hangover mix of ‘Sweet Love’, a slow, intoxicating intro erupts in a burst of energy as Amy’s vocals and Sophie’s production come together for an ambitious, driving composition. The vinyl also features a remix from the label boss himself; Luke Solomon’s Always Love Revision of this modern disco anthem ups the ante, adding huge swathes of energy to the previously sensual record. Similarly, the Sweet Lovin’ Mix capitalises on the raucous finale from the original Love Hangover Mix. More

Robert and Lyric Hood return as Floorplan to Classic Music Company with another double release of divine house goodness. ‘We Give Thee Honor’ is a high energy rave number with an instantly recognisable hook as a syncopated organ stab is juxtaposed with a wild vocal loop and unpredictable gospel interjections, creating the unique energy of worship in full flow. The second cut, ‘Makes Me Wanna’, has a more minimal approach to production, playing to Floorplan’s club expertise. Both tracks are packed full of powerful, feminine vocals that celebrate the duo’s spiritual influences. More

Critically acclaimed songwriter, fashion mogul and electronic artist Honey Dijon is back with a vinyl package of exclusive remixes from her sophomore album ‘Black Girl Magic’, which saw the trailblazer receive recognition from major international outlets, cementing her as a globally relevant superstar. ‘Slap! EP’ features remixes produced by Honey in collaboration with Classic label boss Luke Solomon; the two previously collaborated on Beyoncé’s chart-topping album ‘Renaissance’, receiving GRAMMY Awards for their musical contributions. Four tracks from ‘Black Girl Magic’ are revisited with a tougher, club-ready approach, adding a hefty weight to the already driving releases; ‘Show Me Some Love’ with Channel Tres featuring Sadie Walker gets a treatment that is sure to Shake The Earth, while Honey’s collaboration with Mike Dunn & Ric Wilson ‘C’s Up’ shows off the sound of The Southside, Chicago, in one pounding re-edit. ‘It’s Quiet Now’, featuring 90s RnB-inspired vocals from Dope Earth Alien, receives a chugging Sunlight Remix while ‘Not About You’ gets a Set You Free Remix, liberating the mind with a relentless four on the floor kick. Made with the club in mind, Honey Dijon and Luke Solomon prove again they are a pairing that can’t be beat. More

DJ Eddie Fowlkes created the techno genre alongside Derrick May, Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson. Now the 'Godfather of Techno Soul' uses his extensive knowledge and experience to create a dynamic wax release drenched in Motor City inspiration - this four-track vinyl package is both a love letter to his musical roots and an inspired representation of the left-of-centre house that Classic is known for. For the lead track, 'AHYEE', Eddie carves out his own sound in a low growl as distorted percussion whirs over a four-on-the-floor beat. 'Blow' goes tougher, with an undulating bass that adds a wonky unease to the rhythmic kick and syncopated decoration. On the B-side, ‘Talking To Me’ makes use of a distinctive spoken-word vocal over an expansive and rhythmically intricate accompaniment, celebrating the culture through expert sampling and production techniques, whilst ‘Complex’ is more beat-focused with driving synth rhythms. Coming from producing some of the first techno records nearly 40 years ago, unique releases like this continue to prove Fowlkes' status as a constant innovator, and his ear for house music is undeniable. More

With ‘Angels By My Side', Sophie Lloyd delivered another exceptional release on Classic Music Company, powered by a leading topline from Pauline Taylor over a disco-driven, stomping bassline. Pegged as an anthem in waiting, father-daughter duo Robert and Lyric Hood, best known as Floorplan, now gear up to deliver their remix package, including a floor filling Main Mix and synth padded Dub. Classic Music Company veterans, the two consistently deliver evergreen records on the imprint, providing multi-dimensional cuts bursting with club appeal much like their 2021 releases ‘Right There / Holy Ghost’ and ‘Get My Mansion Ready / Out Of Control’. Born out of a desire to explore Robert’s soulful, spiritual influences, the project continues to evolve into a wondrous family affair as daughter Lyric moves further into the fold. Floorplan are well versed in the value of records that pump the dancefloor with life, with this remix being no exception. More

Classic Music Company are proud to present Black Girl Magic, the highly anticipated sophomore album from the inimitable Honey Dijon. An artist in every sense of the word, across 15 tracks of attitude, energy, heart and community, Honey demonstrates a broad range of disciplines and influences, enlisting A-List collaborators such as Channel Tres, Eve, Pablo Vittar, Josh Caffe, Mike Dunn and more for an unmissable, boundary-pushing LP. Redefining what it is to be a DJ in 2022, this year Honey’s production capabilities have been enlisted by the upper echelon of musicians. Producing two records for Beyonce’s chart-topping album Renaissance and remixing lead single ‘Break My Soul’, as well as working in the studio with Madonna on new material. Now unapologetically expressing her own sound on Black Girl Magic, she unveils the next chapter of her development as a producer and songwriter. Since the first teaser of the album, the BBC Radio 1 playlisted collaboration with Atlanta singer-songwriter Hadiya George ‘Not About You’, to the most recent single ‘Show Me Some Love’ featuring Compton royalty Channel Tres, the Black Girl Magic project has consistently illustrated Honey’s dedication to profiling diverse vocal talent. Shining a spotlight on a new generation of queer people and people of colour, Honey’s intentions to “keep this culture in the conversation,” are demonstrated with the featured artists on the LP More

Sophie Lloyd returns to Classic Music Company for another stunning soulful delivery, this time teaming up with Faithless vocalist Pauline Taylor on ‘Angels By My Side’. Much like Sophie’s previous works on Luke Solomon’s imprint, this record brims with the same joyous energy sure to uplift, as live recorded strings, horns and keys give an added richness to the release. With Sophie’s Classic debut ‘Calling Out’ a modern day dancefloor anthem with 10 million streams and counting, and her latest offering garnering early support from the likes of NYC legend Danny Krivit, there is no doubt ‘Angels By My Side’ will follow suit as an essential record for discerning selectors. More

A key figure in Chicago’s second wave of influential house and techno producers, Mystic Bill returns to Classic Music Company with ‘Body Moves’, a release with serious club credentials and drenched in authentic NYC, New Jersey and Chicago influences. This 12” package is becoming a firm favourite of in-the-know selectors, no doubt thanks to its party-starting qualities that are sure to captivate floors. Featuring four versions of the track, Bill navigates various different analogue moods, kicking off with the vibing house of the original, as euphoric synth arpeggios and a warm, groovy bass blend for dancefloor magic. The Reprise Mix is another juicy club cut, with a full-throttle bassline that rips through the newly looped vocal. On the B-Side the NYC Mix demonstrates Mystic Bill’s trademark deepness, headsy enough for the darkest recesses of the dancefloors but with buckets full of energy for peaktime sets. The NYC Dub closes out, an essential club tool for any discerning selector. A perfect fit for Luke Solomon’s imprint, Mystic Bill’s ‘Body Moves’ is not one to be slept on. More

Debuting on Classic Music Company earlier in 2021 with ‘Right There / Holy Ghost’, Floorplan return to Luke Solomon’s imprint to deliver another divine two-tracker ‘Get My Mansion Ready / Out Of Control’ to close out the year. Created as an outlet for Robert Hood’s soulful, spiritual influences, the techno pioneer welcomed his daughter Lyric into the group in 2014 where it has since gone from strength to strength, as they consistently deliver evergreen cuts under the moniker. Opening the release with ‘Get My Mansion Ready’, Floorplan’s signature big chords and bigger vocal hooks are underlined with a ferocious techno bassline ready to pump the dancefloor with life. ‘Out Of Control’ goes deeper and darker, a hypnotic looped vocal and menacing builds employed to almost theatrical effect. Combining to make an EP bursting with club appeal, it’s time to get to know these cuts, as you’ll be hearing them across dancefloors for some time to come. More

Following his Classic Music Company debut in 2019 ‘The Product’, Barbershop Records and Livin’ Proof boss Snips returns to Luke Solomon’s imprint to release ‘Say It’, featuring original Faithless vocalist Pauline Taylor. Floating the rich, evocative vocal over warm piano chords, fluttering horns and a groove-heavy bassline, Snips once again demonstrates his ‘London meets NYC’ sound with total finesse on. Accompanying the original is a remix from house legend Sandy Rivera, whose signature soulfulness proves a perfect match for Pauline’s exquisite vocal, lacing in soft melodies and hypnotic percussion for a blissed-out mix. This special 12” package also features Snips Disco Dub which is exclusive to the vinyl, and the essential Accapella. More

Born from the friendship between Luke Solomon and Derrick Carter, Classic is above all else a family label. Creating a platform for artists to satisfy their artistic intentions with left-of-centre house creations, this release sees Classic return to its vinyl-only beginnings for Volume VIII of its 12” Label Sampler series. Kicking off the A-side, Classic co-founder Luke Solomon, Amy Douglas & Queen Rose deliver ‘Love. Hope. Happiness’, a joyous boogie-filled track destined to uplift listeners. Jansons’ ‘Less Ordinary’ follows featuring Liz Cass’ uniquely hypnotic vocal, with a devilishly deep bassline providing boundless dancefloor appeal. On the flip, Scotsman Austin Ato’s groove filled track ‘Heat’ opens, featuring choppy guitar riffs and a soulful vocal, this record radiates good energy. Wrapping up the sampler is Jaden Thompson’s ‘To The Light’ with warm synths and a gloriously deep bassline sure to captivate its listeners. This sampler is the perfect dose of Classic’s signature grooves that are always full of character, and with all tracks previously unavailable on 12” is not one to be missed. TRACK LISTING :A1. Luke Solomon featuring Amy Douglas & Queen Rose - Love. Hope. Happiness (Extended Happiness Mix)
, A2. Jansons & Liz Cass - Less Ordinary (Deep Mix), B1. Austin Ato - Heat (Extended Mix), B2. Jaden Thompson -To The Light (Extended Mix) More

The inimitable Honey Dijon delivers a preview of her forthcoming album ‘Black Girl Magic’ with ‘La Femme Fantastique’. Continuing to be a magnet for the most forward-thinking and exciting artists, here Honey teams up with London based DJ, producer and vocalist Josh Caffe, also inspiring a remix from heralded experimental artist KiNK and his fellow Sofia resident and protégé KEi. Capturing the energy of a hot and steamy dancefloor in full flow, this special edition, 12” purple vinyl package shows Honey’s unapologetic, hedonistic and achingly cool style at its finest. Opening with the raw, seductive interlude ‘Introducing La Femme Fantastique’, Honey’s industrial and electrifying club cut follows, as Josh’s captivating vocal narrates, the hypnotic lyrics are echoed with her mesmerising production. On the flip, KiNK & KEi deliver their captivating remix, with gradual builds, an irresistible bassline and swirling, otherworldly synths destined to excite selectors of the highest order. There is no doubt this killer EP is set to become one of the most in demand releases of 2020, as artists of the highest order come together on a package designed for dancefloor escapism. TRACK LISTING: A1. Introducing Le Femme Fantastique, A2. Le Femme Fantastique (Extended Mix), B. Le Femme Fantastique (KiNK & KEi Extended Remix)
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Mavericks of the musical landscape, Brooklyn’s finest genre-defying duo Dave + Sam release their anticipated debut album ‘No Shade’ on Classic Music Company this spring, a thirteen-track narration of the 21st century experience, told through the eyes of vocalist Dave Giles II and production maestro Sam O.B. With the aim to package love, empowerment and socio-political commentary into a collection of tracks that never compromise on groove or soul, this enchanting album never loses sight of its message as it journeys from deep Chicago house and otherworldly melodies to funk-laden jams and adventurous studio experimentation. Hinged tightly by the soulful nuances of Moodymann, Mos Def and Gil Scott Heron, Dave’s captivating spoken word delivery is purposeful and considered, as Sam weaves rhythms and grooves so deep you can get lost in them – the two musical narratives working in perfect harmony. Recorded in Brooklyn’s Bedford Stuyvesant, a neighbourhood bearing the scars of over-policing and encroaching gentrification, the vibrancy of the community and its unyielding history of creative expression shines through on the album’s entirety. As products of such environments, Dave + Sam’s music is resilient, revolutionary and organic in equal parts. An homage to their mutual reverence for early Chicago house and the golden era of underground parties in New York, ‘No Shade’ is a riveting body of work ready for you to lose yourself in. A1. Grind feat. LATASHÁ, A2. Til The World Blow Up feat. Mike Dunn, A3. Sauce, B1. Facts, B2. You Da Shit Girl feat. LATASHÁ, B3. Can't Get Enough ,C1. On Everything ,C2. Worth It feat. Cor.Ece ,C3. No Shade feat. Ramona Renea, C4. Look @ U feat. Moruf, D1. Round The Way feat. C. Rich D2. Day One (Oh Baby) ,D3. Home feat. CEEverything More