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News

Here you will find the latest news from the music world – whether from West Coast, AOR or Soul music.

What happens when Australian Yacht Soulman No.1 Joel Sarakula and Dutch musician Phil Martin, who most recently made the hearts of West Coast AOR lovers beat faster with Dawn Patrol, join forces? They form the duo New Visionaries and record an album full of mostly instrumental treasures that oscillate between library music nostalgia, jazzy blaxploitation and French space elegance. Fans of Khruangbin, El Michels Affair, Shawn Lee or Air should definitely give “Roadmaps” a listen. It’s worth it!

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American psychedelic funk trio Khruangbin have announced their fourth studio album, “A La Sala” (“To the Room” in Spanish), which will be out April 5 via Dead Oceans. With “A Love International”, the band has today released the first single from the new album, which is accompanied by a music video directed by Scott Dungate.

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Overview about all our news

  • PREP collaborate with Thai indie star Phum Viphurit on their new single “Getaway” - The British smooth indie pop quartet PREP has just released its latest musical project: the new single "Getaway", a collaboration with the acclaimed Thai singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit. "Getaway" perfectly summarises the typical PREP sound - relaxed, funky grooves, a catchy, melodic guitar line and soft vocals - summer can come.
  • Chromeo ring in their Steely Dan era with their new album “Adult Contemporary” - For nearly two decades, Canadian electro-funk sensation Chromeo has been setting dance floors ablaze with their infectious, 80s-inspired grooves. Now, with the release of their highly anticipated fifth album, "Adult Contemporary," the dynamic duo of Dave Macklovitch (Dave 1) and Patrick Gemayel (P-Thugg) revisit their original formula while exploring the intricacies of adult relationships in a modern world.
  • Nubiyan Twist Unveils Groove-Infused Single “Lights Out” Featuring Disco Legend Nile Rodgers - Nubiyan Twist, the British jazz/soul ensemble known for their dynamic big band sound and electrifying live performances, announces their new album "Find Your Flame", which will be released on 3 May 2024 on Strut Records. This announcement coincides with the release of their infectious new single 'Lights Out', featuring iconic songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist, Nile Rodgers.
  • Allan Thomas Releases Spiritual Musical Journey with Latest Single “Mojo” - For over five decades, American singer-songwriter and musician Allan Thomas has woven his melodies through the tapestry of musical genres, bearing witness to the evolving history of American music. Now, […]
  • New Visionaries invite us on a sonic journey around the world with their debut album “Roadmaps” - What happens when Australian Yacht Soulman No.1 Joel Sarakula and Dutch musician Phil Martin, who most recently made the hearts of West Coast AOR lovers beat faster with Dawn Patrol, join forces? They form the duo New Visionaries and record an album full of mostly instrumental treasures that oscillate between library music nostalgia, jazzy blaxploitation and French space elegance. Fans of Khruangbin, El Michels Affair, Shawn Lee or Air should definitely give their debut "Roadmaps" a listen. It's worth it!
  • Khruangbin announce new album “A La Sala” and share first single “A Love International” - American psychedelic funk trio Khruangbin have announced their fourth studio album, "A La Sala" (“To the Room” in Spanish), which will be out April 5 via Dead Oceans. With "A Love International", the band has today released the first single from the new album, which is accompanied by a music video directed by Scott Dungate.
  • Maeva Borzakian’s new album “Lovin’ Truth” is a celebration of love and the many facets of black music - Maeva Borzakian has been at home on the world's stages for over 20 years. She recently toured with the legendary jazz-funk band Cortex. For "Lovin' Truth", the Parisian singer, songwriter and composer has teamed up with French funk alchemist Philippe Magoo to record an album full of elegant R&B, 80s orientated funk and West Coast influenced pop songs. The result is compelling and finds the newlywed singer at the top of her game. Fans of Sade and Erykah Badu should definitely give it a listen.
  • Ed Motta returns with new single “Safely Far” and announces album for October - After a five-year hiatus, Brazilian music giant Ed Motta returns with his first single "Safely Far" from his new album "Behind The Tea Chronicles", which will be released on 20 October. The new song combines everything we love about the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Rio de Janeiro: bouncy West Coast grooves meet jazzy Steely Dan-style harmonies, sparkling Rhodes piano runs and exquisite brass arrangements, over which Motta's uniquely soulful voice elegantly floats. The master is finally back!
  • Les Imprimés continues his unique soul approach with his new single “Falling Away” - Morten Martens is the man behind Les Imprimés. Born, raised and working in Kristiansand, Norway, he keeps himself in the background while making his heartfelt, highly infectious and unique soul music. With his lead single "Falling Away", he paints a picture of love slipping away. His new album "Rêverie" will be released on 11 August via Big Crown Records.
  • On his solo debut “Wait Til I Get Over” Durand Jones reflects on his musical and personal roots - With his solo debut "Wait Til I Get Over", Durand Jones, frontman of the great soul band Durand Jones & The Indications, embarks on a very personal musical journey to his hometown of Hillaryville, Louisiana, and lets the listener participate in the diverse musical culture of the black community of the American South. Jones succeeds in creating an album that exudes the scent of "magnolias on a hot summer day" while reinterpreting the traditions of Southern Soul for the 21st century.
  • Thundercat and Tame Impala team up on new song “No More Lies” - A musical match made in heaven: Thundercat and Tame Impala have joined forces for their first single "No More Lies" and hit the sweet spot between their two individual, complementary styles with laser precision. For us, one of the best single releases of this spring.
  • Thee Sacred Souls are bursting with energy on their new single “Running Away” - American soul sensation Thee Sacred Souls release a previously unreleased favourite from their live shows with their new single "Running Away". The classic up-beat burner shows how versatile the Californian trio is. A song that would definitely cut a fine figure at the next Northern Soul Weekender.
  • Eddie Chacon returns with new album “Sundown” - On his new album "Sundown", Eddie Chacon embarks on a meditative journey through the shallows of life. As on his comeback album "Pleasure, Joy and Happiness", he is accompanied by his brother in spirit, the multi-instrumentalist John Carroll Kirby. It seems too early to speak of a late work for an artist who is just 59 years old. But "Sundown" shows a reflected singer and songwriter who draws his wisdom from his life's experiences. This is how soul music has to sound in the 21st century.
  • Pearl & The Oysters pay homage to 70’s glam rock with their new song “Read The Room” - Los Angeles-based soft psychedelic synth duo Pearl & The Oysters go all out for "faux-baroque glam" on their latest song "Read the Room". They receive vocal support from none other than Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab. The new single is a precursor to the duo's new album "Coast 2 Coast", which will be released on Stones Throw on 21 April.
  • On his new album “What’s Trending” Leo Sidran takes a close look at today’s world - On his latest record "What's Trending", the American singer-songwriter Leo Sidran continues his deeply personal examination of the all-too-human, today's social circus and family life, which he already so skilfully laid out before us with an open eye and fine intuition on the previous album "The Art Of Conversation". Enriched with funk, West Cost and even hip-hop elements, Sidran grooves his way through the pitfalls of everyday life in a swinging and elegant way, supported by numerous family members, including his father, the legendary jazz musician Ben Sidran, inviting us to smile and reflect and showing impressively that he has long since become an accomplished chronicler of his environment, a musical Woody Allen, if you will. What Leo Sidran observes, writes down and sings has a universal meaning that applies to life in Brooklyn as well as to the rest of the world. "What's Trending" is an album that should be listened to carefully.
  • The Angels Of Libra launch into the outer space with their new single “Revelations” - After the Hamburg-based soul outfit Angels of Libra and Irish singer Nathan Johnston took off last year with their excellent debut album, the Angels are giving even more boost with their first single "Revelations" from their forthcoming second album, which will be released on 17 March, and are finally overcoming the force of gravity. Almost weightlessly, the musicians weave soul, library and film music into a rousing mix. Major Tom would have liked the video released for the new single.
  • Surprise Chef announce Europe tour - Surprise Chef’s sound draws from ’70s film music, the funky side of jazz and samples that form the basis of hip-hop. In April and May the Australian band will finally come on a big European tour and will also play some concerts in Germany. With their new video "Spring's Theme live at the Legendary Diamond Mine" they get their fans in the right mood for the upcoming shows.
  • Tennis are on the trail of the little things on their new album “Pollen” - On their sixth album "Pollen", the self-reflective indie-pop duo Tennis from Denver, Colorado, find meaning in the little things and continue the successful path they set out on with their predecessor "Swimmer" - modern pop music that evokes the glamour of the 80s but is firmly anchored in the present, not least thanks to a punchy production. And yes, Alaina Moore's voice is as ethereal as ever.
  • Pacific Breeze 3 – Light in the Attic continues its journey into the world of Japanese City Pop - Light in the Attic releases the latest chapter in its acclaimed Japanese City Pop series, Pacific Breeze, which delivers a mesmerizing blend of AOR, R&B, jazz fusion, funk, boogie, and disco from the country’s flourishing bubble era of the ‘70s and ‘80s. The highly anticipated Pacific Breeze 3: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1975-1987, continues the exploration with songs that push the boundaries of the genre and offer glimmers of the next waves of music, including Shibuya-kei, hip-hop, and electro.
  • Eddie Chacon releases new single “Step By Step” and announces new album for the end of March - Californian singer-songwriter Eddie Chacon is probably best known to most as one half of the successful US soul duo Charles & Eddie from the early 90s. With "Pleasure, Joy and Happiness", the "low-key R&B legend" (The Fader) celebrated a brilliant comeback in 2020 with support John Carroll Kirby. On 31 March, the long-awaited follow-up will be released, on which Chacon has once again collaborated with his soulmate John Carroll Kirby. As a foretaste of the album, his new single "Step By Step" has now been released.
  • Benny Sings returns with new song “Young Hearts” and announces new album for March - Dutch artist Benny Sings announces his new album "Young Hearts", which will be released on 24 March via Stones Throw Records, with a new single and a video.
  • Benny Sings and Kenny Beats collaborate on two new singles - With “The World” and “The Only One” Benny Sings releases two West Coast AOR inspired singles at once. For the new songs, Benny traveled to LA and London to work with American producer and songwriter Kenny Beats. Both songs are from a upcoming new project.
  • Izo Fitzroy returns with new single “God Gets A Little Busy Sometimes” - Singer, songwriter and pianist Izo FitzRoy is back and demonstrates with the powerful ballad "God Gets A Little Busy Sometimes" that she is one of the great voices of the British soul and gospel scene. The haunting song is the first single from her upcoming album "A Good Woman," which will be released in April 2023 on Jalapeno Records.
  • On STR4TASFEAR, Gilles Peterson and Jean Paul Maunick connect the legendary Brit-funk of the 80s with a new generation of music innovators - The second STR4TA album by Gilles Peterson and Jean Paul "Bluey" Maunick is an opulent mix of twangy bass, spacey synthesiser melodies, clicking beats and floating, ethereal voices. Inspired by the seminal chapter in British music history, Brit-Funk, and the formative years of Gilles and Bluey.
  • On his new single “Lonely Town”, Joel Sarakula counters the cold digitalisation of our lives with organically grooving disco beats - Australian-born artist Joel Sarakula has always been a musical globetrotter. After rainy London, he has now made his way to the sunny shores of Gran Canaria. His new single "Lonely Town" is an irresistible urban 70s-inspired disco jam that will cut a fine figure not least in Canarian clubs. Despite all the lightness, Sarakula deals with the dystopian effects of digitalization in the lyrics. His new album "Island Time" will finally be released in January.
  • Nathan Johnston & the Angels of Libra celebrate the virtues of authentic soul music on their debut album - For their first studio album, the Hamburg soul outfit Angels of Libra teamed up with the Irish singer-songwriter Nathan Johnston, after they had already attracted attention with singles with Shawn Lee and Maiiah. The result is an authentic album full of elegantly grooving, varied and atmospheric soul music, characterised by tasteful horn arrangements, a great rhythm section and the right amount of analogue warmth, but not least by Nathan Johnston's striking voice - one of our soul albums of the year.
  • With “The Originals 2” Golden Rules releases the second chapter of its Funk & Soul compilation series - After the success of its first compilation, the German label Golden Rules presents on "The Originals 2", again a selection of the best international talents in contemporary Funk & Soul and demonstrates impressively, the vitality and diversity of the genre.
  • Surprise Chef invite with their new album “Education & Recreation” to a journey into grooving sound worlds - Surprise Chef's sound draws from '70s film music, the funky side of jazz and samples that form the basis of hip-hop. On their third album, "Education & Recreation," out now on Big Crown Records, the Australian quintet refines their signature approach to antmospheric instrumental soul and funk, transporting listeners into grooving soundscapes waiting to be discovered.
  • With their latest single “Rolling Back”, Young Gun Silver Fox land a smooth strike - These two guys know exactly what to do to inspire their ever-growing fan base: Young Gun Silver Fox give us another superb single ahead of the release of their new album "Ticket To Shangri-La". "Rolling Back" shows Shawn Lee and Andy Platts at the top of their game, crossing cogenial influences of 80s pop nobility like Prefab Sprout with the sophistacted ease of West Coast heroes like Pages and giving it all an irresistible beat. This song should catapult them up the charts worldwide.
  • On “Ali”, Vieux Farka Touré and Khruangbin open up the music of the late great African guitarist Ali Farka Touré for a new generation - Malian musician Ali Farka Touré, who died in 2006, was one of the most influential and talented guitarists Africa has ever produced. To celebrate and reinterpret his father's music, singer-guitarist Vieux Farka Touré teamed up with the Texas trio Khruangbin to record the tribute "Ali". The result is an album whose improvisational approach makes it one of the most exciting releases of the year and catapults the music of the "King of the Desert Blues" into the 21st century.
  • PREP releases new EP “Back To You” - Known for their blend of sounds from contemporary R&B, electronica, and 70s to 80s inspired synth-pop, London-based four-piece PREP have shared their brand new EP 'Back To You'. The title track and lead single "Back To You" perfectly encapsulates PREP's signature sound – funky grooves, a great melodic guitar line, and smooth vocals.
  • Jonathan Jeremiah’s new album “Horsepower For The Streets” evokes the soulful pop of decades past - With his fourth studio album "Good Day", singer-songwriter Jonathan Jeremiah delivered a soulful masterpiece in 2018. After that, it became somewhat quiet around the London artist. Now the man with the warm baritone voice is finally back with his epic new album "Horsepower For The Streets" and seamlessly follows on from its predecessor - emotional, orchestral pop with lots of soul, deeply rooted in the 60s and 70s somewhere between Terry Callier and Lee Hazlewood.
  • Nathan Johnston & The Angels Of Libra drop soulful single and video “All Your Love” - The Hamburg soul outfit Angels Of Libra had attracted attention not least through their brilliant collaboration with musical all-rounder Shawn Lee. Now they have teamed up with Irish singer-songwriter Nathan Johnston to revel in the pure soul music of the 60s. The new, velvety grooving single "All Your Love" is about passion and lust and makes you want to listen to the soon to be released album.
  • “Sentimental Fool” – Lee Fields releases new single and announces album for October - American soul veteran Lee Fields releases his long-awaited new album "Sentimental Fool" on 28 October, making his album debut on legendary New York soul label Daptone Records. Fields' first new album in three years is heralded by the release of the eponymous single and an official music video directed by Andrew Anderson.
  • Eddie Chacon returns with new song “Holy Hell” and video - Californian singer-songwriter Eddie Chacon is probably best known to most as one half of the successful US soul duo Charles & Eddie from the early 90s. With "Pleasure, Joy and Happiness", the "low-key R&B legend" (The Fader) celebrated a brilliant comeback in 2020 with support from Solange and Frank Ocean collaborator John Carroll Kirby. Now the artist Mac DeMarco called his "planet earth's number one musician" is back with a new record deal with Stones Throw Records and a new single and video. "Holy Hell" combines everything we love about Chacon - it's celestial soul music for the 21st century.
  • Light in the Attic releases “Earl’s Closet”, a treasure trove of unheard 70s recordings – from Hall & Oates to Tom Snow - Earl McGrath was an enigmatic figure of the American jet set of the 70s. He had variously worked as a record company executive, film manager, screenwriter and art dealer. After his death in 2016, journalist Joe Hagan discovered a treasure trove of rare and forgotten tapes in Earl's New York appartment - including previously unheard recordings by Daryl Hall & John Oates, David Johansen of the New York Dolls, Tom Snow’s country-rock group Country, Terry Allen, The Jim Carroll Band and Glen Clark. With the double album "Earl's Closet", the renowned archival reissue label Light in the Attic now makes a selection of this unpolished and authentic recordings available to the public - a captivating journey through folk, rock, country, funk and R&B of the 70s.
  • “That’s The Way of the World” – Charles Stepney’s demo of the Earth, Wind & Fire classic released for the first time - Earth, Wind & Fire's "That's The Way of the World" is indisputably one of the greatest songs in popular music history. The song was co-written by American record producer, arranger, songwriter and musician Charles Stepney and Maurice and Verdine White. Now, for the first time after nearly 50 years, International Anthem has released Stepney's original, uncut 4-track demo version of this 70s classic - a feast for rare groove aficionados, music archaeologists and R&B lovers.
  • ATA Records presents “Early Works Vol .2” - Taking advantage of the off-time that the covid pandemic provided, ATA Records boss Neil Innes decided to dig into the label’s archive and take a look back at some of the earlier recordings, compiling them into a new collection called "Early Works Vol. 2" - a treasure chest full of stirring Funk, Soul, Jazz and Latin grooves.
  • Lost album: Linda Hoover’s “I Mean To Shine” featuring members of the original Steely Dan line-up is released for the first time after more than 50 years - Lost albums are often tainted with myth, just think of "Smile" by The Beach Boys. Now Omnivore Recordings has finally released Linda Hoover's unissued first album "I Mean To Shine", which she recorded in New York in 1970 together with Gary Katz, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. This album is a treasure chest and a time capsule full of wonderful, previously unheard songs that take you back to the golden days of American singer-songwriter pop and also document Becker and Fagen's work before Steely Dan. "I Mean To Shine" is one of the finest discoveries of the year.
  • Le Commandant Couche-Tôt releases one of the summer hits of the year with his new single “Lose It” - With his new single "Lose It", Le Commandant Couche-Tôt delivers an adorably groovy nu-disco anthem that, along with suntan lotion and a beach towel, should be part of the basic equipment on this year's summer holiday. Michael Jackson would have loved it.
  • West Coast music made in Germany – Woodbeez release sublime debut EP - When it comes to new West Coast music from Europe, bands and artists from the Netherlands, Great Britain and France quickly come to mind. Germany has rarely been in the focus. This could now change with the band project Woodbeez from Hanover. "Volume 1" is the name of their just released first EP, on which they revive the sophisticated L.A. sound that bands like Pages and Steely Dan have shaped with skill and joy of playing - a real discovery.
  • Young Gun Silver Fox demonstrate their joy of playing with their new single “West Side Jet” and announce 4th album for October - After a sold-out tour through the Netherlands, Young Gun Silver Fox finally release their new single, "West Side Jet", which again combines all the qualities you love about Andy Platts and Shawn Lee: an infectious melody, a driving groove and a crisp production. It's definitely one of our summer anthems of the year. The single is a foretaste of their new album "Ticket To Shangri-La", which will be released in October 2022.
  • Californian soul outfit Thee Sacred Souls release new single and announce debut album for August - In the past few years, the San Diego based Thee Sacred Souls has developed from an insider tip to the next big soul music hope. Co-signs by artists like Alicia Keys, Princess Nokia, Black Pumas and Timbaland speak for themselves. Their new single "Easier Said Than Done" shows the qualities of the band: it is a piece of timeless, authentic soul music that knows about its roots and yet stands with both feet in the here and now. On 26 August, their debut album will finally be released on Daptone/Penrose Records.
  • Benny Sings releases new EP “Santa Barbara” - Dutch singer, songwriter and producer Tim van Berkestijn, better known by his stage name Benny Sings, has become one of the Netherlands' most talented musical exports with his distinctive blend of smooth Californian-tinged pop, jazzy R&B and a touch of DIY charm. On his new EP "Santa Barbara", which has just been released, the Amsterdam-based artist brings together the numerous cover versions he has recorded in recent years.
  • DJ Supermarkt announces the 10th edition of the renowned Too Slow To Disco series - After smooth detours into Soul covers, French Neo-Disco, modern Sunset Disco and Brazilian AOR, DJ Supermarkt's "Too Slow To Disco" series makes a joyous return to its original West Coast AOR and Yacht roots this year with its tenth edition. The anniversary compilation, which features 16 rare gems from the 70s and 80s, will be released on August 26th. If you can't wait that long, you can already listen to a first minimix.
  • Michael McDonald collaborates with Spanish singer Buika on a new version of the classic “You Belong To Me” - "You Belong To Me" is one of the great masterpieces of West Coast music. Written by Michael McDonald and Carly Simon in the 70s, the song was recorded again and again in the following decades, including by world stars like Anita Baker and Chaka Khan. Now McDonald has invited the Spanish singer Buika into the studio to reinterpret this tale of love, jealousy and infidelity. The result is a seductive, Latin flavoured version that brings new facets to a timeless classic.
  • British singer-songwriter Jonathan Jeremiah returns with new single “Horsepower For The Streets” - With his fourth studio album "Good Day", singer-songwriter Jonathan Jeremiah delivered a soulful masterpiece in 2018. Then it became quiet around the London artist. Now, finally, the man with the warm baritone voice is back with his epic new single "Horsepower For The Streets" and has announced a new album of the same name for September.
  • Estonian soul outfit Lexsoul Dancemachine announce new EP and start first German tour - Since 2013, Lexsoul Dancemachine has stood for energetic funk-soul made in Estonia. On their forthcoming EP "Lex On The Beach", the six-piece band from Tallinn now follows their passion for the smoother yacht soul sounds from California. Starting next week, the soul brothers will be on tour in Germany.
  • Brazilian jazz fusion legend Flora Purim returns with “If You Will”, her first album in close to 20 years - Her inimitable voice ennobled the groundbreaking recordings of artists such as George Duke, Chick Corea and Miles Davis, her solo albums rank among the masterpieces of jazz fusion, now Brazilian music legend Flora Purim returns at the age of 80 with her new album "If You Will" to continue her musical journey.
  • Japanese singer Nao Yoshioka releases new single “Tokyo 2020” - Neo soul artist Nao Yoshioka drops her new single "Tokyo 2020" inspired by her life in Tokyo during the pandemic. Nao’s exotic soulful vocal work shines through with beautiful strings, creating a midtempo tune that combines the nostalgic atmosphere of the 70’s with a modern R&B sound.