"Tanika Charles Gets “The Gumption” To Become a Soul Star" Bandcamp Daily 
"Tanika Proves She Has 'The Gumption' on Her Confident New Album" Exclaim Mag 
"Best New Music" KCRW 
"We're hooked! 15 albums you need to hear this Spring" CBS Music 
"la soul ardente de Tanika Charles" FIP (Radio France) 
"Tanika Charles Is Living Her Best Life" Soul Bounce 
"A cut above the rest" ROCKERILLA Mag 
"Impressive!" BILLBOARD Mag 
"Tanika Shows Off Her 'Gumption' POPMATTERS 
"Essential release" Blues&Soul Mag 


The new album by Juno Award and Polaris Music Prize-nominated Canadian soul star Tanika Charles. 

Produced by a stable of some of Canada's finest musical minds including DJ Kemo (The Rascalz, Kardinal Offishall), Chin Injeti (DJ Khalil, Eminem, Drake) and Daniel Lee (Hooded Fang, Phedre), Record Kicks proudly presents "The Gumption" the awaited new album by Canadian soul star Tanika Charles that will hit the streets worldwide on May 10. 

"What gave you the gumption?" Tanika Charles rhetorically asks during the introductory notes of her sophomore album appropriately titled The Gumption. While the apprehensive lover at the receiving end of that inquisition should feel slighted by the remark, it also alludes to the assuredness Tanika has gained since the release of her Juno Award and Polaris Music Prize-nominated debut Soul Run. The Gumption picks up where Soul Run left off, continuing her tradition of marrying classic soul with modern production styles. Across a dozen songs spanning 38 minutes, Tanika addresses moments of vulnerability, vindication, uncertain love, forbidden fruit and the state of the world today. "It's a little more mature. It's not feeling guilty about being up front, not being afraid to address situations that aren't comfortable for me. I'm comfortable in my skin now in a way I never was before. The overall theme is growth. I feel the music reflects that, and my words reflects that. Even the album cover tries to convey the feeling too. I'm not putting up with unnecessary nonsense anymore." 

Predominately guitar-driven mid-tempo soul, with a handful of dance floor friendly tunes and some psychedelic leanings, The Gumption was indirectly influenced by the likes of Alabama Shakes, The Supremes, Khruangbin, D'Angelo, and Moses Sumney. It is sonically moody at times, but with consistent silver-lining arcs. "I've grown up and learned to deal with situations significantly better. We have a tendency to hold back our innermost feelings for fear of hurting others. Even when we're happy we worry about over-sharing, as if joy is a competition you don't want to gloat about." 

The success of Soul Run propelled Tanika in front of new audiences far and wide, with extensive touring in North America and Europe. "I've been touring, experiencing new places and meeting new people. And in that time also worked on completing this album". While criss-crossing Canada with festival appearances on both the east and west coasts, Tanika also embarked upon four overseas tours for a combined 45 European shows within a one year period. This included performances at the prestigious Trans Musicales Festival in France, the Lärz, Germany Fusion Festival, Mostly Funk & Soul and Jazz Festival in UK, the Holy Groove Festival in Switzerland, and the Canarias Jazz Festival in Spain. 

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released May 10, 2019

2 track album

Zajazza, producer, beatmaker and globe-trotter joins Fraser, multi-instrumentalist and doctor in groovology. Together, they produced a 70's style record, sublimated with the voice of Maddy Butcher, Singer-Songwriter and DJ from Birmingham. 
This record is a perfect mix of Funk, Rock and spontaneity.

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releases April 24, 2019 

Composed by Zajazza & Fraser. 
Written by Maddy Butcher. 

Mix: Zajazza 
Mastering: Christian Hierro

Take the legendary music of The Doors and add the Djar One's production skillz and you have 2 killer reworks to burn the dancefloors !! 
ULTRA LIMITED EDITION 45 ORANGE VINYL 100ex !!! 
LIMITED EDITION 45 BLACK VINYL 200ex ! 

www.45live.net/magazine/article/djar-one-soul-kitchen-beats-house 
"Kickstarting the week in fine fashion is the brand new release from Djar One entitled 'Soul Kitchen' on Beats House Records. Channelling that unmistakeable Morrission growl by reinforcing the psych-tinged original with the producer's trademark beefy drums that will charm dancefloors worldwide. 'Soul Kitchen' is likely to have Djar One's peers simultaneously nodding their heads while at the same time ripping up their ideas book. None of the charm of the original release is lost here but what is gained is that club appeal that will make this an essential shopping list item for all DJs that like to keep the dancers dancing!"

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released April 8, 2019 

Reworked, mixed and mastered by Djar One at Beats House Studio, LH.

1st single "Tunring" is taken from "Suzume"LP, released 13th of April 2019
jlamotta.lnk.to/Suzume
Music & production by J.Lamotta Suzume 
Bass by Martin Bhul 
Rhodes piano by Doron Segal
Drums by Ra'fat Muhammad
Recorded at Jazzanova Studio, Berlin by Axel Reminder & Jose Victor Torelli
Mix by Q3000
Master by Roskow Kretschmann

11 track album

So how’s your year been? Compiling these annual compilations naturally puts me in a reflective mood, looking back over the months since I sat down to put together Volume Fourteen. Last year I wrote about how music can be a refuge from the harsh realities of the wider world and that seems truer than ever. I’ve not known a more turbulent year politically and it seems like there is worse to come in the years ahead. 

But now isn’t the time to dwell on that - you’re here for music and on that score 2018 can be judged in a much more positive light. For us at First Word it has been without doubt our best year yet, with albums from Children Of Zeus, Quiet Dawn, Kaidi Tatham and Eric Lau plus EPs from newcomer Yazmin Lacey and Souleance plus remix packages from Darkhouse Family and Profusion. For the fifteenth instalment of this compilation series I’ve picked one track from each of the year’s releases (including selections from our sister label Excursions) with a couple of exclusives added, rounding it out to 17 tracks of soul, hip hop, beats, jazz and bruk. 

Of the new tracks, we have low slung instrumental hip hop from FW extended family Mo Fingaz and Sleepin Giant, soulful beats from Jake Milliner (featuring Bubblerap) and a sneak peek at Don...  more

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released December 21, 2018 

Design & Sequencing by DJ Gilla

"Cool“ is the second album by Otis Junior and Dr.Dundiff. Otis and Dundiff both are originally from Louisville, Kentucky. They only met shortly before they released their first work together. Sometimes musicians take their time to find a formula, to carve out a way in which they create. Not those two. It was an instant creative connection, a artistic bond from the get go which makes them produce classic song after classic song. Otis once summarized their working approach like this: "As with our previous works, the concepts for the songs and album were born from Dundiff presenting me with broad ideas (instrumentals and titles) and allowing me to define them through my own perspective (with lyrics and melodies)“. 

Dundiff's organic yet hard hitting productions compliment Otis Junior soulful timbre perfectly. Around 60% of the sounds on the album are played live while 40% are based on samples which shows how the music is created within two different musical birthplaces. the result is too Hip Hop to be Soul and vice versa but it is sitting very well in between these chairs. 

When Otis Junior and Dr.Dundiff approach an album production they always try to establish an ongoing theme for the album. Their latest work deals with the concept of „Cool“ and the...  more

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released December 14, 2018

First Word Records is very proud to present a brand new EP from Yazmin Lacey - ’When The Sun Dips 90 Degrees’. 

This EP follows on from her two recent singles, ’90 Degrees’ and ‘Something My Heart Trusts’, both of which are included here, along with three previously unreleased tracks, ’Heaven’, ‘Body Needs Healing’ and ’Burn & Rise’. This set illustrates again Yazmin’s candid songwriting delivered in her uniquely laidback soulful style, whilst a glorious fusion of neo-soul and jazz performed by Pete Beardsworth and her trusty band rides throughout. 

In recent times, Yazmin has made live appearances on Jazz FM, BBC Radio 4, 1Xtra and NTS, & received widespread acclaim across the airwaves, including BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Worldwide FM and Mi Soul, plus Spotify love from the likes of The Independent and heavy support from DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, Tom Ravenscroft, Huey Morgan and Jamie Cullum. Yazmin appeared heavily in The Guardian / The Observer's recent extensive feature on the UK's new Jazz movement too. 

Initially a Brownswood ‘Future Bubbler’ graduate, Yazmin self-released her debut EP, 'Black Moon', last year. This lead to a Maida Vale session late 2017 with Jordan Rakei, Moses Boyd, Oscar...  more

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released June 22, 2018

Clem Beatz new single 'Way Out (feat. MIAE) is out now : Hotstream.lnk.to/way-outSong by Clem Beatz
Featuring MIAE
Artwork by Annabelle Podgornii
(p) Sans Huile de Palme under exclusive licence to Kitsuné MusiqueFollow Clem Beatz
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@thisismiae
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The intrinsic power women have over men through the default divinity they hold.

“Find My Way” is the new single from London-based neo-soul duo Aurora Dee Raynes. Brimming with summer vibes, the track follows their “Do What You Do EP” released on WotNot Music which saw the band gain support from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Huey Morgan, Gilles Peterson and Tom Ravenscroft, Clash and NTS, with the transcendental video of the title track premiering on THUMP.

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released July 12, 2018

A piece that will take you far away into the sunniest Cuban beach. Dive into the beautiful "Cariño" by okvsho (@soulofzurich) and Sreya. Taken off their Traphouse Jazz EP.Read our premiere feature at www.stereofox.com/premiere-okvsho-…rino-feat-sreya/If you enjoyed this, feel free to support with a [Repost] ↻ and a [Heart] ❤︎

ILL DOOTS is constantly thrusting themselves towards the new; with a sound evolving from movie samples and sprawling lyrics built in smokey dorm rooms, into a live, funky beast of a band known for elevating minds, filling hearts, and moving bodies. So it is only appropriate that ILL DOOTS' self titled album is the long-awaited bridge between the live music experience they have been cultivating on the road, and the music that has been available to listeners. After years of dropping mixtapes, touring the US, and putting their mark on the Philly theater scene, ILL DOOTS set out to capture their live sound, stepping away from their tradition of producing beats as individuals and adapting them for live performance, they collaboratively composed new, original music. Inspired by classic records and influenced by genres ranging from Minneapolis funk, classic rock, hip-hop, and everything in between, ILL DOOTS strived to emulate and honor the sounds of the greats—by using the tools of the greats, calling on vintage synths, drum machines, the Rhodes, and more. Working with engineer Micah Forsyth at Watts studio in North Philly the group cut the foundation of the album in just a few days. 

It was clear this album was unlike anything they had ever made before. However, the album’s creation took a dramatic...  more

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releases July 27, 2018 

Recorded & Mixed by Micah Forsyth 
Produced by Scott Ziegler 
Mastered by Ryan Schwabe 

Recorded at: 
Wattstudio-Philadelphia, PA 
Converse Rubber Tracks-Brooklyn, NY 
Tasker House-Philadelphia, PA 
University of the Arts-Philadelphia, PA 
Scott’s House-Philadelphia, PA 

Intro: 
Andrew Nittoli-Vibraphone/Percussion 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Joe Anderson-Trumpet 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Sam Greenfield-Saxophone 
Scott Ziegler-Bass/Pump Organ/Synths/Keyboards 

Suddenly: 
Ron Draper-Vocals 
Khemist-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
The Prof.-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Keyboards & Synths 
Scott Ziegler-Bass & Synths 

Lunar: 
Phantom-Vocals 
Scott Ziegler-Bass 

Ain’t No Way to Live: 
Ron Draper-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Khemist-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Electric & Acoustic Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Piano, Keyboards, & Synths 
Scott Ziegler-Bass & Synths 

Smile: 
Zeek Burse-Vocals 
The Prof.-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Acoustic & Electric Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Piano, Keyboards & Synths 
Scott Ziegler-Bass, Drum Programming & Chord Organ 

Chemicals: 
Phantom-Vocals 
DJ NoPhrillz-Cuts 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Scott Ziegler-Keybass/Synths, Drum Programming, Vocals 

Hue: 
Phantom-Vocals 
The Prof.-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Organ 
Peter Krag-Piano 
Sam Greenfield-Saxophone 
Joe Anderson-Trumpet 
Scott Ziegler-Bass 

Don’t Know Where I’m Going: 
Phantom-Vocals 
Rich Quick-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Ron Draper-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion & Vibraphone 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Organ, Rhodes, Celeste 
Sam Greenfield-Saxophone 
Joe Anderson-Trumpet 
Scott Ziegler-Bass, Piano, Synths 
Aaron Bastinelli-Additional Engineering 

Programming: 
Phantom-Vocals 
DJ NoPhrillz-Cuts 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drum Programming 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Scott Ziegler-Bass, Keyboards, Synths, & Drum Programming 

Sheep: 
Ron Draper-Vocals 
Anwar Marshall-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Calvinet & Synths 
Sam Greenfield-Saxophone 
Joe Anderson-Trumpet 
Scott Ziegler-Bass & Synths 

Free: 
Zeek Burse-Vocals 
Khemist-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Rhodes, Clavinet, Organ & Synths 
Sam Greenfield-Saxophone 
Joe Anderson-Trumpet 
Scott Ziegler-Bass

First Word Records is very proud to present a brand new full-length album from Kaidi Tatham. ‘It’s A World Before You’. 

Following on from two EPs released on First Word last year (‘Changing Times’ and ‘Hard Times’), Kaidi has delivered us thirteen tracks that deftly illustrate his various talents as a multi-instrumentalist.

Kaidi is probably best known for his work with Bugz In The Attic, though his musical contributions over the years have also included Amy Winehouse, Slum Village, Mulatu Astatke, Soul II Soul, Moonchild, Leroy Burgess, Amp Fiddler, Chris Dave, Macy Gray, King Britt, DJ Spinna, Mr Scruff and IG Culture to name but a few! In recent times, he’s worked with DJ Jazzy Jeff on a variety of projects, including his most recent album ‘M3’, touring Europe for Jeff and Will Smith’s reunion shows, and on the PLAYlist album 'Chasing Goosebumps', with Glenn Lewis, Stro Elliot (The Roots), Masego, Maimouna Youssef, Rich Medina, Daniel Crawford and more. 

All this in addition to heating up dances around Europe with his inimitable DJ sets, and working heavily with First Word label-mate, Eric Lau (who also mixed this album) on a variety of projects, and adding releases to his already impressive catalogue on 2000 Black, Eglo and Theo Parrish's Sound Signature, with regular compadre...  more

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released June 29, 2018

Both sides arranged, mixed and mastered by Djar One at Beats House Studio, LH.

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releases July 30, 2018

Grown out of their small-town suburban roots to speak to the trudging nation, The Drop have established themselves touring the UK festival circuit and self releasing a string of singles and EPs, gaining a loyal grassroots following along the way. Marrying jump-up grooves, down & dirty bass, epic walls of sound and clever lyricism they create a mesmeric stage show, captivating the audience from the first track to the reluctant last. 

Taking some time out after a frantic first few years of gigging to perfect their long awaited debut album, ‘Last Stand’, they are primed for a return to the stage. The album, recorded at the prestigious KONK Studios, remains true to the live experience they've developed and features dub pioneer Lee "Scratch" Perry on lead single Dunna Runna.

Stoking the fires of free thought, reggae has long been the spark to ignite any potential brooding youth movement. From The Clash to the explosion of dub-step, they all have their place and are each as culturally significant and quintessentially British as the last. The Drop are set to find their place in this category, coming hard with their own distinctive sound and a strong message.

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releases September 14, 2018