There really is nobody else quite like Smoove & Turrell. This talented crew of virtuoso musicians from the North East of England have been scene-leaders in the UK and internationally for well over a decade, and their distinctive brand of northern soul and analogue electronica has set them aside in their own lane for six albums and counting.

Having built their audience organically through hard work and extensive touring, their trajectory is still very much upward with their most recent album ‘Stratos Bleu’ hitting number 1 in the UK National album charts (dance) on release in 2020. Consistently prolific as recording and touring artists, their previous release ‘IGOTCHA’ was the first to be taken from their forthcoming album and has been strongly supported on BBC 6 Music (who made ‘Stratos Bleu’ Album of the Day).

Next was ‘The Light’ which featured legendary US Blue Note keyboard genius Ronnie Foster and continued bringing the heat for forthcoming album ‘Red Ellen’.

Now it is time for ‘Violet Hour’ and ‘Echoes’, two evocative love songs, one full of hope and one about the end of a relationship. Lead singer and lyricist John Turrell tells us: “I could be more famous, I could be richer, I could be better looking but I won the lottery when I met my wife. Life changes, priorities change, kids grow up and they hopefully find a life that’s good for them. One thing is for certain our violet hour never turns to grey, it just changes and becomes something even better. Find that one person and you’re set for life”.

On the subject of second cut ‘Echoes’: “We’ve all had that relationship, the one you know is over and has been for a while. It’s all about the realisation that it has to end for the health and sanity of both parties! The echoes of the night are all those flashbacks, the nudges, the voices telling you it’s over”

Stream Violet Hour and Echoes HERE

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

A unique, romantic summer disco ballad here, by young producer talent KAYYAK from Zurich, issued on Swiss imprint Rumpelmusig.

As KAYYAK explains, “It was a Friday night at the end of May. Spring whistled the first balearic air to the Zürisee. My wife and I made our way to dinner at the lake. Sitting down at Mönchhof in Kilchberg, talking of our love. We get up and start cruising along the lake, windows open, Love songs playing loud and the sunset mirrored in my wife’s eyes, singing along to our favourite music.

We end up in the studio together recording this song, Mönchhof Amour. Xenia’s first time on vocals, celebrating and confident, while I run around the room finding the right sounds. Hyped up from the Aperol Spritz at Mönchhof, we sing ‘Once I know I have to find my soul I let you know’ deep into the night.

Weeks pass & I show Kalabrese the song, his soul connects right away. He walks to the Wurlitzer and records a brilliant solo melody in the middle of the song. We start playing the song at parties, always fine-tuning together. Kala really understands love, the best man on our side. A real Rumpel Love-story.”

Stream ‘Mönchhof Amour’ HERE

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

From downtempo electronic music Godfather Eric Hilton and his longtime Thievery Corporation vocal collaborator Natalia Clavier comes “Corazón Kintsugi”, a sublime new studio album that explores the flaws and resilience of the human heart. 

Hilton and Clavier’s musical relationship dates back to 2008, when he produced her debut album “Nectar” for Eighteenth Street Lounge Music. The Argentinian singer-songwriter was subsequently invited to be part of Thievery Corporation’s live act, and sang on their stunning 2014 album “Saudade”. Clavier refers to Hilton as her “biggest musical mentor”, while Hilton calls Natalia a “muse on steroids”. 

“I had quite a few fragments of songs that I felt would work better with a vocalist than as solo pieces, and Natalia created that outlet for me,” says Hilton. “It was a great break artistically to work with a singer and songs, instead of instrumentals. I had a very heavy hand in this record, but she trusted me and brought so many great ideas. There were no creative battles at all, Natalia and I have mutual respect and that’s why it worked,” says the producer. Clavier concurs. “Eric and I speak the same language. I asked him – “How do you feel about me singing in Spanish and maybe Portuguese?”, and he was so enthusiastic. He gives me creative freedom, which allows me to be totally open.”

The pensive title track “Corazón Kintsugi” which opens the record, contains the lyric “rebuilding myself is an art” – something Clavier was focused on as she worked through a challenging personal transition at the start of this project. “When I heard the music for what ultimately became “Corazon Kintsugi”, I knew I wanted to write about mending a broken heart, but not from a romantic perspective,” says Clavier. “I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese aesthetics, art, and their ceremonie. Kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, which makes the imperfections more visible, celebrating them, is beautiful. Corazón means “the heart” in Spanish. I thought that Corazon Kintsugi would be a beautiful metaphor for how we heal our hearts, grow and move forward in life.” 

Hilton produced, arranged and played the majority of the instruments on “Corazón Kintsugi”. The 9-track album delivers a musical concoction that Hilton has uniquely mastered – ingredients of dub, trip-hop, Bossa nova, vintage continental European film music, and sparkling electronica, blended with sophistication and ease. Natalia Clavier’s presence heightens the listening pleasure, taking center stage with her urgent vocal performance on the funky “Nene”, the Venus-on-a-seashell whisperings of “Luna”, or a celestial testimony to karmic love on “Amor Astral”. 

“I intentionally wanted to infuse musical healing arts into traditional songwriting on this record,” says Clavier. “When you go into the studio spiritually clean you’re connected to the present, you’re grounded, and everything flows through the crown chakra naturally. I can see music, not just hear it. When I’m talking about the moon or ocean I’m in that environment in my mind.” 

Hilton couldn’t be more pleased with the finished result of he and Clavier’s collaboration. “This is a fun, groovy record, very light hearted in the best possible way,” says Hilton. “It visits some styles I don’t really do with Thievery or my solo work, mainly late 70’s/80’s disco funk. I love that style of music but don’t make a lot of it. Natalia did a fantastic job. Despite the “concept”, this is not a very self-conscious record, it has an openness to it, and I think that’s going to resonate with anyone who hears the music.” 

Stream ‘Corazón Kinstugi’ HERE 

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

Introducing “Let Me Go,” the third single from Jullian Gomes’ highly anticipated 4th solo studio album, “Bruno & The Birds.” 

Delving deep into the human experience, this song grapples with the struggle of confronting one’s inner demons and finding the strength to heal and let go. With Sio’s heartfelt lyrics and emotive vocals, “Let Me Go” captures the raw vulnerability of this internal battle, resonating with listeners on a profound level. 

The hauntingly beautiful piano melodies of Kuniyuki Takahashi intertwined with Jullian Gomes’ evolved production, creates a sonic landscape that mirrors the emotional turbulence within. As the song unfolds, it takes you on a journey of self-discovery and growth, urging you to face your fears and embrace the liberation that comes with releasing the past.  “Let Me Go” is a reminder that sometimes the greatest strength lies in surrendering and freeing oneself from the chains that bind.

This is the final single before the release of Jullian’s upcoming album, which drops in November.

Stream ‘Let Me Go’ HERE 

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

Renowned Amapiano sensation Ntokzin has released his highly anticipated album, “Makubenjalo,” This 7-track masterpiece represents a celebration of Ntokzin’s growth and experiences, seamlessly blending the soulful elements of Amapiano and House. “Makubenjalo” highlights Ntokzin’s artistic evolution, culminating in a musical journey that reflects his unique style and passion for the genre. Infused with soulful melodies, infectious beats, and mesmerizing vocals, each track is a testament to Ntokzin’s dedication and musical prowess. The album features an impressive lineup of collaborations with talented artists, including Malumnator, Russel Zuma, Mcfowlene, Mashudu, Basetsana, Bontle RSA, 2woshort, Mkeyz, SoulfulG, Ice 50, and Sia Mzizi. Their collective contributions elevate the album’s depth and diversity, delivering a captivating listening experience for fans worldwide.

As a prelude to the album, Ntokzin has released “Manyonyoba,”, a track highlighting Ntokzin’s ability to create infectious rhythms and evoke a sense of joy and celebration through his music.

With “Makubenjalo,” Ntokzin invites listeners to immerse themselves in a soulful blend of Amapiano and House, celebrating his journey and growth as an artist. The album promises to captivate fans and solidify Ntokzin’s position as a trailblazer in the Amapiano genre.

Stream ‘Makubenjalo’ HERE