With the Metro EP we're finally offering a full solo release by Matthew Styles on Ostgut Ton, accounting for his consistent productional finesse, especially with his original track “Liquid Sky” (on Nick Höppner's Panorama Bar 04, 2012) and his 'Dub Mix' of Dinky's “Planes” (on Ostgut Ton | Zehn, 2015). “I’ve never worked on a sequential set of songs that came out on the same record,” Matthew commented on this 12“. As with his productional approach in general, the Metro EP has a certain timelessness: “One piece is from 8 years ago, one from 3 years ago and another from around the time of the recent birth of my second son. I’ll leave it up to the listener to guess which is which.” The eponymous “Metro” on A is an elated seven-minute, trippy, meandering analogue synth exploration in House and Cosmic Disco. “Wave 6” opens the flipside with a simple yet beguiling melody: 6 notes dancing completely beatless in 5/4 time, meandering repetitively and escalating towards a blissful – yet only anticipated – climax. “Border” on B2 is a solid addition to the long history of Dub Techno – smooth, steady, super layed back, but also offering many colorful melodic elements. More

A true unsung hero of the underground house community, Matthew Styles is an effortless producer and faultless DJ, making him the perfect regular at the likes of Panorama bar in Berlin, and putting his skills as an engineer in demand for many luminaries. A decade ago he was at the helm of Damian Lazarus’s Crosstown Rebels as its first label manager, steering it through some of its most successful releases, and he has since made his footprint as a producer in his own right. On his debut EP on Crosstown the tracks move from the solid, big room sound of ‘Clandestine Emotions’, into the layered beats and bleeps of ‘Wrong Move’, through to the classic break-beat of ‘Avon’ and gentle elegant bass-lines of ‘Sleepless’, Styles proves he can master any style and keep his authentic sound embedded within it. Firmly schooled in the history of dance music as a DJ, Styles’s father was a disc jockey and long time member of DJ culture pioneers DMC, instilling in him the age-old tradition of moving a crowd with music. From a recording career on esteemed imprints such as Running Back, Ostgut, Classic and Rekids, and regular appearances at clubs such as fabric, Munich's Bob Beaman, Concrete in Paris and the aforementioned Panorama Bar, Matthew’s priority has been intrinsically placed with servicing the needs of a dance floor. More

Berlin based Englishman Matthew Styles make his second appearance on Tamed Musiq with a wonderful four tracks EP called Communique. Recommended! More

Release no.2 on nofitstate sees Matthew Styles taking over the reigns; the 'Signals EP' is a varied beast as you'd expect from one of the most distinguished and versatile producers of the last couple of years. 'Signals' kicks things off, a beautifully effortless flowing groove with on-point percussion and subtle elements that keep things moving perfectly. 'Lucky' keeps the vibe nice and deep, a razor sharp snare imbuing the track with a sense of energy whilst 'Codex' leans toward melody with it's pitch perfect arpeggiated motif dominating proceedings. 'Gesopik Console' rounds the EP off nicely with a nod to nu-disco energy.
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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