Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #17 *FREE TRACK DL PACK*

At last - here it is - episode 17 of the SLL Podcast series. I've been a little absent the last couple of weeks owing to frantic job interviews, but it does mean I had a wicked backlog of music to dig through and serve up for y'all.

The mix was compiled in the blazing sunshine in Sydney today, so I'm hoping I've captured some in the selection. Expect lots of lush downtempo hip-hop, funk, dub and electronica, as well as the usual quirky bits 'n' pieces. There are some epic free compilations out there at the moment, including new business from First Word with their latest 'Two Syllables' and Groovement's brand new 'Volume One' long-player, both of which are previewed here.

Also, as of this week I'll be offering-up all the free promos as a one-click download, if you fancy spicing-up your iPod and listening to some amazing new music. Enjoy!

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #17 by Sllmusic on Mixcloud

#17 - 29th July 2013

01. Frameworks - Patience (First Word) [download]

02. Hanami - Fruition (Project: Mooncircle) [download]

03. Sparkling Bits - Land Of Thirst (Bandcamp)

04. Es-K - Coolin' In July (Millenium Jazz Music) [download]

05. Lakim - Mountain High (Soulection) [download]

06. Sir Froderick - bitesizesnacks (Bandcamp) [download]

07. Moka Only - Mercy (Bandcamp) [download]

08. Paul White - Lolita (One Handed Music) [download]

09. J-Felix - Lady T (Groovement) [download]

10. K-Maxx - Dreamin' Of You (Bastard Jazz Promo)

11. 813 - Village (Apothecary Compositions)

12. Dan Bodan - Anonynous (Kuhrye-oo Remix) (DFA) [download]

13. Hayden James - Permission To Land (Charles Murdoch Remix) (Future Classic) [download]

14. Pedestrian & Jasperdrum - Kalakuta vs Zombie (PEDit) (Self Released) [download]

15. Smokey Bandits - Subway Hustler (Renegades Of Jazz Break Remix) (Bombastic Jam Promo)

16. Harold Butler - Do It Anyday (Joey Negro Edit) (Z Records Promo)

17. Smokey Bandits - Smoke From The Attic (Blend Mishkin Remix) (Bombastic Jam Promo)

18. Dessy di Lauro - Mysterious (CrazyglueMusic LLC)

19. Riot Jazz Brass Band - Necropolis (First Word Promo)

20. MJ Cole - Crazy Love (Volta Cab Dub Mix) (Self Released) [download]

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DOWNLOAD ALL THE FREE TRACKS FROM THIS WEEK'S PODCAST IN ONE CLICK!

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Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #16

I was a little slack with the funkier joints this week because of all the house music I was devouring. So with episode 16 of the Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast, I'm looking to put that right.

Expect the usual soulful journey, with a hearty dose of classics this week in the form of re-edits and covers of Blackstreet, Michael Jackson, Leo Sayer, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. 

Enjoy kids, and have a great weekend!

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #16 by Sllmusic on Mixcloud

#16 - 8th July 2013

01. Kan Sano - Everybody Loves The Sunshine (Razor n Tape)

[download at SoulBounce]

02. Badbadnotgood - Hedron (Self-Released) [download]

03. Lewis Badwan - A Perfect Yellow (Studio Rockers Promo)

04. Lockah x Taste Tester - U Don't Know Me (Activia Benz Promo)

05. Hanami - Hanami (Finest Ego Promo)

06. Atmosphere - Bob Seger (Rhymesayers Promo)

07. Chet Faker - No Diggity (Self-Released)

[download at RCRDLBL]

08. Michael Jackson - Rock With You (The Reflex Re√ision) (Self-Released) [download]

09. Leo Sayer - Easy To Love (BB Edit) (Self-Released) [download]

10. Stevie Wonder - Higher Ground (scratchandsniff's Extended Re-Rub) (Self-Released) [download]

11. Youngblood Brass Band - Ain't Nobody (Tru Thoughts Promo)

12. Myron & E - Do It Do It Disco (Stones Throw Promo)

13. Basement Freaks - Soul Intoxication (Original Mix) (Jalapeno Promo)

14. Chaquis Maliq - Calling My Shots (Bandcamp)

15. Robin McKelle - Miss You Madly (Doxie / RCA Promo)

16. Tim Dillinger - Say Thank You (Final Mix) (Suxxess Records Promo)

17. Pomrad - Pomslap (Earnest Endeavours Promo) [download]

18. ESTA. - She Needs Me (In More Ways Than 1) (Self-Released)

19. Eagles For Hands - Holla (Self-Released) [download]

20. Danglo - Don't You (WhatNot Promo)

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Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #15

Okay kids - here it is, the latest edition of the Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast.

Another mixed bag this week, journeying through deep, melodic downtempo via soul and hip-hop, bad ass brass, future beats and some incredible nu disco-funk in the shape of Personal Life, an album so good I simply had to include two of their tracks.

As ever, enjoy my beauties!

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #15 by Sllmusic on Mixcloud

#15 - 24th June '13

01. Ellie Mae - Without You (A Stop.Look.Listen. Edition) (Self-Released) [download]

02. Neko Neko - Pollen (Self-Released) [download]

03. Samaris - Góða Tungl (Sei A Remix) (One Little Indian Promo) [download]

04. Deekie - Walk With Me (Melodica Promo)

05. Robert Glasper Experiment feat. King - Move Love (JT Rework) (Self-Released) [download]

06. L.A.M.P - Counting My Blessings (Peng Promo)

07. Dilla/Miguel Atwood-Ferguson - Find A Way (Go Yama Guitar Remake) (Self-Released) [download]

08. Comfort Fit - The Holy Moment (First Word Promo)

09. The Fontanelles - Criminality (First Word Promo)

10. Youngblood Brass Band - Overtime (Tru Thoughts Promo)

11. Jaw Jam - Long Night (Symbols Promo) [download]

12. The Echo - Signals (Ambassadeurs Remix) (Self-Released) [download]

13. Homeboy Sandman - Sureshots feat. MED (Stones Throw Promo)

14. Frameworks & BluRum 13 - Alone (First Moth Promo) [download]

15. Daniel Crawford - Electric Felaxation (Self-Released) [download]

16. Personal Life - One Step Closer (Expanison Promo) 

17. Personal Life - Distance Can Be Sweet (Expanison Promo)

18. James Brown - Give it Up Turn It Loose (The Reflex Edit) (Self-Released) [download]

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Ty LIVE - Sat 6th July @ The Basement, Sydney

Sooo looking forward to this on Saturday. Was kindly invited down by Tru Thoughts and Ty's management to do a full review. Can't wait!!

Watch this space for the full write-up.

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #14

Hello peeps. It's raining cats and dogs in Sydney as I put together this week's podcast, hence it's a bit more of a deep, dark affair for #14.

Kicking-off with a romantic, almost Depeche Mode feel, we have some surprising sounds from Get Physical and Trentemøller, plus new joints from Potholes, Jus Like Music and our friends at Wah Wah 45s. Enjoy!

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #14 by Sllmusic on Mixcloud

#14 - 17th June '13

01. Wire People - Triangle Vision (Get Physical Promo)

02. Austra - Home (Radio Edit) (Domino Promo)

03. Trentemøller - Never Stop Running feat. Jonny Pierce of The Drums (In My Room Promo)

04. GTA Hoffmann - Der Mogul (Jazz & Milk Promo)

05. Ta-ku - Make It Last feat. JMSN (LFTF Promo) [download]

06. Black Noi$e - Hold On (Potholes Music Promo) [download]

07. Kratos Himself - Remember (Jus Like Music Promo)

08. Grupo Socavon - Homenaje a Justino (Uproot Andy Remix) (Que Bajo Promo) [download]

09. Linda Mirada - Lio En Rio (Sabore Bicoro Remix) (Lovemonk Promo)

10. Harleighblu - Play Me (Tru Thoughts Promo)

11. Sola Rosa - Spinning Top feat. L.A. Mitchell (Agogo Promo)
[download DJ Alias - Soul Bass Remix]

12. The Gene Dudley Group - When The Gorilla Get Grip (Wah Wah 45s Promo)

13. Frameworks & BluRum 13 - What You Gonna Do? (Frameworks Remix) (My First Moth Promo)

14. Uraz Kurt - Still For (Soulab Promo)

15. Marcia Mitchell - For Love (MMM Promo)

16. Woodkid - I Love You (Interscope Promo)

17. John Legend - Made To Love (Columbia Promo)

18. HornDogz - Movin' On feat. TY, Breis & Peeda (Uptone Promo)

19. Hackney Colliery Band - Hitched (Wah Wah 45s Promo)

20. Metome - Water Cycle (King Deluxe Promo) [download]

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HornDogz feat. Ty, Breis & Peeda - Movin' On (Uptone Records)

As you'll probably know if you're a regular visitor, I'm an avid fan of Ty, so today I was mega excited to receive an EP from 'HornDogz' featuring his unmistakable vocals.

HornDogz are an incredible 3-piece jazz/soul/funk collective who released their full album last year, although I'm really sorry to admit it passed me by.

With collaborators and credentials spanning many an ocean, the HornDogz project have worked alongside the likes of Amp Fiddler and numerous other top-drawer session musicians, as well as covering for the P-Funk horn section with the one and only George Clinton.

This 3-tracker includes a brass-o-rific, sexy party jam in the shape of 'Movin' On', as well as the kick-back 'La Trompeta O Yo' and their own soulful guitar-led strip of the A-side.

Check the video - it's sick. I'm on the chase for the album as well, so will post a stream if I manage to get hold of it.

Classic, golden funk jams.

'Movin' On' is out now via Uptone Records | horndogz-music.com

Handbook - Rare Ivory EP (Free Download)

Hailing from the home of wonderful ales and incredible tea, Handbook is a name which keeps cropping up, with the Yorkshire lad consistently delivering beats so inspired you'd be forgiven for thinking he was a veteran west coast producer.

Handbook's sound is a dreamy piano-led soundscape, giving more than a nod to the future beats scene but with a style uniquely his, weaving broken beat/hip-hop rhythms around uplifting instrumental samples to create infectious downtempo melodies.

His latest EP is no different - four brand new tracks and accompanying remixes to give the originals a lift for the funkier, housier floors. And all for gratis! A bargain indeed.

Handbook's 'Rare Ivory' EP is out now via Filthy Fortune Records, for free download via Bandcamp (see below)

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #13

So to episode 13 of the podcast.

This week's shenanigans are very much focussed on the future beat side of things, but with the usual splash of neo-soul, funk and housey flavour, most of which is out there for free download. Lovely jubbley. 

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #13 by Sllmusic on Mixcloud

#13 - 10th June 2013

01. Jono McCleery - Painted Blue (Ninja Tune Promo) [download]

02. Kid Smpl - I Think It's Gone (devonwho Remix) (Hush Hush Records Promo) [download]

03. Laura Mvula - Green Garden (DJAO Remix) (white) [download]

04. SmokedBeat - Hall Street (Millenium Jazz Music Promo) [download]

05. Handbook - Intensify (Am I Real?) (Filthy Fortune Records Promo) [download]

06. Nikitch - Hate Or Wait (Darker Than Wax Promo) [download]

07. LDFD - Twerk It (white) [download]

08. Paul White - Watch The Ants (One-Handed Music Promo)

09. Quantic & Alice Russell with the Combo Barbaro - I'd Cry (Tru Thought Promo)

10. Amel Larrieux - For Real (IAMNOBODI RMX) (white) [download]

11. Dezaray Dawn - Don't You Dare (white)

12. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Akosua (Mello Music Group Promo) [download]

13. The Art of Fresh - The Chase (Catch Me If You Can)  (Bandcamp) [download]

14. Ta-ku - Know You (stillmuzik Promo) [download]

15. Tuxedo - So Good (white) [download]

16. Jill Scott - Golden (Kaytranada's Life Living Edition) (white) [download]

17. Uptown Funk Empire - You've Got To Have Freedom (Patchworks Remix) (Soulab Promo)

18. Henri-Pierre Noël - A Fifth Of Beethoven (Wah Wah 45s Promo)

19. Marvin Gaye - What's Going On? (Roundhouse Kick Remix) (white) [download]

20. Octa Push - Green Limo (Senseless Promo) [download]

21. Lokiboi - All Nighter (Somethingsounds Promo) [download]

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Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #12

Marking the Queen's birthday here in Oz, things have gone a bit soulful/R&B this week, mainly down to the man Steve Ripley over at Soulfood who continues to prove himself a complete music superstar.

Tracks come from Diggs Duke following this week's interview with Tall Black Guy, plus the usual crazy niceness with two tracks from Omar's much-anticipated new album 'The Man', more biggies from Tru Thoughts, First Word, Ninja Tune and Stones Throw, alongside a fresh REFLEX take on Daft Punk and my very own Bastard Jazz edit. Have a wee listen, my good friend.

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #12 by Sllmusic on Mixcloud

#12 - 3rd June 2013

01. Diggs Duke feat. Vaughan Octavia - Is It Love? (Thundercat Cover) (Bandcamp) [download]

02. B.jamelle - Rose Tea (Bandcamp) [download]

03. Sheree Brown - Time For The Party (Expansion Promo)

04. Timotha Lanae - ALBUM TRACK 2 [UNKNOWN]

05. C. Robert Walker - Something's Going On (Expansion Promo)

06. Omar - Fuck War, Make Love (Freestyle Promo)

07. Omar - Simplify (Freestyle Promo)

08. Quasimoto - Brothers Can't See Me (Stones Throw Promo)

09. Natural Self - An Invisible Light (Tru Thoughts Promo)

10. Nickodemus feat. Sammy Ayala - Baila Tu Manera (Whiskey Barons Remix) (Wonderwheel Promo)

11. The Impellers - Do What I Wanna Do (Clear's Muchacho Sucio Remix) (Légère Recordings Promo)

12. Kid Loco x Captain Planet - My Daddy Ningani [Stop.Look.Listen. Lumpy Mash] (Soundcloud) [download]

13. Omegaman - El O'man Boogaloo (All Good Funk Alliance Remix) (Fort Knox Promo)

14. Daft Punk - Doin' It Right (REFLEX Remix) (Soundcloud) [download]

15. Kid A - BB Bleu (Eliphino Remix) (Ninja Tune Promo) [download]

16. Yosi Horikawa - Stars (First Word Promo)

17. Hidden Orchestra - Vorka (DC Breaks Remix) (Tru Thoughts Promo)

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J-Hoon feat. Phatkhat - Favorite Line (Opolopo Remix) (FREE DL)

More Opolopo hip-hop/nu beat remix sex. All for free. This time twisting his typically intelligent mastery around J-Hoon's 'Favorite Line', feat. Phatkhat. 

Sick. Intense. Insanely inexpensive.

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #11

I've gone a bit world this week, in no small part due to the kindness of new friends IRMA Records in Italy and Far Out Recordings in London. There's also some cracking freebies from groovesters Soulection, as well as brand new tracks from First Word, Jalapeno and Fort Knox. Lovely stuff. 

The mix is a little schizophrenic this week, as is the selection. Thankfully there's still no digital substitute to an experienced DJ. :-) Enjoy my lovelies and spread the word about these cracking new releases!

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #11 by Sllmusic on Mixcloud

#11 - 27th May 2013

01. OL & ¥oin - Sink (Fine Grains Promo)

02. Lakim - Future Bounce (Soulection) [download]

03. Flako - What's That Calling Me (Project: Mooncircle) [download]

04. Dwele - Lady (Sango & Lakim Edit) (Soulection) [download]

05. Kilo Kish - Give It 2 U (Cover) (Self-Released) [download]

06. Kraak & Smaak - The Future Is Yours (Ambassadeurs Remix) (Jalapeno Promo) [download]

07. Riot Jazz Brass Band - Paradox (First Word Promo)

08. Fort Knox Five - Once Again feat. King Kamonzi (Fort Knox Promo)

09. Basement Freaks - The Last Train (Jalapeno Promo)

10. Leon Ware - I Know You (Original Mix) (Reel People Promo)

11. Thabo & The Real Deal - Hey Mama (Bandcamp) [download]

12. Jaidene Veda - If Only (Elle's Chill Reprise) (Jaiveda Productions Promo)

13. The Blue Hammock - Wonderwall (IRMA Promo)

14. Hawa - Gone Away (Favorite Recordings Promo)

15. Benoit Viellefon & His Orchestra - Minor Swing (JohnJohn Records Promo)

16. Joyce Moreno - Dor De Amor É Água (Far Out Recordings Promo)

17. Christian Lisi - Besame Mucho (IRMA Promo)

18. Unknown - I Want Your Love (Soul Clap Records)

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Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #10

What a great week for music! My Inbox has been veritably bursting at the seams with amazing new tracks, so I'm really excited to share them with you. I know I've been a bit quiet this week - rest assure there's lots more coming over the weekend in terms of reviews and freebies. Watch this space...

The usual eclectic blend, this week's selection features more great stuff from the Melodica stable, a re-hit of tracks from Colm K's latest EP and the new album from Australia's very own Kerbside Collective, plus a fresh-off-the-press Hint remix on London Possee's 'London Style' and new Chromatics material. And last but not least, an incredible release from Pedestrian - one of my favourite tracks of the year already. You can download all the available tracks from Juno Download [here].

As ever, pull up a chair, open the paper and take a listen.

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #10 by Sllmusic on Mixcloud

#10 - 20th May 2013

01. Jesse Boykins III – Limit To Your Love (Self Released) [download] 

02. Ojan - Beginnings (Melodica Promo)

03. Shortcircles - On My Mind (Anenon Remix) (Plug Research Promo) [download] 

04. Flako - Dwarf Dance (Project: Mooncircle Promo)

05. Colm K - Nothing (Bastard Jazz Promo)

06. [re:jazz] - At First Glance feat. Mediha (INFRACom! Promo)

07. Harleighblu - Enough Now (Tru Thoughts Promo)

08. The Hi-Fly Orchestra - Roda De Samba (Agogo Promo)

09. The Kerbside Collection - Jelly Belly (Légère Recordings Promo)

10. Resonators - Try Again (Wah Wah 45s Promo)

11. London Posse - London Stylee (Hint Version) (Tru Thoughts Promo)

12. Mr Beatnick – I Know All The Bitches (Atjazz Astro Remix) (R2 Promo)

13. Uraz Kurt - Remember The Light (Soulab Promo)

14. Jaidene Veda - Open Love Letter (Ananda Project Remix) (Jaiveda Productions Promo)

15. Satin Jackets - Come On (Melodica Promo)

16. Chromatics - Looking For Love (Italians Do It Better Promo)

17. Pedestrian - Hoyle Road (Original Mix) (Born Electric Promo)

18. Badboe - Playin Yourself (Booty Fruit Promo)

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Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #9

It's a gorgeous yet somewhat chilly Autumnal Saturday here is Sydney. I'm feeling pretty mellow today (I blame all that Carlton Draught last night), and so is the podcast this week.

Featuring a heap of brand new tracks from Chris Coco's Melodica label, a new Plexus joint (one of my new favourite labels), more from SLL faves Soulab, Record Kicks, Bastard Jazz (check the new Colm K track - it's INSANE!), as well as my pick of the brand new Daft Punk album.

Anyhow, sit back, relax, grab your choice of beverage, and press play.

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #9 by Sllmusic on Mixcloud

#9 - 13th May 2013

01. Pablo Bolivar - Rise Your Demons (Avantroots Records Promo) [download]

02. Jamie Isaac - Hollow Words (Melodica Promo)

03. Debian Blak - Dive ft. Kate from Mt.Wolf (Audio Doughnuts Promo)

04. Thomas Prime - Two Below (Cult Classic Records) [download]

05. Scarper - Surfing the Cosmic Belt (Plexus Records Promo)

06. Kelpe - Go Visible (Drut Promo)

07. Sweatson Klank - Blow (Project: Mooncircle Promo) [download]

08. ARP 101 - Mystery Man (Eglo) [download]

09. L.A. Mitchell - The Ease (Soulab Promo)

10. The Hi-Fly Orchestra - Sambinha feat. Paula Morelenbaum (Agogo Promo)

11. Marta Ren &a The Groovelvets - 2 Kinds of Men (Record Kicks Promo)

12. Laberge - Yesterday (Original Mix) (Homecookin' Promo)

13. Casbah 73 - If You're Leaving Part 1 & 2 (Lovemonk Promo)

14. Colm K - Good Fridays (Bastard Jazz Promo)

15. Joss Moog - Sweet Mary (Robsoul Promo)

16. Daft Punk - The Game of Love (Columbia Promo)

17. Robot Koch x Sieren - Melville (Scullcandy Promo) [download]

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Colm K - The Love EP (Bastard Jazz)

I'm rarely more excited than when I get a Bastard Jazz promo through on the email. This morning was no exception, particularly as it came in the form of Colm K's new 'The Love EP'.

Hailing from Cork, Ireland, Colm has been making ways on the Bastard Jazz label since graduating from the Red Bull Music Academy back in 2004. Touching on a wealth of influences from right across the music spectrum, Colm's tracks are sprinkled with vibes equivalent to a life time's listening - everything from J Dilla to Floating Points - it's in there.

This latest release tickles the pleasure senses once again, as you're immediately struck by the sheer clarity of the production work on this EP. Deep house influences are aplenty here, subterranean basslines and stratospheric builds sit alongside typically crisp percussion and warm, enveloping key progressions.

Whether it's the more laid back pace on 'The Attic', the big room twist on 'Good Fridays' or the electro-funk inspired 'Spaced', there's something for any soulful head here. You need to own this, and anything else Colm K has put out.

Trust me.

'The Love EP' is out on 3rd June via Bastard Jazz. | bastardjazz.com

Debian Blak - Six Months From Mars EP (Audio Doughnuts)

Another label I'm super chuffed to be working with is Audio Doughnuts, an independent label founded in a West London houseboat back in 2010.

Through a string of successful club nights across the City featuring top name guests such as Jamie XX, Julio Bashmore and Zed Bias, the label continues to go from strength to strength. Its latest release comes from relative newcomer Debian Blak with his 'Six Months From Mars' EP. 

Since emerging in 2011, Debian has become a go-to producer and remixer for music royalty such as Laura Mvula - praise indeed. This latest outing features 4 tracks of heavenly electronica - some call it indie, or bass, others dubstep, and some would liken it more to the choppy MPC stylings of Ta Ku or Flume. Whatever you call it, this is a super soulful, progressive soundscape that draws you further in on every listen. Soaring pads, sharp, harmonised leads and atmospheric percussion are the order of the day; it sounds familiar, but you're not too sure. This is an EP which builds a musical curiosity that'll have you hooked.

Check out my favourite cut from the EP - 'Dive' featuring Kate Wolf from Mt. Wolf. Sick.



'Six Months From Mars' is out now via Audio Doughnuts. Grab it from Juno [here]. | audiodoughnuts.com

Ty - Kick Snare and An Idea Part 2 (Tru Thoughts)

Wow - Ty smashes yet another blinder out the park on 'Let's Start', the A-side from 'Kick Snare and An Idea Part 2'.

A massively catchy and energetic party anthem, Ty breathes his trademark character into a devastating peak-time hip-hop smash. Heavy live bass is driven by an incessant horn section sure to call any floor to order. Alongside a mega-catchy melody, Ty leads the dance amidst an aural frenzy of vocal ad-libs and vinyl splices.

Check the equally wicked music vid below, featuring b-girl dancer, Teneisha Bonner.

Never a more appropriate track title - let's do this thing...

'Kick Snare and An Idea Part 2' is out via Tru Thoughts on 10th June. | tru-thoughts.co.uk

Stop.Look.Listen. Interview - Sek (Lost My Dog, Large Music)

The journey to Oz has already been a voyage of discovery, the time away from the clubs leading me to music pastures new and previously familiar territory.

Having been listening to more electronic bits over the last few weeks, I came across an old friend in Lost My Dog, a deep house label grown from the roots of a humble record shop in Loughborough. Run by a team of true house heroes, in just 8 years the label has developed a devout and reputable following - everyone from Laurent Garnier to Maya Jane Coles have LMD records entrenched in their playlists.

So I contacted the label to say Hi, and was lucky enough to receive a wicked new deep house roller by Sek, a relatively new kid on the block and one of LMD's latest signings. What wasn't surprising was the quality of the release - safe to say LMD is a label that never fails, a rare brand of quality that screams 'buy me' before you've even hit play.

Anyway, ever the inquisitive listener, I thought I'd hit up Sek and find out more. Here's what the new boy had to say.

---

BC: What’s your name and where d’you come from?

SEK: My name is Dimitris Kesses. Im originally from Spetses, a small island of 4500 residents located at the southwest of Athens, but the last 8 years I've spent my time mostly in Greece's capital, Athens.

BC: What three records would sum-up your musical influences and why?

SEK: Cypress Hill's self-titled debut album, Jimpster's Amour, and litterally all the Strictly Rhythms back catalogue from 1990 to 2000. Each and every one of these - among many others to be honest - have contributed on what SEK is all about at the minute. Sample-based production, bottomless deepness and groove.

BC: What was the last live act / DJ you saw that left a lasting impression on you?

SEK: A couple of months ago, I had the chance to hear Agoria's live set in Athens. It was simply great! I'm the type of dj that likes to cross-genres while I'm playing and Agoria was certainly all about it. He started with some mellow deep house then jumped into some classic techno, he then added some tech-house flavours and then right back where he began. Straight from the heart and quite unique to me. The connection with the crowd was immense. It was more like building a story from scratch rather than simply telling it. I was really happy being among the crowd that night but on the other hand I was kind of jealous that I wasnt the one spinning that glorious set. I still didn't get the chance to hear Move D, The Revenge and Jordan Peak playing live but I'm sure they will be great too - I always check their live sets on SoundCloud and they have never failed me.

BC: Grab your choice of music device, press Shuffle and list the first three tracks that come up. Tell us in a few words why has each earned a place in your playlist.

Burial – Archangel

Quiet an oldie but still a goodie. It hasn’t left my music device since it was released. It can simply make my day. In fact was my "weapon of choice" last year while I was in a really bad mood while serving Greek army.

Little Dragon - Ritual Union (Maya Jane Coles Remix)

In love with the vocals and the re-work that Maya did.

Flying Lotus - Tea Leaf Dancers

Sub basses, killer stabs, and dark voice. The ingredients of a hip hop success.

BC: What’s the secret to your sound?

SEK: No big secrets at all actually. I guess the only thing that we can call a "secret", is that I always like things to be abstract and raw. I’m not a fan of crystal clear digital sound. I like it glitchy, grainy and old-fashioned. That from time to time leads me to use quite unorthodox ways of producing. Of course that doesn't always lead to the right place but it's working for me at the minute.

BC: What or whom most inspires you and helps focus your musical creativity?

SEK: I guess my family and some really good friends. They have been supporting me forever. I’m not the easiest guy to handle. I have done some extremely crazy things in my life so far, but they were always there no matter what supporting and counseling me. That helps me stay focused on my music and explodes my musical creativity.

BC: Which music producer do you think is going to be making waves in 2013?

SEK: Well, Kindimmer is already making huge waves into deep techno/house scene. He is one of my favourites at the minute alongside Jordan Peak, James Dexter and Pete Dafeet. Those guys simply can't do any wrong right now.

BC: What’s next for Sek?

SEK: We just released the Fergasm EP on Lost My Dog. Right up next is the Swagitude EP on Large Music. I'm very excited about that release - being a part of Large family and seeing my name among house legends like Roy Davis Jr and Kerri Chandler it certainly means a lot to me. And then I go back where i feel like my musical home, Lost My Dog Records, to compile Prime Cuts Vol.2 later in the year.

---

Sek's 'Fergasm EP' is out now on Lost My Dog - grab it from Juno here. 

facebook.com/sekgr | soundcloud.com/sekpr

Marvin Gaye - Ain't That Peculiar (Ambassadeurs Reconstruct) [Download]

Another track I've got on repeat this week (and thus included on this week's Podcast) is the Ambassadeurs Reconstruct of Marvin Gaye's 'Ain't That Peculiar'.



Sporting that nu skool hip-hop vibe, this rework is driven by a huge, soulful electronic lead, as well as sharp, robotic organ stabs and crisp percussion. What I love most is that the track is not overly produced, as is the temptation with many producers looking to better a timeless soul classic. This is more a contemporary optimisation, a sensitive revision for the modern listener. It showcases Marvin's vocals perfectly and retains the depth of the original without trying to be too overbearing. A mean feat indeed.

Funnily enough, I've since found out that Mark Dobson, the name behind Ambassadeurs, is actually a guy I DJed for at a tech house night at Club EQ in Southsea many, many moons ago. A top bloke - it's great to see he's flourished into such an amazing producer.

Check the embedded download link in the SoundCloud widget above. | @AmbassadeursDJ‎ 

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #8

To this week's podcast. I've been on a proper digital crate-digging spree this week, with more than a little help from some excellent labels in First Word and Légère, as well as Robert Luis' superb Tru Thoughts radio show. A real nice blend this week - lots of quality hip-hop, including a fantastic Amerie remix from up-and-coming producer Kaytranada, plus all the usual soul, jazz, latin and dub vibes. Enjoy!

Stop.Look.Listen. Podcast #8 by Sllmusic on Mixcloud

#8 - 6th May 2013

01. Tythe - Careless Woman (Lapalux Remix) (Sunday Best Promo) [download]

02. Figub Brazlevič - Inner City Tribe (Bandcamp) [download]

03. Brian to Earth - Love, the Double-Edged Sword (Bandcamp) [download]

04. Amerie - Why Don't We Fall In Love (Kaytranada Edition) (Self-Released) [download]

05. Nas - It Ain't Hard To Tell (Mad Swans Remix) (Self-Released)

06. The Child of Lov - Give Me (Double Six Promo)

07. Tall Black Guy - Mon Amie De'Troit (ft. Ozay Moore) (First Word Promo)

08. Ty - Let's Start (Tru Thoughts Promo)

09. Marvin Gaye - Ain't That Peculiar (Ambassadeurs Reconstruct) (Self-Released) [download]

10. Neneh Cherry + Afrika Baby Bam - Nina (Produced by Four Tet) (Self-Released) [download]

11. Drumagick - Sunda Morning (Tru Thoughts Promo)

12. Chicha Libre - Danza de los Simpsons (Self-Released) [download]

13. The Kerbside Collection - Red Stripe (Légère Recordings Promo)

14. Dub Club - Beware Dub (Stones Throw Promo)

15. Doctor Stereo - Que Bonito Amor (Names You Can Trust) [download]

16. Sand Water & Wind - For You Blue (Funky Juice Promo)

Automixed with Algoriddim Djay for iPhone

Style: Standard | Duration: 2.0 seconds | Auto-Sync BPM: OFF | Trigger Before End: 5 seconds

Jesse Futurman - Exquisite Basement EP (Jus Like Music) [Download]

Here we have the final in Jesse Futurman's trio of free EPs from SLL faves Jus Like Music.

The 'Exquisite Basement EP' is exactly that - a gloriously delicate collection of lo-fi samples and melody, forging a perfect harmony between smooth, soulful jazz and electronic broken beat.

Be it the downtempo, piano-led groove on 'One For Dan Zacks', to the moody and melancholic strings on 'Disappear', to the 4/4 dance vibe on 'Trouble Man', this 7-track mini EP takes you on an all-enveloping journey through Jesse's deepest imagination. It's a curiously dark yet peaceful, enlightening place that will keep you wanting more.

The 'Exquisite Basement EP' is out now as a free download via Jus Like Music. Download it via Bandcamp below.