Belleruche - Rollerchain Out Today 7th May

'Rollerchain' the 4th album from Belleruche is released today 7th May on Tru Thoughts. Get it from all the usual places but we'd love it if you would buy it from our friends over at the Etch Shop http://shop.etchshop.co.uk/releases/TRUCD248/rollerchain-cd/585

'16 Minutes', out 25th June 2012, is the second single to be lifted from the new Belleruche album 'Rollerchain'

Pre-order Rollerchain
http://bit.ly/rollerchain_itunespreorder
http://bit.ly/rollerchain_etchpreorder

With their brand new LP "Rollerchain" forthcoming on Tru Thoughts records, Belleruche have created a more bass heavy, evocative and darker sound in the studio and on stage, whilst still retaining that melodic soulful touch.

'Rollerchain' will be released on 07/05/2012, and showcases new instrumentation, complexity and attack that take the band's core elements to a new level. A very modern sound combined with classic song writing ability, the album is an collision of haunting vocals, aggressive analogue sounds and bleeding edge electronic production.

Benji Boko - Airwick Ad

If you're in the Uk you may have noticed the new Airwick Fresh Burst ad featuring 'Touch The Ceiling With Your Toes' by Benji Boko. We'll have a clip for you soon.....

Quantic & Alice Russell with The Combo Barbaro - Look Around The Corner

The first full collaborative album from musical soulmates Quantic and Alice Russell, two of the UK’s best loved independent artists

Go grab it from iTunes,Amazon, Juno, HHV, Etch Shop or any other good record store.

‘Look Around The Corner’, out on 2nd April on Tru Thoughts. The first single and title track has been added to the BBC 6Music B-List, with heavy early support.

This intoxicating record mixes sweet soul and blues with overtones of folk and gospel, and the inimitable swing of Quantic’s world-renowned outfit the Combo Bárbaro, who form the core band. Recording at Quantic’s Sonido del Valle studio in his adopted home city of Cali, Colombia, producer/musician Quantic and singer/songwriter Russell had the space and time to revel in their creative chemistry, revisiting and building on the spirit of their previous collaborative tracks which have peppered the last decade (including big hitters for Quantic Soul Orchestra and for Russell’s solo project). For legions of hopeful fans around the World, this is the culmination of a tense will-they-won’t-they storyline, and ‘Look Around The Corner’ proves good things come to those who wait.

The first single is the album’s title track, out on 10” vinyl and download on 20th February. Intricately layered and stunningly realised, it has sparked a huge buzz and an addition to the BBC6Music Playlist. Major radio support includes repeated daytime spins across 6Music and from Robert Elms (BBC London); tastemaker play from Gilles Peterson (BBC R1), John Kennedy (XFM), Craig Charles (6Music), Emma Warren (RBMA/NME Radio), Jamie Cullum (BBC R2) and more, plus many session and interview requests. Heavy international play includes rotation on KCRW (USA) and French national stations including FIP and France Inter. With Alice Russell’s versatile, shimmering vocals and Quantic’s trademark warm production alongside big string sections, spine-tingling harmonies, unshakable hooks and an uplifting crescendo, it is no surprise.

The lead track lights the touch paper, and the album abounds with melodies and momentum from there on in; brimming with big, classic-sounding yet fresh and original songs including the simply irresistible funky stomp of “Magdalena” and the close harmonies, Latin rhythms and bouncing melody of “Su Suzy”. There’s a taste of vintage rock ‘n’ roll on “Boogaloo 33”; and a modern take on seventies soul ballads in “I’d Cry”, on which Russell’s heartfelt candy-laced vocals play a bittersweet game of call-and-response with gypsy-folk violins and the dancing piano keys of Alfredito Linares, one of the musical stars of the record.

“Travelling Song” and “Similau” see the duo reinterpret a classic folk song from the English movement and one from its equivalent in the West Indies. You’ll also find an inspired version of the soul standard “I’ll Keep My Light In My Window”, one of Russell’s all-time favourite songs which has scarcely sounded better than in this current incarnation, on which she exercises her famed powers as a classic soul vocalist. The band take centre stage in instrumental numbers including “Una Tarde In Mariquita” and “Road To Islay”, showcasing the sheer wealth of talent running through the outfit, not to mention the compositional skills and broad church of influences for which Quantic (aka Will Holland) becomes ever more greatly revered with each release. The closing flourish – a Reprise of “Look Around The Corner” – is a compelling invitation to hit the repeat button.

Quantic, aka Will Holland, moved to Cali, Colombia in 2007, and the sessions that became ‘Look Around The Corner’ took place over two visits that Russell made in the intervening four years. Pushing the concept of their previous collaborations, reflecting the locale and the players’ backgrounds, Quantic and Alice Russell infused the style with a Latin undertone; the blues and soul sound still takes centre stage though, rather like the soul records made in Miami and New York in the ‘70s, or the disco from the Bronx. Chicago’s Chess label was a key influence on the production aesthetic, and a mutual love of Minnie Riperton fed into some of the vocal melodies.

Holland and Russell reminisce on what was clearly a personally and creatively fulfilling experience for both artists:

Holland: “Once I’d left Brighton, I yearned to make more music with Alice – it was something that I missed being out in Colombia… Alice was among the first to come out and visit me and collaborate with the new musicians I had found. When you hear of artists taking trips to record in exotic locations you always imagine Caribbean scenery, romantic sunsets… but this trip was a little more urban – recording in the heart of the city, in the smog and hustle bustle of downtown Cali… We also performed an acoustic set in a friend’s bar called Saloon one night, and travelled a little by road. I remember us travelling down to nearby Pasto in my car and listening to Dorothy Ashby on repeat”.

Russell adds, “On the first few tracks we ever did together, way back in the past, we never even met – we just did it remotely, being busy with other projects. So it was a real luxury this time around to be able to get away from everything else, and go over to Cali to be there solely to spend time and make this music. We were rediscovering influences that we both love. It was also my first time recording with the Combo Bárbaro, which was great.”

Holland agrees, “It’s true. I think this was a far more intimate recording experience than anything we had previously done. In a way, being out in Colombia allowed to isolate ourselves a little and concentrate on the real essence of what we wanted to accomplish.”

The record features Mike Simmonds (Alice Russell’s regular strings guru who joined them in Colombia from London); as well as Alfredito Linares, bassist Fernando Silva and conga player Freddy Colorado, all from the Combo Bárbaro. Wilson Viveros, from coastal town Buenaventura, was an invited drummer; also on drums for some songs was Jazz drummer Larry Joseph from Cali. Alfredito is the instrumentalist star of the show, sprinkling his magical and charismatic brand of bluesy, boogaloo piano throughout the album.

Tru Thoughts’ two all-time biggest selling artists, Quantic and Alice Russell have each captured the World’s imagination not just for their natural born talents but for their unique and refreshingly passionate take on their craft, with an authentic yet creative approach. With ever-growing international fanbases, sell-out tours, and coverage across the World’s music and cultural media they are now well established artists; Quantic released a critically acclaimed ‘Best Of’ compilation last year, celebrating 11 years and 14 albums on Tru Thoughts, while Alice Russell regularly plays to thousands both at home and abroad, and is recording her fifth longplayer.

Brand new single from Belleruche

A three-minute, dual vocal line, tempo shifting distorted oddity, “Stormbird” is unlike Belleruche’s previous work but draws from the same cabinet of sonic references. A sub bass driven pop song with clipped drums and swells of looped feedback, “Stormbird” grabs your attention and runs away with it into the shadows. Check the entrancing video below.

Buy it now from iTunes, Amazon, Etch Shop and any other good digital store

The new album, Rollerchain, is released on 7th May.

Hint - Daily Intake - OUT NOW!!

Mashing up dancehall, hip hop, UK house and bass music influences to create a flowing yet constantly surprising album

Hint’s third album ‘Daily Intake’, out 19th March 2012, sees this highly respected underground producer, remixer and DJ working with incredible vocal talent from around the World; which is a scintillating record for dancefloors and headphone moments alike.

Album opener “Crash And Burn” featuring Natalie Storm is the lead single, to be released as a limited edition upfront double A-side 10” (backed with “Aliens Enter” feat. T-Fly) in January. Hint’s take on current UK house mixed with Jamaican dancehall, “Crash And Burn” characterises the album’s sense of being both weighty and a lot of fun. Through serious and thought-provoking lyrics, Jamaican talent Storm proves that not every club banger has to be all about partying. Hint (Jonathan James to his Ma), says, “Natalie picked up on the mood of the track and used the energy to talk passionately about injustices in the World.” An early promo has been met with immense support, with confirmed radio play including Rob da Bank on BBC Radio 1.

‘Daily Intake’ features a handful of uniquely talented vocalists, with women heavily outnumbering men; while this bias was not intentional, it has a striking effect, and in Hint’s words, “I’m glad it’s worked out that way. So much of the UK underground scene can be too male-dominated, so I feel that bringing in some super talented female voices to the mix adds a new dimension.”

Prodigious teenager T-Fly is from Austin, TX, and is Hint’s most momentous discovery since a pre-Kicks Rizzle featured on his last album. “Aliens Enter” grew from a killer beat that Hint had made but could not pinpoint the right vocalist… that is, until Tru Thoughts A&R Robert Luis came back from SXSW 2011 raving about a young female MC he’d seen in a showcase for the Austin Hip Hop Cipher, a charitable community project that helps young performers explore and express their talents. The buzz was so intense as T-Fly performed that show, and Luis – knowing that Hint was looking for someone to perfect this track – was in the right place at the right time. Hint says, “T-Fly really picked up on the more ‘far out’ elements of the beat. It’s off-key and peculiar. You feel that she gets really caught up in performing, and this is music as escapism, as something supernatural”. Her other track, “Peter And I”, is even more imaginative and escapist; telling of a day spent with Spiderman, Peter Pan and others, T-Fly’s stylings flow gloriously atop Hint’s ‘80s boogie style beats.

“Watch The Media” featuring Profisee originally started life as a beat that Hint used for his remix of MJ Cole and Wiley’s “From The Drop” which caused a huge buzz, being played by Annie Mac (BBC R1) and Blackdown (Rinse FM/Pitchfork) among others. Amid constant DJ requests, Hint built the beat into a full tune. The track came together in the wake of the UK riots and News International scandal and, since Scotland’s Profisee (Paul White, Bullion, Hextatic) is the only UK based vocalist on the album, it seemed right to talk about these current affairs, and he handled it with real flair and passion. On the lighter side of things, girl-boy duo Josie Stingray and 1-O.A.K. – from the Honor Roll Crew out of Oakland in the US West Coast’s Bay area – infuse the feel-good hip hop tracks “Give It Up” and “Find Yourself” with that entertaining and fresh vibe that the West Coast seems to do so well.

Hidden Orchestra - 'Flight'  - Hugo Boss Selection S/S 2012.

We're please to announce that  Flight By Hidden Orchestra has been chosen for the latest film from Hugo Boss Selection previewing their collection for S/S 2012

Hint - Crash And Burn - Digital Single Out Now!

The limited edition 10” for Crash & Burn dropped a few weeks back, so if vinyl isn’t your thing you can now grab ‘Crash & Burn feat. Natalie Storm’ on mp3 from iTunes, Amazon, Juno, Beatport,Etch Shop or any other good record store. It has be played and supported by folks like Rob da Bank, Mary Anne Hobbs, Bonobo and DJ Spinna. The track sees the respected producer working with incredible vocal talent of Natalie Storm, mashing up dancehall, hip hop, UK house and bass music influences to create a scintillating album for dancefloors and headphone moments alike.

Head over to dailyhintake.com to check parts one & two of Hint’s new four part mix series.

Look Around The Corner (single) OUT NOW!

First single from Quantic & Alice Russell’s new album

Go grab it from from iTunes, Amazon, Fatbeats, HHV, Etch Shop or any other good record store.

A multi-layered, intricate and stunningly realised song, “Look Around The Corner” is the first the taste of the highly anticipated new album of the same name from Quantic & Alice Russell, enveloping the listener in a bittersweet embrace of soul, blues, folk and gospel with the inimitable swing of Quantic’s world-renowned band, the Combo Bárbaro. Alice Russell’s soulful, powerhouse vocals, Quantic’s trademark warm production, the big string sections and spine-tingling harmonies, and the uplifting vibe and unshakable hooks have seen it gain heavy support from national radio stations the world over; you’ll need to act quick if you want a copy!

Check this live recording of ‘Look Around The Corner’ filmed and directed by B+. The track was recorded and cut live to vinyl in Hackney on 8th August 2011, during the London riots.

Si Tew (feat. Shanade) - Silhouette (Si Tew Late Night Remix)

Check the official video for the new track from Si Tew  'Silhouette' featuring Shanade Morrow on vocals. Released 6th April 2012 on Atjazz Records.

Hint – ‘Crash & Burn’ Digital Single

Hint – ‘Crash & Burn’ Digital Single is now available to download a week ahead of official release on Etch Shop.

Here’s the link, you know what to do:http://shop.etchshop.co.uk/releases/TRUDD040/crash--burn-feat-natalie-storm-digital-single/570

Time Is the Enemy (Quantic) used on BBC's Inside Men trailer

Quantic's seminal track, Time Is The Enemy, is currently being used on the trailer for the new BBC drama Inside Men. Watch the trailer below:

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Hot 8 Brass Band Documentary

Check out a new video for the Hot 8 Brass Band documentary, it serves as a short trailer for the full length documentary to follow. Full Thought publish the original tracks featured on The Hot 8 Brass band album, for any enquiries please contact mail@fullthought.co.uk

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Kinny - Can’t Kill A Dame With Soul

‘Can’t Kill A Dame With Soul’ is the second solo album from Full Thought Published artist Kinny, an opera chanteuse turned singer-songwriter whose lifelong passion for reggae, jazz and soul music intertwines with her classical training for a unique and potent style. The new LP finds this self-proclaimed ‘freestyle improv vocalist’ channelling her trademark impulsive, freeform stylings into a more reflective set of deeply personal songs that explore escalating struggles with mental instability and identity.

Go bag it from iTunes, Amazon, Juno or direct from our very ownEtch Shop

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Quantic And Alice Russell with The Combo Barbaro - Look Around The Corner on Radio 6 Playlist

Very exciting news today, Look Around The Corner, the lead single from the forthcoming album by Quantic And Alice Russell has been added to the BBC Radio 6 playlist.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/listen/playlist.shtml

You can also stream the track here:  Quantic & Alice Russell with the Combo Barbaro - Look Around The Corner by Tru Thoughts

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Lanu - Fall on One Tree Hill Tonight 18th Jan 8pm

If you are based in North America you can catch episode 2 of the latest season of One Tree Hill tonight at 8pm. This episode features the track Fall by Lanu from the album Her 12 faces and features the vocal talents of Megan Washington.

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/one-tree-hill/episodes/902

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Kinny - Big Fat Liar - OUT NOW!

“Big Fat Liar” is the first taste of Kinny’s stunning second solo album, ‘Can’t Kill A Dame With Soul’, which follows in February. An opera chanteuse turned singer-songwriter, Kinny’s lifelong passion for reggae, jazz and soul intertwines with her classical training for a truly unique and potent style.

 Stream the track below. Buy it now from iTunes, Amazon, or our very own Etch Shop.

Kinny - Big Fat Liar by Tru Thoughts

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• Alice Russell
• Anchorsong
• The Bamboos
• Barakas
• The Bobby McGee's
• Bonobo
• Belleruche
• Benji Boko
• Beta Hector
• Freddie Cruger & Anthony Mills are Wildcookie
• Domu
• Hidden Orchestra
• Hint
• Hot 8 Brass Band
• Jeb Loy Nichols
• Kaz Simmons
• Kinny
• Kylie Auldist
• Lanu
• Mark De Clive Lowe (MdCL)
• Natural Self
• Nirobi
• Nostalgia 77
• Part Time Heroes
• Quantic
• Quantic And His Combo Barbaro
• Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno
• The Quantic Soul Orchestra
• Rhythmagic Orcheatra
• Rodney P
• Sara Mitra
• Saravah Soul
• Si-Tew
• Spanky Wilson
• Stonephace
• Unforscene