Mint Condition would like to dedicate this release to the life of Nathan Coles, who sadly passed away on February 12th 2023. A true tech-house originator and underground party starter, his productions laid down a blueprint for the tech-house sound that has become a global phenomena today. A much lauded DJ & producer, he graced the decks of the best clubs globally. As well as his solo productions, Nathan had multiple collaborative projects, Housey Doingz, Mashupheadz, Two Right Wrongans, Get F@cked, to name but a few, that saw him tackle tech-house, deep house, breaks and electro with such skillful aplomb.

The now highly sought after original appeared on Wiggle in 2000, and for this release Nathan teams up with his longtime Wiggle partner, and legend of the scene, Terry Francis for 2 fierce tech-house jams under their 'Delinquents' alias. A-Side 'Disc' opens with heavy kicks and speaker rattling percussion.The hypnotic 303-line builds, layered synths add to the tension, then comes the drop where infectious chord stabs enter the fray. B-Side - 'Funktional' takes a more stripped back approach, the bass line and percussion delivers a groove capable of destroying any discerning dancefloor. Darker acid and synths riffs build around the melody to deliver a bass heavy roller of the highest order that sounds as fresh, exciting & relevant today as it did over 2 decades ago.

This slab of wax is an essential and key release in the evolution of the UK underground that we hope celebrates Nathan's dedication, musical vision and positive energy. His unique talent leaves behind a legacy that populates legendary labels such as Wiggle, Surreal, The End, Eukahouse, Swag, Eye 4 Sound, 10 Kilo and Plastic City. 'Discfunktional' has been legitimately re-released with the full involvement of Terry Francis and Nathan Coles, lovingly remastered by London's Curve Pusher from the original sources especially for Mint Condition. 100% legit, licensed and released. Dug, remastered, repackaged and brought to you by the caring folks at your favourite reissue label - Mint Condition!

Following a string of big remixes for the likes of Underground Resistance keys man Jon Dixon, Dave Lee, Miguel Migs and his downtempo LP Birdhouse, we’re pleased to announce a new Jimpster EP entitled Tribute. Featuring South African vocalist Mavhungu and two remixes from Yoruba maestro Osunlade, the release shows Jamie Odell in fine form fusing deep, afro and soulful house on the lead track and rubber-bassline bouncing jazz and acid lurking on the B2.

Leading the EP, Tribute is a track inspired by Jamie’s trips to South Africa, a country hailed by many as the deep house capitol of the world. Having played there many times over the years he always returns feeling energised by the sights, sounds and experiences. Having recently remixed a track for Foliage featuring Mavhungu it felt like a natural move to collaborate together on an original track and here she delivers a brilliant vocal celebrating the beauty of Africa in her native language Venda. Mixing up organic and electronic sounds is something Jimpster has always done to great effect, ensuring there is a looseness and bounce to the groove with contemporary sonic textures blending with classic Rhodes pads and analogue synth lines.

Who better to draft in for a remix than the Yoruba Soul maestro himself, Osunlade. The producer and DJ whose music has been knocking our socks off since first hearing his debut LP Paradigms in 2001 stays true to his roots on two versions of Tribute. Th first goes heavier on the vocal, keeping the instrumentation and groove more stripped back leaving plenty of space for subtle Rhodes chords and synth flourishes to shine. His Jazzstrumental version switches up the groove and pushes a repeating Rhodes riff and chords to the fore, making for a rolling remix which will warm the dance floor with its soulful vibe.

Closing out the EP we have another original track in the form of Jacidswing. With the clue in the title, this little gem sees Jimpster fusing a bubbling 303 bassline with swinging jazzy drums and washes of synthy ambience to form something deep, immersive and slow burning in the way he does so well.

In the words of Bill Brewster - DJ History

‘At the turn of the 1990s, there were few more successful New York house producers than Victor Simonelli. Under a dizzying array of aliases – Solution, NY’s Finest, Groove Committee, Critical Rhythm and Cloud 9 being amongst the better-known – the Brooklyn-born DJ/producer delivered a string of underground club hits during the city’s early ’90s house boom.’

BTG presents “Victor Simonelli: The Early Years Vol 1” a collectors edition double Vinyl release - 2 X 12’s in each Vol

Launching the first Behind The Groove collectors edition vinyl series is New York’s finest Victor Simonelli with ‘The Early Years Vol 1 & 2’ double Vinyl releases. Featuring seminal house tracks such as Cloud 9’s ‘Do You Want Me’, Solution’s ‘Feel So Right’, Instant Exposure’s ‘Wanna Be With You’ and rare mixes of Raiana Page and EZ-AL, this collection brings together classic and rare Victor Simonelli cuts that reflect the early raw energy and buzz of the New York House scene. With ‘Vol 2” scheduled to follow shortly after, this is the most comprehensive collection of rare Simonelli cuts that firmly establishes his esteemed role in 90s House Music as well as introducing new fans to his inimitable sound.

Victor Simonelli is one of the early kings of NYC sampling In house music. The real deal - Victor danced at the legendary David Mancuso’s Loft sessions and developed a serious appreciation for good music. He interned for Arthur Baker at his renown Shakedown Studios (where Arthur worked with the iconic Afrika Bambatta on the seminal dance floor ’Planet Rock’ track) and went on to release hugely influential releases on seminal NYC labels 4th Floor and Nu Groove. Victor’s music was championed by the hugely celebrated iconic House Music DJ pioneers, Larry Levan and Tony Humphries at Paradise Garage & Zanzibar/WBLS/Kiss FM respectively.

Revered as a New York house heavyweight and prolific producer since the turn of the 1990s, Victor Simonelli grew up in Brooklyn, NYC, nurtured by a music loving family, with an avid record collecting father who also worked as a local party DJ. He took music lessons in piano, drums, guitar and bass, before discovering his first love, tuning into NY’s Radio Mix Shows on WBLS, WKTU and WRKS,98.7 Kiss FM) where he discovered the art of mixing and in his own words, ’I just simply got lost in the music’.

Graduating from NYC’s Centre For Media Arts, Victor got an internship in the legendary producer, Arthur Baker’s Shakedown Studios. Soon graduating to editing, mixing and then producing he worked for artists David Bowie, Quincy Jones, Debbie Harry, Sinead O’Connor and Talking Heads. Teaming up with fellow NYC producer Lenny Dee to become the Brooklyn Funk Essentials, they released records ‘Critical Rhythm’ and ‘Subliminal Aurra’ on 4th Floor before Victor went solo as Groove Committee releasing the classic ‘I Want You To Know’ on the legendary Nu Groove Records. Paradise Garage legend, Larry Levan broke ‘I Want You To Know’ rocking 2 copies on his last tour of Japan whilst King of NY House Music,Tony Humphries broke Victor’s new ‘Feels So Right’ across New York on his WBLS/Kiss FM Mastermix show and at his legendary Zanzibar club sessions. It was only a matter of time before Victor’s name became synonymous with quality House music ensuring a worldwide platform for his productions.

In the early 90s alongside his own productions, Victor Simonelli worked on high profile projects, including James Brown’s album, “Love Overdue” BeBe and CeCe Winans single featuring Mavis Staples “I’ll Take You There” and Quincy Jones’ “I’ll Be Good To You” featuring Chaka Khan and the legendary Ray Charles. Never straying too far from his clubland roots, Victor worked with Danny Tenaglia on his classic “The Harmonica Track”.

DJ gigs across the world started flooding in and Victor found himself recording for a dizzying array of labels including Tribal America, Sub-Urban, Bassline, King Street Sounds and Vibe, under a wide range of aliases. He also produced, wrote and remixed for artists such Nile Rodgers (Chic), Afrika Baambata, Hall & Oates, Frankie Knuckles, Kerri Chandler, Madonna and Michael Jackson. Famed for his own productions “It’s So Good” by Creative Force, “I Know A Place” as Sound Of One - the first release on Roger Sanchez One Records -, “Dirty Games” as well as the “Street Players Vol 1 EP”, Victor went on to set up Suburban Records with Tommy Musto and Bassline Records with two other partners. Notable releases on this label include “Do You Feel Me”, Connie Harvey’s gospel inspired, “Thank You Lord”, Urban Blues Project’s “Deliver Me”, Colonel Abrams “Not Gonna Let”, and Mone’s “Better Way”. Never ceasing to produce, DJ, run his own label and host radio shows like Groove Lift, Victor has worked with virtually every NYC producer and has nurtured a next generation talents including Angel Moraes, Jazz ‘N’ Groove, Urban Blues Project, Harlem Hustlers, Jay Jay and Julius Papp. Victor’s releases have also been used on M&S’s “Salsoul Nuggett” hit and Eddie Amador’s underground smash ‘House Music’.

In the late 90’s Victor launched his new Westside Productions, notable for the “Latin Impressions 1 & 2” releases, opened up a studio in Italy as he found himself increasingly working in Europe and now divides his time between New York and Italy. Suffice to say his unique sound of uplifting and spiritual music has kept him at the forefront of House Music and he is credited as one of its leading exponents with his string of classic releases and remixes.

Behind the Groove, branches out from its digital platform to embark on a programme of releases from the iconic pioneer producers of House Music. Esteemed for their high quality features and mixes that continue to explore, celebrate and venerate the contributions of highly respected, scene-shaping Labels, Artists, DJs and Special Events, BTG seeks to bring these talents and tales to the attention of the wider community. Unlocking the stories surrounding the pivotal roles they played and continue to play today in shaping the underground music scene we have come to know and love.

BTG presents “Victor Simonelli: The Early Years Vol 1” a collectors edition double Vinyl release, released on May 12th 2023. ‘Vol 2” follows on May 26th 2023 . These releases are the most comprehensive collection of rare Victor Simonelli cuts that firmly establish his esteemed role in 90s House Music and introduces new fans to his carefree sound. With Victor Simonelli Live in the UK on Sunday April 30th, please go to www.behindthegroove.co.uk for all the latest news and features.

Manda Moor hits back-to-back releases on Hot Creations with her Picante EP, accompanied by a remix from Hot Creations artist and Mood Child co-founder Sirus Hood.

It’s safe to say that the past 24 months have seen Danish/Filipino DJ, producer and label founder Manda Moor surge onto the international house scene with a combination of stand-out releases alongside sets at the likes of Hï (Ibiza), The Beams (London) and Club Space (Miami). Having made her debut on the label with the excellent ‘The Climax’ EP last year, she returns to Hot Creations almost a year to the day with her latest EP as she brings the heat once again with her ‘Picante’ EP - with fellow Mood Child co-founder Sirus Hood joining on remix duties.

A bubbly and playful title cut fusing rolling drums, vibrant vocal interjections and a slick groove to bring plenty of energy, ‘Picante’ takes cues from its title to bring a zippy production made to make crowds move, while Sirus Hood’s take lays a focus on snaking drum grooves as crisp organic percussion arrangements take a hold. In keeping with the theme, the EP is rounded out with another dynamic effort in the form of ‘Tabasko’ as Moor fuses more lively and hard-hitting drum grooves with sweeping bird noises and further vocal samples for another helping of dancefloor energy.

Nu Groove delivers another sublime 12” with Stefan Braatz & Virgo Four and Rheji Burrell in the hot seat. Kicking off the A-Side with ‘Everyman Jack’, a melting pot of Stefan Braatz & Virgo Four’s disparate influences, European techno toughness merges with warm house rhythms on the original, while the stripped-back Rough Dub takes a more minimal approach for the deepest recesses of the dancefloor. On the flip, Nu Groove OG Rheji Burrell opens with ‘XTC’, unmistakably Burrell in its composition with an irresistible 4/4 groove and R&B style vocal. The sunshine soundscapes and sugar-sweet keys of ‘Gimme Ya Luv’ close out the EP, with all the nostalgia and lovesickness of a 90’s NY classic.

The principles of humanity depend on the decade system, so it is notsurprising that the number ten has a special significance. The tenth releaseof Guy Mantzur's label proves the point. How do you appreciate thosespecial moments and the good times in your life?

Whatever makes you happy, music always enhances the emotion behind it.Simon Vuarambon, a Swiss living in Argentina, is a producer with a dozenyears of experience. His debut release on Moments is a game-changer. Notonly for his successful career but also for the label.

A three-track material takes over twenty breathtaking minutes to displayoutstanding technical skill and passion.

The opening track, Afrika, floats on a smooth groove with hypnotic synth linesand traces of tribal elements. Meco continues the impeccable drum structurebut goes deeper into melancholia and peaks with the memorable lead. Oasisis an exemplary closing track and a thought-provoking finale.

Every one of Simon's tracks has a one-hundred percent individual weight.However, listening to them as a piece indicates the praiseworthy delivery ofan uncompromising concept.

Damian Lazarus celebrates 20 Years of his world-renowned Crosstown Rebels imprint with a special album project of unreleased cuts and fresh remixes, featuring material from Black Coffee, Maceo Plex, Art Department, Dennis Cruz and many more.

Undeniably one of the most influential record labels within underground dance music, releasing material from Laurent Garnier, Krust and Mathew Jonson to Rósìn Murphy, Deniz Kurtel, Francesca Lombardo and Jennifer Cardini while playing a pivotal part in the careers of artists like Maceo Plex, Jamie Jones, Art Department and Seth Troxler, Crosstown Rebels stands today as a hub and platform for flourishing projects across the electronic spectrum, including via sub-label Rebellion and across a long list of showcases across the globe. More than just your everyday label, the Crosstown Rebels legacy has grown alongside its founder in equal measure, with head honcho Damian Lazarus continually showcasing, championing and spotlighting artists from across the globe who share his radiant, experimental vision for house music and beyond. Ringing in a major milestone in style, 2023 will see the biggest twelve months to date as Lazarus and Crosstown mark the 20th Anniversary of the label with a series of projects set to be unveiled in the lead-up to summer, with ‘CR20 The Album’ set for release on 12th May 2023.

“20 years ago, I dreamed a dream of creating a family of like-minded, crazy individuals from all corners of the planet - releasing music to the world and making people dance. That dream was Crosstown Rebels, and this year we are 20. Over these years, I have forged beautiful friendships, discovered very talented artists and tried my best to help, advise and support some of the most colourful characters in dance music. Crosstown Rebels is more than a record label, it is family.
So 2023 will mark the label’s 20th Anniversary. This is an opportunity for the Crosstown Rebels family, a global community of artists, DJs and creatives, and the label’s myriad of followers to celebrate this momentous milestone. There will be parties and events around the world. A killer compilation of exclusives and special remixes, a beautiful coffee table book, a short film, and a special launch event are planned to bring together the sights and sounds of the label’s unique and influential history. There’s lots to share, announce and reminisce. 20 years young.” - Damian Lazarus.

Comprised of six stellar, high-profile remixes of releases from the label’s catalogue, alongside two previously unreleased original gems, the eight-track package is a rich and exemplary showcase of the far-reaching corners of the Crosstown Rebels sound and also its globally connected family of artists and close friends.

Opening the package, Lazarus’ own 2020 collaboration ‘Into The Sun’ with regular Crosstown vocalist Jem Cooke is given a cosmic rework by Johannesburg’s Major League DJz, while Jamie Jones’ slick ‘Paradise 2011’ is stripped back and given a new lease of life by the hypnotic and heady sounds of Art Department. Opening the B-Side, Dennis Cruz brings his percussive Latin-infused signature sound palette to Chilean musician and producer Pier Bucci’s ‘Hay Consuelo’, before Audiojack’s ‘Feel Good’, another standout collaboration alongside Cooke, is taken into synth-led territories as Michael Mayer reaches for an evolving bed of captivating tones.

The second half of the project brings more excellently remixed material, both new and old, with GRAMMY-winning DJ/producer Black Coffee turning his hand to the label’s first release of 2023 in Made By Pete and Zoe Kypri’s emotive ‘Horizon Red’, unveiling reworked melodies and sparkling keys as he delivers an interpretation of a track which has featured as a staple in his sets. Next, the project welcomes Adam Ten & Yamagucci’s playful yet off-kilter and wonky ‘The K Dance’ which unveils itself as a production perfect for those late night hours and early afters, before Ellum boss Maceo Plex’s ‘Together (2011 Mix)’ brings another lost production to the mix with a driving and zipping ride through sugary synths and soaring leads. To close, Tibi Dabo turns his attention to Guti & Dubshape’s absorbing ‘Every Cow Has A Bird’, delivering a nimble minimal-led trip through lush pads and crisp percussion to round things out in style.

Alongside the album, the 20 Year celebrations will also welcome a 192-page hardback book, ’20 Years Of Magic, Madness and Music’, with words from renowned journalist and key underground music player Joe Muggs, and a feature-length documentary directed by acclaimed director David Terranova.

Crosstown has become known globally for throwing some of the world’s best parties, from the wondrous cultural journey of Day Zero Tulum to longstanding Music Week marathon Get Lost Miami. This ethos of creating magical dancefloor moments spills into the label’s 20 year celebration with its worldwide Get Lost tour, launched with Get Lost Miami, and followed by Bali, Tokyo, Ibiza, Dubai, Istanbul, Rome, Paris, London, Berlin and more, plus a special to-be-announced London showcase.

After the success of last year’s Fabric Presents compilation and sold-out take-over of the club in London, launch of his own label Studio Ooze with the Endless (I&II) (songs Resident Advisor hailed as “…among the best dance music he's ever made.”), and a widely lauded BBC Radio One Residency, Vynehall starts 2023 with the release of Rosebud, out March 24th as part of a double a-side offering slated for full release in the coming months.

Speaking of the Rosebud, Vynehall says…

“"After my Fabric Presents compilation I released Endless (I&II), and stated that I wasn't going to write 'out n-out' club music for a while. Well, it turned out I wasn't quite finished. I had a real hankering to make something that would make people banded in the same feeling – a joyful one. Different from what I have written before in its most basic emotiveness. More direct. Out came 'Rosebud'. It's a product of many positive moments and memories from seeing friends and peers play in the summer of 2022”

Whence comes such light of the mind?

UK Techno stalwart Mark Broom returns to Rekids Special Projects with the fourth instalment of his ‘Mutated Battle Breaks’ series.

Following the third volume of ‘Mutated Battle Breaks’ released in July 2022, the UK-based DJ/producer Mark Broom returns yet again to Radio Slave’s techno-focussed imprint for his fourth collection of essential, hard-hitting club tools. Delivering another full-blown set of eight belting tracks for the series, Broom again shows that he’s a true Techno tour-de-force.

Releasing on labels such as Rekids, M-Plant, and Blueprint, the wildly prolific Broom has consistently been at the forefront of the techno scene for decades with his gritty, groove-based output while, away from the dancefloor, his The Fear Ratio project with James Ruskin continues to win critical acclaim.

Following on from his breakthrough debut EP, ‘Raised by Electro’ Unit Boy has made his first solo release since 2020, in the form of ‘SSV’; a five track collateral via Mutual Pleasure.

Within his sounds, Unit Boy exudes a raucous nature that feels at home on Mutual Pleasure: a perhaps perfect marriage of mischief-laden, high voltage weapons of sound, built for dancefloor deterioration. Unit Boy has steadily begun carving his name into the underground Electro and Techno scene; with a name that, in light of this release, is becoming more deeply engraved.

‘SSV’ features a cataclysm of sounds, as the producer layers pulsating bass lines beneath contagious synths and infectious, manipulated vocals; a combination that has become to define the very DNA of Mutual Pleasure’s uniquely electrifying sound.

Fuelled by an innately raw energy, this EP sets the tone for Unit Boy’s progression as an artist, as his sound continues to grow and evolve in unpredictable ways. A true boundary breaker, Unit Boy’s ‘SSV’ is a staple for himself as a producer, and for Mutual Pleasure, the label that continues to produce some of the most daring sounds within the electronic dance music scene.

DJ Seduction's debut release marks the start of an Impact Records Remastered Series. Both "Hardcore Heaven" and the flip side "You & Me" were essential dancefloor pleasers upon release, the total sales hitting 89000 after reissue on ffrr (London Records).

Sourced from Digital Original Masters we have carefully restored and remastered this classic release while retaining all the character of the original. Remastering is by Bob Macc @ Subvert Central Mastering. You can be assured the tracks sound fantastic but do not suffer from the Loudness Wars while still holding their own when mixed with modern productions.

A Ron Wells classic intended for release in 2020 and delayed for various reasons including moving factory and our original stampers getting recycled.

This release is sourced from mint vinyl as the original masters are long gone, we have carefully restored and remastered this classic release while retaining all the character of the original. Remastering is by Bob Macc @ Subvert Central Mastering. You can be assured the tracks sound fantastic but do not suffer from the Loudness Wars while still holding their own when mixed with modern productions.

RAVETRX is back on SHERELLE & NAINA’s Hooversound imprint, and it’s a real headturner. If the UK artist’s first contribution to the label was unapologetically ‘90s-facing, ‘14 Down The Dip’ is practically legging it back into a muddy field somewhere along the UK’s growing network of motorways. One thing’s for sure—we’re gonna be here all night.

RAVETRX sets the stage with sounds of a single airhorn and distant crowd before launching into a pounding groove. The title track snapshots a rave well underway: fresh off the M1 and checking out the usual suspects: speedfreaks stepping to white-noise kicks, teens screwfacing to rascally rave synths, and someone swaying wide-eyed to those happy hardcore piano lines.

‘Ruff Enuff Stuff’ goes out to the system heads, rolling the EP into jungle tekno via Patois vocals, crisp breaks and subs. But don’t be fooled by these warmer frequencies—on the flip, RAVETRX jumps back into rave mayhem with ‘On A Mission’, amens going head to head with a snarling bassline. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any heavier, Hooversound label-mate Nova Cheq finishes up the EP with a merciless gabber rework of ‘On A Mission’, sizzling with twitchy acid that’ll speak to the restless and underslept.

An essential cop for the hardcore junglists out there!

Birds chirp through a tape-hiss breeze atop a bed of airy pads, and a cleareyed, forlorn guitar springs forth: this is the beginning of the debut album from Sans Merit, a new rock project from Griffin James, otherwise known as Francis Inferno Orchestra.

For over a decade, the Melbourne-raised—and now L.A.-based—producer has been indulging his indie and alt interests, and this fuzzed-out bedroom janglepop and shoegaze LP, Early Grave, is his first extensive deliverance.

The album represents a gestalt of sorts: years of approaching different genres and songwriting styles, and producing not “in the box,” with soft synths and
samples, but with live instruments (and sometimes a band), has led to this focused and succinct thirteen-track musical journey.

In pursuit of a pure and low-key aesthetic, James recorded demos on phones and chose to rely heavily on budget instruments, clapped-out synths, and
crappy amps, and would often cut tapes live in bedrooms, lay down vocal takes in closets and put microphones to broken speakers, all in part of the quest of using limited resources to create a truthful body of work. The finishing touch is a thick coating of nostalgia ooze; soundbites from internet clips flitter throughout the record, and goofy sound effects flicker above like dying incandescent bulbs.

A dream-pop album for our times: its lyrics are off-kilter romantic musings, sarcastic self-loathing mumbles, reflections on the unrealness of real life.

CFCF returns with a glossy, euphoric and bright 150 BPM utopian shimmer and robotic vocal cooings courtesy of the mysteriously and adorably rendered vocaloid boy, “Troy”. First recorded in 2018, and blessed in 2020 with a pair of remixes from fellow Canadian dancefloor legends Priori & Ciel, the 9-minute-plus, 3/4 thump of “Never Going Home” has been a staple of CFCF DJ sets for the last few years. Montreal’s Priori’s mix brings a heady braindance crackle, with thick breaks, pinging signals and FM bass, while Toronto’s Ciel goes deep on a dubby and skittery ‘homesick bounce’. CFCF himself closes out the package with a wistful acoustic reprise suitable for a post-euphoria bittersweet sunrise.

Ecstatic Editions is the new label by Eris Drew. Due to changes in the industry, the cost of production, and the wait times for manufacturing, the renowned vinyl-only deejay laments not having more of her favorite producers’ music on vinyl, so she decided to start a label for special vinyl editions, as well as archival releases. The first volume of Ecstatic Editions is an anthology of work previously unavailable on vinyl by the Xi’an-born and Toronto-based musician, Ciel. Her work was the impetus of the label because many of her amazing productions, collaborations and remixes have never been pressed to vinyl. As a producer, DJ, pianist and radio presenter, Ciel’s work is not only prolific and compelling, it involves an international network of individuals, labels, projects and artists; a musical meeting-place of positive intentions and creative interactions. This volume is needed not only because it makes these incredible original productions and remixes available to vinyl DJs, enthusiasts and collectors for the first time, but also because it tells a cohesive story, in a physical object, of an artist with a truly unique rhythmic, melodic and psychedelic style.

Included here are three tracks from The Trojan Horse EP, a track from Naive’s “No Justice No Peace” compilation and fund-raising effort, Ciel’s remix for the Stockholm-based band Off the Meds, a track by Psychedelic Budz (a collaboration between Ciel and fellow Canadian D. Tiffany), a track from the Montreal Bass Coast Music festival’s annual digital-only compilation titled 12 Days, a remix of Toronto's downtempo soul saviors, the electronic duo LAL, and Ciel’s remix for Japanese artist Cuushe, which originally came out digitally on Tokyo’s FLAU.

Techno, Disco, Italo, Electronics, House, Library, Cosmic and Ambient frequencies - These are the bedrocks of the Midnight Drive ethos and sound. A label shining a light on overlooked or unheralded creations and respectfully reissuing them for the contemporary audience. A label that respects and understands the connection between these disparate and sometimes forgotten forms of musical expression and celebrates them.

The third release on Midnight Drive takes us back to the heady days of 1984, New York City. We find Clive Stevens, a UK born saxophonist, producer, writer and poet whose career has seen him collaborate with artists like Manfred Mann, Gilberto Gil and Billy Cobham has assembled a truly staggering cast of international musicians known as 'Brainchild' to record an LP entitled 'Semjase' for Brazilian label Vôo Livre. The LP featured incredible session musicians whose CV's include work with some of the biggest names in popular music including Chic, Kate Bush, Miles Davis, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and more (the list is endless). One track from this fairly obscure LP - 'Mystery Man' - somehow managed to find it's way into the hands of one of modern dance music's most intrepid DJ's and selectors, the legendary Daniele Baldelli. Based in Rimini, on Italy's Adriatic coast, Baldelli was famed for his Disco sets at beach-side, ultra-modern club 'Baia Degli Angele' where he was resident for a couple of years. Having served his time at the 'Italian Studio 54' throughout the late 1970's he built quite the reputation for being an adventurous selector, however, it was the second 1980's phase of his DJ career where things became even more open and interesting. Baldelli found himself helming a new wave of musical programming, where BPM, genre constraints and purist attitudes were ignored for wanton experimentation with records, a new feeling and style emerged from this called 'Cosmic', named after the club where he was now resident. This is where 'Mystery Man' comes in, now looked back on as a 'Cosmic classic' it was a special track that Baldelli favoured and can be heard in his self-distributed mixtapes from the time, it's a truly unique record melding electro-style programming with live percussion, synthesizers and vocals into a blistering slow motion Disco jam that stays with you for a long time afterwards and is the perfect example of the 'Cosmic sound'.

Here at midnight Drive we are honoured to be able to reissue this amazing track, but imagine our surprise when Clive Stevens emailed to say that he had the original 1984 session parts and that a remix could be an exciting proposition! We decided there could be only one choice for the remix, we needed people who understood the roots of the record, people who would respectfully reimagine the track while adding their own flavour, enter - Gerry Rooney and Joel Martin aka Velvet Season & The Hearts Of Gold. We gave them the '84 session parts with Clive's blessing and they turned in their 'Ever evolving ever transforming' remix. Gerry and Joel's pedigree is impressive, Gerry helmed the infamous Black Cock re-edit's label with DJ Harvey way back in the mists of time and is a respected DJ and selector across the globe. Joel is one half of the cult Quiet Village project and his Disco mixes as DJ Zeus and reputation as a world-class collector and DJ is unparalleled. Arguably the best men for the job! Velvet Seasons have carved out a deservedly celebrated reputation as remixers and editors of note over the last 5 years or so and this, their wondrous, sprawling, dubbed out mix of 'Mystery Man' is definitely a high-point. Midnight Drive is hugely proud to be able to offer this classic record with a brand new remix to you - our most trusted and valued listener.

1984 personell:

Steve Ferrone - Drums
Mino Cinelu - Percussion
Sammy Figueroa - Percussion
Steve Gaboury - Yamaha SY2 analog/monophonic lead synth
Clive Stevens - Yamaha SY2 analog/monophonic lead synth / Tenor saxophone
BJ Nelson - Vocals

*Recorded in NYC, 1984.

2018 Remix personell:

Gerry Rooney & Joel Martin aka Velvet Season & Hearts Of Gold - Remix
Matt Colton - Mastering & Lacquers

*Recorded @ Ability studios, London, 2017

Issue 3 is a heavyweight 220 pages and features Roisin Murphy, Grace Jones, Art of Noise, Boards of Canada, Chris Frantz, Danielle Moore, Decius, Hifi Sean, Jamz Supernova, Leftfield, Luke Solomon, Native Tongues, Ralph Lawson, Twisted Nerve, Underground Resistance and much, much more.

Mogwaa returns to Peggy Gou’s Gudu label with Drifted, his second EP for the imprint and a perfect summary of what makes him one of Korea’s most exciting contemporary artists - complete with a remix by Klasse Werks founder Mr. Ho.

A staple of Seoul’s electronic scene, Mogwaa’s catalogue takes in everything from ambient to jungle - but at the centre of his music, there’s always a distinct sense of melody and pure compositional chops that defines his music regardless of style or tempo. Put simply, you know a Mogwaa track when you hear one.

Quicker in tempo than his last EP for Gudu, Drifted opens with ‘Driven’ - a combo of chopped-up breaks and a relentless riff that does just what the title implies - before Mogwaa really flexes those melodic chops on ‘Chances for Bounces’, getting heady with synthesized voices and an almost Detroit-leaning bassline over an 808 groove. ‘Rushing’ takes things further into peaktime with an acid bassline and some nifty automation to keep things ascending, before Mr. Ho’s remix of ‘Driven’ closes the EP on a dreamy techno tip.

Following several European runs last year that saw Mogwaa perform at Warehouse Project, Pleasure Gardens and more, plus a Boiler Room in Seoul alongside Anz, Sharda, Finn, Closet Yi and Seesea, Drifted is another snapshot into the sound world of this remarkable talent.

Mint Condition - A record label focused on excavating the outer fringes of classic House and Techno. Unreleased mixes, classics, overlooked gems and never heard before material, mined from the last 30+ years of contemporary dance music are the order of the day. From Chicago, Detroit and New York to London and beyond. Mint Condition have got their digging hats on to bring you exclusive heat and those rarer than rare jams that have been in your wants list for years. Dig in....

To kick off 2023 in fine style, Mint Condition welcomes the long awaited return of OG tech-house legends Terry Francis & Nathan Coles AKA The Delinquents. 'Breaking The Law', originally released in 1998 on the seminal Wiggle imprint, typifies that warm, bumpin' analogue tech-house sound that's become so highly sought after in recent years.

EP opener 'Break & Enter' brings the break-beat heat, seismic bass drops lead into a heavy rollin' b-line.
Synth washes and eerie chords creep into the fray, whilst the potent percussion keeps the dancefloor energy to the fore. Over on the flip, the curiously titled T.D.A. (To Danca Alot) is more subtle in its approach. Deftly programmed breaks, deliver the punch, bump and the funk, there's low slung bass aplenty leading into an ever so effective rugged 4 to the floor beat. Lastly G.B.H. (Groovy Bouncy House) is exactly that. Trippy dub FX and subaquatic bass characterise this tough swinging tech-house groover before soaring chords lift the track to the next level.

Whether it's for the early hours, peak hours or after hours this EP has got you covered. A true in demand rarity transmitted from the heart of the UK Underground and sounding as fresh and relevant as ever. 'Breaking The Law' has been legitimately re-released with the full involvement of Terry Francis and Nathan Coles, lovingly remastered by London's Curve Pusher from the original sources especially for Mint Condition. 100% legit, licensed and released. Dug, remastered, repackaged and brought to you by the caring folks at your favourite reissue label - Mint Condition! 

Brazilian-born, Berlin-based DJ and producer Terr makes her Phantasy debut
with the sensational single, ‘Tale of Devotion’.

Arguably one of the catchiest moments in Phantasy’s musical history, Terr
delivers a wide-eyed vision of sincere synth pop pleasure, backed by a sublime
Prins Thomas Diskomiks.

Undoubtedly indebted to the visionary modulations of Giorgio Moroder, Phil
Oakey and Wendy Carlos, ‘Tale of Devotion’ flawlessly captures the romance,
ecstasy and opportunity throbbing at the heart of dancefloors for the past fifty
years. No mere nostalgia trip, Terr delivers a soaring vocal performance that
proves to be the warm, ambiguous heart of the track, driven by bubbling, cosmic
electronics and flashes of orchestral melodrama.

Prins Thomas establishes a contrasting groove for the latest in his beloved
legacy of ‘Discomiks’ reworks. Somewhat dialling in the conscious hi-NRG of the
original production, the Norwegian maestro’s undulating, percussive edit places
Terr’s wistful vocal journey centre stage, while branches of halcyon disco
blossom around her.

Following recent appearances on Permanent Vacation, Mute and Correspondant, Terr makes a triumphant return to Phantasy with a deeply dreamy new single, ‘Wings of Time’. Marking Terr's third appearance on the label, and her first since 2019, 'Wings of Time' is complimented by a momentous remix from Tornado
Wallace.

‘Wings Of Time’ serves to underscore Daniela Caldellas’ talents as both a producer and performer, a songwriter and a master of dancefloor atmosphere. Terr’s assured vocal performance once again takes front-and-centre, a warm beckoning light through a journey made of shimmering pads, wistful chords and
defined by a powerful sense of groove. An instrumental edition further highlights the arrangement, which resolves with rare, cosmic catharsis.

Tornado Wallace appears to stretch the time Terr sings of on his elastic, tunnelling remix, grinding out every inch of tension and detail from the blueprint, expanding minds and widening eyes in the process. While Terr’s original will likely send dancers to the heavens, Wallace reverses the energy source for an unexpectedly bass-heavy interpretation that generates a different, earthier pleasure.